Thalin

Thalin


Thalin is a Dwarf Hero created by Fantasy Flight games for the Lord of The Rings Card Game (based during the 60 years between when the Dwarves reclaim the Misty Mountain and when Bilbo has to let go of the ring in Fellowship of the Ring ). Thalin's name is similar to Balin and Dwalin from Thorin's Company, but they are not related in any way. The flavor text at the bottom of his card is an exerpt from the song Thorin's Company sings about Erebor (The Misty Mountain), so it can be safely assumed that FF Games wants the players to believe that Thalin is one of the Dwarves who fled the the mountain when the fire drake, Smaug , took residence there. He would be out on the open road, looking to make allies by doing favors. This would give Thalin a good reason for adventuring, making his background an ideal one for players who would like to know why their characters are adventuring in the first place.

When Thalin would have fled Erebor he was clearly not with Thorin or anyone from his Company, so when Smaug was slain by Bard the Bowman he may not have heard about it, which is why he would not have come back to Erebor, and would have continued adventuring.

Thalin's only weapon shown is a fairly short halfted battle axe with a pronounced arrow design on either end, likely allowing for better piercing when he swings. His armor is obviously of Dwarvish make, since Dwarves are notorious for forging their own weapons and armor, and disliking most of those not made by a Dwarf.

Card Usage
In the actual card game Thalin is largely associated with commiting to quests. Though he would typically not be the best choice, given his low willpower stat of 1, his effect allows him to injure every enemy coming out of the encounter deck as long as he commits. His attack value, being 2, is solid enough for him to be used as an attacker regularly, though it may take a few turns to actually kill anything if he is attacking alone. Thalin's defence of 2 is good enough to allow usage of him as a defender, though 4 health does not last forever, and not all enemies have an attack vaue of 2 or less. All-in-all, he is a good all- around character in the game.