Blackened Carapaces

Bestowal dialogue

Wanted: Blackened Carapaces from insects and spiders in the Barrow-downs or Old Forest. Deliver the items to Second-watcher Heathstraw at the Boar Fountain in Bree.

Background

Second-watcher Heathstraw is offering compensation for the collection of blackened carapaces from the insects and spiders in the Barrow-downs or Old Forest.

Objective

• Collect blackened carapaces (0/10)

You have been tasked with finding blackened carapaces from the insects and spiders in the Barrow-downs and Old Forest. Second-watcher Heathstraw awaits the delivery of these items at the Boar Fountain in Bree.

Thornley's Farm

Bestowal dialogue

'The Thornley's, farmers and workers of these lannds for many generations, hae been spared much danger from the brigands. Word has reached me, however, that the patriarch of the family has gone missing as he went to deal with foes out of the north.

'If you are willing, I would ask you to visit Rose Thornley, to the west at her home, and ask after the well-being of her husband.'

Background

Brigands referring to themselves as Sharkey's Men have taken over the old Dogwood farm, threatening the neighbouring steads.

Objective 1

• Talk to Rose Thornley at Thornley's Farm

Rose Thornley is at her home, west of Saeradan's cabin.

The Ranger Saeradan suggested you speak with Rose Thornley concerning her husband's disappearance.

Saeradan: 'You should speak with Rose Thornley at her farm.'

Rose Thornley: 'Robb has gone missing, but how do you know this? Are you one of those Southerners looking to steal this place? You'll find that we're harder than the land we live on!

'No...you are not...are you? Sent then by the Rangers? Never did trust them much, skulking about in cover of night never talking proper-like, but I must admit a feeling of gratitude lately. Least-wise since Robb's gone missing.

'Robb went out with his father's sword trying to scare off those brutish men from the North. He left a few days back and has yet to come home. I am running out of excuses to tell the workers. Please, will you find him?

Objective 2

• Find Robb Thornley

Robb was last seen heading north along the road.

Rose Thornley has asked you to find her husband.

Rose Thornley: 'Please, will you look for Robb? Those brutes he was after looked like they were off to the north and across the road to the east.'

Robb Thornley: 'Help at last! We must get out of here quickly.'

Thornley's Rescue

Bestowal dialogue

'Please, you must help me! These Orcs captured me while I was away from my farm on business. Please...help me escape!'

Background

Robb Thornley, a Bree-land farmer, has been captured by marauding Orcs.

Objective 1

• Free Robb Thornley and escort him to safety.
• Protect Robb Thornley as he flees

Robb Thornley has asked you to help him escape from the Orc camp.

Robb Thornley says, "Please get me through these cursed Orcs for a ways, friend."

Robb Thornley says, "Thanks, friend, I should be able to make it back to the farm on my own from here!"

Robb Thornley says, "Oh yes... please tell my wife I'm all right if you see her before I do. Our farm is south a ways in the Bree-fields."

Objective 2

• Talk to Rose Thornley

Rose Thornley can be found at their farm in the Bree-fields, south of the Orc camp.

Robb Thornley's wife, Rose, should be told of her husband's escape from the Orcs.

Rose: 'I'm so thankful your rescued Robb! He's resting now, but he asked me to give you a reward. He's also asked for something more....'

Boars Making Beds

Bestowal dialogue

'The others are concerned about the carnivores stalking about these lands, but I am worried about the boars. They are certainly capable of eating meat, but it is their bedding habits that concern me.

'The number of boars in these lands is enough to trample down the surrounding fields and destroy the food supply we need for the animals.

'It is for this reason that I would ask you to hunt the boars. Will you help?'

Background

Boars are everywhere throughout Bree, but they are not always welcome. Ham Greythistle does not appreciate the number of boars treading through the nearby fields and wants their number thinned, lest they destroy some of the food sources for the animals meant to stock Thornley's Work Site.

