Floating conversations

Patience, brothers. Soon we will reveal the secrets of Assassin's Creed III, Assassin's Creed: Unity, Assassin's Creed: Origins, Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, Assassin's Creed: Valhalla, Dawn of Ragnarök, "Assassin's Creed: Mirage", and "Valley of Memory". This article has been identified as being out of date. Please update the article to reflect recent releases and then remove this template once done.

I thought we wanted the same thing. This memory has been marked as incomplete. Please update the page to include the missing dialogue transcription(s) or choice(s), and then remove this template once done.

Floating conversations are dialogues that were recreated or extrapolated through an Animus simulation but were not tied to a specific genetic memory.

Kassandra

Sargon

After learning from her adopted father Nikolaos that her mother Myrrine was still alive, the Spartan misthios Kassandra sailed to Phokis, Greece to claim the reward that Elpenor had promised to her. While in the polis of Kirrha, Kassandra came across the Oikos of the Olympians run by Sargon. Sargon: Welcome, my friend. My name is Sargon, Curator of Mythical and Extraordinary Antiquities. I have everything your heart could desire and more. For a price, of course. Sounds like nonsenseHow exciting Kassandra: This sounds almost too good to be true. Don't attempt to scam me, merchant. Sargon: By the gods, I would never dream of such a thing. Kassandra: I've never met a merchant so proud of his goods. Your items must be impressive. Sargon: They're the finest in all the Greek world, I promise you that, or may Zeus strike me down. Kassandra: I'm always happy to part with some drachmae if the price is right. Sargon: I'm not interested in drachmae. The only currency I accept is orichalcum. Kassandra: I've never heard of it. Sargon: Few have, thankfully. It's a precious metal from a time long before our own. It possesses many properties that Sargon finds appealing. (If "What do you sell?" is chosen.) Kassandra: What exactly do you sell? Sargon: Many things, my friend. Many things. I have weapons, armor, fashionable garments, and accessories for you, your friends, and even your ship. (If "Why not take drachmae?" is chosen.) Kassandra: What kind of merchant doesn't take drachmae? Sargon: The kind who is interested in rarer and more valuable forms of payment. (If "Where do I get orichalcum?" is chosen.) Kassandra: Tell me where to find orichalcum. Sargon: You can find it all over the Greek world if you know where to look. You can also check the message board for special jobs. Sargon is not the only one to deal in orichalcum. (Accept – "Show me what you have.") Kassandra: All right, let's see what you have to offer. Kassandra inspected Sargos' wares. Her curiosity satisfied, she left and continued her search for Elpenor. A while later, Kassandra returned to talk to Sargon again. Sargon: Welcome back, misthios. I'm always happy to see you. Kassandra: I'd be happy to see you more if you agreed to accept drachmae. Sargon: Sorry to disappoint, my friend, but I'm still only interested in orichalcum. Kassandra: What do you want with that strange metal? Sargon: Its values is beyond compare. It's ancient and worth far more than mere drachmae. I'm just one of the few to realize this. Kassandra: All right, keep your secrets. Show me what you have. Kassandra looked over his inventory again, then left to resume her quests. Towards the end of her journeys, she visited Sargon one last time.

Approaching land

During her travels around the Aegean Sea onboard the Adrestia, Kassandra talked about Greece's many islands with her comrades Barnabas and Herodotos as they neared their respective shores. Isle of ThisviMarathon Kassandra and the Adrestia crew approached the Isle of Thisvi close to Phokis during their voyage to Megaris to kill the Wolf of Sparta. Herodotos: (missing dialogue) Kassandra and the Adrestia approached Marathon Beach in Attika while on their way to the island of Andros. Herodotos: The bay of Marathon is ahead! Kassandra: Marathon... Herodotos: You know, the battle where a handful of Athenians pushed back the first Persian invasion? Kassandra: Hmm... Herodotos: The great Themistokles? King Darius of Persia? Kassandra: I'm not sure— Barnabas: The site where the great Theseus slayed the vicious Kretan Bull! Kassandra: Oh! That Marathon! Herodotos: (sigh) You're both hopeless...

Bayek

Encounters across Egypt

While travelling across the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt in 48 BCE hunting the Order of the Ancients, the Medjay Bayek of Siwa came across the travelling merchant Reda at his Nomad's Bazaar stall. Reda: Medjay! Great warrior, come! I sell what you want. You need it, I have it. If I don't have it, you don't need it. Reda has your back in these desolate lands. Bayek: You are but a boy, how did you come by such fine treasure? Reda: Plucked from the ancient lands of the desert, the sunken vessels of the Nile, refined by hand maidens of the gods. Weaponry forged in Nubian mines, Persian jewels, and Assyrian treasures! I have it all! Bayek: I see, you are well-travelled for such a young man. Reda: Old wisdom, neb (sir). I have acquired from long nights in the desert with my camel. Bayek: I will see what you have. Reda: Come! Look around. If you want, good neb (sir), I have other jobs too. Bayek inspected Reda's wares. His curiosity satisfied, he left and continued hunting the Order. A while later, Bayek found Reda's stall again and spoke to him. Reda: The Medjay has returned! In need of more finery? Bayek: Yes, in a moment. I'm curious, Reda. Where are your parents? Reda: Long story, seni (friend). A phylakitai of Alexandria caught them stealing and boiled them in a bronze bull. Bayek: By Anubis, I am sorry, Reda. Reda: No need. The gods took my family but gave me my camel, Amun, a great steed. I wander the desert and see the sun set when I want to. This is my freedom. Bayek: I see, as always, you are wise beyond your years. Reda: Yes, Osiris hears not the mourning of the weary-hearted. You wanna sell or buy anything, seni (friend)? The future is golden. Bayek looked over Reda's inventory again, then left to resume his quest. Reda eventually made his way to Alexandria, where he spotted Bayek passing by one day and called out to him. Reda: Bayek! Have my goods brought you many victories? Bayek: Reda! Good to see you. Yes, of course they have, thank you. You know, at times I feel we are family. Reda: Ahh, you would not want that, Medjay! My dear mother poisoned my father in a fit of passion! Then she died in the Nile... from a hippo attack! I was left with nothing but this camel. A sad tale. Bayek: Reda, when we last spoke, their fate involved a bronze bull. Reda: Oh really? Your memory must be off, too many hours out in the sun baking your mind. The past is what our dreams make of it. Ha, well. Bayek: You mad ruffian, I love your stories no matter their truth! It is good to see you again, Reda. Reda: Yes, yes, what can I offer you today? You gonna buy something or not. Bayek looked over Reda's wares once more, and then left as before. Shortly after learning that the Order member known as "The Lizard" served under the unaware High Priest Pasherenptah in Memphis, Bayek visited Reda one last time. Reda: Bayek of Siwa, what are you of now? Haha! Bayek: I wonder myself. Recently, I fought a giant snake, the size of the pyramids, with my bare hands. Reda: Really? That is impossible! Where was this snake!??! Bayek: It is but a story. Or a dream. I do not know the difference anymore. Reda: You see, my seni (friend), it is best to tell the story, not the truth. Hahaha! You know, I have heard stories of you in my travels. You should be proud of your ways. The gods smile on your deeds. Bayek: I love all those I meet, families, outcasts, lost gods and goddesses, desert rats, ruffians, and I will mourn the day when I cannot defend them anymore. I always wanted joy, but I worry my marriage to darkness will win. Reda: Your sojourn on earth should not trouble you. The joy in your heard forever walks beside you. Bayek: Your place in the Field of Reeds will be splendid, Reda. Reda: (Missing dialogue) [citation needed] And for now, you will need to be prepared as always—what would you like today? Bayek inspected Reda's wares a final time before leaving. Some time in 38 BCE, while investigating rumors as a Hidden One about a curse on Thebes that supposedly brought long-dead pharaohs to life, Bayek entered a smuggler's village south of the Valley of the Kings and happened to reunite with Esiocles, whom he had last seen nine years earlier as a child. Esiocles: Bayek? Can it really be you? I can't believe it, the Flea of Cyrene here in Yebu? Bayek: No! Little Esio? Esiocles: Not so little anymore. Bayek: What are you doing here? Is Sminthos with you...? Esiocles: I haven't seen him since he left Cyrene. But he sent me a small fortune, to set myself up. Bayek: And what did you set yourself up as? Esiocles: (cough) Well, this is a smuggler's village, so... Bayek: You are a smuggler? Esiocles: I am hoping to be. I heard there is a merchant woman, she transports lotus wine from here to Rome and... Bayek: Esiocles, if I was your father, I would be ashamed. You waste your talents on criminal schemes. Esiocles: I... Bayek: I would send you back to Cyrene, but I fear the mischief you would cause there. I don't want to have to explain to Diocles why... Esiocles: Alright, Flea, alright. You have made your point. A life of crime is no life. Bayek: Go to Rome, find a friend of mine, Amunet, tell her I sent you and she will keep your idle hands busy.

Basim ibn Ishaq

Encounters across Al-Ula

While travelling across the desert near al-Ula in search of his father Ishaq ibn Khalid, Basim met a musician who also seemed to enjoy playing the oud. The musician shared what he knew about the performer's corners scattered across the land where one could play the oud, and encouraged Basim to find more oud melodies he could perform. Basim: Greetings, sadiqi (friend). I see a fine oud by your side. Practiced in its use, are you? Musician: Oh, yes! I am able to play. Are you familiar with it? Basim: I will admit, I am not a very practiced musician. But the oud is an instrument that brings me great pleasure when I have the opportunity to play. I find it a great diversion from the vagaries of life. Musician: Indeed it can be. Basim: Unfortunately, those opportunities are rare as I do not carry my own in my travels. Musician: Why don't you play mine here? I would be pleased to see your technique. Basim: Oh! Yes, that very kind of you to offer. Musician: Not at all. Basim: Would you by any chance possess some notation? It has been too long for my memory to recall a melody. Musician: Alas, I do not. But you may comeacross notations in your journeys here. They are common in these parts. Should you find any, please return to play whenever you wish. Basim: I will endeavor to do so. Shukran laka, ya sadiqi. (Thank you, friend.)

