Forsaken Hope

A routine delivery of Ale leads to rumors of a fabled treasure.

Can the party peel back the years and find this treasure, or will they all find their deaths?

Adventure Summary and
Background
NARRATER NOTE: In this module the
word goblin is used. At this time and
place in Middle Earth, orcs are called
goblins. They are the same as an orc
and the same stats are used. The name
is used only for historical accuracy.
Summer has come to the North of Middle Earth.
The heroes are spending some much-needed
down time in the village of Bree. Here they are
lodging at the Prancing Pony.
There are rumors of attacks on the East-West
road. As of yet these are just rumors. Dwarves
and the like bring tales of a darkness spreading
out from Southern Mirkwood over the Misty
Mountains.
But in the Pony, these things are soon forgotten.
The ale is excellent, the food good and the
minstrels seem to keep the patrons happy. But
everyone knows heroes cannot rest too long.
As the party is enjoying a nice dinner they will see
the owner, Old Butterburr, talking with two men.
One of these men is very agitated. The party
cannot hear what is said over the crowd, but if they
enquire they are told that the two men are drovers
hired by Butterburr to make a delivery.
The delivery is four very large casks of ale. And it
is to go to the Forsaken Inn, a days travel east of
Bree. The owner of the Forsaken Inn, Tom
Ivybush, is Butterburrs cousin and has bought the
ale.
Agreeing to move the ale for Butterburr the party
has taken the first step into danger. The two
drovers are Hal and Burt Fife. Hal is a tall skinny
man and very nervious. Burt is short and heavy
and is in a constant foul mood, perhaps from being
around Hal.
Late in the afternoon, the party comes across a
burned out wagon. Investigations show that there
were dwarven tools in it when it burned. And that
goblin tracks are around the wagon. If the party
tries to track the goblins they lose them quickly in a
stony area.
Forsaken Hope
Pushing on the party arrives at the Forsaken Inn
around sunset. They are welcomed and well
thought of, because of the ale they have brought.
All seems well in the Inn.
After a few encounters with the folks that are at the
inn currently, the party is introduced (or re-
introduced) to Dronic Heathertoes. This minstrel is
very beat up and can only utter several words.
These are to the north and "Save him.
What is going on is that Dronic has been searching
for Seth Sandybanks, a hobbit he wronged. He is
searching the outlying farms around the Forsaken
Inn. In his travels he came across a group of
Noldor Exiles. He traveled with them for a while.
They came to a cave in a hill, and were set upon
by goblins.
Dronic escaped, but wishes to send help. Slipping
and falling during the battle injured him. He has a
concussion and is incoherent.
If the party goes to rescue, who ever He is, a
map found on Dronic aids them. It gives the
location of the cave, and landmarks to find it. If
they use the track skill they can gather some
information on what they can expect on the road
there.
Just before you reach the caves, you come across
a battle between a dwarven party and a group of
goblins. Going to help the dwarves, the party
meets Kali, son of Bali, from the Blue Mountains.
He is searching for a piece of art. If the party
haggles with him he will offer 30 silver pieces for
its return. (He will go to 60, but only when bidding
with Valdor).
The party then enters the cave complex. This is
very straightforward. They can track the goblins,
or search out the entire complex. They will need to
use lights in the complex. This will cause no
issues, due to the goblins being otherwise
occupied.
The party could come across a group of Elves that
were slaughtered by the goblins. There is a sole
survivor. This is Valdor, of the House of
Celebrimbor. He is also searching for the piece of
art. He will tell the party it is a necklace.
Continuing into the final chamber you encounter a
goblin war party. It is lead by a very nasty goblin
warrior. When the party is attacked, they will also
Page 2
find that a magician supports the war party. The
magician is a hobbit sorcerer named Lothan
Brooktoes. He has been in the area doing the
bidding of his Master. He has been the one to use
the goblins to attack the Road.
After defeating the goblins the party finds that
Lothan has fled. He was going to leave anyways
and head back to the hamlet of Bafsted.
Leaving the tunnel complex the party is meet with
a dilemma, what to do with the Necklace? Both
Kali and Valdor have claims on the piece. What
ever decision they make it ends in a peaceful
resolution.
The party is toasted at the Forsaken Inn, and they
wonder what is happening in Bafsted.
Introduction
Early summer has blessed the realm of the
North. Here the grass has turned lush and
green. The fields around the town of Bree are
full of expectant crops. Farmers and ranchers
are saying this is going to be one of the best
years ever.
In the Inn, the Prancing Pony, travelers gather
and tell tales. These tales darken even this
glorious summer. To the East there are tales
of a Darkness rising the in the Realm of
Mirkwood. And far to the South rumors of
Gondor once more being besieged are
rampant.
Dwarves traveling to and from their stronghold
in the Blue Mountains are the primary source
of news. They seem to talk in closed circles on
another matter though, dark and secret.
Scene One The Ale Must
Go Through!
If they have not done so yet this would be a good
time for the members of the party to introduce
themselves. At a minimum they should give a
physical description of themselves, their race, and
if they wish, any orders to which they belong.
The rumors of trouble seem to be even nearer
than they seemed yesterday. Over the last few
weeks there have been raids on the Old east-
West Road. A few farmers coming into town to
Forsaken Hope
sell their wares were attacked, and barely
escaped.
The owner of the Pony, Old Butterburr, is in a
heated conversation with two men by the door.
One of the men is taller and thin and seems
very agitated. The other is older, shorter and
heavier and he listens to the thin man talk.
Every so often he nods and scowls at
Butterburr.
If the party goes to investigate the disturbance they
are informed that the problem is that the two men,
Hal and Burt, are refusing to make a delivery
without escort.
If the party lets this scene play out read the
following:
Butterburr seems to placate the two men. He
motions them out of the door and then mops
his balding head with a handkerchief. Looking
around his eyes land on your table, He
approaches you and asks if you could help. I
am looking for a few stout folk to act as
protection for an ale shipment. Hal and Burt
are good men, but they is more used to
wielding brooms than swords. I could pay ye
for yer time.
The owner of the Inn, Old Butterburr, is looking for
some folks to rude with an ale shipment. It is
going a days travel to the east to the Forsaken Inn.
His cousin owns the place and needs more ale
than he has, and the drivers are refusing to go
unless protected.
Butterburr will offer the party 5 silver pennies each
for the days work. He will also offer that they can
stay free at the Forsaken Inn overnight and on
return to Bree they can stay at the Pony for a
week. If the party decides to try and get more they
can work Butterburr up to 1 Silver Piece per party
member. And will hint that Tom Ivybush, the
owner of the Forsaken Inn might add to that.
If the party accepts the job, they can move to the
next scene. If not, then the adventure stops here.
Rymen Butterburr Owner of the Prancing Pony
in Bree (also known as Old Butterburr)
Attributes: Bearing 8 (+1), Nimbleness 6 (+0),
Perception 11 (+2), Strength 7 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1),
Wits 10 (+2)
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Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +2, Willpower
+4, Wisdom +2
HEATH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Appraise (Customers, Beer, Pipeweed) +3,
Craft: Innkeeping +8, Craft: Brewing +6, Craft:
Cooking +3, Debate (Bargain) +3, Games +3,
Inquire (Converse) +2, Language: Westron +5,
Lore: Local Gossip & Lore +4, Lore: Realms
(Breelands, Shire) +5, Lore: History (Breelands,
Shire) +5, Lore: Famous Inns +2, Observe (Listen)
+2, Perform +4, Persuade +2, Ride +2, Run +1,
Teamster +2, Unarmed Combat: Wrestling +2
Scene Two - On the Road
Again
Early the next morning you are ready to get
under way. Two ponies are pulling the wagon.
There are four large barrels in the back and it
seems quite heavy.
The two men that Butterbur has hired for this
job seem quite nervous. The younger one, Hal,
is all nervous energy. He has a short bow and
seems like he is going to shot at every shadow.
He keeps jumping around and yammering at
both you and his partner, Burt.
Burt is short, balding and heavy set. He seems
to be in a perpetual foul mood. Or maybe that
is just the influence of Hal.
The trip out to the Forsaken Inn takes all day. This
is interrupted by Hal jumping at every shadow.
From time to time he will shoot an arrow into a
particularly vicious looking bush. He will jump off
of the wagon and retrieve his arrow and climb back
on the wagon. Burt seems to be somewhat
immune to the young man, but every once in a
while he will utter what seems to be the only word
he knows, Shaddup!
The stats for the two drivers are as follows:
Hal Fife Drover/Coward
Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 9 (+1),
Perception 6 (+/-0), Strength 6 (+/-0), Vitality 9
(+1), Wits 12 (+3)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +2, Willpower
+3, Wisdom +3
HEALTH: 8
DEFENSE: 11
Forsaken Hope
Skills: Armed Combat: Blades (Dagger) +2,
Healing +3, Smithcraft +4, Jump +1, Observe
(Hear) +2, Observe (Spot) +2, Ranged Combat:
Bows +2, Run +2, Teamster +2
Burt Fife - Drover
Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 9 (+1),
Perception 6 (+/-0), Strength 6 (+/-0), Vitality 9
(+1), Wits 12 (+3)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +2, Willpower
+3, Wisdom +3
HEALTH: 8
DEFENSE: 11
Skills: Armed Combat: Blades (Dagger) +2,
Healing +3, Smithcraft +4, Jump +1, Observe
(Hear) +2, Observe (Spot) +2, Ranged Combat:
Bows +2, Run +2, Teamster +4
Hal will keep up a constant stream of conversation,
mostly one sided. As he rambles on any party
member that engages him and tries to direct the
conversations can find out the following.
Over the last three weeks there have been
several attacks. Mostly these were farmers taking
wares to Bree or returning to their farms in the
east.
No one has seen these attackers. Normally all
of the people in the wagons are killed.
Last week Bill Culver saw trolls on the East-
West road out past Staddle. Three nasty looking
ones, they was!.
Let the players interact with the two drivers as they
wish. When this has ended you can tell the party
the following.
At about 3 in the afternoon, you come across
the remains of a recent attack. A small burned
out wagon lays off to the side of the road. The
attack was at least yesterday, because the
ashes are cold.
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Searching the wreck the party can find the
following:
Search TN Results
5 There are a few items in
the wagon, a spade
blade, and a head of a
pick.
10 These items seem to be
of dwarven
manufacture.
15 The tracks are not
human or dwarven.
