While resting in the Shire you're visited by your old friend Gandalf who brings unhappy news: the Dark Lord Sauron is gaining strength and his shadow is spreading across Middle-earth. The one thing he requires to assure his victory is the One Ring — but it was lost long ago and now he seeks it everywhere. It's vital to find it before Sauron does!
Gandalf urges you to start your mission by visiting both Elrond in the elven stronghold of Rivendell and Cirdan at the western harbor known as the Grey Havens. He also cautions you to beware Sauron's Ringwraiths and the corrupted wizard Saruman, both of whom also urgently seek the One Ring.
"I must go now," Gandalf says, "so I will leave you with this advice: stay on the road, avoid delays, and use your head!"