Eivor Varinsdottir

Encounters across England and Norway

Eivor reunited with many of her allies after establishing connections with them. Soma and LifLeofrithOswaldCeolwulf and DeorlafGeadricShergarEluricAlfida and Birstan In Grantebridge, Eivor reunited with Soma, seated on the jarl's throne and stewarding the burgeoning city. Eivor: Soma. Soma: Eivor, my friend. It's good to see you again. (Asked "How is the city?") Eivor: How's Grantebridge? It's gone through so many changes. Soma: The city has bounced back quickly. The river brings trades, and trade brings prosperity. I have built this city into something separate from myself. As long as I protect it for the rest of my days, it will live on and on. (Chose "Goodbye") Eivor: It was good to see you, Soma. Soma: And you. If Galinn's treachery was uncovered, Eivor tracked down Lif for a brief reunion. Eivor: How are you, Lif? Lif: Quite well! It's been odd not having Birna around to keep my pride in check. How is she since she joined you? Eivor: I think she's enjoying herself. After the battle in Chippenham, Eivor returned to Lif once more. Eivor: I'm sorry about Soma, Lif. Grantebridge must feel empty without her. Lif: I fought my entire life for her. She taught me what integrity means and made me the man I am. In this place, she will live on. After sparing Leofrith during the Sons of Ragnar's assault at Tamworth Fortress, Eivor stopped by Lincoln and saw him waiting at the city docks. She walked up and spoke to him. Leofrith: Eivor... why does it not surprise me to see you here. Eivor: Leofrith... following through with chasing down Burgred, I see. Leofrith: You said it yourself, his betrayal is worth a thousand deaths. I'm just waiting on a ship to take me to Rome. Eivor: You'll give him my regards. Leofrith: Gladly. Eivor spoke to him again as he paced back and forth. Leofrith: Do not get in my way, Eivor. This is something I need to do. After helping Oswald become king of East Anglia and attending to his wedding, Eivor returned to Elmenham and found him in the village's longhouse. Eivor: The crown suits, Oswald. Like it was meant for you and you for it. Oswald: As goes the crown, so goes East Anglia. Our crops and livestock prosper. And there's harmony between Saxons and Danes. Eivor: And Valdis? Oswald: Our marriage is blooming. And she tells me our family will soon grow. By next summer. Eivor: That is good to hear, Oswald. May your family reign here for many generations. Oswald: As long as it does, you will always be a welcome guest. Following Ceolbert's death at the hands of Ivarr the Boneless, Eivor went to visit Bishop Deorlaf in Quatford at his request and found him in the town's church conducting a small choir. Bishop Deorlaf: Good. Not too loud. Let us hear our love of the Lord. Careful on the low note, Odo. Very good. She approached him as the men sang. Eivor: Bishop. Bishop Deorlaf: Eivor. A great pleasure to see you again. Eivor: Does your god have ears large enough to hear this song? Bishop Deorlaf: He does indeed. Since the death of Rhodri, our shire leaves in peace. And we celebrate that peace with music and prayer. Eivor: You do not fear a reprisal from the Britons? Bishop Deorlaf: Angharad divided her kingdom among her sons. The eldest, Anarawd, busies himself by squabbling with the others. Eivor: And if he prevails and unites the clans? Bishop Deorlaf: May that day never come, God willing. I received word from King Ceolwulf. He has interred Ceolbert in Tamworth. The lad merits a visit. Eivor: In honor of his memory, yes. Bishop Deorlaf: Eivor, this was among Ceolbert's possessions. I'm certain he would've wanted you to have it. The bishop gave Ceolbert's cloak brooch to Eivor. Eivor: I am honored. I leave you here to your music, good bishop. Bishop Deorlaf: God go with you, Eivor. With Deorlaf's words in mind, Eivor travelled to Tamworth Fortress, approaching a small chapel near its longhouse. Eivor: Ceolbert lies here. She then entered the building, walking up to a decorated grave, with various flowers lying on the floor, surrounding it. The Viking covered her face with her arms, mourning the passing of the king's son. Eivor: Ceolbert. You are now with your god. I am left here to mourn the loss of a fine young man. Eivor then proceeded to enter the longhouse, approaching Ceolwulf's throne. Eivor: Lord... Ceolwulf: Eivor, I wondered if I would ever see you again. It's... it's good to see you. Eivor: I wanted to visit. See how you were doing. Ceolwulf: Kind of you. I've been somewhat lost, truth be told. With Ceolbert gone, the world seems to have... lost a shade of color. Eivor: I know something of this feeling. I lost my father, my mother, my entire clan. Ceolwulf: He respected you, Eivor. If not for you, he might have remained just as you found him. A naïve boy, devoid of experience. Eivor: Not naïve. He simply saw the good in people. Wanted to draw it out. Ceolwulf: That he did... May God bless you, Eivor. Whatever remains of my son in this world, I believe it travels with you. Ceolwulf granting Geadric the title of ealdorman After recapturing Cyne Belle Castle for Geadric and assulting Rouecistre Fortress with the help of his troops, Eivor returned to the fortress at the request of thegn Holt to attend a ceremony that would officialize Geadric as ealdorman of Oxenefordscire. The shieldmaiden entered the main hall of the castle, approaching a group of people gathered around the soon-to-be ealdorman and king Ceolwulf. Ceolwulf: As king, it is my most solemn duty to confer the title of ealdorman. Geadric knelt down before him. Ceolwulf: Geadric, you have shown, through stalwart combat and iron determination, both here and at the battle in Cent that you are worthy. Do you swear fealty to the King of Mercia? Geadric: I do. Ceolwulf: Do you fully dedicate your life to Oxenefordscire in both peace and war? Geadric: I do. Ceolwulf: Do you swear to work for the common good of your shire and to uphold justice for thegns and ceorls alike? Geadric: By God, I do. Ceolwulf: Then come to me, loyal thegn! May the blessed lands of Oxenefordscire and all of Mercia prosper! Eivor and the crowd applauded as Geadric stood up and Ceolwulf left the room. With the event over, the Viking went to speak to the new ealdorman. Eivor: Geadric. Geadric: Eivor, didn't expect to see you here. Eivor: You're now ealdorman. Geadric: After the fight in Cent, the men insisted we have the ceremony. Thegn Holt himself brought Ceolwulf here in pomp. Eivor: It's an honor for you to have Ceolwulf appear. Geadric: Rascally old bastard. Has some tales about you! If Eivor had Eadwyn stay in Geadric's custodyIf Eivor chose to exile Eadwyn Eivor: How is Eadwyn faring in your care? Geadric: Ah, that's a... a bit of a story, that is. She took her loss badly, and tried to end her own life. My wife calmed her some, and we set her up in the convent. Seemed well enough to me that she devote herself to the Almighty. She walked the paths, helped the poor, had a knack with flowers. Raised blue rosemary, red and yellow pansies. Rue. One evening, me wife goes to take her some soup. Found the convent guard stabbed dead by a sharpened crucifix. Eadwyn gone. Wondering now if her despair was all a ruse. A plot to escape. If so, I figure she's fled to Aelfred. Eivor: I hope you're wrong, my friend. Geadric: If she is, I'll be ready to fight. Eivor: Farewell, Geadric. Geadric: God be with ye, Eivor. If Eivor had released Shergar after working with him to free the Danes, she eventually returned to Beamasfield some time after the her disastrous dealings with Cynebert had concluded. There, behind the house where she first seized him, she reunited with Shergar, who had leveraged his ruse as Tedmund to become de facto ealdorman of the shire. Eivor: You look better than the last time we met, Shergar. Shergar: Shergar? You mistake me, for I am Ealdorman Tedmund. Eivor: Tedmund is dead. Shergar: Ah, now, you know that as well as I. But the rest of Cent, do not. Eivor: So you have donned his cloak once more? Shergar: He would not have made a good shepherd. Self-absorbed, paranoid, brittle as bark on a deadwood tree. Eivor: So what will you do in his stead? Shergar: So much! Cent has lost her way, the Church and the Crown bicker like petty magpies. I can serve both, bring peace. Eivor: A noble aim. Shergar: Cynebert held the law of God above the law of man, and he died for it. I will make the king my ally. And I have much to do! Eivor: You have come a long way from the shambling actor. Stuttering and shivering in boots too big for you. Shergar: I will endeavor to do my best. And I owe this second chance to you. You did not need to trust me. Eivor: Do not betray that good faith. Shergar: You have my word, Eivor of the Raven Clan. After the truth of Eluric's parentage was revealed and Eivor secured her alliance with his father Birstan, the ealdorman of Essexe, Eivor encountered him at a tavern on the western end of Colcestre. Eivor: Does the ale ease your heart's ache, Eluric? Or does it only deepen your sorrow? Eluric: Better than thinking on Lord Birstan plowing my mother in a bed large enough to be a boat. Or is she my sister? Jesus... You're right to be bitter.They're not to blame.They're your family. Eivor: Your rage is just. Your mother should not have deceived you. But is that any cause to sulk and drink yourself stupid? Eluric: Do I need a reason? Eluric paused to think on his words. Eluric: No, I suppose not. Eivor: Birstan didn't know you were his son, and Alfida would have been shamed had it been known you were a bastard child. Eluric: I don't know. I'm just... I'm so angry at them. I don't even know why. Eivor: Your mother loves you, and your father wants to. You hurt yourself by hiding. Eluric: I hurt them more by returning! They have their love. They don't want me around. Eivor: There is no profit in spite and self-pity. Forgive those that meant no harm. Go back to them. It's a better life than this. More to the point, why pay for ale when your father is the ealdorman? Eluric laughed. Eluric: You're right. You're right. Perhaps I just needed to hear it spoken aloud. Thank you, Eivor. Some time after helping Estrid escape to Francia and reuniting Alfida with Essexe's ealdorman Birstan, Eivor visited them at their residence. She spoke with Alfida. Alfida: Eivor. You have graced us with your presence. My heart is glad to see you. Eivor: And I you, Alfida. How is your life of luxury as Birstan's wife? Alfida: There is much to be thankful for, and much to lament. The thegns mutter and snort like nadless bulls. But Aldrich is fun company. Eivor: And Eluric? Spoke to EluricDid not speak to Eluric Alfida: He said you found him in a tavern and talked some sense into him. Eivor: I used my wits and greater years to convince him that a life in Colcestre was better than a drunkard's regret. Alfida: Bless you then! You've given me the family I never thought to have. You will always have my gratitude and love for that. Eivor: I am glad for that. Be well, Alfida. Alfida: O, he comes and goes. Sometimes drunk and belligerent, sometimes cursing and eyes wet with recrimination. Eivor: I'm sorry for that. Alfida: Do not be. Birstan is a loving and attentive husband. And I expected no life of love and care so late in my summers. You gave that to us. Eivor: Stay well and live true, Alfida. Birstan needs your strength and kindness. Eivor took her leave to speak to Birstan. Birstan: Eivor, it is good to see you well. Eivor: Birstan. How fares your new family? Has Eluric returned? Spoke to EluricDid not speak to Eluric Birstan: He did, like a wounded pup with his tail between his legs. But I should not speak of him so. These past days he has changed. Eivor: For the better? Or worse? Birstan: He has accepted me... and dare I say welcomed me, as his father. For my part I have promised to be a good one to him. Alfida was brokenhearted when she thought him lost. The reunion was emotional, but true. Now their hearts mend. Birstan: He has, but more and more he leaves us for drinking and who know what else. He cannot let the storm of his anger calm. Eivor: And Alfida, how is she? Birstan: She is a strong and merry wife, and I love her deeply, passionately. More than I thought possible. She promises me Eluric will return to us. It will just take him time, for pride is a hurt slow to heal. Eivor: I am glad to hear it. Birstan: You gave me great happiness, Eivor. Essexe will always be your ally, and I your friend. Eivor: The months ahead may bring us back together. Until then, be well. Erke and StoweTewdwr and HalewynTrygveWigbertStyrbjorn and Harald In the aftermath of helping in the purge of the Order of the Ancients from Lunden and rescuing her brother Sigurd from Fulke's custody in Portcestre, Eivor received an invitation from the reeves of the city to partake on the unveiling of the reconstructed Lunden. Arriving at the Governor's Villa, she found Stowe in front of the entrance to the mansion. Eivor: She looks good, Stowe. Good enough to attract a hoard of Vikings. Stowe: That's not a compliment, Eivor. That's just alarming. Eivor: But it keeps your back straight and your sword at the ready. Stowe: God's truth. I can't relax too much, otherwise I'll float away. Eivor: How is Erke? Is he well? Stowe: He is! God's kept his spirits and health up. He's waiting for me back at the Governor's Villa. Eivor: I would like to say hello. Stowe: You shall. We want to show you the result of all your aid. Eivor: Good. Lead on. The two entered the room, finding Erke talking with an archer in front of Tryggr's old throne. Erke: Eivor, you've come! Eivor shook hands with Erke, with Stowe moving to his side. It looks great here.Not even a hint of blood.Who are these people? Eivor looked around her, noticing that the room was different from the last time she had been there. Eivor: You even cleaned up the place. Impressive. Stowe: Did you notice what we've done with some of the brickwork? Repurposed from Old Lunden. Eivor turned to look at the guests. Eivor: And who are these people? There's a few faces I know already. Erke: These are the good citizens of Lunden. Here to thank you for your help. Without you, these walls might have crumbled beneath the grasping vines of the Order. And we... we'd be but poor fiefs of heathen scum! So, we tip our wrists and raise our voices in thanks. A woman and a soldier praised Eivor, followed by Erke himself. Gyda: To Eivor! Anglo-Saxon Soldier: Eivor! Erke: Eivor! Erke then turned to her. Erke: Eivor, Broga of Clan Raven, Lunden shall ever house you in her welcoming bosom. Stowe and Erke raised arms. Erke: Skal! Eivor nodded, leaving the two of them talking to each other. Stowe: You see? Fresh bricks. A wash of paint, she looks brand new. Erke: Tryggr would've killed you for pilfering bricks from the Mithras ruin, no matter how vile that place was. Stowe: Well, it's a good thing Lunden's new governor is rather fond of me and my schemes. Erke: Don't you dare drag me into that job. I won't have it. Eivor spoke with Erke and Stowe again. Stowe: He rehearsed that for hours. Eivor: No speech to me, Stowe? After I saved your ass in Suthsexe? Stowe: No, no, I remember Suthesexe quite differently. Eivor: You're all patched up, and not a leech in sight? Erke: Aye, Odin saw me as too handsome for his hall. Stowe: And was it Odin who carried you around for months? As he talked, he patted Stowe on his shoulder. Erke: Thank the gods, he didn't. Stowe cuts a much handsomer figure. Eivor: I don't feel like I have a target on my back when I walk through Lunden these days. Erke: It's a good feeling, isn't it? Stowe: And we did it, together. Erke: So eat, Eivor! Drink! Be merry, this is your celebration too! Eivor nodded to them once again, turning to the soldier that had praised her earlier, next to them. Anglo-Saxon Soldier: Stowe gave me work manning the springalds, no thanks to you. Still the best shot in Lunden, I am! She then went to talk to Gyda, closer to the entrance. Eivor: How are you, Gyda? Recovering from your loss? Gyda: I wake every morning, and if I am lucky, there's a moment where I forget. My Regna, my poor girl, is dead. But, she is avenged. Thanks to you. Eivor: Take good care of yourself. After that, the Viking went to talk to some of the Norse soldiers who had been previously recruited by The Arrow, now feasting in one of the sides of the hall. Norse Warrior: Go on, bob for it! The warrior spoke with humor as he referred back to their previous encounter, before dropping into a hushed voice. Norse Warrior: Eivor, we want to apologize. We'd no idea what we were doing, or why. Norse Soldier: But Stowe got us sorted out. We're glad he gave us another chance. Before leaving the festivities, Eivor went to bid farewell to Stowe and Erke. Eivor: Visit me at home some time. I will show you how the Norse throw a feast. Erke: Can't be much different from a Dane feast, I'd imagine. Stowe: We'd be honored, Eivor. But Lunden needs us now more than ever. Following the burning of the Wicker Man and rise of Tewdwr as the successor of Cynon in the ealdormancy of Glowecestrescire, Eivor travelled to the city square near the longhouse of Glowecestre, where she found him, with Cynon's crown on the head, addressing a group of townsfolk from a wooden platform. Tewdwr: Yes, yes, we will still be doing Beltane celebrations come spring. Now, how are our seed inventories? He went down the stairs of the stage, reaching the crowd and spotting Eivor. Tewdwr: Eivor, you came! Eivor: Hello, Tewdwr. Are you well? Tewdwr approached her. Tewdwr: I must say, the sight of you warms a weary heart. ❤I hope it warms other parts of you.You look like a true leader.How is Glowecestrescire? Eivor: A warm heart is welcome. And what of your other parts? Do I warm them as well? Tewdwr: O, you do revel in rendering me a foolish mess. I thought you might be cross with me, with how your last visit ended. ❤I want you.Just kidding. Eivor: It was not the time to act on what I felt. Now it is. Tewdwr: O, my... Eivor: Does that frighten you? Tewdwr: No. I've been kidnapped, beaten, and almost sacrificed to an old god. Does that qualify me to court a Dane? Eivor: Is there a patch of Glowecestre away from prying eyes? Tewdwr led Eivor away to a discreet garden on the outskirts with a few apiaries. Tewdwr: God's country this, but more than that. My soul's retreat. Reminding me why I took on the burden. Eivor: I used to run from home. It felt too small for me. But now I enjoy my wanderings for other reasons. Tewdwr: Different paths have led us here, but you are a force of nature. Like the sun. I am a timid creature, lucky to bask in your warmth. Eivor and Tewdwr drew closer to one another. Tewdwr: I've composed a verse or two about it if you'd like to hear what— Eivor interrupted him with a kiss. They dropped to the ground in the throes of passion. After some time, they sat up in contemplation. Tewdwr: My God. That was... dare I say it? Divine. I was right to wait. Eivor: Wait for what? Tewdwr: You're the first I've given myself to, Eivor. I always promised that it would be with someone who filled my heart and soul. Eivor was taken aback by this revelation. She stood up. Eivor: I am honored by the sentiment, Tewdwr. But your heart-and-soul stuffing cannot be me. Some passions are fleeting, and for that they are all the sweeter. Eivor began to walk off as Tewdwr stood and started to follow. Tewdwr: Wait... I have more poems to arose your skaldic heart. Only give me time to gather them and— Eivor: Tewdwr, thank you. For all this. It was lovely... you are lovely. But I must go. Eivor turned to walk away while Tewdwr sighed in resignation. Tewdwr: If you must. Safe travels, my friend. Eivor: I am only teasing, Tewdwr, and would not want to lead you to believe otherwise. Tewdwr rubbed the back of his head. Tewdwr: Ah... now I feel twice the fool. (continues from "You look like a true leader.") Eivor walked closer to him, touching on one of the horns on his leaf-filled crown. Eivor: I like these. You have grown into your horns. Tewdwr nodded. Tewdwr: Holding two sides of the river together is no easy task. Makes me respect Cynon's composure. (continues from "How is Glowecestrescire?") Eivor turned the conversation to the state of the shire. Eivor: And how is Glowecestre? Tewdwr: It's been a kind and uneventful spring of my service. The druid, Halewyn, says the gods are smiling on me. All of them. Eivor: After the effort it took to crown you, it's good to see smooth waters and stiff sails. Tewdwr: But, enough of that. You deserve a diverting evening of friendship. Come, I've something to show you. He left, with Eivor following. On the next morning, as the sun rised, the two were talking near a tree on the outskirts of the city. Tewdwr: So, the cow pulls itself free and careers down the road dragging the banner behind it. Eivor: (laugh) Quite the spirited creature. You gave chase? Tewdwr: On foot! Almost all the way to Halewyn's cabin. (laugh) And then again, I looked the fool when they followed on horses. For a moment, Eivor looked away from him, thoughtful, with Tewdwr noticing it. Tewdwr: Eivor, may I ask? What is it that you seek forgiveness for? She looked to him, confused. Eivor: Hm? Tewdwr: I was raised to be a priest, Eivor. So I know what a troubled face looks like. Eivor: I made a mistake. Many mistakes, that rolled together like snow-thunder. Tewdwr: What mistake? Eivor: I would rather not say. There is nothing to be gained by gawking at a weeping wound. Tewdwr: Well, if you ever need someone to talk to, let me shoulder some of that burden. If you have a need. Tewdwr tapped Eivor's shoulder. Eivor: That is kind of you. He nodded in compliance, parting ways with the shieldmaiden after that. Eivor then travelled through the woods of Glowecestrescire, in direction of Halewyn's home. When she arrived there, the viking found the druid wandering around the lit fires in his yard. Eivor: Halewyn. Halewyn: You! The Dane who did all this... saving of Tewdwr. And, dare I say, a spirit once? Eivor: That is me. You are the druid with many cats. Halewyn: Aye, but lately I've been passing on the old ways to Gwenydd. She is certainly... spirited. I... I miss the quiet. Eivor: Sometimes you must trade your solitude for duty. Halewyn: Such wisdom behind young eyes. You have lived a life or two I see, friend. Eivor: Many lives, and many more to go before I can rest. Halewyn: But isn't that the adventure? I embrace mine. Eivor: Gefion bring you luck then. If Trygve came through his grief at Hemming's loss, Eivor could speak to him at the longhouse in Hemthorpe. Trygve made jarlVili made jarl Eivor: When last we met, you said your chin-grass was no jarl-beard. It seems time has proven you wrong. Trygve: Not entirely, old friend. I also said you were a bringer of good omens, which proved to be true. After wiping out the Order of the Ancients in England and returning to Wincestre to plumb Alfred's study, Eivor found herself returning to Wincestre Seminary, where many of the children she had liberated from the Quill had gathered for lessons and recreation. With the Order removed, Alfred's push for mass education had begun to take root. Eivor: Full of children and the joys of learning... She entered the main chapel lined with desks and scrolls. Bata: We place great importance on mathematics, children. Who can tell me why? Anglo-Saxon Child 1: So that I may always count how many eggs Mistress Featherton has laid. Anglo-Saxon Child 2: I just want to read the epic stories, like the poems about hideous monsters and great warriors. Bata: There will be time enough for tall tales. First, you will tell me all the declensions of the Latin verb "to speak." Anglo-Saxon Child 1: Latin! Urgh! That language is so boring, it killed off all the Romans. She spotted Wigbert near one of the desks and approached the child. Eivor: Hello again, Wigbert. Wigbert: Ah, it's you. Please don't be angry. She made me do it! Eivor: The Quill? Wigbert: Not her. She wasn't half as ferocious as Aelwyn. Eivor: What happened to your sister? Is she around? Wigbert: No, she left. She told me to come too, but I want to be better. Do you think I can be better? I think you can be whatever you like.You cannot rise above your birth.Do you like your lessons? Eivor: I think you can be whatever you want to be. Look at me. I learn a little more every day. Wigbert: So I will never be done with my studies? I will be learning and learning until God sends an angel to take me to the clouds? Eivor: No, that is not what I... Alright, Wigbert, stay in school and listen to Magister Bata. Eivor: You are poor, Wigbert. What use have you for Latin? Wigbert: O, then what is the use of learning anything? Eivor: Do you enjoy your lessons? Latin, mathematics, grammar... Wigbert: O, my days, I'm not sure my mind is big enough for all this knowledge. Eivor: No, that is not what I... Alright, Wigbert, stay in school and listen to Magister Bata. The conversation over, Eivor pondered about the state of things. Eivor: This was fine to see. It may be the good I did here outweighed the harm. She spoke to Wigbert once more. Wigbert: Shhh, I am reading. The Viking then spoke to the various children in the room that she had previously saved. Anglo-Saxon Child 3: What is five plus two plus six plus four blackberry pies? A lot of baking. Anglo-Saxon Child 4: It's you! The Hero of Wincestre! Didn't you used to be taller? Anglo-Saxon Child 5: My poor head. It's full of things I'll never need. Like Pythagoras and good manners. Anglo-Saxon Child 6: I remember you! You saved us from Hilda. You are a great warrior. Eivor: Great, perhaps. I have fought many battles. Anglo-Saxon Child 6: My dad were a warrior. All he did was complain about how he once took an arrow to the knee. Following that, Eivor read the documents scattered across the desks, including the one Wigbert was reading. Dull Lesson In the seventieth year of our Lord's incarnation, the Roman invaders built a settlement on the very site you are standing now. They called this new town, Venta Belgarum after a local tribe of barbarians named the Belgares. They made this place a center of industry, learning, and culture. They were Godless heathens then, but the Light of our Lord transformed them in time. Turgid Text The last Heathen oppressor left Britain in the year of our Lord 407. Lawlessness ruled. Tribes fought each other for land and wealth and our good town was abandoned, eventually falling to rubble and ruin. Deathly Dull Letter We Saxons returned two hundred years later, farmed the fertile land outside the crumbling walls. We named the place Venta Caester. In time this was corrupted to Wincestre Bloody History Cedric [sic] and Cynric killed a British king named Natanleod, and five thousand men along with him. After this was the land named Netley, from him, as far as Charford. Then did they undertake the government of the West Saxons, and from that day in 519 AD have the children of the West Saxon kings reigned. The shieldmaiden spoke to the magister presiding over the class. Bata: It is a great thing to shape young minds. Eivor then overheard chatter amongst the children. Anglo-Saxon Child 7: Latin, urgh. I just want to tell stories about hellsome beasts and brave adventurers. "Fie, fie beastie! Be thee dead? I'll grind your bones to make my bread." She prepared to leave the seminary, passing through the courtyard, where more children were talking among themselves and to her. Anglo-Saxon Child 8: I never want to see those smelly sewers again. Even if that means listening to Magister Bata all day. Anglo-Saxon Child 9: If I learn my letters, will I marry a noble thegn? Anglo-Saxon Child 10: Do you speak Latin? Magister Bata says I cannot play until I learn "I will not eat apples in class." Urn... ego... poma... In the aftermath of the events that Sigurd and Eivor went through in the Yggdrasil Chamber, the shieldmaiden returned to Alrekstad in Hordafylke and encountered Styrbjorn Sigvaldisson drowning his sorrows in the tavern where her and his son had left him. Eivor: Styrbjorn, please, before you drown yourself in ale. Styrbjorn: Eivor? Is that you again, or does my mind play a cruel trick on me? Eivor: It is me, old man. Styrbjorn: My child... my dear child. I only did what I thought was best. You must know that. Eivor: I'm not here for that old business. I've come to tell you of Sigurd. Styrbjorn: Why? What has happened? If Sigurd chose to return with Eivor to RavensthorpeIf Sigurd chose to stay in Norway Eivor: After some thought, he decided to return to England. With me, to be with his clan. Styrbjorn: Ah. Good. In our last meeting his attitude seemed so... so final. But you are together, as you should be. I'm glad. Very glad. Eivor: Take care of yourself, hm? After that, Eivor entered the town's inner walls and its longhouse to find Harald Fairhair standing next to the throne. King Harald: You are Eivor, yes? Of the Raven's flock. I heard you had returned. Not with war on your mind, I hope. Eivor: War is never far from my mind, King Harald. But I have no quarrel with you. King Harald: Good to hear. Have your victories in England satisfied your itch for conquest? Eivor: Ask me again in ten or twenty years. When the island is all Norse and Dane, and men have forgotten the name of King Aelfred. King Harald: (laugh) So what brings you here? To my shores? Eivor: I come to speak of Styrbjorn. Of a man I call father and friend. I want to ask, that in his dying days, you'll tend to him. With respect. With honor. And see that he dies with dignity. King Harald: I will do what I can for the man, for he has been a loyal retainer. But there's only so much I can do. A man must care for himself. Eivor: What you say is fair. Only watch over him. And if he should wreck himself in your care, that will be his burden to bear. King Harald: That I will do. (laugh)

