Recaps

Allen returned to Wilderness Village and learned that its population had grown to nearly four thousand while its defenses and administration struggled to keep pace. After hearing that a mysterious wizard lived nearby, he used the simulator and experienced a failed mission in Uxkhal that ended in his character’s death; he then chose not to continue.

• Allen returned to Wilderness Village and found that fields, roads, and the village had expanded during his absence.
• Ymira, Bunduk, Firentis, Artimenner, and Deshavi reported on the village’s population, food, security, militia, unfinished wall, and nearby Half-orc activity.
• Deshavi told Allen about a strange old man living in a cottage near Beorn, and Allen warned her not to provoke him.
• Allen opened the simulator and followed a mission in Uxkhal to rescue Tachiman, while his childhood friend Hunter carried out the plan.
• Allen’s simulated character drew the Swadian soldiers away from Hunter, fought through the city, and died after being struck by crossbow bolts.
• Allen declined to continue the simulation and planned to visit friends and meet a Maiar.

Allen traveled to the Woodland Realm to establish a trade route, and his unusual wine impressed Galion and Thranduil. He secured a favorable grain-for-wine agreement and left the Iron Hills with ten dwarf swords before returning to Wilderness Village.

• Allen assigned Deshavi to help negotiate with the Woodland Realm and set out with wine, Artimenner, and a group of villagers.
• Galion tasted the wine from Calradia and Pendor, praised the Pendor wine's unusual power, and guided Allen's party toward Thranduil's halls.
• Thranduil sampled the Pendor wine and negotiated a trade in which Allen would receive grain worth ten times the wine's cost, along with packhorses and Elf protection for his caravans.
• Allen visited Dáin Ironfoot on the way back and received ten dwarf swords after staying for two days.
• Allen returned to Wilderness Village after another month away.

Several years after Wilderness Village grew into Wilderness Town, Allen met Radagast and Gandalf while seeking a new neighbor, then agreed to travel with Gandalf. On the way home, Allen wondered whether Gandalf had used magic to influence his decision.

• Over several years, Wilderness Village expanded into Wilderness Town with more than five thousand residents, rebuilt brick walls, and improved roads, while Allen's simulations brought both resources and repeated deaths.
• Allen visited Beorn, who introduced him to Radagast, and they found Gandalf the Grey at Radagast's cottage.
• Gandalf questioned Allen about Wilderness Town, and Allen claimed his people had come from the East and were descendants of one of Gandalf's old acquaintances.
• Gandalf proposed a journey, and Allen agreed to leave with him in about a month after hearing that they would visit Lothlórien.
• On the way back, Allen worried that Gandalf's magic or charm might have influenced him to accept the invitation.

Allen completed a simulation that earned him Noldor friendship, valuable equipment, Vitality, and a Dragon Tear Gem, which he exchanged for an Elixir of Immortality. After giving Ymira Vitality, he prepared to leave town again and entrusted its affairs to her and his followers.

• In the simulation, Allen gained Israndir’s trust by rescuing two Noldor Elves from Aelno’s estate and returning them safely to the forest.
• Israndir rewarded Allen with Noldor equipment, Vitality, and a Dragon Tear Gem, and the simulation ended with the Noldor Elves friendly toward him.
• Allen exchanged the Dragon Tear Gem for an Elixir of Immortality, redeemed his other rewards, and drank the potion after the items appeared in his bedroom.
• Allen gave Vitality to Ymira, who hoped the gift signaled his affection but was disappointed when he asked her to manage town affairs during his next absence.
• Allen assigned military and construction responsibilities to Firentis and Artimenner, arranged for Klethi and Deshavi to seek help if enemies invaded, and went to speak with Firentis.

Allen prepared to leave Wilderness Village and traveled with Gandalf toward Lothlórien. After Allen revealed that Isildur’s Ring might be connected to the Half-orcs and Saruman’s men near the Golden Iris River, Gandalf changed course to alert the White Council, and they reached Lothlórien half a month later.

