Duplicate Tournament 5: The Seventh Level

I was overjoyed last week to see that a fifth duplicate tournament was being held over at BoardGameGeek. As a reminder, duplicate tournaments are ways for the community to play through the same quest using player and encounter decks that are dealt out in the exact same order. Each playthrough is often very different from others, with the differences being 100% due to player choices.

If you are playing this game as a solo player, you should be doing these tournaments when they come up. These are unprecedented ways to improve your game and be sharpened by other players, a luxury often not available to the solo player. For me, these activities help remind me how important each little decision I make is and the impact those decisions can have further down the line. While I recognized some of my miss-steps during the playthrough itself, I gain a lot looking at the top scores and seeing how they took on the quest that handily. It is also good to look at the examples of failed attempts (which includes some of my posts from previous tournaments) and see how a strong deck and favorable (enough) encounter deal are no match for poor tactical decisions.

So how did I fare? You can read the full write up here at the tournament's thread (my report is roughly halfway down the third page). I lived and I did not get the highest score, but there were plenty of players with better scores than mine. So I'm a player with a medium level of skill? No surprise there!

And the best part? It's still going on! You have tonight (Sunday, the 13th) and tomorrow (Monday, the 14th) to submit your report. Missed the tournament? No problem! These five tournaments are great activities for the beginning (or experienced) solo player. You know, for a fact, that this combination of player deck and encounter order can win. Not winning? Try to figure out why and see if there is a flaw in your playstyle that can be improved. Then take that knowledge, fire up a new quest, and show the dark lord who's boss.

Duplicate Tournament 3: Over the Misty Mountains Grim

I decided it would be fun to attempt this quest using the Duplicate Tournament format, since I missed out on the tournament itself (busy at the time). The decklist and instructions can be found here. Sadly, it was a drawn-out failure after loosing a hero and making some poor subsequent tactical decisions.

Player Setup
Set starting threat to 28
Draw: Sneak Attack, Steward of Gondor, Gloin x2, Orchist, Cram

Encounter Setup
Bilbo joins the heroes
Proceed to stage 1B
Search deck and add Glamdring to my hand
Decided to go for the extra attack vs. risking Bilbo defending
Proceed to 2A
Add Stone-Giant to the staging area
Reveal: Guffawing of Giants
Okay, so I know I have a giant attack to deal with right off the bat. Come at me, bro.

Round 1
Resource Phase
+1 Thorin (1), +1 Ori (1), +1 Bombur (1), +1 Bilbo (1)
Draw: Dori
Cards in hand: Sneak Attack, Steward of Gondor, Gloin x2, Orcrist, Cram, Glamdring

Planning Phase
Play: Cram. Attach to Thorin.
Play: Orcrist. Attach to Thorin.
Play: Glamdring. Attach to Thorin.
Man, better hope I don't get something that takes away my attachments...

Quest Phase
Commit: Ori, Bilbo
Total willpower; 3
Reveal: Galloping Boulders. Deal three damage to Ori, destroying him. Surge (due to Stone Giants).
Oh ouch. That's not a good start. 
Updated willpower: 1
Reveal: More Like a Grocer. -1 Bilbo (0)
Total threat: 4
Raise threat to 31
Engaged by Stone-Giant. No ally to discard.

Travel Phase
None

Encounter Phase
None

Combat Phase
Deal shadow card to Stone Giant
Play: Sneak attack (Thorin -1). Put Gloin into play.
Stone Giant attacks. Gloin defends. Shadow: Stone-Giant (no effect). Gloin is destroyed.
Thorin, Bombur declare an attack on Stone Giant. 8 attack vs. 3 shields = 5 damage (5/9).

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 32

Round 2
Resource Phase
+1 Thorin (1), +1 Bombur (2), +1 Bilbo (1)
Draw: Expecting Mischief
Cards in Hand: Steward of Gondor, Gloin, Dori, Expecting Mischief

Planning Phase
Play non

Quest Phase
Commit Thorin, Bilbo
Total willpower: 4
Reveal: Dreary Hills
Total threat: 3
Place 1 progress on stage 2B

Travel Phase
Travel to Dreary Hills

Encounter Phase
None

Combat Phase
Deal shadow card to Stone-Giant
Stone-Giant attacks. Bombur defends. Shadow: The High Pass (no effect). Bombur takes 4 damage (4/5).
Discard Cram to ready Thorin.
Thorin declares an attack on Stone-Giant. 7 attack vs. 3 shield = 4 damage, destroying it.

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 33

Round 3
Resource Phase
+1 Thorin (2), +1 Bombur (3), +1 Bilbo (2)
Draw: Kili
This is not the dwarf you are searching for
Cards in Hand: Steward of Gondor, Gloin, Dori, Expecting Mischief, Kili

Planning Phase
Play: Dori (Bombur -3)
Play: Steward of Gondor (Thorin -2)
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. +2 Thorin (2)

Quest Phase
Commit: Thorin, Bilbo, Dori
Total willpower: 5
Reveal: A Suspicious Crow
Add Stone-Giant to the staging area (from the Encounter Discard)
Nonononono
Total threat: 5
No progress placed

Travel Phase
None

Encounter Phase
Engage A Suspicious Crow

Combat Phase
A Suspicious Crow attacks. Bombur defends. Shadow: Dreary Hills (no effect). No damage dealt.

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 34

Round 4
Resource Phase
+1 Thorin (3), +1 Bombur (1), +1 Bilbo (3)
Draw: Radagast's Cunning
At least this will help me get some progress out this turn (hopefully).
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. +2 Thorin (5)
Cards in Hand: Gloin, Expecting Mischief, Kili, Radagast's Cunning

Planning Phase
Play: Gloin (Thorin -3). Add 2 resources to Bombur's pool (Bombur 3).
Used the ruling found here

Quest Phase
Commit: Thorin, Bilbo, Dori, Gloin
Total willpower: 7
Play: Expecting Mischief (Bombur -1)
Reveal: Wind-Whipped Rain
Drat. Waste of the card. 
Discard Steward of Gondor.
Play: Radagast's Cunning (Bobur -1). Chose Stone-Giant to not contribute its threat.
Total threat: 0
Place 2 progress on The Dreary Hills. Random discard: Kili. Explore it. +1 resource to Bilbo (4)
Place 5 progress on The Mountain Pass (5/16)

Travel Phase
None

Encounter Phase
None

Combat Phase
Deal shadow card to A Suspicious Crow
A Suspicious Crow attacks. Bombur defends. Shadow: Galloping Boulders (place on top of encounter deck). No damage dealt.

