Chapter 12: The Black Rider's Designs  

Prerequisite: Chapter 11: Othrongroth
Series Name: Vol 1, Book 1: Stirrings in the Darkness
Leads To: Book II, Foreword: Aiding the Order
Start Zone: Bree-land
Start Area: Old Forest
Start Location: Tom Bombadil's House
Start Mob: Tom Bombadil
Flags: Epic
Items Rewarded:Reputation Increased: 500 Men of Bree
Quest Level: 21
Min Level: 17
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Locations with maps: Bree-town | Bree-land
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    Tom Bombadil

Bestowal

'Old barrow-wights from Angmar came. They disturb the peace and trouble folk who wander through their mounds. Let the Dead sleep and leave their troubles in the earth. Unless of course you wake them, dancing on their rooftops!

'Hey, come, my friend. Linger here no longer. To Bree you should be a-going. You've a friend there who awaits you!'

Background

You were rescued from the clutches of the Wight-lord by Tom Bombadil, but you learned much that may help Strider and his people.

Objectives

Objective 1

  • Talk to Barliman Butterbur
  • Barliman butterbur serves his guests in the common room of the The Prancing Pony.

    You travelled back to The Prancing Pony, but you found the door to Strider's room locked. You should speak to Barliman Butterbut to learn if he can tell you where Strider has gone.

     

    'Oh, hello there, again! I was so busy that I didn't see you, but there's never a moment's peace here, if I may say so. I was so worried that he'd sour my beer for letting Mr., uh, Underhill and his friends go off with that Ranger.

    'He who? Oh! Why that would be Mr. Gandalf, of course! They say he's a Wizard for some such, and I'll say there must be something to those tales, for my beer's never better! He was so pleased....

    'Begging your pardon, but I do run on sometimes. Gandalf said to send anyone looking for Strider up to his room! It's up the stairs just beyond Strider's room.'



    Objective 2

  • Talk to Gandalf
  • Gandalf's room in The Prancing Pony Inn in Bree is found by taking a left out of the common room, until you can only bear right. The room is at the top of the stairs at the end of the hall.

    Barliman Butterbur told you that Strider has left The Prancing Pony, but that Gandalf, a Wizard by reputation, arrived and asked to speak to any who were looking for the Ranger. You should speak to Gandalf and tell him what you have learned.

    'You are lost of seek me with intent. By the look in your eye, I gather the latter, though I also sense you sought another... Strider perhaps? Then we have both come too late. Our mutual friend has left, bearing with him a terrible burden.

    'I am Gandalf the Grey, a friend of Strider's. If he set you to a task, it could not be much less urgent than his own. Tell me your tale, and I will deliver it to him...

    'So Angmar arises? It is grim news, butI am not surprised. Nevertheless, I cannot turn aside from my own task, for the fate of all Middle-earth hangs upon it.

    'This burden I place upon your inthe name of the Free Peoples of Middle-earth: Hinder the Witch-kings' plans, if you may. Whether east or north, Ibid you good fortune. Farewell.'

    Notes

    738 XP @ level 21