• Allen stocked Wilderness Village with supplies, handed its affairs to his subordinates, and set out with Gandalf after changing into inconspicuous travel gear.
• Allen and Gandalf crossed the Old Ford, fought Warg Riders and Half-orcs, and rescued villagers during their journey through the woods.
• At the Golden Iris River, Gandalf and Allen helped Saruman’s men defeat a force of Half-orcs, and Allen identified the enemy as likely coming from Dol Guldur.
• Allen told Gandalf that Isildur had carried a Ring when he died near the river and connected it to the Half-orcs and Saruman’s men searching the area.
• Gandalf decided to summon the White Council and act against Dol Guldur, then hurried with Allen to Lothlórien, where they arrived half a month later.

Allen attended the White Council meeting in Lothlórien, where he revealed that Azog, the Half-orcs of Mount Gundabad, and possibly Smaug threatened the planned attack on Dol Guldur. The Council agreed to prepare an expedition to the Lonely Mountain, and Allen accepted Gandalf’s invitation to join it before leaving for home with a gift from Galadriel.

• Galadriel welcomed Allen to Lothlórien and later brought him to a White Council meeting with Gandalf, Elrond, and Saruman.
• Gandalf reported what he had learned about the One Ring, while Saruman claimed it had been carried into the sea and urged the Council to stop pursuing the matter.
• Allen told the Council that Azog was active near Dol Guldur, Bolg had come from Mount Gundabad, and Smaug might be allied with the darkness there.
• Gandalf proposed an expedition to the Lonely Mountain to confront Smaug and create an opportunity to attack Dol Guldur, and Galadriel and Elrond supported the plan.
• Gandalf invited Allen to join the expedition, and Allen accepted; Elrond also invited him to visit Rivendell.
• Galadriel gave Allen soil empowered by Nenya, and Allen left Lothlórien with a small company of Elves escorting him home.

Allen secured passage through Thranduil’s territory toward the Lonely Mountain, bought Elven weapons, and used five reputation points to obtain Denars and recruit Hollimion with twelve Twilight Knights. He then began a Calradia simulation as a dispossessed Khergit noble, winning a duel that earned his people temporary pasture near Tulga.

• Allen spread Galadriel’s gift over Wilderness Town’s farmland and visited Thranduil to request military passage toward the Lonely Mountain.
• Allen promised to seek Thranduil’s Starlight Gem from the Lonely Mountain’s treasure, while Thranduil granted passage and sold him Elven bows, spears, and arrows.
• Allen spent five reputation points on two hundred thousand Denars and recruited Hollimion and twelve Twilight Knights.
• Allen entered a Calradia simulation as the second son of Noyan Boalie, rejected Nuam’s offer for his herders, and led them east in search of pasture.
• Allen challenged Tuluge to a ten-on-one mounted duel, defeated his opponents, and won pasture near Tulga and money for his migrating people.

After ending the Horse-herding Village simulation, Allen summoned its people and livestock and established them on a fertile grassland near Wilderness Village. He began planning a mixed herding and farming settlement, while trying to stop the villagers from worshipping him as a heavenly god.

• Allen relinquished his identity as lord of Horse-herding Village and summoned its villagers, prisoners, horses, cattle, and sheep to the grassland Firentis had found.
• The herders gathered before Allen and hailed him as a heavenly god, prompting Firentis to ask whether Allen could guide him toward redemption.
• Allen reassured Firentis that redemption came from his own actions, then ordered Tuoju to lead the villagers in rebuilding Horse-herding Village and to stop them worshipping him.
• The herders quickly set up tents and divided the pastures, while Allen summoned Artimenner to help supervise the settlement's construction.
• Allen planned to combine nomadic herding with farming, improve the villagers' medical care, and centrally manage the horses; he also considered giving Artimenner an Elixir of Immortality.

Allen completed the organization of three legions and finished arranging affairs in his villages before leaving with Gandalf to find Thorin Oakenshield. The Great Eagles carried them toward Bree, where Gandalf expected Thorin to pass after searching for his father.

