Source: https://es.scribd.com/document/315933996/METW-Rules-v2-5
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 12:34:27+00:00

Document:
METW Unlimited Edition Rules, v. 2.
provided in the Optional Rules.
definitions of commonly used terms.
details the more complex rules and situations that may arise during play.
The Standard Rules – These rules assume you have already played several games using the Starter Rules.
all of the Standard Rules.
agree on which optional rules are to be used.
and a key to the cards.
for the Full Player Turn Summary.
addition, untap (see page 8) all of your other tapped non-site cards.
may plan its movement by playing a new site card face down on its present site card.
each player discards or draws so that he has eight cards in his hand.
resource card that is “playable” at that site. A character in the company must tap to make this attempt.
If the card is successfully played, tap the site.
worry too much about which site to use, just pick one that has the resource type you want to play.
your primary resource acquisition strategy).
dominant focus of the game.
creatures do not remain in play, etc.).
may only play hazard cards during his opponent’s movement/hazard phase.
when they may be played.
Action: The various activities that you and your opponent can perform during play are called actions.
Typical actions include playing a card, tapping a card, revealing a card, etc.
Peoples (e.g., Tom Bombadil, Treebeard, etc.).
prowess, body, mind, marshalling points, special abilities.
Automatic-attack: An attack that must be faced to enter and explore a site.
Body Check: When a character is wounded, he must make a body check to determine if he is eliminated.
Body: A character’s or creature’s body is a measure of how difficult it is to physically eliminate him.
Chain of Effects: A series of declared actions made in response to one another is called a chain of effects.
under the influence of your Wizard.
Company: During play, you may organize your characters into groups called companies.
Corruption Card: A hazard card that gives a character corruption points.
effects of various hazards and resources.
Creature: A creature is a hazard card that can be used to directly attack one of your opponent’s companies.
not a creature. Based upon how long it stays in play, there are 3 types of events: short-events, longevents, and permanent-events.
Exhausting a Deck: Your play deck is “exhausted” when you draw its last card.
help the Free Peoples (e.g., Riders of Rohan, Elves of Lindon, etc.).
Follower: A character that is controlled by another character’s direct influence.
Free Council: Marshalling points are tallied and the winner of the game is determined at the Free Council.
General Influence: Each player has 20 points of general influence to use to control his characters.
Hazard Limit: A company’s hazard limit is equal to two or the size of the company, whichever is greater.
phase is equal to its hazard limit.
Healing: This consists of moving a character from a wounded state to a tapped state.
Home Site: A character may be brought into play at his home site or at a Haven.
into play or to disrupt his opponent's control over one of his resources.
Item: An item is a resource that represents an object that can be acquired and used to help the Free Peoples.
The different types of items are: minor, major, greater, gold ring, and special.
company's site or site path.
Location Deck: A player’s site and region cards.
as the Collected Rulings File (CRF).
To tap a card. with each Hobbit character only counting half (round up). Strike: An attack consists of one or more strikes. New Site Card: When a company moves. The winner is the player with the most marshalling points at the end of the game. Each strike targets a character and is resolved by making a roll.. Standard Modification: Most faction cards list some “standard modifications” to the influence check based only upon the race of the character that was tapped to make the influence check. etc. Race: An attribute that helps define a character. Prowess: A measure of a character’s offensive capabilities in combat. During play. When one of your characters is wounded. rotate it 90° so that it is turned sideways – to untap a card. Ranger. information. Resources: Resource cards represent good forces and various advantageous occurrences. Region: The various lands of Middle-earth are represented by regions. and various other actions. and character cards. he may move each of his companies from its current site to another site.. Marshalling Points: During play you receive marshalling points from: control of resources. Warrior. the company is moving).) can be stored if they are at a Haven. Transferring Items: An item is transferred when it is moved from the control of one character to that of another. Man. his card is placed with its top towards you. items. 5 . Making a Roll: Two six-sided dice (2D6) should be used to generate random values during play. hazard. Site of Origin: At the beginning of its movement/hazard phase. destruction of evil forces. The skills are: Diplomat. roll 2D6 and add the two results together. Elf. Dwarf. Size: A company’s size is equal to the number of characters in it. and Wizard. Short-event: A short-event card is discarded immediately after it is played.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Long-event: Long-events last approximately two turns. Such a card is removed from play and placed in its player's marshalling point pile. The races are: Dúnadan. Unique: There can only be one copy of each unique card in play at a time. Permanent-event: The effects of a resource permanent-event last until the card is discarded due to conditions stated on its card.e. Mind: A character's mind determines how many influence points are required to keep this character in play Movement: During a player's turn. This is called “making a roll. Wizard: Each player plays one of the five Wizards sent to Middle-earth to unite and counsel the Free Peoples. Play Deck: Each player has a play deck that consists of his resource. Storing Cards: Certain cards (e. rotate it back 90° to its normal position. each of your cards is placed so that its bottom is towards its player. The effects of some shortevents last for a specific period as stated on their cards. one of yours and one of your opponent’s. Wounded: A wounded character is damaged but not eliminated. Hobbit. 2. Site Path: The site path of a site is the sequence of regions between the site and its nearest Haven as listed on the site’s card. Scout. v. Site: Sites represent places that characters can visit in Middle-earth. each player draws cards from his play deck.” To make a roll. Sage. Tapping/Untapping a Card: Normally. Skill: An attribute that helps define a character. You may play resource cards only during your own turn. a moving company’s current site card becomes its site of origin – the company is considered to be en route to its new site card (i. During play certain cards must be “tapped” when they are used – this is a record keeping mechanism to keep track of card usage. it leaves its current site card and travels to its new site card.g. Each player can only have one copy of each unique card in his play deck and starting cards combined. A company’s site path is the sequence of regions between its site of origin and its new site. during play.METW Unlimited Edition Rules.
The council starts at the end of your opponent's next turn (i. this requirement of 20 marshalling points should be lowered to 18. through combat or corruption) – your opponent wins. The winner of the game is the player that has gathered the most marshalling points from: • Control of resources: characters. read the Starter Rules sections that are not boxed. • You may choose to call the council at the end of your turn if you have accumulated at least 20 marshalling points. This is called “making a roll. you may choose to call the council at the end of any of your turns.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano · PART I · THE STARTER RULES To get a general idea of how to play. and factions. your opponent gets one last turn). 2. The player who took the last turn makes corruption checks for his characters first. each character must make a corruption check. That character and any non-follower cards he controls are not available at the Free Council – thus. The council starts at the end of your opponent's next turn (i. Clarification: Characters do not automatically untap when the Free Council is called. THE FREE COUNCIL Just before the Free Council. they do not count towards the marshalling point totals.” To make a roll. 6 . your opponent gets one last turn). allies. Each card in a play deck has a number on the right side just below the center. Hazard cards may not be played.. This council is called when one of the following occurs: • When each play deck has been exhausted once.e. the council starts at the end of the current turn. If both Wizards fail their corruption checks. At the Free Council. items. After all characters have made their corruption checks. A character may only untap during his own untap phase. v. no one wins – both players lose (if you have to.. Random Values Two six-sided dice (2D6) should be used to generate random values during play. 3) Otherwise. You can use this number as the random value. the winner is decided at the Free Council.e. A player may play resource cards that can affect his characters’ corruption checks made prior to the Free Council.e. Note: If one or both players only has access to a starter deck (76 cards). Later you can refer to the boxed sections for more information on special situations. the leaders of the Free Peoples decide which Wizard's advice is best to follow. roll dice and the high roller is the winner).. then discard the card.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. Do not use this method if dice are available! 1 · THE VICTORY CONDITIONS The game ends when one of the following occurs during play: 1) If your Wizard is “eliminated” (i. Clarification: A character that fails his corruption check prior to the Free Council is no longer in play. 2) If you move The One Ring to Mount Doom and play certain cards – The One Ring is destroyed and you win. roll 2D6 and add the two results together. This is based upon a comparison of the resources each of the Wizards has marshaled. the game ends if one Wizard has failed his corruption check (the other player wins). a random value can be generated by drawing a card from your play deck. • After you have exhausted your play deck for the first time. Note: If dice are not available.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Théoden (controls): . v. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Jason Controls: CPs MPs Radagast (controls): . . . . . . 2 Great Shield of Rohan (item) . . . . . . the game ends immediately and Jason wins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . the game ends in a tie – both players win (if you have to. . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Celeborn . . Carrying out the instructions on resource cards. . . . . . . . . . Jason brings Éomer into play for one more MP. . .0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason loses 6 of his MPs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total CPs: 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total CPs: 2 . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . any character with 2 or more CPs could fail his corruption check (see page 21). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Elladan . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica loses 2 of her MPs. . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Each player has one company in Lórien: Jessica Controls: CPs MPs Men of Lebennin (faction) . In this example. . 0 Dagger of Westernesse (item) . . . . 2 Dreams of Lore (information) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Elfstone (item) . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . roll dice and the high roller is the winner). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note: You may find it useful to use pencil and paper or extra dice to keep a running total of marshalling points. . . . . . . . . . If Legolas fails his corruption check. . . 0 Beorn (controls): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Total CPs: 1 . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason gets one final turn before the council starts. . . . . . . . . . . . If Pallando fails his corruption check. . . . . . . . By avoiding negative points which accrue when certain characters that you control are eliminated (e. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pallando (controls): . . . . . . . character cards (including Wizard cards). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Faramir (controls): . . . 1 Healing Herbs (item) . . . 2 Since Jessica called the council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . 7 . . . . . .0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 • • • • Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Destruction of creatures and/or evil forces. . . . . . . . . . . . Frodo. . . . . . . . . . . Example: (CPs = Corruption Points. . . . . 0 Healing Herbs (item) . he successfully plays the Men of Northern Rhovanion faction for two more MPs. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 · THE CARDS AND DECKS There are five types of cards: site cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . Total CPs: 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 2. .METW Unlimited Edition Rules. . . . and region cards (this last type is not used with the Starter Rules). . . MPs = Marshalling Points) Our two players Jessica and Jason have been playing for awhile and Jessica exhausts her play deck during her turn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Dagger of Westernesse (item) . 2 Gwaihir (ally) . . . . . . . Total CPs: 0 . . . . . . . . she decides to call the Free Council. . . . . . . . . . . . and Bilbo). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sword of Gondolin (item) . . . . . .Total CPs: 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Galadriel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . Elrond. . and then moves his company to Lake-town. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Gildor Inglorion (controls): . . . . . Total CPs: 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . 2 Quickbeam (ally) . . . . Clarification: If both players have the same number of marshalling points at the Free Council. . . . . . . . . . . Marshalling points are printed on the top left corner of the cards that award them. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If Faramir fails his corruption check. . . Círdan. . . . . . . hazard cards. . . . . . . Since she has 15 MPs and Jason only has 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aragorn II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total CPs: 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 Sword of Gondolin (item) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . resource cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 Elrohir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 Legolas (controls): . . . 0 Imrahil (controls): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total CPs: 0 . . . After facing the hazards Jessica plays. . . . . . . . . . . Jason now has 17 MPs and will win the game if he does not lose any MPs due to characters failing corruption checks. . . If Théoden fails his corruption check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason loses 2 of his MPs. . . . . .g. . . . . . .
e. Note: Each starter deck has a small pack of cards called a fixed set. Resource cards have a copper metal background on the front. the creature's card is placed in your MP pile. factions.e. When you store certain resource cards (e.. Twilight.e. Note: Because hazard cards are distinct from resource cards. it will be obvious whose cards are whose. a character’s corruption check modification is stated both in the text and the lower right corner of the character’s card. Certain other cards specifically state when they may be played. You shuffle the other cards in your discard pile and they become your new play deck. events. A fixed set is included in each starter deck to make a starter deck playable without any other cards. it is discarded). Resources include: items. location cards) have an unlabeled map of northwestern Middle-earth on the back. Your play deck starts with an equal number of resource cards and hazard cards.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Note: Color diagrams of the various types of cards can be found in the color insert. hazards in your 8 . items. You use hazards to hinder and attack your opponent’s characters in order to prevent them from marshalling resources. Each Wizard card has a differently colored stone background.METW Unlimited Edition Rules.e. You can use resources at certain sites and under certain conditions. You may only play hazard cards during your opponent’s movement/hazard phase. either as a resource or as a hazard (it does not count against the hazard limit).. Clarification: For emphasis. v. and character cards. you gain marshalling points when certain cards are removed from play.. Out-of-play Pile – Your cards that are removed from play after being used are placed in your out-of-play pile. When your play deck is exhausted. a value used during play is often provided both in a card's text and in another place on the same card. i. when one of your companies leaves a tapped site. your nonHaven site cards are sometimes discarded and placed in the discard pile (i. One appears randomly in each starter deck. After being played. When you defeat all of the strikes from a creature. Character cards (non-Wizard) have a blue stone background on the front.). location cards in your discard pile are returned to your location deck. Marshalling Point Pile (MP pile) – In addition to marshalling points from cards in play. hazards cards. At the end of a game. You may only play resource cards during your own turn. Some cards require that your play deck be manipulated and then reshuffled – this does not “exhaust” your play deck. do not randomly draw them). Region cards have a labeled map on the front. and hazard cards have the burning eye on the back. Clarification: The card. Discard Pile – Your discarded cards are placed face down in your discard pile. etc.. The card types can be distinguished as follows: Site cards have a white parchment background on the front. During play. information cards. Hazard cards have a steel gray metal background on the front. etc. For example. they are placed in your MP pile. The top facing card of all fixed sets is Gates of Morning. You randomly draw cards from this deck during play.. Site and region cards (i. you may not play your hazards on your side of the playing surface. is an exception to this rule – it can be played at any time. There are 5 fixed sets in all. Clarification: Your play deck is “exhausted” when you draw its last card. resource. You may examine and select cards from your location deck as required by play (i.g. your cards are organized into 2 decks and 3 piles: Location Deck – This deck consists of your site cards. allies. Character. 2. Play Deck – This deck consists of your resource cards.