Ravensthorpe residents

GunnarToveWallace Shortly after the Raven Clan settled in Ravensthorpe, the Viking shieldmaiden Eivor Varinsdottir spoke to Gunnar outside the new smithy. ("What do you do here, Gunnar?") Eivor: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, etc. Eivor left to continue talking with the other residents the encampment slowly grew. Some time after Svend's death, Eivor spoke to Tove inside the Tattoo Shop. Tove: Eivor. Good to see you. Eivor: How are you, Tove? Holding up? Tove: Much better now, I think. I miss Svend every day, and yet he is here with me. His hugr (mind) infused in every design. Believing that, it helps. Eivor: Glad to hear it. And happy to offer myself as your first canvas. Tove: Good. Let's get started. Make sure to look at my new designs. ("What do you do here?") Eivor: What is it you do here again? Tove: If you would ever like to get a new tattoo, you can come to me. I'm open to inspiration, as well, so feel free to bring any designs you find. (Leave – I have to go.) Eivor: I have to go, see you soon. Tove: Until next time, Eivor. As Eivor left, she read a note left on the desk near the door. Tove's Tribute to Svend Kind Svend, I will forever be thankful for your guidance and your care, and hear your voice in my ears as I mark the skin of those you so loved. Your spirit lives in our work forever. See you in the next realm. Eivor spoke to Wallace in the Hunter's Hut. (If "Legendary Animals" was chosen.) Quest line? (If "Hunter Deliveries" was chosen.) Quest line?

Reda

Shortly after Reda and his Thousand Eyes aide had settled in Ravensthorpe, Eivor walked up to Reda's stall and talked to him. Reda: Hello there! (If "See shop" was chosen.) Eivor: What do you have today? Eivor perused Reda's wares and then decided whether to buy something. (If "I want a contract." was chosen.) Eivor: Have you got a contract for me? If Eivor had only just met RedaIf Eivor had spoken to Reda before Reda: There are contracts for killing things, contracts for... Hm. Well, it is mostly killing. Reda: Not only does this quest pay, but you get to have fun doing it. Probably. Another day, another series of tasks that require a keen eye and a talent for violence. Interested? I have just received news of work that requires your special skill set. I have requests that may or may not involve violence. Interested? My agents are not meant to undertake these tasks, but you... you are more perilous. One man's death can be another's gain. You're used to killing, yes? This one shouldn't be a problem. [More randomized lines] If contracts were availableIf no contracts were available Eivor looked through Reda's papers and selected a contract. Eivor looked through Reda's papers but could not find any contracts, or only saw ones that were not to her liking. Reda: There will be contracts when the mood strikes you. (If "What do you do here?" is chosen.) Eivor: Reda. What is it you do here? Reda: What don't I do here? You're looking at a man of boundless skill and talent. I sell the finest and rarest items in the world! So rare, that I have never held onto any one object for longer than a few days! Eivor: Yet you only deal in opal? Is there so much to be found in England? Reda: Only in opal, yes! But that I can offer, too, for England is not a fount of such rainbow stones. My guild, The Thousand Eyes, offers contracts that pay in opal. If you're interested, I always have one or two open. (Leave – "I have to go.") Eivor: I'll see you later, friend. Later, Eivor passed by Reda's stall and overheard him as he told Sylvi, Eira, and Knud a story. Intrigued, she walked up and leaned on one of the poles supporting the awning as she listened. Sylvi: Please, Reda! Tell us another! Reda: Yes, yes, one more. And only because you all have such good taste. Now, this one... this one begins a long time ago at a desert oasis, far away. A place of mystery, wonder, and a temple to a hidden god. The guardian of this temple was a proud man, kingly in nature, but not in fact. A protector of holy wisdom. And this Protector had a wife, a scholar, who spent her days reading ancient tomes and deciphering the secrets of the desert. Together they had a son, in whom they hoped to instill all their skill and knowledge. The boy was to be a union of their love. But then it came to pass that the king of their land arrived to seize the temple for himself. The Protector resisted. In the battle that followed, the boy was killed and the temple was taken. Struck with grief, the Protector and the Scholar separated. Eira: A king who kills a child is an ergi (coward)! They should kill him back! Reda: Indeed. But for a long time, the Protector and the Scholar followed solitary paths, seeking for a way to revenge their son. But in their isolation, they found only anguish and pain. Alone, they could do nothing but weep and thrash at the fates. After many fruitless years, they came together again to mourn their failure. They embraced as they had in their youth. And in that joining they realized what was missing. Only the union that had produced their son would lead to their victory. So the Protector taught the Scholar to fight and seek, while the Scholar taught the Protector wisdom and deep knowledge. As they trained, they became inseparable, moving, eating, sleeping as one. They were never seen apart. Until one day, they met upon the river's edge. They had learned all they could, her from him. Him from her. It was here they kissed and separated. She travelled east, he west. The two were never seen again. It is said, however, that once every year, two eagles would return to that very spot, to linger and look upon the sea. The people of the region like to see these eagles, for they are an omen, a symbol of protection. Knud: They turned into birds! Like Loki became a salmon! Reda: Perhaps. Still others say that the eagles were their children, born of a love that could never endure. But who is to say for sure? Satisfied, Knud, Eira, and Sylvi left. Eivor: A stirring story. Fanciful, but sincere enough. Reda: Me? Fanciful? All of my stories are perfectly and mostly true. Later, when Eivor dreamt of Odin's efforts to rescue his son Baldr from Surtr's Muspel forces in Svartálfaheimr, Eivor included Reda in her visions. In the dreams, Odin saw Reda sitting on a carpet in Jordber Shelter surrounded by unrefined silica crystals, and spoke to him. Reda: Come, High One, I have wares to sell you. Havi: I was wondering when you would show up. Flogging your shiny trinkets, as usual? Reda stood up. Reda: It is good to see you too... Still, I wonder how many more times our paths shall cross like this? Havi: A fair few, I am sure. Reda: Really? Though the twilight approaches? Havi: Not for a long time yet. Reda: You speak with the certainty of one who can see into the future. Havi: My eye can see very far indeed. Reda: And yet you are so short-sighted. Havi: When the twilight comes, it will not be for me. Reda: Perhaps you're not as unique as you like to think? Havi: You... you too have a plan? For Ragnarök? Reda: Loki has tutored me in many things. And I have put his lessons to good use in ways that not even he could ever dream of. Havi: He has misled many. Reda chuckled. Reda: You most of all, from what I hear. Havi: You speak above your place, imp. Reda: Then let me get back into my place, High One. Care to buy any shiny trinkets? As usual? I am always happy to relieve you of your hard-found opals... and if you have no opals, I can help you earn them. Havi: Another of your schemes? Fine, tell me what you have in mind. Reda: There are many who envy my success, Havi. Vicious individuals, who seek to sabotage my noble plans. Luckily, the Sons of Ivaldi are most sympathetic to my situation. They too are eager to see my enemies brought to heel. Havi: You mean you've bribed them. Reda: Gold and silver may have lost their value here, but the dwarves still have needs, and I am in a position to remedy those needs. Seek out their members who are in my pay, and they will provide you with contracts. Havi: Contracts? A clean word for a dirty task, no doubt. Reda: Observe my outfit, High One, note the scarf I wear. As you travel, you will meet many of my associates, clad in these same vestments. Oblige them and you will earn a tidy sum. Which you can then spend here with me. He chuckled craftily as he finished. (If "Show me the shiny trinkets" was chosen.) Havi silently browsed Reda's stock and then decided whether to buy something. (If "I want a contract." was chosen.) If Havi had only just met RedaIf Havi had spoken to Reda before Reda: There are contracts for killing things, contracts for... Hm. Well, it is mostly killing. Reda: Not only does this quest pay, but you get to have fun doing it. Probably. Another day, another series of tasks that require a keen eye and a talent for violence. Interested? I have just received news of work that requires your special skill set. I have requests that may or may not involve violence. Interested? My agents are not meant to undertake these tasks, but you... you are more perilous. One man's death can be another's gain. You're used to killing, yes? This one shouldn't be a problem. [More randomized lines] If contracts were availableIf no contracts were available Havi looked through Reda's papers and selected a contract. If Havi selected "Kára's Challenge". Reda: Go brag about your spear. She'll love it. Off to sing for the Battle-Maiden then. Havi looked through Reda's papers but could not find any contracts, or only saw ones that were not to his liking. Reda: There will be contracts when the mood strikes you. (Leave – I have to go) Havi: I have to go, see you soon. Reda: Goodbye for now!