Refresh Phase
Ready all.
Raise threat to 35

Round 5
Resource Phase
+2 Thorin (4), +1 Bombur (2), +1 Bilbo (5)
Draw: Expecting Mischief (only card left in hand)

Planning Phase
None

Quest Phase
Commit none.
Total willpower: 0
Reveal: Galloping Boulders (no character committed; no damage dealt). Surge.
Reveal: Overhanging Rock.
Total threat: 6
Raise threat to 40

Travel Phase
Travel to Overhanging Rock
Spend 1 Baggins resource to trigger action (Bilbo 4). Look at: Fili, Sting. Keep Sting, discard Fili.
Another ally would be great, but my only Kili is in the discard, so Fili's ability is not effective.
Spend 1 Baggins resource to trigger action (Bilbo 3). Look at: Miner of the Iron Hills, Erebor Hammersmith. Keep the Hammersmith, discard the Miner.
This gives me another willpower and, if needed, a solid defender for cheap
Spend 1 Baggins resource to trigger action (Bilbo 2). Look at: Sneak Attack, Protector of Lorien. Keep Sneak Attack, discard Protector of Lorien.
Spend 1 Baggins resource to trigger action (Bilbo 1). Look at: Burgler Baggins, Bifur. Keep Bifur, discard Burgler Baggins.
Spend 1 Baggins resource to trigger action (Bilbo 0). Look at: Protector of Lorien, Forest Snare. Keep Forest Snare, discard Protector.

Encounter Phase
Engage Stone-Giant. Discard Dori.

Combat Phase
Deal shadow card to Stone-Giant
Deal shadow card to Suspicious Crow
Stone-Giant attacks. Gloin defends. Shadow: Overhanging Rock (no effect). Gloin is destroyed.
Suspicious Crow attacks. Bombur defends. Shadow: Stone-Giant (no effect). No damage dealt.
Thorn, Bilbo declare an attack on Stone-Giant. 8 attack vs. 3 shield = 5 damage (5/9)
Discard shadow effects: Stone-Giant, then Overhanging Rock.

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 41

Round 6
Resource Phase
+1 Thorin (4), +1 Bombur (3), +1 Bilbo (1)
Come on, Gandalf!
Draw: Gandalf
Yesss!
Spend 1 Biblo Resource to trigger Overhanging Rock's ability. Look at: Fili, Burgler Baggins. Keep Fili, discard Burgler Baggins.
That hurt, but I need the allies.
Cards in Hand: Expecting Mischief, Sting, Sneak Attack, Forest Snare, Bofur, Gandalf, Fili

Planning Phase
Play: Fili (Thorin -3),
Play: Bifur (Bombur -3). Draw: Burgler Baggins, To Me, O My Kinsfolk!
Man, that would have been nice to see before I played Fili! Oh well.
Play: Sting. Attach to Bilbo.

Quest Phase
Play: Sneak Attack (Thorin -1). Put Gandalf into play. Deal four damage to Stone-Giant, destroying it.
Risky. If I draw A Suspicious Crow, we do this all over again.
Commit: Thorin, Bilbo, Bifur, Gandalf
Total willpower: 10
Draw: Cave Entrance
Nice
Total threat: 1
Place 3 progress on Overhanging Rock, exploring it.
Place 7 progress on stage 2B (12/16)
Return Gandalf to hand

Travel Phase
Travel to Cave Entrance

Encounter Phase
None

Combat Phase
Deal shadow card to A Suspicious Crow
A Suspicious Crow attacks. Bombur defends. Shadow: Lone-Lands (no effect). No damage dealt.
Bifur declares an attack on A Suspicious Crow, destroying it.
Place A Suspicious Crow on the Encounter discard, followed by Lone-Lands

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 42

Round 7
Resource Phase
+2 Thorin (2), +1 Bombur (1), +1 Bilbo (1)
Draw: Miner of the Iron Hills
Cards in Hand: Expecting Mischief, Forest Snare, Burglar Baggins, To Me, O My Kinsfolk!, Gandalf, Miner of the Iron Hills

Planning Phase
Play none

Quest Phase
Commit: Thorin, Bilbo, Fili, Bofur
Total willpower: 7
Reveal: No Campfire. Doomed 1 (Threat 42). Choose to raise threat to 46.
Total threat: 0
Play Burglar Baggins (Bilbo -1).
Updated willpower: 9
These might be crazy decisions, but risking nothing is going to get me nothing, eh?
Place 3 progress on Cave Entrance, exploring it.
Place 6 progress on stage 2B, exploring it.
Proceed to stage 3A
Switch out the encounter decks.
Add The Great Goblin to the staging area.
Proceed to stage 3B
Reveal 1: Goblin Driver. Exhaust Bombur.
Reveal 2: Front Porch.
Reveal 3: Goblin Miners
Ouch. Time to go out in a blaze of glory, eh?

Travel Phase
Travel to Front Porch

Encounter Phase
Engage The Great Goblin, Goblin Driver, Goblin Miners

Combat Phase
Deal shadow card to The Great Goblin, Goblin Driver, Goblin Miners
Play: To Me, O My Kinsfolk! (Thorin -1). Put Kili into play.
The Great Goblin attacks. Discard: Goblin Miners. Add to staging area. Kili defends. Shadow: Chaos in the Cavern (return The Great Goblin to the staging area after attack resolves). Kili is destroyed. The Great Goblin returns to the staging area.
Goblin Driver attacks. Undefended. Shadow: Goblin Bent-Swords (+1 attack). Put 3 damage on Thorin (3/5)
Goblin Miners attack. Undefended. Shadow: Goblin Axemen (no defending character; no effect). Put three damage on Bombur, destroying him.

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 47

Round 8
Resource Phase
+1 Thorin (2), +1 Bilbo (1)
Draw: Gloin

Planning Phase
Play none

Quest Phase
Quest with: Thorin
Total willpower: 3
Reveal: Grip, grab! Pinch, nab!
Add Goblin Axemen to the staging area
Total threat: 7
Raise threat to 51.
DEATH!

