Core Only (Spirit2/Leadership1) - Deck 1

Quest/Cancel/Econ!

Note this is completely untested against the core encounters, I'm just theory crafting builds with what is available. Note that 2-sphere builds make the quest where a hero is captured very challenging.

Make Theodred Steward of Gondor. Resource generation! Get Faramir out and use Ever Vigilant to get multiple uses out of him if necessary to quest harder.

Eleanor is often left standing when no treachery cards are revealed from the encounter deck. Use Common Cause to get more use out of your companions heroes when able.

Stand and Fight is good for getting a defender of your own from your companions discard pile.

Sneak Attack is best with Gandalf, but can work for any of the high cost guys - even Faramir when in a pinch.