The Ritual Stones

Bestowal dialogue

Dwarf version

'Lord Gormr has told us that you were the one to first discover Skorgrím's body the day the Silver Deep Mine nearly collapsed, when Gormr took his Stewardship. This has earned you a small amount of favour with us, even though your party of Longbeards has come unbidden and unwelcome.

'We are having a commemoration of Skorgrím's many achievements as king of the Dourhands, but we need ritual stones, black as pitch. I was not able to find enough for everyone that plans to attend. They are a form of tribute to Skorgrím-king.

'You should make yourself useful and collect some more. They can be found in and around the Winterheight cave, north of here.'

Elf version

'Lord Gormr has told us that you were there when Skorgrím died at the hands of your peoples. We will not tolerate Elves in our land unless you help to pay retribution for what they have done.

'We are having a commemoration of Skorgrím's many achievements as king of the Dourhands, but we need ritual stones, black as pitch. I was not able to find enough for everyone that plans to attend. They are a form of tribute to Skorgrím-king.

'You should make yourself useful and collect some more. They can be found in and around the Winterheight cave, north of here.'

Background

You have been asked to collect black stones for a ritual Gormr has planned for the commemoration of Skorgrím, king of the Dourhands of old, before their fall into obscurity.

Objective 1

• Collect black stones for the Ritual of Commemoration (0/4)

The ritual stones can be found in and around the Rockbelly Pit, north of the Berghold at Thorin's Gate.

You should collect black stones for the commemorative ritual being prepared by the Dourhands.

Bjarni: 'The stones must be black as shadows. Nothing else will do. I believe you can find such stones in the Rockbelly Pit cave that overlooks this keep.'

Objective 2

• Bring the ritual stones to Bjarni

Bjarni is at the Berghold in the southern area of Thorin's Gate.

You should speak with Bjarni and give him the black stones you have collected.

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Dwarf version

Bjarni: 'These are the very stones we need. Not bad for a Longbeard! Lord Gormr was right -- you are not our enemy. Your loyalty to the Dourhands will not be forgotten, <class>.'

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Elf version

Bjarni: 'These are the very stones we need. Not bad for an Elf! Your loyalty to the Dourhands will not be forgotten, <class>. You may soon earn our forgiveness for what your peoples did to our king.'

Shrine to the Fallen King

Bestowal dialogue

Dwarf version

'I'm afraid you have come here for nothing anyway, <name>. No one is to gain admittance to Skorgrím's Tomb. It is a sacred ground, and only descendants of Skorgrím -- that is, the Dourhands -- have leave to enter.

'You are more than welcome to pay your respects to our fallen king at his Shrine, which is just east of here, in the Rockbelly Pit. Skorgrím was a great king, after all, and deserves tribute.'

Elf version

'I'm afraid you have come here for nothing anyway, <name>. No one is to gain admittance to Skorgrím's Tomb. It is a sacred ground, and only descendants of Skorgrím -- that is, the Dourhands -- have leave to enter.

'You are more than welcome to pay your respects to our fallen king at his Shrine, which is just east of here, in the Rockbelly Pit. Skorgrím was a great king, after all, and deserves tribute. Was he not, Elf?'

Background

Gormr, Steward of Thorin's Hall and leader of the Dourhands who now inhabit it, will not grant you access to Skorgrím's Tomb. He has, however, given you leave to visit the shrine instead.

Objective 1

• Defeat bats in the Rockbelly Pit (0/5)

Bats can be found in the Rockbelly Pit cave, which can be entered in the courtyard near the Berghold or from the overlooking Winterheight.

You should defeat bats in the Rockbelly Pit to ensure that the Shrine to Skorgrím remains clean.

Gormr Doursmith: 'Why do you waste your time talking to me? I have nothing more to say to you at present. You must do as I asked and get the bats out of our shrine if you wish to speak with me again.'

Objective 2

• Visit the Shrine to Skorgrím in the Rockbelly Pit

The Shrine to Skorgrím is in the Rockbelly Pit.

You should visit the shrine to see what all the fuss over Skorgrím is about.

A menacing-looking statue has been raised to the likeness of the Dourhands' king of old

Objective 3

• Talk to Gormr Doursmith at the Berghold

Gormr awaits you at the Berghold in Thorin's Gate.