Duplicate Tournament: Dungeons Deep and Caverns Dim

Almost a victory! But I missread the text on 1B and instead of adding 1 card ever staging phase I only added 1 card for the set-up. No way to tell if things would have worked out, so we're scratching this one and trying again.

The Journey

Like Over the Misty Mountains Grim, I am going to (finally) do the Duplicate Tournament #4 for Dungeons Deep and Caverns Dim. It's far too late for this to count as an official entry, but should be a fun way to take on the challenge. I have not read anyone's session report, but saw that only a handful of people survived...

Player Setup
Set starting threat to 30
Draw: Sneak Attack, Hasty Stroke, Steward of Gondor, Kili, Snowborn Scout

Encounter Setup
Add Lake in the Cavern to the staging area
Create a second staging area with stage 2A
Place Gollum and Bilbo Baggins in the staging area.
Attach Bilbo's Magic Ring to Bilbo Baggins
Proceed to stage 2B
Proceed to stage 1B
Reveal: Goblin Axeman

Round 1
Resource Phase
+1 Thorn (1), +1 Balin (1), +1 Nori (1), +1 Bilbo (1)
Draw: A Test of Will
Cards in Hand: Sneak Attack, Hasty Stroke, Steward of Gondor, Kili, Snowborn Scout, A Test of Will

Planning Phase
Play: Steward of Gondor (Thorin -1, Baliin -1). Attach to Nori.
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. +2 Nori (3)
Play: Kili (Nori -3). Reduce threat to 29. Search deck and put Fili into play.

Quest Phase
Commit: Balin, Nori
Total willpower: 4
Reveal: Come Down Little Bird
Choose to answer the riddle. Name: Ally, cost of 3. Reveal: Dwalin, Longbeard Orc Slayer, Dwalin
Exhaust Bilbo's Magic ring to raise threat to 31 and add one Baggins resource to his pool.
Discard one Baggins resource to discard an additional card: Snowborn Scout
Discard one Baggins resource to discard an additional card: Sneak Attack
Two total matches.
Place 2 progress on stage 2B (2/9)
Total threat: 4
No progress placed on stage 1B

Travel Phase
None

Encounter Phase
Engage Goblin Axeman

Combat Phase
Deal shadow card to Goblin Axeman
Goblin Axeman attacks. Kili defends. Shadow: Wild Wargs (no effect). One damage dealt to Kili.
Thorin, Fili declare an attack on Goblin Axeman, destroying it.

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 32

Round 2
Resource Phase
+1 Thorin (2), +1 Balin (1), +1 Nori (1), +1 Bilbo (1)
Draw: Late Adventurer
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. +2 Nori (3).
Cards in Hand: Son of Arnor, Hasty Stroke, Sneak Attack, Snowborn Scout, A Test of Will, Late Adventerur

Planning Phase
Play none
Son of Arnor and Snowborn Scout are best used with a location in play. I can always sneak in Son of Arnor if I really want.

Quest Phase
Commit: Thorin, Balin, Nori, Kili, Fili
Total willpower: 9
Reveal: Hiding in the Trees
Choose to answer the riddle. Name: Leadership, Ally. Discard: Ever Vigilant, Gandalf, Late Adventurer
Exhaust Bilbo's Magic Ring to add one Baggins resource to Bilbo. Raise threat to 34.
Discard one Baggins resource to discard an additional card: Gloin
Discard one Baggins resource to discard an additional card: To me! O my Kinsfolk!
One match. Place 1 progress on stage 2B (3/9).
Total threat: 2
Place 7 progress on stage 1B (7/14)

Travel Phase
None

Encounter Phase
None

Combat Phase
None

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 35

Round 3
Resource Phase
+2 Thalin (4), +1 Balin (2), +1 Nori (4), +1 Bilbo (1)
Draw: Unexpected Courage
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. +2 Nori (6)
Cards in Hand: Son of Arnor, Hasty Stroke, Sneak Attack, Snowborn Scout, A Test of Will, Late Adventurer, Unexpected Courage

Planning Phase
Play: Unexpected Courage (Nori -2). Attach to Thorin.

Quest Phase
Commit: Thorin, Balin, Nori, Kili, Fili
Total willpower: 9
Reveal: The Warg's Glade
Choose to answer the riddle. Name: Leadership. Discard: Kili, A test of Will, Gloin.
Exhaust Bilbo's Magic Ring to add one Baggins resource to Bilbo. Raise threat to 37.
Discard one Baggins resource to discard an additional card: Brok Ironfist
Discard one Baggins resource to discard an additional card: Hasty Stroke
Two matches. Place 2 progress on stage 2B (5/9)
Total threat: 2
Place 7 progress on stage 2B (14/14)

Travel Phase
None

Encounter Phase
None

Combat Phase
None

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Increase threat to 38

Round 4
Resource Phase
+2 Thalin (6), +1 Balin (3), +1 Nori (5), +1 Bilbo (1)
Draw: Longbeard Orc Slayer
I think we have to fight our way out in stage 3, right? He'll be good to have around in that case.
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. +2 Nori (7)
Cards in Hand: Son of Arnor, Hasty Stroke, Sneak Attack, Snowborn Scout, A Test of Will, Late Adventurer, Longbeard Orc Slayer

Planning Phase
Play none

Quest Phase
Commit: Thalin, Nori
Total willpower: 5
Reveal: It Likes Riddles? Name: Three. Discard: Son of Arnor, Lorien Guide
Two matches. Place 2 progress on stage 2B (7/9)
Discard from the encounter deck: The Goblins' Cave (no riddle)
Discard from the encounter deck: Grip, Grab! Pinch, Nab! (no riddle)
Discard from the encounter deck: What's In My Pocket? Name: Spirit, cost of 3. Discard: Dwalin, Ever Vigiliant.
Exhaust Bilbo's Magic Ring to add one Baggins resource to Bilbo. Raise threat to 40.
Discard one Baggins resource to discard an additional card: Fili
Discard one Baggins resource to discard an additional card: Fili
One match. Add 1 progress to stage 2B (8/9)
Total threat 2
Add 3 progress to stage 1B (17/14)

Travel Phase
None

Encounter Phase
None

Combat Phase
None

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 41

Round 5
Resource Phase
+2 Thalin (8), +1 Balin (4), +1 Nori (8), +1 Bilbo (1)
Draw: Late Adventurer
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. +2 Nori (10)
Cards in Hand: Son of Arnor, Hasty Stroke, Sneak Attack, Snowborn Scout, A Test of Will, Late Adventurer x2, Longbeard Orc Slayer

Planning Phase
Play none

Quest Phase
Commit: Nori
Total willpower: 2
Reveal: Goblin Axeman
Play: Late Adventurer. Commit Balin to the quest.
Updated willpower: 4
Total threat: 4
No progress added

Travel Phase
None

Encounter Phase
Engage Goblin Axeman

Combat Phase
Deal shadow card to Goblin Axeman
Goblin Axeman attacks. Fili defends. Shadow: Goblin Axeman (-1 shield). Two damage dealt to Fili.
Thorin, Kili declare an attack on Goblin Axeman, destroying it.

