Dark Designs

Bestowal dialogue

'Good day to you. What are you still doing about here? Those Blackwolds are gone, and likely for good. That strange dwarf might still be around, but I'll wager he went on to somewhere a bit more interesting.

'You should take that news on to your friend Strider in Bree-town. If he sent you out here, he likely wants to know what we found! He'll probably be at The Prancing Pony. Those Rangers surely like their beer, and the Pony has the best!

'Thank you for your help, but there's no use worrying about brigands around here anymore.'

Background

From a dying brigand at Skunkwood's old hideout, you learned that the strange Pale Dwarf was trying to bully the Blackwolds into continuing their alliance with the Witch-realm of Angmar.

Objective 1

• Talk to Strider

Strider is in his room at The Prancing Pony Inn in Bree, which is found by taking a left down the hall out of the common room until you can only bear right. The room is at the end of the hall to the right of the stairs.

You should return to Strider and tell him what you learned about the Blackwolds and the Pale Dwarf.

Barliman Butterbur: 'My! You look the worse for wear, meaning no offence. Would you be needing a beer, perhaps? No?

'Well, if you're looking for that Ranger, Strider, he is in his room. Just go down the hall to the left, then bear right at the end.'

Strider: 'You have returned and just in time! Much has happened since you left, but I have little time to relate it. The tidings you have brought me will be of great use to my men here in Bree-land, but there is a more immediate threat we must deal with now.

'While you were away, those same Nazgûl you saw with Amdir attacked the Pony. They were in search of the travellers I had been awaiting, four hobbits of the Shire. I cannot tell you what they had such interest in my companions, but I can tell you that I will have need of your help again.'

Blackwolds Broken

Bestowal Dialog

"Amdir's defeat shattered the back of the Blackwolds, but pieces of the mystery remain unsolved...."

Background

You have travelled with Constable Underhill of Combe into the cave that the Blackwolds once used as a hideout.

Objective 1

• Speak to Constable Underhill

Constable Underhill travelled with you to the cave hideout of William Skunkwood, the former leader of the Blackwolds in the area of Combe. Skunkwood is dead, as well as a good many other brigands, but you must be certain they have not begun to muster their strength again.

Constable Underhill: 'Goodness, this place is quiet as a tomb! I wish we could just say all was peaceful and leave, but I suppose we need to do a better job of it than that.

'All right, no use putting off what must be done. Come along! And make sure you have your blade at the ready, in case we run into any trouble.'

Objective 2

• Defend Constable Underhill

Constable Underhill travelled with you to the cave hideout of William Skunkwood, the former leader of the Blackwolds in the area of Combe. Skunkwood is dead, as well as a good many other brigands, but you must be certain they have not begun to muster their strength again.

Constable Underhill says, "Careful now friend. All manner of things could be living here now!"

Constable Underhill says, "Hold a moment, I have the key right here."

Constable Underhill says, "I hope that was the last of them..."

Constable Underhill says, "Let's press on!"

Constable Underhill says, "That looks to be the last of them!"

Constable Underhill says, "Let's press on!"

Constable Underhill says, "I hope that was the last of them..."

Constable Underhill says, "Let's press on!"

Skorgrím says, "Fool, you should choose your friends more carefully!"

Skorgrím says, "You have one chance to beg my forgiveness...."

Constable Underhill says, "Quiet...I see something ahead...."

Constable Underhill says, "Let's wait here a moment, and see what happens...."

Skorgrím says, "This is your last chance."

Skorgrím says, "Swear fealty to Angmar once more!"

Blackwold Leader says, "Never!"

Skorgrím says, "Then die!"

Blackwold Leader says, "Aaah!"

Dourhand Turncoat says, "My lord! Intruders!"

Skorgrím says, "What! Deal with them!"

Constable Underhill says, "Oh dear...."

Constable Underhill says, "Check on that poor man!"

You have protected Constable Underhill

Objective 3

• Speak to the brigand

In one of the deeper chambers of the Blackwolds hideout, you encountered the mysterious dwarf threatening a brigand. The dwarf gravely wounded the brigand, then fled, commanding his dwarves to attack you.

Constable Underhill has asked you to speak to the wounded brigand.

Constable Underhill says, "I'll follow after that strange dwarf fellow!"

Constable Underhill says, "Now, let's see...."

Blackwold Leader: 'Ye couldn't have come a moment earlier, could ye? Afore that dwarf stuck me through, maybe? Oh well, suppose that's just the way of it.