• Allen established infantry, ranged, and cavalry legions under Alayen, Bunduk, and Firentis, with Deshavi leading the scouts and Hollimion serving in Allen's personal guard.
• Gandalf arrived in Wilderness Town and told Allen that Thorin Oakenshield was searching for Thráin II in Rhûn and would likely return toward the Blue Mountains.
• Allen agreed with Gandalf that they should not reveal the full plan to Thorin, particularly the Elves' involvement, before Thorin agreed to the expedition.
• After arranging matters in Wilderness Town and Horse-herding Village, Allen left with Gandalf on two Great Eagles.
• The Great Eagles carried Allen and Gandalf from Carl Rock to the Eyrie and then near Rivendell, and the two continued toward Bree by road.

Allen waited in Bree for Gandalf and news of Thorin Oakenshield, while dealing harshly with the local gang leader who tried to rob him. Gandalf met Thorin at the Prancing Pony and persuaded him to join the expedition; the next day, Allen and Gandalf left Bree and rode toward the Shire.

• Allen spent his weeks in Bree learning about cooking from Albert Drelly while Gandalf was away gathering information.
• Allen defeated Old Bill Ferny and his gang after they tried to rob him, and rumors spread about the outsider’s frightening reputation.
• Gandalf told Allen that Thorin would arrive soon, and Thorin entered the Prancing Pony that evening.
• Gandalf met Thorin privately, persuaded him about the expedition, and said he had chosen a burglar who would meet them in Hobbiton.
• Gandalf introduced Allen to Thorin, who asked whether Allen was the burglar before Gandalf explained that he was his friend from Wilderness Town.
• Allen and Gandalf left Bree the next day, rode through the Barrow-downs and the Old Forest, and checked into the Green Dragon Inn.

Allen joined the Dwarves’ meeting at Bag End, signed a contract to help them reach the Lonely Mountain, and wagered Thorin that Bilbo would earn his respect before they arrived. The chapter ended with Bilbo being carried to a chair after fainting.

• Allen arrived at Bag End with a gift and told Bilbo that he was part of the gathering, then joined the Dwarves inside.
• Gandalf and the Dwarves arrived, and Bilbo hosted them while Thorin was delayed after losing his way.
• Thorin questioned why Allen could not be their Burglar, and Gandalf explained Allen’s role and confidence in Bilbo.
• Allen reviewed and signed a contract promising to help the company reach the Lonely Mountain and gain entry in exchange for at least one-fifteenth of the treasure.
• Allen wagered with Thorin that Bilbo would join the expedition and eventually earn Thorin’s respect, with the loser owing the winner one request within his power.
• The Dwarves lifted the fainted Bilbo onto a reclining chair.

Allen and Kili discovered Warg Riders tracking Thorin’s company, forcing the group to travel faster as Azog’s pursuit loomed. After finding three Trolls and treasure in their cave, Allen persuaded the Dwarves to join an attack, and Thorin agreed.

• Allen scouted the road from the Shire to Bree as Bilbo joined the company, which later replenished supplies in Bree and continued toward the Misty Mountains.
• At camp, Allen recognized the night the Warg Riders would find them and led Kili in shooting the riders across a ravine, but one wounded Warg escaped.
• Gandalf urged Thorin Oakenshield to seek refuge in Rivendell, but Thorin refused, so the company rode hard while Gandalf and Thorin quarreled.
• Allen found three Trolls sleeping in a cave and reported their presence and treasure to Thorin and the Dwarves.
• Allen pointed out that the Troll cave held enough treasure to fill several chests, persuading the Dwarves to agree to an attack.

Allen and the company killed the three Trolls and discovered Elven weapons in their cave. He urged Thorin Oakenshield to let Gandalf and him take the map to Rivendell for Lord Elrond to decipher, leaving Thorin to consider the proposal overnight.

