Instance: A Road Through The Dark  

Your good friend Celandine Brandybuck sent you a worrisome letter from the town of Archet in Bree-land, in which she hints at brigands in the area -- and worse! You have written her a letter, urging her to return, but have not received any response from her.

Objective 1

Perhaps Postman Took will know why you have received no response from your letter to Celandine Brandybuck.

Objective 2

Leave the post office

Leave the post office and travel to the Stock Road, where you will begin your journey.

Postman Took told you that, due to the troubles Archet is having with brigands, he was unable to deliver your letter to Celandine Brandybuck. He suggested that you should take it yourself.

Objective 3

Travel down the Stock Road

Travel down the Stock Road until you reach the town of Stock.

It is not far from Stock to Buckland where you might find someone to deliver your letter.

Objective 4

Talk to Bounder Boffin

You should speak with Bounder Boffin.

As you travelled down the Stock Road, you saw a strange rider clad all in black. He seemed interested in the location of a hobbit named "Baggins." After frightening Bounder Boffin nearly to death, he rode off.

'Gracious, is it safe? That rider was so terrible! I saw him coming down the road, and I tried to ask him his business, and... and...I can't say anymore about it.

'Oh dear, we have to hide! Old Odo's leaf-farm is just down the road. We can hide there.

'While I look for my key, search my satchel there and get a weapon for yourself. With strange folk like this about, who knows what else may be prowling around?'


"My satchel is here. Search it quickly!

Objectve 4

After arming yourself, speak to Bounder Boffin

'Hopefully you found something in my satchel you can use. Can't be picky now, take what you can find!

'Once I get this door open, you'll need to clear the way to the next gate. While you do that, I'll watch for that rider's return.'

Objective 5

Follow Bounder Boffin

After you acquire a weapon from Bounder Boffin's satchel, accompany him to old Odo's leaf-farm.

Bounder Boffin thinks it is best to hide until the Black Rider passes by, and he thinks old Odo's leaf-barn could be such a place to hide.

Objective 6

Defeat Spiders (2)

Defeat the spiders that lay between you and the next gate.

Bounder Boffin asked you to clear the way to the next gate while he watched for the Black Rider's return.

Objective 7

Speak with Bounder Boffin

You should let Bounder Boffin know the way is now clear to the next gate.

Bounder Boffin asked you to clear the way to the next gate while he watched for the Black Rider's return.

'Good, you've cleared the way. There's been no sign of that Rider, but I just know he's still lurking about!

'Let's dash down to the next gate. The sooner we get into Old Odo's house, the better!'

Objective 8

Follow Bounder Boffin

With the way cleared to the next gate, follow Bounder Boffin as he opens it.

Objective 9

Defeat Spiders (3)

As Bounder Boffin tries to hack through the spider webs, defend him from the spiders that will surely try to stop him.

As you made your way into Old Odo's farm, you found your way barred by spider webs.

Objective 10

Follow Bounder Boffin

Follow Bounder Boffin as he tries to open the door to Old Odo's farm.

Bounder Boffin was able to cut through the webs that barred your way, and you are nearly within the saftey of Old Odo's farm.

Objective 11

Speak to Bounder Boffin

'I'm sorry, I was so hasty in trying to get the door open that my ket broke! Now our only hope for safety is to try to brave the Stock Road on into Woodhall.

'Follow me closely friend, who knows what else we may run into tonight!'

Objective 12

Follow Bounder Boffin

Follow Bounder Boffin in search of safety.

Bounder Boffin found the key to Old Odo's home, but in his haste to open the door, he snapped the key off in the lock.

Objective 13

Talk to Gildor

Speak to Gildor Inglorion and tell him of your task to carry a letter to Archet.

As you followed Bounder Boffin, you came across the Black Rider giving commands to a group of Big Men. The Black Rider caught sight of you and threatened to kill you, but was stayed by the arrival of the Elf, Gildor Inglorion.

'I have heard the rumor of the troubles Archet is having with these wicked men. You are indeed a brave little hobbit to give thought to going to such a place.

'Fortunately, Elbereth must be watching over you this night, because our companion, the Dunedain Amdir, is travelling there as well. Speak with him. I am sure he would welcome your companionship upon the road ahead.'

Objective 14

Talk to Amdir

Speak with Amdir, who accompanies Gildor Inglorion.

Upon hearing of your task to bring a message to Celandine Brandybuck, Gildor told you that Amdir was travelling there as well and could protect you upon the road.

'I over heard your tale. So you travel to ARchet to seek Celandine Brandybuck, do you?

'As Gildor has said, I am indeed traveling to Archet myself. It is fortunate that you found me, as I fear that even a hobbit as courageous as yourself would have fun afoul of these brigands. I must learn what connexion these Blackwold brigands have with the Ringwraiths.

'Come now, let us travel to Archet. The road ahead is long andnot nearly as safe as it once was.'