A Tour of Bree

Bestowal dialogue

'Now then, Bree is a fairly large town, and there are many places to visit and people to meet. I would like to help you with this and have asked many of the townsfolk to bid you good welcome when you speak with them. This town needs as many allies as it can find in these dark times.

'Your first step will be to the north, just beyond the Trader's Gate to the Three-farrow Crafting Hall. Enter the building and speak with Bonny Thatcher.'

Background

Bree's mayor, Graeme Tenderlarch, thought you might like to get acquainted with the town proper. He has sent you out into the square to begin your journey through the streets to tour the town.

Objective 1

• Talk to Bonny Thatcher at the Three-farrow Crafting-hall

The Three-farrow Crafting-hall lies to the north of the Bree Town Hall, through the Trader's Gate.

Graeme Tenderlarch has bid you enter the Three-farrow Crafting-hall and speak with Bonny Thatcher.

Graeme Tenderlarch: 'The Three-farrow Crafting-hall is west and north of the Bree Town Hall. Seek Bonny Hatcher there, she will explain to you about the crafting hall of Bree.'

Bonny Thatcher: 'Look here! Another new face in Bree-town, and not one of those swarthy Southerners, but a right honest Man. This is heartening to see.

'Graeme told me that there may be folk stopping in as they learned about the more important areas of Bree. Well, here it is…the crafting-hall of Bree. We have all manner of crafters here at Three-farrow. You can feel free to ply any trade you know within this hall.

'I was told to send you on toward on of Bree's most precious pieces of art, the Boar Fountain, to speak with Second-watcher Heathstraw for a bit of history. You will find him just up the hill to the north at the Boar Fountain in Market Square.'

Objective 2

• Talk to Second-watcher Heathstraw near the Boar Fountain

The Boar Fountain lies a little to the north of the Three-farrow Crafting-hall.

Bonny Thatcher told you to speak with Second-watcher Heathstraw at the Boar Fountain in theMarket Square.

Bonny Thatcher: 'Seek out Second-watcher Heathstraw just up the road near the Boar Fountain. I am certain that he will have some interesting information about Bree-town.'

Second-watcher Heathstraw: 'Well, well! It is good to see you again. I assume that you are on your tour of Bree and looking for some information about the town. Well, I am not the historian that certain folks are, but I do know a bit about the town and the reason that the boar plays such a big part in the decoration of the town.

'When Bree was settled, the area was prime hunting-ground for wild boar. The beasts served as the primary source of meat for the first settlers and have become something of a symbol of tenacity. The Boar Fountain was built to honour the first folk who settled Bree and used the wild boars surrounding the township as provender.

'Time for you to meet one of our more notable folks, Barliman Butterbur. Butterbur owns the most successful inn in all of Bree. You will find him north along the road beyond the Market Gate within the Prancing Pony Inn.'

Objective 3

• Talk to Barliman Butterbur at The Prancing Pony Inn

The Prancing Pony Inn is north of the Market Square.

Second-watcher Heathstraw has instructed you to speak with Barliman Butterbur, proprietor of The Prancing Pony Inn.

Second-watcher Heathstraw: 'Barliman Butterbur is one of Bree's most noteworthy residents and you will find that his establishment is both well-run and oft busy. Seek him to the north at the Prancing Pony.'

Barliman Butterbur: 'Well, well, we've been getting a mighty large number of travellers coming into Bree. You don't have the look of one of those Southerners, though….

'I am Barliman Butterbur, and this is the Prancing Pony, finest inn in all of Bree-land. You can feel free to drink here and stay here, if You've the coin. Now I'm forgetting something…it's like that, so busy and all. Oh yes! I am to send you on your next stop upon you tour of Bree.

'Leave my inn and head down the hill west beyond the Iron Gate. A short distance from there you will see the road split. Turn north and visit Lily Sandheaver at the first house there.'

Objective 4

• Talk to Lily Sandheaver at her home

Lily Sandheaver's home is west of The Prancing Pony Inn.

Barliman Butterbur told you to speak with Lily Sandheaver at her home.

Barliman Butterbur: 'Miss Sandheaver's home is just down the hill to the west. She lives in the first home on the road that stretches north.'

Lily Sandheaver: 'Hullo, friend! You must be new to Bree and on an errand from the Mayor Tenderlarch! It is good to make your acquaintance. I am Lily Sandheaver…I handle all the good grown by the hobbits living on the hill.

