Before [Character] stood Saruman the White, the sun behind him so that it appeared as if it were he, not the sun, who was the light’s source, radiating brightness that seemed almost numinous, shrouding him in blinding aura. Proud of bearing, his keen eyes seemed to penetrate even to [Characters]’s heart as the First of the Istari looked upon him. “So, my friend,” he said, and it was a delight to hear him speak, his voice soft and gentle, warm and beguiling, even as his tone hinted at power but dimly veiled, like to strong currents beneath the still surface of a lake. “I can see to the depths of your heart, even as I think that you do not know it yourself. Still, what is it that you think you want of me?
NPC Encounter
?
| Options | Loyalists | Neutral | Usurpers |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAY (one word) | ? | ? | ? |
| Give Saruman a gift: artefact (artefact ID) | ? | ? | ? |
| ATTACK Saruman, foolish though this might seem | ? | ? | ? |
| OFFER to become his apprentice for a period of time | taken a few turns; recruit Saruman next turn → returned as Champion (+~40–90 E, +~30 mage) | ? | ? |
| Ask if Saruman had any ITEMs that he might consider giving him | ? | ? | ? |
| Apologize for disturbing him and FLEE | ? | ? | ? |
| ASK for information about [characters]'s whereabouts (NPC or Character ID) | ? | ? | ? |
| Ask if Saruman might consent to teach him a SPELL | ? | ? | ? |
| Seek to RECRUIT Saruman to his cause | Recruited* | ? | ? |
*Recruiting an NPC is not guaranteed — success depends on the recruiting character's emissary rank, the number of NPCs you already hold, the game turn (easier earlier), and your allies' relations toward your nation.
Istari — Challenge 139 — Champion: Yes
Command: 30, Agent: 10, Emissary: 60, Mage: 70, Stealth: 20
Combat +1000
Mage +10
Mage +20
Emissary +20
Emissarries at 40
Hex 1622
Player-reported data mined from the MEPBM Discord #encounters channel (2020–2026). Confidence: 🟢 confirmed · 🟡 probable · 🔵 open.