Southern Fiend

Bestowal dialogue

'A moment and a lowered voice if you would. Watcher Brittleleaf need not hear this as it would only drive him to do something foolish I fear. Within the ruins, I have seen another terror, worse than any leader of Men...a leader of these half-breeds. He stands taller than most and is a fearsome sight to behold.

'Should you run afoul of this fellow I would advise fleeing towards the hills, but you have the appearance of an adventurous <race>, so I will offer you a reward for the defeat of this menace.

'The half-orc dwells just inside the gate from the south at the deepest depths of their encampment.'

Background

Watcher Oakdale spoke in hushed tones of a particularly foul creature leading the half-breeds out of the south.

Objective 1

• Defeat the half-orc leader in Andrath

The half-orc leader can be found just inside the gate from the south in the Vale of Andrath.

Watcher Oakdale has asked you to defeat the leader of the half-orcs from the south.

Watcher Oakdale: 'Seek the half-orc leader in the deepest part of the enemy encampment. He dwells on the gorund in the shadow of the gates heading south.'

Defeated the half-orc leader in Andrath

Objective 2

• Talk to Watcher Oakdale

Watcher Oakdale is at the east edge of the northern part of the Southewatch.

You defeated the half-orc leader deep within the enemy camp at Andrath and should now return to Watcher Oakdale.

Watcher Oakdale: 'The terrible acts I witnessed that creature performed will not leave me, but I may find restful sleep again knowing that you have brought his reign to an end.

'I have little to offer you, but this is well deserved.'

Neeker-breaker

Bestowal dialogue

'Since we made our way to the Vale of Andrath I have been plagued by terrible dreams and, unaccustomed as I am to the wild, unbearable noises from the nearby swamp.

'My sleep, when it comes, is fitful at best and I fear it is days since last I closed my eyes for more than an hour. I wonder, could you do me the favour of clearing out the neeker-breekers who make the swampland to the north and east their home?

'I would ever be grateful for your help.'

Background

Watcher Oakdale asked you for a personal favour while in the area of Southwatch.

Objective 1

• Defeat Neeker-breekers in Andrath (0/12)

The swamp to the north and east of the Watcher's position outside the Southwatch is home to noisy neeker-breekers.

Watcher Oakdale has asked for your assistance in eliminating the creatures so that he might find a pleasing rest.

Watcher Oakdale: 'Without their constant neeking and breeking perhaps I can find some sleep. Please, help me.'

Objective 2

• Return to Watcher Oakdale

Watcher Oakdale will be pleased to know that the number of neekers near his encampment at the east edge pf the north edge of the Southwatch is diminished.

Watcher Oakdale has asked for your assistance in eliminating the creatures so that he might find a pleasing rest.

Watcher Oakdale: 'Yes, yes, I could hear the sound of the swamp diminish as the neekers retreated from around the camp.

'I thank you, friend, perhaps tonight I will find a true rest that will strengthen my resolve and restore my heart.'

Must Have...

Bestowal dialogue

'Some caravans and drivers have enough coin to press through the blockade here in Andrath, we have seen this happen a few times. The price they pay is steep and drives prices of their goods ever higher in Bree-land.

'Those caravans unwilling or unable to pay the price the brigands demand... Their shipments are claimed by the brigands and this practice must cease. I implore you, [race], search the ruins and the enemy within for any of these goods. They are the lifeblood of our homeland and without this trade we will begin to see true suffering.'

Background

The goods and coin typically coming from the southern lands are a lifeblood in Bree. Without the materials much of Bree-land will suffer. Watcher Oakdale asked that you retrieve some of the materials the brigands procured from caravans unwilling to pay the price to pass through.

Objective 1

• Collect Caravan-goods (0/30)
• Deliver the goods to Watcher Oakdale

Seek out stolen caravan goods within the walls of the Southwatch and carried by the enemies making the ruins their home. Return all that you find to Watcher Oakdale to east of the north entrance of the ruins.

Caravans cannot all afford to pass through the gates and those that cannot lose their goods to the brigands and all of Bree-land suffers.

Watcher Oakdale: 'I am certain that htere are great number of goods scattered throughout the ruins and likely carried by Sharkey's men within the ruins.'

