Bestowal dialogue
Stamped across the front of this book is the title, 'Of Arthedain and its Settlements.' The book's cover is worn, as if many hands have held it. It opens easily to a dog-eared page, which reads:
'...In those days, north-eastern Arthedain was dominated by five great settlements, known commonly as The Five Towns. These were Henneth Rhún, south of Fornost; Duintham, astride an ancient stream; Carnoglin, in the northern hills; Ost Ardúlin, in the lake-lands; and Dolindîr, now called Esteldín.'
'Amongst the Rangers of the North Downs, we encourage our people to visit all five of the Towns and discover the locations of their Founding Stones. It is important to remember who we are....'
Background
You have found a book that describes the Founding Stones of Arthedain's Five Towns. Now mostly in ruins, these towns are 'Henneth Rhún, south of Fornost; Duintham, astride an ancient stream; Carnoglin, in the northern hills; Ost Ardúlin, in the lake-lands; and Dolindîr, now called Esteldín.'
Objective 1
Ask Istuienn about the Book of the Five Towns.
- Istuienn: 'So, you have found that old journal?' Istuienn arches an eyebrow. 'It is not customary for those not of the Rangers to do so, but if you wish to know more about my kindred, you may want to undertake the journey yourself.'
- 'This first of the settlements mentioned in the book was called Dolindîr, today we call it Esteldín.'
- 'Return to me after you have found the Founding Stone of Dolindîr, and we will speak further.'
Objective 2
- Find the Founding Stone of Dolindîr, Now called Esteldín
Find the Founding Stone of Dolindîr, now called Esteldín.
- Istuienn: 'Esteldín was a city once known as Dolindîr. Find the Founding Stone of Dolindîr, and you may learn more about what my people once were.'
- Founding Stone: This old monument is well kept, and is free of dirt and vines. Upon its face is an inscription:
- 'Here once stood the town and Founding Stone of Dolindîr, in the kingdom of Arthedain, which has passed.
- 'In this place was established the refuge of Esteldín, by Arassuil, son of Arahad, that these lands might never again stand unwatched.'
- Located the Founding Stone of Dolindîr
Objective 3
Speak further with Istuienn about the Book of the Five Towns.
- Istuienn: 'Ah, I see you have chosen to begin the journey, very well then.'
- 'The book speaks of five towns which were Henneth Rhún, south of Fornost; Duintham, astride an ancient stream; Carnoglin, in the northern hills; Ost Ardúlin, in the lake lands; and Dolindîr, now called Esteldín.'
- 'You have seen the Founding Stone of Dolindîr, now seek you the other four.'
Objective 4
- Find the Stone of Henneth Rhún
- Find the Stone of Duintham
- Find the Stone of Carnoglin
- Find the Stone of Ost Ardúlin
Find the remaining Founding Stones.
- Istuienn: 'Remember, the book says the five towns were Henneth Rhún, south of Fornost; Duintham, astride an ancient stream; Carnoglin, in the northern hills; Ost Ardúlin, in the lake-lands; and Dolindîn, now called Esteldín.'
- Founding Stone:
- The monument's face is inscribed with faded words:
- Henneth Rhún
- Established in the first year of the reign of Araphor, son of Arveleg.
- 'Folk shall gather where commerce thrives.'
- Located the Founding Stone of Henneth Rhún
- Founding Stone:
- The monument's face is inscribed with faded words:
- Duintham
- Founded in the year 1249 of the Third Age.
- 'At this place did King Celebrindor establish the Town of Duintham, that his people might cultivate the land and feed the people of his realm.'
- Located the Founding Stone of Duintham
- Founding Stone:
- The monument's face is inscribed with faded words:
- Carnoglin
- Founded in the name of Malvegil, King of Arthedain. With the skills of Thorhaddur the Dwarf and his kindred was this town built.
- 'United in purpose, may Dwarves and Men be ever bonded in friendship.'
- Located the Founding Stone of Carnoglin
- Founding Stone:
- The face of this monument is marred by what appear to be large tooth-marks, as if several man-like creatures decided to gnaw upon the stone.
- Though most of the writing has been destroyed, you can discern the words 'Ost Ardúlin' at the top of the monument, and at the bottom the phrase, 'that we might retreat from our cares, and take solace in such beauty.'
- Located the Founding Stone of Ost Ardúlin
Objective 5
Return to Istuienn to tell the tale of your exploration.
- Istuienn: 'Really? You made the circuit of all five towns? I am impressed; I had not really expected you to make the attempt.
- 'We often assign novice Rangers this task, as the beasts that lair in such places make such exploration dangerous indeed. Perhaps the Rangers will be able to make further use of your skills in the future.'
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