Shield Against Adversity, A

Class: Guardian Quest

If you are a Guardian, when you turn level 15, your trainer (regardless of where they are located) will offer you this quest.

It is time to prove your mettle as a defender of the weak. As your trainer will tell you:

"We share a bond, Brasse, that few others can know. Wherever there is battle, you will find us there. Wherever here is hardship, we will stand against it. Wherever good people are threatened, we stand before them with shield in hand or blade at the ready and do not stand down until it is safe once more.

"We are guardians of the people, Man, Dwarf, Elf and Hobbit, and we must be strong in their defence."

1. Talk to Oswin Leek

You are sent to find Oswin Leek, to seek his guidance in furthering your career. Oswin can be found just outside of the North Gate to Bree-town, at 285s, 52.3n.

He recognizes your potential and sets a task before you.

"I will set out to deal with brigand attacks to the north, but I need you elsewhere. Burle Pierson lives on a farn to the south of Bree-town, and he has reported several raids on his land."

2. Talk to Burle Pierson

From the South Gate of Bree-town, take the main road that leads south-east. Turn right at the first available opportunity, whcih will put you on the short path south-west to Pierson's Farm.

Burle can be found cowering with his back to the wall of his small farmhouse on Pierson's Farm, at 333s, 50.4w. He is very happy to see you indeed.

3. Defend Pierson's farm

This is not an easy task, even for a well armored Guardian, at the quest level of 15. If you do not succeed, do not feel badly, but come back each time you level to try again. I found it challenging enough at level 18! If you do take this on at 15, bring along a good Essence of Athelas or two, and use them judiciously.

Once you accept the quest from Burle Pierson, he will begin to walk. You must follow and defend him at all costs - he does not have the strongest constitution, that lad. Of course, this is the point of the Guardian quest - you must prove that you know how to acquire and maintain aggro to protect the weak!

The map at left shows the locations of encounters that you must defeat.

1. Two brigands attack - get their attention fast, because...

2. Two more Brigands will arrive hot on their heels; attack with AoEs and your best taunts to keep them off Burle. Luckily, you don't have to fight the second lot long, because a surprise ally turns up and starts shooting arrows at them, whereupon they flee. The biggest danger here is losing Burle to the Brigands before they run. This is the toughest step, to my mind, and a good place to plan to use your Essence of Athelas, if you brought some along.

3. A lone Brigand foolishly attacks. Dispatch him with your usual style and grace.

4. Two Brigands are hidden in the crops. Burle, now emboldened by his survival and feeling foolishly brave, charges in after them. It is your task to get there fast, get their attention and kill them before Burle sustains a mortal wound.

5. Finally, disgusted at the incompetence of his lackeys, the Brigand boss, Cole Culvat, shows up on the scene, intent on killing both Burle and his protector... that'd be you. Cole is a level 14 Signature mob, but you should be able to defeat him if you keep your wits about you. Having an Essence of Athelas in reserve is a good idea, just in case.

Burle Pierson and his farm are now quite safe, and he sends you back to your mentor.

4. Return to Oswin Leek.

Retrace your steps to the Northern Gate of Bree-town to collect your well-earned reward, and recognition as a worthy Guardian of the realm!

Congratulations!

You will be challenged again at level 30... best go out and hone your skills!

Special thanks go out to Brasse for providing this quest writeup!
Brasse has entered 66 LOTRO quests.