The End of the Matter

Bestowal dialogue

'Well, you did a fine job with those fireworks. The danger is past, it seems. You should go and tell Hyacinth what you've done, as I'm sure it will be a weight off her mind.

'I suppose you should also go back to Hobbiton and tell Lobelia as well, though I don't envy you that conversation! She has always been a harsh and abrasive hobbit.

'Well, good luck and good day to you.'

Background

With Hyacinth's stolen fireworks destroyed, there are none left for Lobelia Sackville-Baggins' birthday party.

Objective 1

• Talk to Hyacinth Took

Hyacinth Took is at her home in Tuckborough near the Great Smials.

Paladin Took was grateful for your help destroying the stolen fireworks. He has tasked you with delivering the news to Hyacinth Took.

Thain Paladin Took II: 'You should tell Hyacinth what happened to the stolen fireworks.'

Hyacinth Took: 'That's some tale you tell! I wish I'd been there to see all those rockets go off at once!

'Truly, I was worried about what happened to those stolen fireworks, and I'm very grateful that you were able to destroy them before they could be misused. The fact that Lobelia's fireworks won't be ready for her party is just cream on the strawberries, if you take my meaning!

'Now that I'm sure Lobelia will be cancelling her order, I have some spare fireworks. Why don't you take them? I wish you the joy of firing them off!'

Flare for Danger

Bestowal dialogue

'There are some Big Folk -- ruffians or brigands, most likely -- camping in the south-west part of the Marish, not far from Woodhall. The camp is at Narrowcleeve, and there is a ford near the brink of a waterfall that can bring you up to the heights. I've received many complaints about them, and I've asked the Shirriffs to deal with them, but assembling enough Bounders has been difficult.

'I've heard rumours of strange lights in the sky around the Marish. Now that you remind me of those fireworks, I think that perhaps one of the ruffians must have stolen them from Hyacinth.

'Those fireworks could be very dangerous in the wrong hands. Who knows what mischief they could cause with them? We have no time to gather Bounders, now. You must destroy those fireworks at once!'

Background

Paladin Took is certain that a band of brigands stole Hyacinth's fireworks and is planning to use them for harmful purposes.

Objective 1

• Destroy the stolen fireworks

The brigand encampment is at Narrowcleeve, the heights in the south-west part of the Marish, not far from Woodhall. You can enter the camp by crossing a ford near the brink of a waterfall.

Shirriff Robin Smallburrow sent you to speak with Paladin Took, the Thain of the Shire, about Hyacinth's stolen fireworks. The Thain suggested that they may have been stolen by a band of ruffians camped in the Marish and sent you to destroy the fireworks.

Thain Paladin Took II: 'Destroy those stolen fireworks before the brigands can use them for some misdeed! Look for them at Narrowcleeve, in the south-west of the Marish.'

The fireworks have been destroyed

Objective 2

• Talk to Thain Paladin Took II

The Thain is at the Great Smials in Tuckborough.

The Thain, Paladin Took, sent you to destroy Hyacinth Took's stolen fireworks at a brigand encampment. With victory in hand, you should return to the Thain at once.

Thain Paladin Took II: 'That must have been a sight to see, perhaps like one of the Old Took's parties!

'I'm very happy you were able to accomplish this important task. You've amply repaid the trust Shirriff Smallburrow placed in you, and you've earned my respect and thanks as well. Please accept this small reward for your brave deeds.'

By Hook or by Crook

Bestowal dialogue

'I must have those fireworks in time for my birthday party. One way or another, by hook or by crook, I will have them, I tell you!

'Ah! Hyacinth said her fireworks were stolen, didn't she? Well, then, the answer is simple. All you have to do is get them back from the thieves! Talk to Shirriff Smallburrow here in Hobbiton, and I'm sure he will set you right on the path if you can pull him away from his mug!

'After all, that is what Bounders and Shirriffs --or whatever you are -- are supposed to do, isn't it? Catch thieves and ruffians and recover stolen properties for upstanding citizens like myself? It certainly is! Now be off!'

Background

Lobelia insists on fireworks for her birthday party. The only possible way to get them in time for her party is to recover the fireworks stolen from Hyacinth Took.

Objective 1

• Talk to Shirriff Robin Smallburrow

Shirriff Robin Smallburrow can be found inside the Ivy Bush in the centre of Hobbiton.

Since it will be three months before Hyacinth Took can have more fireworks ready for Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, a month too late for her party, Lobelia instructed you to speak with Robin Smallburrow about recovering Hyacinth's stolen fireworks.

