The Song of Waves and Wind
Corsairs of Umbar: Standing Stone Games wanted to do more with the Epic story but felt that doing so should warrant a premium cost. Instead of providing a simple guide through the areas, they introduced the very first chapter in Gondor Renewed. This provided people a chance to purchase a quest pack and gain access to the entire Epic in the expansion... and beyond. Within these two subsets, there are a total of 106 quests - some that provide you a choice of action, some that are completely optional, and some that are very circumstantial depending on your decision way back in Volume III: Book 1, Chapter 4. If for some reason you did miss a quest, you have the opportunity to return to do it. Unfortunately, where the content divides can be a little tricky. In my previous article, we covered Chapters 1.1 - 2.8 that takes place within the level 140 regions. The following chapters will cover what is contained within the regions of the expansion.
"So this is where a hobbit needs to go for a party." - Hatric
Chapter 2.9 - 2.12: While Elessar attends to his kingly duties, Arwen has been very active in her own agendas and manages to elude the whole company. She visits Roamingstar near the waterfall at the northernmost point of the river. It doesn't become clear until we reach Dol Amroth that she intended to gather some of the water to have the river-maiden meet with Dorthaneth. Though she normally resides in the Cave of the Avorrim, an opportunity presents itself inside the Palace of the Swan. Their conversation reveals another name for the lady in mourning - Nimrodel. Although their conversation does not remove their burden, the clarification of their feelings over past events lightened their grief to a certain degree. The same could not be said to Caebar who has only been compounded with the woes of seeing his favorite lighthouse destroyed, the town's animosity from his departure, and hearing of how his family burned all his personal belongings. On the other hand, we meet a curious fellow from long ago in high spirits when visited by the king over at Galengam's Divine and Delicate Draughts, a shop name to which Gimli states he will never remember.
"I made that sketch of Barad Rill in much happier days" - Caebar
"I do forgive you, Roamingstar, for your part in what befell." - Dorthaneth
Chapter 3.1 - 3.5: After a touching reunion, Prince Imrahil informs us of a curious corsair who the Watch did not want to outright dismiss after his claims of being one of your friends. That's right! Jajax is back and he tells you what happened to him and his brother Daxamat upon returning to the city of Umbar (through session play). When they arrived in Umbar, they noticed there were more guards posted. They had a quick run in with the Kindred of the Coin and made a quick run out in response. After parting ways with your adventurous friend, your next visit takes you to the town of Morlad where everyone's vexation for the loss of Duilin and Derufin at the Black Gate has routed their frustration towards your arrival. Despite telling his wife Rosfin how well you remember traveling with the boys out in the field, the townsfolk have asked you to leave and so as much shot a loose arrow at Legolas. Meanwhile, you set out to "inconvenience ruthless dead" to which Gimli verbally responds, "Is it possible to slay a dead man?"
Chapter 3.6 - 4.3: There appears to be a new concern to the west in Anfalas beyond the fishing village of Melgobas. There is doubt upon the contents of the will left by Golasgil, the man you remember well when dining with him and Forlong at the Merry Swan before the battle. It appears that Lady Marra secretly broke the seal to read the contents before the event but is eventually exonerated by Caebar's skill and expertise to recognize the proper handwriting. Meanwhile, the kids Thorongil and Orgolas get into a bit of mischief checking out the ship Golasgil passed down, the Wave-hunter. The Green Hills has a lot of nice sites to check out. Iáphel is known for their vineyard. Lond Cirion has a nice second floor where the light shines through the ceiling and onto the fountain on the ground floor. Some things I found at Ost Arndír were: guards attack enemies that stray too close, the lightposts shine onto the boat statues on both sides of the ramp at night, the balcony looks over the entire region, there is a Reflection Pool that allows you to replay instances including the voyage in Chapter 5.1, and eventually the stairs that go up into the throne room and down into the armory.
"If there is a day to come after this, look to the people of Anfalas." - Golasgil
"Who ever heard of an Ent being on a boat before?" - Resolina
Things won't go according to plan. Not everyone is so welcome to join your adventure and you'll meet a few other people who might. Let's break them down one at a time.
- Knight of the Green Hills - The obvious choice in this endeavor is the mother of the kidnapped son in Ost Arndir. Not surprisingly, Nauriel was already adorned in armor. She had asked me to retrieve her newly sharpened sword and reinforced shield from the armory after using them against the corsairs at Tum Rost. Her husband Carandolion is not the fighting sort and feels guilty lettering her go on her own, but he ties a small handkerchief to the hilt of his wife's sword so he can go with her in spirit.