its card is placed in the defender’s marshalling point pile. If such a creature is unique. to play a card requiring that he tap. Palantír’. This restriction applies to all cards in play. Edhellond. Rivendell.e. During play certain cards must be “tapped” when they are used – this is a record keeping mechanism to keep track of card usage. both yours and your opponent’s. to bring The One Ring into play requires: traveling to a site to play one of the Gold Ring cards. In addition. a tapped (or wounded) character can move normally. the text of a “spell” card starts with ‘spell’.e. TAPPING AND CARD POSITIONS Normally. rotate it back 90° to its normal position. Clarification: A tapped (or wounded) character can perform any action that does not require the character to tap. The One Ring card. etc. For example. rotated 180° from an untapped position). the card is discarded unless the card specifically states otherwise. To tap a card. UNIQUE & “MAY NOT BE DUPLICATED” CARDS If a card states that it is “unique” or that it “may not be duplicated. it may not be brought back into play by either player. to influence a faction. etc. Note: You may freely examine the contents of your discard pile. If a creature is defeated. A tapped (or wounded) character may not tap to acquire an item.e. The first card played takes precedence (influence checks may change this). his card is placed in the out-of-play pile – that character may not be brought back into play by either player. You may include any number of Haven cards. 9 . Grey Havens.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano area must belong to your opponent. Clarification: If a character is eliminated due to combat or due to failing a corruption check by 2 or more. some sort of “Test” card or ability. The contents of your out-of-play and marshalling point piles may be freely examined by you and your opponent. your opponent may not. Non-targeted long-events and permanent-events can be played in this neutral zone. the Wizard's Test card and the Scroll of Isildur card will dramatically improve the chances of successfully getting The One Ring into play. When a card is removed from play in all other cases. and Lórien). For example. This deck should contain all of your Haven cards (i. during play. each of your cards is placed on the playing surface so that its top is towards your opponent and its bottom is towards you. Nazgûl’. 2. v. All restrictions to tapped characters also apply to wounded characters. his card is placed with its top towards you (i. When one of your characters is wounded. rotate it 90° so that it is turned sideways-to untap a card.” only one such card (or its effects) may be in play at a time. Only one of each “unique” card may be included in your play deck and starting cards combined.. the text of a “Nazgûl” card starts with ‘Unique.. As an exception. Items and characters tap independently. 3 · GETTING READY TO PLAY Follow these steps to get ready to play: 1) Place your site cards in your location deck. For example. the text of a “Palantír” starts with ‘Unique. i. We suggest adopting a neutral zone between each player's side of the playing surface.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. CARD COMBINATIONS Often combinations of several cards and other actions are required to achieve a desired result.. he can transfer items. and a high die roll. he can fight with a penalty (if the attacker chooses him as the target of a strike). but only one of each non-Haven site card. two of the same Wizard may be included in your play deck (to give you a better chance of drawing one early). Clarification: Several types of cards are referred to by the key word included in the first few words of a card’s text.
Clarification: If one of your companies doesn’t move. 4 · THE PLAYER TURN Play consists of a series of “Player Turns.g. 7) Each player makes a roll. two items total. your opponent can play still play allowable hazards on that company (hazard limit still applies). However. neither player draws cards based on that company’s movement. each player can discard one card and then discard or draw to 8 cards. Only one of each “unique” card may be included. Shuffle your play deck. the company does not face the automatic-attack. In addition. 4) You may assign up to two non-unique minor items to your starting characters (i. then bring a character into play. just use all of the cards you have). and the player with the highest result goes first (reroll if tied). Clarification: The initial 1-5 characters and two minor items do count toward the “one-unique” and “threeothers” limits on the play deck. 2.METW Unlimited Edition Rules.. However.e. Clarification: Each player draws cards when each company moves and then discards or draws to 8 cards after the company has completed movement. v. and then store a second item).. place a Rivendell site card next to them). Only one of each character card may be included. 1) Untap Phase 2) Organization Phase 3) Long-event Phase 4) Movement/Hazard Phase 5) Site Phase 6) End-of-Turn Phase A Brief Player Turn Summary is presented on pages 2-3. Clarification: None of your starting characters may be considered to be followers for the purposes of determining their combined mind attributes – your initial characters have to have combined mind attributes of 20 or below. you take various actions during the following phases. Then organize your starting characters into followers and companies and place them at Rivendell (i. Clarification: During the site phase. 5) Place up to 10 character cards in your play deck. The combined mind attributes (see page 13) of these characters must be 20 or less. No more than three copies of any one non-unique card may be included. In this case. at the end of each turn. they do not count towards the number of resource and character cards in your starting play deck.e. 6) Draw a hand of eight cards from your play deck. You and your opponent reveal your characters simultaneously. a company may decide not to enter and explore its current site. but it may not take any other actions or play any cards during the site phase.” During your turn. placing any duplicated characters into your play decks. Additionally.. These items must come from cards that you have not already committed to your play deck. A detailed Full Player Turn Summary is presented on pages 41-2.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano 2) Place between 25 and 50 Resource cards and an equal number of Hazard cards in your play deck (if you have fewer than 25 of either available. 3) Place one to five starting characters (no Wizards) face down in front of you. The company remains at the site and it may decide to enter and explore the site on a later turn. your opponent does the same during his turn. not two to each character). place up to two Wizard cards in your play deck (you may place two copies of the same Wizard). Actions of the same type do not have to be taken together (e. you can store an item. 10 . Then. Clarification: The actions that may be taken during your organization phase may be taken in any order.
Companies can only combine at a Haven – just remove all but one of the companies’ Haven site cards. Dwarf. warrior skill is required to use certain weapons). 2. ally. you may bring into play: one character at his home site or at any Haven or your Wizard at his home site or Rivendell. You use your Wizard’s general influence or your other characters’ direct influence on a character to bring that character into play and to keep it in play. and special abilities (e. ally. The resulting company then has one site card consisting of one Haven site card. only one such card may normally be played at a given non-Haven site. etc. This rule is correct and should be considered as though it were printed in the rules insert. it merely needs to resolve the attacks normally (such attacks can be canceled). each time through your play deck. The races are: Elf. defending against attacks.. The company need not defeat the attacks. influencing. mind. you influence and control a number of characters that move and act in the world of Middle-earth.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Clarification: Before a company can attempt to play one item. The maximum number of hazards that can be played on a company during a given movement/hazard phase is equal to its hazard limit. If you have enough general influence or direct influence during a given turn. and diplomat. direct influence. The skills are: warrior. One company can split into two or more companies only at a Haven (use two Haven cards). marshalling points. only a Dwarf can fully utilize a Dwarven Ring). Note: The number of characters you have in play limits the number of actions you may take during a given turn. 11 . However. A company is limited to a size of seven. all of its characters are tapped after facing the automatic-attacks). always return to your location deck..g. So. Race: This is one criterion for using certain resources and for bringing certain items. corruption check modifiers). it must face the site’s automatic-attacks. ally.METW Unlimited Edition Rules.g. Non-Haven sites only untap after being discarded and after your play deck is exhausted. A company’s size is equal to the number of characters in it. whichever is greater. 2 NOTE: This rule does not appear in the rules insert with the starter decks. you may organize your characters into groups called companies.) During play. and other cards representing things a character acquires and controls are placed under his card. the character you brought into play this turn must be returned to your hand. and factions into play (e. with each Hobbit character only counting half (round up). For each controlled character. prowess (offense). and Wizard. sage. if there are any characters you do not have the influence to control at the end of your organization phase. or information resource card that is “playable” at its current site.).. faction. A company’s hazard limit is equal to two or the size of the company. In addition. skills. characters. you may control a character by using another character’s direct influence – a character controlled in this fashion is called a follower and does not use general influence points. you must commit a number of general influence points equal to his mind attribute. faction. A character in play can move and take actions (e. Hobbit. Some characters have more than one skill. Dúnadan. body (defense). whether tapped or not. Man. A company can face a site’s automatic-attacks and still not play an item. Each character’s abilities are defined by these attributes: race. Skills: This is one of the criteria for using certain cards (e.. 5 · CHARACTERS & COMPANIES As a player.g. You may play a character if you do not have enough influence to control them. scout. CHARACTER ATTRIBUTES Each character's abilities are defined by the following attributes (the notation for certain attributes is given in brackets).. or information card is played. If such a company wants to play a card at the site on a later turn.2 Characters are primarily controlled by your pool of 20 general influence points. v. Items. it must face the automatic-attacks again. A character can be eliminated and removed from play as a result of combat (failing a body check) or corruption (failing a corruption check). faction. Haven cards.g. or information resource card (e. ranger. allies.g. Clarification: A site is tapped when one item. (See pages 12-3 for an extended example.
Direct Influence Some characters have a direct influence attribute of one or more. a character’s unused direct influence affects his chances of influencing factions and your opponent’s resources. The follower must remain stacked under the character exerting the direct influence at all times. A follower does not require influence points from your general pool. This value represents the character’s importance to the Free Peoples’ struggle against Sauron. Common special abilities include corruption check modifiers. Gandalf does not require any influence – he’s your Wizard. v. This is a mixture of the ability to avoid an attack and the ability to absorb or deflect an attack (e.e. place the follower under the control of another character in his company with enough available direct influence. Merry (4·1). Body [lower left. blocking). At any one time. 2. Gimli (6·2).). or place the follower under the control of general influence (if enough is available).. If such a character’s direct influence is greater than or equal to another one of your characters’ mind attribute. In addition. etc. during your next organization phase. Éowyn has a prowess bonus against Nazgûl. the second is his direct influence (DI). A follower may not use his direct influence to control characters (i. your unused general influence points help your characters. and Gandalf has a Lesser Ring (+2 to direct influence). Muster Disperses. a follower may not have his own followers). he may take control of that other character. Marshalling Points [ upper left ]: This is the number of marshalling points you receive when you have the character in play.. 9 for Aragorn II. Frodo has a corruption check modifier.e. Call of the Sea.. Frodo has The One Ring (+5 to direct influence). Boromir II (4·1). factions. Your unused general influence points help your characters resist the effects of certain cards (e.. In addition. and Pippin (4·1). This uses all 20 points: 5 for Frodo. In order for you to control and keep these characters in play. However. For example. to left of “/”]: A character’s prowess is a measure of a character’s offensive capabilities in combat.). If a character directly influencing a follower is removed from play. Legolas (6·2). and items resist influence attempts made by your opponent. the total mind attributes of your characters in play (not counting followers) must be less than or equal to 20.. counts for company size. A follower is handled in all other ways as a normal character (e. Prowess [lower left. Faramir has an influence bonus against the Rangers of Ithilien faction. to right of “/”]: A character’s body is a measure of how difficult it is to physically eliminate the character. you must discard the follower.g.g.g. and Gimli. Aragorn II. have as followers). Example: In this example and later examples. Frodo (5·1). These conditions must be met: • The total mind attributes of all of a character’s followers may not exceed his direct influence. you must use all of your 20 points of general influence (GI) and their direct influence (DI). this total is equal to your used general influence points.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. allies. and prowess bonuses. First. and 6 for Gimli. takes normal actions. armor.·10). Sam (4·0). you may move a follower from direct influence to general influence (or vice versa) during your organization phase. Call of Home. who then becomes a follower of the controlling character. Aragorn II has Narsil (+1 to direct influence). Note: In the Standard Rules. Mind [ ]: A character’s mind determines how many influence points (a Wizard’s general influence points or a character’s direct influence points) are required to keep this character in play. Special Abilities: Some characters have special abilities that are detailed on their cards. etc. Gandalf has 12 .5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Direct Influence [ ]: A character’s direct influence determines how many of your characters he may control (i. You use your GI to control Frodo. shield. You have nine characters you want to control: Gandalf (. etc. INFLUENCING (CONTROLLING) A CHARACTER You have a pool of 20 general influence points. The first number is the character’s mind attribute. Aragorn II (9·3). the follower remains in play and does not immediately count against general influence. influence bonuses. the notation “#·#” is used. • A character can take control of another character that is in play only if both characters are at the same site. If you have enough unused general influence points.
