This scenario is designed specifically for 2 players. It sets up and plays a bit quicker compared to the Trilogy scenario with just 2 players. Pay careful attention to the special rules of this scenario, as they diverge from those of the Trilogy scenario.
The Gandalf player begins the game with the starting player token.
1. GANDALF — FREE PEOPLES
All Free Peoples cards
2. THE WITCH-KING — SHADOW
All Shadow cards
— The Gandalf player draws 4 cards.
— The Witch-king player draws 6 cards.
— Neither player cycles any cards.
During the Draw step, the Gandalf player draws 4 cards, and The Witch-king player draws 6 cards.
Each player starts with one Ring token, which can be used once per round.
— Path Scoring: After path combat, the Gandalf player only places the path in the scoring area if the total of icons exceeds the total of icons. If there are the same number of and icons, neither side receives victory points for the path.
— “Each Player”: When game or activation text directs “each Free Peoples player” or “each Shadow player” to do something (such as draw, cycle, or forsake), follow the directions twice. If a card directs each player to do 1 or more of these actions, complete all the directions once, and then do it again. Note that this doubling is not performed every time you’re directed to draw, cycle, or forsake — only when each player on a team is directed to do so.
Example: If Egladil is activated, the Gandalf player draws 2 cards, cycles 1, then draws another 2, and cycles another 1.
Once per round, as an action, you can use your Ring token to draw the top 3 cards of your draw deck. Then, you must eliminate 1 card from hand and cycle 1 card from hand. Flip your Ring token as a reminder that you have used it in this round.