20 The tracks are of a
pack of goblins, at least
a dozen.
If the party tries to track the goblins, they can do so
with a successful Challenging Track test (TN15).
After a few hundred yards, the tracks enter a stony
area and are soon lost from view. A test using
scent cannot track the goblins from here due to all
of the other traffic that has taken place.
Hal is becoming more and more agitated as the
party search around the burned out wagon. He
keeps looking at the position of the sun and then
hurrying the party along. He keeps reminding you
that you are paid to deliver ale, not go nosing
around someone elses business.
Scene Three The Forsaken
Inn
It is nearly dark when you pull into the
courtyard of the Forsaken Inn. Unlike the Pony
this Inn is surrounded by a thick wooden wall.
The wall seems to be a new addition.
A few homes surround the Inn and make up a
very small hamlet. Almost all of the homes
that can be seen are farmers homes. The main
business of the Forsaken Inn is for the traveler
between the wilds and Bree.
As you enter you find another difference.
While the Pony is crowded and noisy, the
Forsaken Inn is quiet and restful. There are a
few travelers here tonight, and only a small
handful of the local folk. The smell of cooking
is in the air.
A large man comes out of the kitchen and
welcomes you. Hey Strangers! Well Met! I
Forsaken Hope
am Tom Ivybush, owner and proprietor of the
Forsaken Inn. What can I get you tonight?
Supper? A Room?
The owner of the Forsaken Inn is Tom Ivybush.
He is helped by his wife Shara. Tom is a tall,
medium built man of middle years. He is well
spoken and seems to be quite learned. Shara, his
wife, is a tall, skinny woman with a hawk nose.
Tom is the outgoing one of the family, Shara is
quiet but nice when she is drawn into a
conversation.
The Inn is somewhat crowded this evening. The
party will find:
A party of six (6) dwarves traveling from the
Misty Mountains to their home in the Blue
Mountains. They have been at the Inn for a week.
If the party contains an Elf, one of the dwarves,
Doni Silverhand, will attempt to start something by
throwing a carrot from his stew at the elf. Allow
this to be role played out. This will allow a party
without a Dwarf to interact with this bunch. The
dwarves wish to embarrass the Elf, not harm
him/her. They will stop short of drawing weapons
against them.
The dwarves are moving east along the road from
the Blue Mountains to the Iron Hills. He is waiting
here for Kali, one of his guards. He was to meet
him here. Kali paid for three nights lodging for the
group. The last of those days is tomorrow.
A group of rough humans dressed in furs.
These are trappers heading into Bree to sell their
wares from the winter.
These men speak in Westron about evil tidings.
Goblins and wolves seem to breeding like flies in
the Misty Mountains. Most of the fur traffic is
moving south.
A well dressed human who is a merchant from
Gondor. This is Ednam, a merchant on baubles
(small gems). He lost his way and made it to the
Inn last night. He is planning to head to Bree and
take the Greenway south. All he wants to do is get
out of here and back to Gondor.
Ednam has a small gem he will show anyone who
asks. He purchased it from a Dwarf for 5 silver
pieces. Its worth is around 7 10 SP. It does have
a small flaw and that is why the dwarf sold it so
cheap.
Page 5
 Three (3) farmers having their evening meals.
These are farm hands on one of the closer
ranches. They are very hard to pull into
conversation. And they only know local events.
If asked, Tom with tell you that one of the
wandering folk is upstairs. He was brought in five
days ago wounded almost to his death. The
Ranger, Eladil, was wounded in a battle with
goblins. If the party asks to see him they will be
lead upstairs. The man has been in an obvious
fight. A difficult (TN15) Medicine test will allow the
character to notice that the wounds were caused
by a saw edged weapon.
Scene Three The Farmers
and the Shrew
As you spend you time in the Common room of
the Forsaken Inn, you notice several things.
Each time the door opens the party of dwarves
looks up to see who just entered. Each time
they seem disappointed and go back to their
meal.
An hour after sunset two men enter the Inn.
They look around and soon spot Ivybush. The
hurry to him and begin a hurried conversation.
Tom seems to listen then he says something
sharply and walks away.
The party can make a routine Observe (Spot) test
(TN10) to see that each time the door opens the
dwarves look to see who has entered. If they go to
ask what they are looking for the group will be less
than cooperative. If a party member I a dwarf, or
does something the Narrator thinks would
ingratiate them with the dwarves they will tell of
Kali, and that he is supposed to meet them here.
If someone in the party tries to listen in on the
conversation they will find id difficult, due to the
noise and conversations in the bar. If they
succeed at a TN15 Observe (Listen) test they will
be able to pick out the following portion of the
conversation:
Farmer: just 5 silver and I can gets it to ye.
Ivybush: No, he has been late once too often.
Keep him!
At this point Ivybush turns and leaves.
Forsaken Hope
The two men look at each other and then
move quickly to the bar. After a few very
hurried drinks they leave.
The men leave the Inn. If a party member follows
them, they find it is easy to do. They move in a
direct line to a local farmhouse. If the party
member wishes to ensure they are not seen they
must succeed at an Easy (TN5) Stealth test.
The farmhouse is a wonder, a wonder it is still
standing. It is easily one of the most
dilapidated structures the party has ever seen.
The frame seems to have a permanent lean to
the west as if being forced over by the
predominate winds of the area. They is no
glass in the house, blankets to keep out the
wind cover the windows. As the older of the
two men move aside the scrap of wood that
serves as a door the partys senses are
assaulted by a screeching voice that sounds
almost inhuman.
I work and slave all day around here to keep
this place up and where do you go.OUT!
Here you drop another mouth to feed off and
run out. I bet you have been at that Inn. You
have been drinkingDRINKING! As I slave
here!
If the party wishes to look into the farmhouse it is
an easy task to do so without being caught. A
successfully Stealth test with a TN of 5, allows the
character to see inside of the farmhouse by
moving one of the blankets covering the window.
If this is done read or paraphrase the following:
You look into the interior of the farmhouse.
Now another of your sense comes under
attack. Your sense of smell is assaulted and
you almost retch from the stench. In a single
room house there is a stove and a table. To
one side of the table is a filthy pile of rags that
seem to act as a bed. At the table sit the two
farmers, a tall thin woman stands over them.
She bears a resemblance to Shara Ivybush.,
but is older. The inside of the farmhouse
resembles a pigsty, and from the stove a oils
steam rises carrying the smell of something
better left buried.
In the corner is a young man with dark hair. He
looks as if he had been in a fight, but is not
bleeding. His clothes are torn and dirty.
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If the character has played the module Bad Times
in Bafsted, they can make a normal Memory
check (this is a check at TN10, adding the Wits
modifier to the roll) to see if they recognize the
person. It is Dronic Heathertoes the Minstrel.
The party can barge in or knock on the house.
Either way they will find out that the farmers (father
and son) came across Dronic in the fields north of
the house. The recognized him as the minstrel
that played at the Inn and decided to se if they
could get some money from Tom Ivybush to return
him.
Only under duress will they tell why they wanted
the money. They will let Vann, Sharis sister, think
they were trying to get ale money. The truth is they
were getting money to flee to Bree and begin a
new life.
Bill Cornflower, the farmer, will try to get the money
from the party. He will tell of how they found and
cared for Dronic. All the time Vanna will keep up a
stream of insults to her husband. Bill will settle for
40 silver pennies (30 if Vanna is not hearing the
transaction).
If a party member tries to calm down Vanna they
can do it by telling her they love the delicious
smell, coming from her cooking. She will then
become the happy Homemaker. She will insist
that the party member sample her specialty,
Haggis.
If the party member samples the Haggis they must
then make a test verses poison. The rules for
handling poisons are found on page 246 of the
Core rules. This is an ingested poison with an
immediate effect. The stamina test is against a
TN10. If the character fails they will be ill for 4
hours. During their illness they are at 2 to all
rolls. If they fail exceptionally, they must run to the
door or vomit in the middle of the farmhouse.
Bill will allow the party to leave with Dronic even if
they do not pay. Bill does not want to kidnap
Dronic, he only wishes to leave Vanna. Any
threats of violence will result in Bill screaming to
take the man. Of course, he will spread the tale
and many in the area will look on the character(s)
with distain. This will result in a 1 renowned
penalty on any Social interaction tests in the area
around the Forsaken Inn.
This is Dronic Heathertoes, the minstrel that Tom
has hired to enterntain his customers. But Dronic
Forsaken Hope
is here for his own reasons. He has been looking
around the farms in the surrounding area and was
jumped earlier in the night. He escaped, but did
see a running battle between some elves and
goblins to the north.
All the party can get out of him are the words, to
the north and Save him. If the party looks
though his pockets they will find a crude map.
(Narrators Aid #1 and Player handout #1).
What has happened here is that Dronic has been
searching the outlying farms for Seth Sandybanks.
He does this during the day and at night does the
entertainment at the Forsaken Inn.
This morning he came across a group of Noldor
Exiles. Looking to expand his knowledge of them
he asked to join them. They consented and he
followed them. He discovered that this group was
following one of their members, Valdor, looking for
a necklace. The stones in the necklace were made
in Valinor in the First Age.
They were attacked by goblins outside of a cave
complex. Dronic slipped and struck his head. He
is suffering from a concussion and is quite
incoherent. When he came to, the battle had
moved on. He is fearful for Valdor, but knew he
was in no shape to help him.
He decided to return to the Forsaken Inn to get
help. As he did so Bill and Ian Cornflower found
him in a potato patch.
Bill Cornflower Local Farmer
Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 6 (+/-0),
Perception 7 (+/-0), Strength 9 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1),
Wits 6 (+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +0, Willpower
+/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat: Clubs (Club) +3, Craft:
Sheep Ranching +4, Jump +1, Observe (Hear) +2,
Observe (Spot) +2, Run +2
Bill is a poor farmer that lives just north of Th
Forsaken Inn. The bane of his life is his wife,
Vanna.
Ian Cornflower Local Farmer
Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 6 (+/-0),