5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano 12 DI (his normal 10 plus 2 for the Lesser Ring).·10) Beorn (7·2) Jessica's company size is 6 and she has 10 unused general influence. so he uses it to control Legolas. etc. but each individual character is more vulnerable to danger. a company is limited to a size of seven.·20) Théoden (6·3) Faramir (5·1) Imrahil (6·2) Radagast (.). Clarification: If you do not have enough influence to control all of your characters in play. Normally. However.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. The size of a company is 13 . Merry. COMPANIES A company is a group of characters that move and act together. The company size is 7 because Hobbits only count half. a Wizard counts as a character. so he uses it to control Sam. so he uses it to control Boromir II. you risk less). For these purposes. Aragorn II has 4 DI (his 3 plus 1 for Narsil). Jason's company size is 5 and he has 3 unused general influence. if you have 3 characters in play. Clarification: During the organization phase. but an ally does not. you can move characters from control by general influence to control by direct influence and vice versa so long as your total of mind attributes does not exceed your available influence at the end of the organization phase. Frodo has 6 DI (his 1 plus 5 for The One Ring). but they are safer (i.e. This allows characters to move. the 3 characters can move separately and perhaps do more in terms of acquiring marshalling points (items. 2. v. This mechanism can be used to allow a variety of tactics during play.. and defend as a unit. The resulting company organization is outlined below: General Influence (.·10) Celeborn (6·1) Elrohir (4·0) Jason's General Influence (. allowing stronger characters to protect the weaker characters. the same 3 characters operating as a company might acquire marshalling points more slowly. act. For example. you must discard any excess characters at the end of your next organization phase. Jessica and Jason each have one company organized as follows: Jessica’s General Influence (.·20) Gimli (6·2) Aragorn (9·3+1) Boromir (4·1) Frodo (5·1+5) Legolas (6·2) Gandalf (. but a company at a Haven site may be of any size.·10+2) Sam (4·0) Pippin (4·1) Merry (4·1) Example: In our example from page 7. and Pippin (they become his followers).·20) Elladan (4·0) Legolas (6·2+2) Gildor Inglorion (4·0) Pallando (. other characters.
g. You must have enough general influence or direct influence available to control the character. each company always has a current site card associated with it – the company is located at that site. • You may play a Wizard card if you do not have one in play. the player. Then Jason gets to take his final turn. Jason has Éomer (with a 3 mind attribute) in his hand so he plays him. he also has Théoden with 3 points of unused direct influence and Radagast with 3 points of unused direct influence.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. After being revealed. Remove these cards from your location deck if you are not using the Standard Rules. it also carries with it the danger of losing the game by losing your Wizard to death or corruption. Region cards are not included in starter decks. it remains fixed even if a character leaves the company).. 14 . Such a character moves from a wounded position to a tapped position (i. Similarly. While revealing your Wizard is an advantage. Since his company is at a Haven. BRINGING CHARACTERS INTO PLAY During your organization phase.e. Healing Herbs. You must place a Wizard at his home site or at Rivendell. Théoden. certain cards can heal characters when they are played (e. So Éomer may be placed under the control of general influence. you must play the site card for his arrival site with him. You must place him at his home site or at any Haven site. Halfling Strength. in addition. he may not be brought into play again by either player. Clarification: Playing a character does not tap a site. REVEALING A WIZARD Once you decide to reveal your Wizard. Each character and Wizard is unique. In the second case. if a character has been eliminated.g. Clarification: If character is played at his home site or a Haven site and there is no company there. Jason has 3 points of unused general influence. Jason may play a character card from his hand during his organization phase. HEALING Each of your characters at a Haven may heal during the untap phase of your turn. Example: In our example from page 7. you may not play the character. You need not control a Wizard with influence – he represents you. etc. 6 · MOVEMENT In METW the lands of northwest Middle-earth are represented by regions. you may place him into a company already at his arrival site or he may become a new company (consisting of one character).. The site cards represent places that companies can visit within those regions. 2. Jessica calls the Free Council. but. the character is still tapped).. In addition. your Wizard acts as a character (a very powerful one). v. you must place the arrival site card next to the character played. you may perform one and only one of the following activities: • You may play a character card.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano determined for each company at the beginning of the movement/hazard phase (e. Clarification: The specific region cards are not used with the Starter Rules. you may still use your pool of general influence points. When you play a character.). So if you already have a character in play. or Radagast (Jason’s choice). a Wizard operates as a character and thus may use his direct influence just like any other character. your opponent may not play the same character. Except for a moving company during its movement/hazard phase. If the appropriate site card is not available.
The site path is used to determine which hazard creatures your opponent may play against your moving company. it must give a site path to the site of origin (i. each Haven is adjacent to two other Havens). Then. the company is moving). Clarification: Some cards can interrupt this process by forcing a company to return to its site of origin. otherwise.. Note: By using the site cards and site cards only. its site of origin is removed (discard if tapped. A company does not have to move during a given turn (i. return it to your location deck) and the new site card becomes the company’s current site card. the company can move to one of two adjacent Havens.e.e. At the end of a moving company’s movement/hazard phase (before players return to their hand sizes). a company can move from any site to any other site..5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Note: Site paths do not direct the movement process... it moves from that Haven to the destination site. the new site card must meet one of the following requirements: • If the new site card is not another Haven. if necessary. v. 15 . the company can move back to its nearest Haven). a moving company current site card becomes its site of origin – the company is considered to be en route to its new site card (i. 2. the new site card must be the Haven listed as the nearest Haven on the site of origin card (i. the company can move to any site that has the site of origin as the company’s nearest Haven).. • If the new site card is another Haven. it moves to another Haven. At the beginning of its movement/hazard phase. if necessary.e. it does not play a new site card).METW Unlimited Edition Rules.e. First. Finally. Moving From a Haven Site If the company’s site of origin is a Haven. Sites with Rivendell as nearest Haven Rivendell Sites with Grey Havens as nearest Haven Grey Havens Lórien Sites with Lórien as nearest Haven Edhellond Sites with Edhellond as nearest Haven A company commits to moving by playing a new site card (face down) during its organization phase. it must list the site of origin as its nearest Haven (i. the company moves to the nearest Haven.e. Moving From a Non-Haven Site If the company’s site of origin is a non-Haven site.
. . . . . . . . . . • At the end of its movement/hazard phase. [ ] Dark-domains. . . .” • At the beginning of its movement/hazard phase. .[ ] Shadow-lands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If a company is moving to a haven site. . . your opponent does the same. . . called its current site. . . . . . . . . indicated on the Bree site card. . . . . . . . . . Each non-Haven site card has a site path on it. . . . . . . . . look at the resource cards in your hand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Finally. . . . . . . . . the company takes one turn to move from Lórien to Thranduil’s Halls using the site path. . . . . . . . . However. . Note: Site paths do not direct the movement process. . . but each of those two paths gives the sequence of regions between the Haven and one of the two Havens nearest to it. . . . . . . .[ ] Border-lands . . . . . [ ] Border-holds. . . .” from a Haven site to one of its two “adjacent Havens. • A company wanting to move to a new site plays a new site card face down beside its current site card by the end of its organization phase. . . For example. . [ ] Wilderness. . . . . . . . . indicated on both the Rivendell and Lórien site cards. . . . . Jessica plays the Lórien site card during her organization phase. . . . . . while Thranduil’s Halls nearest Haven is Lórien. . . not by its name. . . your opponent does the same. . . . . . . . . . . . . and she removes the Bree site card at the end of her movement/hazard phase. . . . . . .” or from a Haven site to a non-Haven site that lists that Haven as its ‘Nearest Haven. . . . . . . . and she removes the Lórien site card at the end of her movement/hazard phase. . . . . [ ] Ruins & Lairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [ ] Shadow-holds. . . . . the site of origin is removed and the moving company's new site card becomes the company's current site card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . if you have a major item. each company is always at a specific site. . . . . . each region in the sequence is only indicated by its type. . . . Jessica plays the Thranduil’s Halls site card during her organization phase. . . . . . Jessica just plays the Rivendell site card as her new site card during her organization phase. no cards are drawn. v. . Bree’s nearest Haven is Rivendell. . . . . its current site) and wants to go to Thranduil’s Halls to try and bring the Wood-elves faction into play. . . . . . . and she removes the Rivendell site card at the end of her movement/hazard phase. . . . . .5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Clarification: If a company is not moving. . . . . . . . . . . Then decide to which of your available sites to move. . [ ] Dark-holds. . you may draw up to the # of cards indicated by the site that it is moving to (at least one card must be drawn). . . Each Haven site card has two site paths. . . A company can only move: from a non-Haven site to its “Nearest Haven. . . . go to a site where a major item can be played. . .[ ] Free-holds. . . .. . . . . . . . . it takes one turn to move from Bree to Rivendell using the site path. . . First. .e. Suggestion: To help decide where a company should move. . . . . . . . . [ ] Site Type Symbol Havens. . a moving company’s new site card is revealed and its current site card becomes its site of origin. . . . . . . . . The site path is used to determine which hazard 16 . . . the company may move from Rivendell to Lórien using the site path. . If a company is moving to a non-haven site. Example: Jessica’s company is in Bree (i. . . SITE PATHS There are six types of regions and six types of sites: Region Type Symbol Coastal Seas . . . . . .METW Unlimited Edition Rules. . . . . . . . indicated on the Thranduil’s Halls site card. . . . . . . [ ] Free-domains. . . . . . Clarification: To summarize the movement process: • Except for a moving company during its movement/hazard phase. . . . 2. . . . .[ ] A site path is the sequence of regions between a site and its nearest Haven. During the next turn. . . . you may draw up to the # of cards indicated by the site that it is moving from (at least one card must be draw). . . . . . . . .
etc. the symbol for Border-land is . Anduin Vales (Border-lands). • When a company at a site with an automatic-attack decides to attempt to play a resource card for that site (i. High Pass. and Lórien). Bree...g. Grey Havens. During that movement/hazard phase. Jason can play hazard creatures keyed to wilderness ( ). Barad-dûr. During the next turn. Free-domains [ ]: Very safe. Border-lands [ ]: Less civilized regions on the border of the wilderness or shadow territory (e. The regions between these two sites are Wold & Foothills (Wilderness). Site Types Havens [ ]: Very safe sites of rest and healing (e. the company uses the site path from Rivendell to Lórien: . Lindon.). Mount Gram.g.g. border-lands ( ). Minas Tirith. 2.). Belfalas.). civilized regions (e. decides to attempt to enter and explore the site). (e.. On non-Haven site cards. Lamedon. Example: The Lonely Mountain site’s nearest Haven is the Lórien site.g. the company takes one turn to move from Lórien to Thranduil's Halls using the site path. Dark-holds [ ]: Very dangerous sites with heavy concentrations of Shadow-forces (Dol Guldur. Dagorlad. the site path is provided on the top left border.g. Ruins & Lairs [ ]: Deserted sites often inhabited by dangerous creatures (e.).g. The symbol for Wilderness is . the first site path used was from Bree to Rivendell: .e. Gorgoroth. Dark-domains [ ]: Regions with a heavy concentration of Shadow-forces (Southern Mirkwood. etc. traitors. Region Types Coastal Seas [ ]: Regions consisting primarily of open water. Barrow-downs. etc. Woodland Realm (Border-land). Clarification: A “company’s site path” during its movement /hazard phase is the site path between its site of origin and its new site. Shadow-holds [ ]: Relatively deserted sites often inhabited by dangerous creatures and Shadow-forces (e. but still dangerous due to bandits. 7 · COMBAT Combat normally occurs when one of three things happen: • When a creature hazard is played on a company. Edoras.). traitors. assassins.). Free-holds [ ]: Sites of safety. Anórien. v. uncivilized regions that cover most of NW Middle-earth (e. Wilderness [ ]: Sparsely populated. Finally. etc.. double wilderness ( ).5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano creatures your opponent may play against your moving company. .g. The Shire. During that movement/hazard phase.g. Shadow-lands [ ]: Regions with some active Shadow-forces and settlements (Imlad Morgul.. Jason (Jessica’s opponent) can play hazard creatures keyed to wilderness ( ). the Lonely Mountain.. Lake-town. Jason can play hazard creatures keyed to wilderness ( ). Example: In the Example of movement from Bree to Thranduil’s Halls on page 16.). Goblin-gate.).).. the site path to each of the two adjacent Havens is provided in the card text. Rohan. (e. Edhellond. and free-holds (the new site). Rivendell.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. etc. etc. On Haven cards. border-lands ( ).. etc. double wilderness ( ). and Northern Rhovanion (Wilderness).. etc.). and Havens (the new site). Border-holds [ ]: Sites of relative safety. Enedhwaith. etc. but still dangerous due to assassins. etc. 17 . So the site path between Lórien and the Lonely Mountain is: . Rhudaur. etc. etc. and Havens (the new site).
