Outfitting the Defenders

Bestowal dialogue

'Goblins infest the narrow reaches of Rath Teraig, and stout-hearted dwarves keep the southern barricade against them. Their armour will fail before their spirits do, <name>, so we must do for them what we can!

'If you can ask a metalsmith to fashion bronze gloves and a bronze helm, then bring them to me, I will see that the staunch defenders of the barricade receive them.

'You will be paid for your trouble, of course, in coin and other small things, though given the importance of this task no one would presume to ask for payment.'

Background

Efi Plateshaper is eager to outfit the dwarves guarding the barricade to Rath Teraig and asked for your help collecting the necessary pieces of armour.

Objective 1

• Collect Bronze Gloves
• Collect Bronze Helm

Efi Plateshaper is at Gondamon, in the Low-lands of Ered Luin.

Efi Plateshaper asked you to bring him bronze gloves and a bronze helm with which he can outfit the defenders of the barricade at Rath Teraig.

Collected bronze gloves

Collected bronze helm

• Bring Bronze Gloves and a Bronze Helm to Efi Plateshaper

Efi Plateshaper: 'Thank you for these, <name>. Take these coins and other items. I insist, even though the knowledge of the good you are doing for the defenders should be enough.'

Leggings for Gagi

Bestowal dialogue

'I don't know what the problem is, stranger. My father was a metalworker, and my father's father was a metalworker, but I do not seem to have inherited their skill with hammer and anvil. I do not know where it could have gone, for I have no brothers, but that skill certainly has avoided me!

'You see, I decided it was time to make a new pair of bronze leggings for myself, but I did something wrong with the heat of the fire and my hammer-blows and ended up with something more akin to a belt. A belt fused in on itself, with something like a sleeve on one end. I can't wear that! And I wouldn't wear it even if I could figure out how exactly to try it on!

'If you know a metalworker of even small skill, I'll pay you for some bronze leggings. I'll give you my leftover materials as well! And don't tell anyone about my...mishap...if you don't mind.'

Background

Gagi Cloudbrow tried to make himself some bronze leggings, but the event has been described as something of a disaster.

Objective 1

• Collect bronze leggings
• Bring bronze leggings to Gagi Cloudbrow

Gagi Cloudbrow is west of Frerin's Court.

Gagi Cloudbrow has asked you to procure for him some bronze leggings, because the pair he tried to make for himself turned out poorly, and in no way resembled the leggings for which he was trying.

'These will do very well, <name>! I don't understand how mine could have turned out so very differently, because they seem easy enough to make. I just don't understand.

'Here are the coins and materials I promised you. Take with them my thanks!'

The Hideout

"The hunt for Amdir leads to the hideout of the brigand Skunkwood, but to what end is unknown...."

Background

Toradan sent you to Skunkwood's hideout to rescue Amdir and put an end to the Blackwolds' mischief.

Objective 1

• Speak to the Blackwold guard

Speak to the Blackwold guard. If your ruse is successful, he should give you access to the hideout.

Toradan sent you to Skunkwood's hideout to rescue Amdir and put an end to the Blackwolds' mischief.

Blackwold Guard: The Blackwold guard stares up at you from beneath a furrowed brow. He spits onto the ground and studies your face for a few seconds before giving you a wry and sinister smile.

Blackwold Guard says, "You must be the new blood Ellie was talking about."

Blackwold Guard says, "You'll find Skunkwood in the back."

Objective 2

• Talk to William Skunkwood

Skunkwood resides somewhere within the hideout.

You have tricked your way into the Blackwolds' hideout. Now you must find Skunkwood and speak with him to learn the whereabouts of Amdir.

William Skunkwood: 'Ah, so you're the one I've heard so much about from Ellie. We lost a lot of good men in Archet, and I'll be glad to have you in the fold.

'You say you've heard about that Ranger? I have to tell you, what is happening to that fellow is plain unnatural. Éogan tells me he'll be a great boon to us, but for now he's just a raving madman.

'I don't mind letting you go take a peek in on him. He's down in the dungeon at the far end of the caverns. My man there will let you pass.'