Objective 1

• Defeat boars in the Northern Bree-fields (0/12)

Boars can be found throughout the north Bree-fields.

Ham Greythistle has asked you to hunt boars for him.

Ham Greythistle: 'You will find boars all around the north Bree-fields. You may even find a hollow full of them if you look to the west.'

Objective 2

• Return to Ham Greythistle at Thornley's Work Site

Ham Greythistle awaits your return at Thornley's Work Site.

You should return to Ham Greythistle and inform him of your success.

Ham Greythistle: 'Good. With fewer boars milling about, there will be more opportunity to feed the animals that we will move onto the work-site soon.'

Bears Craving Honey

Bestowal dialogue

'Have you seen the bears around here? They stumble so close to the farm both day and night that I think they are either growing tame...or worse.

'If they continue to come closer to the farm, then it is possible they will attack, and if we put the horses in their stable before then...well the Thornleys will certainly lose much. If you are willing, I can offer up some coin for thinning out the bears around the area. You will find the bears I am talking roaming about from the Old Greenway Fort in the east through the Brandywine Hills in the west.

'Return to me when you've culled this lot.'

Background

Ray Thistlebur believes that the bears surrounding Thornley's Work Site are out for more than honey and that they will soon attack the site. He refuses to allow the horses to be moved into the stable until the bears are driven off.

Objective 1

• Defeat bears in the Northern Bree-fields (0/12)

Bears can be found throughout the north Bree-fields.

Ray Thistlebur has asked you to thin the number of the bears in the area.

Ray Thistlebur: 'Others think that there are greater threats than bears inthis land. Everywhere that I look, I see them as a greater threat than any I have seen. We have got to do something about their encroaching and growing population.'

Objective 2

• Return to Ray Thistlebur at Thornley's Work Site

Ray Thistlebur awaits your return at the stables at Thornley's Work Site.

Ray Thistlebur will be pleased to know that you have done as he asked.

Ray Thistlebur: 'You did well, and I did make a promise to offer you pay, but I cannot say that I am willing to bring the horses here yet.

'Look around you, see them our there...bears, I truly think that they are the greatest threat we face here in Bree-land. Surely, I do.'

A Hollow of Wolves

Bestowal dialogue

'Greetings, friend, did the missus send you over to talk to me? I've told her time and again, Mr. Thornley too, the horses will get spooked if we bring them in with what goes on here at night.

'There are wolves all about these lands and they've a den to the west where the Brandy Hills begin to rise in the distance. Until we thin out the number of wolves, we cannot risk the horses being moved here.

'If we thin out their number, I will think about bringing the horses out here to the farm. I'll even pay to get the help we need. Interested?'

Background

Nate Brittleleaf explained that the wolves to the west of Thornley's Work Site, near the tall rise of the Brandy Hills, encroach further and further towards the Farm every night. He will not allow the horses to move into the stable until the wolves are handled.

Objective 1

• Defeat wolves in the north Bree-fields (0/12)

The wolf-den is west of Thornley's Work Site.

Nate Brittleleaf asked you to thin out the number of the wolves that prowl near Thornley's Work Site.

Nate Brittleleaf: 'How is your search for that wolf den coming? I'm still seeing a lot of those wolves around here.'

Objective 2

• Talk to Nate Brittleleaf at Thornley's Farm

Nate Brittleleaf is at Thornley's Farm.

You should return to Nate Brittleleaf and tell him that the wolves have been dispatched.

Nate Brittleleaf: 'It's good to know that the number of wolves have been reduced. Still, these hills seem to be crawling with wildlife not usually seen this close to inhabited land. There must be something that has them all spooked.'

Orc Out-riders

Bestowal dialogue

'I have been watching the movement of Orcs crossing into Bree-land from the North Downs and fear that before we move to assist those besieged in the North Downs, we must first strengthen the borders here.