'First it was that Éogan, saying that if we pledged to Angmar, we'd be made rich. Well, when that all fell apart, a few of us decided we didn't want anything to do with Angmar anymore. We started talking to some new fellows, men who came up from the south. An ugly bunch, they were, but at least they didn't seem likely to go raising fell spirits or some such on us!

'Seems though Angmar didn't like the prospect...of us leaving them. That...that dwarf came along, and you see how that ended. Now, I suppose the Blackwolds are at...their end....'

Blackwold Leader says, "Augh...."

Objective 3

• Speak to Constable Underhill

The dying brigand revealed that the Blackwolds were being paid by both someone from the south and agents of Angmar. When he tried to reform the band without allegiance to either, the Pale Dwarf struck him down. You should speak with Constable Underhill about this.

Constable Underhill says, "Bah!"

Constable Underhill says, "I've no idea how he escaped this place! We'll never follow him now!"

Constable Underhill: 'Well, it seems that strange dwarf escaped. How he got out of here is a mystery to me! And from what you said of the brigand's tale, that dwarf was the one we should have been worried about, not these Blackwolds.

'Well, I suppose the Blackwolds are truly broken now...but for some reason I still don't feel safe! Well, there's not much more we can do here. You'd best take tidings back to your Ranger friend in Bree.'

Constable Underhill: 'It's best that we leave this place.'

Blackwolds Broken

Bestowal dialogue

'Well, I suppose you're right. I should make sure those Blackwolds aren't hiding in that cave of theirs again, mustering their strength. But I'll want some help!

'Will you travel with me to Skunkwood's old hideout? It's south of the guard-house at the north-east end of Staddle Pond, near Staddle Falls. If they are gathering there, I'll need help driving them out again! When you are ready, come back, and we'll go together to the old hideout.'

Background

At Strider's request, you have travelled to Combe to help Constable Underhill investigate if the Blackwold brigands are truly no longer a threat to the people of the Chetwood.

Objective 1

• Speak to Constable Underhill

The Blackwolds' old hideout is found south of the Combe guard-house, near Staddle Falls at the north-east end of Staddle pond.

Constable Underhill has decided that it is probably a good idea to take a look in the Blackwolds' old hideout, to make sure they aren't mustering there again. He has asked, however, that you accompany him.

Constable Underhill: 'All right, I'm ready to go. Are you?'

Objective 2

• Talk to Constable Underhill

Speak to Constable Underhill.

You infiltrated the Blackwolds' hideout and defeated several of them, at the request of Constable Underhill.

Constable Underhill: 'Good show! Good show indeed! You sure showed those Blackwolds rascals what-for!'

To a Constable's Aid

Bestowal dialogue

'I am curious to know who the dwarf you encountered at the Blackwolds' camp was. Dwarves are by nature honourable and cannot be dominated by the will of any. Why this one would serve the Enemy, I cannot say. Worse yet is the appearance of the Nazgûl. I must go watch the East Road, for I am expecting some travellers and now fear they may be in danger.

'Would you travel to Combe and speak to a constable there named Underhill? You may know him already...stout little fellow who loiters about town centre. You may suggest to Underhill that he investigate the Blackwolds' old hideout.

'When that is done, return here with your report. If perchance I am not here, assume the worst.'

Background

While Strider sees to some important travellers he's awaiting, he has asked you to travel to Combe and aid Constable Underhill in making sure the threat of the Blackwolds is at its end.

Objective 1

• Talk to Constable Underhill

Constable Underhill often loiters about Combe town centre, east and north of Bree.

Strider has informed you that he has an important matter to attend to, but has asked you to go to Combe and encourage Constable Underhill to investigate the brigands' old hideout.

Constable Underhill: 'Ah, hello there! Is there something I can help you with? The Blackwolds have been broken and scattered, you say? This is good news for Combe.

'So this Ranger, Strider, thinks we should investigate Skunkwood's old hideout? Well now, I'm not so sure of that. It's not a safe place, I hear.'

Unravelling the Thread

Bestowal dialogue

'The Dourhands' lord fled to Bree-land after his defeat, and not by mere chance. I see the hand of the Captain of the Nine in all of these affairs, in the west, in the Shire, and in Bree-land. We must unravel the thread of his plans, and I believe I know how.