Perception 7 (+/-0), Strength 9 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1),
Wits 6 (+/-0)
Page 7
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +0, Willpower
+/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat: Clubs (Club) +3, Craft:
Sheep Ranching +4, Jump +1, Observe (Hear) +2,
Observe (Spot) +2, Run +2
Ian is the son of Bill Cornflower. He lives in fear of
his mother and would do most anything to get out
of the hamlet around the Forsaken Inn.
Vanna Cornflower Wife of Bill Cornflower and
local shrew
Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 6 (+/-0),
Perception 7 (+/-0), Strength 6 (+/-0), Vitality 6 (+/-
0), Wits 6 (+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +0, Willpower
+/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 7
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat: Clubs (Frying Pan) +1,
Craft: Sheep Ranching +4, Jump +1, Observe
(Hear) +2, Observe (Spot) +2, Run +2
Vanna is the wife of Bill Cornflower. She is a hatful
and spiteful woman. She married Cornflower
because he was the only person near her age that
asked. She hates her sister, Shara, who is
married to Tom Ivybush. Since tome married
Shara and not her, Vanna has made Bills life a
living hell.
Dronic (Heathertoes) Down and out Minstrel
Attributes: Bearing 9 (+1), Nimbleness 7 (+/-0),
Perception 7 (+/-0), Strength 7 (+/-0), Vitality 8
(+1), Wits 8 (+1)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +0, Willpower
+/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat: Blades (Dagger) +2,
Perform (Sing) +6, Perform (Tale Telling) +5,
Jump +1, Observe (Hear) +2, Observe (Spot) +2,
Ride: Horse +4, Run +2
Scene Four Just a Late
Minstrel, Period
If the party rescued Dronic at the Cornflower farm
this scene is skipped.
Forsaken Hope
If the party either failed to notice the conversation,
or did not follow Bill Cornflower, several hours will
pass quietly.
The door to the Forsaken Inn opens and a man
stumbles in. He is a young man and might
have one time been well dressed. He is
covered with bruises and one eye is almost
swollen shut. He falls near a table and seems
to be caught up in a fit of convulsions or
spasms.
Once they pass all he can say is
Donteatthe Haggis!
This is Dronic Heathertoes, the minstrel that Tom
has hired to enterntain his customers. Any
characters that have played the module Bad
Times in Bafsted, they can make a normal
Memory check (this is a check at TN10, adding the
Wits modifier to the roll) to see if they recognize
him. But Dronic is here for his own reasons. He
has been looking around the farms in the
surrounding area and was jumped earlier in the
night. He escaped, but did see a running battle
between some elves and goblins to the north.
All the party can get out of him are the words, to
the north and Save him. If the party looks
though his pockets they will find a crude map.
(Narrators Aid #1 and Player Handout #1).
What has happened here is that Dronic has been
searching the outlying farms for Seth Sandybanks.
He does this during the day and at night does the
entertainment at the Forsaken Inn.
This morning he came across a group of Noldor
Exiles. Looking to expand his knowledge of them
he asked to join them. They consented and he
followed them. He discovered that this group was
following one of their members, Valdor, looking for
a necklace. The stones in the necklace were made
in Valinor in the First Age.
They were attacked by goblins outside of a cave
complex. Dronic slipped and struck his head. He
is suffering from a concussion and is quite
incoherent. When he came to, the battle had
moved on. He is fearful for Valdor, but knew he
was in no shape to help him.
He decided to return to the Forsaken Inn to get
help. As he did so, Bill and Ian Cornflower found
him in a potato patch. In an attempt to make
Page 8
Vanna like him better her made a compliment on
her haggis, and then had to eat some.
Tom and Shara will take the injured Minstrel
upstairs to recover.
Dronic (Heathertoes) Down and out Minstrel
Attributes: Bearing 9 (+1), Nimbleness 7 (+/-0),
Perception 7 (+/-0), Strength 7 (+/-0), Vitality 8
(+1), Wits 8 (+1)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +0, Willpower
+/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat: Blades (Dagger) +2,
Perform (Sing) +6, Perform (Tale Telling) +5,
Jump +1, Observe (Hear) +2, Observe (Spot) +2,
Ride: Horse +4, Run +2
Scene Five Following the
Map
If the party refuses to follow the map, Tom Ivybush
will offer 5 silver pennies per party member to
clear up this issue. If the party refuses even after
this, they return to the Prancing Pony the next day
and the module is over.
The next morning dawns bright and clear.
Following the map you can easily find a trail
breaking off from the main road near the
burned out wagon you found yesterday.
Following the trail is not difficult.
You travel north for a few hours. The land is
rolling and becoming more so as you travel
north. You have entered the area known as the
Weather Hills. Many tales are told of this area
and the days long past. Although you pass
many trees none of them is an Elm tree.
At one in the afternoon you come across what
must be on you map as the Old Elm Tree.
This tree is one of the largest elms you have
ever seen. A trail breaks away from the main
path and travels northwest.
As the party moves along, they may make tracking
tests to see if any groups have joined or left the
path. Have them make a test once an hour. Keep
track of the successes and failures on Narrator Aid
Forsaken Hope
2. This will tell you what they find and the
consequences of missing a test.
If the party continues north they will find the track
ends a few miles north of the crossroads. This will
take them almost 2 hours to get from the
crossroads to the end of the track and back.
Scene Six To the Rescue!
You take the northeast track and head toward
what on you map is shown as ruins. The
afternoon sun warms you and you can hear the
buzzing of bees as they fly from flower to
flower. The lazy days of summer are not far off
and it is hard to keep concentrating on the task
at hand.
If the party wishes to make a Track test to
determine what is going on ahead they can do so.
The table below gives the TN for what they can
find.
TN Discovery
10 A group of goblins are
ahead of the party, they
are moving northeast.
15 A smaller group of
dwarves are ahead of
the goblins.
20 Ahead of even the
dwarves is a small
group of elves. The
only reason that this is
know is a leaf that
wrapped way bread was
discarded.
After an hour and a half of tracking along the
northeastern trail you hear the sounds of
combat ahead. In a small draw off to one side
of the trail you come across a battle of several
dwarves and many goblins.
Tactics: If the party is totally clueless when they
hear the sound of combat (they missed the
tracking check that told them that the goblins went
northwest and missed the tracking check that
there are goblins ahead of them), then the goblins
get a +2 to their initiative rolls. Also, the goblin
archers will get one full attack with their arrows
before the party can get into position.
There are eight (8) goblins set up as archers.
These are arranged in two sets of four(4). During
Page 9
combat they will attack the person seen as the
biggest threat. If they are attacked directly they will
break away and flee. If archers get away from this
combat they will be found in the last combat as
support for Lothar and his goblin cronies.
Attacking the dwarves on the ground will be
between 13 and 18 (2d6+the number of party
members) goblins. These will be armed with
scimitars and will fight to the death to bring down
the dwarves and the party.
Goblin Warriors (variable)
Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 7 (+/-0),
Perception 8 (+1), Strength 8 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1),
Wits 5 (+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +1, Willpower
+/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat, Blades (Scimitar) +4,
Intimidate (Fear) +2, Language: Black Speech +4,
Language: Common +2, Language: Orkish +4,
Lore: Race (Orc) +4, Observe (Smell, Spot) +4,
Ranged Combat: Bow +2, Ride (Wolf) +3, Run +3,
Seigecraft +2, Stealth (Sneak) +4, Track (Scent)
+1
Weapon Damage: 2d6+4
Goblin Archers (variable)
Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 7 (+/-0),
Perception 8 (+1), Strength 8 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1),
Wits 5 (+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +1, Willpower
+/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat, Blades (Scimitar) +4,
Intimidate (Fear) +2, Language: Black Speech +4,
Language: Common +2, Language: Orkish +4,
Lore: Race (Orc) +4, Observe (Smell, Spot) +4,
Ranged Combat: Bow +5, Ride (Wolf) +3, Run
+3, Seigecraft +2, Stealth (Sneak) +4, Track
(Scent) +1
Weapon Damage: 2d6+2
Scene Seven - Survivor
After the goblin archers break and flee you are
left with the remainder of the dwarves. All are
down, but one seems to be still conscious. He
is in bad shape, but you can easily stabilize
him. After a few minutes of work he comes to
and begins to talk.
Forsaken Hope
I am a Kali, son of Bali. I am from the
Dwarven enclave in the Blue Mountains. Why
have to come to our rescue?
If the party tells Kali of the map or why they are
there he will nod and continue. If not he will ask
then why they are so far in the Wilds.
My friends and I are adventurers. We are
looking for a lost work of Art. We heard
rumors that it might be in this area. We were
set upon by this group of goblins. I thank you
for your help.
If there are dwarves that are unconscious, but not
dead Kali will attempt to help them. If the party is
healing the Dwarves he will thank the party. Only
after he has tended to those that are injured will he
continue.
My kindred and I were searching for a lost
piece of art. We had reason to believe that it is
in some ruins to the northwest of here. If you
can retrieve it for me, I would be willing to pay
you. Alas, I am unable to complete the task.
Kali has 60 Silver Pieces on him. He will begin the
negotiations by offering half of that (30 SP). He
will be willing to offer the full amount and any kind
of smithwork that the party requires.
If the party has a dwarf in it he will motion the
character over and continue in Khadzul. Once the
party members are out of earshot, Kali will begin
speaking in the secret language of the dwarves.
Friend, I need your help. This piece of art is
just not a normal necklace. It is an heirloom of
the House of Durin. Back in the First Age a
necklace was made. It was presented to the
Elves. They called the Nauglamir. But that
was the end of many trials. The piece I seek is
a practice piece. The jewels that it is made of
were made by the Noldor in Valinor. It is an
artifact of the House of Durin.
In any event Kali will stay behind. He is in no
shape to continue the search today.
Kali, Son of Bali Dwarven Adventurer
Attributes: Bearing 9 (+1), Nimbleness 9 (+1),
Perception 6 (+/-0), Strength 12 (+3), Vitality 11
(+2), Wits 5 (+/-0)
Page 10
Reactions: Stamina +3, Swiftness +1, Willpower
+1, Wisdom +1
HEALTH: 14
DEFENSE: 11
Skills: Armed Combat: Axes (Battleaxe) +6,
Armed Combat: Clubs (Hammer) +4, Healing +3,
Smithcraft (Armorsmith) +4, Smithcraft
(Weaponsmith) +3, Smithcraft (Blacksmithing) +6,
Jump +1, Observe (Hear) +4, Observe (Spot) +4,
Run +2
Scene Eight Ruins of