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins: 'Don't just stand there gaping like a ninnyhammer! Go speak with Shirriff Smallburrow at the Ivy Bush!'

Shirriff Robin Smallburrow: 'You've got my sympathy about dealing with Lobelia, but I'm happy to say this matter is completely out of my hands. Fortunately for me, there's nothing I can do about fireworks stolen in Tuckborough -- I only deal with matters arising near Hobbiton!

Objective 2

• Talk to Thain Paladin Took II

The Thain can be found at the Great Smials in Tuckborough, south of Hobbiton.

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins sent you to speak with Robin Smallburrow about Hyacinth Took's stolen fireworks, but Shirriff Smallburrow told you the matter was outside of his jurisdiction. He suggested you speak with Paladin Took, Thain of the Shire.

Shirriff Robin Smallburrow: 'I think you should go talk to the Thain about the stolen fireworks. He'll be at the Great Smails in Tuckborough, to the south.'

Thain Paladin Took II: 'I do remember the incident. Hyacinth told me about it, naturally.

'The local Bounders have been unable to recover the lost fireworks. But since you bring it to my mind, I think I may have a task for you...a dangerous one too, I might add.'

The Big Black Bear

Bestowal dialogue

'This is my problem. There's a lot of bears in the north woods. Usually, I have no trouble with them. You just stay out of their way, and they'll stay out of yours, so to speak. But I have a big woodpile I've spent some time gathering, and a really big black bear has decided it's the perfect place for him and his kind to live.

'The big black bear is very dangerous, and I can't get near my wood-pile anymore. If you can help me out by getting rid of it so I can get at my wood, I'll be happy to make up a parcel of charcoal for your friend Hyacinth.

'My woodpile is almost due north of here, past the wall and a small logging camp. You'll probably find that black bear right on top of it.'

Background

A big black bear has decided to make Hart Holeman's woodpile its home, causing Hart no end of trouble.

Objective 1

• Defeat the Big Black-bear

Hart Holeman's woodpile is to the north, beyond the wall and a small logging camp.

Hart Holeman is willing to provide the charcoal Hyacinth Took requested, but first he wants you to drive off a big black bear that has made his woodpile its home.

Hart Holeman: 'Please get rid of that big black bear! It's right by my wood pile, directly north of here, I expect!'

Defeated the Big Black-bear

Objective 2

• Talk to Hart Holeman

Hart Holeman is at his home in the centre of Overhill.

Hart Holeman had asked you to deal with the big black bear that had taken up residence in his woodpile, while he put together a parcel of charcoal for Hyacinth Took. He will be pleased to learn that the bear will no longer trouble him.

Hart Holeman: 'You killed him? I don't generally hold with hunting our local bears just to be rid of them, but that big black bear was dangerous, let me tell you!

'Here, take this parcel of charcoal back to young Hyacinth, with my courtesy and respect.'

Collected the Charcoal

Objective 3

• Bring charcoal to Hyacinth Took

Hyacinth Took is in Tuckborough near the Great Smials.

While you were away, dealing with the big black bear at Hart Holeman's woodpile, Hart was busy putting together a parcel of charcoal for you to take back to Hyacinth Took.

Hart Holeman: 'You should bring the charcoal down to Hyacinth, now that you've got it. She lives in Tuckborough, east of the Great Smails, if I remember right.'

Hyacinth Took: 'Ah, this will do nicely. I hope old Hart didn't give you a difficult time?

'Well now, we should be about our next bit of business....'

Calling for Charcoal

Bestowal dialogue

'You really shouldn't have let Cam bully you into hunting those wolves for him. That's work for the Shirriffs! Well, thank you for the saltpetre.

'Now I need some charcoal. Please go to Overhill and talk to Hart Holeman. He and some other wood-cutters gather timber from Bindbole Wood and sometimes cook charcoal for sale. You can find him at his home in the centre of Overhill.

'Mind you don't let him bully you like Cam did.'

Background

Since Lobelia Sackville-Baggins paid to acquire the ingredients for her fireworks, Hyacinth Took has recruited you to help her gather them.

Objective 1

• Talk to Hart Holeman

Hart Holeman is at his home in the centre of Overhill.

Hyacinth Took appreciated the saltpetre you brought back with you, though she chided you for letting Cam Puddifoot talk you into hunting wolves for him. Now she has asked you to speak with Hart Holeman about the charcoal she needs.

Hyacinth Took: 'Please go talk to Hart Holeman in Overhill to get the charcoal I need.'

Hart Holeman: 'Charcoal is it? Yes, we do have some for sale. I'll be happy to prepare a parcel for young Hyacinth. But there's one thing you can do for me first….'

