Inspired by Animal Lovers, made by Doomguard

A "Tender of Beasts" Deck

Radagast (Adûnaic: "Tender Of Beasts")

“He lived at Rhosgobel, near the southern borders of Mirkwood,” it was said in the Council of Elrond, as if to mark him a footnote among the Wise. Yet in truth, that quiet dwelling became a sanctuary where beasts gathered, and where Radagast’s seemingly ‘simple’ ways revealed a deeper wisdom. FotR, The Council of Elrond.

In this fellowship you will find no Eagles, nor the swords of Men — only the beasts of Rhosgobel answering Radagast’s call. The Eagles, mighty though they are, belong to other tales; here the focus rests on humbler creatures who share Radagast’s dwelling: hounds to defend, stallions to quest, bears to strike, and ravens to guide. The strength of this menagerie lies not in sheer power, but in loyalty, swiftness, and the quiet wisdom of the Brown Wizard.

The Summoning of Beasts

From the east came Widfast, the pathfinder, whose keen eyes read every track. At his side trotted a loyal hound, ever watchful, ears pricked to hidden sounds. Behind them bounded three Hunting Dogs, noses quivering with the scent of foes. Out of the deeper woods lumbered the mighty Giant Bears, slow yet unyielding, their strength a living bulwark.

Before Radagast’s gate stamped three sturdy Beorning Pony's, impatient to bear burden or rider. From the branches above wheeled Messenger Ravens, black wings cutting the twilight, bearing tidings from distant vales.

Even the wolf, now named simply (MotK) Wolf, had been tamed to his service. “Sharp fangs may yet serve loyalty,” said Radagast, as he placed a hand upon the beast’s brow.

And from the plains of Rohan rode the Steed of the Mark: three of The Riddermark's Finest, swift-footed and sure. Alongside them galloped three wild stallions, untamed as the wind, yet willing to heed the call of Rhosgobel.

The Gifts of the Istar

Radagast lifted his staff — Radagast's Staff, carved of living wood, humming with the breath of earth and air. At his belt hung flasks of Miruvor, clear and reviving, a cordial that could steady the weary hand. To the faithful he gave tokens: charms like the Woodmen's Clearing, blessings from those who watched the forest borders; or he turned the ancient wards of Thrór's Key, unlocking paths shut against them.

Oft he drew forth the Wizard Pipe, and in its curling smoke foresaw shadows of what might come.

The Riddle of the Night

Yet light is ever chased by shadow. One eve Radagast laid a strange jewel into Wolf’s keeping: the Stone of Elostirion, a relic of forgotten days. “This is your burden,” he whispered. “A birthday-present, yet also a trial.”

Out of the mists crept the dark shape of the Hungry Creature, ravenous and watchful. Its eyes gleamed, and Widfast bowed his head. “This is a contest of riddles, The Riddle-game-game. Thrice must it be answered, or the bearer shall be devoured.”

Counsel and Enchantment

Radagast summoned his host. A Messenger Raven fluttered forth, glimpsing omens in the night sky. A Loyal Hound lunged bravely, while a giant bear reared with thunderous roar. Wild Stallions struck sparks from the stones as they wheeled in defense.

Raising his staff, Radagast cried the ancient words: Flame of Anor! and fire danced upon the boughs, driving the Creature back. In quieter tones he uttered a Word of Persuasion, bending even stubborn wills to peace.

He called to memory the wisdom of old: A A Test of Will, to unmake the darkest spells; the solemn strength of The White Council, echoing still in his heart. And when the night grew most perilous, he stood firm and spoke with the voice of his order: “You Cannot Pass!”

The End of the Trial

Thus was Rhosgobel preserved. At times Wolf faltered, set aside his burden, and returned as humble ally rather than hero. At times the riddle was won, and the stone shone yet brighter among the beasts.

But always the words remained true that were once spoken of Radagast:

“Indeed, of all the Istari, it was Radagast who had the greatest love for the things that grow in the earth, and he was a friend to wild beasts and birds.” — Unfinished Tales

And in the hush of Greenwood, amid the bark of hounds and the cry of ravens, the Gathering endured: a haven not of swords nor crowns, but of faith and fellowship, where simple creatures bore the weight of the world.

Concept of The Rhosgobel Gathering

“Radagast dwelt most in Rhosgobel near the borders of Mirkwood. He was never much interested in Elves and Men, but loved, rather, all beasts and birds.” (Unfinished Tales)

This deck imagines Radagast at Rhosgobel not as a commander of armies, but as the gentle master of beasts. His companions are not Men (Except Widfast), Elves, or Dwarves, but the wild creatures of Middle-earth: hounds, ponies, bears, stallions, ravens — and even a wolf tamed to his service. Together they guard the hidden house in the Greenwood.

Heroes and Identity

Radagast is the core: he funds creatures directly, wields his staff to reduce costs, and brings access to powerful events like Flame of Anor and Word of Persuasion.

Widfast provides steady questing and synergy with the Woodmen theme (Thrór’s Key, Woodmen’s Clearing).

Wolf (via Messenger of the King) becomes the unlikely third hero: fragile but flavorful, and even disposable if contracts like The Riddle-game take him away.

Beasts of the Wild

The allies are entirely non-human, creating a menagerie that feels like Radagast’s true calling.

Loyal Hound, Hunting Dogs, Giant Bear act as defenders and attackers.

Messenger Ravens filter cards and fuel Radagast’s combos.

Beorning Ponies accelerate the deck by discarding, feeding Hidden Cache.

Riddermark’s Finest & Wild Stallion provide mobility and strength, representing the steeds of Rohan answering Radagast’s call.

Fang, Grip, Gavin add unique touches of Radagast’s lore.

Magic and Tools

Radagast does not fight with blades or armor, but with wisdom and subtle craft: Radagast’s Staff is the key piece, reducing ally cost. Wizard Pipe and Miruvor smooth draws and resources.

Events and Tricks

Flame of Anor turns Radagast into a sudden burst of strength. Hidden Cache fuels the resource pool when discarded — often by Beorning Pony or Flame of Anor. A Test of Will holds the encounter deck at bay. You Cannot Pass! provides a thematic clutch defense.

Contracts and Variations

The main build uses Messenger of the King for Wolf. The Riddle-game (sideboard) adds a thematic mini-quest: Wolf as the “Thief” burdened with a Birthday-present. Success or failure reshapes the story mid-game. Beyond the Original Bargain allows layering contracts for more unusual setups. Stone of Elostirion provides card draw.

Playstyle

This is not a deck of polished efficiency but one of theme and resilience:

Mulligan for Radagast’s Staff.

Use Beorning Ponies aggressively to dig for key cards and trigger Hidden Cache.

Let the beasts swarm the table: quest with stallions and Widfast, defend with hounds and bears, strike back with Flame-fueled bursts.

“Radagast the Bird-tamer, the Simple, the Fool — yet he had just the wit to play his part.” (FotR)