Watcher Oakdale: 'I will hail the next caravan finding their way through the gates, dispatch of any brigands foolish enough to cross me and speed these goods along to those in need. It may not be much, but this will surely help to alleviate what must be a growing problem amongst many of the farmers in Bree-land.

'Here, you have earned this.'

Sharkey's Lieutenant

Bestowal dialogue

'There is a leader among these fiends -- Sharkey's lieutenant in Andrath. I have seen him, a burly fellow -- a Man not a half-breed. He makes his lair high in the southwestern ruins and barks orders out to all these fools.

'He must be dealt with. Perhaps, without a leader, the brigands will not recover, buying time for more to join the fight against this Sharkey.'

Background

Sharkey's Men and their half-orc allies from the South have blockaded the Vale of Andrath, inhibiting trade with the southern nations.

Objective 1

• Defeat Sharkey's Lieutenant at the Southwatch.

Sharkey's Lieutenant can be found at his perch, high and far to the south-west, within the Southwatch.

Watcher Brittleleaf wants to see the leader of the forces at the Southwatch slain.

Watcher Brittleleaf: 'Though I do not believe it will have a great effect, defeating Sharkey's Lieutenant will at least buy us a reprieve for a short time.'

You have defeated Sharkey's Lieutenant at the Southwatch

Objective 2

• Talk to Watcher Brittleleaf

Watcher Brittleleaf awaits your return to the east of the northern entrance of the ruins.

You hunted down and defeated Sharkey's Lieutenant, but the brigands and half-orcs seemed unaffected by his defeat.

Watcher Brittleleaf: 'As I expected, I fear that my companion, Watcher Oakdale, is right. Bree cannot solve this problem alone. We will need to seek counsel elsewhere.

'You have done your service to Bree-land, <name>. I offer you only what you have earned and what we can spare.'

Broken Wooden Maces

Bestowal dialogue

[16] Wanted: Broken wooden maces from the stronger Orcs camped throughout Bree-land. Deliver the items to Second-watcher Heathstraw at the Boar Fountain in Bree.

[20] Wanted: Broken wooden maces found on the Orcs besieging Trestlebridge to the north and east. Deliver the items to Guardsman Otley in the town of Trestlebridge.

[20] Wanted: Broken wooden maces taken from the weakest of the foes dwelling in the western stretches of the Lone-lands. Bring them to Gadaric Munce at The Forsaken Inn.

[21] Wanted: Broken wooden maces from goblins to the east of Amon Raith. Deliver the items to Nathan Hodges at Amon Raith.

Background

[16] Second-watcher Heathstraw is offering compensation for the collection of broken wooden maces from the stronger Orcs throughout Bree-land.

[20] Guardsman Otley, in Trestlebridge, is awaiting delivery of broken wooden maces at the war-torn town of Trestlebridge.

[20] Gadaric Munce of the Eglain has posted that he desires the broken wooden maces collected from the weaker Orcs, goblins, and half-orcs that make the western stretches of the Lone-lands their home. Gadaric can be found within The Forsaken Inn.

[21] Nathan Hodges, at Amon Raith, awaits the collection and delivery of broken wooden maces.

Objective

[16] * Collect broken wooden maces (0/10) You accepted a task with finding broken wooden maces from the stronger Orcs camped around Bree-land. Second-watcher Heathstraw awaits the delivery of these items at the Boar Fountain in Bree.

[20] * Collect broken wooden maces (0/15) You have been tasked with collecting broken wooden maces from the Orcs besieging Trestlebridge. You can deliver the items to Guardsman Otley at Trestlebridge.

[20] * Collect broken wooden maces (0/10) Defeat sentient creatures found int he westernmost areas of the Lone-lands and collect their broken wooden maces. When you have collected enough you may return them to Gadaric Munce at The Forsaken Inn for a reward.

[21] * Collect broken wooden maces (0/15) You accepted a task to deliver broken wooden maces to Nathan Hodges at Amon Raith in the North Downs. You can find broken wooden maces on the goblins to the east of Amon Raith.