Ship stories

Various crew members aboard Eivor's longship, the Sea-Chariot, told stories as they traveled. BragiDag NithissonBirnaFinnrBjorn BloodtoothRolloVili Hemmingson While sailing, Bragi began telling a story. Kiarr RawboneFrathi the StrongNalOnarr the UglyRokr the RodentA Ritual for Skaði Bragi: In the early days of the feud between Kjotve the Cruel and the Raven Clan, there was a mad berserkr called Kiarr Rawbone. Kiarr had pledged his battle-fury to no king or jarl, and would give his oath only once each winter for reasons nobody could fathom. One year, Kiarr's sister, Thora, was married to Kjotve's brother, Alrek, and soon Kiarr was often seen in the company of that clan. But soon after, word came to Kiarr that Alrek had abused his sister. When he asked Thora about this, she told him, "It is true." So Kiarr invited Alrek on a hunting expedition. And when they were away, Kiarr slew Alrek and pulled off one of his arms. When he returned to camp, Kjotve asked where his brother was. Kiarr shook his head and held out his hand, in which was an arm ring. "Your brother bid me give you this ring, Kjotve." Confused, Kjotve took the ring. And with it came the entire bloody arm. "Your brother pledged his oath to Hel herself," Kiarr laughed. Then he turned and departed. He was never seen in those parts again. The longboat crew began murmuring amongst each other. Bragi: During my nineteenth winter, King Styrbjorn ordered the construction of a new longhouse, the splendid hall you now see at Fornburg. To build this longhouse, he employed the help of twenty men. I was among them, as was Frathi, the strongest and stoutest man I had ever seen. We set about felling trees and hewing wood for timber. Frathi was the fastest of us, dropping forty-one trees in only two days. On the third day, a spindly man called Nar was near upon felling his first tree. He had hacked it all the way around like some mad animal. When the tree fell, it did so in a direction he had not wished, straight down upon Frathi. Nar called out, but it was too late. Frathi had only enough time to turn and face the doom bearing down upon him. With that he raised his arms to embrace the timber-hammer. The force of the tree's falling drove Frathi deep into the snow bank, yet his arms never let go. He held that angry trunk as a lover. Like hounds, we scooped at the snow to reach him. We found Frathi ten feet down, alive but in pain, still bearing the tree upon his shoulder. The longboat crew cheered. Bragi: There was a woman called Nal who came by ship to Fornburg unheralded, demanding to meet King Sigvaldi, Styrbjorn's father. Nal was from Gautland. She was tall and rugged and strong, and everyone who walked near her said she smelled of men's blood. When her message was sent to our King, Nal was made to wait a full day. Yet she did not complain. She watched the waves and sang songs. Night came and went and still Nal sat by the shore of the fjord, singing her songs. She skipped rocks with children and smiled. As the afternoon of the second day approached, King Sigvaldi's messenger reappeared. They spoke quietly together. At last the messenger stood back and waved to some men nearby. Three men bearing three chests of silver approached quickly. They set the chests of silver in Nal's ship and stood back. Then Nal stepped forward, swinging a large bloodied sack before her. Nal opened the sack and emptied it on the shore. Seven pair of hands tumbled to the ground. Nal then mounted her ship and sailed away. The longboat crew began murmuring amongst each other. Bragi: Onarr the Ugly was an excellent sailor, who could pilot a longship entirely on his own, and this is why King Sigvaldi kept him around. In all other matters, Onarr was a cruel, anxious, and humorless man. He was one of the most unlikable people I have ever known. One year, I recall we had invited some karls from the Yngling clan to dine with us. As we were serving ale, we came to find that we had none left. It so happened that the ale had run out just before reaching Onarr's horn. This raised in him a word-storm and he accused Sigvaldi of treachery. Every man in the longhouse jeered at Onarr for raising such a fuss. This made Onarr angrier than before, and he stormed out. A short time later we heard him yelling through door of the hall, "I set this scorn pole upon the men of Yngling for their dishonor!" We looked outside and saw that Onarrhad severed one of the heads of the Yngling's horses and stuck it upon a hazel branch. When he saw us gathering at the door, the Yngling Karls among us, Onarr panicked and ran. He was not seen for many months. The longboat crew began murmuring amongst each other. Bragi: I knew a crazed man about my age called Rokr, who we had taken to calling Rokr the Rodent for his habit of collecting axes. For twenty years he collected axes of all make and size. He had never seen a day of battle, but he swore to Thor that he would. In his thirty-first year, after drinking too much ale, Rokr seduced another man's wife. That man called a holmgang against Rokr. Rokr accepted the holmgang and on the agreed upon day, he laid out twelve of his axes, and asked, "Which of these will I use to slay you?" "Will it be Bone-Splitter?" he said, "My bearded blade inscribed with seiðr runes, affixed with a handle of English oak?" "Or Blood-Fountain," he continued, "My Dane axe, which swings through the air on two hands with the speed of an arrow's flight." "Or might it be Twin-Wolf-Wounder," Rokr growled, growing more bold, "A fierce pair of throwing axes..." At that moment, the man who had challenged Rokr brought a large stone upon his head. Rokr died instantly, and his axes were given away as gifts. The longboat crew burst into laughter. Bragi: A story from my youth, this one has no lesson to be learned or message to be gleaned. Often my father like to take me on hunts in the forested lands east of Avaldsnes. I loved these solitary times with him. I never felled a beast myself, and my father saw that this upset me. I was only a boy, but I had dreams of being a man. So one winter, my father asked me to perform a bargaining ritual to the goddess Skaði, to improve his bow-skill and snow-sight. With glee warming my heart, I caught a hare and sacrificed it to the goddess, asking an exchange of skill and sight for my father. When the ritual was complete, my father and I set off into the forest. We hunted all day until night fell. And we slew no game. That night, around the fire, I was sullen. My sacrifice had not been heeded. Yet seeing my father only smiled. "Had you been hunting," he said, "You would have killed six fine deer. For Skaði hears only those who speak to her." The longboat crew cheered. The stolen mead kegEgilSarcastic HalliKalda Bragi: When I was eleven winters old, I was the youngest of my favorite cousins, a wild and rowdy bunch of boys and girls. Together with our parents, we attended a feast at the home of Halfdan the Black, of the House of Ynling. To toughen our patience, our parents set us with the old woman who ordered us to bake flatbreads and serve it to the noble jarls. After an hour, the flatbreads piled so high into pillars you could have built a roof over it and called it a longhouse. When our work was done, an older boy, Guthrod, suggested we steal a keg of mead and drown in happiness for our good work. So Guthrod and Mikkel and Osa snuck into the storeroom and stole a barrel as I stood watch. But when we were spotted, I froze. Three of Harald's men stopped us. They struck Guthrod and Mikkel and pushed Osa to the ground. "Whose idea was this?" they asked. I stood and said, "The idea was mine, the mead is for me!" One of the men eyed me and said only, "That is not true." Then they moved on. The longboat crew began murmuring amongst each other. Bragi: Some years ago I took to sea with a sword-dancer called Egil. A brooding warrior with a face of stone and oak-hard arms. One a raid in Courland, we shored up along the edge of a forest and explored until we came to peopled parts. A large farm. It was night and all were asleep so we set about plundering the place in the quiet of eve, taking sheep and goats as we pleased. It was then that Egil saw a farm-hand and pressed the boy for the family's hidden silver. The farm-hand squawked like a crow. Being hid beneath an anvil at the smith's forge, the silver was no trouble to lift. In secret, we took it and the boy back to the ship. It was then that Egil grew sad, for when the farmers woke with the crack of day, they would know they had been robbed, but not by whom. So Egil ordered three of us to follow him, back the sleep-hushed hamlet. As we burned the houses, Egil shouted his name... "I am Egil, son of Skallagrim! And I am the man who deprives you of everything but your life!" I never sailed with Egil again. The longboat crew began murmuring amongst each other. Bragi: Here's a tale to tickle your sides. The winter before, I was drinking in Stavanger with some companions. With us in the meadhall were men of Bard Jarl's clan, one of which was a poet named Halli, called Sarcastic Halli by most. Seven ale-horns into his night, Halli stood upon his table and called across the room to another man, a skald named Thjodolf. "Thjodolf!" he yelled, "I can compose a more beautiful poem with my belching than you could with your tongue and fine words!" The room laughed, Thjodolf loudest of all. "I accept your challenge, Sarcastic Halli," he shouted. "Allow me to begin!" Thjoldolf then spoke his verse: "Sad Halli drowns in horns of hubris, squeaking like a stoat, yet proudly the pup calls it poetry!" The room laughed again, with Halli joining in. Then Halli tripped across the room and opened his mouth to speak his verse. From his throat erupted a jet of vomit, into Thjodolf's face... his only composition that night, of which he seemed most proud. The longboat crew burst into laughter. Bragi: In my youth, I remember hearing the story of Kalda, a fierce young woman whose father forbade her from swordplay and raids. Kalda had skill to match or surpass any man in the clan. And so it was that her beloved Gapi asked her aboard his ship. Once again, Kalda's father forbade her to leave, calling her soft and weak and fragile. But Kalda ignored these insults and left. For a full spring, Kalda and Gapi sailed the coast of Francia, raiding and plundering and taking much silver and riches. Then, in the early weeks of summer, a passing ship gave Kalda news that her mother had died suddenly, Kalda was grief stricken. Kalda returned quickly home, only to find her mother there, alive and standing quietly beside her father. Kalda was confused. Kalda's father spoke in a sour voice: "I sent the tale of your mother's death, for you were insolent. But now you are home, where you must stay." Hearing those words, Kalda pulsed hot with rage. She slew her father and fled back to her ship, then set a swift sail for the horizon. The longboat crew cheered. While sailing, Dag Nithisson began telling a story. Odin and FreyjaChristian missionariesRagnar LothbrokThe broken sword hiltJörmungandr Dag: O, you have likely never heard the story of the time Odin and Freyja appeared before me on a dark winter's night! They call— Bragi: They called you their orphaned child, yes, Dag. We have heard the tale as often as the sun has risen and set. The longboat crew burst into laughter. Dag: Have you heard me tell the tale of the six Christian missionaries I lured away from their faith, into the worship of almighty Thor? Bragi: You showed them how to turn their crosses into hammers, simply by flipping them over. And they fainted with joy. That tale? Dag: Ah, yes. Yes indeed. The longboat crew burst into laughter. Dag: You may not know this, but Ragnar Lothbrok once asked me to lead his early assault on England myself. This would have been eight, maybe ten years back. It is hard to say. The winters blow into one another like a great white fog. But I remember, as if it were yesterday. Ragnar appeared at my home, unannounced. Naturally, I welcomed him. He had traveled a great distance, only to see me. So I poured him ale and fed him bread and listened as he talked. He was feeling anxious about his journey. Leading so many men into such a great war, it was a burden he could not handle. It was then, with tears wetting his lids, that he said, "Dag, teach me the art of war. Lead us to England and to victory!" But I shook my head. "Ragnar," I told him, "I have two weddings I must attend soon. Were it not for these, surely I would help you." Ragnar bowed his head. "Thank you, Dag," he said. "Though you will not be on my ship, you will be present in spirit. And that is enough." The longboat crew burst into laughter. Dag: Did I ever tell you the story of how I killed an entire clan single-handedly with the broken hilt of a sword? Bragi: Too often, Dag. More times than any man can count. The longboat crew burst into laughter. Dag: Not long after leaving for England, I made a solitary trek into the mountains east of Fornburg. I was looking for elk, or deer, or other game to bring home. But my luck was poor, and I could find nothing worth my arrows. Coming up over a rise, I saw a rounded mountain ahead of me, with a strange narrow slit in the earth running left to right. There appeared to be fresh water in this crevasse, which was strange, for it was on its side. As I approached, the ground rumbled and the crevasse shuddered. Then it opened, as wide as a lake, and ringed with color. Stepping back to take in the view, I realized with a shock what I was seeing. The eye of Jörmungandr, the world serpent! Yes! He sleeps near old Fornburg, blessing us with his dreams. O, if we could return there now I would show you the place. One day, maybe. One day I will show you the place. The longboat crew began whispering among themselves. The Wandering SkaldShut downDag the shipbuilderWarrior womenA "recent" tale Dag: Some time ago, I met a wandering skald in search of a jarl or king to serve. He had not composed a verse in years and was fearful of losing his skill. I said I knew many such great men. A few jarls, a handful of kings by name. But to my knowledge, all of them had skalds of their own. This poor skald was disappointed and thanked me for my time, asking my name as he departed. "Dag Nithisson," I told him. The skald's eyes went wide. "Dag Nithisson!" he exclaimed. "Of Fornburg?" I nodded and said, "The very man, I am." The poor skald sung to the skies with joy. "You are a legend among legends," he said. "Let me compose a verse for you." Imagine my surprise at hearing such praise, but I agreed. So he began, for two days, composing a most lovely verse on my behalf. Yes, a most lovely verse. Unforgettable, yes. And I will... yes, I will recite it for you, one day... when we have time. The longboat crew chuckled. Dag: Have I ever told you the story about— Eivor: I'm fairly certain you have. Anyone else with a tale to share before Dag starts talking again? The longboat crew burst into laughter. Dag: You might not be aware, but I am a man with considerable shipbuilding craft. In my youth, just thirteen winters old, I designed an improvement to our dragon-boats. One that gave them extra strength. It is so common now that none remember my genius design. But at the time, I was praised from the top to bottom of Norway. I had been sailing with my father, when we hit a rough patch of ocean. Our boat trembled like a frozen skeleton. We nearly broke to pieces, but I was not afraid. I was transfixed by the ship itself, watching it bulge and heave. As men screamed around me, I devised my improvements to keep the hull solid and shapely. When we returned to port, the young men vomiting and weeping around me, I shared my ideas with my jarl. He thanked me well. In time, all our ships used my new design. And soon all of Norway, So you may thank me, not the gods, for our smooth passage here. The longboat crew chuckled. Dag: Here is a tale I do not often tell! There was a clan, little known in the south, composed entirely of women! And I wh— Bragi: And why you did not stay with them when they asked you to be their king, Dag, I will never understand. The longboat crew burst into laughter. Dag: Here is a story I have not told a man, for it happened only last month! I was sharing a mead horn with a beautiful woman, when— Bragi: She, her sisters, and her mother, all begged for your hand in marriage. Is that how this tale ends? Dag: Ah... yes. Were you... were you there? The longboat crew burst into laughter. The oath to Eivor Dag: We all remember when Eivor gave orders to attack Kjotve's clan in Avaldsnes. I knew even then, our chance at victory was slim. It was a fool's errand. But Eivor demanded we strike, and I am not one to disobey my superior. Such is the mark of an honorable man. You all know what followed. We set upon Kjotve's men, and were overwhelmed. You lot were captured and fit to be butchered. And Eivor here, carried off to be sold into slavery, a fate worse than a fine death. But there is one fact you do not know! In the initial fight, I came upon Kjotve, cowering in an empty house. He did not see me, and I came within two arms length of him. I could have slain him! A fast stroke of my axe, ending our troubles. But I held back! Why? Because I remembered my oath to Eivor! Yes, years ago, Eivor had staked a claim on Kjotve's life. So I left the bacraut (asshole) alone. Yes. Eivor: A pity, Dag, there is no one living who can verify this incredible tale. The longboat crew burst into laughter. While sailing, Birna began telling a story. OathsShag storySoma of Grantebridge Birna: A good shag story should liven our spirits! Now all your shag stories are surely dumb and swift. I joke, you are surely the greatest lovers, everyone of you. However, my stories of shagging are greater than most sagas. I once shagged in battle, inside a monastery with a kindred warrior. We finished on the alter, forgetting all gods and all spirits. You rise higher than spirits when you plow with hugr and abandon. I once