You should return to Gormr after having completed the task he gave you.

Gormr Doursmith: 'So you walked in our shrine, did you? As you can see, the Dourhands' reverence of our fallen king is very great. The Longbeards and the Elves do not understand such loyalty, so this was perhaps a good lesson for you.

'But do not go away just yet. I'm sure we can think of more tasks to occupy you while you trespass, eh, <name>?'

Gormr, Steward of the Hall

Bestowal dialogue

Dwarf version

'I heard one of the guards here talking -- down yonder is Gormr, the Steward appointed by Thorin Oakenshield before he left. Gormr is the reason we have come, and the leader of this Dourhand rabble you see all over the place.

'You are the well-spoken one in our party, <name>. You might as well go speak with him and find out what he has done here...and why he has grown silent over the years.'

Elf version

'I heard one of the guards here talking -- down yonder is Gormr, the Steward appointed by Thorin before he left. Gormr is the reason we have come, and the leader of this Dourhand rabble you see all over the place.

'He harbours no love for Dwalin's folk, nor for those who once lived in Thorin's Hall, before the Dourhands took over. You might as well go speak with him, and find out what he has done here, and why he has grown silent over the years. Maybe he knows where that body you seek has got to.'

Background

The trail of flowers that grow near Skorgrím's corpse have led you to Gormr, the Steward of Thorin's Hall.

Objective 1

• Talk to Gormr Doursmith, Steward of Thorin's Hall

Gormr guards the door to the tomb at the Berghold, in the south of the Thorin's Gate area.

You should speak with Gormr and find out what you can about his initiatives as Steward of Thorin's Hall and why Skorgrím's body has been moved.

Tryggwi: 'Gormr should be here in this keep, though I don't know why anyone would want to spend his time in such a dreadful, forboding place….'

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Dwarf version:

Gormr Doursmith: 'Is that <name>? It has been long indeed since last we met. I remember you: you were the dwarf that discovered Skorgrím's body the day I discovered the relics he sought. The Longbeards of Dwalins' party are not welcome here, but you...you I might allow, for your good deed.

'Do you like what I have done with the place? Welcome to Skorgrím's Tomb!'

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Elf version:

Gormr Doursmith: 'I see an Elf, surely from that party that has come to settle on the outskirts of that gloomy Elf-town in the north. What do you want, Elf?

'You have come to Skorgrím's Tomb, but Skorgrím was an enemy of your people. Why should I talk to you?'

The Footprints of Blood

Bestowal dialogue

'A trail, <name>! Red flowers leading a trail through the snow...do you think these are the footprints of blood?

"Blood-red footsteps
Upon snow coloured black,
Where the Dour King walks
to take back his throne
and finish what was begun."

'We have black snow and the body of the Dour King has been moved, leaving the fell flowers as footprints. Something evil is at work here, and I am sure something evil was at work when he sought our relics for immortality.

'We must follow him again. My brother is scouting for signs as well -- seek him as you search.'

Background

Red flowers have grown around Skorgrím's crumbled grave and around the place where he fell. Elladan believes that the flowers could possibly be what Elrond saw as blood-red footprints in his dream and will lead to Skorgrím's body.

Objective 1

• Explore the gate at the Silver Deep Mine's courtyard

The "Blood-red footsteps" begin at the Silver Deep Mine. Elladan suspects that they lead to wherever Skorgrím now lies.

You should follow the red flowers to their end, examining each for signs, for they grow where Skorgrím's corpse corrupted the land as he was moved over it.

Elladan: 'Head first to the Silver Deep Mine and be sure you follow the red flowers wherever they lead. Be careful, <name>! I suspect a great evil is afoot here.'

The trail of "Blood-red footsteps" begins at this spot

Objectives 2 to 5

• Follow the trail of red flowers down the road

The "Blood-red footsteps" begin at the Silver Deep Mine and grow along the road. Elladan suspects that they lead to wherever Skorgrím now lies.

You should follow the red flowers to their end, examining each for signs, for they grow where Skorgrím's corpse corrupted the land as he was moved over it.

You have found another flower along the trail

Objective 6

• Follow the trail of red flowers down the road

The "Blood-red footsteps" begin at the Silver Deep Mine and grow along the road. Elladan suspects that they lead to wherever Skorgrím now lies.