Mystery
Not to far beyond the draw where the battle
occurred you come to where the map has ruins
placed. At first you are sure there is some
mistake, but then you notice that the small
hillocks are set into squares and other
unnatural patterns. This must be what Dronic
meant by the ruins. On the far side you can
see an opening into a small hill.
As you approach you can easily see that this
entrance is not natural. In the far past then
were probably doorposts on either side of the
entrance. But all that is left is a stub of the one
that was on the right side of the door.
If the party wishes to track around the entrance
they can easily see many goblin tracks entering
and leaving the cave (TN 5). Looking around the
entryway you will find the remains of several
goblins tossed into the bushes on the left side of
the entrance. The bodies have been striped of
everything of value, but have not laid here more
than a day or two. A closer investigation might
reveal that a party of elves entered the cave
several days back. This is much harder to detect
due to the passage of so many goblins. But with a
difficult tracking test (TN18), one can see prints off
to the side of the main track.
Scene Nine - Into the Tunnels
You look into the cave and see that it is
actually an old mine. But the floor shows that
it has been time out of mind since this was
worked. Over five inches of dirt and dust have
blown into the tunnel and now lay on the floor.
Forsaken Hope
After six yards down the tunnel the light from
the outside is almost gone. The party will have
to have alight source or be almost blind. They
can blunder along with their hands on one wall
or the other.
The use of two torches or lanterns allows the party
to move along the tunnels without penalties. The
light given off by the torches (or lanterns) can be
seen down the tunnels. There is nobody looking
for the party. The goblins are all in a central
chamber holding a service with Lothan.
As you continue down the wall, after 10 yards
from the entrance, on your right opens up. A
side tunnel runs off into the darkness. It
disappears into the darkness, beyond the pool
of light generated by the torches.
If the party does not have a light source all they
can tell is that there is no longer a wall to their
right. An Observe (Spot) test gives the party no
clue. On a difficult test (TN15) the party can hear
a drip of water from down the passage to the right.
If the party has a light source they can try to track
the goblins. A successful Tracking test (TN10)
shows that the goblins have passed down the main
corridor and left this passage alone. If they do not
have a light source they can try to track by feel, but
this is almost impossible (TN25). They can try to
track by scent, and this lowers the difficulty to a
reasonable level (TN10).
If the enter the right hand passage read the
following passage.
The right hand passage slopes slightly
downward. It is smooth, but seems to twist
and turn as if the miners were following a vein
of ore. After 15 yards the passage makes a
sharp turn and ends in a cave-in.
If the party tries to investigate the cave-in there is a
change that they disturb the ceiling and walls.
Every time the move some of the debris there is a
chance that another cavein happens. This
chance is 10% (a 12 on 2d6) with increasing
percentage as each piece of rubble is moved.
This is represented by adding one to the die roll for
each piece of rubble moved (the first piece is +1,
then +2, etc until the number of 12 is reached).
Each time a piece of rubble is moved the party can
hear creaking and groaning as the walls shift.
Page 11
If a party has a light source and a member with
Stonecraft (Mining) they can make a routine test
(TN10) to determine that this area is greatly
unstable. The use of this skill can be used to
lower the chance of cave-in. If the character takes
30 minutes and succeeds at a Challenging
Stonecraft (Mining) test they can affect the roll for
caving in by 2.
If there is a cave-in all characters in a 2-yard
radius (up to all 6) will take 3d6+6 damage. They
may make a TN15 Swiftness test to reduce this
damage by half. If the character takes damage
they must make a TN10 Stamina test or fall
unconscious for 2d6 minutes.
If the party escapes the right hand passage, or
continues on and does not enter the side tunnel
read the following passage.
As you continue down the main passage there
is and opening to the left. This is 3 yards from
the right hand side passage.
If the party does not have a light source all they
can tell is that there is no longer a wall to their left.
An Observe (Spot) test gives the party no clue as
to what is there. If the party attempts to try
listening, there is no noise to be heard down the
side passage.
If the party has a light source they can try to track
the goblins. A successful Tracking test (TN10)
shows that the goblins have passed down the main
corridor and left this passage alone. If they do not
have a light source they can try to track by feel, but
this is almost impossible (TN25). They can try to
track by scent, and this lowers the difficulty to a
reasonable level (TN10).
The left hand passage slopes slightly upward.
It is smooth, but seems to twist and turn as if
the miners were following a vein of ore. After
10 yards the passage makes a sharp turn and
ends in a cave-in.
If the party has a light source and the skill
Stonecraft (mining), they can take 10 minutes at
the end of the left hand passage examining the
walls and determine the presence of silver ore.
If the party tries to investigate the cave-in there is a
change that they disturb the ceiling and walls.
Every time the move some of the debris there is a
chance that another cavein happens. This
chance is 10% (a 12 on 2d6) with increasing
Forsaken Hope
percentage as each piece of rubble is moved.
This is represented by adding one to the die roll for
each piece of rubble moved (the first piece is +1,
then +2, etc until the number of 12 is reached).
Each time a piece of rubble is moved the party can
hear creaking and groaning as the walls shift.
If a party has a light source and a member with
Stonecraft (Mining) they can make a routine test
(TN10) to determine that this area is greatly
unstable. The use of this skill can be used to
lower the chance of cave-in. If the character takes
30 minutes and succeeds at a Challenging
Stonecraft (Mining) test they can affect the roll for
caving in by 2.
If there is a cave-in all characters in a 2-yard
radius (up to all 6) will take 3d6+6 damage. They
may make a TN15 Swiftness test to reduce this
damage by half. If the character takes damage
they must make a TN10 Stamina test or fall
unconscious for 2d6 minutes.
Scene Ten Tunnels End
After 30 yards from the left end passage the
tunnel comes to a tee. Each of the passages
going right and left are almost identical. They
are smooth walls here and all signs of decay
seem to have been left aside.
If the party has a light source they can perform a
Tracking test. The table below shows the possible
results of this test.
TN Results
5 Most of the traffic at this intersection is
to the right
10 There has been passage of goblins to
the right within the past hour. A blood
trail shows at least one was wounded.
15 To the left, a group of goblins followed
a group of elves. No one returned.
If the party tries to listen at either passage they can
hear voices far down the right had passage with
success of a challenging Observe (Listen) test
(TN10). On a successful difficult test (TN18) they
can hear soft moans down the left passage.
Scene Eleven To the Left
{Narrators Note This scene may be run either
before or after the battle in the central chamber. If
Page 12
the party passes this passage, and do not Listen
on the way back let them hear an Elvin voice moan
in pain.}
If the party passes down the left hand passage
they find nothing for 15 yards. Then they find the
scene of a battle. Here many goblins attacked a
party of elves. All seem to be dead. But one elf is
still alive. He is drifting in and out of
consciousness. He needs healing, food and drink.
If he is given these he can recover enough to
speak.
I am Valdor, of the house of Celembrimbor. I,
like my kindred here, and an Exile, one of the
Wandering Companies. I have come searching
for a piece of art that my house may lay claim
upon.
If asked Valdor will tell the party that he is
searching for a necklace. It was made by the
dwarves for the elves. The piece was made for
Thingol, in the First Age.
Valdor has 80 Silver Pieces. He will offer 30 to
begin with. And will negotiate al the way to the full
80. He will be grateful to any and all that returns
the necklace to him.
<Insert Valdors stat block>
Scene Twelve The Central
Chamber
Turning to the left you follow a passage that
shows the signs of much passage. As you
pass along you hear voices coming clearer and
clearer from ahead. And as you make another
turn you see that there is light coming from
somewhere ahead.
Continuing forward you can make out words,
but it is in a crude and rough language.
Creeping forward you can see goblins
surrounding an alter. And upon the alter is the
glint of a necklace.
The voice booms and echoes in the chamber.
None but the goblins can be seen in the
chamber but there are shadows that seem to
flow around a set of curtains at the far end.
The goblins seem to the enthralled by what is
being said to them.
Forsaken Hope
The words are in a foul tongue that seems to
burn your very ears. But the words roll and
thunder in the chamber, Nur gath nurda
gorck! Valdur narth vada durna luc!.
If the party can understand Black speech the can
understand what is being said. Hand out Players
Handout #2 if they can understand this.
Lothan Brooktoes is using the spell Display of
Power to enthrall his minions. He is trying to make
these goblins attack the humans in the area. He is
using the find of the Necklace of the Noldor to
inspire his foul troops.
When the party enters the room, they will become
known to Lothan. If the party attacks the goblins,
he will fall quiet. If they try to flank the goblins he
will call out in Black Speech that they are in the
room.
The goblins immediately attack. The room is 30
yards long by 20 yards wide. The alter is 30 yards
from the entrance. There are 6 goblins, and any
archers that fled the battle with the dwarves. They
are led by Gruna, a Goblin Fighter of no small
experience.
Goblin Warriors (6)
Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 7 (+/-0),
Perception 8 (+1), Strength 8 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1),
Wits 5 (+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +1, Willpower
+/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat, Blades (Scimitar) +4,
Intimidate (Fear) +2, Language: Black Speech +4,
Language: Common +2, Language: Orkish +4,
Lore: Race (Orc) +4, Observe (Smell, Spot) +4,
Ranged Combat: Bow +2, Ride (Wolf) +3, Run +3,
Seigecraft +2, Stealth (Sneak) +4, Track (Scent)
+1
Weapon Damage: 2d6+4
Goblin Archers (variable)
Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 7 (+/-0),
Perception 8 (+1), Strength 8 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1),
Wits 5 (+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +1, Willpower
+/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat, Blades (Scimitar) +4,
Intimidate (Fear) +2, Language: Black Speech +4,
Language: Common +2, Language: Orkish +4,
Page 13