shagged in the crook of a tree's branches, like the legs of a Jotun wrapped around us. We finished and fell to earth. A good shag is a great escape. That is my meaning in this story. If you find another, that is yours to keep. Okay, back to these swan-roads... Soma of Grantebridge. For a time, all the ealdormen of England wanted her dead. A bounty on her head the size of Yggdrasil. So she met with the leader of the South Gyrwans and told their King Roffe, "Say that you killed me. Proclaim it to all of the lands." Roffe answered, "No one will believe me." And Soma shook her head. "Invite them. Here. You will burn me on a pyre for all to see." So they came, the nobles of East Anglia, north and south, of Mercia, of Wessex. They wished to see Guthrum's Valkyrie die. Before all, King Roffe pronounced her guilty of murder and sentenced her to death. Then they put her on a boat and set it afire. Yet Soma had constructed a trap beneath the pyre. She released herself into the murky waters and swam to a bramble. Muddled and wet, she waited in the thorns for night to fall. She then returned to Cambridge as a shadow-walker. She entered the city and stole into the king's chamber, and took the head of Roffe, shouting, "Traitors of Soma wear no heads!" The Saxons thought Soma a ghost! A spirit who kills! A curse invincible to fire and death! What a leader, my Soma. While sailing, Finnr began telling a story. Under Halfdan's BannerKing ÆthelredAmbition Finnr: You lot have not fought a full campaign under Halfdan's banner, I would wager. Let me tell you what it was like. Rarely was there a song-of-swords when Halfdan set forth. Smart Saxons submitted and the brave were butchered. Soon, his reputation reached the hinterlands well before the man himself arrived. And Saxons awaited him with riches, not steel. Halfdan's march through England was unstoppable. But everyone bows to a king until his back is turned. Even glorious kings who have not known treasons will do so in time. Halfdan had to ensure that what was his would remain so. One by one I saw him entrust a city or a village to his older, loyal followers. Until it came to me... until East Anglia. I accepted my charge. There are those who bemoan not being able to fight and die on the field. But Halfdan needed us alive. He knew the better, younger fighters should remain at his side, while his wizened drengir served as his eyes across these lands. Finnr: Hmm, there was a tale of the man I was to crown king before Oswald. Æthelred, he was called. It was just before you came, Eivor. Rued's men had made a spectacle of the poor man, a Christian priest. And a drunken one at that, his veins ran with mead. But he had guts. Bolstered by his Bible in one hand, ale horn in the other. If Oswald bound the people with faith in each other, Æthelred bound them with the love of God. His piety verged on fanaticism. In time I learned that Æthelred had a following. Reverent men who feared nothing, and embraced death in the service of their God. More and more joined him as East Anglia plunged deeper into despair. Emboldened, he sought to purge the lands of Rued's clan. I counseled him as best I could, but his faith in God emboldened him. His courage rivaled Rued's, but it was all he had. No combat experience, no trained warriors. Just sacks of meat falling apart. Æthelred was butchered, along with his men. Finnr: When I came to England with the Sons of Ragnar, I believed it would be a brief raid. A swift adventure out on the open sea. I loved that first crossing. Sliding over the blue expanse, sea spray wetting my face. Hungry for new lands and adventures. Memories of home always drew me back, distracted me. For it is there where all the worst parts of my life occurred. It took too long to look ahead. But I do now. Halfdan's ambition gave rise to my own. He gave me an excuse to leave, to fight! To die an honorable and glorious death so that we can live in the halls of our fathers. One cannot look back, you understand? You cannot go home again. The seers know this. Our paths are set. My life is here now. As is my death. Norway is a chapter past. While sailing, Bjorn Bloodtooth began telling a story. While sailing, Rollo began telling a story. The NornirKjotve the CruelEstrid and EssexeNoriFirst killSeeking glory Rollo: In quiet moments like these, I often think on my life and how it will come to pass. The Nornir weave our fates. Everything we do has already been decided, even the day of our death. But these thoughts trouble me. For if the Nornir already know I am to be great, then I will be great, no matter what I do. If I cast myself overboard to drown, would fate send a dolphin to save me? Or was I always meant to a watery end? What is the point of valor? Of glory? If I slay a hundred men, am I a hero? After all, the dice were loaded. Should I do nothing at all? Why make an effort, when I could stand here and let my fate come to me? Or does heroism lie in not knowing one's fate? Facing your end whatever the whims of the gods. Perhaps the true measure of a man, the full span of his worth, is how little he gives a shit. Rollo: It was a man called Kjotve the Cruel that brought me to these rain-soaked shores. You all know the name, of that I am certain. He and my father, Rognvald, had some disagreements. But my father was never one to bow his head and keep silent. Kjotve's men came for him when I was out hunting. I was not there to defend him. And then when my brother Gurim also fell... I, like a coward, fled to England. I swore that in time I would return to avenge my father's death. But I waited too long. Upon my return from Francia, I heard the news. Kjotve the Cruel is long dead. Slain by the hand of Eivor, the Wolf-Kissed one. I am glad my father's killer is dead. But gods, I wish I had been there to swing the axe myself. Rollo: I often think on Estrid and my time in Essexe. I was almost a year younger and more foolhardy then. Once, the sight of her filled me with tempest. But those stories have calmed now. She did not giggle nor swoon like many girls I know. Wit was her weapon. She could unman you with one swipe of her tongue. But such grace. Such light. Freyja herself would not step with such elegance. Her gaze blinded me. Her words cut me down, raised me up. Made me a wolf, a lamb, a babe, a sage. Wiser men than me have been made fools by love, but not all of them take the lesson from it that I have. When I marry, I will take an equal. No more, no less. A woman worthy of me, as I will be of her. Rollo: I had an odd friend when I was a boy. His name was Nori. And by the gods, that boy could lie! Told us his father traded with the elves. Told us he had kissed sweet Hannah. Said he had seen a giant in the woods. Well, one day we decided we would see about him. So we dared him to take us to the place he saw the giant. He twisted and turned, but at least he agreed. The thing is, I had been out there already. I had taken up a big rock and made footprints in the soft earth. Heels and toes. Giant's feet. When he saw those prints, he went white as a virgin's britches. Everyone made out they were scared. And then... "WHO'S THAT WALKING THROUGH MY WOOD?" I howled from the trees, and I trashed the branches all around. Nori screamed like a maiden and took to his heels. By the smell of it, he emptied his arse on the way. He told us, afterwards, he knew it was a trick, but he never did go near those woods again. Rollo: Death follows in my wake. I do not seek it out, but it is always there, nipping at my heels like a faithful hound. Gilli was my first kill. He was twelve, I was six. He beat me every day, to my eternal shame. One day, I'd had enough. I decided to play a trick on him. I stole his mother's torc and tied it to the tail of the jarl's horse. Then I let him chase me into the stables, where I hid. He saw the torc and went for it. And when he did, I took my stick and whipped that stallion right in the balls! The stallion bucked, kicked Gilli right in the face. He never bullied me again after that. You know... because he was dead. That was the end of Gilli's saga. Rollo: I came to England too late, that is the problem. The Sons of Ragnar have shorn her of all possible glories. Everywhere I go, I find the footprints of men and women who were there before me. In my first weeks, I gathered many men and took them reaving. I lost my heart to an ealdorman's wife, kidnapped her away. But even that was not enough to raise the name of Rollo above the clamor. Other names but mine ring on the tongues of the skalds. Halfdan, Ubba, Guthrum. And Eivor the Wolf-Kissed. Like the trees of a great forest, they shade those beneath, and nothing more can grow there. This land is full. Its glories are spent. I need to look to other shores, where I will write my saga into history. OdinFranciaGoat Rollo: "Hrolfr, you are destined for greatness," my father said. I did not really believe him, not until Odin showed himself to me. Yes, Odin. The night was heavy and the moon was full. I had a bladder full of mead, so I went outside to relieve myself. My piss puddled in the soil, as piss does. In the moonlight, I saw my own reflection there. My own, and another. Standing at my shoulder, taller than any had a right to be, was a bearded man in a broad hat, a raven on each shoulder. His single eye fixed on me, bore into my skull. Can you believe it? This, the All-Father himself? He nodded once, and I knew, I knew. The raven-tester had chosen me. For what, I did not know. But I will soon. I hear your laughter. Yes, I saw Odin in a puddle of piss. Yet how many of you have seen the Hanged God, eh? That's right. Odin has shown me my path forward. One day, I will carve my name into history. Rollo: I have seen the shores of Francia now. Only a glimpse, but a glimpse was enough. I will paint it in your minds, my friends. How the wind stirs the trees, the birds cut the sky, and the lands are emerald green. The swell of those rolling hills. The way the sunlight dapples the forest floor. The maidens toiling in the fields, the sweat on their breasts glistening. O yes! How their firm buttocks tighten as they bend to pick sweet flowers. And the way they speak! Even an insult sounds like an invite. What else might they do with such elegant tongues? O, don't say you weren't thinking the same! One day, I will make that land my home. And those maidens will be mine! Rollo: Did I tell you about the time I pretended to be a goat? I am no stranger to the company of other's wives. But there was one beautiful wren, married to an Auld Blind Alwin. I could not resist her. So when he fell asleep, ale-addled by the fire, she let me visit her most private chambers. She was a chirruping songbird, but I was the braying buck. Rousing the dead in my ecstasy. At the moment of glory, the old man burst in on us waving his crop. He struck me on the arse and I gave a yelp! "Who's there?" he cried! But my girl was quick of wit, and knew her husband well. She convinced Auld Blind Alwin it was not a man in her room, but his prize goat, escaped from its pen. He dragged me by the hair, down on all fours to the barn, where he bolted it fast. I spent the night lying in straw and shit. Still the best night of my life. While sailing Vili Hemmingson began telling a story. FateIsbjornSturgeonIngrid the ChickenSkollaAstridUnityElk Vili: The last ship I spent any good time on was my father's. Quite a lot happened on that ship. Quite a lot. My sea legs are returning to me, but there is a shadow yet in the waves that stifles my joy. On our voyage from Norway, Thor's temper flared. The rain was relentless, and his fury struck the mast. Hard and fast, the waves roiled and tossed the ship. Trygve hollered above the wind, trying to reel in the hysteria. Father on the other hand, I had never seen him so calm. I grabbed on to him for an order, but he just looked at me and said... "If our fate is death, there is no worry, just accept it. If our fate is to live, then there is no worry, stay the course." I thought him mad at the time. But he was right. Those meant to survive, did. There was no fighting fate. Vili: How about the tale of the return of a jarl? Father was not always this cheerful. Not when he held his spear. We are different instruments of war. Him a spear, deft blows between armor, and me a heavy blade of steel, singing through it. Isbjorn, the bear of frost. My father lived and died by that spear. Wielding it for his people and land. But few saw what it did to him. It changed him, slowly but surely. A great man nonetheless, but one further away. Isolated. It was a strange relief when he lost it on that fateful hunt. Robbed of his powerful relic... he took it as a sign to slow down. And he returned to being a warm, affable man. The one you remember best. The spear... it is too rigid, too unfeeling, too fragile. And when the keen edge is lost, it's just a stick. The axe, on the other hand, blunted and chipped, you always feel its weight, its capacity for bloodletting, its burden. Vili: Have you seen the size of the sturgeons in these waters, any of you? Dwarves, most of them. But these vast, cold waters hide a monster the likes I'd never seen. When I was fishing with Trygve once, I dared to believe we had hooked a giant creature, a monster worthy of song. It must have been hours into the fight. The creature would not give, it would not budge. Untiring, immovable. But I would not yield to a fish! I pressed on, and slowly a silhouette emerged from the depths, thrice as big as our boat. Then a flash of armor, plated silver on the water's surface! A sturgeon surely! It thrashed violently and then it was gone. I fell off the boat. Trygve, too. Cold was the water, but nothing rivaled the smart of shame having been thwarted by our dinner. The longboat crew burst into laughter. Vili: Do you remember Ingrid the chicken? The one that the wretched old hermit woman used to keep? I stole her, you know. We had a connection, that bird and I. I would come by and feed it seed and worms I had picked up on the way to see her. But one day, she decided to hop into my arms. A sign, I thought! She had chosen me as her master! I vowed to look after her. My young heart sang. I had always wanted a pet of sorts. So I stashed her in a corner of the house when father wasn't looking. Ingrid settled in nicely into her makeshift nest I made. But morning came and I couldn't find her! Father called me over to the table more eagerly than usual. And there she was. Poor Ingrid, boiled and butchered on a plate. "It's not every day the gods bless us with an easy meal," Father boomed. "But this one wandering right into the house! Now eat!" I sat and ate my meal in silence. Ingrid was delicious. The longboat crew burst into laughter. Vili: The tale of Skolla should interest you. I looked for her before I left Norway. I wanted to take her with me. But you know her. She would have no master, no shackle. It had been months since I saw her last, and I was worried. Holding up hope, I set myself and an elk carcass down in her house. For hours she did not show, and I eventually fell asleep. Then suddenly, it was hard to breathe, and I gasped for air, waking only to find myself pinned down. And there she was, freshly sated with elk, sound asleep, her head on my chest. Nails ruffling my beard. I put my arm around her and we stole a nap like we used to. Then I woke again, and she was gone. As quietly as she came. Ah, she was a good dog... The longboat crew cheered. Vili: Remember the girl Astrid, Eivor? I asked her to come with me when we left Norway. But she was to wed another. A deal her father had arranged. What are children if not pawns to their father's ambitions? He made a peace-pledge to avoid the fates we ended up with. Banished. I often wonder how things would have been. Where we might have lived, what livestock we would have raised. A simple life, I hope. Out of the shadows of our heritage. I even pondered the names of our children. Me, the free-spirit, the war-seeker! I was a stranger even to myself, thinking of her. But there was a stony look in her eyes when she told me she was going to go through with her father's wishes. She had a strong heart, that girl. She always knew what was the right thing to do. And I was not it. The longboat crew cheered. Vili: When we arrived here, we thought the fighting was the hard part. But we were wrong. Getting the Saxons to accept their conquerors, that was the challenge. We pillaged and burned. Did what we do best. Soon their resistance waned and they surrendered to Father. In his wisdom, Father sought not to rule by fear. He bid the locals show us their way of life, he accepted them and theirs. Their ways, their culture, their god. Not all our people saw eye to eye with father and some made their displeasure known. Challenged their jarl. Often times, Father quelled the unrest with reason, but sometimes the square was drawn and the blood of kinsman was spilled. I once asked him why he would kill his own over the lives of these Saxons. He would only say, "There are no Norse or Saxons here, Son, not anymore. Not if we want to survive the ages to come." The longboat crew cheered. Vili: My scars tell good tales. Take this one... a hole through my chest and out my back. Just missed my heart. The elk up north are abundant, so I led a bunch of men into the woods, and we found two big males, jousting. I had never seen anything like it, horn on horn, bone on bone at that speed, with that power. Over and over and over again. Until only a single elk stood standing. Bloodied, triumphant. Facing me, we were two giants giubg at it for food, land, sex. My blood was pumping. I told the men to lower their bows as I approached it. I cast my spear aside, dug my boots into the snow. This was my land now and I had to prove it. We ran towards each other, and crash! I woke up a camp with my screaming. The men killed the elk for food and nursed me back to health. It was the first lesson England taught me. "Don't fuck with the elk". The longboat crew burst into laughter.