'I have seen the Orcs making their way south through the pass near Trestlebridge to small encampments on the east side of the Greenway. It is there I must first send you to fight back the enemy and lay them low.

'You will find the Orcs north of this location to the east of the Greenway. Return to me when this deed is complete.'

Background

Rangers, watching movements of enemies from the north and south, are concerned over the appearance of a foe they have long fought in the north.

Objective 1

• Defeat Tarkrîp grunts (0/5)
• Defeat Tarkrîp prowlers (0/5)
• Defeat Tarkrîp killers (0/3)

Orc-encampments can be found north and east of the Old Greenway Fort.

Andreg asked you to make your way north to strike against the Orcs trickling in from the North Downs

Andreg: 'Look to the north near the hills and outcroppings on the eastern side of the Greenway for signs of the Orcs. We must begin to thin their number, or they will crash over this land like a terrible wave.'

Objective 2

• Talk to Andreg at the Old Greenway Fort

Andreg is at his post outside of the Old Greenway Fort

Orcs crawling throughout the hills north of the Old Greenway Fort seem to be larger in number than the Rangers previously thought. Andreg must be informed.

Andreg: 'The number of Orcs pushing through Trestlebridge and other areas abutting the North Downs is disconcerting. We must not allow them to move beyond their current positions. We must do everything possible to end tis threat here and now.'

Signs of Struggle

Bestowal dialogue

'Though it brings me no pleasure, and I hope that you find nothing in your investigations, I must ask you to complete a grisly task while you purge the Orcs from Bree-land.

'The Orcs have come from the North Downs, and the simplest trail for them to follow will have been through the beleaguered town of Trestlebridge. I would ask that you search the Orcs you fell for signs of a struggle against the people of the North Downs in the form of cloth made by Men.

'Should you find anything of the sort, return it to me here at my post.'

Background

Rangers, watching movements of enemies from the north and south, are concerned over the appearance of a foe they have long fought in the north.

Objective 1

• Collect strips of blood-stained cloth (0/8)

Orcs can be found along the eastern border of the Greenway, north of the Old Greenway Fort. Andreg awaits your return at his post near the Old Greenway Fort.

Andreg has asked you to search the Orcs along the Greenway's eastern borders for signs of a struggle against the Men of the North Downs. Though the Rangers hope that the Orcs have not attacked the Men of the North Downs, they wish to investigate and ensure that this is not the case.

Andreg: 'Perhaps you will find nothing, but I still wish you to look through the Orcs' belongings to ensure that the people of the North Downs remain unmolested.'

Objective 2

• Deliver the cloth strips to Andreg at the Old Greenway Fort

Orcs can be found along the eastern border of the Greenway, north of the Old Greenway Fort. Andreg awaits your return at his post near the Old Greenway Fort.

Andreg has asked you to search the Orcs along the Greenway's eastern borders for signs of a struggle against the Men of the North Downs. Though the Rangers hope that the Orcs have not attacked the Men of the North Downs, they wish to investigate and ensure that this is not the case.

Andreg: 'This find leaves me more concerned than before. Still our focus must remain here in Bree-land. There are lives to save here as well as in the Norht, and we must establish at least one bulwark against the Orcs.

'Thank you for doing this, <name>.'

My Brethren's Call

Bestowal dialogue

'Your reputation precedes you. We are well aware of your efforts here in Bree-land and abroad. We, the Rangers of the North, thank you for all you have done. I wonder, though...are you willing to aid us ever more? Are you willing to stand against foes that have long risen up against the Men of Middle-earth, threatening to tear us out by our roots and make this world over in the grim visage of evil?

'I think you are willing and able. It is for this reason that I ask you to make your way north along the Greenway to the place where a pass cuts towards the eastern hills. There, in the ruins of the Greenway Fort, you will find one of my brethren.

'His latest reports tell me of a great danger growing out of the north, and he is in need of much assistance.'

Background

One of Saeradan's brethren recently called for aid against a foe that the Rangers of the North know all too well.