'I also like collecting historical herilooms, which reminds me that my hireling hasn't yet sent me anything…I hope all is well.

'Oh, I am to send you to visit the West-gate to speak with Harry Goatleaf. Just head west towards the gate and you should see Harry there. You may want o speak to Bill Rosewood too…he minds the horses of Bree.'

Objective 5

• Talk to Harry Goatleaf at the West-gate

Harry Goatleaf can be found at the West-gate, west of Lily Sandheaver's home.

Lily Sandheaver told you to speak with Harry Goatleaf.

Lily Sandheaver: 'Harry Goatleaf is just down the road west toward the gate. He's a rather ornery man ifyou ask me, but he surely has something to share.'

Harry Goatleaf: 'What do you want? Tenderlarch is a fool, thinking that any of us want to take our time to speak with people who'll be in Bree causing no end of trouble. He should focus on affairs that he can truly handle.

'Get out of my sight. Talk to Watchman Cardoon if you want more help. He's right down the road to the east.'

Objective 6

• Talk to Watchman Cardoon in Bree

Watchman Cardoon is east of the West-gate of Bree.

Harry Goatleaf told you to speak with Watchman Cardoon.

Harry Goatleaf: 'I told you, I have nothing to say to you. You want to know something more of this town, talk to the watcher back towards the east. Cardoon is his name.'

Watchman Cardoon: 'Greetings, <name>. Goatleaf sent you here? He's been acting queerer and queerer recently.

'No matter of concern, I am certain. You should visit the vault next. You will find it down the road to the south. It is a large, stone building with two guardsman keeping watch.

'Enter the vault and speak with either Tad Gardener or Maud Foxglove.'

Objective 7

• Talk to Tad Gardener at the vault

or

• Talk to Maud Foxglove at the vault

The vault is found to the south of Watcher Cardoon. He told you to follow the road and look for the large, stone building protected by tow guards.

Watcher Cardoon instructed you to speak with Tad Gardener of Maud Foxglove at the vault.

Watchman Cardoon: 'You wil lfind the vaults to the south of here, just beyond the guards in the old stone buildings there.'

Ted Gardener/Maud Foxglove: 'Welcome to the Bree Vaults. We charge nothing to store many of your goods, and for a small but increasing fee, we will store even more.

'We have protection from the town guard at all hours of the day, so you can be certain that your valuables are safe here.

'Feel free to look around out front before heading across the way to Whitethorn's Taxidermy.'

Objective 8

• Talk to Clar Whitethorn at Whitethorn's Taxidermy

You will find Whitethorn's Taxidermy across the road from the Bree-town Vault.

You were told to speak with Clar Whitethorn at Whitethorn's Taxidermy.

Ted Gardener/Maud Foxglove: 'You will find the taxidermist across the road.'

Clar Whitethorn: 'Hullo, friend, welcome to Whitethorn's Taxidermy. My son and I, along with Mr. Whitbread, can fashion wonderous trophies from the unique finds you come across in your adventures. You can display these wonders within your homes if you choose.

'Have a look if you like, and when you are ready, take the road outside my home to the south-east beyond the Iron Monger's Gate to the Stone Quarter. Turn east before the statue of the dwarf and follow the alley to the scholars. They are good fellow s and quite knowledgeable about Bree. Speak with Newbold Leafcutter in the Scholar's Stair.'

Objective 9

• Talk to Newbold Leafcutter

Make your way south out of Whitethorn's Taxidermy before you reach the statue of the dwarf turn left, to the east, and make your way to Scholar's Stair. Enter and speak with Newbold Leafcutter.

Clar Whitethorn directed you to speak with Newbold Leafcutter within the Scholar's Stair.

Clar Whitethorn: 'You will find the Scholar's Stair south-east under the arch and into the alley east before the dwarf-statue. Speak with Newbold. he is a good old fellow.'

Newbold Leafcutter: 'Much of the history of Bree and Bree-land is stored within these walls and within other safe places throughout the city. We are being more diligent than ever to keep safe the history of our land.

'Foul Men are lurking about all over town, and there is tell of shadows that leap out at folks in recent days.

'You should speak with mat Heathertoes. He and folk like him, those without much, are hardest hit by these ruffians. Turn left outside our door and head south-west beyond the dwarf-statue under the eaves to find him.'