Encounters across Vinland

While roaming across Vinland, Eivor came to a nearby lake, where she saw Konwahawíhshon humming to herself as she fished. Konwahawíhshon: Mmmm... hmmmm. Eivor: The leader of the village. They catch lake fish with a harpoon here. Interesting. Eivor walked closer for a better look. Eivor: What is she doing? Eivor approached Konwahawíhshon, who noticed her guest. Konwahawíhshon: Hátskwi Kenhnarà:ken, tesatononntsó:ni ken ne eskátne aietianitsató:rate? (Would you like to fish with me, white woman?) Seeing what Konwahawíhshon was doing, Eivor readied her own fishing line as the village leader continued humming. Konwahawíhshon: Mmmm... mmm... mmmm. Eivor cast her line into the lake full of fish. Eivor: The water is boiling with them! Konwahawíhshon: Mmmm... hmmmm. Just as Eivor caught a fish, Konwahawíhshon spoke up. Konwahawíhshon: Iah thiekaié:ri tsi ní:kon wakená:wi ne kéntson. Shé:kon tewakatonhontsó:ni. (I don't have enough fish. I need some more.) Eivor pulled up the fish and held it aloft. Konwahawíhshon: É:so tsi ioiánere'! Shé:kon teiontiatonhontsó:ni ne kéntson! (That's very good! We need more!) Eivor: I can find more if you like. Konwahawíhshon: Mmmm... hmmmm. Eivor caught another fish. Konwahawíhshon: Akwáhs nihseweién:te' ne kí:ken. (That's very good! We need more!) Eivor: Add one more to the catch. Konwahawíhshon: Kenharà:ken, Iáh akwáhs tetkaié:ri tsi nihsiéhrha', nek tsi ioiánere' tsi ní:ioht tsi wesá:nawe'. (You are not in a great shape, white woman, but you fish well.) Mmmm... mmm... mmmm. Eivor caught a third fish and added it to Konwahawíhshon's pile. Eivor: That should be enough to feed the entire village. As Konwahawíhshon gathered the fish, she saw that a bear had come up some distance behind Eivor. Konwahawíhshon: Hen! Tesahsterihen! Tshiteníhser, thí:ken ohkwá:ri! (Yes! Quick! Let's chase the bear!) Eivor turned around in time to see the startled bear retreat into the bush. Eivor: The bear has been drawn out by the catch. Together, Eivor and Konwahawíhshon chased after the bear. Konwahawíhshon: Tésta'n! Wáts enkonneri'taié:na' ohkwá:ri! (Stop running! I will have your head, bear!) Eivor: A bear is no simple threat. I should follow her. The women tracked the bear to a stream leading out from the lake behind a hill. Konwahawíhshon: Ó:nen wa'konhnhótera'ne', Rentsanénhskwas! (You are mine at last, thief of fish!) Konwahawíhshon provided covering fire with her bow as Eivor fought the bear. After a brief brawl, the animal was killed. Konwahawíhshon: Niá:wen tsi wahstié:nawa'se', Kenhnarà:ken. Enke'wahrahserón:ni' kí:ken ohkwá:ri tánon' kéntson. Sok ki'enwáton' ienshawe' ne kaná:takon. (Thanks for your help, white woman. Let's take the meat of the bear and the fish. Then we can go back to the village.) Before leaving, Eivor spoke to Konwahawíhshon once more. Konwahawíhshon: Á:, Kenhrarà:ken. Iah teshanénhskwas ne ohkwá:ri, tánon' iontiatonhnháhere'. (Ah, white woman, the bear can't steal anymore. We can celebrate.) Eivor: I suspect you were expecting that fight. I will leave you to your tasks. Eivor left Konwahawíhshon to prepare the bear.