Objective 3

• Search for Amdir

Amdir lies in the dungeons at the far end of the Blackwold hideout.

Skunkwood told you that Amdir was locked away and that what as happening to him seemed unnatural. You should find Amdir quickly.

Blackwold Ruffian says, "Skunkwood says it's all right. I'll let you pass."

Blackwold Ruffian says, "I'd be careful though, that Amdir's a dangerous one."

Objective 4

• Talk to Amdir

You have discovered Amdir and found that he has partially transformed into a wraith. He stopped raving at the sight of you, so perhaps there is still some hope for him.

Amdir says, "Make it stop! Make it stop!"

Amdir says, "You...I know you...."

Amdir: 'The wound...it is so cold...

'The voice...the voice speaks to me. Commands me. Tells me things. Tells me about the end of all things...the beginning of new things. It calls me...it calls me to service...

'I must do what it says...must follow... I serve...I must serve the Dark Lord...'

Amdir says, "The voice...make it stop!"

Amdir says, "No...no...no..."

Amdir says, "NO!'

Amdir says, "Escape...I must ...."

Objective 5

• Speak with the old prisoner

An old woman in the back of the cell that held Amdir called to you for help. You should help her escape.

Whatever is happening to Amdir, it has driven him completely mad, and he is far more powerful than he first seemed. His deafening scream momentarily stunned you and threw open his cell door.

Sara Oakheart says, "Come here, quickly!"

Sara Oakheart says, "Help me! Please!"

Sara Oakheart: 'Oh, thank you for coming to save me, young one! I have been held captive here for a long time! I have seen many things, and if you would be so kind as to help me out of this dungeon, I would be able to tell you a bit of what happened to your friend Amdir.'

Objective 6

• Help Sara Oakheart out of the cave

Sara Oakheart says, "It will be good to see the sky again! Let us get going, shall we?"

Sara Oakheart says, "They took something very important from me, friend: my stick! I need to go get it!"

Sara Oakheart says, "There's the chest they put it in!"

Sara Oakheart says, "My stick. I would be lost without it."

William Skunkwood says, "Traitor! You freed the prisoners!"

William Skunkwood says, "Kill them!"

Objective 7

• Aid Toradan

Try to help Toradan defeat Amdir.

As neared the entrance of the Blackwold Hideout, you encountered Toradan and Amdir.

Sara Oakheart says, "Goodness, it sounds like there's trouble ahead!"

You have safely escorted Sara Oakheart

Toradan says, "Amdir!"

Toradan says, "By the Valar! It is too late!"

Amdir says, "...the void..."

Amdir says, "The morgul-blade...the voice...the Eye...."

Toradan says, "All of you! Stay back! It is too late for him!"

Toradan says, "I am sorry, my friend, but I must end this...."

Amdir says, "...end this? Kill me?"

Amdir says, "Is this the compassion of the Dúnedain?"

Amdir says, "The voice...the voice told the truth!"

Amdir says, "I shall end you, Toradan, my brother..."

Toradan says, "AAAH!"

Amdir says, "...and every other Ranger as well!"

Toradan says, "Uhhh...."

Objective 8

• Speak to Toradan

After helping Sara Oakheart out of the Blackwold hideout, Toradan entered and saw what had become of Amdir. Seeing his kinsman too far gone to help, Toradan attempted to slay him, but was instead himself stricken down.

You should speak with Toradan before he perishes.

Toradan: Toradan coughs up blood. 'Amdir is...beyond saving now. You must warn...my kindred....

'Mundol is in the Mustering Cave of the Rangers. He...help him....

'Go to Underhill...ask him if...if Tanglerush delivered my message...'

Objective 9

• Speak to Sara Oakheart

Toradan spoke about Amdir trying to kill the other Rangers and asked you to speak with Constable Underhill about a message he sent to someone named Tanglerush.

Before leaving the hideout, however, you should speak to Sara Oakheart again to see if she needs any further help.

Sara Oakheart: 'Goodness me, what a terrible sight for these old eyes! The blade that stung Amdir has done it's work, and I fear he's nothing more than a servant of the Enemy now. You should try and stop him, if you can.