• Gandalf stunned the Trolls with White Light, and Allen and the Dwarves attacked them as Glóin lit the woodpile.
• Allen shot a Troll in the nostril, giving Dwalin a chance to wound it and Thorin Oakenshield to kill it; Allen then shot another Troll in the eye, and the company defeated the last one.
• The Dwarves gathered treasure while Allen found Orcrist and Gandalf found Glamdring; Allen gave Orcrist to Thorin Oakenshield.
• Allen pressed Thorin Oakenshield to let him and Gandalf take the map to Lord Elrond for translation, warning that the expedition could not succeed without the map’s information.
• Thorin Oakenshield fell silent and considered Allen’s proposal as Allen left to retrieve his arrows; Gandalf then unearthed a short Elven blade.

Allen persuaded Thorin Oakenshield to let Gandalf and him take the map to Rivendell, where Elrond identified its Moon-letters and asked the company to stay until the timing was right. Before leaving Rivendell, Allen met young Aragorn, called Estel, and gave him his Rune Longsword, naming it Hope.

• Thorin Oakenshield reluctantly handed Allen the map while insisting the company would not enter Rivendell, and Allen passed it to Gandalf.
• Gandalf led the company to Rivendell, where Elrond invited the Dwarves inside and recognized the Moon-letters on Thorin's map.
• Allen spoke with Elrond about history and revealed that he was in his early forties, after which Elrond introduced him to Estel and Gilraen.
• Estel asked to spar with Allen, who repeatedly bested him before giving him the Rune Longsword and naming it Hope.
• Elrond gave Allen, Gandalf, and Thorin bags of Miruvor, and the company left Rivendell to continue its journey.

Allen and the company crossed the High Pass, were captured by half-orcs in Orc Town, and fought their way through the caves with Gandalf. After Allen killed the Orc King, the collapsing bridge dropped the company into a pit, where the king’s corpse pinned Allen’s left arm.

• Allen led the company through the rain-soaked High Pass, where stone giants’ battle forced them to flee and seek shelter in a cave.
• Half-orcs attacked the company’s campsite, and Allen and Gandalf secretly entered Orc Town while the others were captured.
• Allen followed the half-orcs into their cavern and saw Bilbo Baggins’s Sting fall into the darkness, but chose not to tell Gandalf about the One Ring.
• Gandalf began the escape, and Allen helped the company fight through the half-orcs and shoot down their archers.
• Allen shot the Orc King as he blocked the company’s path, but the wooden bridge collapsed and dropped everyone into a pit.
• The Orc King’s corpse landed on the company and pinned Allen’s left arm, leaving him in agony.

Allen and the company escaped Orc Town, survived Azog’s Warg attack, and reached Wilderness Town, where Allen welcomed them into his domain. After Bilbo showed him the One Ring, Allen experienced its powerful allure but resisted it and warned Bilbo to keep it hidden.

• Allen found Gollum in a side tunnel, left him unharmed, and escaped Orc Town with the company as Bilbo secretly obtained the One Ring.
• Bilbo pledged to help the Dwarves reclaim their home, and Azog’s Wargs forced the company to flee and climb the trees.
• Allen shot at the pursuing Wargs and wounded Azog, then clung to a falling pine until the Great Eagles rescued the company.
• The Eagles carried the company to Carl Rock, where Thorin woke, reconciled with Bilbo, and acknowledged losing his wager with Allen.
• Allen brought the company to Wilderness Town, introduced Firentis, and arranged lodging before asking Bilbo to show him the Ring.
• Allen touched the Ring, resisted the visions and temptation it provoked, and urged Bilbo to keep it safe and concealed.

Allen reviewed Wilderness Town’s growth and defenses, approved Ymira’s tax proposal, and hosted a feast for Thorin Oakenshield’s Company. As Gandalf prepared to leave for Lothlórien, Allen considered how to guide Thorin through the Woodland Realm and hoped he would return Thranduil’s Heirloom Gem.

• Ymira reported on Wilderness Town’s growth and proposed an annual household fee, which Allen approved.
• Firentis’s forces had defended the town and Horse-herding Village against Giant Black Spiders, Wargs, and Warg Riders while Alayen trained the troops.
• Artimenner had widened the roads and built two barbicans, and Allen praised his work and thanked his subordinates.
• Allen hosted a lavish feast for Thorin Oakenshield, Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and the Dwarves, and Thorin warmed to Allen’s friendship.
• Gandalf prepared to leave for Lothlórien, while Allen considered the dangers awaiting Thorin and hoped he would return Thranduil’s Heirloom Gem.

