Two hobbits are investigating rumors of a hobbit family disappearing where the Shire borders the North Moors. As they get near a farm, smoke is rising from burnt buildings and they encounter an elf from one of the Wandering Companies. They also discover goblin tracks heading West. While tracking the goblins, the trio meets up with a ranger who is tracking the goblins too.
The dice are with the new Companions as there are a number of successful Guide rolls and they eventually track down a small band of goblins with five captured hobbits Northeast of the Grey Havens. An ambush in the woods gives the Companions enough of an edge to kill most of the goblins, but one goblin escapes.
Fleeing back to the Shire, the dice roll a friendly encounter for the Companions. They meet a group of dwarves returning to the Blue Mountains. Hearing their story, the dwarves give the group two extra supplies and start sharpening their axes hoping to meet the goblins.
Just at the borders of the Shire, the Companion’s luck turns as they are attacked by a pack of wolves. The elf rolls two Ones for his attack on the largest wolf. So his bow breaks along with taking the damage. However, the ranger & the two hobbits beat off the attack.
As night falls at the edge of Hobbiton, the ranger & elf depart for Bree. They invite the hobbit pair to join them in a week. The captured hobbits are reunited with their family in Hobbiton & ale flows in celebration.
But questions remain. Why were goblins in that area? Will the Companions go after the goblins? Or does another quest await them? We’re off to Bree to find out.
Used Perplexing Ruins’ Fallen Solo Oracle Card as the GM Oracle.