'And don't worry about me. Now that I'm free of that awful cell, I'll be fine. And I've gotten my stick back. Don't know what I'd done without it.'

Sara Oakheart says, "You have done me a great service this day."

Greater Responsibility

Bestowal dialogue

'When Skunkwood took me to the Blackwold's encampment in the Chetwood, I met Jagger Jack. Jack is training the wolves for the Blackwolds. He keeps most o' them deep in the ruins in the north parts of the woods.

'If we're going to put a stop to the Blackwolds, then we may need to do a little mischief o' our own. I'm not wont to do this, mind you, but we need to stop them wolves before they're used against Combe.

'Leecher Cartwell can help us and will. Talk to him at his house, up on the cliff south of Combe centre. Tell him that I need a poison to kill the wolves.'

Background

According to Ellie, someone named Jagger Jack trains the wolves deep within the Blackwold Hideout. She met him when she was brought there and felt very ill at ease in the area.

Objective 1

• Talk to Leecher Cartwell

Leecher Cartwell's house overlooks Combe on the road south towards Bree.

Ellie Cutleaf has instructed you to acquire some poison from Cartwell, the local leech, to use against the Jagger Jack's wolves.

Leecher Cartwell: 'Ellie got herself in trouble, did she? I've been near the wood of late to gather herbs and such. Something has the animals there stirred up, for certain.

'If this will help make things right between Ellie and the Combe-folk, I will help. I think I know just the thing. I'll need fresh honey, blackwort root, and several red berries.

'There are beehives behind the abandoned house, south of Combe. The berries grow in patches in a valley just over the hill behind the house. Blackwort root is found near the wolf-den in the north Chetwood.'

Objective 2

• Collect honey
• Collect blackwort roots (0/7)
• Collect red berries (0/8)

There are beehives behind the abandoned house south of Combe. Red berries grow in patches in the valley behind the house. Blackwort root grows near a wolf-den north-east of the Combe lumber camp.

Leecher Cartwell has agreed to make the poison Ellie requested, but needs your assistance gathering the ingredients.

Leecher Cartwell: 'Fresh honey, blackwort root, and red berries. That is all I need to make the poison.'

Objective 3

• Bring the honey, blackwort roots, and red berries to Leecher Cartwell

Cartwell's house is on a low cliff in the south-west corner of Combe.

Your search for Cartwell's herbs and honey took you into danger, but your efforts were fruitful. You should return at once to Cartwell with the ingredients.

Constable Underhill: 'Better we don't speak too often. If Ellie is found to be working with us, we may endanger her. I'd rather not see her harmed if she truly wishes to make amends.'

Ellie Cutleaf: 'What are ye doing here, hanging about? Please hurry!'

Leecher Cartwell: 'Ah! There you are, it will be just a moment, and I'll have the poison for you...

'Be careful with this. It'll not hurt you or I, nor even the little folk -- except perhaps to make us mildly ill -- but the normal woodland creatures would suffer terribly if you don't use caution.

'You should return to Ellie and let her know that the poison is ready.'

Collected Cartwell's Poison

Objective 4

• Return to Ellie Cutleaf in Combe

Ellie Cutleaf's home is in the north-west corner of Combe, on the banks of the pond.

After a short distilling process, Cartwell handed you a sweet-smelling phial. He assured you that the poison would kill the wolves threatening the Chetwood and the inhabitants of Combe, then sent you back to Ellie Cutleaf.

Leecher Cartwell: 'Take the poison to Ellie. Tell her that I truly hope she finds her eay through this. She is a good woman but sometimes easily misled.'

Constable Underhill: 'Better we don't speak too often. If Ellie is found to be working with us, we may endanger her. I'd rather not see her harmed if she truly wishes to make amends.'

Ellie Cutleaf: 'You have the poison from Cartwell?

'I trust Cartwell. Now that we have the poison, we may be ready to strike at the Blackwolds in their Chetwood home.'