Objective 1

• Talk to Andreg at the Greenway Fort

Andreg waits at his post at the Greenway Fort, north along the Greenway from Saeradan's Cabin.

Saeradan sent you to assist Andreg, one of his kindred.

Saeradan: 'You should speak at once with Andreg.'

Andreg: 'Saeradan is a man of his word, as am I. Your arrival comes at a critical moment. There is much to do and too few of us here to complete all that must be done. Perhaps we will slow the progress of this foe by our combined efforts.

'This, at least, is a good hope to have.'

Carriers of Disease

Bestowal dialogue

'While we pushed through the fiends and the fog, we lost a few people. Some headed deeper into the mists of the Barrow-downs, and we hope they survived to reach a safe location in the south.

'Others were stricken with a terrible pox. One of these men was not as ill as others, but being sick, he offered to take word back to Bree requesting help.

'I fear that the disease comes from the crawlers and rats infesting this land. If this is true, then we shall need to clear a path through the Barrow-downs so we have a safe path out. If you are willing, kill these creatures but be wary, their bites and even their flesh may cause some vile illness or disease.'

Background

Guides out of Bree fear for their wards as the terrors of the Barrow-downs are now unleashed in the north. This unexpected course has forced them to drastic action.

Objective 1

• Defeat the crawlers and rats in the northern Barrow-downs (0/24)

Crawlers and rats can be found throughout the northern Barrow-downs and these vermin are likely carriers of disease. You have been asked to kill these creatures so that the refugees hiding at the camp between the Barrow-downs and the Old Forest will have a clear path to follow when they leave.

Sal Haywood believes that you can help her create a path for the Bree-folk to follow when the time comes for them to move. She asked you to rid the Barrow-downs of many of the vermin therein.

Sal Haywood: 'You will find the diseased creatures all over the northern Barrow-downs. Seek them out and purge them so they cannot spread their disease further.'

Objective 2

• Talk to Sal Haywood between the Old Forest and Barrow-downs

Sal Haywood rests with the others at the makeshift camp between the Barrow-downs and the Old Forest.

You fought and slew a good number of the disease-bearing creatures that make the Barrow-downs their home. You should return to Sal Haywood with the news.

Sal Haywood: 'You have our thanks. When we make ready to move out of this accursed place, we will need as much of the area clear as possible. These folk are not as used to travelling as those of us who spend our lives on the road.

'We shall need every advantage we have available to prevent the loss of more lives.'

The Failed Delivery

Bestowal dialogue

The body is cold to the touch but the wounds appear fresh -- though the lack of blood surrounding the man's body is disturbing. In his hand, the man clutches a note.

His position and a trail of disturbed earth makes it appear that he travelled through the gloom of the Barrow-downs to reach this point. The note is chewed and crumpled and the only legible words are: 'between the Old Forest and the northern Barrow-downs. Send help.'

Background

You happened upon a poor adventurer on the outskirts of the northern Barrow-downs. Clutched within the corpses hand you found a note to Barliman Butterbur. Apparently, his assistant Bob came to the Barrows to find his daughter and found his way to the west between the Barrow-downs and the unforgiving darkness of the Old Forest.

Objective 1

• Speak with one of the survivors of the ill-fated expedition into the Barrow-downs

Find the camp of survivors between the Old Forest and the north Barrow-downs.

Bob: 'You, you came here instead of seeking Barliman and the Watchers. Oh this is a fine mess.

'I'll not forgive Barliman soon for the tale he spun for my Lalia. If you have arrived to assist us, then I am pleased to see you. Just concerned that you mayn't be capable to lead us out of this terrible place.

Lalia's Safe Passage

Bestowal dialogue

'I came here to find "The Last Prince," like Mr. Butterbur talks about in his stories. I was going to find him, and then be with him forever and be his princess! But he wasn't here to be found! There's just all these skeletons and bones and walking dead! It isn't nice to go misleading young hobbits like that!

