After being pursued through the Shire by mysterious riders in black, Frodo and his friends decide that the safest way for them to continue their journey to Rivendell is to travel through the Old Forest.

Setup: Set Old Man Willow and Withywindle aside, out of play. Each player searches the encounter deck and adds 1 different location to the staging area. Shuffle the encounter deck.

When Revealed: Each player draws 1 card. Advance to a random stage 2A.

"You have left the Shire, and are now outside, and on the edge of the Old Forest." –Merry, The Fellowship of the Ring