'Things have been a mite worrisome about my fire for the past few evenings, ${PLAYER}. Talk of the surrounding lands has been grim, with little good cheer to be had, even in the common room of the Pony! That's a sure sign of trouble, isn't it?

'Why, just recently one of the good hobbits of Bree gave to me a letter he received from one of his relations out Shire way, and he talks of trouble as plain as the nose on your face, or on mine! Mysterious relics appearing out of the blue, promising crops suddenly failing, and good solid hobbits vanishing, with no reasons given!

'I was never over-fond of Rangers, but they seem to be gone now. No one has seen that Strider for weeks, and few other grim-faced Men of his stripe have been seen since either. Is it possible the Rangers really did protect the peace of the countryside? In their absence, things seem to be getting worse, that's for certain.

'If you're of a mind to, you should travel to the town of Oatbarton, in the southern reaches of Evendim but within the Shire-bounds, to speak to Fenric Banks. His cousin Henric, who showed me his letter, is worried and wants to make sure that everything is all right. You are just the ${RACE} to see it done, that is clear to me!'

This Quest Arc begins with 3-Man Small Fellowship content, progresses through 6-Man Fellowship instances, and finally culminates in a 12-Man Raid. It is recommended that you complete Volume III Books 1 and 2 beforehand, but is not required.

The Northcotton Farm is located west of Oatbarton's town centre and up the steep hill.

Fenric Banks has told you of the hobbit disappearances and wants you to gather a couple friends and investigate the Northcotton Farm, where one of the hobbits was last seen.

Objectives

• Talk to Bounder Boffin