- The Boon Companions - Gimli & Legolas are inseparable but one of them tends to get seasick on a boat. As long as you help make a remedy for the trip, they are both willing to go.
- Dweller of Tumbamálë - Leafshade says he does not like boats but wishes for you to find his bird friend before you go. Knowing where Gallang the Limlinn bird was rather difficult as there was but a single line in Chapter 1.5
when Gondor Renewed released as you look through Sirgon's keepstakes in
his manor: "I found this fellow just off the Langstrand, a few years
ago. He sings beautifully." If you remember that phrase, you know where
to look when this chapter comes up. You must first walk up to the
birdcage for the prompt and then ask Sirgon about him. He reminisces
about his friend Belondor of Langstrand and how he drowned in the Shield
Isles. After you use the whistle, the bird will return to the Ent and follow you onto your boat.
- The Sea-longing Lord - Now that Faltharan is now Lord of Lebennin and rebuilding the fleet, Sirgon really doesn't have much to do as a retired man. His wife and child fear that he might sneak away on some random merchant's boat! Sure enough, the old man already had his things packed away in a trunk in hopes of such an occasion.
- She Who Remained - Word of Corudan must have reached Sigileth by now and figured you would meet her halfway at the town of Morlad. You have a brief chat with Rovalang, inconvenience some more spirits, and hear the he must unfortunately stay behind to protect the Vale. Sigileth shows up moments later as she passes through the Paths of the Dead.
- The Corsair Jajax - You pay a visit to Prince Imrahil to see if he is aware of Jajax's whereabouts. As eager as he is to join your crew, the swan-knight respects Elessar's decision to stay behind. It appears Jajax was headed southeast to Abadec's Watch to rescue his brother Daxamat. After you help out your friends, Jajax refuses to go on another adventure unless he is designated captain! Though, his brother is willing to join as he did for Balakhor the Scourge as a deckhand on the Night-jewel and Azgarzor until they slew him.
- Brothers of the Queen - The two elves are out and about in Tum Rost clearing some loose ends. Elrohir wanted to seek out some corsairs but found some goblins. He is always filled with excitement in seeing something unexpected. Elladan tracked down some corsairs over by the river. He has little love for ships but has a great fondness for adventure.
- The Swan-knight - Rossaran is a character you might have forgotten about in Tadrent. Since he only just returned from the war, he thought about smoothing things over with his wife before asking permission with a bouquet of flowers. Their beauty is nourished by the salt-spray of the Bay. Bruidis remarks that she did not say he couldn't join my crew. She said that he would not leave her side as she is coming too! She is a master strategist, you know.
- The King's Own Merchant - While we are at it, why not invite the man from Galengam's Divine and Delicate Draughts. As obnoxious as the guy might be, he really knows how to make a pitch as a merchant. He wants you to take down and burn all the flyers he had his workers put up around town advertising his status as the King's Own Merchant. "The brazier burns hungrily, waiting for papers to devour in its flame." Bandron, of course, was curious on why I turned the posters they meticulously ordered and spent all morning up into ash. He performs a merry jig on the cobblestone when he finds out Galengam will be away for awhile.
- Carver of Distant Stone - Gangur Farwend was a dwarf sent away from the fortress in disgrace by Hamisar. The guards weren't too helpful but suggested he might be at the southern outpost of Zarsatrad. Sure enough, Gangur was trying to get some more information on that very shiny talisman Kholtekh the Cunning carried around in his pocket. When the dwarves laugh at his request, he storms off to the river. After he calms down, he welcomes the chance of joining your crew.
"We would have lost the war if it wasn't for me turning this winch" - Hatric
Chapter 5.2 - 5.3: Six members are required to join the crew to disembark. Seven are optional. There are 15 in total if you count Caegar and yourself. On the morning of our departure, Nauriel grows impatient. Sigilith misses her knives (little does she know that I have both of them) but now wields an unnamed sword. She muses that Corudan's name, translated as River-walker, will now be changed to Sea-Strider. Rossaran admires the bridge overhead when his wife Bruidis thinks of him as a dwarf with how he admires the stonework in Gondor while attending to the supplies down below. Caebar admits of getting queasy after seeing Daxamat clambering over the edge of the ship. Gimli provides some of his remedy and Legolas worries the boat will be noticed before reaching the city. Elladan wonders if there are elves in Umbar while his brother Elrohir notices the difference of material used in the ship. Gangur is still wondering about that gemstone when conversing with Gimli and Galengam is still thinking of what items would fetch the best price. Meanwhile, Gwallang is happy cracking a shell against the ship now that he is sailing with Sirgon again. The old sailor wishes he made his manor out of wood like the ship.