'To the east of Bree, there is a Blackwold camp which my men have been watching closely. A shadow has recently spread across the camp...I believe it is here that Amdir has gone, and this dwarf-lord as well.

'There we must go, and there we must end Amdir's life, if he can still be called living. We will wait for night-fall and then make our move against the Blackwolds. Speak with me again when you are ready to depart.'

Background

Strider has asked you to help him end Amdir's murderous rampage once and for all.

Objective 1

• Talk to Strider

Strider is in his room at The Prancing Pony Inn in Bree, which is found by taking a left down the hall out of the common room until you can only bear right. The room is at the end of the hall to the right of the stairs.

At night-fall, Strider will lead you against Amdir and the Blackwolds.

Strider: 'Are you prepared to travel yet? If so, then come night-fall we will move against the camp where Amdir and the dwarf-lord have gone into hiding.'

Complete the Instance: Unravelling the Thread

Objective 2

• Talk to Strider

Strider is in his room at The Prancing Pony Inn in Bree, which is found by taking a left down the hall out of the common room until you can only bear right. The room is at the end of the hall to the right of the stairs.

With the threat of Amdir ended, you should report back to Strider and see if there is anything else he would have you do.

Strider: 'It grieves my heart that the Enemy was able to turn Amdir thus. He was my friend and kinsman. My people will remember him as the man he once was, good and noble.

'It troubles me that the Nazgûl have crossed the River and moved into Bree-land at just this time. There are events in motion that could determine the fate of Middle-earth.

'If you are able and willing, I may have another task for you.'

Unravelling the Thread

Bestowal Dialog

"Strider and the Rangers pursue their fallen brother Amdir to the Blackwolds' camp, but not all is as it seems...."

Background

Strider has asked you to help him end Amdir's murderous rampage once and for all.

Objective 1

• Talk to Strider

Strider and his kinsmen, Torthann and Lenglinn, have led you to the outskirts of the brigand camp. Strider beckons to you.

Torthann: 'I yearn to put an end to these brigands, but you should speak to Strider first. he is directing our efforts.'

Strider: 'Can you feel the chill in the air? It is no natural cold, but the chill of fear, of evil. I doubt not that Amdir is here, but there is a greater evil as well.

'We should split our strength. For the good of Middle-earth, none can be allowed to escape. Lenglinn and I will look for another way inside, while you and Torthann search for Amdir.

'We must be quick now, before the evil bursts forth from here and threatens all of Bree-land.'

Lenglinn says, "Amdir's terror must end now!"

Strider says, "It is time for us to act."

Strider says, "Torthann, take <name> with you and head to the main gate."

Strider says, "Lenglinn and I shall look for another entrance and press the attack from there."

Torthann says, "Yes, sir."

Strider says, "Good. Lenglinn, let us go."

Objective 2

• Help Torthann enter the Blackwold camp

Strider told you to speak with Torthann when you are ready to begin your search for Amdir. Strider and Lenglinn will find a back way in.

Torthann: 'Come with me. It is time to deal with Amdir and these brigands. If Amdir escapes, it could spell doom for Middle-earth.'

Torthann says, "Let us go! We must find Amdir!"

Torthann says, "Wait! Someone is coming. Let us see who it is!"

Blackwold Enforcer says, "What were those things? That dwarf has gone mad!"

Torthann says, "Brigands! Get them!"

Torthann says, "Onwards! We must find Amdir!"

Blackwold Enforcer says, "Die, in the name of the Blakwold!"

Blackwold Enforcer says, "Everything is growing black..."

Blackwold Cutthroat says, "Go away!"

Torthann says, "If you need rest, then now is the time to steel your nerve!"

Objective 3

• Discover what is causing the brigands's fear

Strider told you to speak with Torthann when you are ready to begin your search for Amdir. Strider and Lenglinn will find a back way in.

Torthann: 'Down there, in the southern corner of the camp...the source of the Blackwold's fear is there! Come!'

Torthann says, "Let me see about this gate."

Objective 4

• Discover what is causing the brigands's fear

Torthann sensed the source of the brigands' fear in the southern corner of the camp. You should investigate.

Skorgrím says, "Why are you so worried, Blackwold?

Blackwold Informant says, "What do you want with me! I don't know anything!"

Blackwold Informant says, "No, no, no! Stay away!"

Skorgrím says, "There, there now. There's no need for concern...yet."

Skorgrím says, "Did you think service to Angmar came without a cost?"

