Objective
"The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship – The Card Game" is a cooperative card game where players join forces to protect Middle-earth from Sauron's influence. Players take on the roles of Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn, and Legolas, working together to defeat evil and destroy the ring.
Components
- 76 player cards
- 60 shadow cards
- Threat and action point tokens
- Rulebook
Setup
- Each player selects a character card (Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas) with unique abilities.
- Distribute the 76 player cards evenly.
- Place the 60 shadow cards face down in a deck in the center of the table.
- Lay out the threat and action point tokens.
- Choose a player to be the ring bearer – this player starts the game.
Gameplay
The game proceeds in multiple rounds until players either win by achieving their goals or lose if Sauron's influence becomes overwhelming. Each round consists of the following phases:
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Time Frame Phase: The ring bearer starts the round by increasing the current threat level by one.
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Player Phase:
- Each player may play cards from their hand to generate action points.
- Actions include drawing cards, using character-specific abilities, or fighting against shadow cards.
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Players must work collectively to mitigate immediate threats effectively.
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Shadow Phase:
- The shadow draws cards according to the current threat level.
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Each shadow card negatively impacts the players and must be dealt with immediately.
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End Phase:
- Players check if they have achieved necessary conditions to complete stages.
- Prepare for the next round.
Winning and Losing Conditions
- Win: Players win by neutralizing all threats and nearing the destruction of the ring.
- Lose: Players lose if the threat level reaches its maximum or the shadow fulfills all its objectives.
Tips and Strategies
- Cooperation is crucial: Players should strategically combine their abilities and cards for maximum effect.
- Plan ahead: As a cooperative game, keep an eye on the overall objective and neutralize threats early when possible.
- Be flexible: The prioritization of threats can change rapidly – stay adaptable.
Good luck defending Middle-earth!
