Despite its reputation, Bingo wants to see within Mirkwood forest, but the Elves of Lothlórien are beginning an assault on Dol Guldur and do not wish to endanger the hobbit.
'I am not keen on participating in any battles, but I do believe that it is my authorial responsibility to see the inside of Mirkwood if my book is to be complete. I spoke with an Elf named Calengoth at the docks, but he refused my request that I be allowed across the river! He said he would not be responsible for my safety. Can you believe that?
'Well, I have had a capital idea! If we can prove that I am not afraid of Orcs, Calengoth will have no choice but to recognize that I deserve to cross the river! I have heard that Orcs have invaded an area in the north-western reaches of the Golden Wood, and that an Elf named Faelleron needs help to combat them. Let us find him and volunteer to help!'1/1
1 Speak toFaelleron (Show dialog)
'You are the companion of Bingo Boffin? He is an amusing fellow, and insists that he is not afraid of Orcs. He asked me to write this note granting him permission to fight our foes, and I have complied, though on some level I must doubt whether this is wise!
'Here is the parchment. May it put his mind at rest, and if you will fight the Orcs in Fanuidhol, to the north, this simple act of script may prove worth the time and the ink!'1/1
2 KillOrcs or goblins in Fanuidhol (x/8)8/8
3 Speak toFaelleron (Show dialog)
'Well done, my friends! I am pleased that you have returned from your campaign against the Orcs in good health and with victory. It seems you did not really need my permission at all, but I am glad to have granted it all the same.'1/1
4 Speak toBingo Boffin (Show dialog)
'We did it, Player, we did it, and we also made certain the Orcs that threaten the Golden Wood know it to be well-defended by adventuring types such as ourselves!'
Bingo lowers his voice conspiratorially.
'And did you notice? The note that Faelleron wrote for us says that we have permission to engage with the enemies of Lothlórien, but it does not specify WHERE those enemies are to be found! Bring that parchment to Calengoth at the docks, and he will have no choice but to bring me across the river into Mirkwood!'1/1
'What excitement, Player! The Golden Host and the Rangers have crossed into Mirkwood and they are making their way toward a frightful-sounding stronghold in the south-east. I am glad to have seen within the woods, but I think I will leave a survey of this Dol Guldur to the experts!
'Instead, I think I will stay here by the fire and work on my book. This is not the most welcoming of taverns, but at least it is warm! I do wonder about the history of this place, though. This is one of the few buildings that seems to still be intact. Why not go explore the rest of the town, and report back to me when you have seen the sights? I will be here!'
Bert Bartleby has arrived outside the Haunted Inn, in the Dourstocks of Mirkwood.1/1
8.1) ObjectiveWTF1/1
8.2) ObjectiveWTF1/1
8.3) ObjectiveWTF1/1
9 Speak toBingo Boffin (Show dialog)
'Hmm, your description of the areas nearby make them sound much as I expected, Player: tumbled down and in disrepair. Folk have not lived in this town for a very long time, and it feels to me that unhappiness lies upon it like a shroud.
'While you were gone I spoke with one of the Rangers, Aduiallin, and she gave me a lovely book of recipes. Perhaps I will work to bring some measure of cheer and comfort to this tavern by preparing one of the recipes from this book. Yes, that will be just the thing! But I will need to choose one to make, and that will not be an easy task!'
Next week: 'First, Breakfast!' (Recommended Level: 66)1/1
Bingo Badge (5)