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 42

Round 6
Resource Phase
+2 Thalin (10), +1 Balin (5), +1 Nori (11), +1 Bilbo (2)
Draw: Dwarven Tomb
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. +2 Nori (13)
Cards in Hand: Son of Arnor, Hasty Stroke, Sneak Attack, Snowborn Scout, A Test of Will, Late Adventurer, Longbeard Orc Slayer

Planning Phase
Play none

Quest Phase
Commit Nori
Total willpower: 2
Reveal: Goblin Driver. Exhaust Fili.
Play: Sneak attack (Thorin -1). Put Son of Arnor into play. Engage Goblin Driver.
Total threat: 2
No progress placed.
Return Son of Arnor to hand.

Travel Phase
None

Encounter Phase
Engage Goblin Driver

Combat Phase
Deal shadow card to Goblin Driver
Goblin Driver attacks. Balin defends. Shadow: The Goblins' Cave
Play: Hasty Stroke (Nori -1). No damage dealt.
Exhaust Unexpected Courage to ready Thorin
Thorin, Kili, Fili declare an attack on Goblin Driver, destroying it

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 43

Round 7
Resource Phase
+2 Thorin (11), +1 Balin (6), +1 Nori (14), +1 Bilbo (3)
Draw: The Galadhrim's Greeting
Niiice. I was getting a little worried about my threat.
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. +2 Nori (16)
Cards in Hand: Son of Arnor, Snowborn Scout, A Test of Will, Late Adventurer, Longbeard Orc Slayer, The Galadhrim's Greeting

Planning Phase
Play: The Galadhrim's Greeting (Noir -3). Reduce threat to 37.
Play: Son of Arnor (Thorin -3)

Quest Phase
Commit: Nori
Total willpower: 2
Reveal: Not Fair! Not Fair! Name: Ally. Discard: Kili, Silverload Archer, Silverload Archer
Haha. That was fantastic.
Total threat: 2
No progress placed

Travel Phase
None

Encounter Phase
None

Combat Phase
None

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 38

Round 8
Resource Phase
+2 Thorin (10), +1 Balin (7), +1 Nori (14), +1 Bilbo (4)
Draw: Valiant Sacrifice
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. +2 Nori (16)
Cards in Hand: Snowborn Scout, A Test of Will, Late Adventurer, Longbeard Orc Slayer, Valiant Sacrifice

Planning Phase
Play none

Quest Phase
Commit: Nori
Total willpower: 2
Reveal: Grip, Grab! Pinch, Nab!
Play: A Test of Will (Nori -1) to cancel
Total threat: 2
No progress placed

Travel Phase
None

Encounter Phase
None

Combat Phase
None

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 39

Round 9
Resource Phase
+ 2 Thorin (12), +1 Balin (8), +1 Nori (16)
Draw: The Galadhrim's Greeting
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. +2 Nori (18)
Cards in Hand: Snowborn Scout, A Test of Will, Late Adventurer, Longbeard Orc Slayer, Valiant Sacrifice, The Galadhrim's Greeting

Planning Phase
Play: The Galandhrim's Greeting (Nori -3). Reduce threat to 33.
Play: Dwarven Tomb (Nori -1). Return A Test of Will to hand.

Quest Phase
Commit: Nori
Total willpower: 2
Reveal: Goblin Miners
Man! Where are the riddles?
Total threat: 4
Increase threat to 35

Travel Phase
None

Encounter Phase
Engage Goblin Miners

Combat Phase
Deal shadow card to Goblin Miners.
Goblin Miners attack. Balin defends. Shadow: The Wargs' Glade (no effect). No damage dealt.
Son of Arnor, Fili declare an attack on Goblin Miners, destroying it.

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 36

Round 10
Resource Phase
+2 Thorin (14), +1 Balin (9), +1 Nori (15), +1 Bilbo (6)
Draw: Steward of Gondor
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. +2 Nori (17)
Cards in Hand: Snowborn Scout, A Test of Will, Late Adventurer, Longbeard Orc Slayer, Valiant Sacrifice, Steward of Gondor

Planning Phase
Play none

Quest Phase
Commit: Thorin, Nori
Total willpower: 5
Reveal: The Wargs Glade
Choose to answer the riddle. Name: Leadership. Discard: Gloin, Lorien Guide, Gandalf.
One match. Place 1 progress on stage 2B (9/9), clearing it.
Stage 1B has 17 progress on it, clearing it.
Advance to stage 3A
Remove Lake in the Cavern from the game
Bilbo Baggins rejoins the heroes
Reveal: Goblin Driver. Exhaust Fili.
Engaged by Gollum.

Travel Phase
None

Encounter Phase
Engage Goblin Driver

Combat Phase
Deal shadow card to Gollum, Goblin Driver
Exhaust Unexpected Courage to ready Thorin
Gollum attacks. Balin defends. Shadow: Come Down Little Bird (no effect). No damage dealt.
Goblin Driver attacks. Fili defends. Shadow: Wild Wargs (no effect). One damage placed on Kili (2/3)
Thorin, Son of Arnor declare an attack on Goblin Driver, destroying it.

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Raise threat to 37

Round 11
Resource Phase
+2 Thorin (16), +1 Balin (10), +1 Nori (18), +1 Bilbo (7)
Draw: To Me! O my Kinsfolk!
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. +2 Nori (20)
Cards in Hand: Snowborn Scout, A Test of Will, Late Adventurer, Longbeard Orc Slayer, Valiant Sacrifice, Steward of Gondor

Planning Phase
Play: Snowborn Scout (Thorin -1)
Play: Longbeard Orc Slayer (Thorin -4)

Quest Phase
Play: To me! O my Kinsfolk! (Thorin -1). Put Gloin into play.
Commit: Thorin, Balin, Nori, Bilbo, Gloin
Total willpower: 10
Reveal: Wild Wargs
Total threat: 3
Place 7 progress on stage 3B
Put Gloin on the bottom of the deck
Play: Valiant Sacrifice (Thorin -1). Draw: Lorien Guide, To me! O my Kinsfolk!

