C – core set M – Shadows of Mirkwood cycle M1 – Hunt for Gollum M2 – Conflict at the Carrock M3 – Journey to Rhosgobel M4 – Hills of Emyn Muil M5 – Dead Marshes M6 – Return to Mirkwood K – Khazad-dûm deluxe D – Dwarrodelf cycle D1 – Redhorn Gate D2 – Road to Rivendell D3 – Watcher in the Water D4 – Long Dark D5 – Foundations of Stone D6 – Shadow and Flame H – The Hobbit saga H1 – Over Hill and Under Hill H2 – On the Doorstep N – Heirs of Númenor deluxe S – Against the Shadow cycle S1 – Steward’s Fear S2 – Drúadan Forest S3 – Encounter
at Amon Dîn S4 – Assault on Osgiliath S5 – Blood of Gondor S6 – Morgul Vale
Shadow Cancellation
There is a bit more competition among shadow effect cancellation than
there is among when revealed cancelation. As for Eleanor, Balin (H2) is the only hero capable of the feat. Also the mechanics
is quite similar to the Gondorian. But Balin has quite a few advantages over
the above; first of all, the replaced card may not have not shadow effect at
all (whilst the replaced encounter will almost always be still evil); secondly,
Balin doesn’t have to exhaust, instead he pays a resource (well, this is not
always advantageous but mostly so); finally, Balin has better stats and
currently much better synergies also.
Dawn Take You All (M6) may be by far
the most situational shadow cancellation card. It works blindly and its effect
grows with the number of players. It is quite terrible solo or 2-player, and
still only alright with three or four. Which is altogether a great shame given
the card has some of the most lovely art in the game – and also the flavour.
Rider of the Mark (D2) is also quite
situational, he’s got decent stats so one can make an argument for him without
the ability but an experienced player will hardly want to play cards without
using their full potential. Thus, the rider is only good when two or more
players possess Spirit resource icons.
Hasty Stroke (C) was the only
candidate in the category in the times of the core set. It is still the most
straight-forward shadow cancellation card to date.
But A Burning Brand (M2) has
much greater potential than the above. It is also much more restricted to use
it and sometimes the automatic cancellation may rid you of a rare beneficial
shadow effect (like the Rangers of Ithilien), but overall, this card attached
to a good defender is a total game-changer. Often this comes with the need of
Song of Wisdom, as (Tactics) Boromir, Beregond or Elrohir are among the best
candidates; however, there are some Lore defenders also, like Elrond, Gildor,
Haldir or even Bilbo.