Cutleaf's Good Intentions

Bestowal dialogue

'Now here's an idea. Ellie is looking for new blood, so why not help her out? You could mask yourself as a ruffian and offer to join the Blackwolds. Gain her confidence, and we might find out where the Blackwold leaders are hiding! Of course, it would be dangerous! Do you think you're up to the task?

'Ellie's house is in the north-west corner of town, by the pond. There are some large cages nearby -- she breeds dogs, I think.

'Go and speak with her...and remember, you're a brigand!'

Background

Ellie Cutleaf, a resident of Combe, is mentioned by name in the letter you found in the Blackwold recruit's pack.

Objective 1

• Talk to Ellie Cutleaf

Ellie Cutleaf's house lies in the north-west corner of Combe, on the banks of the pond.

After discovering the identity of the Blackwold agent, Constable Underhill asked you to enter the ranks of the Blackwolds by speaking with Ellie Cutleaf and doing whatever she asks of you.

Ellie Cutleaf: 'Not another one! I'd thought I'd gotten all o' those letters back. You'd be better served just going home. You don't want to join up with the Blackwolds.

'I listened to Skunkwood, their leader, and helped them breed some wolves. I admit, I did it for the promise o' riches, but I regret it. Jagger Jack is their real wolf-master, and he had me breed a local wolf with one o' them Wargs. When they took me into their camp, deep within the Chetwood, I got afeared right quick. There's something not right there. I've done something terrible, <name>, and I need help getting out.

'The den-mother I helped them breed is kept at Skunkwood's farm in the north Chetwood. She needs to be killed before her next litter is born, else her pups'll do worse damage to the Chetwood and the folk here.'

Objective 2

• Defeat Skunkwood's den-mother

Skunkwood's farm can be found by following the road east up the hill and then north into the Chetwood. Follow the road east through the woods and towards the northern end of the Midgewater Marshes.

Constable Underhill ordered you to try and insinuate yourself into the Blackwolds' good graces by doing tasks for their agent, Ellie Cutleaf. However, Ellie admitted her involvement and her desire to leave that part of her life behind. She has asked you for help righting her wrongs.

Defeated Skunkwood's den-mother

Objective 3

• Talk to Ellie Cutleaf

Ellie Cutleaf's house lies in the north-west corner of Combe, on the banks of the pond.

Ellie Cutleaf asked you to slay the den-mother she bred with a Warg for Jagger Jack, the wolf-keeper of the Blackwolds. You should return to her with news of your success.

Constable Underhill: 'Ellie wants out does she? We may be able to help her then. if she's willing to help us defeat the Blackwolds, then I see no reason not to help her.

'Just remember, <name>, she once worked with the Blackwolds.'

Ellie Cutleaf: 'I'm glad that you were able to defeat the Den-mother before she bore any more of those half-Wargs.

'Now there's just Skunkwood to deal with. He spends most of his time in the Blackwold hideout these days. There are dark-skinned men who sometimes attend him, clearly not from these parts, and that Jagger Jack fellow.'

Wanetta the Wedge

Bestowal dialogue

'I am surprised at how earnest Eldo seems to be! Perhaps I shall give him a chance. A courtship could be just the thing to brighten my days.

'Tell him that I'll consider his courting me, but he'll need to sell his dog, Wanetta. I always come down with the sneezes whenever I am around dogs of her breed, and it is really unbearable.

'Hurry back with his answer! Oh, I'm all a-flutter like a little hobbit-girl!'

Background

Eldo Swatmidge is a successful farmer, but he is lonely. He has sought your help to woo his neighbour, the Widow Froghorn.

Objective 1

• Talk to Eldo Swatmidge at his farm

Eldo Swatmidge's farm is up the road to the north and east of the Widow Froghorn's farm.

Asphodel Froghorn stated she would allow Eldo to court her, if he was willing to sell his dog. You should return to Eldo Swatmidge with the Widow's terms.

Asphodel Froghorn: 'Oh, I'm so excited! Please hurry and tell Mr. Swatmidge so he can make arrangements to sell that dog of his. I can't wait!'

Eldo Swatmidge: 'Sell Wanetta? I...I can't. I've had Wanetta here since she was a pup. She's given me litter after litter of good, strong pups. She's my prized dog! I can't sell her! If she was a hobbit and I was a dog, she wouldn't sell me, I know it!

