Here it is! The first part of the core set story rewrite. Before we get into it, here’s the limitations I gave myself when writing the story.

Each quest, and the events which happen in the quests need to play a role in the story. No major inconsistencies with the Lord of the Rings canon. No adding in named characters which didn’t exist in the original quests/story. No adding in mechanical changes to the quests themselves. Any changes to the quest card story text needs to fit within the space for a quest card (including rules text).

Taking all of these into consideration, I’ve tried to write a more in depth and engaging story than the original. Of course there’s the obligatory disclaimer that I’m by no means an expert or professional at this, and if you think something doesn’t work as well, or if you have a suggestion let me know! With all the boring stuff out of the way, I present-

Passage Through Mirkwood

The Elvenking’s Gate – J.R.R. Tolkien

Deep within Mirkwood, surrounded by darkness and danger, was a single spark of light. The elves of Mirkwood and their king Thranduil were having a feast, celebrating the end of the harvest. In the seat of honor by the king’s side was a foreigner, a sight on which drew the gaze of many present and sparked several hushed conversations. He had come from a faraway kingdom to garner the goodwill of the Elvenking. Though the elves were initially suspicious, any hostility disappeared once the emissary presented his gift. While small, the chest of silver jewels presented to Thranduil was enough to earn the foreigner the honored seat he now occupied. The emissary, though the only non-elven in attendance, seemed as comfortable eating, drinking, and talking with the elves as if he were in his own realm.

The emissary was once more telling a group of elves of his homeland and his people’s customs, when one of Thranduil’s guards approached the table. Following a hushed conversation between him and the king, the guard left once more. When the guard returned, what he brought managed to take all attention away from the emissary, or even the king. Flanked by elven soldiers, a small group of haggard looking adventurers were brought before the king.

“What brings you to my realm, strangers?” asked the king. “Do you not know that trespassing is forbidden?”

“Forgive us my lord,” said the leader of the heroes, “but we ran low on supplies, and require your assistance. You must believe when we say that we would not have encroached on your land if we were not in dire need.”

“One would think before setting off on a journey through the forest, that one should adequately prepare” mused Thranduil. “I see no reason to reward lack of planning”.

“Of course we prepared you arrogant–” one of the heroes began to protest before a stern glance from his captain shut him off.

“We had adequate provisions” began the captain, choosing her words carefully. “But our supplies were spoiled while we were deep within the forest. Whatever did it was able to sneak in and out of our camp without either of the people on lookout catching them. We were forced to scavenge on our way here, and even then barely survived. I will happily tell you more of our journey, but first, allow my party some food and drink.”

With a slight nod from Thranduil to his attendants, the other heroes were led to a table where they happily fed. The king returned his attention to their captain.

“So trespasser, tell me your tale, and perhaps I won’t put you and your friends into my dungeons.”

So she told him of their quest. They had helped a community of woodmen defend against an increased amount of orc raids. Not only were the orc attacks more frequent, but more organized than ever before. While usually the orcs would burn down the woodmen’s buildings, this group was focused more on stealing their food supplies, leaving the victims unsure whether they would make it through the winter. By the time the heroes found them, they had retreated to the fortifications at Hrogar’s Hill, preparing to fight off the next assault. The brave woodmen were barely able to fight off their foes, even with the aid of the heroes. Then suddenly, the attacks had stopped, leaving all the survivors to wonder what had happened. Promising to hunt down the orcs and return what was stolen, the heroes set off into Mirkwood pursuing the orcs.

Thranduil seemed intrigued by what the hero had to say. “You speak of an increase in orc activity, yet our borders are quieter than they have been in decades.”

“Perhaps if the orcs are under strong leadership, they’re gathering their strength for a coordinated attack against your realm”, the emissary chimed in.

“Whatever comes, we will be able to repel it.” Thraduil returned his attention to the hero. “As for you and your group, I have decided it would be too much trouble to imprison you. Though none can leave my dungeons without my saying so… “ At this Thranduil paused dramatically, though the captain noticed that he glanced at the empty wine barrels being rolled away from the feast. “If my kingdom will be attacked I’d rather not have to feed prisoners as well as my own people. You can stay here and recover for two days. After that, you must promise to leave my realm and remove yourselves from Mirkwood.”

The captain agreed, and the next two days were a flurry of preparation. Despite the threats of imprisonment, the heroes were given generous accommodations along with everything they needed to recover their strength. Though the heroes suspected this was only done to expedite their departure, they were nonetheless grateful for the hospitality.

It wasn’t until the morning of their departure that the Elvenking made his true intentions known. The emissary approached the heroes and told them, “The time has come for me to return to my people, and with the threat of attack, Thranduil cannot spare the men for an escort. He has commanded that you escort me to the western border of Mirkwood.” The captain began to protest, but the emissary continued. “I understand you had planned to travel east and return to the woodmen. If you agree to escort me, Thranduil has promised to send supplies to them before winter arrives.”

Begrudgingly the heroes accepted this change of plan, setting off into the eternal twilight of Mirkwood, unsure of what dangers they would encounter therein.

Mirkwood – J.R.R. Tolkien

Quest Stage 1A

You have been ordered by Thranduil to leave Mirkwood. As you move along the dark trail, spiders gather around you…



Quest Stage 2A

As you move through Mirkwood, hounded by spiders, the forest path forks before you…

Quest Stage 2B

While you ponder which path to take, you hear vanguard of an orc army coming down the path behind you!

Quest Stage 3A

Unable to wait any longer, you rush down one of the paths, staying hidden from the main path. As the orcs come closer, you overhear an argument. “Ufthak said I’m in charge!” Hearing the sound of the orc being stabbed, you quickly make your way further down your chosen path.



Quest Stage 3B Beorn’s Path

You attempt to follow a secret, hidden trail to avoid the enemy.



Quest Stage 3B ‘Don’t Leave The Path’

The shadows grow darker, and you realise that a foul presence is aiming to draw you from the path. You must defeat it to pass this way.

Do not read the following until the heroes have won this quest.



Seeing light ahead of them, the heroes redoubled their pace, finally emerged from the the cursed forest. Taking a few minutes to catch their breath and recover their composure, the heroes sheathed their weapons and sat on nearby boulders. Though relieved to have escaped from the dangers within, there was no joy to be found among the small company.

“That army was not headed toward Thranduil’s realm.” The captain said what they were all thinking. “And it was too large for a raiding party.”

“Lorien,” said one of the heroes bluntly. “They are marching on Lorien”.

“Impossible” the emissary protested, “An army that size could not be provisioned that distance.

“It explains the raids against the woodmen” the captain explained. “The orcs have been gathering supplies for the journey south.”

“I wonder who this Ufthak is” one of the heroes questioned, unpacking his bag. “From what the orc said he seems to be the one behind all this.”

“That doesn’t matter now,” the captain said, standing back up. “Lorien must be warned if it is to survive, and we are the only ones who can save it.”