. . . . . . . . . . . . Clarification: If the text on a creature card states that the “attacker chooses defending characters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See the Strike Sequence below. . . Only those strikes that are assigned need be defeated for the creature’s marshalling points to be received by the defender. . Condition Modification to Target’s Prowess Unwounded. . . . . . Clarification: All of an attack’s strikes must be assigned to the characters in the defending company or as modifications to the strikes assigned. . varies Clarification: The prowess modifications marked with an * above are applied for a given attack and then are removed immediately after the attack is resolved. . . . . . . . . The attacker may not choose to not apply strikes. . . . ATTACKS & STRIKES Combat consists of one or more attacks that must be resolved one at a time. . . That is they do not carry over from attack to attack. . . . . . . . Any strike in excess of the number of characters in the company becomes a -1 modification to prowess of one character taking a strike (the attacker chooses). . . . . . . . . . . . . -2 Untapped character decides not to tap * . . . . . . . . . . Clarification: Against a given attack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a character that is the target of a strike may choose to take a -3 modification to his prowess to avoid being tapped. . . . . . . the attacker chooses which other defending characters not yet assigned a strike will be the target of any remaining unassigned strikes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Only one resource card requiring skill may be played against a given strike. the attacker may allocate the excess strikes as -1 modifications to the prowesses of whichever target(s) he chooses. . . . . . . . Then. tapped character must modify his prowess by -1. . . . . . • Each character can be the target of only one strike from a given attack. . . . . . . . . . . each extra strike) * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . An attack consists of one or more strikes: • Each strike can target one and only one character in the attacked company. v. . . . . . . . . . . • The target’s prowess may also be modified due to the play of certain resource and hazard cards. . . . . . the attacker may allocate the excess strikes as -1 modifications (i. . . If so. . . . . . -3 For each unused strike allocated (i. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Resolving Strikes 18 . . . . See the Strike Sequence below. . . . . .. . . . . However. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -1 Up to one resource card that requires skill . . . . . . . . . . . . Unless the attack states otherwise. . .e. . . . . . . -1 Wounded character * . . the character is not tapped after the strike is resolved (he may still be wounded). . . . . . . .METW Unlimited Edition Rules. . . . . . . . . . . a -1 modification for each unallocated strike) to the prowess(es) of whichever target(s) he chooses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2. . . • If an attack has more strikes than the company has characters.” any characters in the defending company may be chosen (by the attacker) as the targets of the attack’s strikes. . . the defender chooses which untapped characters will be the targets of given strikes. . . • If an attack has more strikes than the company has characters. . . • Normally a character that is the target of a strike is tapped after the strike is resolved. . . . varies Other resource cards . varies Hazard cards . • Each wounded character must modify his prowess by -2. . . . . . . . . . . . Strike Modifications There are a number of standard modifications to strikes: • Each unwounded. . . . . .e. . . . a character may only defend against one strike. . . . .5 • Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano When any other card indicates that a company must face an attack. tapped character * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
the character is wounded and must make a body check. the roll is modified by +1. To resolve a strike. assigned to) a company are defeated. Body Checks If a strike against a character is successful. a body check must be resolved for the character before anything else happens. As presented above. To make such a body check. Defeating an Attack An attack by a hazard creature is defeated if all of its strikes directed against (i. the strike is ineffectual. the attack is not defeated. that strike is defeated. the attack is not defeated. However. if the character is eliminated. if this value is greater than the character’s body attribute.. his prowess plus the roll is less than the Huorn’s prowess of 10).. the strike is defeated.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. his prowess plus the roll will be greater than the Huorn’s prowess of 10). If the resulting roll is greater than 8. the card is placed in the defender’s marshalling point pile. the resulting body check modification is always +1 (regardless of how many times a character is wounded). Healing Herbs may not be used to heal such a character until after the body check is resolved (of course. • Otherwise. Clarification: If a character was already wounded before a strike wounds him again. 2. the character is eliminated.. his prowess plus the roll is equal to the Huorn’s prowess of 10). the character was defeated). the strike fails and the Huorn attack is defeated (it only has one strike and its body attribute is “-”). If one of his strikes against a character fails. the strike was successful (i. If Faramir rolls a 5 (i.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Strikes are resolved one at a time as decided by the defending player. the strike was ineffectual (i. The defender receives marshalling points for eliminating it. If the character was already wounded before this strike. Clarification: If a strike against a character is successful. When you choose a strike to resolve. in which case his prowess would only be 2 (his normal prowess of 5. To make a body check.e. If Faramir rolls a 6 or better (i. For example. the Healing Herbs may not be used on him at all). if this value is greater than the strike’s body attribute.e.e. If a defeated attack is a hazard creature.e. Such a strike is defeated if its body attribute is “-” or if it has a body attribute and fails a body check.. Example: Smaug has a prowess of 17 and a body of 8. a strike that fails is defeated if its body attribute is “-” or if it has a body attribute and fails a body check. If a hazard creature has multiple attacks. a “tie” means that the strike is avoided but not defeated). the strike was successful. Faramir is eliminated and removed from play. • If this result is equal to the strike’s prowess. The target character is wounded and must make a body check. the strike fails. v..” Faramir could decide not to tap against the strike. If one of the strikes was canceled or ineffectual. If the attack is canceled. the defender makes a roll (2D6) and adds his modified prowess: • If this result is greater than the strike’s prowess.e. Faramir decides to tap to face the strike. the defender makes a body check. If Faramir rolls a 4 or less (i. However. minus 3 for not tapping) against this strike. determine all of the factors affecting the strike before the roll is made (see “The Strike Sequence” below).e. He normally has two strikes when he attacks.. each must be defeated in order for the defender to receive the marshalling points. the defender makes a roll (2D6). The attacker makes a die roll – if the result is 9 or more. A canceled attack has no effect on the defending company. the attacker makes a roll (2D6). Example: Faramir is untapped with a prowess of 5 and a body of 8. He is facing a strike from a Huorn (only has one strike) with a prowess of 10 and a body of “-. 19 . Faramir is wounded and must make a body check. both of Smaug’s strikes must be defeated in order for him to be eliminated – this would require at least two body check rolls greater than 8.
All of the factors affecting the strike must be decided before making the roll (2D6). 4) The defending player may play resource cards that affect the strike (up to one card that requires skill). Orc-warband is discarded. meaning the hazard limit is 5. Clarification: The prowess modification and maximum for a weapon is applied to a character before any other modifications. Your opponent sees that one character. defeating his strike handily. Bilbo. Your opponent next plays Orc-warband (second hazard) and states it is keyed to the border-land. For example. the opponent will be able to choose from all 5 20 . He has a special +1 prowess bonus versus Orcs. the company is still considered to have faced them. Bofur chooses to face his strike next. Note: The “strike sequence” is the time from when a player declares that one of his characters will resolve a strike until the strike die roll is made and any associated body checks are made. The result is a 5. and defeats it by rolling a 3. Balin (4/7) and his follower Bofur (4/7) (with Healing Herbs). and he chooses not to tap (3 to his prowess).g. is untapped. (After all.5 characters in the company which rounds up to 5. I’'s a (4/-) hazard creature with 5 strikes that receives +3 to prowess against a company that has faced an Orc attack. Beretar (5/8). He plays Giant (13/-) (a fourth hazard) and reasons that Bofur will have to take its one vicious strike. Strikes are resolved one at a time as decided by the defending player (i. Crebain. The strike is ineffectual. Your opponent plays Orc-raiders. Similarly. It's a 7 – Bilbo lives! Beregond faces the next strike. so Bilbo is wounded. His opponent plays Weariness of the Heart (third hazard) on Bilbo to give -1 to his prowess. Balin taps. and rolls a 7 to defeat it. taps. a scout. Orc-raiders is discarded. etc.. taps and plays Concealment to cancel the attack. He keys this hazard creature to the border-land of your company’s site path because he is mindful of Beregond’s Elven Cloak (a minor item that cancels a strike keyed to wilderness).. v. Address these factors in the following order: 1) The attacker may play hazard cards that affect the strike (these count toward the hazard limit against this company).e. he chooses the next strike to resolve. Clarification: Certain attacks state that each character in the company “faces one strike” or “is attacked” (e. No other effects are played to affect the strike and Bilbo rolls the dice. the body modification and maximum for a shield or armor is applied before any other modifications. Bilbo's prowess of -1 plus the dice roll is less than the prowess of the Orc-warband’s strike against Bilbo.e. the strike is resolved. strikes in excess of the company’s size).). the strike is resolved. Your opponent rolls the body check. That's 1 hazard down and potentially 4 to go. he chooses a strike to resolve.. and Beregond (4/8) (with an Elven Cloak). Bilbo elects to face his strike first. Watcher in the Water. so each character will face one strike (no decisions on strike allocation can be made). This modification to his prowess is in addition to the -1 Bilbo suffers for being tapped. Facing the next strike. Bofur.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. namely Bofur.). He rolls a 5 which ties the prowess of the Orc-warband strike. They are en route from Rivendell to Lórien. Beorn has a base prowess of 7 and a Sword of Gondolin (+2 prowess to a maximum of 8) – he starts with a prowess of 8 before any other modifications are applied. Such an attack is never affected by a card or effect that modifies the number of strikes of an attack. if you give up the option of assigning the one strike to your untapped character.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano The Strike Sequence You and your opponent must play any cards that modify the number of strikes before you assign the strikes. so the Orc-warband will be (7/-). 3) A target untapped character may take a -3 modification so that he will not automatically tap. There are 5 strikes and 5 characters. 2. Even though Bilbo canceled the Orc-raiders. Beretar resolves the final strike. 2) The attacker may decide to use any or all of his remaining (if any) -1 modifications due to unallocated strikes (i. Beregond taps and rolls a 10. Example of Combat [(#/#) means (prowess/body)] You control Bilbo (1/9). There are 4. etc.
In this case.g. The Character is Discarded – If the modified result is equal to the character’s corruption point total or one less than the character’s corruption point total. nothing happens.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano characters which will take the strike). the character fails the corruption check and you must discard the character along with any non-follower cards he controls. you immediately lose the game. This rule is correct and should be considered as though it were printed in the rules insert. if you exhaust your play deck and draw that character) or by your opponent (e. Clarification: A character eliminated due to a corruption check is removed from play. you must make a roll (2D6) and add any appropriate modifications. In this case.e. he went “native”). 2. Alatar and Pallando succumbed to unknown corruption and disappeared into the East. They run the risk of becoming corrupted and leaving the cause of the Free Peoples (i. Only one corruption card (a hazard card that gives corruption points) may be played on a given character each turn. Most cards that affect a character’s corruption are kept under the character’s card until they are discarded. if the character is a Wizard.g. In this case.” So. In The Lord of the Rings. Bofur taps and uses his Healing Herbs to untap Beregond. Corruption cards must always start a chain of effects. so Beregond taps his Elven Cloak to cancel its single strike.. The opponent announces he will play no more hazards and the company breathes a sigh of relief. you immediately lose the game. the character is permanently lost to the Free 3 NOTE: This rule does not appear in the rules insert with the starter decks. but only one may be played on him each turn. Certain corruption cards state: “Cannot be duplicated on a given character.e. Cards that force a corruption check but do not give corruption points (e. a corrupted character leaves play.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. CORRUPTION CHECKS When a card or other effect indicates that one of your characters must make a corruption check. remove him from play) and you must discard any non-follower cards he controls... In this case. Your opponent does not see what Bofur sees. He may not be played again by either you or by your opponent.g. a corrupted Wizard loses the game). He may be played again either by you (e.) are not “corruption cards.. Radagast was corrupted by the lure of nature. Before assigning the strike. the character stops working for the cause of the Free Peoples (at least for a while) – much as Radagast was corrupted by the physical nature of Middle-earth (i. a Haven. 8 · CORRUPTION As characters adventure in Middle-earth. Saruman was corrupted by power. This starts at zero. 21 .g. Each character has a corruption point total. if he has that character in his hand). but certain cards and activities will increase and decrease this total during play. CORRUPTION POINTS A character’s corruption point total can be determined at any time by summing the corruption point values of: the corruption cards under his card and any other cards he controls (e..’ A character may have more than one corruption card. if the character is a Wizard. who then announces he is taking the strike. The Character is Eliminated – If the modified result is less than character’s corruption point total by two or more.3 Clarification: For these purposes. Clarification: A character discarded due to a corruption check is not removed from play. Ren the Unclean. usually items). The Giant is keyed solely to double wilderness. the character fails the corruption check and is eliminated (i. they are subject to temptations... a given character may only have one of each such corruption card. The Giant is discarded. a “corruption card” is a hazard card that gives a character corruption points. Weariness of the Heart.e. One of the following results: Nothing Happens – If the modified result is greater than the character’s corruption point total. v. etc. Bilbo will be able to heal at the start of the next turn since his company will be in Lórien.
