Mithrandir has studied the artifact that Ayorzén stole from the vault of Durthang and believes that if it might be cleansed of its corruption, it could be empowered with a force for Good.
'This sculpture was carved from a bone or tusk, but I cannot say what creature lent the material used in its manufacture. Some of the details have worn away with the passage of time or ill treatment. The face, for example, may once have been carved but now cannot be distinguished. There seem to be some runes on the base of the carving, but they are quite faded and I cannot read them clearly.
'But this is not the first such carving I have seen! No, I have seen others of its type drawn from the swamps of the Lone-lands. The Eglain plumb the depths of the marsh for artifacts and trinkets, and in the muck they have found similar sculptures. Go to Ost Guruth, the Ruin-hold in the Lone-lands, and ask Frideric the Elder what he can tell you about this heirloom.'0/1
1 Speak toFrideric the Elder (Show dialog)
'Welcome, Player. It has been many a day since you last came to the Ruin-hold! You must have learned much in your travels and faced many dangers! What has turned your steps back to the humble home of the Eglain?'
You show the corrupted heirloom to Frideric and he grimaces.
'This carving is well-made, and very beautiful despite the grooves and scratches of wear, but as I gaze upon it I am overcome with an unpleasant sensation. Were it not for the sickening feeling with which it fills me, I would say this was very similar to other carvings my people have pulled from the swamp. Even now, some of the Eglain search the damp muck and tussocks of earth for artifacts such as this. Find Morhald and Cólbyr in Haragmar, and they may be able to tell you more of this carving's making.'0/1
Special conditionCLEAR_CAMP0/1
2 Speak toCólbyr (Show dialog)
'This is a beautiful carving, Player! What a shame that the swamp has worn away some of the details, for it seems to me that the subject of the sculptor's gaze was quite striking. See too the martial skill with which she raises the spear, ready to face some unseen foe? This must have been carved from life, or the artist was a master to have carved from memory.
'The sight of it makes me uncomfortable, but I do not understand why. Is it the knowledge that such a work is beyond my skill or some other unknown reason? Take it away, I do not wish to look upon it any longer!'0/1
3 Speak toWalgar (Show dialog)
'Why do you search for me with such concern, Player? I am one of the Eglain, hearty and proud walkers of the wilderness. What do you have there?'
You show Walgar the sculpture of the spear-wielding woman. As he takes the carving, he shudders briefly, but sets aside the momentary revulsion and continues with his examination of the sculpture.
'It is hard to say for certain, but I believe I have seen carvings such as this before. Do you see the distinctive strokes on the arm that holds the spear? The definition of the muscle can plainly be seen, despite the passage of Time and the harsh work of the elements. A master craftsman once lived in this land, and though his name has been forgotten, this is clearly his work. Other statues and carvings made by his hand have been found in Haragmar and elsewhere.'
Walgar turns over the carving and squints at the base.
'Did you see this writing? The words are very faded and I cannot make them out, but an expert in such things might fare better. Seek Aric the Stone-speaker, far to the south in Harloeg. He may be able to tell you more.'0/1
4 Speak to(Show dialog)
'Ah, you have found a carving of the warrior-woman!'
Aric takes the sculpture and studies it closely.
'I have spent long enough in the company of the Dead to learn something of their history and secrets, Player. This is a carving of Darothild, a great champion who lived in this land, long ago. When the Lady of the Fountain fell to evil, Darothild was one of the few who sought to challenge her when no others would. Great champion though she was, she never returned from the Spring. Some of the Eglain still tell her story to their children, though doubtless many of the details have changed over the years.
'Many carvings of Darothild have been found, but none have been as wreathed in evil-feeling as this. Perhaps if you bring it to the site of her last battle, the corruption could be cleansed? If not, at least you might leave it there in memory of her. Speak to me and I will find strong Eglain to accompany you.'0/1
Elrond's Gift