Lore: Race (Orc) +4, Observe (Smell, Spot) +4,
Ranged Combat: Bow +5, Ride (Wolf) +3, Run
+3, Seigecraft +2, Stealth (Sneak) +4, Track
(Scent) +1
Weapon Damage: 2d6+2
Gruna - Wolf Master
Attributes: Bearing 8 (+1), Nimbleness 10 (+1),
Perception 6 (+/-0), Strength 12 (+3), Vitality 10
(+2), Wits 5 (+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +3, Swiftness +1, Willpower
+1, Wisdom +1
HEALTH: 14
DEFENSE: 11
Skills: Armed Combat: Axes (Battleaxe) +5,
Armed Combat: Blades (Scimitar) +4, Healing +3,
Smithcraft +4, Jump +1, Observe (Hear) +2,
Observe (Spot) +2, Run +2
Weapon Damage: 2d6+5
Lothan Brooktoes - Miller/Baker/Sorcerer
Attributes: Bearing 12 (+3), Nimbleness 7 (+/-0),
Perception 6 (+/-0), Strength 6 (+/-0), Vitality 9
(+1), Wits 12 (+3)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +2, Willpower
+3, Wisdom +3
HEALTH: 8
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat: Axes (Battleaxe) +5,
Armed Combat: Clubs (Hammer) +4, Healing +3,
Smithcraft +4, Jump +1, Observe (Hear) +2,
Observe (Spot) +2, Run +2
Tactics:
As the combat begins the goblins will rush forward,
covered by archery fire from their archers. Gruna
will choose the character that looks the most
dangerous. If a character shows he is a Magician,
on the third round of combat Lothan will cut loose
with a Lightning Bolt. He already has Shadows
and Phantoms running, this will cause him to
become Winded. If it looks like the party is
overcoming the goblins Lothan will cast his last
spell at the party member who is the most
dangerous (the magician first, then the biggest
fighter). This will either be Forgetfulness or
Lightning Bolt. After this he will flee out one of
several boltholes he has prepared. The goblins will
fight to the death.
Searching the chamber after the battle will reveal
that behind the curtain is a small alcove used by
Lothan as his home. Several boxes are here, it
Forsaken Hope
looks as if he was leaving shortly. In an open box
several pages of writing looks to be a journal of
some kind. The last few entries are interesting.
(Players Handout #3.)
Conclusion I (Party gives the
Necklace to Bali)
If the party bypassed Valdor on their way to get the
goblins that escaped them at the battle, have then
meet up with him on the way out. Letting a party
member hear Elvish down the branch of the tunnel
they did not go in, or even having Valdor crawl to
the tunnel intersection could accomplish this task.
Once the party meets up with him, have them go
through Scene Eleven To the Left.
You exit the foul tunnel complex and feel the
sun once again on your face. The battle has
exhausted you and left you weak. A quick
search for the escaping hobbit proves nothing.
Valdor is very weak and needs support just to
walk. You move from the cave entrance to the
draw where Bali waits for you.
Bali looks with suspicion at the Elf. He then
turns to the party. Hail, have you found the
Artifact? I am ready to reward you for its
recovery.
Valdor stands shakily and says, Wait, the
jewels in the necklace were made by members
of my house in Valinor. The piece should go to
me to restore it to my family.
This starts a bidding war between the two
adventurers. Both sides want a peaceful outcome
of the conflict. Once a party is chosen the others
will leave peacefully.
After you chose Bali read or paraphrase the
following:
Bali looks at the Necklace in his hands and
beams. My friends, I will tell my family in the
Blue Mountains of your acts. I will see songs
are sung of the recovery of this Artifact.
He looks at Valdor, You and your people can
come and see it when you like. I will make sure
that Kali, my father, will allow this.
Page 14
Valdor bows and lays back. He is too spent to
argue and knows that trying to take the Necklace
by force is something beyond his power.
You return to the Forsaken Inn. Here you tell
your tale, and Valdor confirms it. Over the next
few days it seems that the attacks on the road
have stopped. You are treated like heroes.
Dronic Heathertoes even makes up a song
about it. But for you it is nice to rest for now.
The End
Conclusion II (Party gives
the necklace to Valdor)
If the party bypassed Valdor on their way to get the
goblins that escaped them at the battle, have then
meet up with him on the way out. Letting a party
member hear Elvish down the branch of the tunnel
they did not go in, or even having Valdor crawl to
the tunnel intersection could accomplish this task.
Once the party meets up with him, have them go
through Scene Eleven To the Left.
You exit the foul tunnel complex and feel the
sun once again on your face. The battle has
exhausted you and left you weak. A quick
search for the escaping hobbit proves nothing.
Valdor is very weak and needs support just to
walk. You move from the cave entrance to the
draw where Bali waits for you.
Bali looks with suspicion at the Elf. He then
turns to the party. Hail, have you found the
Artifact? I am ready to reward you for its
recovery.
Valdor stands shakily and says, Wait, the
jewels in the necklace were made by members
of my house in Valinor. The piece should go to
me to restore it to my family.
This starts a bidding war between the two
adventurers. Both sides want a peaceful outcome
of the conflict. Once a party is chosen the others
will leave peacefully.
After you chose Valdor read or paraphrase the
following:
Forsaken Hope
These gems were made in Valinor, before the
Oath was taken. They are pure, and show this
in their fire. I cannot thank you enough my
friends. You have done myself and my house a
favor that cannot easily be repaid. If we can
help just let us know.
Looking at the dwarf, Bali, son of Kali, you
could take this by force, but you do not. You
have a good heart. Meet me at the Last Bridge
on Mid-Summers Day. I will meet you there. I
know Master Elrond of Imladris has knowledge
of many artifacts of your house that could be
returned.
Bali bows and lays back. He is too spent to argue
and knows that trying to take the Necklace by force
is something beyond his power.
You return to the Forsaken Inn. Here you tell
your tale, and it is confirmed by Bali. Over the
next few days it seems that the attacks on the
road have stopped. You are treated like
heroes. Dronic Heathertoes even makes up a
song about it. But for you it is nice to rest for
now.
The End
Conclusion III (Party keeps
the Necklace of the Noldor)
If the party bypassed Valdor on their way to get the
goblins that escaped them at the battle, have then
meet up with him on the way out. Letting a party
member hear Elvish down the branch of the tunnel
they did not go in, or even having Valdor crawl to
the tunnel intersection could accomplish this task.
Once the party meets up with him, have them go
through Scene Eleven To the Left.
You exit the foul tunnel complex and feel the
sun once again on your face. The battle has
exhausted you and left you weak. A quick
search for the escaping hobbit proves nothing.
Valdor is very weak and needs support just to
walk. You move from the cave entrance to the
draw where Bali waits for you.
Bali looks with suspicion at the Elf. He then
turns to the party. Hail, have you found the
Page 15
Artifact? I am ready to reward you for its
recovery.
Valdor stands shakily and says, Wait, the
jewels in the necklace were made by members
of my house in Valinor. The piece should go to
me to restore it to my family.
This starts a bidding war between the two
adventurers. Both sides want a peaceful outcome
of the conflict. Once a party is chosen the others
will leave peacefully.
After you chose to keep the Necklace read or
paraphrase the following:
Both Bali and Valdor look stunned. But in their
weakened condition they cannot force your
hand. Valdor looks you in the eyes and says,
You may take this now, but in the swift
passing of years in Middle Earth it will be lost
again. Men have no memory for things like
that. I will wait, as will the dwarf. One day, we
will see this again.
Both Bali and Valdor lay back on the grass. They
are too spent to argue and know that trying to take
the Necklace by force is something beyond their
power.
You return to the Forsaken Inn. Here you tell
your tale, omitting the part of the Necklace,
because you are afraid it could be stolen.
Without confirmation the farmers seem
reluctant to accept your word. But as a few
day pass it seems that the attacks on the road
have actually stopped. You receive some
grudging thanks. Why can you not stop
thinking of the Necklace in the bottom of your
pack, well that is for another time.
The End
[Living Campaign games have experience awards
of some kind for player characters, and treasure.
The next two sections cover these for our most
popular campaigns. If you are writing for another
campaign, mimic the section that looks most
appropriate to you. Remove any experience and
treasure sections not appropriate for the campaign
you are writing for. If you are writing a scenario for
pre-generated characters, cut out from this
paragraph to the section break. Remove this
paragraph.]
Forsaken Hope
Experience Point Summary
[Note: this section applies to all campaigns except
LIVING CITY. Remove this paragraph.]
To award experience for this adventure, add up
the values for the objectives accomplished. Then
assign the discretionary roleplaying experience
award. The roleplaying award should be given for
consistent character portrayal and contribution to
the fun of the game. You can award different
roleplaying amounts to different characters.
Award the total value (objectives plus
roleplaying) to each character.
Scene Two
Rescue Anualda Bellweather 75 xp
Notice the burn marks on the cart 20 xp
Scene Three
Keep Anualda Bellweather alive 25 xp
Notice the burn mark on the cart 20 xp
Scene Six
Defeat the Wolves 75 xp
Scene Nine
Overcome Lothan and his minions 130 xp
Total experience for objectives 300 xp
Discretionary roleplaying award 0-50 xp
Total possible experience 350 xp
Treasure Summary
Player characters may keep items from the
scenario that are listed on the treasure list below or
which meet the following conditions:
1. The item must be non-magical and specifically
listed in the text of the adventure (e.g armor on
foes). If it is not listed in the text, the
characters cannot keep it. Items of this nature
can be sold for 50% of book value, or recorded
on a log sheet.
2. Animals, followers, monsters, henchmen, and
so forth (any living being, basically) may not be
kept from a scenario for any reason unless the
treasure summary lists the being specifically. It
is okay for the player characters to form
relationships with NPCs, but these will not be
certed and cannot bring material benefit to the
character. Contacts (sources of extra
information) must be specifically certed.
Page 16
3. Theft is against the law, but may be practiced
by some player characters. Items which are
worth more than [insert campaign value] that
are of personal significance to the owner
(including family heirlooms), and all magical
items, will be discovered in the possession of
the character by one means or another. The
character must return the item and pay a fine
equal to three times the value of the item
stolen. In addition, the PC caught receives
campaign-decided penalties for being known
as a thief, such as Infamy. For other stolen
items which meet the criteria in #1 above, use
your judgment and the circumstances within
the game to determine whether a PC thief gets
away with the theft or not.