You should follow the red flowers to their end, examining each for signs, for they grow where Skorgrím's corpse corrupted the land as he was moved over it.

The trail of flowers has led you to a dark dwarf-keep

Objective 7

• Talk to the longbeard dwarf spying nearby

An unfriendly-looking keep now stands before you.

You should scout the keep, for the trail indicates that Skorgrím's body may have been moved here.

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Dwarf version

Tryggwi: '<name>! I did not expect to see you here. I asked to speak with the Steward, and the Dourhands directed me here. This was once a great storage-house of Thorin's...I don't think I like what the Dourhands have done with this place.'

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Elf version

Tryggwi: 'Hail, Elf! I see that you are one of the company that arrived last night when we did. I wonder if we seek the same thing. I am here to find out what has become of Gormr. You seek Skorgrím, you say? The Dourhands are his descendants, but Skorgrím is long dead.

'I asked to speak with the Steward, and the Dourhands directed me here. This was once a great storage-house of Thorin's...I don't think I like what the Dourhands have done with the place.'

The Exiled Hunter

Bestowal dialogue

'You cannot fathom just how wrong I have been. I have trusted Calder Cob and heeded his advice for a long time...even after my own son tried to warn me of his duplicity.

'My son, Jon, is a worthy hunter, but he has not set foot in this town for over three years. He will never forgive me for the things I said to him.

'O, what a fool I am! I told him he was not welcome in Archet until he stopped behaving like a jealous child. Now he and his hunters are our only hope. But what can I do? He does not deserve to be dragged deeper into my folly. Nay, Archet must withstand this storm without help....'

Background

Captain Brackenbrook, in his loyalty to Calder Cob, allowed his own son to become estranged from him after his son and Calder Cob had a falling out. The Captain took Calder Cob's side, and his son has not set foot in Archet since.

Objective 1

• Brackenbrook is hopeless -- you should ask Strider what to do

Strider has not yet left Archet, but he is anxious to leave so that he can pursue his true charge.

Strider is a wise Ranger who has seen many evil things come to pass; you should ask him what to do.

Captain Brackenbrook: 'Nay, I will not ask Jon to come to our aid. I am not worthy to ask favours of my son. I will fall with Archet.'

Strider: 'Do not despair, <name>! You have done remarkably well -- indeed, better than I could have done. You earned Captain Brackenbrook's trust.

'You must appeal to his son Jon against his wishes. I must leave soon, and Archet will need all the help it can get even if a father's pride is at stake.

'I am confident you will be able to bring the hunters in and give this town a fighting chance. In the meantime, I must make haste. Amdir assures me he just needs rest….'

You must appeal to Jon Brackenbrook against his father's wishes

Objective 2

• Ask the exiled hunter to come to Archet's aid

Jon Brackenbrook, the exiled son of the Captain, can be found in the Hunter's Lodge to the east of Archet.

You should appeal to Jon Brackenbrook and his hunters to come to the aid of the besieged town.

Strider: 'You have proven yourself to be both wise and brave, <name>. I trust Archet's fate to you in my stead! You have given me a little peace of mind.'

Jon Brackenbrook: 'You come from the town, do you? I have been watching from the bounds…the skies have turned dark and fell, and there is a shadow of unrest over all of Archet, over men and beasts and trees alike. Let me guess: my father has not the wisdom to observe such things, so you heard of his exiled son and came to me for aid.

'Come, then, out with it! I desire to hear what you have to tell.'

The Courageous Farmhands

Bestowal dialogue

'My dad and the other farmhands, they gave chase to the brigands after the attack on our farm. I don't think the brigands expected us to put up such a fight after they surprised us. There weren't many of them, but I never saw them act so bold afore today.

'Only problem is, they ain't back yet. They ran off to the east, chasing the brigands into the woods. It was hours ago, though, and I'm very worried!

'Could you go look for them and bring them back safe?'

Background

Some brave farmhands chased off the Brigands that attacked Sprigley's farm, but they have not yet returned, and Wil Wheatley fears the worst.

Objective 1

• Search for Walt Wheatley
• Search for Bill Hayspear
• Search for Thornton Woodley

Cal Sprigley's farmhands went off towards the east after some attacking Blackwold brigands.

