'I like you, ${PLAYER}. You are good in a fight, that much is clear! Are you also good at holding things in confidence?'

You assure Authi that you will not betray his trust, and he tugs on his beard thoughtfully.

'I have worked at my craft for a long time, ${PLAYER}. My father and my brothers are jewellers of no small skill, celebrated throughout all the kingdoms of the dwarves, and I too have achieved no small success in that field. For dozens of years, the Gem-cutters had no equal, and the pieces we crafted were so fair even the most judgmental eye could be made to weep at their beauty. You should have seen them, my new friend!

'But something has been happening for the past few years. None of my efforts of late have achieved the same level of success as my earlier work. None of my pieces seem to sparkle as they once did, and others of my kind report a similar waning of their craft-skill. What is happening to Durin's Folk? There is some discussion underway at Erebor, and few can agree on the cause. I have taken to wandering, trying to come up with an explanation for this decay; I was on my way back to the Mountain when we met, ${PLAYER}. I had found no solution, but your quest has given me an idea.

'Could it be that Karazgar is responsible for this decline of our craft-skill? He is active in the area and has no love for Durin's Folk. Perhaps he has worked some evil against us? I invite you to go to Erebor and share what you have learned of the Weeping Warrior with King Thorin. It may be that our problems are related! I encourage you to slay some beasts on the way, my friend. I will as well, and see you there!'

Authi Gem-cutter invited you to go to Erebor to consult with King Thorin about the mysterious decline in the craft-skill of the dwarves. He said he would meet you at the Lonely Mountain.

Objectives

• Travel to the Lonely Mountain, north of Dale, and meet with Authi

Gandalf has come to Erebor, and he stands outside the entrance to the Hall Under the Mountain.

Objectives

• Talk to Gandalf

Gandalf hinted that some old friends could be found on the way to the throne in the Hall Under the Mountain.

Objectives

• Find the visitors Gandalf mentioned on the way to the throne in the Hall Under the Mountain

As Gandalf hinted, a number of Thorin Oakenshield's companions have come to Erebor. What has drawn them here?

Objectives

• Talk to Dori

Gandalf is in the Hall Under the Mountain near several dwarves of Thorin's Company who have come to Erebor.

Objectives

• Talk to Gandalf

King Thorin III is at his throne in the Hall Under the Mountain.

Objectives

• Talk to King Thorin III