Rivendell: Imlad Gelair is circled.
Whenever I’m in Rivendell, someone invariably asks “How do I get to that closed off area in the southeast?”. When I first arrive in a new area, particularly a town, I’m prone to want to search around and find everything I can. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out where the entrance was to this little closed off area. Eventually I just gave up on it. I finally figured it out a few days later.
The area in question is called Imlad Gelair. The reason you can’t enter it is simply because the Elves of Rivendell do not trust you enough. You simply need to raise your reputation with them to Acquaintance, which is not terribly difficult. Many quests in the area offer reputation rewards and you’re likely to get at least a few reputation items along the way as well.
Once you’ve reached Acquaintance, an elf on the steps outside of the Last Homely House will have a quest for you. He will tell you of Imlad Gelair and send you on your way. You do not need this quest to enter Imlad Gelair, but why skip the experience? The entrance to Imlad Gelair is through a small door that lies across the water from the Last Homely House.
I always loved entering previously barred areas. Imlad Gelair is quite cool, as is the Blue Stone Garrison in Thorin’s Hall. As you make your way through Imlad Gelair, you’ll eventually come to a clearing with a Superior Forge and a few expert-level craftsman.
Having a superior forge in Rivendell is nothing short of a godsend. You’ll be spending a lot of your higher level time near Rivendell. Having to otherwise travel to Thorin’s Hall each time you need a superior forge for crafting quickly becomes obnoxious.
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Great tip! My 47 Captain has been making the long (and seemingly, unnecessary) trek back to Thorin’s Gate. Thanks!