You should search for the missing farmhands and bring them back safe to the farm so that Wil and Cal can ease their fears.

Wil Wheatley: 'My dad ain't as young as he used to be. He should know better than to go off chasing folk around like that. I am very worried for him and the others.'

Thornton Woodley has been murdered by Blackwolds

Bill Hayspear has been murdered by Blackwolds

Walt Wheatley has been murdered by Blackwolds

Objective 2

• Return to Wil Wheatley with the tragic news

Wil Wheatley is at Cal Sprigley's farm in the south of Archet, awaiting news of his fellow workers and his father.

You should break the news to Wil that his father and the other farmhands were murdered in their bold pursuit of the Blackwolds.

Wil Wheatley: 'No! It cannot be! My poor father…and the others, no, it cannot be, it cannot.'

Wil is silent for a long moment, his eyes closed, but after a great pause he is roused.

'I will have may revenge upon those Blackwolds, or I will die trying! archet will never fall to such murderous fiends.'

Sweet Billberry Tea

Bestowal dialogue

'Amdir looks so changed since last night! I almost feel like he's naught but a shadow when I look at him, like he isn't really there...how it makes me shiver!

'I saw Strider make a salve of kingsfoil for his wound, but my Gammer always used a different remedy when a young Brandybuck would get a nasty splinter -- sweet bilberry tea!

'I smelled bilberries by the water to the east of here as we passed in the night, which means they're in season. I would dearly like to make a tea for poor Amdir.'

Background

Celandine Brandybuck believes that the medicinal qualities of bilberries will make a fine tea to stave off Amdir's apparent infection.

Objective 1

• Collect bilberries for Celandine's medicinal tea (0/4)

Celandine smelled bilberries by water to the east of Archet as she passed through last night.

You should collect bilberries, for they make a sweet tea to stave off infection, or so the hobbits' lore will tell you.

Celandine Brandybuck: 'I hope my Gammer's tea will make Amdir feel a bit better. It always cheers me up when I am ill!'

Objective 2

• Bring the bilberries to Celandine

Celandine Brandybuck awaits you in the centre of Archet.

You should bring Celandine the bilberries you collected, for she intends to make a sweet medicinal tea to help strengthen Amdir's will.

Celandine Brandybuck: 'Well done! You have found more than enough for a good strong tea. This is sure to cheer Amdir right up! Give me a moment, and I will steep the berries in some boiling water.'

A Very Empty Belly

Bestowal dialogue

For Men:

'Hey, you there! Yes you, the Big one! I'm very hungry!

'I haven't eaten since some woman gave me a bit of bread and jam for breakfast this morning. Such fare is hardly meant to feed a rabbit, let alone a full-grown hobbit like me.

'If you get me proper food, I will reward you handsomely. I want something hearty and delicious!'

For Hobbits:

'Hey, you! Hobbit, yes you! When was the last time they fed you? I haven't had a bite since breakfast, and I am starving!

'All they gave me was bread and jam...did you fare any better? I would give anything for some real food. I don't think I've ever eaten this badly!

'If you go fetch me some proper food, like meat, I will reward you handsomely. Perhaps I will even share my left-overs with you, if you are quick.'

Background

Mundo Sackville-Baggins, a fellow prisoner from the Blackwold camp, is naturally very hungry after the ordeal, for hobbits have insatiable appetites.

Objective 1

• Collect boar-meat for Mundo's next meal (0/4)

Wild boars, perfect for pork or sausage, can be found roaming the outskirts of Archet.

You should collect boar-meat for Mundo's next meal so that he doesn't waste away from starvation.

Mundo Sackville-Baggins: 'What are you doing still here? Are you putting food in my belly right now? Do you have some hidden store of vittles? No? Then get moving, if you please!'

Objective 2

• Bring Mundo his lunch of fresh boar-meat

Mundo Sackville-Baggins awaits your return in the village of Archet.

You should bring the boar-meat you collected to Mundo, who will probably eat it all. You only hope that it is enough to satisfy him.

Mundo Sackville-Baggins: 'Hooray, you brought me pork! Or bacon! Or perhaps sausage…oh, it doesn't matter; I can make a bit of each.'

Mundo weighs the parcel of meats in his hands.