Any item retained according to these rules, which

does not have a certificate, will not ever have a
certificate issued for it.
The campaign staff reserves the right to take
away any item or gold acquired for things which it
later finds unreasonable but which were allowed at
the time.

Scene Two
Twelve (12) silver pennies
A broach with a mounted blue stone, worth 15
silver pennies
Scene Six
Maximum of six wolf hides, if sold to the
hamlets tanner these are worth 60 copper
pennies.

Scene Nine
Axe, Battle worth 9 SP, 3 sp
Dagger - worth 7 SP, 3 sp

Conclusion
Maximum of thirty (30) silver pennies from
Brontus Bellweather for freeing the hamlet
form the wolf menace.
Thirty (30) silver pennies found in Lothan
Brooktoes desk.

Forsaken Hope Page 17

 Narrator Aid #1

Map found on Dronic Heathertoes

Forsaken Hope Page 18

 Narrator Aid #2, Tracking Test Results
Hour TN Needed Success
1 5 Many game tracks are joining and
leaving the train. This is quite normal.
2 15 Goblin tracks join here. This is the
party that raided and burned the wagon
you found yesterday. If the party
wishes they can track the goblins back
to the wagon.
3 10 Here there are patrols of goblins
moving north and south.
4 15 A group of dwarves have recently
come this way. They have taken the
northern route just a few hours before
you have arrived here.
5 20 A group of elves joined the track here.
They came from the west. Their tracks
are almost obliterated by the passage
of the goblins, but they can be seen by
a good tracker (or a lucky one).
6 10 The goblins turned northwest here at
the tree. A few have moved north, but
the most recent tracks are those to the
north,
Forsaken Hope
Failure
The party moves along blissfully
unaware of the flow of nature
around them.
The party does not know where the
goblins joined the path. Not a real
problem.
The party does not know of the
goblin patrols. Not a real issue at
this time.
The party will be surprised when
they come across the
dwarven/goblin battle. If they miss
the listen check the goblin archers
get a free attack.
The party must rely on their finding
the tracks of the elven party in the
caves.
The party could go past the tree.
Also, they might not know there is
a party of goblins ahead. This
results in a +2 bonus to the goblins
initiative in the upcoming battle.
Page 19
 Narrators Aid #3, Map of the Tunnel Complex

Note:
The chamber in the upper right is dimensioned as 30 yards long by 20 yards wide.