lets take a look at Frodo at several points during the action in The Lord of the Rings between the Shire and Lórien. Frodo is wounded by a Morgul-knife (4 CPs) – his CP total is now 11. dropping his CP total back to 7. he will be discarded on a roll of 2 or 3. Your characters and Wizard have direct influence. So Frodo leaves Rivendell with a CP total of 9 and corruption check modifiers totaling +6 (+4 normal +2 for Fellowship). the modified roll is 6 (2 + 4 for his special ability) and Frodo is discarded. In addition. Example: (CP = Corruption Points) Using the Middle-earth: The Wizards terms. if forced to make a corruption check (without other modifications). as noted on many character cards). he is discarded on a roll of 4 or 5 and is eliminated on a roll of 2 or 3. Both values appear in the lower right of certain cards. so any character has unused direct influence of at least zero.g. do not count your followers). he is then affected by Lure of the Senses (a hazard card giving 2 CPs and requiring a corruption check each untap phase at a Haven). When Frodo. v. So Frodo's CP total is 9 (6+1+2). He would be discarded if he makes a corruption check roll of 2 or 3 (if there are no other modifications). Sam. and Pippin flee the Shire. If forced to make a corruption check. Frodo gets rid of the Lure of the Senses (by rolling greater than 6) and he transfers his Dagger of Westernesse. Frodo only has one item: The One Ring (it gives Frodo 6 corruption points). Next. Modifications to corruption checks are printed in the lower right of the appropriate card. Bilbo gives him: Sting (1 CP) and The Mithril-coat (2 CPs). A character’s unused direct influence is equal to his direct influence attribute minus the sum of the mind attributes of his followers. Merry. So during his next untap phase.METW Unlimited Edition Rules.. 9 · INFLUENCE You have a pool of general influence. and certain cards may give modifications to a corruption check. 2. When Tom Bombadil rescues Frodo and company in the Barrow Downs. he reaches Rivendell and the Morgul-knife card is removed. Finally. Your unused general influence is equal to 20 minus the sum of the mind attributes of your nonfollower characters in play (i. Frodo receives a Dagger of Westernesse (1 CP). Thus. he must make a corruption check with a CP total of 9 – he is discarded on a roll of 4 or 5 and is eliminated on a roll of 2 or 3. On the way to Rivendell. 22 . A plus or a minus sign indicates a modification to any corruption checks rather than corruption points.e. Any other roll would have no effect on Frodo. All characters have a direct influence attribute of at least zero. Suppose Frodo has to make a corruption check (roll 2D6) in this situation: if a 2 is rolled. he is discarded on a roll of 6 or 7 and he is eliminated on a roll of 5 or less. CORRUPTION CHECK MODIFIERS Certain characters receive modifications to corruption checks. Clarification: There are two different values that affect corruption checks: • Corruption check modifications always have either a plus (+) sign or a minus (-) sign (e. The sum of all such applicable modifications is added to the corruption check roll. Fortunately..5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Peoples – much as Saruman was corrupted in The Lord of the Rings. The sum of all such values is the character’s corruption point total for the purposes of a corruption check. So Frodo’s CP total becomes 7. These two forms of influence can control and affect characters (see pages 11-13) and factions. the Fellowship of the Ring is formed (see the company in the example on pages 12-3) – we will assume that two Fellowship cards (+1 to prowess and corruption checks for all characters in the company) are played initially. Frodo has a special ability: he has a corruption check modifier of +4 (as provided in the bottom right corner of his card). However. If forced to make a corruption check. • Corruption point values never have a plus or minus sign.
you must tap one of your characters that is at the site indicated on the faction’s card. a card is playable only if its effect applies to an existing situation. Then you must make an influence check. This roll is modified by: • Imrahil's unused direct influence: +2.. you may play resource cards anytime during your own turn unless specifically prohibited by the rules or the cards themselves.). If a company moves to a non-Haven site.e. it is not controlled by any specific character and it does not count against general or direct influence. Arouse Minions. v.. attack. Otherwise.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Note: In the Standard Game. Such a hazard may be played even if the attack ultimately will not be faced (i. hazard. If the company moves to a 23 . and you would have had to discard the faction card. If the modified result is greater than the value required on the faction card.e. the Knights of Dol Amroth are successfully brought into play. i. An ally does not count against its controlling character's direct influence or your general influence.e. add your character’s unused direct influence. if the company decides not to face the automatic-attack during the site phase). • A standard modification of +1. and the result is 5. So the modified result is 10 (=5+2+2+1). you have the Knights of Dol Amroth in your hand and a company at Dol Amroth – the company contains Imrahil. BRINGING A FACTION INTO PLAY In order to play a faction card. Every ally is controlled by the character that tapped to bring it into play. etc. Clarification: An automatic-attack at a company's new site may be targeted by a hazard during the company’s movement/hazard phase (e. your opponent does the same. Once a faction is brought into play. you may draw up to the number of cards indicated by the site that it moved to (at least one card must be drawn). during your site phase. followers. etc. During your movement/hazard phase. you discard the faction card. The character must be at the site indicated on the ally’s card. You tap Imrahil to attempt to bring the Knights into play. All modification cards must be played before making the roll (2D6). Make a roll (2D6). Similarly. so his unused direct influence is 2. factions. you place the faction in your play area (it now counts towards your marshalling point total). (i. 2. Since this is greater than 8 (the number required by the faction card). Such a modification only applies if it belongs to the character that was tapped to make the influence check. certain characters have special modifications to influence checks. both players draw cards when each company moves. If you had rolled a 3. and add any appropriate modifications (any applicable standard modifications from the faction card and from any other cards played). You make your influence check roll (2D6). Dragon’s Desolation. because Imrahil is a Dúnadan and a standard modification of +1 is listed on the Knights of Dol Amroth card.. and items (see pages 34-6).g. 10 · PLAYING AND DRAWING CARDS You may only play hazard cards during your opponent’s movement/hazard phase. Playing such a hazard does count against the hazard limit. He has no followers. it must be placed under and remain with that character’s card. Except for resource long-events. Example: Suppose. Clarification: Most faction cards list some “standard modifications” to the influence check based only upon the race of the character that was tapped to make the influence check. you may not play a card just to discard it). allies. your modified result would have been 8 (=3+2+2+1). direct influence can be used to attempt to interfere with your opponent’s control of his characters. • +2 – Imrahil has a special ability: his direct influence is increased by +2 against the Knights of Dol Amroth. Unless stated otherwise.METW Unlimited Edition Rules.. BRINGING AN ALLY INTO PLAY You can automatically bring an ally into play by tapping one of your characters.
v. if such a strike is keyed to border-lands.g. but allies do not.e. the new site) or stayed at (i. if the company did not move). So. Wizards and followers do count as characters.” The effects of certain cards are based upon the region or site type that a creature is keyed to. a deep wilderness creature may be played keyed to the site path: . For example. Clarification: The player that plays a hazard creature must specifically state the type of region or site that a creature is keyed to – it can affect the use of other cards. The region types that a company moves through during a given turn are determined by the following criteria: • If a company did not play a new site card.e. the two symbols need not be adjacent in the site path. the number of hazard cards that you may play on one of your opponent’s companies is that company’s hazard limit. You may play hazard cards only during your opponent’s movement/hazard phase. For example. THE HAZARD LIMIT During your opponent’s movement/hazard phase. Clarification: For the purposes of calculating hazard limits.e.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Haven site.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. Clarification: Two wilderness symbols are required in a site path to play a deep wilderness creature. then the company must have moved through at least two regions of that same type.. the region types are indicated by the new site card’s site path. • At least one of the region symbols on the creature’s card matches one of the region types the company moved through this turn (see below). HAZARD CARDS Hazard cards represent evil forces and natural dangers in Middle-earth. • If the company was at a Haven and has played a new non-Haven site card (but no region cards). you may draw up to the number of cards indicated by the site that you moved from (at least one card must be drawn). If the creature’s card has two region symbols of the same type (i. with each Hobbit counting half (round up). if a character is eliminated during his company’s portion of the movement/hazard phase. However. the chance of encountering very dangerous wilderness monsters has doubled. For this purpose. each company’s size is determined for each company at the beginning of the movement/hazard phase (e. However. if a character with an Elven Cloak faces a strike from a creature that has been played keyed to wilderness. • One of the site symbols on the creature’s card matches the site that the company moved to (i. his company’s hazard limit does not change. a deep wilderness creature). If a creature satisfies more than one of these conditions. Creature Cards You may use a creature card to directly attack one of your opponent’s companies. Such an attack can occur only if: • The company is at a specific site at which the creature’s card text says it can be played. no creature may be played based solely on region conditions. 2. 24 . he cannot use his cloak against it. A hazard limit can be modified by the play of certain cards. it did not move through any regions – so.. If a company travels with two wilderness on its site path. you must choose (when you play the creature) one of these conditions that the attack is “keyed to. Tapping a Nazgûl permanent-event does count against the hazard limit.. • The company’s site of origin or new site is in a region where the creature’s card text says it can be played.. whichever is greater. even if the two wildernesses are not adjacent. A company’s size is equal to the number of characters in it. your opponent does the same. it remains fixed). he can tap the cloak to cancel the strike. The hazard limit is equal to two or the company’s size.
discard all of the items that he controls. the site path on the site that the company left). Standard Game Only: If the company played region cards. Items – If a character is at an untapped site that indicates that a specific type of item card (gold ring.e.e. Ren has two strikes with a prowess of 13 and can be played keyed to shadow-lands. After an item is played at a site.” he may tap to bring an item of that type into play. However. the region types of the site path are indicated by the region cards (i.. A character may only use the effects of one weapon at a time and one shield at a time and one armor at a time. or greater) is “playable. one character wounded by his attack receives 4 corruption points due to the Morgul-knife. If the character successfully influences the faction as indicated on the faction’s card (see page 23). Example: Certain card combinations make a specific card more powerful and allow it to be played more often. ally. In addition. each region card has a region type).. The item card is placed under the character’s card.5 • • Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano If the company was at a Haven site and has played a new Haven site card (but no region cards). faction. Clarification: Playing a faction card.) is successfully 25 . If Ren is played in combination with a Fell Beast card and a Morgul-knife card. one item can be immediately transferred to each unwounded character in his company... only one of each type may be used at any given time. information. Clarification: An item only taps when used if its text states so. shadow-holds.e. After a faction is successfully played at a site. and dark-holds. bear) any item. In addition. Factions – If one of your characters is at the site specified on a faction card.e. item. Minor Items – If a resource card that taps a site (e. If a character is eliminated by corruption. Thus. shadow-holds. If a character is eliminated due to failing a body check. if played in combination with a Fell Beast card.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. minor. it is not associated with any character. he may tap to attempt to play the faction card. A faction plays no active role after it is brought into play. bear) more than one weapon or more than one shield or more than one armor. even if he cannot use its abilities.. the faction card is placed in your play area. This process may vary based upon specific card text. the site path from the old Haven). information card. and dark-holds. the site card is tapped. or item card (unless stated otherwise on the card) requires an untapped character and an untapped site. ally card. the site card is tapped. However. Clarification: A character may control (i. the rest of his items are discarded. the company must face any automatic-attacks located at the same site before such a card can be played. Clarification: Once a faction is brought into play. major. Ren the Unclean (a Nazgûl) has one strike with a prowess of 15 and can only be played keyed to dark-domains and dark-holds.g. he has two strikes with a prowess of 15 and can be played keyed to shadow-lands.e.. but. dark-domains. Clarification: A character may control (i. dark-domains. RESOURCE CARDS Certain resource cards may only be played if specific required conditions exist. the region types are indicated by the new Haven site card’s “Site Path from” the old Haven site (i. weapons and armor do not normally tap when used. 2. the region types are indicated by the site of origin’s site path (i. v. If the company was at a non-Haven site and has played a new Haven site card (but no region cards). etc. Playing another type of resource card does not necessarily require an untapped site.
