Misiones de paz como mecanismo en la Resolución de Conflictos

The company has taken refuge in the house of Elrond. Perhaps they are resting here by the leave of Lord Elrond following the events of the previous adventure, or taking stock of their provisions as they cross from the first time from Wilderland into the western lands, or any other number of other reasons.

The Hidden Valley is a place of timeless peace and the companions find themselves able to engage in all manner of activity while resting, be it the study of books of lore, enjoying the many songs woven by Elvish minstrels, or simply taking a simple and comfortable nap. Indeed, it is the height of the season here and it is as though Rivendell and the very trees of the valley are as one, for even when no songs are played in

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As the company walks past the great Hall of Fire they hear raised voices. Like most days, the hall itself sits empty, save for two individuals at the far end. To their surprise they are not both Elves. A Hobbit of the Shire is visiting the Hidden Valley and has engaged himself in quite the debate.

“Though Elves may be wise, they do not know all that has happened in Middle-earth,” protests a Hobbit from a distant corner of the Hall of Fire. Drawn by the raised voices the companions see a small figure planted atop a stool near the crackling flames of a great hearth carved into delicately etched stone walls. He wears a fine crimson waistcoat and a long-stemmed pipe is clenched between his teeth, plumes of white smoke rising to the ceiling above. In odd contrast to his fine wardrobe a patched green cloak rests across his lap beneath a collection of aged tomes. His identity is immediately obvious to any Hobbit hero, as it is to any Ranger or Elf of Rivendell: it is no less than Bilbo Baggins, the companion of Thorin Oakenshield! To all others, he is a Hobbit in the prime of adulthood, though there is a wry look upon his round face. “I tell you, they were there! The Old Took told stories of the archers company to me when I was a lad!”

“That does not make it so, Master Hobbit,” comes the even and calm reply of a fair Elf in flowing robes of gold.

“Did you not say that Gerontius Took was known to tell all manner of wild stories?”

“That does not make them untrue, Lindir!” The Hobbit’s curly hair bounces as he crosses his arms, offering the Elf a dour glance. His eyes brighten a bit when he sees your company at the doors of the hall. “Here, I am willing to wager others have heard of the Hobbit archers who came to the aid of the high king at Fornost in ages past.” Lindir turns to gaze upon the company as the Hobbit eagerly motions you to join him.

“Come in, come in! Help settle a disagreement between my dear friend Lindir and I.” Bilbo scurries from his stool, almost forgetting to set down his cloak and book before bowing low, an arm spreads across his ample waistline and a hand dips into the pocket of his waistcoat. “Bilbo Baggins, at your service.”

Bilbo explains that he and Lindir were discussing an important event in the lore of Hobbits: the fall of Fornost, or King’s Norbury, as Hobbits used to call it. Lindir interjects, and explains that ancient chroniclers of the old kingdom of Arthedain recount how in the year 1974 of the Third Age King Arvedui left Fornost at the coming of the forces of Angmar to assemble a host on the North Downs. Bilbo insists that the Shire sent a company of archers to assist King Arvedui while Lindir claims no records exist to confirm this, nor

have anyone in Rivendell heard of such a thing. Indeed, not even the Rangers tell tales of such an event.

Hobbit companions succeeding in a Lore roll are able to confirm Bilbo’s version (Hobbits with Rhymes of Lore succeed automatically). Heroes belonging to other cultures never heard of such a thing, unless they had the story related by a Hobbit friend. No one is able to recall details on the matter.

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Regardless of their provenance, Bilbo invites the companions to join in the conversation and share their opinions, as they are well-travelled and have undoubtedly heard many stories and histories beyond Rivendell. All companions may roll Insight to gain bonus Success dice for this encounter, using the rules for Preliminary Rolls (see The One Ring, page 151).

The Loremaster can evaluate the outcome of the Encounter with Bilbo by keeping track of how many successes the player-heroes achieve during the Introduction and Interaction stages (see The One Ring, page 189) and by comparing the total to the entries at the end of this section.

Set Tolerance

Bilbo is eager to hear beings other than Elves have their say and values Wisdom over Valour. Because he is frustrated with Lindir at the moment, reduce the Tolerance by 1 if there are Elves in the group, and increase it by 1 if there are fellow Hobbits. Remember to add the Standing of any Hobbits of the Shire to the Tolerance.

Introduction

The company will be expected by Bilbo to share their knowledge of the wide world and to show the manners valued by all Hobbits, but first they must attend to the Shire tradition of small talk. By showing their Courtesy through a polite discussion of opening pleasantries such as the weather or their last meal, Bilbo is willing to open up to the true matter at hand.

Interaction

With Lore out of the conversation already, the heroes can either roll Song to recall a ballad from ages past or attempt to engage Master Baggins in some wordy banter using Riddle.

Bilbo is impressed by a successful use of either skill, as is Lindir. The Elf follows the conversation with Elven detachment, only to break his poise to make good-natured jests at Bilbo’s expense and frustration whenever the Hobbit Archers of Fornost are brought up. Any characters who actively take to the Hobbit’s defence are warmly thanked by Master Baggins, while those who join Lindir in his mockery are reprimanded with a scowl. After long discussion, Lindir finally tries to bring the matter to a close:

“Regardless of what any of us may believe to be true, Master Baggins, it is of little consequence. Without evidence to accompany your claims they are nothing more than fanciful tales passed down from parent to child.” But Bilbo is not defeated yet, especially if he had some adventurous Hobbits by his side backing his claims.

The encounter with Bilbo is perfectly suited to be inserted in the course of another adventure. Doing this would leave the companions free to honour their obligation with Bilbo at a more convenient time, for example if they happen to be close to the North Downs. If the company does not embark on the quest immediately, the Loremaster should make sure to have them encounter again Lindir or Bilbo, or someone else from Rivendell to

remind them of their obligation at a later date. Another option is to have the encounter occur during a Fellowship phase for a Year’s End, if the whole company is present at the Last Homely House. This would let the players add the task of finding out about the Hobbit archers to the list of things they want to accomplish in a future Adventuring phase.