Objective 10

• Talk to Mat Heathertoes in Beggar's Alley

Mat Heathertoes is found in Beggar's Alley, southwest from Scholar's Stair, then west under the Mud Gate from the Stone Quarter.

Newbold Leafcutter told you to speak with Mat Heathertoes next.

Newbold Leafcutter: 'Mat Heathertoes lives in the less savoury part of town to the east. The refugees from the south seem to be taking up there more often than anywhere else in Bree.'

Mat Heathertoes: 'Greetings, stranger. Not sure why Tenderlarch is having you visit us here in Beggar's Alley…all we have to offer is in the ruins to the north. Still, he paid me some coin to see that you met me and heard what I have to say about our little part of Bree.

'Most folks pay us no nevermind and don't hear us asking about the sound from the alleys at night: ghosts prowling about down by the South-gate and the terror that grips the lot of us.

'Most of the brigands have moved in here, pushing the few good folk who live here out. I wish Grimbriar had not run off. Heathstraw is a good fellow, but not as clever as the Chief Watcher.

'I am to send you to the Bree Jail for your next stop. Don't worry though…it's unlikely that they will arrest you. From here head east along the road until you pass the Bree Town Hall, then bear slightly south. You will see the stocks in front of the Jail. Speak with Lily Appledore inside.'

Objective 11

• Talk to Lily Appledore at the Bree Jail

The Bree Jail can be found by following the road east through Bree past the Bree Town Hall, then bearing south.

Mat Heathertoes suggested you speak with Lily Appledore at the Bree Jail.

Mat Heathertoes: 'You'll find that most villains find their way to the jails. South and east beyond the Town Hall but before the wood gate.'

Lily Appledore: 'Welcome to Bree. Take a good look around you…these are the cells where those who mean ill to the people of Bree find themselves, <name>. It is also where we train future recruits for the Town Watch and guard.

'The difference between the two is subtle, but the Watch has more power to also roam the countryside to protect the many farms of Bree. Recent weeks and months has seen an increase in brigand activity, and the Watch is terribly strained. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

'On to your next visit, <name>. From the jail, head east under the Woodsmen's Gate, then turn south. Look for the bronze boar standing outside the Bree Auction Hall and enter. Speak with one of the auctioneers within.'

Objective 12

• Talk to an auctioneer

The Bree Auction Hall lies east through the Woodsmen's Gate, then south.

Lily Appledore instructed you to speak with one of the auctioneers at the Auction Hall

Lily Appledore: 'Time for you to visit the other thieves in Bree, the auctioneers.

'You will find them beyond the Wood Gate.'

Any auctioner: 'This is the Bree Auction Hall. Here you can trade materials with other craftsmen and adventurers at a small cost, which helps support Bree-town.

'You can search through our ledgers to see items that people are currently offering. If you choose to list an item with us, we will hold it for an agreed upon amount of time and should the item sell, we will take a portion of those proceeds to pay for our services…the rest will be sent to you through the Post. If the items fail to find a trade, we will return the item to you and keep your deposits. The ins and outs of the auctions can be difficult to understand. The mayor will furnish you with a note explaining this when you are done with your tour.

'You should visit Tad Leafcutter next. You will find him at the end of the lane to the west.'

Objective 13

• Talk to Tad Leafcutter at the hunting-lodge

Tad Leafcutter is outside the hunting lodge, which can be found by following the road outside of the Bree Auction Hall west of its end.

You have been instructed to speak with Tad Leaftcutter.

Any auctioner: 'Speak with the leaders of the Men of Bree. Follow the road west outside of the auction hall.'

Tad Leafcutter: 'As a representative of the Men of Bree, I welcome you to our township. Beyond the doors behind me, you will find the Bree hunting-lodge. When you have earned enough respect among the Men of Bree, you can find your way within the halls to purchase items from the hunters.

'You should make your way back to Graeme Tenderlarch at Town Hall. Head east alone this road until you reach the East-gate, from there turn north-west and follow the road to Town Hall.'

Objective 14

• Talk to Mayor Graeme Tenderlarch at the Bree Town Hall

Graeme Tenderlarch is at the Bree Town Hall, almost due north-west from the East-gate.

Tad Leafcutter told you to return to Graeme Tenderlarch.

