I haven’t ever done a board game component, but I’ve been listening to the Cardboard of the Rings podcast, and I’ve had an idea…
How about Bastions. My idea for them would be something akin to a location the players can play that any player in the game can use. I think of them like permanents in Magic: The Gathering. When an attack is undefended, a player who controls a bastion may have the attack target a base camp instead. Here are a few ideas:
Rivendell-Lore 6 Resources-5 HP-When a card with the surge effect is reveled, the players may pay 3+1 per player to counter the surge effect. All other effects on the card still occurs
Gondor -Tactics 6 Resources-5 HP-After all cards have been reveled from the encounter deck, players may pay 3+1 per player to deal one point of direct damage to all enemies in the staging area. The may only be triggered once per round.
Edoras- Spirit 6 Resources- 5 HP-During the questing phase, players may pay 3+1 per player to add +1 willpower to all characters questing. This may only be triggered once per round.
Rangers of the North Base Camp-Lore 6 Resources- 5 HP-Players may pay 3 + 1 per player to add +1 defense to all characters. This may only be triggered once per round.
This is not meant to be a comprehensive list. Nor is it really meant to to be completely right, but I would like to hear your thoughts. Does this break the game? Is this what it needs? Is this smart or stupid? Drop a line.
Throat Punch Games 
I think it’s a great idea! It brings more of the story to play in the game. Other locations could be Erebor, Osgiliath, Entmoot (more of a thing than a place, but doable) and the Prancing Pony:)
For Osgiliath, it could include a chance that it becomes controlled by the enemy and they could use it to soak damage for their side…