Skorgrím says, "Ah! I have found them after all. You are relieved of your obligations, Blackwold."

Skorgrím says, "Now, to deal with you, Ranger!"

Objective 5

• Defend Torthann as he searches for the evil in the brigands's camp

Torthann sensed the source of the brigands' fear in the southern corner of the camp. You should investigate.

Skorgrím says, "I have other business to deal with...my servant shall deal with you!"

Blackwold Informant says, "No, no, no! Stay away!"

Objective 6

• Speak with Torthann

Torthann sensed the source of the brigands' fear in the southern corner of the camp. You should investigate.

Torthann: 'Who was that dwarf and what power has he to command wights? That the Blackwolds were in terror of that creature is certain, but I still sense something greater still in these ruins.

'And where is Amdir? Perhaps beyond that gate.'

Torthann says, "Come friend, this is not the end of our business here!"

Torthann says, "I fear that foul dwarf is not the end of the evil here."

Torthann says, "The greatest evils may be behind this gate. Rest now, for we will need all our strength ahead!"

Objective 7

• Defend Torthann as he searches for Amdir

Torthann is not convinced that the evil ends with the wight and thinks that Amdir is somewhere near by. Perhaps there is more to the camp.

Torthann says, "Do not lose your nerve!"

Nazgûl says, "You shall not interfere!"

Nazgûl says, "Amdir is now a servant of the Great Eye!"

Nazgûl says, "Now, Amdir! Take on the robes of the Cargûl -- the Foresworn!"

Éogan says, "My Lords! The Rangers approach with fire!"

Nazgûl says, "The fools are too late. Amdir's change is nearly complete!"

Nazgûl says, "Come, brethren, we must leave. Now is not the time for such a fight."

Nazgûl says, "We leave Amdir and these fools in your care, Éogan!"

Éogan says, "Yes, my lord!"

Strider says, "You do not belong here, Nazgûl!"

Éogan says, "We do your bidding, Master!"

Lenglinn says, "Do not let them escape!"

Amdir says, "You are too late! I am Cargûl! I serve the Great Eye!"

Torthann says, "I am sorry, Amdir...be at peace...."

Objective 8

• Speak with Torthann

Torthann beckons to you.

Torthann: 'It is a day both dreary and joyous. It grieves me that we were forced to slay Amdir, but a relief that he should now know peace.

'I will lead you back to Strider. I will return to my camp.'

Torthann: 'The very air seems polluted by this night's business. We should tarry here no longer.'

An Unwanted Guest

Bestowal dialogue

'So many people coming and going these days... There is one guest though, one I'd rather do without, but coin keeps a room and he comes with coin enough to pay a bill.

'Brooding sort, likes the darker corners of the Inn and speaks to none. Most people are a bit afeared of his ilk.'

Barliman lowers his voice. 'He's one o' them Rangers, he is. Calls himself Strider. From the common room turn left down the hall -- pay no mind to the hobbit in the kitchen -- and keep on until you can only go right. Follow straight down that hall until you're at the foot of the stairs. Strider is in the room to the right of the stairs.'

Background

Barliman confided that a recent arrival to the Prancing Pony is one he would rather do without. He suggested that speaking with him, as he may be the sort of individual for whom you are looking.

Objective 1

• Talk to Strider

Strider's room in The Prancing Pony Inn in Bree can be found by heading left down the hall out of the common room, until you can only bear right. Strider's room is to the right of the stairs at the end of the hall.

Barliman explained that a Ranger, Strider, was in a room in the Prancing Pony. He directed from the main bar to follow the hall left to the top of the stair, look for a short hall and door on the right and you should find Strider.

Barliman Butterbur: 'Dark Men, them Rangers, not to be trusted, if you ask me. You seem a stalwart sort, so I'll not give you futher (sic) advice. As long as you've coin, I'll see to your needs. Just don't be startin' any trouble.'

Strider: (Dwarf/Elf) 'Your tidings are grim. If Skorgrím escaped then we can assume that he'll want vengeance. Given time, he and the Dourhands will regroup. You were brave to stand against him but I'm afraid we'll need use of your courage once again.'

OR

Strider: (Hobbit) 'Your tidings are grim. Goblins from Mount Gram in the Shire? Such has not been heard of in many generations. Angmar's influence is growing stronger.'

OR

Strider: (Race of Man) 'Your tidings are grim. While the Blackwolds have been broken, Amdir's escape bodes ill. He must be stopped before it is too late.'