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 was once part of a porcine tusk, from a boar or similar animal. These have been known to chip or splinter during combat.
'That would not ordinarily be a cause for interest, but there are markings carved near the base of it, faded and hard to read. Perhaps an expert jeweller in Minas Tirith can use his tools to read them for you.'0/1
1 Speak to(Show dialog)
'What is this thing you have brought to me? It raises in me an unpleasant sensation, as if it were capable of great evil or indeed had already committed such! I will not fashion a necklace or amulet out of this, unless the price be most convincing!'
You tell the jeweller that you are here for another purpose and explain that you would like him to read the tiny markings near the base of the tusk-shard. He grunts reluctantly and takes out his glass.
'Even now they are very difficult to make out, and anyway are symbols with which I am unfamiliar. The words look Rohirric to me, but I am an expert in fashioning beautiful adornments and trinkets, not in unravelling languages! Bring to the Rohirrim that which concerns them, that is my rule! I once knew a jeweller from the Sutcrofts who learned his trade at the same time I did, and planned to repair in their city of Snowbourn when he became an expert. You should look for him and see if he can read these Rohirric words.'0/1
2 Speak to(Show dialog)
'Welcome to Snowbourn, can I provide you with any assistance? I fashioned pieces of such beauty that Théoden King himself would marvel at my craft, and I am certain Éomer King, now elevated, will do the same!'
You explain that an expert jeweller in Minas Tirith referred you to him, believing that he might be able to read the Rohirric words that adorn the base of the tusk-shard.
'You will not be disappointed, and when next I see my friend I will be sure to thank him for sending you to me. He has always had a discerning eye, and his finest quality is knowing when to say he does not have sufficient expertise in a field. I, however, am clearly the man for the task. Give it here. My, it does possess an unpleasant air, doesn't it?'
The jeweller of Rohan squints at the tusk-shard through his glass for a moment and then snorts with disgust.
'Hooves at a gallop! Did I say my friend was a man of discernment? He is a fool, and always has been! Dress him in motley, it is all he deserves! These are not Rohirric words! If these be words at all, then they are words scrawled in a foul and Orkish tongue!
'It could be that this one here reads \qFolca,\q if you sound it out, and that tells me that if you wish to follow the trail, such as it is, you should search in the Eastfold. Perhaps a bard can tell you of the story of Folca and the Boar of Everholt, for it seems relevant to this tusk-shard. Go to Aldburg and find a bard. The tavern seems a safe place to look.'0/1
3 Speak toEldmath (Show dialog)
'Would you like to hear a song? I would be a traitor indeed if I did not allow you to rearrange your skills, but what would be the point of that? Aye, no point, and yet all the points! Relegated to music am I, but still I long for the adventuring life! No song for me, but all the songs of others!'
Unsure that this will prove at all fruitful, you show the bard the corrupted tusk-shard. His eyes light up when you explain that the markings near the base appear to be tiny Orkish scrawls, and they mention Folca.
'Ah, the call of adventure beckons! If you wish to unravel the mystery of this heirloom, you have come to the right place, for I know of the tale! I will bring you to the site where it is said King Folca slew the beast and was slain in turn. I will be a bard no more, but a warrior and a quester! Meet me north-east of Aldburg, my friend, and let us do deeds worthy of the great heroes of old!'0/1
Elrond's Gift