'If that's what Asphodel wants...tell her I can't. I can't do it. Looks like I won't ever be courting the Widow Froghorn. Please don't think me ungrateful for what you've done, but I just can't lose my Wanetta.'

Objective 2

• Talk to Asphodel Froghorn at her farm

The Widow Froghorn's farm is on the road west and south of Eldo Swatmidge's farm.

Eldo Swatmidge cannot sell Wanetta even though he cares so much for Asphodel Froghorn. He has asked you to deliver his message to the Widow.

Eldo Swatmidge: 'I hope she underestands, but I just can't sell Wanetta. I just can't!'

Asphodel Froghorn: 'What? He won't sell that dog? Now...now I want him courting me even more! What loyalty, and not even to a person!

'You were right all along, <name>. Eldo Swatmidge might not be the most well-dressed hobbit in Staddle, or even the most well-spoken, but he's a good, hard-working, loyal fellow.

'Maybe someday there will be a cure for the sneezes I get around that breed of dog, and then not even Wanetta will keep me from my Eldo! Please go tell him at once, <name>.'

Objective 3

• Talk to Eldo Swatmidge at his farm

Eldo Swatmidge's farm is up the road north and east of the Widow Froghorn's farm.

Asphodel Froghorn found Eldo's loyalty so endearing that she is willing to put up with sniffles and sneezing. You should return to Eldo Swatmidge with the good news.

Asphodel Froghorn: 'Eldo's loyalty, generosity, kindness, and caring make him a fine suitor, I think!'

Eldo Swatmidge: 'Really!'

Eldo looks to Wanetta, 'Did you hear that, Wanetta? Asphodel said yes!'

'<name>, I don't know if this is thanks enough for what you've done for me! Take this and know that I'll be everything I promised Asphodel and more!'

Farmer's Market

Bestowal dialogue

'Asphodel keeps her farm going by selling her goods at the Farmer's Market. I made a deal with Himloc Grouse to pay double what others pay for her fresh vegetables.

'Could you go to her farm, collect the produce she means to sell, and deliver it to Himloc? Be sure to return the money to her when you are done.'

Background

• Collect produce from Asphodel Froghorn

Eldo Swatmidge is a successful farmer, but he is lonely. He has sought your help to woo his neighbour, the Widow Froghorn.

Objective 1

The Widow Froghorn's farm is on the road west and south of Eldo Swatmidge's farm.

Eldo Swatmidge asked you to collect the produce that Asphodel Froghorn means to sell.

Eldo Swatmidge: 'You go take Asphodel's produce to Himloc Grouse in town…and don't forget to mention my kind treatment of my dogs!'

Asphodel Froghorn: 'Eldo didn't send a layabout, did he?

'And he's kind to his dogs? How about that?

'Since you've already proven yourself so useful, why not take this into Staddle and sell it to Himloc Grouse? He'll be in the town square, most likely. Maybe then we can continue our discussion of Eldo Swatmidge's good qualities, of which I am sure you will tell me there are many.'

Collected produce from Asphodel Froghorn

Objective 2

• Bring the basket of vegetables to Himloc Grouse

Himloc Grouse can usually be found in the town square of Staddle, west of the Widow Froghorn's farm.

Asphodel seems to think highly of you and has asked you to sell some of her produce to Himloc Grouse, the trader.

Asphodel Froghorn: 'If you are going to volunteer your labour, you might as well take my produce to Himloc Grouse.'

Himloc Grouse: 'So you've got some produce for sale from the Widow Froghorn, do you? Well, I'll be taking it...and here's the payment.

'And before you start thinking I've gone soft in the head, that's double what I usually pay. Eldo Swatmidge and I have a standing agreement, on account of he asked me to pay double for any of the Widow's produce, then he gives me the difference. It's true what they say: a hobbit in love don't have no hobbit-sense at all!

'You bring that payment back to the Widow Froghorn and don't mention the agreement I've got with Swatmidge. That's part of the whole arrangement.'