Its card and effects remain in play until your next long-event phase or until otherwise discarded. So remember. Two other cards are required. EVENTS There are both resource events and hazard events.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano played at a site. The effects of some short-events last for a specific period as stated on its card (e. Clarification: Hazard short-events and permanent-events can be played only during an opponent’s movement/hazard phase. Certain effects can cause a permanent-event to be discarded. +5 prowess. neither player may bring that ally back into play). An ally does not count as a character for any purposes other than combat and the use of certain skills. 3 CPs) from the combination of the two cards. Each event falls into one of three classifications based upon how long it stays in play. v. Short-event – A short-event’s effects are immediately implemented. Similarly. For example.e. Long-events last approximately two turns. Treebeard has the sage skill. Then the event card is discarded. a minor item played when bringing an ally into play would simulate a gift from the ally. After an ally is played at a site.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. However. Then.g. Gollum has the scout skill so he can tap to play a Concealment card. +1 prowess. Clarification: The effects of many long-events and permanent-events affect both players because they can remain in effect during both players’ turns. 26 . one additional character may tap to play a minor item. The ally card is placed under the character's card and that character controls the ally. one of yours and one of your opponent's. Awaken Denizens (a long-event) increases the number of automatic-attack strikes at Ruins & Lairs for one turn for each player.. the site card is tapped. 7 MPs. Its effects last until the card is discarded. Narsil was a mighty sword that was broken when Elendil fell fighting Sauron. a player can attempt to reforge Narsil so that it becomes Andúril. the Reforging card is discarded and the Andúril card is placed with the Narsil card-giving a total of (+2 direct influence. Then. An ally with a skill may take actions and play cards that require that skill. these effects are given in the text of specific cards. You may only play a hazard long-event during your opponent’s movement/hazard phase. it will remain in effect during your next turn. 2. Resource short-events and permanent-events can be played at any time during your turn – as limited by specific card text. Clarification: Allies that are eliminated are placed in the out-of-play pile (i. Permanent-event – The effects of a resource permanent-event are immediately implemented. the Andúril card must be played at an “information site” and stored at a Haven – this represents gaining the knowledge of how to reforge Narsil. when you play a long-event hazard on your opponent during his turn. 3 MPs. Allies can not bear items. many short-event effects last “until the end of the turn”). 2 CPs). Its card and effects remain in play until your opponent's next long-event phase or until otherwise discarded. Narsil can be played and used as a greater item (+1 direct influence. Long-event – The effects of a long-event are immediately implemented when it is played. You may only play a resource long-event during your long-event phase.. so he can tap to play a Dreams of Lore card. For example. the Flame of the West (Aragorn II's weapon in The Lord of the Rings). Allies are not affected by corruption. Allies – A character may tap to play an ally card if he is at the site specified on the ally card and the character meets the requirements indicated on the ally card. A Reforging card must be played at an “information site” and stored at a Haven – this represents gathering the resources required to reforge Narsil. Such a minor item may be played even if the site does not specifically state that a minor item is playable at the site. For example. Example: Certain card combinations are required to bring certain powerful items into play.
the marshalling points for a card that can be stored apply regardless of whether or not the card is stored. etc. tapping a card.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Example: One of Jason’s companies with a hazard limit of six is moving from Rivendell to Lórien. Unless its discard is forced by another card.g. A stored item is placed in your marshalling point pile and still counts for marshalling points. Jessica plays Doors of Night (a permanent-event) during Jason’s movement/hazard phase. The controlling character must make a corruption check before an item can be transferred. more detailed guidelines can be found on pages 36-9. Morgul Night and its effects will remain in play until Jessica’s next long-event phase (approximately two turns). and/or dark-domains. This card will remain in play until it is discarded due to the play of a Gates of Morning.METW Unlimited Edition Rules.e. or another card that targets the Doors of Night. then the second to the last. Clarification: Unless stated otherwise on the card. Some items and resource cards state that they can be stored when at a specific site (e. This changes the site path for Jason’s company from to: .). This causes all resource environment cards in play to be discarded and their effects are canceled. 2. You always have the option of declaring the first action in a chain of effects during your turn. the last declared action is resolved first.. the character does not untap until the untap phase of his player's next turn. and vice versa. you may transfer items between characters at the same site. but its effects will remain until the end of the turn (unless canceled before that). the item is discarded and the character is either discarded or eliminated). Once an item is stored it may not be unstored and brought back into play. shadow-lands. Then. The controlling character must make a corruption check before an item can be stored. The One Ring may not be stored. the actions are resolved in the order in which they appear on the card. the Book of Mazarbul can be stored at a Dwarf-hold).e. revealing a card. corruption checks). The following general guidelines apply to resolving actions.. Clarification: A corruption check is required before an item can be stored or transferred.g. Typical actions include playing a card. Jessica then plays Choking Shadows (a short-event). you may store any of your items that are at a Haven site. its site path is . STORING CARDS During your organization phase. A series of declared actions made in response to one another is called a chain of effects. Such an item or resource card is still placed in the marshalling point pile and cannot be brought back into play. • If the play of a card requires other actions (e. She decides to use its option of treating one wilderness [ ] as a shadow-land [ ] until the end of the turn. v. etc. • You must give your opponent a chance to respond to every action. you must “back up” if he indicates that he wants to respond. 27 . TRANSFERRING ITEMS During your organization phase. After storing such a card. Clarification: Certain cards state that a character bearing such a card cannot untap until the card is stored at a certain place. If you perform an action and move on to another action without giving your opponent a chance to respond. Jessica next plays Morgul Night (a long-event) – all wildernesses [ ] to be treated as shadowlands [ ] and all shadow-lands [ ] to be treated as dark-domains [ ]. Choking Shadows is discarded. A character that fails such a corruption check has decided not to follow his Wizard’s advice and influence concerning the item’s use (i. This changes the site path for Jason’s company from to: . Twilight. The actions in a chain of effects are resolved one at a time from last declared to first declared (i.. Jessica can still play three more hazards and she can key them to border-lands.. ACTIONS AND CARD PLAY The various activities that you and your opponent can perform during play are called actions.
v.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. those actions become the first actions (any further rolls come first) in the next chain of effects after the roll. When the effects of a dice roll require further actions (e. a roll for a strike requires a body check). 2. 28 ..g.5 • • Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano A required or declared dice roll is an action and can be the target of another action or effect declared later in the same chain of effects.
. .~ Faction Points. . MARSHALLING POINT MODIFICATIONS At the Free Council. . . . . . . . 29 . . . . .Î Kill Points (from defeating creatures) . . . . . there are 3 other games. . . . . . . . . v. . . . . . . . . . . . or when it has been exhausted once and you have at least 25 marshalling points (MPs). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano · Part II · STANDARD RULES You should read and master the Starter Rules before tackling the Standard Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and/or second. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .” For experienced players with tuned decks. . . . . . .e. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the “campaign game”). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ï Ally Points . . . . . . . The 3-deck Game In a “3-deck game” (the “long game”). . . . or when it has been exhausted three times and you have at least 40 marshalling points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . You may call the Council when your play deck has been exhausted twice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . more detailed play. . your points for that same type of marshalling point are doubled. . . . ♦ These types of marshalling points can affect your marshalling point total in two ways: • If your opponent has zero (or negative) points for any one type of marshalling point. . . . . . . . . . .METW Unlimited Edition Rules. . . . . . . . . Greater. . . . . . Each such revealed card reduces your opponent's marshalling point total by one. . . 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . each is associated with a specific shape: Character Points . . . O Miscellaneous Points . . . 1 · THE VICTORY CONDITIONS The Standard Rules victory conditions differ from those found in the Starter Rules in two ways. . . & Rings only) . . or when it has been exhausted twice and you have at least 30 marshalling points. . . certain modifications to the marshalling point totals can be made at the Free Council. . . Increase the sideboard size to 20 cards. You may call the Council when your play deck has been exhausted four times. . . . The 4-deck Game In a “4-deck game” (i. . . . . . The 2-deck Game In a “2-deck game” (the “short game”). . . . . .. First. . . . . . . the Council is called when each play deck has been exhausted three times. . . . . . . . If you want longer. There are six different types of marshalling points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This doesn’t apply to kill points or miscellaneous points. . . . . . . . . . . . [octagon] Item Points (Major. . . . the players can decide to play a longer game. . . . . this game usually lasts 20-60 minutes. . the Council is called when each play deck has been exhausted twice. . THE LONGER GAMES The Starter Game is also called the “1-deck game. . . . you may reveal any unique marshalling point cards in your hand that match unique cards that your opponent has in play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the Council is called when each play deck has been exhausted four times. . . . . . . . . . . You may call the Council when your play deck has been exhausted three times. Increase the sideboard size to 25 cards. . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Total 15 17 Jason’s MP Cards MPs Modified MPs Beorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assume Jason failed to play the Men of Northern Rhovanion (2 MPs) on his last turn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . you need 20 MPs to call the Free Council before any of these modifications are made). . . the modifications do not affect your marshalling point total when it is used to determine if you can call the Free Council (i. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . He failed to get the 2 MPs from the Men of Northern Rhovanion. . . . 1 Gildor Inglorion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason reveals that he has cards for Gwaihir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Elrohir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . you can have a 15 card “sideboard” deck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Dreams of Lore (misc) . . Jason only gets 6 MPs from his characters. . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . At this point. . . . . . . . . Unfortunately. . . . . . . . . . . . .1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and character cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . 4 Gwaihir (ally) . . . . Jason curses his luck because he failed to bring the Men of Northern Rhovanion into play on his last turn. . . . 2 . . . . . A sideboard can contain resource. . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . .e.5 • Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano No more than half (round up) of your final marshalling points can come from any one type of marshalling point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . 1 Legolas . . . . . . . . . Thus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . her MP total is reduced by one for each of these cards. . . . . they all come to the Free Council). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Quickbeam (ally) . Example: Let’s look again at our example from page 7. . . Legolas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Imrahil . . . 2 Elladan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica notices that Jason has no faction points (he blew his roll to get the Men of Northern Rhovanion). .e. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Since you cannot have more than half of your points from any one source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specifically. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . Since they duplicate three of Jessica's unique MP cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hazard. . If one type of marshalling point is over half of your total. 1 . . . . Jason’s problems are not over. . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sword of Gondolin (item) . . . . . . . . . the marshalling points (MPs) break down as follows: Jessica’s MP Cards MPs Modified MPs Celeborn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assume none of the characters failed a corruption check (i. . . . . . . . . . . . . . reduce the points for that type until they are only half (or less) of your total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the combined play deck and sideboard can only contain one of each unique card and a maximum of three of any non-unique card. . . 2 Faramir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .METW Unlimited Edition Rules. . . . and Elrohir in his hand (he was saving them for this). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . 2 Théoden . . . . . So her faction points are doubled to 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using Your Sideboard When You Exhaust Your Deck 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . 2 . 2 Great Shield of Rohan (item) . . . . . . . . . . . . Clarification: These marshalling point modifications do not apply until the Free Council actually takes place. . . . . . . . . 0 Sword of Gondolin (item) . . . . 2 Total 14 12 At this point. . . . Jessica ends up with 14 MPs and Jason ends up with 12 MPs – Jessica wins. . . . . . . . . . . . . so his MP total is only 14 – 8 of them are character points and only 6 are non-character points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . However. . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 · THE CARDS AND DECKS In addition to the normal location deck and play deck. 2 Men of Lebennin (faction) . . . . . . . . . . . 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Your Sideboard When You Tap Your Wizard During your organization phase. 4 · THE PLAYER TURN The Full Player Turn Summary is presented on pages 41-2. The Nazgûl is discarded. That is. Tapping a Nazgûl in this fashion does count against the hazard limit. 31 . for the purposes of your sideboard. but you do not have to reveal what those cards are. Note: For play balance.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. there is no restriction on the mix of hazards. Each such card taken from your sideboard must be replaced by a card from your discard pile. resources. region cards should not be used. v. • Any other companies must move to different sites using region movement. you can ignore the play deck restrictions: the limit of 10 characters and the 50/50 resource/hazard mix. 3 · GETTING READY TO PLAY Add your region cards to your location deck. we recommend both players have access to approximately the same number of region cards. Alternatively. Alternatively. you may tap one of your Nazgûl permanent-events in play to bring up to 5 hazard cards from your sideboard into your discard pile.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Whenever you exhaust your play deck. you may tap your Wizard to bring up to 5 resource and/or character cards from your sideboard into your discard pile. and characters in your sideboard. 5 · CHARACTERS & COMPANIES There are several Standard Rules changes involving characters and companies. a company at a non-haven site may split into two or more companies. you may exchange (before reshuffling) up to 5 cards between your sideboard and discard pile. The following instructions apply: • One of the companies may remain at the current site. However. Splitting a Company at a Non-Haven Site During the organization phase. you may tap your Wizard to bring one resource card directly from your sideboard into your play deck (reshuffle). The normal result of tapping a Nazgûl does not apply. you may tap a Nazgûl permanent-event to bring one hazard card directly from your sideboard into your play deck (reshuffle). if your play deck has at least 5 cards. if your play deck has at least 5 cards. If this cannot be achieved. Clarification: Your combined play deck and sideboard cannot violate the 1 unique card and 3 non-unique card limit. Using Your Sideboard When You Tap a Nazgûl During your opponent's movement/hazard phase. • One of the companies may return to the Haven site indicated by the current site’s site path. Clarification: Your opponent may verify how many cards move to and from your sideboard. 2. See pages 32-3 for more information on how to use these cards.