Allen prepared Wilderness Town and its allies for the coming war over the Lonely Mountain, while Sauron gathered forces to attack it. The chapter ended with Beorn and Wulf agreeing to join Allen, after Beorn asked him to arrange Jeremus’s help for Marian during childbirth.

• Allen arranged for Thorin Oakenshield’s company to travel with Deshavi’s caravan to the Woodland Realm and asked Thorin to avoid provoking Thranduil.
• The Dwarves departed Wilderness Town as Gandalf, Saruman, Elrond, Galadriel, and their forces gathered for the fight against Sauron.
• Azog prepared Uruk-hai, Wargs, Trolls, and Snaga for an assault on the Lonely Mountain, and sent Bolg toward the Woodland Realm to pursue Thorin Oakenshield.
• Allen joined Firentis, Alayen, and Bunduk in leading troops to destroy giant spiders near the logging site.
• Allen set Wilderness Town’s war plans, assigning forces and supplies for the campaign and planning to help Bard confront Smaug near Lake-town.
• Beorn agreed that he and Wulf would join Allen, and asked him to have Jeremus care for Marian when she gave birth.

Allen traveled to Thranduil's Hall to address the imprisonment of Thorin Oakenshield and his companions, but Thranduil refused to release them. After confirming Bilbo Baggins had escaped capture, Allen told Thorin he expected Bilbo to rescue the Dwarves and arranged to meet them in Lake-town.

• Allen crossed Mirkwood with Hollimion and the Twilight Knights after learning Thorin Oakenshield and the Dwarves had been captured by Thranduil.
• Thranduil welcomed Allen and examined the unfamiliar runes on his guests' equipment, but declined Allen's request to release the Dwarves.
• Thranduil granted Allen permission to visit the prisoners, and Allen checked each cell without finding Bilbo Baggins.
• Allen confronted Thorin Oakenshield about breaking their agreement, then privately assured him that Bilbo had escaped and would rescue the Dwarves.
• Allen told Thorin he would wait for him in Lake-town and left the dungeon.

Bilbo freed Thorin Oakenshield’s company from the Woodland Realm by hiding them in wine barrels, and Thranduil chose not to pursue them. Allen searched for Bolg’s Warg Riders and, after finding their trail, led his guards in pursuit.

• Bilbo found an opportunity to free the Dwarves after Galion and the dungeon captain got drunk, then waited for Allen to leave the dungeon.
• Bilbo helped the Dwarves escape in discarded barrels, and Bard helped them find lodgings in Lake-town.
• Thranduil learned of the escape but decided not to send anyone after Thorin’s company.
• Allen took Hollimion and his guards east of the Running River to search for Bolg, but found no tracks after two days.
• Allen returned along the river’s western bank, discovered the Warg Riders’ trail, and learned from Hollimion that their band numbered nearly a hundred.
• Allen ordered his guards to pursue and kill Bolg’s Warg Riders.

Allen ambushed Bolg’s Warg Riders, pursued them to the Running River, and defeated them in a cavalry clash. He killed Bolg, took his head and armor, and led the Twilight Knights toward Lake-town.

• Allen and his guards surprised the Warg Riders with Noldor Arrows, killing many and wounding Bolg.
• Allen led the Warg Riders on a running pursuit toward the Running River, shooting at them as the Twilight Knights used their faster horses to stay ahead.
• At the riverbank, Allen turned to fight, and the Twilight Knights charged through and shattered the Warg Riders’ formation.
• Bolg charged Allen, but Allen’s lance struck Bolg’s Warg; after Bolg rallied for another attack, volleys of Noldor Arrows pinned him and his Warg to the riverbank.
• Allen killed the dying Bolg, removed his armor, and took his head for Thorin, while Hollimion reported that the fleeing Warg Riders had been accounted for.
• Allen praised the Twilight Knights and led them toward Lake-town.