Travel Phase
None

Encounter Phase
Engage Wild Wargs
Exhaust Unexpected Courage to ready Thalin

Combat Phase
Deal shadow card to Gollum, Wild Wargs
Gollum attacks. Longbeard Orc Slayer defends. Shadow: The Goblins' Caves (no goblins engaged; no threat increase). One damage dealt to Longbeard Orc Slayer.
Wild Wargs attack. Snowborn Scout defends. Shadow: Goblin Runners (enemy makes an additional attack). Snowborn Scout is destroyed.
Wild Wargs attack #2. Deal new shadow card. Thorin defends. Shadow: Goblin Miners (+1 attack). Three damage dealt to Thorin.

Refresh Phase
Ready all
Increase threat to 38

Round 12
Resource Phase
+2 Thorin (11), +1 Balin (11), +1 Nori (21)
Draw:
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. +2 Nori (23)
Cards in Hand: A Test of Will, Unexpected Adventurer, Steward of Gondor, Lorien Guide, To me! O my Kinsfolk!, Gandalf

Planning Phase
Play: Gandalf (Thorin -5)
Play: Lorien Guide (Nori -3)

Quest Phase
Play: To me! O my Kinsfolk! (Thorin -1). Put Brok Ironfist into play.
Commit: Thorin, Balin, Nori, Bilbo, Fili, Kili, Gandalf, Lorien Guide, Brock Ironfist
Total willpower: 17
Reveal: Goblin Runners. Surge.
Reveal: Great Gray Wolf
Total threat: 5
Place 12 progress on stage 3B, clearing it and winning the game

Final Scoring
11 completed rounds x10: 110
Final Threat: 38
Total Damage on Heroes: 3 (Thalin)
Threat of Defeated Heroes: 0
Victory Display: 0
Total: 151


The Deck

All but two cards (Valiant Sacrifice #2, Snowborn Scout #3) came up during the playthrough, but I'll save you the effort of reconstructing it based on that alone:

Duplicate Tournament #4 Deck

Heroes
Thorin Oakenshield
Balin
Nori
Bilbo Baggins (Over Hill and Under Hill)

Allies
Brok Ironfist x1
Dwalin x3
Fili x3
Gandalf (Over Hill and Under Hill) x3
Gloin x3
Kili x3
Longbeard Orc Slayer x3
Lorien Guide x3
Silverload Archer x3
Snowborn Scout x3

Attachment
Steward of Gondor x2
Unexpected Courage x1

Event
A Test of Will x2
Dwarven Tomb x1
Ever Vigilant x2
Hasty Stroke x2
Late Adventurer x3
Sneak Attack x2
The Galandhirm's Greeting x2
To Me! O My Kinsfolk! x3
Valiant Sacrifice x2

Sets Used
Core
Over Hill and Under Hill
On the Doorstep

You may notice there are a lot of 3 and 1 cost cards in this deck. This is to help facilitate easy guesses for the riddles. With two extra draws from Bilbo, I was able to succeed at every riddle.

The Recap

This is another thematic score in my book: Bilbo off with Gollum in a difficult test to the death, while the dwarves are fighting off goblins in a totally separate area. Now I do think you should be able to attach Sting to Bilbo. After all, the weapons presence is a major reason why the creature did not attack! It would defend Bilbo against a single attack and (in multiplayer) Gollum can attack more than once. Maybe only allow it to be attached if there are two or more players?

In any case, I know a lot of people have issues with the riddles. It is a rough guessing mechanic, but if you know your deck well and can handle the threat increase you should do fairly well.

I will be back to match wits with the creature under the mountain again!

Duplicate Tournament 2: Into the Pit

Backtracking a bit, I forgot that the second duplicate tournament I participated in was Into the Pit. In contrast to my multiple failed attempts for this blog's challenge, here is an attempt that was won on the first try. Of course, there was a major mistake I had to correct. Because that's how I roll.

Set Up

Starting Hand: Untroubled by Darkness, Zigil Miner, Strength of Will, Unexpected Courage, Dwarven Axe, Gandalf. Decide not to mulligan (ha). 

Planning on saving Gandalf for a big baddy or some last-minute threat reduction.

Make East Gate active location. Attach Cave Torch to Dunhere. Set aside Bridge of Kazad-Dum and First Hall.

Flip to stage 1B. Reveal Goblin Follower, who engages me.

Round 1

Resource Phase

Add one resource to everyone’s pool.

Draw Lorien Guide

Resources: Eowyn 1, Dunhere 1, Gimli 1

Planning phase

Play Unexpected Courage on Gimli (Eowyn -1, Dunhere -1)

Extra quest power for this round, then the ability to attack and defend next turn. We’ll see…

Quest Phase

Going all in for the quest phase: Eowyn, Dunhere, Gimli. Total willpower: 7

Reveal: Stair of Nain. Staging area threat:2

Place 5 progress on East-gate

Travel Phase

No where to run to, baby.

Encounter Phase

No encounter possible, and no one to encounter. I will exhaust Unexpected Courage to ready Gimli.

Combat Phase

Goblin Follower dealt a shadow card and declared attacker.Gimli declared defender.

Shadow card: Goblin Follower, giving the attacking Goblin Follower+2. 

Gimli takes 3 damage.

Refresh Phase

Threat increased to 29. All characters ready

Round 2

Resource Phase

Everyone gets a resource! Draw Dwarven Axe

Resources: Eowyn 1, Dunhere 1, Gimli 2

Cards in Hand: Untroubled by Darkness, Strength of Will, Zigil Miner, Dwarven Axe, Gandalf, Lorien Guide, Dwarven Axe

Planning phase

Play Zigil Miner (Eowyn -1, Dunhere -1)

Play Dwarven Axe. Attach to Gimli (Gimli -2)

Quest Phase

Committed to quest: Eowyn, Gimli. Total willpower: 6

Reveal: Crumbling Ruin

So, my plan was to sacrifice the Zigil Miner to the Goblin follower. Do I basically sacrifice it to the Crumbling Ruin (the odds of pulling a 2+ are pretty darn good)? Or do I risk Dunhere (with 2 Northern Trackers and 2 Gandalfs in the deck, which would finish him off). Fine. Risk it.