Forsaken Hope Page 20

 Narrator Aid #4, Master NPC Listing
Rymen Butterburr Owner of the Prancing Pony in Bree (also known as Old Butterburr)

Attributes: Bearing 8 (+1), Nimbleness 6 (+0), Perception 11 (+2), Strength 7 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1), Wits 10
(+2)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +2, Willpower +4, Wisdom +2
HEATH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Appraise (Customers, Beer, Pipeweed) +3, Craft: Innkeeping +8, Craft: Brewing +6, Craft: Cooking
+3, Debate (Bargain) +3, Games +3, Inquire (Converse) +2, Language: Westron +5, Lore: Local Gossip &
Lore +4, Lore: Realms (Breelands, Shire) +5, Lore: History (Breelands, Shire) +5, Lore: Famous Inns +2,
Observe (Listen) +2, Perform +4, Persuade +2, Ride +2, Run +1, Teamster +2, Unarmed Combat:
Wrestling +2

The owner of the Prancing Pony is Rymen Butterburr, who most just call Old Butterburr since his son
Othan started working there too. He is a serious man with graying hair and a salt-and-pepper mustache.
He stands nearly a head shorter than most of his customers, and he's developed a considerable paunch
from taste-testing too many batches of beer. The man is soft-spoken but commands respect and rarely
has to raise his voice to be heard in the Common Room of the Prancing Pony.

Hal Fife Drover/Coward

Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 9 (+1), Perception 6 (+/-0), Strength 6 (+/-0), Vitality 9 (+1), Wits
12 (+3)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +2, Willpower +3, Wisdom +3
HEALTH: 8
DEFENSE: 11
Skills: Armed Combat: Blades (Dagger) +2, Healing +3, Smithcraft +4, Jump +1, Observe (Hear) +2,
Observe (Spot) +2, Ranged Combat: Bows +2, Run +2

Hal is the younger of the two drovers that Old Butterburr hired to cart a shipment of ale to the Forsaken
Inn. He is a taller man (511), but rail thin. He is also extremely jumpy. He will look from side to side
nervously as he speaks to people. He also keeps up a constant stream of chatter as he goes about every
task. On the road he will jump at every sound and shoot arrows into various suspicious bushes.

Burt Fife Drover

Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 9 (+1), Perception 6 (+/-0), Strength 8 (+1), Vitality 9 (+1), Wits 6
(+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +2, Willpower +3, Wisdom +3
HEALTH: 8
DEFENSE: 11
Skills: Armed Combat: Blades (Dagger) +2, Healing +3, Smithcraft +4, Jump +1, Observe (Hear) +2,
Observe (Spot) +2, Ranged Combat: Bows +2, Run +2

Burt is the older of the two drovers that Old Butterburr hired to cart a shipment of ale to the Forsaken Inn.
He is shorter than Hal (58), and heavier. While Hal is a chatterbox, Burt is a gloomy sort and rarely
speaks. When he does it is normally to cuff Hals head and to utter a single word Shaddap!.

Forsaken Hope Page 21

Tom Ivybush Owner of the Forsaken Inn

Attributes: Bearing 8 (+1), Nimbleness 6 (+0), Perception 11 (+2), Strength 7 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1), Wits 10
(+2)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +2, Willpower +4, Wisdom +2
HEATH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Appraise (Customers, Beer) +3, Craft: Innkeeping +6, Craft: Brewing +4, Craft: Cooking +3, Debate
(Bargain) +3, Games +3, Inquire (Converse) +2, Language: Westron +5, Lore: Local Gossip & Lore +4,
Lore: Realms (Breelands, Shire) +5, Lore: History (Breelands, Shire) +5, Lore: Famous Inns +2, Observe
(Listen) +2, Perform +4, Persuade +2, Ride +2, Run +1, Teamster +2, Unarmed Combat: Wrestling +2

Tom Ivybush is the owner of the Forsaken Inn. He took over from his father 5 years ago when the older
man passed on. He is a tall man that might have some Dunedain blood in him. He runs the Inn with a
good-natured attitude. To him serving his customers comes first, and most of his customers are repeat
business. He is married to Shara, a tall slender woman with a bit of a hawk nose. They have been
married a few years, and have no children yet.

Doni Silverhand Dwarven merchant

Attributes: Bearing 9 (+1), Nimbleness 9 (+1), Perception 6 (+/-0), Strength 12 (+3), Vitality 11 (+2), Wits
5 (+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +3, Swiftness +1, Willpower +1, Wisdom +1
HEALTH: 14
DEFENSE: 11
Skills: Armed Combat: Axes (Battleaxe) +6, Armed Combat: Clubs (Hammer) +4, Healing +3, Smithcraft
(Armorsmith) +4, Smithcraft (Weaponsmith) +3, Smithcraft (Blacksmithing) +6, Jump +1, Observe (Hear)
+4, Observe (Spot) +4, Run +2

Doni Silverhand is a dwarven merchant that travels between the old dwarf mansions in the Blue Mountians
and the newer ones in the Iron Hills. He moves iron, steel, and other raw materials between the two
places. As such he stays in the Forsaken Inn at least once or twice a year. He is not a bad sort, but has a
tendency to pick on Elves when he can.

Bill Cornflower Local Farmer

Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 6 (+/-0), Perception 7 (+/-0), Strength 9 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1), Wits
6 (+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +0, Willpower +/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat: Clubs (Club) +3, Craft: Sheep Ranching +4, Jump +1, Observe (Hear) +2,
Observe (Spot) +2, Run +2

Bill is a poor farmer that lives just north of The Forsaken Inn. The bane of his life is his wife, Vanna. They
have been married for seventeen years, and for sixteen Bill has looked for a way to get out. Bill is a lazy,
shiftless lay about, who would rather do anything besides work. His biggest problem with Vanna is that
she makes him work.

Ian Cornflower Local Farmer

Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 6 (+/-0), Perception 7 (+/-0), Strength 9 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1), Wits
6 (+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +0, Willpower +/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10

Forsaken Hope Page 22

Skills: Armed Combat: Clubs (Club) +3, Craft: Sheep Ranching +4, Jump +1, Observe (Hear) +2,
Observe (Spot) +2, Run +2

Ian is the son of Bill Cornflower. He is 17 years old. He lives in fear of his mother and would do most
anything to get out of the hamlet around the Forsaken Inn. Ian is not a bad fellow and would be much
better off away from his parents. He longs for the day he can run away and never come back. All he lacks
is the money and courage to do it.

Vanna Cornflower Wife of Bill Cornflower and local shrew

Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 6 (+/-0), Perception 7 (+/-0), Strength 6 (+/-0), Vitality 6 (+/-0),
Wits 6 (+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +0, Willpower +/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 7
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat: Clubs (Frying Pan) +1, Craft: Sheep Ranching +4, Jump +1, Observe (Hear) +2,
Observe (Spot) +2, Run +2

Vanna is the wife of Bill Cornflower. She is a hatful and spiteful woman. She married Cornflower because
he was the only person near her age that asked. She hates her sister, Shara, who is married to Tom
Ivybush. Since Tom married Shara and not her, Vanna has made Bills life a living hell. But it was not any
better than that before then. She heaps ridicule on both her husband and her son. She is one of the
worse cooks in the county, but thinks she is a culinary gift to the world. He haggis is just this side of fatal.

Dronic (Heathertoes) Down and out Minstrel

Attributes: Bearing 9 (+1), Nimbleness 7 (+/-0), Perception 7 (+/-0), Strength 7 (+/-0), Vitality 8 (+1), Wits
8 (+1)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +0, Willpower +/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat: Blades (Dagger) +2, Perform (Sing) +6, Perform (Tale Telling) +5, Jump +1,
Observe (Hear) +2, Observe (Spot) +2, Ride: Horse +4, Run +2

Dronic is the nephew of Harv Heathertoes from Bafsted. His parents died some years before in the town
of Straddle. He set out to make his fortune as a Minstrel. He proved to be a very good minstrel, but a
very bad businessman. After a few years on the road, broke, and down on his luck he traveled to the
hamlet of Bafsted.

His uncle welcomed him and gave him a job performing at the Inn. Dronic considered these folks to be
backcountry rubes and looked down on them. He decided to teach then a lesson, and joined a card
game run by the son of a local rancher, Tessfeld Grondman. At first he won several large hand, but was
soon loosing more and more to Tessfeld. To cover his debts Dronic stole 5 Gold Pieces from his uncle to
cover his debts. This was as an excuse by an evil person in town to rid himself of a hobbit named Seth
Sandybanks. (See Bad Times in Bafsted)

Dronic left Bafsted after confessing and has been searching for Seth Sandybanks ever since. He came
here looking for him and has become embroiled in a plot to stop shipment too and from Bree.

