The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game/Tactics/The Fellowship
Why Play The Fellowship
The very first D&D Party to be formed, with some of the best heroes in the game the fellowship is a force to be reckoned with.
Pros
- the One Ring
- Strong heroes that can very easily take on a fair few enemies at the same time.
- Most of the heroes also have a ranged attacks.
- You can recreate your favourite Fellowship movie moments.
Cons
- the One Ring
- Expensive in Points, can only bring everyone in larger games.
- The Hobbits will need looking after.
- You will likely have fewer friends after using the fellowship in games.
Army Bonus
“You have My Sword...” - whilst Frodo is alive and on the table (or escapes where the scenario calls for it), all fellowship models are fearless. Also, in fellowship exclusive armies you will never count as being broken due to casualties under these same circumstances
Unit Analysis
Heroes
- Gandalf the Grey: Wizard
- Not quite as versatile or useful as his Wh it e incarnation, Gandalf is nonetheless very handy to have around. Blinding light is great for ensuring that your costly heroes don’t die to arrows and he can even dish out a fair amount of damage offensively too. Be careful with Sap Will from the Ringwraiths and it is best to avoid combat if possible. He can hold his own, but it’s not where he should be.
- Aragon: Ranger
- Beatstick hero who can spend a point of might each turn without reducing his total. Andúril is a pricy add-on but you will wound everything in the game on a 4+ if you take it. Be aware that the might each turn does not add up, so if you aren’t spending a point a turn at least then you are wasting the ability. There is essentially no reason for not declaring a heroic action every turn. Although thematic, probably not worth equipping him with a bow, as this will hamstring his mobility.
- Boromir: Paladin
- comparable stats to Aragorn but with a shield and the horn of Gondor. The latter allows him to force a courage test on his enemies (if he is outnumbered in combat) and to auto-win the fight if they fail. Combined with his optional shield and high defence, this makes him magnificent at holding up enemies. His six might points are the highest in the game and can serve you very well if spent wisely. His big weakness is the total lack of fate - once he suffers a wound then that is it. An Elven cloak is a good investment.
- Legolas: Elven Archer
- The machine gun of the fellowship. Can fire three shots a turn with his elf bow or can fire one shot that always hits on a 2+, ignores in the way, can shoot into combat and can target mounts. Will also receive a +1 to his shoot value if Gimli has killed more models than him in the game. Low defence, so best to either invest in armour or keep him near Gandalf and the blinding light
- Gimli: Dwarven Warrior
- surprisingly versatile hero - can choose to fight with 3 attacks per turn or 2 with a two-handed weapon. His extremely high defence will ensure he remains alive and if Legolas has killed more models than him, he receives +1 to wound in combat. Throwing axes also means that he can be handy (but not great) in the shooting phase at close range
- Frodo: The Essential NPC
- While Frodo is really good for a Hobbit, he’s still a hobbit. Slow, low fight, strength and defence - he really isn’t worth taking in and of himself. However, the fellowship special rules only kick in if he is around. All fellowship models are fearless and are never broken while Frodo is alive. Giving him the Mithril coat and sting will at least give him the chance to kill something in extremis, but he’s really not great. The one ring is also situationally useful.
- Sam: THE TRUE HERO OF LOTR
He’s a hobbit. Can declare a free heroic combat in order to try and reach Frodo, but unless he’s also there with Boromir or Aragorn then it’s probably not going to work.
- Merry: Comedy Relief #1
Say it with me folks, he’s a hobbit. Can throw stones and leech Boromir’s might if he is near him, but totally unimpressive otherwise.
- Pippin: Comedy Relief #2
Exactly the same as Merry above. Include only for thematic reasons or because you have literally nothing else to spend the points on.
- Bill the Pony: Purveyor of fine breakfasts
Bill cannot charge, but is nonetheless more capable in combat that any of the hobbits (excepting a tooled up Frodo). Any member of the fellowship can attempt to regain a single point of might will or fate per turn on a 5+ as they indulge in a delicious second breakfast. He also counts as a banner to all of the hobbits. Modest points cost and situationally quite handy.
- Smeagol:
Surprisingly effctive in combat for his cheap cost of 30points, this is the good side of Gollum. A single point of might and fate isn't terrific, but Smeagol will never be considered to be disarmed under any cirumstances. May only be ncluded in a force whch includes Frodo - although if you're playing the fellowship then that is probably something you are doing anyway.
Allies
Historical Allies
The Misty Mountains
Rivendell
Lothlorien
Convenient Allies
Minas Tirith
Rohan
The Dead of Dunharrow
Thranduil's Hall
Impossible Allies
Arnor
Numenor
The Kingdom of Khazad-Dum
The Fiefdoms
The Shire
The Wanderers in the Wild
Fangorn
Thorin's Company
Radagast's Alliance
Army of Thror
Garrison of Dale
The White Council
Army of Laketown
Survivors of Laketown
Iron Hills Dwarves
Erebor Reclaimed