Old Dourhand City, The

Epic - Prologue Dwarven Quest

Rothgar is found at 19.3s, 100.5w in the outpost of Noglond, south of Thorin's Gate and well west of Gondamon.

Now that you finally have his full attention, he absorbs the news from Dwalin regarding the Dourhands' latest venture.

"The thrushes saw the Dourhands carrying this stolen gold into the old Dourhand city to the west? That is very peculiar. You see, it has been infested with goblins for the past two years!"

"I don't know why the Dourhands would bring the gold into a goblin-held city, even if they once called it home. Most peculiar. It reminds me of the tale of..."

(he is in danger of drifing off topic again! A bit of throat-clearing should put him back on track)

"I am sorry. You want to head west to the old Dourhand city and search it for the stolen Longbeard gold, I expect. It won't be easy, but I'll be waiting to hear of your exploits! Head west of Noglond and look for the stairs carved into the mountainside... and watch out for the goblins! You should take allies."

1. Find stolen Longbeard gold

It is clear after all his repetition that the ancient city you seek lies to the west. I echo his suggestion to bring friends; you will need them. I completed this quest in a duo of Guardian and Champion, both level 10, though we had a few close calls.

Take the path west out of Noglond and take the first left. The signpost at the road will direct you to Orodost, which is in fact the name of the ruined citadel you seek.

The road is well used by goblins, and you may have to fight a few on your way. The stairs are well carved and easy to see at a distance. Climb them to the top, enter the ruins and bear left at every opportunity to trace the fastest route to your goal. You will be beset by Blue-crag Goblins (level 6/7) in groups of two and three, but if you brought at least one friend and advance with caution, these should not pose a serious threat to your progress.

When you reach a courtyard with a fire in the middle, a red gateway to the left and a large alcove to the right, look carefully to catch sight of a Dourhand Burglar among the goblins on the right (north). Be sure that when you take him on that you are ready for the 4 additional goblins he summons to his side, seemingly out of thin air.

Dourhand Burglar is a level 8 Signature mob, while his buddies are ordinary level 6/7 Blue Crag goblins. Be sure that you work together to eliminate one mob at a time for the greatest chance at success.

The Burglar shouts "Fight! Fight on for your gold!", so it becomes clear that he has bought the cooperation of the goblins in this matter. Hit him again for this additional betrayal of Dwarfdom.

When you have defeated him, you will obtain a note concerning a Dourhand plot.

2. Return to Rothgar in Noglond

Rothgar will happily reward you for your efforts, but he is deeply concerned about the news you have gained in the course of your battle against the Dourhand burglar.

He thinks so highly of you now that he will send you further down the road on your next quest, "Gondamon in the Low-lands".

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