Tad Leafcutter: 'Return to the Town Hall and speak with Graeme Tenderlarch.'

Mayor Graeme Tenderlarch: 'Well then, you have been to every corner of Bree and should be able to find your way around more easily now.

'With all the claims of ghosts near the South-gate, brigands running folks out of Beggar's Alley, and the flow of refugees from the South, Bree is bustling…and not in all ways good. The Southerners are a bit of trouble that has me most concerned. More so than ghost-stories from the South-gate; those stories have been about for years.

'I hope that you have arrived here as a boon of hope, <name>. Again, I welcome you to our fair town.'

Forging a New Blade

Bestowal dialogue

'Now I'll help that Kenton Thistleway by forging another sword, but with two conditions. First one is that if that brigand don't come around, looking for the sword, I get it back. Second, Thistleway gives me a hand and does some of the simpler work I've got piling up around here, while I forge the new blade.

'Here, take these things over to him to work on. The axe needs a new haft, the bellows need new leather, and the helm needs to be reshaped and reinforced. Take that over to Kenton and tell him if he gets it done, and I'm happy with the work, we'll call it even on the cost of the two swords.

'Now off with you, I've got to get to work on this new blade.'

Background

Worried that the brigand Blake will come looking for his sword and, not finding it, will harm his family. Kenton Thistleway asked you to speak with Lofar Ironband about forging a new blade. Lofar reluctantly agreed, but wants something from Kenton in return.

Objective 1

• Bring the items to repair to Kenton Thistleway

Kenton Thistleway can be found at the southern end of Thornley's Work-site north along the Greenway.

Lofar Ironband has agreed to forge a new blade for Kenton Thistleway, but in exchange, Lofar has given you three items to take to Kenton for him to repair. The dwarf said that if he likes Kenton's work, he will call it even on the cost of the two swords he is having to make.

Lofar Ironband: 'Take those along to Kenton and tell him that my assistance comes with a price.'

Kenton Thistleway: 'Of course I'll do this work for the dwarf. Here, let me see what he has sent...' Kenton examines the items. 'All of these can be easily repaired, but I don't have the materials to do it. I hate to ask this, but could you help me gather what I need?

'For the helm, ask Foreman Rosethorn over there for a few iron straps for reinforcement. Thebellows will need some new leather, and I'll wager that some flawless hides from the boars near Bree will suffice.

'For the axe haft, I need something splendid to set in it. In the past, I've salvaged small gems from old trinkets that I've found in the boar hollow to the east. There are small mounds of ruins there, look like barrow-stones. If you search through the debris, you might find some suitable trinkets.'

Objective 2

• Collect iron straps
• Collect flawless boar-hides (0/3)
• Search for trinkets (0/3)

Foreman Rosethorn is east under the canopy at Thornley's Work-site. Boars can be found all over on the outskirts of Bree-town. The debris-piles in the boar-hollow to the south-east of Thornley's may contain hidden treasure.

Kenton can repair the items you brought from Lofar, but needs your help gathering the materials he needs. Speak to Foreman Rosethorn about iron straps to repair the helm. For the bellows, gather some flawless boar hides. Finally, search the debris in the boar-hollow for trinkets Kenton can use to decorate the axe-haft.

Kenton Thistleway: 'Hello, <name>. Have you gathered all the materials I need yet? I can't begin repairing those items for Lofar until I have the materials.'

Foreman Rosethorn: 'Bah, he wants iron straps? Kenton always needs something...he is straining the cost of this project. We have no straps in our stores.

'Here, take this old iron pot. He can make some straps out of that.

Collected iron straps

Objective 3

• Bring the collected materials to Kenton Thistleway

Kenton Thistleway can be found at the southern edge of Thornley's Work-site, north along the Greenway.

Kenton Thistleway sent you to gather materials he can use to finish his work for Lofar Ironband. You should return to Kenton at once with the materials you found.

Kenton Thistleway: 'Oh, good you've returned! Here, gives me those things! While you were away, something terrible happened! Please, I need your help!'

Shadow of the White Hand

Bestowal dialogue

'I have a spy among the brigands who may be helpful in divining the true nature of this Sharkey. I will send him a message instructing him to come to a certain hill not far from here. Meet him there and ask him about Sharkey and his plans.

'The meeting place is by a grey rock in a small stand of trees directly north of Bree-town.

