Quest: Herbalism in Ithilien and the Wastes
Region: North and South Ithilien and the Wastes
Location: Ranger-camps near the Crossroads and the edge of the Morgul Vale
Quest Giver: Various Rangers of Ithilien
Quest Description:
The area known as the Wastes, north of North Ithilien, once bloomed with rare flowers; its air filled with the scent of wild blossoms and shaded glades. But now, it lies scarred—caught between the creeping shadow of Mordor and the desperate struggle of the Rangers of Ithilien to preserve what remains. Rhovaniel, already a trusted ally of the Rangers and the Host of the West, continues her work in the region as a healer, scholar, and skilled herbalist.
Having achieved Ally standing through her previous efforts aiding the wounded, cataloging herbs, and battling the forces of the Enemy in North and South Ithilien, Rhovaniel’s final task is clear: to earn the full trust of the Rangers by reaching Kindred reputation. Only then will her service in Ithilien be complete.
Objectives:
- Accept daily tasks from Ranger herbalists and scouts
- Collect and refine rare herbs including Dwarfsbeard, Bell-o-Dale, Drakewort, and Rock-rose
- Craft healing phials and restorative salves to support Ranger forces
- Hunt and drive back roaming bands of Orcs threatening the herbal grounds
Key Characters:
- Rangers of Ithilien – Veterans of stealth and survival, they fight to reclaim and protect the land’s natural beauty.
- Host of the West - Faction of Rohirrim and Gondorian soldiers that march with Aragorn to the Black Gate, at the edge of Mordor.
- Rhovaniel – A seasoned herbalist and protector of the wilds, recognized by the Rangers for her expertise and loyalty.
Setting: The quest spans the verdant but threatened lands of the North Ithilien and the blighted frontier of the Wastes. This quest also includes the lands of South Ithilien. Forest glades, ruined gardens, and war-torn battlegrounds all serve as sources for herb gathering. The contrast between natural beauty and encroaching darkness defines every step of the journey.
Progress So Far: Rhovaniel has already:
- Achieved Ally reputation with the Rangers of Ithilien
- Achieved Honoured repuation with the Host of the West
- Earned the title Master Herbalist
- Acquired the Steed of the North Ithilien Wilds, a sure-footed and graceful mount suited for travel through both forest and ruin
Completion Criteria:
- Reach Kindred status with the Rangers of Ithilien
- Reach Kindred status with Host of the West
- Complete a final round of herb gathering and orc-clearing quests along the borders of the Wastes
- Deliver a perfected healing draught to the Ranger-captain at the field headquarters
Quest Reward:
- Title: Ranger of Ithilien - lotro-wiki link
- Travel discount
- Access to advanced herbal recipes and exclusive Ranger herbalist gear