Exhaust Dunhere and discard a player card for Crumbling Run: The Favor of the lady (cost 2). Dunhere lives!

Staging area threat: 2. Place 2 progress on East-gate, clearing it and adding it to my Victory Display. Add First Hall to the staging area. Place 2 progress on Stage 1B.

Travel Phase

Travel to First Hall. Raise threat by 3 (threat at 32)

Encounter Phase

No enemies to engage. 

Exhaust Unexpected Courage to ready Gimli

Combat Phase

Goblin Follower is dealt a shadow card and declares an attack. Zigil Miner declared defender. 

Shadow card: Cave In. No shadow effect. Zigil Miner is still destroyed.

Gimli declares an attack against Goblin Follower for 7 attack. Destroys his man. 

Refresh Phase

Threat: 33. All characters ready. 

Round 3

Resource Phase

Silver all around! Draw: A Light in the Dark

Cards in Hand: Untroubled by Darkness, Strength of Will, Gandalf, Lorien Guide, Dwarven Axe, A Light in the Dark

Resources: 1 all around.

Planning phase

No cards played

Quest Phase

Questing time: Eowyn, Gimli committed to the quest. Total willpower: 6

Reveal: Zigil Mineshaft. Staging area threat: 7

Raising my threat by 5 to discard Zigil Mineshaft (Threat to 38)

New staging area threat: 2

Place 2 progress on First Hall to explore it and add it to my victory display. Adding Bridge of Khazad-dum to the staging area. Place 2 progress tokens on Stage 1B.

Travel Phase

Travel to Bridge of Khazad-dum

Encounter Phase

No one wants to play with me

Combat Phase

See above and see my tears

Refresh Phase

Threat: 39. Everyone’s up.

Round 4

Resource Phase

Pay-day for the kids. Draw: Veteran Axehand (but I like to call him “Chump”)

Cards in Hand: Untroubled by Darkness, Strength of Will, Gandalf, Lorien Guide, A Light in the Dark, Dwarven Axe, Veteran Axehand

Resources: Everyone has two in the bank.

Planning phase

No time to play cards on the Bridge. Fly, you fools.

Quest Phase

All in for the quest: Eowyn, Dunhere, Gimli. Total willpower: 7

Reveal: Branching Paths. Total threat in the staging area: 3

Place 3 progress on Bridge of Khazad-dum, exploring it and adding it to the staging area. Place 1 progress on Stage 1B. 

Exhaust Unexpected Courage to ready Gimli.

Travel Phase

Travel to Stairs of Nain. Exhaust Gimli. 

Encounter Phase

:: crickets ::

Combat Phase

:: dead crickets ::

Refresh Phase

Threat at 40

Everyone’s up and raring for a fight. 

Round 5

Resource Phase

+1 resource to everyone. Draw: Untroubled by Darkness

Cards in Hand: Untroubled by Darkness (x2), Strength of Will, Gandalf, Lorien Guide, A Light in the Dark, Dwarven Axe, Veteran Axehand

Resources: 3 all around.

Planning phase

Play Veteran Axehand (Gimli -2)

Play Lorien Guide (Dunhere -3)

Quest Phase

Committed to quest: Eowyn, Dunhere, Gimli, Lorien Guide. Add 1 progress to Stairs of Nain.

Total willpower: 8

Reveal: Goblin Swoardsman. Stagin area threat: 2

Place 3 progress tokens on Stairs of Nain, exploring location. 

Place 3 progress tokens on Stage 1B, clearing the stage.

Proceed to stage 2A, flip to 2B. Search for Patrol Leader and add him to the staging area.

Travel Phase

Keeping Branching Paths in the staging area for now.

Encounter Phase

Engage Patrol Leader and Goblin Swordsman. 

Exhaust Unexpected Courage to ready Gimli

Combat Phase

Patrol Leader receives a shadow card, then Goblin Swordsman.

Play A Light in the Dark (Eowyn -2). Return Goblin Swordsman to the staging area.

Patrol Leader declares an attack. Veteran Axehand declared defender.

Shadow card: Goblin Tunnels. Patrol Leader gets + 3 attack and just barely destroys Veteran Axehand.

Gimli declares an attack against Patrol Leader. 7 attack strength vs. 3 shield and 4 hp. Patrol Leader is destroyed.

Discard Goblin Swordsman’s shadow card (discarded card = Sudden Pitfall)

Refresh Phase
Threat: 41. Everyone’s up!


Round 6

Resource Phase
It’s raining money. Draw: The Galadhrim’s Greetings
Resources: Eowyn 2, Dunhere 1, Gimli 2
Cards in Hand: Untroubled by Darkness (2), Strength of Will, Gandalf, Dwarven Axe, The Galadhrim’s Greetings

Planning phase
Play Gandalf (Eowyn -2, Dunhere -1, Gimli -2).
Place 4 damage on Goblin Swordsman, destroying him.
Clear stage 2B. Proceed to stage 3A, then 3B.

Quest Phase
Quest all in: Eowyn, Dunhere, Gimli, Lorien Guide, Gandalf. Total willpower: 12
Reveal: Burning Low. Exhaust Cave Torch to cancel effect. Staging area threat: 1.
Discard Untroubled by Darkness to give Eowyn +1 willpower.
Place 12 progress tokens on Stage 3B. Stage cleared. Quest completed!


Tally It Up

Points for Rounds Completed: 50
Final Threat: 41
Damage on Heros: 3 (on Gimli)
Heros destroyed: 0
Victory Display: -4

Total Score: 90

I can live with that

Edit: Horrible mistake! Forgot to see if the Patrol Leader was able to fend of the damage dealt by Gimli! Fortunately, a mistake at the end is easy to backtrack. Unfortunately, it's going to cost me some points...

Gimli declares an attack against Patrol Leader. 7 attack strength vs. 3 shield and 4 hp. Patrol Leader tries to deflect the damage. Reveal: burning low. Patrol Leader defeated!

Discard Goblin Swordsman’s shadow card (discarded card = Sudden Pitfall)

Refresh Phase

Threat: 41. Everyone’s up!