The Daughters of Lerion

While travelling through East Anglia, Eivor found a ruined villa and church in the woods outside the city of Northwic. Exploring the grounds, Eivor saw that they were littered with dilapidated attempts at defenses, countless bones—particularly human skulls, many on stakes—and had been abandoned for years due to the overgrowth of vegetation. Eivor approached the villa's main entrance and saw a large white circle with arcane ritual symbols scrawled on the ground and steps in front of the doorway. Stepping inside, she saw two cobwebbed chairs decorated with animal skulls facing the doorway, as well as a note at the foot of the chair on the right. Faded Letter Thegn Leofwine, Lerion's estate is a dire place. On our initial visit, we intended to detain Lerion's three daughters—Cordelia, Regan, Goneril—and seize all lands and property. But they were violent and intransigent. At our approach, the acosted us with curses and clods of mud and feces. A sickening display. I returned a fortnight later with a larger contingent of men to carry out the eviction, but the villa and its surrounding grounds had been vandalized, destroyed, and looted. The daughters have absconded to God knows where, and their hearts are full up with malice. Have a care as you move about the place. Thegn Æthelstan Eivor left the villa to investigate the church, only to find it gutted and burned out. Beside it, however, was a small building which had the planks boarding up the entry torn away. Eivor entered it and dropped down a hole in the floor. Pushing through a crack in the wall of a pit, Eivor found herself in a underground lair filled with cobwebs. Descending deeper, she passed through a door decorated with strings of arm and leg bones, and came to a storage room with a letter on the floor and another hole to a lower level. Eivor read the letter. Faded Letter Ealdorman Lerion, Glory awaits. The alliance we have forged is sealed by our mutual affection for the Ancients and the powers they bequeath. Have no doubts, the Mercian throne will be yours. Soon your great line of Wuffingas will be restored to a power they have not seen in generations. Give thanks to the Ancient Ones for what is to come. Summon all those spirits that give us strength. Ready your fyrd and await my signal. And do give my fond wishes to your beloved daughter, Cordelia. Ælla Rex of Northumbria Eivor dropped down to the lower level, which had another doorway decorated with bones and was filled with knee- to waist-deep water from a breeched underground reservoir. She soon came to a set of steps rising above water level, where she found another note beside an arrow-studded shield on the ground. Faded Letter Ealdorman Lerion, Rumors abound of your wish to take action against King Burgred in Mercia. Answer now and put a swift end to these whisperings or suffer the wrath of King Edmund. You have until the next new moon to visit Northwic and renew your vows of fealty to the King. Else, he will strip you of your title and take your villa for spoils. Do not defy him. Bishop Romulf, Advisor to His Majesty, King Edmund Eivor climbed over some rubble and dropped into a third and final level lined with broken Roman statues along a hallway. Turning left, she came to a loose collection of broken stakes, shields, and rubble, among which was a letter. Faded Letter Thegn Leofwine, Since the execution of Ealdorman Lerion for treason and subsequent disappearance of his three daughters, there has been no activity at the late ealdorman's estate. Only rats and roaches remain. My men and I have conducted a partial search of the premises. We found a great many disturbing signs that indicate our late Ealdorman Lerion was not a man of Christ, but was in fact deeply besotted by the false gods of his deluded forebears. If I could enter the family crypt, I might learn more about Lerion's blasphemies and motivations, but the way is blocked by a hideous statue, and the location is suffused with a cursed miasma. I dare not enter without a priest. I pray you have more success than I have had myself. Thegn Æthelstan Eivor continued down the hall, passing a large defaced statue with its head replaced by a deer skull, and stopped at a wall with a crack in it. Squeezing through, she emerged in a small open room with a flight of stairs that lead back to the surface and ended beside the estate's central fountain. Eivor retraced her path and continued the other direction down the statue hall, which terminated in a crypt that had been hollowed out to fit a new addition. In the center of the room sat a moss-covered stone titan holding a club, with a large set of antlers on its head and three glowing cracks set into its back. Carefully navigating around the skulls and rubble which filled the room, Eivor found another letter on a railing near the titan. Faded Letter Ealdorman Lerion, My loyalty is absolute, old friend. You shall have the men you ask for and more, but only if you can make clear assurances that the promised aid from Ælla of Northumbria will come. If he backs your claim to Mercia, then I shall as well. But I must have proof, I must have your oath. Swear upon a holy rood and deny the rumors that you dabble in blood-magic, and you shall hear the march of feet and the drum of hooves one week from the Christ mass. God willing, Mercia and East Anglia will be joined as one, and the Wuffingas will rule once more. Thegn Leofwine Eivor found a note on the base of a column to the left of the crypt entrance. Faded Letter Thegn Leofwine, As a reward for bringing the treasonous acts of Lerion into the light, King Edmund wishes to award you a third portion of the former Ealdorman's estate. Arrangements for Lerion's daughters must first be made. They will make poor wives for the Thegns of East Anglia, but unions with Mercia and Wessex may prove fruitful. King Edmund continues to worry over the Danes and their leeching demands. Let us leave aside all other conflicts and face this challenge head on, together. Thegn Æthelstan Eivor then found a final note on a stone sarcophagus to the right of the crypt's entrance. Faded Letter Observations upon entering the late Ealdorman Lerion's estate Little of value remains in the villa and upper grounds. His three daughters appear to have burnt, stolen, or destroyed everything of minor value. The family crypt below the villa contains more promise, though the space is marred by the horrifying iconography of a sickened mind. At the center of the crypt is a statue roughly rendered in the shape of the late Lerion. Three slits or impressions in its back seem to want for a key of some kind. Surely his absent daughters know the truth, but they have not been seen since a week following their father's execution for treason. I will remain here for a time and see what other mysteries, and perhaps answers, I can discern. Thegn Leofwine Eivor approached the steps leading to the titan's back. Eivor: This statue has three large slits. Something may fit here. A knife... or a dagger? Curiosity piqued, Eivor exited the tomb and continued her journey. GonerilReganCordelia While in the Isle of Ely Monastery, Eivor found a note amongst a pile of papers on a desk in a treasury room. Keep Out of the Marsh She waits in the marsh! A cruel and ghastly wretch. To disturb her is to awaken a demon. One who will eat your soul! Stay away. STAY AWAY! Exploring the marshes of Grantebridgescire, Eivor discovered the Spalda Fens, with its low mist and myriad fireflies. Eivor: Smells of burnt peat. She soon came upon a corpse propped up in a kneeling position. Eivor: Desecrated. With a rage I have rarely seen. Approaching the cadaver, Eivor could see that ropes were tied around the dead body's head like a makeshift blindfold, with its mouth hanging open. Goneril fought firstFought second or third Eivor: What battle spit you out? Eivor: One more mangled corpse. From the cadaver's open mouth came a cloud of green mist, which surrounded Eivor and induced a hallucinatory state. Eivor: Ah! A figure approached Eivor from behind. Goneril: The guilty have come for spoils. Was our dignity not enough? You return again to mock our family? To make light of my father's sacrifice? Eivor turned to face Goneril. Eivor: Mad seer, you have no fight with me. Goneril: Which of the traitor kings sent you? Was it Edmund? Burgred? Ælla? Eivor: I follow the orders of no king. Nor will I bow to you. Eivor initiated combat with Goneril, who would teleport around, turning into cloud of sickly green hue. Goneril: You dare intrude? You will be skinned like the others. I will tear you apart. A lucky strike. She transformed into a smoke shade which attacked Eivor and dispersed before reforming another shade from the cloud and attacking again. Eivor: What trickery is this? Stay back! Eivor learned her attack patterns and struck when the opportunity arose. Eivor: Ach! What seidr (magic) makes you multiply? Goneril: I am one and many! After suffering much damage, Goneril changed tactics. Goneril: You have done well warrior, lasting this long. But now I hold nothing back. If I must take your eyes, I will. Goneril resumed combat, using stronger attacks and shades. Goneril: Rise, foul vapors! Eivor continued her assault, dodging Goneril's poison traps. Goneril: You will not infect me! Eivor eventually defeated her. Eivor: Let rest the spirit that haunts you. Eivor claimed her dagger as a trophy, as well as the piece of armor she had in her possession. While exploring East Anglia, Eivor discovered the barren Walsham Crag shrouded in heavy mist. Eivor: I sense a twisted siedr on the air. Eivor found the main path to a circular clearing in the crag littered with bodies, and the perimeter lit with candles. She soon came upon a flayed body impaled upright at a makeshift altar of skulls. Eivor: An unjust fate has befallen this one. Regan fought firstFought second or third Eivor: A poor victim of someone's fury. Eivor: I have seen such violence before. A drop of blood fell from the corpse's nose and struck a rock, producing a cloud of red mist that gathered about Eivor's face and induced a hallucinatory state. A figure emerged from the opposite end of the clearing and menacingly approached Eivor. Regan: Are you hear for blood? Like all of those wretched others? Speak! Eivor turned to face Regan. Eivor: Not for yours, unless you tempt me. Regan: Liar, liar, liar! You will join them, all the unkind dead! Now I open the scars of my heart! Eivor stepped away from the altar and walked towards Regan. Eivor: Seidr-using troll! The two met in the open grounds at the center of the ruins as Regan surrounded the place with more red mist. Regan: Breathe deeply! Watch as I become smoke... and listen as I break your bones! Eivor: Raise a glass in Odin's hall. Another war begins. Eivor initiated combat with Regan, who transformed into a smoke shade which attacked Eivor and dispersed before reforming another shade from the cloud and attacking again. Eivor: How is this possible? Regan resumed combat, continually using her shades to teleport and attack Eivor up close. The shade always struck after Regan, mimicking her moves exactly, which prevented Eivor from easily countering Regan immediately after dodging her attack. Using ranged attacks and quick strikes, Eivor found openings to inflict damage. Eivor: Always the maddest. Stubborn draugr (ghoul)! Too weak and too wild! Regan: Bring out the blood! Bring out the dead! Feast on one more offering! After suffering much damage, Regan quickly changed tactics, casting a wide circle of red smoke around herself which exploded, knocking Eivor back and filling the air with thick ash and embers. Regan: Now my blood screams. Eivor: A scream I shall quiet. Regan: A greater darkness fuels my rage. Spirit of my father's rage, fill me! Regan resumed combat, forming more shades which burst into flame upon striking Eivor, or leaving trails of flame behind as they teleported, preventing Eivor from easily chasing Regan. Eivor: Wreathed in flame but not afire? How can this be? Regan: Suffer! Eivor eventually defeated Regan. Eivor: Enough of this cackling and welching. Let rest your demons. Eivor claimed her dagger as a trophy, as well as the piece of armor she had in her possession. While exploring East Anglia's Theotford Forest, Eivor approached some Roman ruins in Berkelow Bog. Eivor: Dark spirits rule the ethers. Entering the ruins, Eivor found the remains of a dead Viking obscured by overgrown shrubbery. Eivor: A fallen warrior, neglected by the Valkyries. Eivor walked to the central stage in the ruins, where a burned corpse was still tied to a stake. Cordelia fought firstFought second or third Eivor: This one suffered a great deal before dying. Eivor: Another tortured soul. Suddenly, thunder crashed and a bolt of lightning struck the corpse. Blinded, Eivor raised her hands, only for a cloud of blue-grey smoke to gather about her face and induce a hallucinatory state. A figure emerged from the opposite end of the ruins and menacingly approached Eivor. Cordelia: Come you hither to pay your respects to the great and grave King Lerion? Coughing, Eivor turned to face Cordelia. Eivor: I do not know such a man. Cordelia continued walking forward as lightning sparked across Eivor. Cordelia: He was betrayed and murdered. By those who denied his friendship, just as you deny him now! Eivor stepped down from the stage and walked to Cordelia, coughing through the smoke's effects. Eivor: Hold there, I am not your enemy! The two met in the open grounds at the center of the ruins as Cordelia surrounded the place with blue smoke. Cordelia: Darkness must reign. And you must fade within it! (scream) Eivor: I will not be taken by a demon goddess. Cordelia: You will join my piles of bones. Eivor initiated combat with Cordelia, who teleported away to create phantoms of herself which charged at Eivor. Eivor: How can there be so many of you? Cordelia resumed combat, continually teleporting away from Eivor's attacks or up close to deliver her own. Eivor: Your tricks will not topple me! Away with all this! Cursed seidr! Eivor fought through Cordelia's rage to inflict damage. Eivor: Your story is lost in the rage you spew! Cordelia: No, no! I am found in the rage! I live there! Cordelia continued summoning lightning phantoms. Cordelia: We were wronged! Now all will pay! After suffering much damage, Cordelia quickly changed tactics, casting a wide circle of blue fire around herself which exploded, knocking Eivor back and filling the air with thick blue smoke. Cordelia: Now you face the end! You demon-ploughing dog! I was to be Lady of Mercia! Cordelia teleported to another part of the ruins and called down bigger lightning strikes around her, but the bolts did not hit Eivor. Eivor: She commands the power of the wind? Eivor anticipated where the lightning bolts would strike and weaved between them, drawing close and ready to strike Cordelia while she was vulnerable. Eivor: Folly has consumed you. Eivor eventually defeated Cordelia. Eivor: Tampered spirit. Leave this place. Eivor claimed her dagger as a trophy, as well as a pair of gauntlets she had in her possession. After defeating all of Lerion's daughters, Eivor returned to the estate and revisited the statue. Eivor: The dagger I won from the woman in the swamp. It must go here. Pulling out Goneril's dagger, Eivor aligned it with one of the slits and inserted it with a stone-grinding scrape until it clicked solidly into place. Eivor: Two more blades may fit here. Eivor inserted Cordelia's dagger into another slit. Eivor: I have a dagger from the bog lady. It may go here. Eivor inserted Regan's dagger into the remaining slit. Eivor: The blade I took from the lady of the crag. It may fit. With all three daggers inserted, the statue suddenly burst apart, shaking the crypt as it collapsed the floor to reveal a deeper tunnel underneath. When the dust settled, Eivor entered the hole and followed the path down a hall lined with more Roman statues. She emerged in a treasure room that held four thrones, two on either side facing each other. Eivor found a note on one of the thrones on the left side. Faded Letter A blood-rotted bile of curses down the throat of treasonous Leofwine! Thunder and lightning of Thunor upon the petty head of pious Edmund! A scourge of Dane spears in the bloated guts of galling Ælla! Black curses on you ALL for defying so great a man! Lerion FATHER. Lerion KING. Lerion DIVINE. We will devour all those who defied him! R – G – C Eivor left the chair and stepped over a similar arcane circle as the one at the villa's entrance to reach the central altar, which was composed of three still-smoking candles in skulls atop skull-covered stone blocks surrounding a treasure chest. Eivor opened it and claimed Thor's Helmet from within. Eivor: A king's fortune, guarded well by his wayward daughters.

Cairns

During her travels, Eivor stacked many cairns reminiscing on conversations she had as a child. Rosta teaches Eivor about cairnsEivor's tallest cairn yetVarin tells the tale of LokiVisit from Sigurd Rosta: So go on. Try it yourself. Eivor, come! Stand here and look out over the fjords. Hold my hand, there you go. Eivor: Whaa! I have never been so high. Rosta: Your father brought me here long ago, when we were just nineteen winters. Together we stacked stones into cairns. Eivor: These? Rosta: Yes. Think of this as a test of mind and wit. Stack the cairn stones high and wide, into any shape you like. Eivor: How do I win? Rosta: You win by playing, and a quiet mind is your reward. Let the air and nature's beauty soothe you. Eivor: Come, Father, this way! Varin: I am here, I am here. Eivor: Look. I made this myself, my tallest cairn yet. Varin: Ah, yes. Your mother said you had taken swiftly to the stack-of-stones. This is impressive. Eivor: And it can stand hard against the winds as well. Watch! [blow] Varin: A burst of blue-air that blows to rival Njörðr's noisy belches! Well made, Eivor. But know this, height is not the only trait of a cairn's beauty. Shape, balance, expression are key. Seek a variety of these. Let your only goal in this task be to surpass your own best creation. Eivor: Father... why do men yell at one another when they have drunk too much mead? Varin: Hm. Mead is a delicious poison that gives men courage and robs them of kindness. But yelling is not always a wrong. Have you never wanted to loose your tongue and scream at someone? Throw hugr-fire and word-spears at those who anger you? Eivor: Maybe. Varin: Why do you ask? Eivor: Sigurd told me the story of Loki and his anger at the gods. Why was he angry? Varin: Because he was vain. When the gods heaped pretty praise on the serving men of Ægir, Loki could not contain himself. His pride was heavier than his heart. He lived for trickery and glory-hounding. He was jealous. Loki would rather make enemies of friends than hear a good word about anyone but himself. Never be as Loki was. Rosta: Eivor, did you hear? The king will visit tomorrow. Sigurd will be with him. Eivor: Father told me, but I cannot play too often with Sigurd. He always steals my stones and calls me troll-tooth. Rosta: I can think of one way to fluster him. Use all of these stones for your next cairn. He'll have none for himself. Eivor: I could build the largest cairn he has ever seen. He would be so jealous. Rosta: Take these. Make him smile. Eivor: Yes! Rosta: And did your father mention Gunnar's arm ring? Eivor: No. Not that I remember. Rosta: Speak with your father tonight. He has a special task for you. SefaSigurd and skipping stonesA new brotherThe All-Father whispering Eivor: Sigurd, can I have that stone? Sigurd: No, I need it for my tower. Rosta: Sigurd. Your father tells me you have a love-pledge with Sefa? Sigurd: No, not anymore. She called me a whale-face, and I spit on her foot. Those are not words a lover should use. Rosta: Does Sefa know that you have severed your bond with her? Sigurd: She does. I told her to find another drengr. Then she cried. I do not know why. Sadness can be so silly. Eivor: Your meanness will haunt you one day, Sigurd. I would never betray you. Sigurd: Because we are friends. In love, hurt is different from that of friendship. Lovers must betray one another, as the sun rises and sets. Eivor: The sound of stones falling upon stones is nice. They click and clack so well. Sigurd: I prefer them as skipping stones. The whish and sploosh! Watch. Varin: Sigurd, stop that. Sigurd: Did you see that? How far it went? A giant's arm, I have! The strength of the gods! Eivor: That was mine! Varin: You know better than to take what's not yours, Sigurd. Must I tell your father how badly you behaved today? Sigurd: Say what you like. He would not believe you! Varin: He would... and then he would pitch you into the sea, and invite me to drink in his hall. Be warned. Sigurd: Eivor... I hoped I would find you here. You seem well. Your wounds have healed quickly. I heard my father talking to the others. He said you were his child now, so... so that makes me your brother. You are welcome to this family. Now we will grow together, and feast together, and scamper over the snows together. I hope that pleases you. It pleases me. What is it you are building now? Two homes? Or... a hill and a mountain? Eivor: This is my father Varin. And this is Kjotve the Cruel. Sigurd: Ah... Eivor: (scream) (crying) Sigurd: Lean on me. I will lead you home. Eivor: Are you referring to my father? Sigurd: Am I what? Eivor: What you just said. Was it about my father? Sigurd: I said nothing. We have been silent since we came here. Eivor: Liar. You did, just now. As plain as you're talking now. Sigurd: You're mad. What did I say? Eivor: A coward believes he will live unto old age if he stays clear of strife, but old age will wither him fast, though he be untouched by spears. Sigurd: I said nothing of the sort, troll-tooth! That is the All-Father whispering into your big head. Do you believe him a coward?Eivor and Sigurd on godsThe skald in youDescription of Valhalla Sigurd: Eivor? Eivor, you bacraut (asshole). I know you hear me. Eivor: What? Sigurd: Do you often think of your father? Eivor: Yes. Sigurd: Do you believe him a coward? Eivor: He is a coward, as everyone says. And now he lives with Hel. Her servants Slow and Lazy, her curtains Dire Luck pulled across his bed. Sigurd: You should win back the honor he lost. Eivor: I will. Sigurd: I know you will. Sigurd: You are quite good at this, these cairns. Better than me, that I admit. Eivor: Yes. Sigurd: This one is your masterpiece. A monument to the gods. Now bask in their glory and receive their honor. Eivor: The gods rarely have honor. Sigurd: Well... Eivor: They never live in peace. They hardly bat an eye at jealousy, rage, and madness. Sigurd: Yes, yes... they are perfect. Sigurd: No, no, use that stone. Eivor, use the large one. There. Eivor: Do you like the snow, Sigurd? Sigurd: I suppose. I... I accept it. Eivor: I love it. I wish it could gather under my skin, surround my bones, and cloak me in silence, just the way it quiets the land. Sigurd: Snow like arrows? The skald in you speaks! I admit, it does calm me down some. Eivor: If everyone sat and watched the soft, chunky snow fall, and said nothing... nothing at all, we would all be happier. Sigurd: Snow makes for a poor plowing bed. That’s what I know! Eivor: Describe it for me, Sigurd... Valhalla. Sigurd: Ah, well. My father says the walls will drip mead, your fingers will sing, and your feet will grow wings! Jewels will fall from the mouths of wolves... butter jumps from barrel to bread. Eivor: And the mud smells of lavender. I heard that once. Sigurd: Yes. And when your eyes command rain, it pours hot drops, your smile craves sun, the clouds part like curtains. Bloody, shiny, unbreakable Valhalla... one day our slaughter-reeds will guide us there, my Eivor. Eivor: And my father will not be with us. That much I know for truth. Vé, Vili and Odin celebrate Having drunk the potion prepared by Valka, Eivor heard one of Odin's memories in Asgard, that he recalled while building a cairn himself. Vili: Our work is done and daylight remains. We have earned a drink for our troubles, I think. What say you, brothers? Vé: A drink, aye! To drown our creation in praise. A world fashioned anew from old flesh! Vili: Do you recall the size of old Ymir when we began our work? A corpse as tall as the day is long! Spanning the abyss, Ginnungagap. Vé: O yes, O yes. His pliant flesh, by which we made the fertile soils of the earth. Vili: And from his blood came oceans and the seas. I remember well. Vé: For hills and mountains, we piled his bones. Vili: From his beard came trees, from his hair the grass. Vé: His domed skull we opened for the blue heavens above. Crowded by clouds of brain matter. Vili: A new world made from an old life ended. Skal, brothers! I raise my horn to you both. Vé: Brother Odin, you are silent. Is something wrong? Is our work not worthy of praise? Odin: (laugh)