'When you are ready to go, could you help me get back home to Bree? I couldn't leave before, but now with a strong warrior like you here, I'm sure you can get me home safely!

'Oh, and I lost my cloak. I simply must find it or dad will yell at me something terrible!'

Background

You've come across a very frightened Hobbit girl, Lalia, on the Barrow-downs. She's asked for your help in getting back to Bree and her father, Bob, who works for Barliman Butterbur at the Prancing Pony.

Objective 1

• Escort Lalia to safety

You must take Lalia to the north-gate of the Barrow-downs.

Lalia has asked you to help her get back to Bree safely. In addition, she has asked for your help finding the cloak she dropped somewhere on the Barrow-downs. You must protect her as she searches for her cloak, then leaves the Barrow-downs.

Lalia says, "Hmm, now where did I leave that cloak of mine..."

Lalia says, "Was it that way? Or the other?"

Lalia says, "It's this way! I think..."

Lalia says, "Nope, the cloak's not here either."

Lalia says, "Hmmm... doesn't seem to be here."

Lalia says, "Wait, this seems familiar..."

Lalia says, "I think we are getting very close. Let's be more careful here."

Lalia says, "Something is amiss here..."

Lalia says, "Here's my cloak! Right where I left it. Oh good!"

Noxious Barrow-wight says, "Angmar will give you your prince, little one."

Barrow-wight Archer says, "Oh little fool, you shall be with your prince soon!"

Lalia says, "Oh no! Leave me be!"

Lalia says, "Now that I've got my cloak, let's get out of here! I think this is the way out."

Lalia says, "I think this is the way..."

Lalia says, "I'm not sure, but this looks like the way I came in."

Lalia says, "It's so foggy. I hope I'm not lost!"

Lalia says, "Wait, this seems familiar..."

Wight-prince says, "It is I, Lalia, your prince!"

Lalia says, "No! Go away! You aren't my prince!"

Lalia says, "It isn't far now!"

Lalia says, "I think this is the way..."

Lalia says, "Here's the entrance! We are almost there!"

Lalia says, "We are here! Thank you! "

Lalia says, "I'm going to run home! Please give my cloak to my Pa, Bob!"

Lalia says, "Give him my cloak, so he knows I'm safe!"

Objective 2

• Bring Lalia's cloak to Bob

Bob can be found along the Old Forest Road, between the Barrow-downs and the Old Forest.

You have helped Lalia make her way home. As thanks, she has given you her cloak. She has asked you to bring it to her father, Bob, Barliman Butterbur's assistant, as proof that she is safe. You did not have the heart to tell her that Bob was looking for her within the Barrow-downs himself.

Bob: 'Oh, that's a relief! It seems I know my daughter well. She actually had gone after that "Last Prince" of hers. Well, maybe she's learned her lesson and won't be so foolish in the future. I know I will certainly never come here again.

'I do hope I can survive her tweens. Maybe then she'll get some hobbit-sense. Maybe....'

Howls that Shake the Spirit

Bestowal dialogue

'In all my years of heading into these haunted lands, never have I seen anything like this. You must trust me friend, I would never have taken folk into the Barrow-downs had I known what walked here now. We shielded them as best we could, but the fright is still too much to ignore.

'It is the howling of the barghests. It will drive us mad if we cannot quell it. Could you help us? Kill these beasts, these terrors, so that we might have some rest to regain our strength for a return to Bree?'

Background

Guides out of Bree fear for their wards as the terror of the Barrow-downs are now unleashed in the north. This unexpected course has forced them to drastic action.

Objective 1

• Defeat barghests in the northern Barrow-downs (0/12)

Barghests infest the northern Barrow-downs.

The howls of the barghests are enough to frighten less hardy souls near to death. The poor folk of Bree trapped between the Barrow-downs and the Old Forest are weakened by their journey and need rest that the howls will not afford. Reginald Sickleweed asked for your assistance in driving the barghests off.

