Message 992 : Basic Newbie Help (*Lost*)
Written on Mon Jun 20 04:11:26 1994

The days of the Istari have slowed down as we enter the 3rd millenium,
and with it comes a hoard of newbies who are agitated that there is no
one around to give them free levels.  Now, first of all, the excuse
'I can't kill anything' doesn't hold - there is something even for
the weakest of Mages. Here is a suggested order of mobs that you try to
kill - if you cant beat one lower on the list, don't try to beat higher
ones until you have conquored it:
Trout, carp, rabbits, dear, stag, bats, fox, cows, bull.
then try black wolves (not large black wolves - just the generic large
wolf), then try some of the other types of wolves - the grey wolf, and
move onto wargs. Do NOT try to take on the brown bear, shade, cavebear,
or mewlip which all preside near Bree.
 
A newbies introduction to Bree:
Since most newbies pray bree and want to go hunting, the question that
is msot often asked is 'where?'. 
West of Bree: You will find that the Old east Road leads to the shire -
a nice place where you can find easy mobs to kill. You can also head up
the lane about 7 North and fight grasshoppers and rabbits to the west.
Beware of: The old forest: ONCE YOU ARE IN THERE, YOU WILL NOT GET OUT.
Beware of: Deathtrap in the Brown bear cave area (watch out for the
brown bear for that matter)
 
North of Bree: You will find the road to fornost, a nice city to visit
and relatively safe from orc raids. There is also the shade cave - watch
out for it, or you will be toasted. There are rabid wolves and vines (steer
clear of these until you are level 7...8...9..10?)
 
East of Bree: DON'T GO THERE. The marshes are dangerous even for a couple of
mid-level characters, as there are many, many mobs that can be quite
difficult when they are all together. Mewlips kill fast. Bill Ferny also
roams this general area - you don't want to run into him. If you DO avoid
the marshes, you will most likely run into orcs on the way, or run into the
area with the spiny bushes and youwill die within one hit. 
 
South of Bree: fairly harmless - watch out for brigands (they can steal 
your money and can easily make newbie soup), watch out for the cavebear (run
real fast), and a few other mobs.. All in all, southwards is fairly safe.
An adventurous newbie can once again find rabbits and cows to slaughter here.
 
A newbie does NOT have to go with an istari to earn experience - all that
one needs is a little patience and a little common sense - try the shire,
kill some grasshoppers, and for your first long voyage, at level 6 or so,
take a trip to Grey Havens where you'll find a very beautiful city.
[Watch out for more newbie help postings to come]