Seeking Saltpetre

Bestowal dialogue

'Well, if the old crow is willing to pay, then I suppose I'll have to oblige her.

'First, I'll send you out after saltpetre. My friend Cam Puddifoot, the pig-farmer in Budgeford, can usually supply some. He's got the biggest manure-pits in the whole Shire!

'Cam will let me know when he needs payment, so you'll not need to carry coin with you. He hardly has use for saltpetre.'

Background

Since Lobelia Sackville-Baggins paid to acquire the ingredients for her fireworks, Hyacinth Took has recruited you to help her gather them.

Objective 1

• Talk to Cam Puddifoot

Cam Puddifoot is at his home in the middle of Budgeford.

The first ingredient Hyacinth Took has sent you after is saltpetre. She suggested you visit her friend Cam Puddifoot, a pig-farmer in Budgeford.

Hyacinth Took: 'Please go to Budgeford and ask my friend Cam Puddifoot for the saltpetre I need.'

Cam Puddifoot: 'Saltpetre? I got mounds of it. But I tell you what, I got other problems, too.

'Long as you're here, I'm going to ask you to take care of 'em for me before I send that saltpetre over to Hyacinth's place.'

Wolves in the Fields

Bestowal dialogue

'See here, we got a lot of wolves off in the east and the north-east of Budgeford, and lately some of them have gotten into my fields. Puts a mighty fear into my pigs, let me tell you.

'So I want you to rid me of 'em. Those beastly things are all over my fields, and I'm losing more pigs every day.

'I'll make sure that saltpetre gets over to Hyacinth, don't you worry.'

Background

Cam Puddifoot, a pig-farmer in Budgeford, is having problems with wolves raiding his sties.

Objective 1

• Defeat wolves in Puddifoot's Fields (0/6)

There are wolves in Cam Puddifoot's fields to the east of Budgeford.

Hyacinth Took sent you to Cam Puddifoot to request delivery of some saltpetre for Lobelia Sackville-Baggins' fireworks. Farmer Puddifoot is willing to deliver the saltpetre, but he wants you to clear his fields of wolves first.

Cam Puddifoot: 'Please get rid of the wolves in my fields! They're the fields just to the east of Budgeford.'

Objective 2

• Talk to Cam Puddifoot

Cam Puddifoot is near his home in Budgeford.

Cam Puddifoot is willing to send saltpetre to Hyacinth Took, but first he requested your help clearing wolves from his fields. With the threat of wolves lessened, you should return to him.

Cam Puddifoot: 'Hallo there! You could hear all the yelping and howling a mile off. Good job!

'Take this pack of saltpetre I made up back to Hyacinth and tell her there's plenty more where that came from.'

Collected the Saltpetre

Objective 3

• Bring the saltpetre to Hyacinth Took

Hyacinth Took is near the Great Smials in Tuckborough.

While you were helping to clear the wolves from Cam Puddifoot's fields, the pig-farmer collected a pack of saltpetre for you to take back to Hyacinth Took.

Cam Puddifoot: 'Now that you have helped me with my wolf problem, there's no reason to delay in bringing that saltpetre to Hyacinth in Tuckborough, <name>. You should go at once, of course.'

Hyacinth Took: 'Phew, the smell I could to without, but it's the cost of saltpetre, I'm afraid of. Well, this'll do.'

Brimstone and Sparks

Bestowal dialogue

'You're too willing, <name>! First wolves, and now a bear? You should be more firm with these folk and make them take care of their own problems for once.

'All right. Now last, but not least, I'll need some brimstone and iron filings. You can't find brimstone around here, so I always go to the dwarves for that stuff. They can also provide the filings cheaper than any of the local smiths, so we'll take care of two problems at once, this time.

'Please head over to Needlehole and talk to the dwarf-merchant Onar. I've dealt with him in the past, and I imagine he'll be able to give us what we need.'

Background

Since Lobelia Sackville-Baggins paid to acquire the ingredients for her fireworks, Hyacinth Took has recruited you to help her gather them.

Objective 1

• Talk to Onar

The dwarf-merchant Onar is in the hamlet of Needlehole in the north-west corner of Rushock Bog.

Hyacinth only needs brimstone and iron filings to get to work on Lobelia Sackville-Baggins' fireworks. She suggested you could obtain them from Onar, a dwarf-merchant.

Hyacinth Took: 'Please go to Needlehole to pick up the brimstone and iron filings from Onar.'

Onar: 'Ho! So little Hyacinth wants some more makings for her pretty lights! Wants to be a Wizard, does she? Ha!

