Path to Learning, Part II, The

Crafting: Scholar Quest

When you reach 280 Skill in Journeyman Scholar, you will find that you suddenly cannot progress any further. It doesn't matter how many runes, trinkets and pages you study, you are stuck at 280.
It would be great if some insight came upon you along the lines of "You should go speak to your trainer now", but no such message arrives.
Yet that is precisely what the budding Scholar must do.

Speak to any Novice Jeweller, found in all major cities and some smaller towns. They wil recognize that you need more formal training, and will tell you to seek out the Scholar Nathronwen, who dwells in Duillond, Ered Luin. This small settlement lies just north of Celondim, and is very easy to find. She is found on a dais in the southeast corner of Duillond, at 24.2s, 92.7w.

Nathronwen assigns you a task - to compose a ballad to tell the tale of Aiglos. You do not have to be a Minstrel to do this, of course... any scholar worth their salt can pen a grand saga, right? She even hands you a wordy note which stays in your inventory, for easy reference:

"Composing a Ballad of Aiglos

I have given you a recipe containing the sources you should consult when composing your ballad. In addition, these notes should aid you in retrieving these sources and making best use of them. A true scholar does not shy away from danger or hardship, for he knows that the path of wisdom is not an easy path, and not one that can be trod by any foot. True wisdom can be found only by exceeding your limitations and by questioning all things, even when all appears clear.

Cryptic Texts
Much that happens in the world is written, but the turning of the seasons and the passage of time can sweep away all records, until all that remains are faded parchments. Thinking creatures often come across these, picking them up to puzzle at their meanings. Through my own studies, I have found references to Aiglos in cryptic texts found throughout Bree-land and the Lone-Lands.

Ruined Second Age Trinket
Trinkets of this type are a great deal more rare than the cryptic texts I have mentioned above. Seek out such trinkets as you can while you search for cryptic texts relating to Aiglos, and you may find some reminder of those lost days.

Lost Stanzas of Aiglos
These stanzas were once in my possession and were cherished by me as some small connexion to mighty Gil-galad. How foolish is the teacher when seeking to enlighten her students! I allowed Henglas the use of these stanzas in the hope he would compose a ballad of great beauty, but he repaid my trust with carelessness. While he walked the plains of northern Annundir in the North Downs, he came aross a great pack of Wargs and fled when they discovered his presence. In his haste, he let his satchel fall alongside one of the great mounds of that place, and the stanzas I entrusted to him were lost. I do not begrudge him his safety, but I feel the loss of the stanzas acutely. Find the mound in northern Annundir where Henglas abandoned his satchel and you may have the use of the stanzas.

Nathronwen"

Scholars can certainly be wordy!
In summary, you will need to scribe the Ballad of Aiglos single use recipe, and then obtain the following:
Cryptic Texts (3)
Ruined Second Age Trinket (1)
Lost Stanzas of Aiglos

The first two are simple enough. Find, buy, beg borrow or steal the cryptic text and trinket. You are used to the life of a poor Scholar now, and I am sure you can obtain these items.

The third item required will be more difficult for advanced Scholars who are still young in years. I heartily recommend taking along an older protector or two if you are yet under level 25.

Travel to North Downs and up to Annundir. The Scholar's Satchel can be found on the side of the largest mound, at 7.8s, 49.6w. If you are a wee one, you may wish to map on out of there after you collect it!

Remember to actually create the ballad (just like any other Scholar-made item, it can be assembled anywhere), and travel to talk to Nathronwen once more. She is very pleased with your ability, and grants you the right to progress in your Scholarly studies once more.

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