'I believe there may be hope for the sick dwarves, ${PLAYER}. When poisons seep into the land, oftentimes the land will strive to heal itself, much as our own bodies will fight infection. If you explore inside the mountain, you might find just such an event.

'I believe that medicinal plants will grow inside, and those will help to cure the dwarves. But the source of the poison itself is yet to be discovered... though I have my suspicions.

'I feel a powerful chill when I stand near this entrance to the mountain. I will stand guard here while you explore the cave.'

There is surely a reason for the Dead to have encroached upon these parts, and this cave seems to be the source.

You should search the cave for the heart of the problems at Thorin's Gate.

Objectives

• Examine the cave for what might be causing the blight of Ered Luin
• There is surely a reason for the Dead to have encroached upon these parts, and this cave seems to be the source. You should search the cave for the heart of the problems at Thorin's Gate.

Elrohir is outside the Mirkstone Tunnels, guarding the entrance from the bloodthirsty Dourhands.

You should bring the herbs to Elrohir and tell him what you witnessed inside the caves.

Objectives