Lord of the Rings Online : Brigands and Bandits

The wild lands of Eriador are home to men of questionable character, who dwell within the many caves and darkened glens throughout the forests and hills. Lawless rogues all, they roam in search of treasure among the ruins of Arnor, and occasionally waylay wanderers on the roads. While such attacks have been rare in years past, and usually only involved the stealing of a bite of food or a fat coin-purse, recently brigand raids on unwary travellers have dramatically increased.

It is indeed an ill omen that these ruffians have begun banding together into organized groups. Their increasingly bold attacks have many villagers worried that their numbers may be bolstered by new-comers from distant regions. The assaults are well-coordinated, and are no longer directed only against travellers or trade caravans. Vicious attacks have been undertaken against the town of Archet, and some say Combe and Staddle may be next.

Why these bandits have moved from the concealment of the shadows to open hostility, none can say. What is known for certain is that the peaceful towns upon which they prey are in desperate need of skilled swordsmen and archers to defend their simple way of life.