Reginald Sickleweed: 'Barghests are terrifying beasts capable of breaking a man's will with their howl alone. These people cannot withstand such terror and we need to clear these creatures out to make our passage safe for a return.'

Objective 2

• Talk to Reginald Sickleweed

Reginald Sickleweed is at the encampment between the Old Forest and the Barrow-downs.

At the behest of Reginald Sickleweed, you fought and defeated several barghests in an attempt to silence their howls. You should return to him news of your sucess.

Reginald Sickleweed: 'Yes, I heard their howls turn to barks, then whimpers. You have done well. We will enjoy the respite your actions have earned us.'

Calming the Wake

Bestowal dialogue

'The constables warned us of reports of evil swelling and pouring out of the Barrow-downs -- it appears we should have listened. Here we are now, holed up in this hollow with the foreboding forest at our west and unknown terrors at our east.

'Perhaps it is fortune that brings you here. We are in dire need of aid, and it seems that your arrival is providence. It seems that the passage of some shadow has stirred this land and surrounded it in evil.

'We have set ourselves here, but while here, it would be good to help the folk of Bree. Please, if you would, hunt down the fiendish wight swelling now in these barrows.'

Background

Guides out of Bree fear for their charges as the terror of the Barrow-downs are now unleashed in the north. This unexpected course has forced them to drastic action.

Objective 1

• Defeat wights in the northern Barrow-downs (0/12)

Wights can be found throughout the Barrow-downs, east and north of the guides' camp.

Through their own folly, the guides have become trapped. While here they wish to assist the Watchers of Bree by reducing the threat found in the Barrow-downs.

Reginald Sickleweed: 'Have you taken care of those old wights? No? Well, please be quick about it. I'm afraid they might get a taste for some nice, warm Bree-folk and come out of the Barrow-downs. That just wouldn't do at all.'

Objective 2

• Talk to Reginald Sickleweed in the Barrow-downs

You will find Reginald Sickleweed at the makeshift camp between the Old Forest and the northern Barrow-downs.

You should now return to Reginald Sickleweed and tell him that you have begun to purge the wights from the Barrow-downs.

Reginald Sickleweed: 'Well done! You have helped us greatly, friend. Perhaps you could do a little more for us?'

The Search for Lalia

Bestowal dialogue

'I came back here to find my missing daughter, Lalia. I'm terribly worried about her. You see, she'd been going on about "The Last Prince," one of Mr. Butterbur's tales. It's one of his better ones, that's for sure, but I'd say the tale isn't quite the truth of it.

'Lalia has been going on for a long while, I fear she cam here to the Barrow-downs in search of this "prince" of hers. I came here in search of my daughter, and I am now lost myself.

'In the tale, the Last Prince's barrow is between the Northern Barrow and the Dead Spire, by a large stone. If I could, I would start searching there.'

Background

Bob's daughter, Lalia, has gone missing, and Bob fears she may have gone off in search of the "Last Prince," a character in one of the tales Barliman Butterbur tells to travellers.

Objective 1

• Find Bob's daughter, Lalia

According to Butterbur's tale, the barrow of the Last Prince lies between Northern Barrows and The Dead Spire, near a large standing stone.

Bob has asked you to search the Barrow-downs for his missing daughter, who may have gone there in search of the fabled "Last Prince."

Bob: 'Have you found my girl, Lalia, yet? If she's gone off in earch of her "Last Prince," she's probably gone to the barrow Barliman talks about in his tale. His tale says the Prince's barrow could be found near a standing stone, between the Northern Barrow and the Dead Spire.

'If I am afaid of this place -- and I am! -- I am certain that she is terrified!'

Lalia says, "Oh where are you, Prince? I've only come to help you."

Lalia says, "I hope the Last Prince comes and saves me soon. I'm scared!"

Lalia says, "I wish Butterbur had never told that silly story!"

You have found Lalia