'If my spy has no news to share, we will need to find another means of learning Sharkey's plans.'

Background

Your discovery supports what Grimbriar's spy has been telling him. Grimbriar has arranged an exchange of important papers.

Objective 1

• Meet Grimbriar's spy
• Protect the spy from the brigands

Grimbriar's spy will meet you by a grey rock in a stand of trees, north of Bree-town.

Grimbriar has sent you to meet a spy he insinuated into the ranks of the brigands in hopes that he will reveal information about Sharkey and his plans.

Chief Watcher Grimbriar: 'Meet my spy, as we discussed. He should be able to tell us more of this Sharkey and his plans for Bree-land.'

Brigand-informer: 'We must be quick, I think they suspect something. Wait! What's that sound? Look out...here they come!'

Brigand-informer says, "Oh no! I've been followed by Sharkey's men! Here they come... please fight them off!"

The spy handed you a bundle of notes

Brigand-informer says, "Thanks! I hope these notes I've prepared are helpful. I'd better get out of here. Tell Saeradan I'm done with this business for good."

Objective 2

• Bring the Informer's Notes to Chief Watcher Grimbriar

Watcher Grimbriar can be found at the stone house near the crossroads outside of Bree.

The spy's notes further supported the brigand's letter, verifying that Sharkey is no brigand himself, but an influential man of the south. Grimbriar must know.

Chief Watcher Grimbriar: 'This is dire news. I suppose it was too much to expect that it would all turn out to be some minor brigand leader's dream of lordship.

'Well, I should not blame you for doing what I sent you to do, though it is a pity you did not return with better tidings. Now I must send a message to Strider, my chief, telling him of the ill news and asking him what we should do about Sharkey and his little army of brigands. We can do nothing more for now, for we lack the force.'

Sharkey's Men

Bestowal dialogue

'My job is to guard Bree. I don't have the men to waste patrolling the countryside, but of late I've had reports of brigand-raids near and around the town. I need someone to look into these rumours, and I've coin to spare for anyone willing to help.

'There've always been a few outlaws in the hills and dales north of town, but it seems that recently they've grown both more numerous and more bold. If you can find out what is going on, it would be appreciated. Careful though. Once these outlaws would flee any armed man, but now they are more prone to attack without warning.

'The farm across the road seems to be overrun by the brigands...you could start your investigation there.'

Background

Chief Grimbriar wants you to investigate the brigands of the Bree-fields, who have become better organized and more dangerous of late.

Objective 1

• Find evidence of the brigands' loyalty
• Bring the brigand medallion to Chief Watcher Grimbriar

Brigands have overrun Dogwood's Farm, across the road and north alongside a small stream. Chief Grimbriar awaits your return at the stone house near the crossroads outside of Bree.

Chief Watcher Grimbriar has asked you to investigate the increased brigand activity. He mentioned a small farm across the road and a few paces north he thought was overrun.

Chief Watcher Grimbriar: 'To be honest, I'm not sure what to tell you to look for. If you encounter and defeat any brigands, or if you can search Dogwood's Farm nearby, maybe you can discover something that will tell us why they've become more hostile.'

You found a strange medallion

Chief Watcher Grimbriar: 'Since when are outlaws able to afford such things as medallion? Even the constables don't have badges! And who is this Sharkey fellow, anyway?'

'This is very disturbing. Your find seems to suggest an organization that we haven't seen before in these brigands.'

Getting the Blade Back

Bestowal dialogue

'Now, I want to set matters right. I do! And maybe you can help do that?

'See, like I said before, Nate said that before he gave the sword to Blake, he was going to test the blade against the workers at the unfinished silo site to the east. The site is just before the graveyard and at the top of the hollow of boars.

'If you find him there, maybe you can convince him to return Lofar's sword and leave my family alone. What do you say?'

Background

Threatened by Nate, a lackey of a brigand named Blake, that he must provide him a sword or his family would be harmed, Kenton Thistleway stole Lofar's blade.

Objective 1

• Find Nate

Nate may be found near the abandoned work-site to the east of Thornley's Work-site, before the graveyard and at the top of the boar-hollow.

Kenton told you that Nate said he was going to test the sword on the workers to the east of Thornley's Work-site. If you can find Nate there, perhaps you can get Lofar's sword back.