'This will give me something to munch on for a bit; hopefully this provender will last me until I can go back home.'

A Gift for Amdir

Bestowal dialogue

'Doesn't the bilberry tea smell delightful? It still reminds me of my Gammer, who made this for me when I was under the weather, even though my Gammer is long gone.

'You were such a dear to collect those wild berries for me, so I shan't be taking all the credit! Why don't you bring this nice brew to Amdir so he can thank you himself?

'You make sure he drinks it all up!'

Background

Celandine made some medicinal bilberry tea for Amdir, hoping that it will help to strengthen and cheer him against whatever shadow has come over him.

Objective 1

• Make sure that Amdir drinks the bilberry tea

Amdir sits across the lane from Celandine, in the centre of Archet.

You should bring Celandine's restorative bilberry tea to Amdir to help him gather his strength and wits.

Celandine Brandybuck: 'Quickly now! You mustn't let the tea get cold. I hope it makes Amdir feel better!'

Amdir: 'Does…that tea smell of bilberries? that was very…sweet of Celandine, and very good of you to fetch her the makings. I am all the sorrier, for I cannot drink this now. I…I do not feel well enough just now.

'I will pretend to drink it. You must tell Celandine I enjoyed her tea. Please…do not let her know that her kindness was wasted on me!'

Objective 2

• Return to Celandine and lie for Amdir's sake

Celandine is across the lane from Amdir, in Archet's centre.

You should return to Celandine and lie to her on Amdir's behalf. He did not drink her tea, but he does not wish her to be disappointed....

Amdir: '…'

Amdir's eyes are now closed, and he makes no more effort to speak at this time. His face is as pale as ice.

Celandine Brandybuck: 'Did that tea perk him up? I knew it would! Bilberry tea always fixes me right up, and I know it would be especially sweet if it came from both of us, <name>.

'I know Amdir will be back on his feet soon -- he is so brave!'

A Plea for Aid

Bestowal dialogue

'I'm glad you're here! Some Blackwolds tried to attack us this morning, but we drove them off.

'We must get help from Combe, the next town over. It's south-west of here, and not more than a short journey away. They must bring their soldiers to Archet at once to help stave off the raid!

'Please make haste -- I fear the Blackwolds mean to attack tonight. The road here is crawling with brigands, but I pray you can make it safe to Combe.'

Background

Cal Sprigley has asked you to gather what help you can from the nearby town of Combe.

Objective 1

• Go to Combe to plead for aid against the Blackwold threat

The Combe Gate is not far to the west of Sprigley's Farm, along the road south from the town of Archet.

You should ask for assistance in Combe, for they have many well-equipped soldiers there due to their proximity to the dangerous Chetwood.

Cal Sprigley; 'Please hurry, <name>! I think the Blackwolds mean to attack tonight. I don't know how it came to be, but they are organized now. They pose a greater threat than I could have imagined.'

The only gate is blocked! Archet is on its own now....

Blackwold says, "Ha-ha! Do you want the people of Combe to help you?"

Blackwold says, "You're afraid of the Blackwolds, are you?"

Blackwold says, "Best run home, little fool. Enjoy your day."

Blackwold says, "It'll be your last...."

Objective 2

• Return to Cal Sprigley with your dire news

Cal Sprigley is at his farm in the southernmost tip of Archet.

You should return to Cal and inform him that the road to Combe is blocked at the gate, and Archet will be on its own.

Cal Sprigley: 'B-blocked? No, it cannot be! My men travelled to Combe only yesterday for a delivery…That is bad news, <name>. The captain must be informed of what's going on at once!

'Here is a note for Brackenbrook. he knows my scrawl; he will believe you now.'

Objective 3

• Bring Sprigley's letter of warning to Brackenbrook

Captain Brackenbrook is within the walls of the town of Archet.

You should return to Brackenbrook with Cal Sprigley's letter as proof of the Blackwolds' intentions. He must be told that the southern part of Archet is rife with signs of an impending raid.

Cal Sprigley: 'Brackenbrook needs to know what the Blackwolds have done! You must get back to Archet -- I fear there isn't much time!'

Captain Brackenbrook: As Brackenbrook reads the letter from Cal Sprigley, his face is blank. He reads it a second time, and only then does he look at you.

'I have been a fool. Oh, what have I done?'