FOTR/fortify and defend the Shire
From Create Your Own Story
After leaving a note for the hobbits with Butterbur and sending word to Aragorn that he is needed in Bree, Gandalf hastily makes his way south to Isenguard. He does not receive a warm welcome from Sauruman - in fact, the leader of the White Council astounds Gandalf by revealing his true desire: to serve Sauron as his deputy after helping him conquer the known world. He offers Gandalf a simple choice: join them, revealing the location of the Ring, or die.
Gandalf considers his options - if he can escape to Rivendell and warn Elrond, perhaps a force can be mustered to oppose the Uruk-hai orcish warriors that Sauruman has bred. He could also pretend to join Sauruman, revealing an incorrect location of the Ring so that the enemy is distracted until Gandalf works out his next move. Both of those options were too risky, he feared - if he managed to escape, who knows what terrible plan Sauruman would put in motion.
Decision
You are still on Tolkien's path. What should Gandalf do?
- Gandolf cannot stay, and he cannot go - so Gandalf engages in battle with Sauruman.
- Gandalf agrees to join Suaruman and Sauron, and starts operating as a double agent - agreeing to provide the location of The One Ring (but planning to lie).
- Gandalf escapes, and must decide in which direction to flee.
