'You know that unusual Man who has been turning up everywhere on this journey of ours? Yes, Bert Bartleby, that is the very fellow! Well, he asked me to send you to see him about a small matter, but I forgot to pass on the message. You had better go to him at once, if it isn't too late! He's just to the south there, by the stables.'1/1
1 Speak toBert Bartleby (Show dialog)
'Hullo there, my well-travelled friend! I am glad to finally be a part of this journey of yours and Bingo's, and I hope that I will not disappoint! I was quite an adventurer in the days of my youth, but those days are well past now. The merchant life suits me rather more than the questing life, these days!
'You must know what a merchant needs more than anything, surely? A cheerful disposition? Yes, that helps. Customers? Of course! A sense of humour? Well, that has never failed me, true. I am just going to tell you, Player.
'Goods for sale or trade! Without resupplying my stock of items, I would be a poor merchant indeed! My good friend Rattlepacks has a bit more room for goods, wouldn't you say?
'The folk of Forlaw have been murmuring about a lore-master that recently came to the town. Take this purse of coins and see if you can purchase some scrolls or tomes or potions from this lore-master, Player! I heard he was near the west gate of town.'1/1
2 Enter areaFind the lore-master at the west gate of Forlaw1/1
3 Speak to(Show dialog)
'How can I help you today, ${CLASS}?'
You tell the guard that you are seeking a lore-master that came recently to Forlaw. The guard snorts rudely.
'Aye, I've seen him. Bald fellow, big brown beard, simple cloth robe; a stout fellow. He's gone now, and I'm glad for it! He showed me some of his wares, junk mostly, and one of his blasted lizards bit my finger! See, it is still red. I never got an apology, either.'1/1
4 Speak toBert Bartleby (Show dialog)
'Wait a moment, my friend. Describe the missing lore-master for me once more, will you?'
You repeat the description you were told by the guard at the west gate, and Bert nods with familiarity.
'I know this man, Player! His name is Humfrey Rumming, and we go back a long way. You see, the Rummings and the Bartlebys were neighbours! Our homes were a bit out of the way, so weeks would go by and you'd only ever see a Rumming or a Bartleby! As a result, you might say that each family tended to wear on the other's patience.
'After I retired from the adventuring life, one of the first sales I ever conducted was to Humfrey Rumming: I sold him the key to the tumbled-down ruin of Tollobel on the island of Tyl Ruinen. I wonder if he ever used it?
'You'll have to find him and keep him out of trouble! The Rummings, and particularly Humfrey, have never been good at staying out of it. That guard watched him leave from the west gate? I expect he kept moving in that direction, then. Find Humfrey somewhere to the west of Forlaw. If there is a settlement in that direction, he is likely to have headed that way; like a curious moth to a torch at night is Humfrey, and all the Rummings!'1/1
5 Speak toMan (Show dialog)
'Ah, you seem to be a fairly impressive adventurer. A ${CLASS}? I knew it! I myself am one of the world's greatest lore-masters. My name is Humfrey Rumming. You seem somewhat familiar, but since I never forget a face I will say that it is a pleasure to meet you for the very first time, ${CLASS}!
'I have a fondness for small lizards of all types, and I have a skill at nursing such creatures back to health. It is a gift I must share with the world! To that end, when I saw a clutch of eggs nestled at the base of a giant pillar of ice, I naturally warmed them up and allowed the little creatures to hatch! Naturally.
'Well, it turns out that these little efts do not take kindly to people, or to wildlife, or to plants... I think they may have scared off the people of this village, for no one is here anymore. You had better do something about those efts, ${CLASS}. They are among the woods to the west, by the base of the mountains. And please call them \qefts,\q if you would. That is what all the great lore-masters call them.'1/1
6 KillFrozen Eft8/8
7 Hand inSmall Money-pouch to Man1/1
8 Hand inVarious Sundries to Bert Bartleby1/1
9 Speak toBingo Boffin (Show dialog)
'Were you able to help Bert with whatever he needed, Player? Good, I am glad!
'It is a marvel to me that we have seen Mister Bartleby at so many places on this journey, and he has not had much to say until this point. I wonder where he learned such patience? I have known one or two hobbits that were the same in my day, youngest siblings all! Perhaps Bert grew up with several older brothers, and learned patience at home. He is a unique individual, for certain!'
Next week: 'Mistaken Identity' (Recommended Level: 90)1/1
Bingo Badge (5)