Objective 3

• Bring Himloc's payment to Asphodel Froghorn

Widow Froghorn 's farm is east of Staddle.

Asphodel Froghorn is waiting for the payment you received from Himloc Grouse for the sale of her vegetables.

Himloc Grouse: 'You go take that paymet back to the Widow Froghorn…but don't you tell here why I paid so much!'

Asphodel Froghorn: 'This seems like a bit much. Are you sure Himloc gave you the right amount? No, don't tell me. I have a feeling Eldo Swatmidge might have something to do with Himloc's generosity.'

Quality and Character

Bestowal dialogue

'Asphodel mentioned in her letter that there are bears wandering closer and closer to her farm. Maybe this is a clue that she needs some help with them.

'Would you make your way into the woods south of her farm and drive the bears away? This might show her that I am willing to see to her safety and show how caring I can be.

'When you're done, tell her!'

Background

Eldo Swatmidge is a successful farmer, but he is lonely. He has sought your help to woo his neighbour, the Widow Froghorn.

Objective 1

• Defeat bears near Widow Froghorn's farm (0/6)

There are bears south of the Widow Froghorn's farm.

Eldo wants to show Asphodel that he is willing to see to her protection. He has asked you to drive the bears away from her farm.

Eldo Swatmidge: 'You haven't gotten worn out already, have you?'

Objective 2

• Talk to Asphodel Froghorn at her farm

Asphodel Froghorn is at her farm.

You have killed the bears as requested, so you should now speak to the Widow Froghorn.

Asphodel Froghorn: 'Sent you again, did he? That Eldo Swatmidge is certainly persistent. I'll give him that, at least.

'He's honest, too? I'm glad you shared that information, <name>, because it's certainly important. Or perhaps it isn't.

'Tell him that I appreciate the help around here, but my answer is still no.'

Objective 3

• Talk to Eldo Swatmidge at his farm

Eldo Swatmidge's farm is up the road north and east of the Widow Froghorn's farm.

Asphodel Froghorn was pleased to learn that Eldo is both thoughtful and caring, but she still asked you to tell Eldo Swatmidge that her answer was still no.

Asphodel Froghorn: 'Eldo is surely persistent, and he seems to have a very good heart.'

Eldo Swatmidge: 'Still no...? She is fickle, to be sure, but she's the finest lady in Staddle.

'Well, regardless, I think you made another fine impression. You're doing wonderfully, <name>.'

Widow Froghorn's Pipeweed

Bestowal dialogue

'I must beg your pardon, but it's been a bit of a trial since I lost my Bodo. If you're here to lend a hand, I won't stop you.

'The pipe-weed is ready for harvest, so if you're still intent on helping out, you can bring it in. It's right there, on the other side of my wheat field.

'But you should know that I'll not change my mind about old Eldo Swatmidge.'

Background

Eldo Swatmidge is a successful farmer, but he is lonely. He has sought your help to woo his neighbour, the Widow Froghorn.

Objective 1

• Collect pipe-weed (0/1)

Asphodel's pipe-weed field is located by her home, directly to the west of her wheat-field.

The Widow Froghorn has asked you to harvest some of the ripe pipe-weed from her field.

Asphodel Froghorn: 'My pipe-weed is planted on the other side of my wheat field there. You should find some ripe pipe-weed ready to harvest.'

Objective 2

• Deliver the Pipeweed to Widow Froghorn

Asphodel's pipe-weed field is located by her home, directly to the west of her wheat-field.

The Widow Froghorn has asked you to harvest some of the ripe pipe-weed from her field.

Asphodel Froghorn: 'I see you've harvested quite a bundle of pipe-weed. You have my thanks -- a helping hand is appreciated, no matter where it comes from.

'You say Eldo is a good, solid hobbit? You would say that, I suppose, being in his employ.'

Asphodel takes the pipe-weed and hands you a folded, sealed note. 'Take this back to your good, solid friend. And don't read it!'

Objective 3

• Deliver Widow Froghorn's letter to Eldo Swatmidge

Eldo Swatmidge's farm is up the road to the north and east of the Widow Froghorn's farm.

