A review of "Shadow & Flame"
By Anthony S Burdge

The authors of the 48 page Shadow and Flame supplement, Alessio Cavatore and Matthew Ward, should have no fear, their hopes of transmitting their enthusiasm for the works of JRR Tolkien have come to fruition. The Shadow and Flame supplement and first expansion of the Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game is complete with the history of the Dwarven people, their arms and armour and Runes. Also let us not forget the enemy Goblins, Orcs, and Durin's Bane; Flame of Udun, The Balrog. The beautifully designed maps, pictures and illustrations allow the reader to feel as if one were holding a recently unearthed, ancient tome of lore.

The scenarios take players from The East Gate, Battle for the Dwarrowdelf, the Mirrormere and the last stand for the Dwarves , entitled 'They are Coming...' these scenarios can be played independantly or as a campaign. The campaign feature makes this expansion really kick goblin arse. The effects of one scenario can carry over to the next so you better be prepared, forewarned is forearmed.

The second part of the text is equally as awesome, featuring, The Barrow-Downs, Rivendell, Magic in Middle Earth and Fangorn. The Fog on the Barrow Down introduces the gaming tables to Tom Bombadil, Goldberry and the Barrow Wights. These exquisite recreations of Tolkien's words brings to life the dangers of the Barrows and the wights. These spectral undead horrors become undone with the aid of Tom Bombadil. The model of this jollyu, tongue in cheek fellow, master of wood, earth and stone is right out of the Fellowship of the Ring.
New Players to the books and game may think that Toms inability to go beyond the boundaries of the Old Forest is a drawback, not so. This is another example of the authors knowledge and mastery of the original works. The beloved wife of Tom, Goldberry, is lovely, the River Daughter, ever clear and wondrous would make any fane opf Tolkien grin ear to ear at her rising from the page of FOTR.

The next stop on our trip through Shadow and Flame is Rivendell, where we meet the one of the few who can ride openly against the Nine, the shining white light that is Glorfindel, either on foot or atop his steed, Asfaloth, he is a challenge for any foe.
The twin sons of Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir, are skilled warriors and allies of Aragorn, who resonate Courage, Strength and Fortitude. The illustration of page 39, depicts the two heroes ready for battle, who seem influenced by the look of the bushido/samurai. hmmm, was this an influence of Alessio? They look absolutely stunning, a fantastic and inspiring look into these two elves.

Any Tolkien fan may tend to wonder at the Magic in Middle Earth section, for magic is subtle and is just an extension of the natural abilities of Arda's inhabitants bestowed by Eru-Illuvatar, but my faith in the authors of Shadow and Flame was not let down. The rules for Radagast, and the shamans once again reflect the wisdom and knowledge of Alessio and Matthew...