e. and • That region card is adjacent to the next region card played. REGION MOVEMENT To use region movement. a Haven or the character’s home site). Clarification: Region movement is not necessary to play this game..4 Joining Two Companies at a Non-Haven Site During the organization phase.e.. 4 NOTE: This rule does not appear in the rules insert with the starter decks. you may use general influence to bring a character into play at any haven or at his home site. play a new site card (face down) and a series of up to four regions (face down) that connect the company's current site with the new site (i.. In this case. v.e. with region movement a company need not move to a Haven every other turn. In both cases. the region cards played must include the region containing the company's current site and the region containing the new site. Discarding Characters Instead of bringing a new character/Wizard into play during your organization phase.e. the two companies must face hazards separately and are then combined at the end of the movement/hazard phase. 2. A series of regions “connects” two sites if: • The current (i. the last region card played is the region that the new site card is located in. 6 · MOVEMENT There are two ways to move from one site to another. only that region card need be played. and • Finally. two companies may move to the same site.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. i. but one of the following cases must apply: • One and only one company may already be at the site. A Wizard may not be discarded. in such a situation the two companies would have to move as one company).. you may discard a character that is at a Haven or at his home site. site of origin) site is located in the first region. region movement). In this case the other company must state that its new site card is already in play (the current site card for the non-moving company).e. A region is adjacent to another region if and only if each region lists the other region on its card. In this case..5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Clarification: These restrictions mean that two companies may not start at the same site and then move to the same site separately (i. Bringing Characters into Play Before you play your Wizard. 32 . …. both companies must state that the same face down site card is their new site card. you may use general influence to bring a character into play only if your Wizard is at the site at which the character arrives (i. any of the resulting companies can move with region movement..e. This rule is correct and should be considered as though it were printed in the rules insert. the company moves). Clarification: When a company splits. the character(s) need not be at a Haven. You must take this action when you are forced to discard a character due to a lack of available influence. and • That region card is adjacent to the next region card played. Clarification: To use region movement for a company.e. • One company moves to the site using the site path on that site card (i. After revealing your Wizard. If both the current site and the new site are in the same region. Region movement is not limited to one company of a split.. the company starts at the site's nearest Haven). A company can use the site path on a site card (see the Starter Rules) or it can use region cards as its site path to a specific site card (i. and the other company moves to the site using region cards for its site path. Region movement just gives you more options. Region cards are not included in starter decks.
An ally may tap to give a +1 prowess modification in this manner. less dangerous route. this takes three turns: Bree to Rivendell. Indûr Dawndeath and Khamûl the Easterling could also be played. she moves to Thranduil’s Halls by playing the Thranduil’s Halls site and the following regions: Anduin Vales . and Horse Plains ( ). High Pass . Rhudaur . Clarification: Region movement can be more dangerous to use than normal movement – certain creatures can be played keyed to specific region cards. Similarly. Rhudaur . suppose you decide to move a company from Lórien to the Easterling Camp using the region cards: Wold & Foothills ( ). Woodland Realm . but turn out not to be adjacent upon examination of the lists on their cards. Gundabad . The company must first travel to interim sites (one per turn) until it reaches a site that is within four regions of the destination site. Clarification: If a character is assigned a strike from an attack. it is more than 4 regions long. 2. Dagorlad ( ). If she does not use region movement. Playing Hazards For the purposes of playing hazards. Anduin Vales . so she decides move to Gladden Fields (in the Anduin Vales) to try and get the ring on her way to Thranduil’s Halls (why waste a turn). so her company must first move to another site along the way. Woodland Realm . • Arthedain . Adûnaphel (a Nazgûl) card normally can only be played keyed to darkholds and dark-domains. On her first turn. but it also states that it can be played keyed to Dagorlad (and the Brown Lands). The region types traveled through are the same as the site path used in normal movement between Lórien and the Easterling Camp (as given on the Easterling Camp site card)-so the same creatures may be played against the company based on region type. Anduin Vales . Jessica’s company in Bree (in the Arthedain region) wants to move to Thranduil’s Halls (in the Woodland Realm region) in order to bring the Wood-elves faction into play. but they are really separated by the Anduin River. 33 . Brown Lands ( ). the site path for a company using region movement is defined by the region types of the region cards played.). The shortest number of region cards required for this move is 5 and there are two possible routes: • Arthedain . Anduin Vales . Clarification: Certain regions may appear to be adjacent on the maps.g. Bridge. she can do it in 2 turns. v. Adûnaphel could be played on this company as it moves through Dagorlad. However. You can use a creature hazard to directly attack one of your opponent's companies if at least one of the region types on the creature’s card matches the region type of a region card played by the company (two are required for creatures that require two symbols of the same type) . Jessica decides on the first. Example: Let’s look at our example for movement from the Starter Game (see page 16).METW Unlimited Edition Rules. The target's prowess is modified by +1 for each supporting character. Using region movement. a company may not travel directly between them in one turn (unless some special resource card is used. e. Dagorlad and Rohan appear to be adjacent on the maps. Angmar .5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Clarification: If two sites are separated by more than four regions. 7 · COMBAT An untapped character that is not the target of a strike may tap to support a character in the same company that is the target of a strike. Thus. he may not tap to support a character that is facing a strike from the same attack. she moves to the Gladden Fields by playing the Gladden Fields site and the following regions: Arthedain . Woodland Realm . For example. and Lórien to Thranduil's Halls. On her second turn. High Pass . Jessica looks at her hand and sees that she has a Precious Gold Ring. Shadowfax. For example. Rivendell to Lórien.. etc.
Beretar. but you cannot – he was assigned a strike.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. This may only take place if the influencing character and the target of the influence are at the same site. You make a roll (2D6) and: • Add the influencing character’s unused direct influence. you must discard the character card you revealed. All modification cards must be played before making the roll. A Weariness of the Heart is played on Balin. You tap Balin to face the attack. In some cases. Bofur. or items. a character may only tap to give a +1 corruption check modification to another character in the same company. Balin. Such an influence attempt may not be made on the first turn. The corruption check is modified by +1 for each such character and/or Wizard tapped. Balin has a prowess of 6 versus this attack: 4 (his own prowess) + 1 (Bofur's support) + 1 (Beregond's support). the target character's mind attribute is treated as if it were zero. nothing happens. 10/-) attacks your company which consists of the untapped characters: Bilbo. the corruption checks are resolved one at a time in an order chosen by the player controlling the characters. not to all of the corruption checks. Example: Your company consists of the untapped characters: Bilbo. If such an influence check is successful. Balin. You would also like to tap Bilbo for support. Clarification: When the Free Council is called. allies. and you tap Bofur and Beregond to support him. 8 · CORRUPTION Before the roll is made for a corruption check. Clarification: If more than one character in a company is forced to make corruption checks. and a Wizard may not make such an attempt on the turn he is revealed.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Example: A Cave Drake (two strikes. factions. Influencing an Opponent’s Character To attempt to influence one of your opponent’s non-Wizard characters you must make an influence check. In order to play this character. Your opponent assigns the two strikes to Bilbo and Balin. Bofur. Balin has a corruption point total of 5. you may tap other characters in the same company as the character making the check. Balin is carrying the Arkenstone (4 corruption points) and some Healing Herbs (1 corruption point). If you successfully influence the target. followers. v. • Subtract your opponent’s unused general influence points. 2. Beretar. so you tap Bilbo and Beregond to help him with his corruption check. Otherwise. If you reveal an identical character card from your hand before making the roll for the influence check. If the modified result is greater than the target's mind attribute. you must have enough unused general influence to control him or an influencing character at the same site must have enough direct influence. you may reveal an identical card and attempt to play it (i. 34 . he convinces the target to join his side). but his roll is modified by +2 (+1 for Bilbo and +1 for Beregond). so he is still a target of this attack. If the attempt is unsuccessful. so you really want to keep him alive. • Subtract the result of a roll (2D6) made by your opponent. He will only fail if he rolls 3 or less. During your site phase. the target character card and all of the non-follower cards he controls are discarded. 9 · INFLUENCE Influence is the only way that your characters can directly affect your opponent’s resources. You play a Halfling Stealth to cancel the strike against Bilbo.e. and Beregond. one and only one of your characters may tap to attempt to influence away one of your opponent’s characters. and Beregond. Each character tapped may only give a +1 modification to one corruption check. requiring him to make a corruption check. the target character and his non-follower cards are discarded and the revealed character card may be immediately played (appearing at the same site).. Balin is carrying the Arkenstone. • Add any other modifications (from cards and special abilities). it is discarded.
while Jason rolls 2D6 and gets a 7. the influence check would have been successful – Jason would have discarded his Faramir card and Jessica would have played her Faramir card. the result is also modified by subtracting the unused direct influence of the follower’s controlling character.·10) Gildor Inglorion (4·0) Jason’s General Influence (.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Clarification: If you reveal an identical character in order to nullify the target character’s mind attribute for an influence check. He must be played as Pallando's follower because she only has 4 unused general influence. This result is not greater than Faramir’s mind attribute of 5. the influence check uses the value usually required to bring the faction into play (as given on the faction’s card).7 (Jason's roll). So the modified result of the influence check is 4 = 8 (Jessica's roll) + 6 (Pallando's unused direct influence) . During her site phase. Jessica should not celebrate too much. you must make an influence check as outlined above. However. If Jessica had revealed a Faramir card from her hand before the rolls were made. Jason can shift Beorn to control by general influence and then use Radagast’s 10 unused direct influence points to attempt to influence one of Jessica's characters. Jessica has 4 unused general influence. 35 . his mind attribute would have been zero for the purposes of this roll. • The result is also modified by the unused direct influence of the character controlling the ally. the following exceptions apply: • Instead of a mind attribute. you must discard that character if you do not play him. you must make an influence check as outlined above.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. and Pallando has 6 unused direct influence. the following exceptions apply: • Instead of the controlling character’s mind attribute. Jessica rolls 2D6 and gets an 8. Faramir would have been discarded. Influencing an Opponent's Follower To influence an opponent’s follower.·20) Théoden (6·3) Faramir (5·1) Imrahil (6·2) Radagast (. Influencing an Opponent's Faction To influence an opponent's faction. Example: Jessica and Jason each have one company organized as follows: Jessica’s General Influence (. However. During his turn. 2. If Jessica had rolled a 10 or higher. • Revealing an identical ally card reduces the ally’s mind attribute to zero and allows you to play the card if the influence check is successful. Jason has 3 unused general influence.·10) Beorn (7·2) Jessica moves her company to the same site as Jason’s company. Influencing an Opponent's Ally To influence an opponent's ally. Pallando attempts to influence Faramir. In this case.·20) Elladan (4·0) Legolas (6·2+2) Elrohir (4·0) Celeborn (6·1) Pallando (.3 (Jason's unused general influence) . In the case in which Faramir is influenced. the influence check uses the ally’s mind attribute. you must make an influence check as outlined above. so Faramir is not influenced and remains in play. v. However.
but Jessica does not know that. LIMITS ON DRAWING CARDS During your turn.e. Jessica’s company moves to The Lonely Mountain. The card is Awaken Denizens. you may place one card on-guard for each of your opponent's companies. etc. Clarification: The unused direct influence for an influence check against an item is affected by any direct influence modification that the target item gives its bearer. long-events last until your opponent’s next long-event phase. If it is a hazard creature. • The result is also modified by subtracting the unused direct influence of the item’s controlling character. it may be revealed before the automatic-attack is resolved. return the card to your hand at the end of the site phase. it will attack after the automaticattack is resolved. Otherwise. you must make an influence check as outlined above.. it does not have to be a hazard. This card doubles the # of strikes for an automatic-attack at a Ruins & Lairs site. Any card can be placed on-guard (i. 36 . you are attempting to convince the controlling character that the item would be more useful to the cause of the Free Peoples in your hands). it may be revealed if it is a hazard that directly affects the company or a character in the company (e. Revealing an identical faction card reduces the value usually required to bring the faction into play to zero and allows you to play that card if the influence check is successful. If the influence check is successful. you can bluff). The card will remain on that site until one of the following occurs: • • • The company decides to face the site's automatic-attack. In the first two cases. This card is played face down next to the company's new site or next to its current site if it did not move. However. short-events are discarded.. you may draw cards based on one of your moving companies only if the company contains a Wizard or at least one character with a mind attribute of three or more.g. 10 · PLAYING AND DRAWING CARDS There are several Standard Rules changes involving playing cards.e. Jason places a card on-guard.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. You may only influence an opponent’s factions if the influencing character is at the site where the faction was played. Such a card does count against the hazard limit for the company it is placed on. the card is handled as if it had been played during the movement-hazard phase (i.5 • • Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano The influence check is modified by any of the faction’s applicable Standard Modifications (as given on the faction’s card).. the following exceptions apply: • The mind attribute of the character controlling the item is used. you may play your card with the character that made the influence check – if you choose not to play the item. 5 NOTE: This rule is superseded by the rule on on-guard cards that immediately follows in the text.. • You must reveal an identical item card in order to make an influence attempt on an item (i. If the on-guard card is a hazard creature keyed to the company’s site or a hazard that can modify the automatic-attack. The company plays a card keyed to the site. Example: After visiting Thranduil’s Halls. discard it.e. PLACING A CARD ON-GUARD [Old Rule]5 During the movement/hazard phase of your opponent's turn. v. 2. If the on-guard card is a non-creature hazard. During her movement/hazard phase.). a hazard that forces all characters to make a corruption check). Influencing an Opponent’s Item To influence an opponent's item.