In preparation of visiting the city of Umbar, Daxamat decides to give the crew a quick history lesson. He says that Umbar translates as the Fruitful Land. It's true name is Umbar Baharbel, the City of Sails. There used to be a religion of He-Who-Sees-All before the temples of the All-Seeing One turned into ruin and a Place of Lies. Criminals can be asked to be sent to the arena to fight as gladiators according to the Kiteb, the codex of Umbari law.
Chapter 5.4 - 5.5: Fate had other plans for the Wave-hunter when an unnatural storm shipwrecks the crew in The Grinding Jaws of the Shield Isles. Those still onboard were willing to help make camp. Rossaran catches fish while his wife Bruidas prepares a salve for people's wound. Sigilith wants you to check the wreckage for signs of Corudan but only finds a letter in a bottle from Phelex. Gimli laughs at Legolas trying to bring down the birds in the tree while we collect meat from beasts on the ground. Nauriel visits the nearby village and notices the poster filled with three different bounties. When she mentions Belondor, Sirgon pulls you to the side and tells you of his task as Warden of the Firth that Steward Denethor gave him.
"I can see our boat from here." - Hatric
While most of the crew remained with the ship, a few individuals are not accounted for. If you have a hard time finding them, you can use this helpful thread with a map to find them. Gangur is one of the first to tip over far to the north and wants us to help him collect his things to survey the land. Gangur is disappointed the rock samples are only sea-crystals and tells you a story of seeing a giant shelled beast, all tentacles and siphons, shine a jewel like an opal
from his dreams. Gwallang is curiously trying to settle down but keeps getting scared away by weird noises, bog-lurkers, and a giant bird. Elrohir finds a wounded corsair and rescues him from some kergrim in exchanges for some information. It appears that after Balakhor the Scourge failed his task in Gondor, his wife tried to have her son take up the city of Umbar before the Kindred of the Coin riot. However, rumor has it that she refuses to attack the city either because her son is dead or being held hostage. Galengam persuades you to check on his supplies, his competition, and some live delicacies on the island. It is too bad no one is willing to tell him the recipe for salamander and toad leg soup.
"These rock samples may say something to Gangur that they do not say to you."
Chapter 5.6: When checking out who might be interested in collecting the bounty of these prominent figures on the list, you are given three names: Blade-twist, Cruel Dancer, and a man by the name of Driftwood. This is where the story diverts depending on whether or not a figure survives the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. If he does survive, you will see Horn from your journey in Rohan drowning himself in liquor. Sigileth informs him of how his former comrade Corudan has been kidnapped. If he did not survive, you will be introduced to a thief who steals from the ruthless and gives to those less fortunate.
"There's too many chickens. Too much clucking." - Resolina
Chapter 5.7 - 6.4: Once you finish recollecting your crew in the Shield Isles, your job is to hitch a ride from Halrax over to the Cape of Umbar. You might agree with Gimli's displeasure about now when you discover how much farther you must travel to reach the city. Legolas tried to lighten his mood by offering him some silver gimli, the Umbari coin, but he did not seem amused by that either. Many of these quests will offer some Allegiance tokens in addition to Umbari tokens that can be used at the barterer. You'll hop from one city to the next and stumble across the Cruel Dancer taking out her competition in Rakhatâb. Make sure to take a moment to listen to Legolas story about the Beacon-tower of Calatirion.
"He said the name of it, but who can remember the Elf-names for such
things?
