Prologue: Mutual Dislike

Tensions between the Elves of Duillond and the Dwarves of Gondamon are escalating because of Avorthal's abduction. Mathi Stouthand is afraid that there will be war if his people try to rescue the Elf-prince and fail.

Description
Stage 1

'That Elf-woman is stiff-necked and suspicious. She does not recognize the difference between Durin's Folk and the Dourhands. If my dwarves attempt to rescue her Elf-prince and fail, she will assume that we are in league with the Dourhands and call for war upon my people.

'What we need is someone trusted by Elves and dwarves alike to make this attempt. There is a Man, a Ranger out of the Wilds in the east, who has assisted both of our kindreds at sundry times. He is masterful in the art of hunting and stealth.

'Seek the Ranger Langlas at the hunter's lodge to the east of here. I only hope he will accept this responsibility.'

The Ranger Langlas is at the hunter's lodge, east of Gondamon.

To avoid the appearance of allegiance between the Longbeards and the Dourhands, Mathi Stouthand has suggested recruiting a neutral party to conduct the rescue of Avorthal. He has asked you to seek out a Ranger by the name of Langlas and enlist his aid.