Adso's Delivery

Bestowal dialogue

'Hey, friend, you're not from around here, And that may be a good thing. This is serious business, and I can't trust any of these louts with something so...so delicate. Making a place of my own took an unexpected turn not so long ago, and I am loath to tell my workers what has happened. I hope that you can help me with this matter. This satchel holds the last payment I need to make to ensure the safety of the folks here and the sanctity of this soon-to-be-splendid landmark.

'Just take it to the Old Sweetgrass Farm, a little ways north-east of here, and give it over to the man who answers the door. It may be Bill -- Bill Ferny that is -- or one of his helpers.

'Bill said he'll only be there at night, so don't waste your time hanging around during the day to catch a glimpse of him. Just knock on the door or rig the bell and hand over the satchel, hear me?'

Background

Adso Haybank, a hobbit of Bree, runs a hunting lodge and way station along the Great East Road. In order to facilitate the building of the lodge, his endeavor ran afoul of unsavoury sorts and now payments are coming due.

Objective 1

• Bring the satchel to Bill Ferny by night

or

• Ring the bell to summon Ferny or his assistant

Bill Ferny or his agent will be at the Old Sweetgrass Farm, north-east of Adso Haybank's camp.

In order to reduce his debt, Adso Haybank has asked you to take a satchel to a man named Bill Ferny. He warns you that you will only find Ferny at the arranged meeting place after nightfall. You must ring the bell to let Ferny or his agent know you have arrived.

Collected Adso's Satchel

Adso Haybank: 'Please make the delivery quickly. I do not want to see my workers put in greater danger.'

Bill Ferny: 'Ha! Soon Sharkey's Men'll have all of Bree well in hand. With cowards like that little worm Adso under heel, there's no question of that.

'You just tell Adso that this payment has been received, but he better have another ready next week, or it will go badly for him.'

Objective 2

• Talk to Adso Haybank at Adso's Camp

Adso Haybank's camp lies south-west of the Old Sweetgrass Farm.

Adso Haybank sent you to deliver a payment to the brutish Bill Ferny and now awaits your return.

Bill Ferny: 'You've done your part, now move along. Tell that hobbit we'll be calling again.'

Bill Ferny says, "Tell Adso that the deal has been altered. Keep those payments coming. Else, he and his workers die."

Adso Haybank: 'Another payment! This was supposed to be the last! I'll be driven to ruin, that rotten....

'But enough of my blather. I shouldn't burden you with my problems -- no, I should thank you for your help, friend. Truth be told, I was a bit frightened to out there at night by myself.

'If I could impose on you again, I have some true debts to pay, and to a nicer sort of folk.'

Mr. Haybank Meet....

Bestowal dialogue

'You have done so much, I think that it is time to meet the hobbit you have been helping, Adso Haybank. You will find that he is a caring fellow with much on his mind.

'His camp is difficult to miss a sthe work is happening right along the roadside. You will travel east along the Great East Road for some distance, abuut halfway to Bree, before you arrive.

'When you get there, you should be welcomed. Thank you again, <name>.'

Background

Trumric Ragwort has given you directions to go and meet Adso Haybank himself. He deems it only fitting for all the work you have done.

Objective 1

• Talk to Adso Haybank at Adso's Camp

Adso Haybank is at his camp, about half the distance between Bree and the Buckland gate, eastward along the Great East Road.

Trumric Ragwort sent you on to meet Adso Haybank.

Trumric Ragwort: 'You will find Mr. Haybank along the road to the west. You will need to travel for some time as he means to make an Inn between Bree and the Shire.

Adso Haybank: 'You must be <name>. I have been hearing a lot about you. My associates in Buckland sent along a message about your work. They speak very highly of you.

'I am glad to finally meet you. Would that the circumstances were better, but no reason to bother you with that now.

'This -- once finished -- will be my inn; a dream I have had for years, an inn that would attract the Big Folk and hobbits alike. You have helped me come one step clser to my dream, and for that, I am in your debt.'

Forest Spiders

Bestowal dialogue

'Giant spiders are a menace to everyone, but there have until recently been only a few in the Old Forest. Now their webs can be found in many places, and we are worried that they may soon spread to endanger everyone.

'There is a tunnel through the High Hay, north-east of here, beyond the Bounder camp.'

Background

Hodric Bracegirdle needs your help reducing the threats from the Old Forest.

