Quest:The Easterling Menace

The Easterling Menace
Level	116
Type	Solo
Starts with	Náin the Slakeless
Starts at	Járnfast
Start Region	Iron Hills
Map Ref	[28.5N, 3.5W]
Ends with	Lóssi
Ends at	Hammerstead
Quest Group	The Defence of Hammerstead

Walkthrough & Notes
The convoy is found on the path to Hammerstead [28.2N, 11.8W]

Rewards
42  55   Increased Reputation with Dwarves of Erebor ( 500 ) Legendary Item Experience Steed Experience 3 Mark of the Longbeards Selectable Rewards:  Steel Ring of the Dwarf-holds  Gold Ring of the Dwarf-holds  Oak Ring of the Dwarf-holds  Jade Ring of the Dwarf-holds

Quest Text

Bestowal dialogue 'Aye, I am still alive. Had someone told you otherwise? I fought at Erebor, and though my father and King Brand both fell, I survived... mostly intact.' He gestures to his metal ear and agate eye. 'The ones responsible for these paid dearly. 'Though we suffered heavy losses, we were victorious. The Easterlings failed to sack either Járnfast or Erebor. However, instead of fleeing back east with their tails between their legs like the dogs they are, they stayed put! 'They are holed up in the Dalish village, Utterby. You no doubt passed it on the way here. Perhaps we could easily deal with just the small remaining host from the battle, but more Easterlings are constantly streaming up the stair at Skald's Drop and adding to that host! It is only a matter of time before their numbers overwhelm what we have here in the Ironfold. More bloodshed seems unavoidable. 'I have decisions to make, difficult decisions. We could collapse the stair, and prevent more Easterlings from entering the Ironfold, but it would also cut off legitimate trade into the Dale-lands, and the route of the Zhélruka clan. And, if rumours are to be believed, the Easterlings are fleeing something terrible and they no longer have a home to which they may return. Aye, the Longbeards would be sympathetic to that plight, or at least they should be. 'Please speak with my advisers, and the citizens of Járnfast. Hear their words, and relay them back to me. This matter is one that must be carefully considered.' Background Náin the Slakeless, Lord of Járnfast, has many decisions to make regarding the Easterling host that occupies his lands. Objective 1 Talk to Aldin Talk to Hógur Talk to Féli Lord Náin has asked you to speak to his advisers in Járnfast. You should talk to Aldin, Hógur, and Féli. Aldin: 'Collapsing the stair? He cannot! There are Zhélruka dwarves, distant cousins of ours, passing that way. We could not do something so low to other dwarves, even under the circumstances!' Hógur: 'Aye, collapsing the stair might be the best way to prevent the Easterlings from bolstering their numbers. More are entering the Ironfold every day. 'Please tell Lord Náin that a convoy from Hammerstead never arrived. I fear the Easterlings ambushed them along the road.' Féli: 'Perhaps collapsing the stair is the right answer, but I caution Lord Náin to do nothing without the counsel of Thorin Stonehelm, our King in Erebor, and our allies in Dale. The Stair is the main road into the East, and any action we take will surely affect them as well. This is much to consider before acting.' Objective 2 Talk to Járnfast Citizens Lord Náin has asked you to gauge the opinions of the citizens of Járnfast. You should talk to Járnfast citizens. Citizen of Járnfast: 'Hmph. Let us collapse the stair and keep those Easterlings out of our land!' Citizen of Járnfast: 'I have heard that the Easterling refugees no longer have a home to return to. If we collapse the stair, would not that leave them stranded?' Citizen of Járnfast: 'Aye, collapsing the stair may be the only solution. We must protect ourselves from the Easterlings.' Citizen of Járnfast: 'I am unsure, <class>. It seems there are reasons for and against collapsing the stair. I trust Lord Náin to make the right decision.' Citizen of Járnfast: 'I agree something should be done about Utterby, but collapsing the stair seems rather rash!' Citizen of Járnfast: 'Those Easterlings are nothing but trouble, and bad for business! Throw them all out, I say.' Citizen of Járnfast: 'We cannot collapse the stair. There are Zhélruka dwarves coming that way. I would not have it said we treated fellow dwarves that way!' The Dwarves of Járnfast have not reached a consensus of opinion Objective 3 Talk to Lord Náin You should talk to Lord Náin, who can be found at his seat in Járnfast. Náin the Slakeless: 'It seems the Dwarves of the Ironfold are torn on what to do, as am I. I will have to think on this in solitude. In the meantime, I have work for you. 'That convoy from Hammerstead was a shipment of weapons. Hógur's concern is justified. If it is as he fears, and the Easterlings have attacked it, my hand may be forced. I ask that you discover what became of this convoy by visiting the path it should have taken, and return to me as swiftly as you can.' Objective 4 Find any sign of the convoy The convoy of weapons was coming from Hammerstead, north-west of Járnfast. You should find some sign of the convoy on the path from Hammerstead. This is what remains of the weapons convoy Objective 5 Talk to Vílur Strayfoot You have found the weapons convoy sacked, and many dwarves dead. You should talk to the survivor, Vílur Strayfoot. Vílur Strayfoot 'The Easterlings . . . ambushed us! They stole the weapons! Hammerstead! You must warn Hammerstead! I will live; just go! It is Lóssi, Captain of the Guard, you want. He must be told.' Objective 6 Travel to Hammerstead Vílur Strayfoot has warned you that an attack on Hammerstead is imminent! You should travel to Hammerstead! Hammerstead is under attack! Objective 7 Talk to Lóssi Hammerstead is under attack by the Easterlings! You should find the captain of the guard, Lóssi. Lóssi 'Vílur Strayfoot sent you? Yes, we could use some help! These Easterlings have been harassing us since the convoy left, and we are pinned down.'