by mjd83
I am curious to know what everyone's favorite thematic cards are? Mine are as follows (note: I am only using core, Mirkwood, and KD thus far)1.Gandalf
I still feel that this may be the best thematically designed card in the game. In time of greatest need, Gandalf appears to aid the free people's and then is gone again. How many countless times did this happen in the Hobbit and LOTR? I feel they captured all his qualities well from the books like threat reduction (driving Nazgul away from Minis Tirith), blocking a staggering hit (stopping the Balrog in Moria), +4 questing (leading Thorin's party out of the Goblin tunnels), destroying tough enemies (killing the Goblin King in Goblin Town), and card draw (leading the Rohirrim to the besieged Helm's Gate, solving the puzzle of Durin's Door to Moria).
2.Rivendell Minstrell
This card aids the party along their path with the lore of the elves (+2 questing) and increases their options by inspiring them with tales and lays (search deck for song). I also love the two cost meaning I can get them out in the first turn with Bifur.
3. Legolas
I love how Legolas can not only take out enemies from range, but also pursues and harries them with his knowledge of woodcraft as well as exploring simultaneously with his keen senses(2 progress tokens with kill).
4. Test of Will
Every time I play this card I picture Aragorn or Frodo resisting the will of the sauron, like the scene at Amon Hen or outside the Black Gates. I think it is a very Tolkienesque effect how it allows for the bypassing and resistance of the treacheries of the enemy through sheer willpower.
5. Lore of Imladris
What is cooler than wise characters using the healing lore of the elves to bolster their comrades.
6. Erebor Recordkeeper
This card for me simulates a dwarven historian inspiring characters to great deeds with the records of Dwarven heroes and their feats, as well as informing them of ancient Dwarven tactics to increase their versatility.
7. Dunhere
Who doesn't picture Dunhere riding out to harry the enemy with the sheer speed and ferocity of the Rohirrim when he attacks the staging area?
8. Longbeard Mapmaker
I can think of countless games where this character's lore and knowledge of roads, terrain, secret paths, and locations has gotten me out of a tight spot.
9. Henmarth Riversong and Mirkwood Runner. (bet you can't guess my favorite sphere?)
I mention these two together because to me they are thematically similar in their sylvan guerilla tactics. Riversong scouts out ahead of the party and informs them of impending dangers while the runner slips through the shadows of the forest striking enemies where they are most vulnerable. I love equipping this guy with a Blade of Gondolin
10. Horn of Gondor
Calls forth aid while being overrun by enemies, just like at Boromir's last defense.
I can probably think of several more but am curious to some of your thoughts (I guess I sort of forgot encounter cards as well, some of the most thematic cards in the game.)