:
: : No, if I were to go, I'd want to be prepared to survive in a world full of danger. I know it seems idyllic in many ways, but outsid

: Actually I'm inclined to believe the proverb that knowledge is power. Can you imagine what you could do with the power to know events before they happen? You could prevent many tragedies from befalling those we hold dear. In no time at all you would be a hero of epic proportions and could very well end up being a trusted advisor to King Ellesar's court. Initially I don't think money would help you, and in fact would end up getting you killed . Imagine walking into a Minus Tirith inn and laying down a $20 (U.S) bill? You would be wisked away by a gaurd and convicted of witchcraft. Gold or silver bars would be more useful. Certainly even the mundane events of Middle-Earth would be 10 times more interesting than Earth. Alas, we are doomed to thoughts of fancy.

I never mentioned "$20.00 U.S. bill". I had assumed incorrectly that everyone would know to bring something more appropriate. Since Tolkien was a bit hazy on his description of the local coinage I decided not mention what kind of money I would bring.

But my whole point was that Bree would be a safer and more logical place to start than just knocking on Frodo's door and asking to join the team. He's be shocked and worried that some total stranger knew about his business. Strider gets away with it, but only after Butterbur delivers the note from Gandalf. Would any of us have any way of convincing the Fellowship of our good intentions? Yes, we'd have knowledge, but how would we convince them that we weren't emissaries of Sauron? Trust and friendship need time to develop. That's all I'm really saying. So Bree is a good place to start.