Kali, Son of Bali Dwarven Adventurer

Attributes: Bearing 9 (+1), Nimbleness 9 (+1), Perception 6 (+/-0), Strength 12 (+3), Vitality 11 (+2), Wits
5 (+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +3, Swiftness +1, Willpower +1, Wisdom +1
HEALTH: 14
DEFENSE: 11

Forsaken Hope Page 23

Skills: Armed Combat: Axes (Battleaxe) +6, Armed Combat: Clubs (Hammer) +4, Healing +3, Smithcraft
(Armorsmith) +4, Smithcraft (Weaponsmith) +3, Smithcraft (Blacksmithing) +6, Jump +1, Observe (Hear)
+4, Observe (Spot) +4, Run +2

Kali is a younger dwarf of 80 years. He is a red haired and has a solid disposition. He is the third son of a
well-known craftsman. Since his chance of inheriting anything from the estate was slim, he chose a life of
adventure. Over the last 5 years he has made the trip between the Iron Hill and the Blue Mountains as a
part of Doni Silverhands caravan. This year he took a few days off to check out something he had
learned while wintering over in the Blue Mountains. He learned of a practice piece for the fabled
Nauglamir. It was rumored to have been in the possesion of a dwarf who founded a silver mine in the
area of the Weather Hills.

Valdor Noldor Exile

Attributes: Bearing 9 (+1), Nimbleness 9 (+1), Perception 6 (+/-0), Strength 12 (+3), Vitality 11 (+2), Wits
5 (+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +3, Swiftness +1, Willpower +1, Wisdom +1
HEALTH: 14
DEFENSE: 11
Skills: Armed Combat: Axes (Battleaxe) +6, Armed Combat: Clubs (Hammer) +4, Healing +3, Smithcraft
(Armorsmith) +4, Smithcraft (Weaponsmith) +3, Smithcraft (Blacksmithing) +6, Jump +1, Observe (Hear)
+4, Observe (Spot) +4, Run +2

Valdor is part of one of the few remaining Wandering Companies. He was born in Erigon around the time
the Rings of Power were forged. His father and mother were killed during the ensuing war with Sauron.
He lived in Imladris for most of his life, and has only been wandering Middle Earth for the last 200 years.
To date he has yet to see the Sea.

He is now looking for a Heirloom of his House. He was born to the son of Celbrimbor, the forger of the
Elven Rings. He thinks if he can return this to his House many will see there are still good things to do in
Middle Earth and stop fleeing to the Havens.

Forsaken Hope Page 24

 Narrator Aid #5, Monster Summary
Scene Six To the Rescue

Goblin Warriors (variable)

Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 7 (+/-0), Perception 8 (+1), Strength 8 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1), Wits 5
(+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +1, Willpower +/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat, Blades (Scimitar) +4, Intimidate (Fear) +2, Language: Black Speech +4,
Language: Common +2, Language: Orkish +4, Lore: Race (Orc) +4, Observe (Smell, Spot) +4, Ranged
Combat: Bow +2, Ride (Wolf) +3, Run +3, Seigecraft +2, Stealth (Sneak) +4, Track (Scent) +1
Weapon Damage: 2d6+4

Goblin Archers (8)

Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 7 (+/-0), Perception 8 (+1), Strength 8 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1), Wits 5
(+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +1, Willpower +/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat, Blades (Scimitar) +4, Intimidate (Fear) +2, Language: Black Speech +4,
Language: Common +2, Language: Orkish +4, Lore: Race (Orc) +4, Observe (Smell, Spot) +4, Ranged
Combat: Bow +2, Ride (Wolf) +3, Run +3, Seigecraft +2, Stealth (Sneak) +4, Track (Scent) +1
Weapon Damage: 2d6+4

Tactics: The goblins are there to take out the Dwarves. They are broken out into ground units supported
by archery. The ground pounders will keep attacking until they are all slain. They recently ran from a
battle with some Elves in the Tunnels and are afraid of what Lothan will do if they fail again.

The archers feel they are the elite force. The ground pounders are there to cover their escape if
necessary. They will concentrate fire on whoever looks to be the biggest threat. If a number of them fall
the rest will break and run to the Tunnels.

Scene Eight Into the Spiders Web

Goblin Warriors (6)

Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 7 (+/-0), Perception 8 (+1), Strength 8 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1), Wits 5
(+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +1, Willpower +/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat, Blades (Scimitar) +4, Intimidate (Fear) +2, Language: Black Speech +4,
Language: Common +2, Language: Orkish +4, Lore: Race (Orc) +4, Observe (Smell, Spot) +4, Ranged
Combat: Bow +2, Ride (Wolf) +3, Run +3, Seigecraft +2, Stealth (Sneak) +4, Track (Scent) +1
Weapon Damage: 2d6+4

Goblin Archers (variable)

Attributes: Bearing 6 (+/-0), Nimbleness 7 (+/-0), Perception 8 (+1), Strength 8 (+1), Vitality 8 (+1), Wits 5
(+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +1, Willpower +/-0, Wisdom +/-0
HEALTH: 9
DEFENSE: 10

Forsaken Hope Page 25

Skills: Armed Combat, Blades (Scimitar) +4, Intimidate (Fear) +2, Language: Black Speech +4,
Language: Common +2, Language: Orkish +4, Lore: Race (Orc) +4, Observe (Smell, Spot) +4, Ranged
Combat: Bow +5, Ride (Wolf) +3, Run +3, Seigecraft +2, Stealth (Sneak) +4, Track (Scent) +1
Weapon Damage: 2d6+2

Gruna - Wolf Master

Attributes: Bearing 8 (+1), Nimbleness 10 (+1), Perception 6 (+/-0), Strength 12 (+3), Vitality 10 (+2), Wits
5 (+/-0)
Reactions: Stamina +3, Swiftness +1, Willpower +1, Wisdom +1
HEALTH: 14
DEFENSE: 11
Skills: Armed Combat: Axes (Battleaxe) +5, Armed Combat: Blades (Scimitar) +4, Healing +3,
Smithcraft +4, Jump +1, Observe (Hear) +2, Observe (Spot) +2, Run +2
Weapon Damage: 2d6+5

Lothan Brooktoes - Miller/Baker/Sorcerer

Attributes: Bearing 12 (+3), Nimbleness 7 (+/-0), Perception 6 (+/-0), Strength 6 (+/-0), Vitality 9 (+1), Wits
12 (+3)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +2, Willpower +3, Wisdom +3
HEALTH: 8
DEFENSE: 10
Skills: Armed Combat: Axes (Battleaxe) +5, Armed Combat: Clubs (Hammer) +4, Healing +3, Smithcraft
+4, Jump +1, Observe (Hear) +2, Observe (Spot) +2, Run +2

Spells: Bladeshattering [S], Blast of Sorcery [S], Blinding Flash, Burning Sparks, Calling, Command [S]
Create Light, Dumbness [S], Evoke Fear [S], Farseeing, Lightning, Kindle Fire, Shadows and Phantoms
[S], Veiling Shadow [S], Voice of Command [S], Wizards Guise

Tactics:

As the combat begins the goblins will rush forward, covered by archery fire from their archers. Gruna will
choose the character that looks the most dangerous. If a character shows he is a Magician, on the third
round of combat Lothan will cut loose with a Lightning Bolt. He already has Shadows and Phantoms
running, this will cause him to become Winded. If it looks like the party is overcoming the goblins Lothan
will cast his last spell at the party member who is the most dangerous (the magician first, then the biggest
fighter). This will either be Forgetfulness or Lightning Bolt. After this he will flee out one of several
boltholes he has prepared. The goblins will fight to the death.

Forsaken Hope Page 26

Player Handout #1

This scrap of paper found on Dronic Heathertoes, it is a very crude map of the area North west of the
Forsaken Inn.

There is not any form a key or scale on this map.

Forsaken Hope Page 27

 Players Handout #2, Translation of the Black Speech

This is a rough translation of the speech given by Lothan Brooktoes in the chamber.

And those that stand against us and Our Dark Master shall fall. Have we not
found the Shining Rocks? Have we not brought it here and hidden it from the
other bright shinings? Our Master is pleased, here in the Dark the thing shall stay
and it shall dim the world of Men a bit more. So be glad in your attacks and kill,
kill, kill!

Forsaken Hope Page 28

 Players Handout #3, Last entries in Lothans New Journal
Here are some excerpts from the journal found under the bed behind the curtain in the Tunnel Chamber.

May 21, 2941 I have received the latest group of goblins. By the Darkness these seem to be even more
stupid than those that followed Grukna. The leader a brute named Gruna started off by attacking Grukna.
I was able to stop it and get them to settle down.

May 25, 2941 I have sent Grukna ahead. I will return to Bafsted to carry out the will of my Master. I will
see Bellweather destroyed and all those who stand with him will die. All shall worship the Darkness that is
the Void. The Giver of Gifts shall make me the leader of Bafsted to carry out his will.

May 27, 2941 I will leave soon for Bafsted. None too soon for me!

Forsaken Hope Page 29