In Their Absence, Chapter 1  

Series Name: In Their Absence
Leads To: In Their Absence, Chapter 2
Start Zone: Bree-town
Start Area: Bree
Start Location: The Prancing Pony
Start Mob: Barliman Butterbur
Started By Item:Flags: Fellowship, Small Fellowship, Epic
Cash Granted: 11s 34c
Item Exp Granted: 5602
Quest Level: 65
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Locations with maps: Evendim | Bree-town
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    Barliman Butterbur
    Bree

Bestowal

'Henric,

Strange things are afoot these days in and around Oatbarton. First there was that mysterious relic that appeared in Bungo Grubb's pipe-weed fields; killed the crop dead, it did, and left everyone else worried for their own!

But now things are even worse. Hobbits have been disappearing left and right. And these aren't Tooks I'm talking about, neither! No, these are good, honest Bolgers and Boffins, as solid and dependable gentlehobbits as you could hope meet! Not a flaw among them, save being over-fond of their food and drink, and that's not a flaw at all in my estimation! I don't know for sure what could have caused this recent spate of disappearances, though I have my guesses. I have not seen as many of the grim-faced Rangers lurking about in recent days; is it the same in Bree? In any event, if you know of a stalwart adventurer, be sure to send him or her to me at once. I am worried for my friends here in Oatbarton! We're within the bounds of the Shire, of course, but the rest of Evendim is a dangerous place, just to our north, and even Oatbarton has been frightful of late.

Wishing you the best, your devoted cousin,

Fenric'

This Quest Arc begins with 3-Man Small Fellowship content, progresses through 6-Man Fellowship instances, and finally culminates in a 12-Man Raid. It is recommended that you complete Volume III Books 1 and 2 beforehand, but it is not required.

Background

Shadows are lengthening throughout Eriador now that many of the Rangers have left for the south-lands, and trouble is brewing in their absence.

Objectives

Objective 1

  • Talk to Fenric Banks in Oatbarton
  • Fenric Banks is in Oatbarton, the hobbit-town in the southern reaches of Evendim. It is one of the most northerly villages of the Shire.

    Barliman Butterbur has asked you to investigate the worries of the hobbit Fenric Banks, in Oatbarton.

    Objective 2

  • Talk to Bounder Boffin inside Northcotton Farm
  • The Northcotton Farm is located west of Oatbarton's town centre ad up the steep hill.

    Fenric Banks has told you of the hobbit disappearances and wants you to gather a couple friends and investigate the Northcotton Farm, where one of the hobbits was last seen.