'Well it just so happens I have some brimstone and fillings to sell -- at a very reasonable price, too, I might add. Tell all your friends, very easy terms....

'What? Don't just stand there like a ninny with your mouth open like that. Were you thinking I'd send you on a quest or something for such simple things? Here, take these parcels, and good day to you!'

Objective 2

• Bring brimstone and iron filings to Hyacinth Took

Hyacinth Took is in Tuckborough, near the Great Smials.

Hyacinth Took sent you to Needlehole to acquire brimstone and iron filings from the dwarf-merchant Onar. Onar made a quick and fair trade and has sent you back to Hyacinth with her parcels.

Onar: 'You seem surprised, friend, but you shouldn't be. If a dwarf says he can provide a particular kind of good, you can count on him to provide it! Bring the brimstone and the iron filings to Hyacinth Took in Tuckborough as soon as you are able.'

Hyacinth Took: 'Well, well, that wasn't that hard was it? And you stood your ground with him!

'I'll get started on these fireworks right away! Tell the old crow I should have all she needs in just three months!'

Objective 3

• Talk to Lobelia Sackville-Baggins

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins is at her home at Bag End in Hobbiton.

With your help, Hyacinth Took now has all she needs to begin work on Lobelia Sackville-Baggins' fireworks. She told you to return to Lobelia and let her know the fireworks will be done in three months.

Hyacinth Took: 'You'd best tell Lobelia that all the ingredients have been purchased, and her fireworks will be ready in three months.'

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins; 'Three months! Three months! That won't do! Won't do at all! My birthday is in two months! Do you understand? Two!'

Lobelia's Fireworks

Bestowal dialogue

'You there! Yes, I mean you. Come over here. I've work for you.

'I simply must have fireworks for my birthday party. More and brighter than that mad Bilbo ever had! I hear that Hyacinth Took over in Tuckborough has learned to make them, no doubt from that queer Gandalf fellow. You go over there and tell her I want a dozen large crates of her best fireworks! She lives west of the Great Smials.

'Of course, I'll pay you if you insist. What a nuisance. I thought Bounders --or whatever you are -- were supposed to do for us Shire-folk out of duty.'

Background

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins is planning a birthday party for herself grand enough to outshine that of Bilbo Baggins several years before. She wants fireworks worthy of her efforts.

Objective 1

• Talk to Hyacinth Took

Hyacinth Took is in Tuckborough, west of the Great Smials.

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins has heard that Hyacinth Took knows the art of making fireworks and asked that you place an order for her biggest and brightest.

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins: 'Well? I'm not paying you to stand around, you know. Hurry over to that Hyacinth Took and get those fireworks! She lives in Tuckborough, west of the Great Smials!'

Hyacinth Took: 'Oh really? Fireworks for Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, is it? I'm almost happy to be able to tell you that I'm out of both fireworks and the ingredients to make them. The truth is, I made up a whole batch recently, but it was stolen! And the Bounders haven't been much help getting it back, begging your pardon.

'If Lobelia really wants fireworks for her party, there will be a lot of purchases she has to make. There's charcoal, saltpetre, brimstone, and iron fillings to buy, among other things. So you go back to Lobelia and make sure she's willing to pay for all this.

'If she still wants them, come back here, and I'll lay out all the things you need to do.'

Objective 2

• Talk to Lobelia Sackville-Baggins

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins is at her home at Bag End in Hobbiton.

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins sent you to order fireworks from Hyacinth Took, but Hyacinth informed you that she was out of both fireworks and the materials to make them. She told you to return to Hobbiton and make sure Lobelia will be expected to pay for the materials, if she still wants fireworks.

Hyacinth Took: 'Lobellia probably won't want to pay for the ingredients. I'm not sorry none, either. You go tell her that up in Bag End.'

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins: 'Pay for the ingredients? Why! I never...!

'Oh, I suppose I must, if all her stock was stolen. Here, take these coins to that Took. These had better be the best fireworks the Shire has ever seen!'

Objective 3

• Bring the coinpurse to Hyacinth Took

Hyacinth Took is west of the Great Smials in Tuckborough.

Hyacinth Took sent you back to Lobelia Sackville-Baggins to request payment for the ingredients to make her fireworks. Lobelia reluctantly agreed and gave you a coinpurse to take back to Hyacinth.

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins: 'Mind you, don't even think about stealing any of those coins. I have my eye on you, and I'll keep an eye on that Took, too! Find her at her home west of the Great Smials, in Tuckborough.'

Hyacinth Took: 'So, the old crow actually paid? I'm astonished. She must really want these fireworks.

'Well, I'll see what I can do.'