Round 6

Resource Phase

It’s raining money. Draw: The Galadhrim’s Greetings

Resources: Eowyn 2, Dunhere 1, Gimli 2

Cards in Hand: Untroubled by Darkness (2), Strength of Will, Gandalf, Dwarven Axe, The Galadhrim’s Greetings

Planning phase

Play Gandalf (Eowyn -2, Dunhere -1, Gimli -2). 

Place 4 damage on Goblin Swordsman, destroying him.

Clear stage 2B. Proceed to stage 3A, then 3B. 

Quest Phase

Quest all in: Eowyn, Dunhere, Gimli, Lorien Guide, Gandalf. Total willpower: 12

Reveal: Goblin Scout. Total staging threat: 4

Discard Untroubled by Darkness to give Eowyn +1 willpower.

Place 9 progress stage 3B.

Travel Phase

No travel attempted

Encounter Phase

Encountered by the Goblin Scout 

Exhaust Unexpected Courage to ready Gimli

Combat Phase

Deal shadow card to Goblin Scout. 

Goblin Scout declared attacker; Gimli declared defender. Shadow: Patrol Leader

No damage done to Gimli

Refresh Phase

Threat: 42. Everyone’s ready for more!

Except Gandalf. He’s going away.

Round 7

Resource Phase

Shortage of funds. Draw: Veteran Axehand

Resources: zip

Cards in Hand: Untroubled by Darkness (2), Strength of Will, Gandalf, Dwarven Axe, The Galadhrim’s Greetings, Veteran Axehand

Planning phase

Broke and bitter

Quest Phase

Quest all in: Eowyn, Dunhere, Gimli, Lorien Guide Total willpower: 8

Reveal: Goblin Swordsman. Total staging threat: 2

Place 6 progress tokens on stage 3B. Stage cleared and quest completed (for reals this time...I think)

Tally It Up

Points for Rounds Completed: 60 

Final Threat: 42

Damage on Heros: 3 (on Gimli)

Heros destroyed: 0

Victory Display: -4

Total Score: 101

Alright, but I would have loved to keep it below 100

Duplicate Tournament 1: Passage Through Mirkwood

Back in March of this year, George Leoniak (Tracker1 at BoardGameGeek) proposed a duplicate tournament for Lord of the Rings: The Card Game. Participants would each use the same player deck, going against the same encounter set, with the order of both player and encounter cards in a fixed stack used by all participants. A beautiful concept that was also well realized. You can see the results of this first duplicate tournament, Passage Through Mirkwood, here. I have had the pleasure of participating in two of the four duplicate tournaments so far and highly recommend it as a way to enjoy the game with the larger LotR LCG community and as a way to learn from your fellow players.

I want to post my own run-through (along with subsequent notes needed to clear up a few mistakes in my game) to compare with my non-duplicate run-through yesterday. So, without further ado...

Passage Through Mirkwood

Encounter Set-up
Set aside King Spider and Old Forest Road
Quest card set to stage 1B

Player Set-up
Draw: Snowborn Scout, Son of Arnor, Snowborn Scout, Ever Vigilant, Steward of Gondor, Gandalf
Threat: 29

Round 1
Resource Phase
All hero’s get their first resource.
Draw Brok Ironfist
Initial 6 cards + Brok in hand

Planning phase
Aragron - 1, Gloin -1 to play Steward of Gondor on Aragorn
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. Aragorn +2
Aragorn -2 and Theodred -1 to play Son of Arnor
Engage King Spider

Quest Phase
Quest with: Aragorn, Gloin, Theodred
Willpower: 5
Use Theodred’s response. Aragorn +1.
Use Aragorn’s response to ready Aragorn. Aragorn -1.
Reveal: Forest Gate
Staging Area Threat: 2
+2 Progress on Stage 1B

Travel Phase
Travel to Old Forest Road
Use Old Forest Road response to ready Gloin

Encounter Phase
No enemies in Staging Area

Combat Phase
King Spider Attacks. Gloin declared as defender.
Shadow card: King Spider. Choose to exhaust Son of Arnor
Gloin takes 2 Damage. Gloin +2 resources
Aragorn declared an attacker against King Spider. King Spider takes 2 Damage.

Refresh Phase
Threat 30
All characters ready

Round 2
Resource Phase
All characters +1. Draw Farimir.
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. Aragorn +2
Resources: Aragorn 3, Gloin 3, Theodred 1
Cards in Hand: Snowborn Scout, Snowborn Scout, Gandalf, Ever Vigilant, Brok Ironfist, Farimir

Planning phase
Play Farimir. Gloin -3, Theodred -1
Play Snowborn Scout. Aragorn -1
Place 1 Progress on Old Forest Road
Play Snowborn Scout. Aragorn -1
Place 1 Progress on Old Forest Road

Quest Phase
Exhaust Faramir to give each character +1 Willpower
Play Ever Vigilant. Aragorn -1. Ready Farimir
Qwest with: Aragorn, Farimir, Gloin, Theodred, Son of Arnor, Snowborn Scout
(one Snowborn Scout not committed to quest)
Willpower: 12
Use Theodred’s response. Aragorn +1.
Use Aragorn’s response to ready Aragorn. Aragorn -1.
Reveal: Forest Spider
Staging Area Threat: 4
1 Progress placed on Old Forest Road. Location Explored.
7 Progress placed on Stage 1B. Stage cleared.
Reveal Stage 2A. Flip to Stage 2B.

Travel Phase
Travel to Forest Gate
Draw: Sneak Attack. Common Cause.

