Unlike Saruman's Staff, FIS does not make Saruman Fierce or Damage + 1, but it does give him an extra vitality point, which is extremely useful for versions of Saruman that like to exert, such as Agent of the Dark Lord, Coldly Still and Curunir. The fact that it allows him to return to hand is also useful for a Deceived Wizards deck, as these tend to have few other minions. Also some cards/shadow strategies remove minions before or during the regroup phase, which would allow FIS to trigger. Some examples are Goblin Swarms and The Trees are Strong. Note that FIS is less useful for the Sarumans that can’t fight naturally, although it can still be beneficial to them.

Because of its wording, it is possible to play this card on Gandalf or Radagast. The only apparent benefit of doing so would be to exhaust them whilst bearing it and then discard it, which would kill them. Cards that could aid this strategy are Orc Overseer and Mumak Commander, GatS.

• Strength based fellowships (If on Coldly Still or Agent of the Dark Lord)
• Hunter Fellowships (If on Curunir)
• Wounding
• Archery

• Roll of Thunder
• Foul Creation (You can lose Saruman to this)
• Something Draws Near
• Fall Back
• Catapult (if reveals a card with a twilight cost of 2)
• Disarmed
• A New Light (You can lose Saruman to this)