After collecting pipeweed for Asphodel, she handed you a note and told you to deliver it to Eldo without reading the contents.

Asphodel Froghorn: 'Now, mind you, my mind has not been changed about old Eldo…and you cna let him know that!'

Eldo Swatmidge: 'You're back! How did it go?

'What's this? Refused again! Well...I'm not going to give up! If you go back and tell her some more of my good qualities, I'm sure she will reconsider. I'm sure of it!

'Did you mention how hard-working I am? I'm an honest fellow, and good to my dogs. They say you can judge the worth of a hobbit by how he treats his dogs, and I treat mine like royalty! You go help her out around the farm some more, and be sure to mention that. Like royalty!'

Widow's Farmhand

Bestowal dialogue

'This is a fine farm, wouldn't you say? Yes, life has been kind to me. My only regret is that I haven't anyone to share it with!

'I think you might be able to help me, if you're of a mind. The Widow Froghorn lives up the hill to the west, and she's a fine lady, but she won't hear of me courting her. I've been sending letters to her for a while now, asking her to tea, to the dance, to watch o'er my dog...but she refuses every time!

'Now, Widow Froghorn -- Asphodel is her right name -- is always needing help around her farm. Maybe if you lend her a hand, saying a kind word about me now and then, she'll change her mind! Go west up the hill, then turn south by the fence at the top. Her farm is at the crossroads.'

Background

Eldo Swatmidge is a successful farmer, but he is lonely. He has sought your help to woo his neighbour, the Widow Froghorn.

Objective 1

• Talk to Asphodel Froghorn

The Widow Froghorn's farm is west and south of Eldo Swatmidge's farm.

Eldo has asked you to help out around Asphodel Froghorn's farm, taking the opportunity to put in a few good words for him.

Eldo Swatmidge: 'Asphodel's farm is west of here, closer to Staddle. Go up the hill to the west and turn south at the fence on the top. Don't forget to put in a good word for me every chance you get!'

Asphodel Froghorn: 'Who might you be? Another farmhand Eldo sent to help me? I don't need his help, thank you very much and good day to you!

'No matter how many times I tell him "no," he just won't give up. I swear, there's only one thing he loves, and it's those dogs he raises! If it doesn't bark or have a tail to wag, he doesn't know the first thing about it!

Blackwold Thieves

Bestowal dialogue

'Ahh yes! I remember. A scout returned a few hours ago and mentioned that there was an Applewood giving orders to the recruits. He then headed towards the Blackwold's main encampment in the ruins in the north most part of the Chetwood.

'If Applewood has the key, then we should set about getting it from him to aid those who have suffered so greatly at the Blackwold's hands. Be careful <name>, reports from near those ruins tell of a great sense of dread and dismay. You will need to be cautious if you are to attempt to find Applewood and obtain the key.

'When you find the key return to me and we shall see what good news we shall bring to the people of Archet and Combe.'

Background

Constable Sageford remembered that a scout mentioned hearing a Blackwold recruit heeding orders from Sergeant Applewood near the Blackwold main encampment. He has charged you with finding Applewood and recovering the key to the lockbox.

Objective 1

• Find Rurik's Master-key (0/1)

Applewood has been seen entering the Blackwold's main encampment in the northern most part of the Chetwood. Seek him out and obtain the key he stole from Rurik.

After learning that Rurik was guilty only of fear, Sageford recalled the name Rurik provided as being a Brigand within the main encampment of the Blackwold in the Chetwood.

Constable Sageford: 'If you can find Applewood within the Blackwold's main encampment, you should be able to recover Rurik's key, and then we can begin to restore the people's hope here in Combe and Archet.'

Objective 2

• Bring Rurik's Master-key to Constable Sageford

Constable Sageford can be found near the centre of Combe.

Having found and defeated Applewood, you took the key back from him. Now you should return to Constable Sageford.

Constable Sageford: 'You found it! Excellent work, and I can say that we are pleased that there is one less Brigand to worry about as well.

'Now, <name>, we can find what the brigands hid away within this chest. You have done a wonderful job, friend, and deserve this reward.'