Objective 1

• Defeat spiders in the western and southern Old Forest (0/24)

There is a tunnel into the Old Forest, east of his location near the High Hay. Search for the tunnel into the woods to the east.

Hodric Bracegirdle has asked for your help defending against spiders in the Old Forest.

Hodric Bracegirdle: 'A spider that large has no place near a fine Hobbit settlement. I will thak you kindly to remove them from the Old Forest with haste.'

Objective 2

• Talk to Hodric Bracegirdle

Hodric Bracegirdle can be found between the stable and the entrance to the Old Forest in Buckland.

Hodric Bracegirdle awaits word of your success.

Hodric Bracegirdle: 'Good job. Those spiders are awfully creepy and I would never want to see them up close. It is lucky for us here in Buckland that there are folk like you nearby willing to help.'

Haunted Forest

Bestowal dialogue

'You are one for a good tale I see. Well then, a good tale I shall tell, I hope. The tree did not look alive, rotten to the core I think and seeking only vengeance. Mayhaps it was one of the tenders of the past spooked by some feeling of dread that washed over it or some such. I know only that it lay beyond the spiders that took my pack.

'It was foul and terrible to see, a great blight in the forest. If something in these woods has stirred them to something greater than mischief, I would first look there.

'You will need to cross the river here and search within the hollow where the spiders make their nest. That was the last spot I saw the tree.'

Background

Gillemin Brandybuck believes the great tree he found is at the centre of the stirring of the Old Forest.

Objective 1

• Discover the source of the Forest's unrest

The spider nest lies near the Willow Glade, to the south of Gillemin's old camp. Search there for signs of the angered tree.

Gillemin told you that the source of the forest's unrest likely lay within the spider hollow beyond the Withywindle River to the south, within the Old Forest.

Gillemin Brandybuck: 'I'd wager that spider nest has become a suitable home for that frightening tree. You might want to take some friends and have a look!'

Haunted Barren-Oak says, "Death! The Iron Crown brings death to ye all!"

Haunted Barren-Oak says, "Thou will be dragged down into darkness!"

Haunted Barren-Oak says, "To darkness I return...."

Defeated the Haunted Barren-Oak

Objective 2

• Talk to Toly Brockhouse

Return to Toly Brockhouse near the Gate that borders the Old Forest and Buckland.

The dead tree has been slain, and though there is still great evil stirring within the wood, the borders of Buckland should see some manner of ease. You should return to Gillemin Brandybuck (sic .. it should read Toly Brockhouse) with the news.

Gillemin Brandybuck: 'My word! This is worse than I thought! I've seen the trees move, but never a tree that talks. I don't know anything about witches, but they say those Barrow-downs beyond the Old Forest are haunted…perhaps ghosts haunt the wood now too!

'I've heard rumours that there are -- or were -- great ones even among trees, wicked and bent, who ruled the Old Forest like kings. If it's one of these that haunted that old oak, it's no wonder the forest was disturbed!

'Maybe now that you've put the spirit to rest, the trees will go back to sleep and the animals will calm. Well, done…well done, I say! You should go speak with Toly and tell him the good news.'

Toly Brockhouse: 'I have always thought that Old Gilly was touched when he talked about the trees moving of their own accord, but now you tell me the same thing -- worse, that one talked! We should keep this to ourselves so as not to sow fear among the quieter folk here in Buckland.

'If you have dealt with the threat, then all should be well, and I will do my best to keep a look over my shoulder for any trees closing in upon me as I make my rounds in the Old Forest.

'I am ever...no, we are ever in your debt for stopping this threat from becoming too great a risk. Thank you, <name>.'

A Matron in the Hollow

Bestowal dialogue

'One thing I know about spiders is that they typically move in broods. At the head of the brood, you're likely to find a queen -- a female that cares for, watches over, commands the lesser spiders.

'I gather that there is a brood-matron in that hollow. Though I am not certain where, as I did not see her.

'Be wary, and if you do find her, let me know, and I will see that you are rewarded. The hollow is just beyond the river to the south...you will know it by the webs hanging from the trees.'

Background

Gillemin Brandybuck believes the great spider-nest could also be contributing to the stirring of the Old Forest.

