A farewell from Gandalf and where does the game go next?

The Companions are coming up on completing there third adventure phase. The goblins threatening Combe have been dealt with, Burzgul the Butcher and his band of orcs and Wargs have been slain, and just recently the Companions saved Fitch Talltree, the Forester of Archet, and killed the troll that had murdered Fitch's father many years ago. 

The year remains 2965, having just passed midsummer and the Summer Smoke Ring Festival entered into by Balkin, who failed spectacularly during the contest ending his first attempt in a fit of horrible coughing. Shadow begins to creep into the hearts of the Companions as they have encounter undead things in the ruins along the Weather Hills and cursed gold claimed in the troll's lair. 

They have also made critical errors, failing to tell Gandalf, their patron, the name Un'Dargotha who had guided Burzgul in his movements through the Bree-lands. They have also insulted Oswald Breeker during a failed council, denying themselves access to his library, one of the few points of lore in the fallen lands of Arnor. Gandalf does not know this either and unfortunately, the Grey Pilgrim has other business to attend to. As such his patronage will be coming to an end for the Companions. Before he goes, he has left behind a letter offering many avenues for the players to pursue. This will be presented to the players upon their return to the Prancing Pony in the village of Bree. 

Gentlemen,

It is with regret that I will not be able to speak with you again for some time. Urgent business to the south requires my attending to, and I do not know when I will be back this way.

I did not wish to part without sharing some final thoughts you may find of some value.

Continue to nurture your relationship with Oswald Breeker. Though he can be a prickly fellow, his library is a source of knowledge not easily found in the Bree-lands. You may find the information in his books invaluable.

I have offered bits of advice and rumour to you these many weeks. Seek out the truth of them as you see fit. Trust your hearts to guide you for the Shadow does not cloud your vision.

The Queen of Lond Daer’s hall will need strong knights in the days ahead. Perhaps you will be the aid her court will desperately require. If you seek to travel to her hall beware passing through the fallen city of Tharbad. It is governed by Master Gurnow who has claimed the title of Captain of the Haven. He is old and cunning and has ruled the city for many years. Leaving Tharbad is much harder than entering its once proud walls.

I fear the evil that has befallen Fort Arlas. Hill-men once protected its wooden ramparts until they were driven out by some unknown darkness. If it could be reclaimed and restored to the Hill-men such would be to our advantage to have eyes near the dangers lurking in Mt. Gram, the Ettenmoors and the Misty Mountains to the east. I cannot help but wonder if Burzgul would have been able to pass into the Bree-lands undetected if Fort Arlas was under the control of the Hill-men.

Finally, Ellahir, perhaps it is time for you to travel to the Shire as you dreamed of doing when you left the Woodland realm. My old friend, Bilbo Baggins, would be most happy to host you as a guest in Bag End. I would be remiss if I did not say you should continue journeying west until you reach the White Towers, built in the second age by the Elven High King Gil-galad as a gift for Elendil, the first King of Arnor. Few marvels such as this remain in the lands of Eriador.

Other paths may lie before you, for even the wise cannot see all ends. Which ever you choose to take, may the blessings of the goodly folk follow.

Until we meet again, far thee well.

Your friend,

Gandalf the Grey

 

Ironically, the group suggested out of game that they are unlikely to follow any of Gandalf's advice. As they watched over Fitch Talltree from afar, the Companions were ambushed during their journey in the mid Chetwood by a group of bandits. The Companions were able to talk their way out of a fight but word of a Bandit King to the north west, possibly hiding in the ruins of Fornost, has reached them and seems to have attracted their interest. 

I also have a couple of patrons in mind to replace Gandalf. Bilbo is an obvious choice if the group decides to visit the Shire. I may run some version of the adventures provided in the boxed set if the companions go in that direction. Another patron I had in mind is Gilraen the Fair if the players choose to seek out the bandits to the north or travel to Fort Arlas. I see myself getting a lot of run out of the Ruins of the Lost Realms supplement in the games ahead.

Regardless of the choice the players make the One Ring has been amazing. Playing in Tolkien's world using this mechanical system has been a breath of fresh air. We're about 25-28 hours deep into the game at this point and the players have expressed they don't want it to end any time soon! Win!