Allen reached Lake-town after killing Bolg and found Thorin Oakenshield and his company waiting at Bard’s house. He presented Bolg’s head to Thorin, then prepared to meet Lake-town’s Master to secure supplies for their journey.

• Allen led his armed guards to Lake-town’s gate, where Braga recognized him and opened the gate after Allen agreed to enter alone.
• Allen learned that Thorin Oakenshield and his company had escaped the Woodland Realm and had been waiting in Lake-town for nearly a week.
• Kili spotted Allen near Bard’s house and announced his arrival, relieving Thorin and Allen alike.
• Allen dismissed Braga with gold coins and reunited with Thorin, Bilbo, and the rest of the company at Bard’s house.
• Allen showed Thorin Bolg’s head and explained that he had killed Azog’s son while Bolg was hunting Thorin.
• Allen and Thorin set out to meet Lake-town’s Master and obtain supplies.

Allen arranged supplies, weapons, boats, and equipment for the Quest of Erebor by giving the Master of Lake-town a bag of diamonds, and secured the Dwarven windlance. After Thorin declared they would leave for the Lonely Mountain the next day, Allen asked Bard to stay in Lake-town so they could work together to protect its people from Smaug.

• Stephen hurried to meet Allen after learning that a noble visitor had gone to Bard’s house.
• Allen gave Stephen a half-bag of diamonds in exchange for supplies for the Quest of Erebor and the windlance atop the Master’s house.
• Thorin thanked Allen and said he was eager to return to the Lonely Mountain; Balin went with Stephen to arrange the supplies.
• Bard returned home, recognized Thorin’s plan to confront Smaug, and warned that the dragon could destroy Lake-town.
• Thorin said the Dwarves would leave the next day, and Allen told Bard the Dwarves had the right to reclaim their homeland.
• Allen asked Bard to wait for him and offered to work together to save Lake-town’s residents when Smaug threatened them.

Ymira managed Wilderness Town’s harvest preparations and postponed plans for a hospital, reservoirs, and army exercises until the grain was stored. Allen found the Lonely Mountain’s Secret Door with Bilbo and the Dwarves, then returned to Lake-town, where Firentis’s army had arrived and Bard had been arrested for warning townspeople about Smaug.

• Ymira halted Jeremus and Artimenner’s argument and scheduled construction of the hospital and reservoirs after the harvest, while Firentis’s army exercise preparations were also delayed.
• Allen traveled with Thorin Oakenshield’s Company to the Lonely Mountain, surveyed the terrain around Ravenhill, and helped search for the Secret Door.
• Allen and Bilbo discovered the hidden stairway on the mountain’s western ridges in early October, and Thorin confirmed it led to the Secret Door.
• Allen bade farewell to Thorin and the Company, then returned to Lake-town, leaving Bilbo to undertake the burglary and advising the Dwarves to wait for Gandalf if necessary.
• Hollimion told Allen that Firentis, Alayen, and Bunduk had arrived with their troops and that Bard had been arrested after warning people about a dragon attack.
• Allen mounted his horse with Hollimion and rode toward the Wilderness Town army’s camp.

Allen gathered his officers, reminded them to protect the people, and ordered his army to march on Lake-town ahead of Smaug’s attack. At Lake-town’s gates, he pressured Master Stephen into sending Bard out to speak with him.

• Allen addressed his officers about loyalty and protecting the people, then ordered the army to march on Lake-town and persuade its inhabitants to evacuate.
• Allen told Beorn that only his Personal Guard and he would confront Smaug, and asked Beorn and Wulf to help intimidate Master Stephen.
• Allen assembled his army and led its cavalry to Lake-town while the infantry followed; Master Stephen prepared the town’s guards and summoned residents.
• Allen used the size of his approaching army to pressure Master Stephen, who agreed to his demand to send Bard out.
• Bard appeared above Lake-town’s gate and asked Allen what he wanted to discuss.