Objective 1

• Defeat Lebrennil

The spider-nest lies near the Willow Glade, to the south of Gillemin's old camp.

Gillemin warned that you should be wary of a matron within the spider-nest.

Gillemin Brandybuck: 'That spider nest is likely watched over by a potent matron. I have seen that type of thing before. It does not mean it has happened again, but you never know!'

Objective 2

• Talk to Gillemin Brandybuck

Gillemin Brandybuck awaits you at his new camp, south-east of Old Muddyfoot's Hill. You should return to Gillemin Brandybuck with news of your success.

Gillemin Brandybuck: 'Good riddance! We are better off without that queen creeping about. The trouble with spiders that make their way into the canopies and hollows is you never know when they have grown too big to deal with properly.

'Thank you for all you have done.'

Evil on Eight Legs

Bestowal dialogue

'Before you go...well now, as I said before, I think that nest of spiders I found has something to do with all the queerness stirred up in the Forest. But there are too many spiders for me to deal with myself, and the Bounders will only come with fire and axes.

'If you make your way into the heart of that nest to find the tree, maybe you can clear out some of the spiders and collect my pack. The spider-nest is south across the Willow Glade.

'I was only able to make it to the outskirts of the nesting ground before the spiders chased me away. I dropped my pack just within the bounds of the hollow and would have gone back if I had not taken such a nasty spill.'

Background

Gillemin Brandybuck believes the great spider-nest could also be contributing to the stirring of the Old Forest.

Objective 1

• Defeat spiders in the south-west Old Forest (0/12)
• Collect the forester's pack

The spider-nest lies near the Willow Glade, to the south of Gillemin's old camp.

Gillemin has asked you to gather some friends and investigate the spider-nest he found.

Gillemin Brandybuck: 'I'd wager that spider next has something to do with what's got the Forest all stirred up. You might want to take some friends and have a look!'

Objective 2

• Bring the pack to Gillemin Brandybuck in the Old Forest

Gillemin Brandybuck awaits you at his new camp, south-east of Old Muddyfoot's Hill.

You should bring the pack you found to Gillemin Brandybuck.

Gillemin Brandybuck: 'Though I do hate disturbing the natural order in this place, I cannot be sure that the spiders now in this area are natural. I swear they appeared from nowhere.

'Thank you for recovering my pack and clearing some of them out of that valley.'

New Trouble in the Old Forest

Bestowal dialogue

'All the things you've gathered for me are useless, rotten and ruined. Something queer is going on, what with the animals all upset and the Forest seeming, well, more awake than usual.

'There's a wise, old hobbit, a forester, who oft camps a ways into the Old Forest. Look for him beyond Old Muddyfoot's Hill, which you can find south-east of the Bonfire Glade. Maybe Gilly knows what's going on. I'd appreciate it if you'd talk to him...Gillemin Brandybuck, that's his name.

'I'm worried! We had to burn part of the forest when it got too uppity years back, but this is far worse than it was before. If the Bounders have to start another fire, they might destroy the whole Forest, and then where would we be?'

Background

Toly Brockhouse is disturbed by the fact that everything you brought him was spoiled. This, as well as the stirring of the forest creatures has upset him.

Objective 1

• Talk to Gillemin Brandybuck

Gillemin Brandybuck's camp is a distance to the south-east in the Old Forest, beyond Old Muddyfoot's Hill.

Toly Brockhouse asked you to seek the counsel of an old forester named Gillemin Brandybuck.

Toly Brockhouse: 'Please, talk to Gilly Brandybuck for me.'

Gillemin Brandybuck: 'Ah, so Toly Brockhouse sent you? Good. I've discovered something very odd happening here in the Old Forest, and you may be able to help! I found a strange glade to the south-east, infested with monstrous spiders. I've never seen the like before...almost makes me believe those stories about old Mad Baggins down Hobbiton way! They made me drop my pack!

'Even that is not the worst of it yet! I saw a tree walking about, covered in scars and looking like every leaf had fallen off like it were the dead of winter. Now, I see some strange things, being here in the Old Forest, but I never seen a tree like this moving through the wood killing every manner of life in its path.

'I tell ya, if it were the Old Man Willow himself come to stalk the Old Forest he would not be so cruel. Something has the forest in a dire state.'