Kenton Thistleway: 'Have you found that Nate yet? He should be by the abandoned work-site to the east, just before the graveyard. He has Lofar's sword. I just hope you can get it back...and that you put a stop to him.'

The brigand Nate looks as if he was badly mauled by a large animal.

Nate: As you kneel to examine Nate, it is clear that he is quite dead. His hands grasps the hilt of a sword, but the blade has snapped off and is nowhere to be found. You take the hilt from the dead brigand's hand.

Objective 2

• Bring the broken hilt to Kenton Thistleway

Kenton Thistleway can be found, working, at the southernmost section of Thornley's Work-site along the Greenway.

You found the brigand Nate, who stole Lofar's blade. Unfortunately for him, the blade broke and he was slain by one of the boars he sought to kill. You should speak to Kenton Thistleway and let him know that Nate will no longer trouble his family.

Kenton Thistleway: 'What? The blade broke, and Nate is dead? Oh this is bad...very, very bad. What if Blake comes looking for his sword? I won't have one to give him, and they'll do something terrible to my family! I need a sword to give him! If only I had another blade to give them.

'Wait, do you think Lofar would make another, if you explained the situation to him? My family is in danger! Could you please ask him?'

Objective 3

• Bring the broken hilt to Lofar Ironband

Lofar Ironband can be found at the stone house just north of the Bree Crossroads where Chief Watcher Grimbriar has set up his post.

You found Nate dead and Lofar's sword broken. Now Kenton Thistleway is afraid that the brigand Blake will come looking for his sword and will harm Kenton's family when he finds that it does not exist. Kenton has asked you to convince Lofar Ironband to forge another that he can use to appease Blake.

Kenton Thistleway: 'Hurry now, Lofar awaits your return at the stone cottage south along the Greenway.'

Lofar Ironband: 'Another blade...he cannot be serious! I am already behind on other work, and now I must forge a new blade in time to fill the order this broken sword was meant for. "Time is precious, don't give it away for nothing," my father used to say....'

Lofar cuts himself off, lost in thought for a moment, then continues.

'Actually lost my father to brigands a few years back...wouldn't wish that on anyone....

'Bah! Give me that hilt. I must be going soft. I'll do it to keep his family safe, but he's going to have to do something in exchange!'

A Dwarf-made Blade

Bestowal dialogue

'Hail, good <race title>! I was wondering if you could help me with a bit of a problem. It seems that no sooner did I set my latest blade out to cool, than someone stole it!

'I didn't see who made off with the sword, but I suspect it was one of those Man-smiths working out at Thornley's. Their craft is nothing like dwarf-craft, and likely their jealousy of my workmanship moved one of them to steal my blade.

'If I were to ask them about my blade, they would just ignore me. You though, by the look of you, are a great warrior. If you were to ask them about my blade, they'll be honest with you. How about it, can you find my stolen blade?'

Background

Lofar Ironband has told you that someone has stolen his newest blade. He has asked you to find out who stole it and return it to him as quickly as possible!

Objective 1

• Talk to the smiths of Bree

Most of the smiths of Bree dwell near the West-gate or are working at Thornley's farm along the Greenway.

Lofar has told you that he thinks his latest blade was stolen by one of the Man-smiths. He thinks that a warrior, such as yourself, might intimidate the thief into confessing and returning the stolen blade.

Lofar Ironband: 'Have you found my sword yet? It was one of those Man-smiths working at Thornley's who took it, I know it. Go talk to them. Seeing a warrior like yourself will frighten the thief into confessing!'

Pete Shadetree: 'Don't be bothering me with such nonsense. Dwarves always looking down on us, claiming we're jealous. Now they going to start accusing us of stealing?

'Shoo, off with you. I don't have to take this sort of nuisance! I'll complain to the mayor, I will.'

Flint Oakhewer: 'Bah, I don't be needing to steal some dwarf-blade. people like my work...it's quality! You tell that KLofar that I didn't steal his fool sword and try to pass it off as my own!'

Matt Haywood: 'Well, of all the insulting things to say! Those dwarves think that no one can smith as well as them. Well, if being busy means you do quality work, then mine is quality.

'Go tell that fool dwarf that I didn't take his sword!'

Kenton Thistleway: 'What...a stolen sword? Stolen from a Dwarf? I don't know what you're talking about...Please, go away, I don't know anything about it...'