an event that modifies the prowess of a character may not be revealed – only hazards that modify an automatic-attack itself can be. if Jessica’s company successfully faced the automatic-attack and played an item.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. if Troll-purse is on the site). and 2) when the company plays a card keyed to the site.g. e. the on-guard card may only be revealed if it affects the company or a character in the company that site phase – this clarification is actually looser than the rule printed above. you may reveal an on-guard card in the same chain of effects in response to the play (declaration thereof) of any item. Additionally. Suppose Jason had placed a Cave-Drake on-guard. 1) A card cannot be revealed that returns a company to its site of origin.g. Example: Balrog of Moria could be revealed when a company chooses to face the automatic-attacks at Moria (Balrog of Moria modifies Moria's automatic-attacks). An on-guard card may not be revealed if it has an effect that is meaningless during a company’s site phase.. For case #1. Jason could reveal the Weariness of the Heart to force any one character in the company to make a corruption check. Lure of Power). Then Jessica’s company would have to face the automatic-attack and then the Cave-Drake. This rule is correct and should be considered as though it were printed in the rules insert. it could not be revealed in response to the play of an item at Moria because Balrog of Moria can in no way affect the company for the rest of the site phase (unless for some reason the company is fated to face the automatic-attacks again.6 Example: As an example of how this requirement is looser now. Jason reveals his on-guard card and the automatic-attack becomes 2 strikes with a prowess of 14 each. Also. PLACING A CARD ON-GUARD [Revised Rule] An often confusing point is when and if certain hazards can be revealed as on-guard cards. Jessica states that her company will face The Lonely Mountain's automatic-attack (a Dragon. discard pile. 3) A card cannot be revealed that potentially removes a character from a company. A corruption card can be revealed as an on-guard card (so long as it otherwise is legal) because a character in the company is affected. Successfully testing for and playing a ring special item does not count! You may reveal an on-guard card in response to the declaration of an influence attempt on a faction that only has an effect if the attempt would be successful (e. Only declared or on-going cards and effects can be considered when determining the validity of revealing an on-guard card – cards in your hand. ally. For case #2. Jessica's company must face this attack (it may be canceled. 37 . 2. 6 NOTE: This rule does not appear in the rules insert with the starter decks. and. play deck. The Balance of Things may be revealed as an on-guard card so long as at least one character in the company. during whose site phase Balance of Things is revealed. thusly. or other card that potentially taps the site. in the case of a faction. There are two cases when a face down card may be revealed. Then. affect an opponent's company: 1) when the company announces it will face a site's automatic-attacks (before the automatic-attack is itself faced). Additionally. Clarification: An on-guard may only be revealed if it could have also been played during the movement/hazard phase. A card that changes the company’s site type cannot be revealed unless this has some obvious effect on the company that site phase. 2) A card cannot be revealed that taps a company’s site. Suppose Jason had placed a Weariness of the Heart on-guard. you may reveal an on-guard card that affects the actual influence attempt. cannot be considered and potential effects that have not been triggered cannot be considered. faction. etc. However. 1 strike with a prowess of 14). specifically. This rule did state that the on-guard card could only be revealed if it directly affected the company.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano During her site phase. carries at least one corruption source. A creature revealed as an on-guard card is not considered an automatic-attack – it is considered a hazard creature attack. you cannot reveal an on-guard card according to this criterion. v.. it is essential to realize that if the site has no automatic-attacks (like all normally occuring Free-holds). your opponent’s hand. This means all targets of the card must have existed during the movement/hazard phase in order for the card to be revealed.
and vice versa. which forces Bilbo to make a successful roll or return to his owner’s hand. Such a series of declared actions is called a chain of effects. your opponent plays Tookish Blood on Bilbo. Thus. v. For example. Now you resolve actions from last to first: 38 . Example: As a final example of the new on-guard rules. A card can only be revealed in the same chain of effects as the play of a resource that potentially taps the site. and this resource actually is not resolved and cannot be targeted at that point. you must “back up” if he indicates that he wants to respond. and revealing an on-guard card. You play Call of Home on Bilbo (3rd action). a successful strike requires a body check) those actions become the initial actions (any further rolls come first) in the next chain of effects after the roll. 2. This modified result is used to determine effects of the combat or check before any other actions are taken. but of which the company was not aware. You always have the option of declaring the first action in a chain of effects during your turn.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano 4) A card cannot be revealed that forces a company to do nothing during its site phase.g.). once the roll is actually made. Your opponent taps Frodo (2nd action in this chain of effects) to give Bilbo +1 to this check. This cancels any effect for the rest of the turn which would discard Bilbo or send him to his owner's hand. the last declared action is resolved first.. Important: A revealed on-guard card retroactively takes effect as though it had been both declared and resolved immediately prior to the chain of effects during which it was revealed. cards may be played that will modify the result of the roll. The spirit of the on-guard card is to represent a hazard threat that existed during a company’s movement/hazard phase. Finally. Dice Roll Timing Before a roll is made for combat or a check.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. 7) Troll-purse (from Middle-earth: Dark Minions) can be revealed. Timing Rules You and your opponent may both want to perform actions at the same time or actions that are sequenced with respect to other actions. if Greed is revealed in response to the play of an item. This can happen during your movement/hazard phase (or during your site phase if your opponent has a card on-guard).. etc. • Muster Disperses cannot target a faction already in play at the start of the site phase because it would not affect the company or a character in the company. You must give your opponent a chance to respond to every action. The actions in a chain of effects are resolved one at a time from last declared to first declared (i. you may respond to his action. 5) A card that potentially removes an ally from the company can be revealed (so long as it otherwise is legal). and he can respond to your second action. Timing Example: You play Weariness of the Heart on Bilbo to force him to make a corruption check. Then. Greed would cause corruption checks following the play of the item. tapping a card already in play. When the effects of a dice roll require other actions (e. Such actions almost always include playing a card. • Muster Disperses cannot target a faction played during the site phase during which it would be revealed because this target did not exist during the movement/hazard phase. 6) Traitor cannot be revealed. You may follow one of your declared actions with another of your declared actions in the same chain of effects. However. no further cards may be played that modify the dice roll result. An action in a chain of effects is negated if the conditions required to perform it are negated by another action that is resolved before it in the chain of effects. and so on until neither player can (or wants to) perform an action. so long as you give your opponent a chance to respond to first action. Muster Disperses cannot be revealed as an onguard card for two reasons. then the second to the last.e. it is considered to be in effect immediately prior to the play of item. Your opponent may always declare an action in response before your action is resolved. If you perform an action and move on to another action without giving your opponent a chance to respond.
Bilbo makes his corruption check – he rolls the dice adding +1 to his roll because of Frodo’s help (other modifications not discussed here). namely Frodo being in Bilbo’s company. If he fails this check. The 2nd action in the chain would then be negated because the conditions required to perform it. If your opponent had played Tookish Blood on Bilbo after his dice roll. and not prior actions. 2. Frodo gives +1 to Bilbo’s corruption check (an action can target a dice-rolling action that was declared earlier in the same chain of effects. were negated by your Call of Home.e. v. First Frodo rolls for Call of Home when resolving the chain. Call of Home takes effect. Tookish Blood cancels any result of this corruption check that would discard Bilbo. Tookish Blood only cancels those actions that occur during the rest of the turn. Consider if Tookish Blood had not been played and if you played Call of Home on Frodo.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. i.5 • • • • Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano Tookish Blood takes effect. Frodo goes back to your opponent’s hand. it would not have affected your Call of Home or Bilbo’s corruption check. even though the dice-rolling action has not taken effect). but Tookish Blood negates any effect it would have. 39 . after this chain of effects was resolved.
METW Unlimited Edition Rules. 40 . 2. v. Please refer to the rulesbook insert in METW starter boxes.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano · Part III · Optional Rules The Optional Rules are not included in this file.
. you may draw up to the number of cards indicated by the site that it is moving from (at least one card must be draw). If the company is not moving. remove all of your resource long-events already in play. the hazard limit) is equal to the size of the company or two. Shift your characters between being controlled by general influence and being controlled by direct influence.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. • Play another site (face down) that can be moved to (i. your opponent decides which one is used. 3) Your opponent plays hazards on the company – each hazard is resolved as indicated in its text. 7 NOTE: This Summary should be taken with a grain of salt. If the company is moving to a non-haven site. A corruption check is required for the character giving up an item. its new site card). whichever is larger (Hobbits count half. Store items or other designated resources from your companies at a Haven site or at sites specified on the item cards.e. • Standard Rules Only: Play a new site card and a series of up to four specific regions that connect the current site with the new site. Transfer items between your characters at the same site. It is clarified by such documents as the MELE Rules and the Collected Rulings File (CRF). The maximum number of hazards that may be played on a company during a given movement/hazard phase (i. Then. your opponent does the same. 2. 41 . etc. A corruption check is required for the character giving up an item. If a creature is keyed to more than one region type and/or site type that applies. The hazard limit is determined for each company at the beginning of the movement/hazard phase (e. Organization Phase The following actions may be taken in any order: Play a character card or a Wizard card (if allowable).) Long-event Phase First. Hazard creatures must be “keyed to” the moving company’s site path and/or new site. you may draw up to the number of cards indicated by the site that it is moving to (at least one card must be drawn).5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano FULL PLAYER TURN SUMMARY7 Untap Phase Each of your characters may do one of the following: • Untap or • Heal (if at a Haven site). reached) directly from the company's current site.. play any new resource long-event cards. If the company is moving to a haven site. Reorganize your characters at the same Haven into any number of companies. Untap all of your other tapped non-site cards.g. Movement/Hazard Phase Follow this procedure for each of your companies. Your company's current site becomes its site of origin. A hazard may not be played if it targets a different company or a character in a different company. v.: 1) If the company has a face down site card (i. round up). second. your opponent does the same.. (See page 32. Each of your companies may do one of the following: • Stay at its current site.e.e. hazard creatures may only be keyed to the company's site of origin. This is the company's new site card. These hazards are played and resolved one at a time and in some cases may not directly affect the company. Finally. You decide which of your companies goes first. no cards are drawn. it remains fixed). 2) If the company is not moving.. turn it over. remove all of your opponent’s hazard long-events.
its new site becomes its site of origin). Your opponent does the same. 2) If the site has an automatic-attack. the site card is tapped and one additional character may tap to play a minor item. If you have fewer than eight cards. Discard the site card if it is tapped and not a Haven. This rule is correct and should be considered as though it were printed in the rules insert.). factions..8 5) Remove the company's site of origin (i. At this point. Generally. you decide which goes first.). return the new site card to the location deck (or discard if it is tapped) and proceed to step 6 (the site of origin becomes its current site). factions. Standard Rules Only: One of your characters or your Wizard may attempt to influence away one of your opponent’s characters. the company is considered to have arrived at the new site (i. Certain resource cards other than items. etc.5 Last Edited 2 February 2007 by Mark Alfano 4) If the company has been required to return to its site of origin.. or items (if it is at the same site). If the resource card is successfully played. 8 NOTE: This rule does not appear in the rules insert with the starter decks. Site Phase In the order you decide (i.e. 26 January 2007. allies.. v. Then you must draw or discard cards until your hand has 8 cards. Return of the King. faction. If a company returns to its site of origin. return it to the location deck. etc. your opponent does the same for his hand. Such cards may be played at tapped and untapped sites. your opponent does the same for his hand.e. Lucky Search. and do not tap a site when played (e.e. 42 . allies. No additional hazards may be played on that company. it may do nothing during it's site phase. Otherwise. A company failing its underdeeps movement roll is not effected by this rule.METW Unlimited Edition Rules. the site the company came from). each of your companies at an untapped site may: • do nothing or • follow this procedure: 1) You decide to enter and explore the site. this will involve tapping the character that will control the card played. 6) You must discard any cards in excess of eight in your hand. Note: Repeat steps 1-6 for each of your companies. 2. Standard Rules Only: Return any region cards to the location deck. followers. ally. *** This edition edited and silently corrected for typos and use-mention errors by Mark Alfano. or information resource card that is “playable” at that site.g. you must draw cards until your hand has eight cards. 3) The company may attempt to play one item. and information will state the conditions under which they may be played.. End-of-Turn Phase You may discard one card. it attacks the company. The attack is resolved normally (see pages 17-21). second.

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