I absolutely love cards like this, and the design of this hero (and of course many others in this wonderful game) is part of what is so appealing about this game, and gives it the longevity that it has in the community. This hero completely changes how you build and deploy a deck, and that is awesome. And for just 10 threat, with a solid grouping of stats and a very unique ability, I think there's a lot of potential for this hero in a variety of decks. Sorta feels like there might be some synergy with Círdan the Shipwright and of course many, many other heroes and cards, but I'll leave that for someone more qualified to figure out.

No reviews yet? I may do one then! I really like this card in decks which uses cheaper Noldor allies, especially if I play heroes like Erestor or even Arwen Undómiel since it can be discarded for other effects like To the Sea, to the Sea! or Imladris Caregiver or Lindon Navigator and then used to bring back an ally from your discard pile! I recently published a deck and as mentioned, it can be used to bring back the ally version of Arwen, Arwen Undómiel, since it costs two. Obviously, it does not have use outside of deck which is meant to discard cards and have Noldor allies, but in Noldor decks, I really like this card!

Most people overlook this card. However, I like it quite a lot. First, it is the only Condition removal in Spirit. While that may not seem like a huge deal, it gives Spirit access to the three main types of encounter cancelation: When Revealed, Shadow, and Condition. In addition, I would argue that Power of Orthanc is the best out of the condition removal. While Bulwark of the West shares Power of Orthanc's ability to be cast during the quest phase, it requires an ally. All of the Lore options are restrictive. Miner of the Iron Hills costs two and can only be played the next turn. Elrond offers other options but he suffers worse than the miner. Athelas is good but it is trait specific. In contrast, Power of Orthanc costs nothing, can be played at any time, and only requires you to be able to raise your threat. Every mediocre deck should be able to raise its threat, so this cost is effective non-existent. Basically, you are replacing a condition treachery with an encounter card with Doomed 2 that has no effects. That is fantastic! This card should be in the sideboard of all Spirit decks! I haven't even mentioned its synergy with Saruman or his staff.

You guys all forget that this card is not restricted, so you can bump up to 3 extra willpowers to a single hero

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Note: because his ability includes the word "then", you must successfully ready Mendor in order for each player to draw 1 card. So if he's not exhausted when you defeat a quest card, you don't get to draw cards. See the Rules Reference p.17 under "Then".

Wow though, he seems tailor-made to make the Angmar Awakened campaign more new-player friendly. All those side quests! I'm glad you can officially bring him into it.