Kenton mops his brow, nervously.

'Yes, yes, I admit it! I took it. Please, don't tell the constable! Please! I did it to save my family! See, a brigand named Nate, he told me that he would hurt my family, unless I made a sword for their captain, Blake. But I didn't have the iron to forge one, and I was desperate to save my family, so I took the dwarf's sword!

'Nate said that before he gave the sword to Blake, he was going to test the blade against the workers at the site of Thornley's silo, just before the graveyard and the boar-hollow. If you find him there, maybe you can convince him to return Lofar's sword and leave my family alone. What do you say?'

Blackened Filth

Bestowal dialogue

[14] Wanted: Blackened filth from the lesser insects, spiders, and Neekerbreekers found throughout Bree-land. Deliver the items to Second-watcher Heathstraw at the Boar Fountain in Bree.

Background

[14] Second-watcher Heathstraw is offering compensation for the collection of mossy carapaces from the lesser insects, spiders, and Neekerbreekers throughout Bree-land.

Objective

[14] * Collect blackened filth (0/10) You accepted a task with finding blackened filth from the lesser insects, spiders, and Neekerbreekers making Bree-land their home. Second-watcher Heathstraw awaits the delivery of these items at the Boar Fountain in Bree.

Broken Hatchets

Bestowal dialogue

[14] Wanted: Broken hatchets from brigands near Bree. Weaker brigands carry these, perhaps as a symbol of their station. Deliver the items to Second-watcher Heathstraw at the Boar Fountain in Bree.

Background

[14] Second-watcher Heathstraw is offering compensation for the collection of broken hatchets, found on the weaker brigands throughout Bree-land.

Objective

[14] * Collect broken hatchets (0/10) You accepted a task with finding broken hatchets from the weakest of the brigands currently camping Bree-land. Second-watcher Heathstraw awaits the delivery of these items at the Boar Fountain in Bree.

Old Forestry

Bestowal dialogue

'Are you looking for work? Well, it's not much, but maybe you can do me a favour. I enquired about notes on the Old Forest from Farmer Maggot, and I still have not received them. Perhaps you would be willing to go to his farm and ask him where they may be?

'You can find Maggot's farm, Bamfurlong, in the Marish. That's the Green Hill Country in the Shire across the Brandywine River. Cross the Brandywine Bridge and turn south on the river road. His farm won't be far away. The Bucklebury Ferry would be faster but the Bounders want no one using it for the moment.

'Farmer Maggot doesn't like trespassers, but he's a good enough sort when you get to know him.'

Background

Celandine Brandybuck requested notes on the Old Forest from Farmer Maggot, but has yet to receive them. She is concerned that something may have happened.

Objective 1

• Talk to Farmer Maggot at Bamfurlong

Bamfurlong is south on the river road, on the western side of the Brandywine Bridge.

Celandine Brandybuck has asked you to enquire about notes she requested from Farmer Maggot at his farm, Bamfurlong, on her behalf.

Celandine Brandybuck: 'Please ask Farmer maggot about his notes for me.'

Farmer Maggot: 'What now? More blasted strangers? Get off my...oh, Celandine Brandybuck sent you? Well, then, I should at least speak fair to you.

'She sent you with those notes? You may as well keep it for yourself. My family's always been at home in the Old Forest, and we know its ways quite well. In fact, my son wrote those notes because so few other hobbits around here know the Forest at all, so you might as well hold onto it.

'Tell you what, though, you look like you're made of sterner stuff. I think you might be able to help me out with a little trouble I've got.'

Objective 2

• Talk to Rollo Maggot, Doderic Brandybuck, or Wilmac Brandybuck in Newbury

Rollo Maggot, Doderic Brandybuck, or Wilmac Brandybuck are in the area of Newbury just inside the Hay Gate in Buckland

Farmer Maggot sent you to find Rollo Maggot, Doderic Brandybuck, or Wilmac Brandybuck to retrieve his notes.

Farmer Maggot: 'Rollo is usually more responsible, it's those Brandybucks that get him into trouble. I bet they are still dawdling ouside an in in Newbury, fools that they are.'

Wilmac Brandybuck: 'Farmer Maggot sent you? Just what I needed on top of all else that's happened. As if it were not enough that Big Folk took everything that we had to deliver and that Rollo and Doderic went off on their own....'