Encounter Phase
Optionally engage Forest Spider

Combat Phase

Forest Spider attacks.
Snowborn Scout declared defender.
Shadow Card: Ungoliant’s Spawn. Thread raised by 4 to 34.
Snowborn Scout destroyed

King Spider attacks.
Undefended
Shadow card: Dol Guldur Beastmaster. No shadow effect.
3 Damage on Aragorn

Declare Aragorn as attacker on King Spider.
King Spider takes 2 damage. King Spider is destroyed

Refresh Phase
Threat 35
All characters ready

Round 3
Resource Phase
+1 Resource for each hero
Draw: Sneak Attack
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. Aragorn +2.
Resources: Aragorn 3, Gloin 1, Theodred 1
Cards In Hand: Sneak Attack, Sneak Attack, Common Cause, Gandalf, Brok Ironfist

Planning phase
No cards played

Quest Phase
Play Sneak Attack. Theodred -1
Put Gandalf into Play. Deal 4 damage to Forest Spider. Forest Spider destroyed.
Exhaust Faramir to give each character +1 Willpower
Quest with: Aragorn, Gloin, Theored, Son of Arnor, Gandalf
(one Snowborn Scout not committed to quest)
Willpower: 14
Use Theodred’s response. Aragorn +1.
Use Aragorn’s response to ready Aragorn. Aragorn -1.
Reveal: Dol Guldur Beastmaster
Staging Area Threat: 2
4 Progress tokens placed on Forest Gate. Location Explored.
8 Progress tokens placed on Stage 2B. Stage cleared.
Proceed to Stage 3A. Flip to stage 3B: Beorn’s Path
Gandalf returns to Hand

Travel Phase
No location in staging area

Encounter Phase
Optionally Engage Dol Guldur Beast Master

Combat Phase
Dol Guldur Beastmaster Attacks (dealt additional shadow card)
Snowborn Scout declared defender.
Shadow card 1: Cheftan Uftak. No shadow effect.
Shadow card 2: The necromancer’s reach.
+1 damage Gloin (add 1 resource to Gloin’s pool), +1 damage Theodred, +1 damage Son of Arnor, +1 damage Farimir, +1 damage Son of Arnor.
Son of Arnor destroyed. Place 3 damage from attack on Gloin. Gloin destroyed.
Place Brok Ironfist into play from hand
Declare Aragorn and Brok Ironfist as attackers against Dol Guldur Beastmaster. Deliver 4 damage.

Refresh Phase
Threat 36.
All characters ready.

Round 4
Resource Phase
Aragorn and Theodred receive a resource.
Exhaust Steward of Gondor. Aragorn +2
Draw: Valiant Sacrifice
Resources: Aragorn 6, Theodred 1
Cards In Hand: Valiant Sacrifice, Common Cause, Sneak Attack, Gandalf

Planning phase
No cards played

Quest Phase
Play Sneak Attack. Theodred -1
Put Gandalf into play from hand. Deal 4 damage to  Dol Guldur Beastmaster (destroyed).
Exhaust Faramir to give each character +1 Willpower
Quest with: Aragorn, Theodred, Brok Ironfist, Gandalf
Use Theodred’s response. Aragorn +1.
Use Aragorn’s response to ready Aragorn. Aragorn -1.
Reveal: Dol Guldur Orcs
Staging Area  threat: 2
11 Progress placed on stage 3B (Beorn’s Path). Stage 3B cleared. Quest completed!

Final Scoring
3 rounds x10: 30
Final threat: 36
Damage on heroes: 4
Threat cost of defeated hero: 9
Victory points: 0
Total: 79

Comment by Tracker 1:
A few things,
First thanks for participating.

Second, your set up had a King Spider, it should have been a Forest Spider, but I don't think it changed anything.

Third, has to do with combat in round 3.  I think you triggered the Necormancer's reach event card as a shadow.  You will be happy to know that events do not trigger as shadow cards, so all your characters did not take one damage.  I was also a little unclear how Gloin took 3 damage in that round, I thought you defended the beastmaster with the Snowbourn Scout.

You can adjust your scoring with these changes unless I'm missing something.

Comment by JonBen:
Well done! Getting that quest off in Round 2 was awesome!

The King spider has more attack (3) than the Forest Spider (2). This results in Gloin taking 1 more damage and 1 more resource in Round 1, I don't think that resource is ever critically needed.
EDIT: Oppsies! I forgot that the Forest Spider would have the +1 attack the round it engages, even if Son of Arnor does the engaging. So the damage you assigned Gloin was appropriate in Round 1.
Likewise in Round 2 Aragorn takes one more damage than needed due to the King Spider's attack in Round 2. It think that covers the effects of this mistake.

Necormancer's Reach does not have a shadow effect so all that damage should be undone. Including another resource Gloin shouldn't have (again I don't think it mattered). The Snowbourn scout was defending so it should die not Gloin, which means that you couldn't play Brok Ironfist from your hand. The Beastmaster gets attacked by Aragorn alone suffering only 2 damage.

However I believe you still have enough resources to play Brok in Round 4, even though you have that single illegitimate resource floating around from Round 1. Note that Gloin shouldn't have died so he provides another resource in Round 4, so you can Sneak Attack and play Brok. Also Gloin provides more questing power so you don't even need Brok at that point.

Finally the Dol Guldor Orcs have a When Revealed which was not triggered. But this damage can be given to Gandalf.

By my reckoning this all means that your score without the 'cheatery' should be 30+36+2=68.

EDIT: With the extra damage on Gloin: 30+36+3=69

Of course you 'should' have reduced your threat with Gandalf instead of killing the Beastmaster That would have given you an even better score :) Even moreover, you should have sneaked in the combat of round 3 to lower your threat, then played Gandalf in round 4 to lower threat again. I think this run may have the template of the optimal solution :)

My reply to Tracker 1:
Ha. Figured I'd make at least one serious mistake!

Since I forgot Necromancer's Reach was a shadow (and not revealed from the Encounter Deck), I considered Snowborn Scout destroyed and the attack undefended.

That would have saved Gloin, giving me -9 to my Score. But he had two damage. That would make the corrected score 72 71

As far as gameplay, I would have quested with him and not quested with Son of Arnor (really debated committing Son of Arnor, due to a possible enemy and very unlikely, but possible, chance of 4 threat in the staging area). Giving a total of two extra questing points (due to Farimir's effect)

 As JonBen pointed out, Aragorn should have had 1 less damage (due to my King Spider vs. Forest Spider mistake), lowering my total score by 1

My reply to JonBen: 

Yep, my Gandalf decisions were heavy on my heart! I made my goal to get out of there as fast as possible and keep everything (staging area and engaged enemies) as clear as possible. Now that I know how that final revealed encounter turned out, I may have done things differently, but I also would have lost the 5 willpower Gandalf + Fairmir gave me, likely not making it out in Round 4

Edit: I see what you mean, now! That definitely could have bought me 5 more points. And, if I was feeling really risky (which I wasn't) I could have pulled off 10 extra points that way: sneak during the Combat Phase of round 3 to reduce threat and block the Beastmaster, then play and reduce threat during Round 4. A choice I would not have made not knowing what the Encounter Deck was going to give me