It is not like dwarf-names! Now those are easy to recall!" - Gimli
Chapter 6.5: Looks like everyone has their own agenda in the city. Some investigate how to get closer to the Kindred of the Coin but no one really knows what happens within their inner circle. It is hard for Gimli and Legolas to get any information at the docks. Some believe Tumuldo got himself killed and Nakasi burned down the White City. The dock-master admits that he has not seen the smugglers' ship in the past few days. Nauriel had me evaluate the movement of the guards in Fleet-fast but they called me out by declaring that entry to the Citadel of Winds is by invitation only. Bruidis determines that a frontal assault to the Citadel of Winds is out of the question and Rossaran learns Azagath and Belondor are credited for the Sea-stone Mutiny with the assistance of Harmelek, the Golden Queen. Sirgon knows Belondor loved Meshka and confronts her at the markets. However, the guards were waiting when we approached their home for a discussion. Her previous husband was burned alive to the Church of All Seeing and gave affection to her new husband's struggle through the Shield Isles. Sirgon's life is spared but will be forfeit if seen in the Upper Ward again.
"We need to come up with a place to meet up afterwards... and there they all go" - Hatric
Other characters have other things in mind. Galengam has already setup shop and asks you to put up some flyers around the Sail-haven. Surprisingly, Azagath Sea-shadow, leader of the Kindred of the Coin, appears in rich purple and questions the eager merchant. Sigileth overhears someone say Khasha and hands her the note found in the bottle about Phelex. It appears the man wrote it 30 years ago when he thought he was going to die but ultimately joined the corsair crew until Tumuldo pulled him out of the war in Gondor. Gwallang can be found by the Reflection Pool above the ampitheatre still trying to find a good place to nest and flies over to a fruit tree down in the valley. The elf brothers were also told to meet out there for some information and had a quick brawl with the locals. Gangur finds a friendly dwarf who tells him about the Abashal or "sea-opal" stone as a sign of defiance when the temple fell. Daxamat bribes a guard to hear about his friend locked up in the gaol, finds out that he is pitted against Rothag the Storm (Half-Troll leader of the Crow-feeders because a great mass of carrion birds would follow their wake), and bribed the guard again to tell him why it is a bad idea to have trial by combat. The man told the guard that he withdraws "until Rothog retire." Although Balakthor locked up Rothag in the arena in the hopes of his death, he has lasted in there for more than a year and still participates after the change of leadership because he enjoys it.
Gwallang chirps happily at you, and you know you have made a friend for life.
Depending on your circumstances, you will get one of two quests for Driftwood. The thief version thinks about stealing when he wanders through a rich part of the city. He
quickly leaves and asks you to see what happens to criminals. The locals
tell you that a guard might lock one up if they catch one, kill him on the spot, or have them request a trial by combat. Of course, those of higher standing might have the leeway to escape judgement. Some see stealing as a trade. The Horn version has you stumble across the man pondering to himself in the middle of a market place outside the gates. He merely asks you to give him some time alone (10 minutes) before letting you know his resolution to his current situation.
"You could have told me that Sigileth no longer has her knives sooner!" - Horn
Chapter 6.6 - 6.8: After some time passes, you return to Caebar and find out that he had someone bump into him earlier. From your advice, he checks his pockets and finds a mysterious note from The Dancer. It tells us of a riddle that leads us to the crocodiles by the river, a broken lamp, and a hidden passage the corsairs used to hide their boat. With help of the bounty hunter, you find Corudan tied up by some sleeping lions. A quick fight with Tatháta the Beast and you are able to rescue him.
"Wait... what? My sister is alive?" - Corudan
Chapter 7.1 - 7.5: The group decides to split up and ask questions about the Kindred of the Coin at various taverns. You are in the middle of some gossip when Rothog the Storm appears behind you. He takes you to Harmelek the Golden Queen when she informs you of a way to sneak into the Citadel of Winds. Azagath has people carry large bowls of waters to each of the fountains. You realize that these people were not stopped by the guards when patrolling the streets for Nauriel. Hired as one of these servants, you carry some water to the inner section of the city and stand by when the Kindred of the Coin bring forth Thorongil. The next sequence of events surprise you as Jajax brings forth Nimrodel (disguised as Arwen). She has the river-maidens attack from the fountain in order to rescue the boy.
"I have set aside my veil of mourning" - Nimrodel
Interlude: The events that proceed is nearly identical in both versions. You head back to Lhanuch so that Corudan and Siglith can have a chat with Nona. The last you talked with her, she was telling you how she would return home pregnant with a child. If Horn did not survive the battle, Caegar will leave a drawing of the two with Nona. If Horn did survive, Nona grabs the blade she finds in the story ready to make sure her husband does not last for long. However, the two of them reconcile and talk over what happened in the past few months.
"Sit, my friends. I would hear of the adventures I have missed!" - Nona