Fly Agaric

CentEast AngliaEssexeGlowecestrescire Eivor ate the fly agaric and in her hallucination solved a puzzle that consisted of passing through gates in a specific order. Eivor: Travel widely to become wise, for all things are too easy at home, and the ignorant who sit among wise men will be mocked. Eivor ate the fly agaric and in her hallucination solved a puzzle that consisted of passing through gates in a specific order. Eivor: I saw a rich man's home burning, yet he was hopeful, and death stood outside his door. It is always better to live, even in misery. Eivor ate the fly agaric and in her hallucination solved a puzzle that consisted of lighting braziers with blue fire. Eivor: Drink by the campfire, skate on the ice, buy a lean horse and a tempered sword. Do these things and be pleased with your lot. Eivor ate the fly agaric and in her hallucination solved a puzzle that consisted of lighting braziers with blue fire. Eivor: Firewood from firewood burns, flame kindles flame, and from man goes wisdom to man, and folly to folly. GrantebridgescireLedecestrescireOxenefordscireRygjafylkeSciropescire Eivor ate the fly agaric and in her hallucination solved a puzzle that consisted of lighting braziers with blue fire. Eivor: Fire is a blessing to one who has traveled far... to he who enters from the cold with frozen legs, in need of food and clothing. Eivor ate the fly agaric and in her hallucination solved a puzzle that consisted of passing through gates in a specific order. Eivor: Before crossing a new threshold, take care... for it is difficult to know what foes lie in wait beyond. Eivor ate the fly agaric and in her hallucination solved a puzzle that consisted of passing through gates in a specific order. Eivor: A wary guest who wants a meal is silent. He listens and looks about. So must a wise man be who searches within himself. Near the mushrooms, Eivor found a note. Note written in unsteady hands The first gate leads to Thruthheim, Where Thor thunders until Ragnarök. The second gate leads to Freyja's Folkvang. For good men and women grown weary of battle The third gate leads to Gladsheim, Where the All-Father welcomes his blood-drinkers. Eivor ate the fly agaric and in her hallucination solved a puzzle that consisted of passing through gates in a specific order. Eivor: One who wanders widely and has traveled far will learn the scope of mankind's nature, and discover common sense. Near the mushrooms, Eivor found a note. {{IUNote |Title=Engraved in Stone |Text=Druid I shall be. I begin my initiation. I have eaten of the mushroom and wait to see the spirits. ... ... Oh, my! Eivor ate the fly agaric and in her hallucination solved a puzzle that consisted of lighting braziers with blue fire. Eivor: Amid bad men, friendship burns hotter than fire for five days full and tumbles to ash on the sixth when the fire has burnt out.

Flyting

AlvisAugusta the CheerfulBorghild the Aleswife's BaneBrother Quiescis If Eivor made at least two good versesIf Eivor failed at least two verses If Eivor made at least two good versesIf Eivor failed at least two verses If Eivor made at least two good versesIf Eivor failed at least two verses If Eivor made at least two good versesIf Eivor failed at least two verses Chadwick, Monger of GossipFenn the WistfulFergal the Faceless If Eivor made at least two good versesIf Eivor failed at least two verses If Eivor made at least two good versesIf Eivor failed at least two verses In Grantebridge, Eivor came upon a locked hut with a group of three people standing outside. She spoke to the woman. Anglo-Saxon Woman You! Dane! Come closer... Eivor: What do you want? Anglo-Saxon Woman: You look to be a good fighter... but do you dare to face the greatest battle you will ever know? Eivor: Of what do you speak? Anglo-Saxon Woman: I speak of a terrible and monstrous incorporeal power whose name is feared across these lands... Fergal the Faceless, the most fearsome flyter in all of Grantebridgescire. Anglo-Saxon Man 1: Oooh... Anglo-Saxon Man 2: Ughhh... Eivor: A flyter? Is that all? Anglo-Saxon Woman: Fergal the Faceless has silenced doubters before. Will you challenge him? I will face the Faceless.This sounds absurd. Eivor: You're absurd. Anglo-Saxon Woman: You are right to be afraid. You may return to me, should you ever wish to face death by flyting. Eivor left. She later returned and accepted the challenge. Anglo-Saxon Woman: You return. Do you dare, traveler, face the terrible flyting wrath of Fergal the Faceless? Eivor: I will face the Faceless. Anglo-Saxon Man 1: (gasp) Anglo-Saxon Man 2: My God... Anglo-Saxon Woman: You are braver than most. Or perhaps more foolish. Come, I will give you a key. This key unlocks Fergal's lair, which you see now before you! Eivor: That's a house. Anglo-Saxon Woman: No! No, it is a den of nightmares! A pit of death from which few have ever escaped unharmed! Eivor: By words. Unharmed by words. Anglo-Saxon Woman: Go! Go now. And God be with you. Eivor took the key and unlocked the hut to find it full of skeletons, pig carcasses, and animal skulls, with a stool set beside a wear in the back wall. Suspicious, Eivor returned to speak to the woman again. Anglo-Saxon Woman: Do not tarry. Your death by flyting awaits! Fergal will claim another sorry soul! Seeing she would get no answers, Eivor entered the house and sat on the stool. A man's voice came from seemingly nowhere. Fergal the Faceless: A new victim! What fool dares to challenge the might of Fergal the Faceless? Eivor: Eivor of the Raven Clan. Fergal: Eivor of the Raven Clan. My next meal. Are you prepared to be eviscerated by words? Eivor: I think I will survive. Fergal: I am Fergal the Faceless, and I am clever and strong! But you're not! You're ugly, and weak, and you're a big smelly coward! You're probably too scared to even face me, now that I think about it! Eivor smiled. Eivor: Sorry, have you started? Fergal: Yes, obviously! I said you're probably too scared to face me! ClumsyWeakFool Eivor: But your rhythm is clumsy, you'll never outpace me. Eivor: It's the weakest attempt I've yet heard to disgrace me. Eivor: See, your rhythm's how a fool would attempt to debase me. Fergal: Ah! You think you can win with rhyme, do you? Well... if you like to rhyme, listen this time. I'm very brave, my flyting is grave. I'm not a knave, and it's victory that I really crave. Your tongue is fat, you're a sprat, you whine like a little brat, and we are in a spat! FlatRatWeak Eivor: All my life I've not heard of a flyting so flat. Eivor: Says the flyter who hides in a hole like a rat. Eivor: There has never been so weak an insult as that. Fergal: O, you've made a terrible mistake. Be ready for my finishing blow! I am the best at flyting, I have got powerful skills. I'm strong as an ox and clever as a fox, I'm sharp as a dozen... hawks. Eivor noticed movement behind the wicker of the worn wall beside her and smirked. Fergal: Let me show you my skills and then you I shall kill... dead, with my... mm... my skill. I do not think you will best me.You're not a talented flyter, Fergal.You can stop now, we're done. Eivor: While it's quaint you think you can best me, I must say... I don't think you will. Eivor: If we are arguing as to your talent, I shall die happily on this hill. Eivor: You can stop stumbling over your verses, I have already had more than my fill. Fergal: You... well... I... just one moment! I... I need to think. Give me time! Eivor: Fergal the Faceless or Fergal the Wordless? Fergal: No! You get ready! The killing blow is... it's coming! It's... There was the sound of movement, and Eivor stood. Eivor: Fergal? Hello? Through the open door of the hut, she saw a man running away, and she shook her head in amusement. Hertha the Very HighHogg the BurlyJungulfLady Ellette of Colchester If Eivor made at least two good versesIf Eivor failed at least two verses If Eivor made at least two good versesIf Eivor failed at least two verses If Eivor made at least two good versesIf Eivor failed at least two verses If Eivor made at least two good versesIf Eivor failed at least two verses Manning, Fighter of WolvesOve the ScarredStigr The Amorous Near the docks of Stavanger, came across two men, one of whom insulted her as she approached him from behind. Manning, Fighter of Wolves: What tiny little child approaches? Eivor: Me? Manning turned to face her. Manning: Ah! Many apologies. You are no child, simply a frail and fully-grown fool. Ha ha ha! He began to circle Eivor. Eivor: Do we know each other? Manning: I know you're a weakling! And you... you need only know my impressive scale and flawless build. Eivor: Why do you speak to me this way? Manning: We are flyting! Eivor looked back at Manning's companion in question, but he only shrugged. Eivor: I've consented to nothing yet. Manning: Fine. Do you wish to flyt against me? (Accept – "I do!") Eivor placed a bet. Eivor: Here's my wager. I'm ready for you now. Manning nodded and began. Manning: Have you ever seen muscles as massive as mine? SwinePrideSpine Eivor: You have the form of a very large swine. Manning: Come on, you can do better than that! Eivor: I'm not awed by your muscles, but shocked by your pride. Manning: Come on, you can do better than that! Eivor: What you make up in muscles, you're lacking in spine. Manning and his companion nodded, pleased. Manning: More than strength, I can boast that my features are fair. ComeHairScare Eivor: Your pride is misplaced, you're as plain as they come. Manning: No no no. Wound me! Don't go easy on me! I can take it! Eivor: I don't like your features or your hair. Manning: No no no. Wound me! Don't go easy on me! I can take it! Eivor: They seem perfectly placed to give children a scare. Manning: You're brilliant! Yes! More! Manning: Have you ever met someone so witty and quick? ThickTickObtuse Eivor: No, you're quite like your arms: just incredibly thick. Manning put his hand to his chest. Manning: Brutal, I adore it! Eivor: You've the wit and the charm of a wood tick. Manning looked back at his companion, who shrugged again. Manning: You can't go harder than that? Eivor: I can't say that I have, you're uniquely obtuse. Manning looked back at his companion, who shrugged again. Manning: You can't go harder than that? If Eivor made at least two good versesIf Eivor failed at least two verses Manning: Wonderful! Rare to find someone with any flyting skill. You deserve every bit of your bet and more. I'll remember some of those insults! Eivor: Happy to be of service. Manning: What a shame. Thought you'd be up for a good spar. Come back again if you ever feel ready. Eivor returned again later to try again. Manning: Happy returns after a sorry loss. Do you want to try again? Give me your best. If Eivor made at least two good versesIf Eivor failed at least two verses If Eivor made at least two good versesIf Eivor failed at least two verses }}

River Raids
While raiding rivers across England with Vagn, Eivor learned more about his earlier life. Eivor: Vagn:

Dublin's services

Shortly after sailing to Ireland to meet her cousin Bárid mac Ímair, Eivor spoke to Azar at her shop in Dublin's market. Azar: Ah! A visit from my good friend. (If "What do you have today?" is chosen.) Azar: I always enjoy the dance of trade. Eivor looked over Azar's contracts and decided whether to conduct some overseas trading. Azar: Enough for today? (If "Remind me what you do here." is chosen.) Eivor: What is it you do here, again? Azar: I trade our trade post resources. Foreign lands can provide us with rare exotic goods. (Leave – "I have what I need.") Azar: Farewell, Eivor. Eivor left Azar's shop and continued walking until she came to Aoife's smithy at the edge of the market. Aoife: And what is it I can do for you this fine day? What's the craic? Can I help ye? (If "Let me see your services." is chosen.) Eivor: I would like to see what you have in stock. Eivor quickly inspected Aoife's wares and decided whether to buy anything. Aofie: Look at you, now. Powerful! (If "What do you do here?" is chosen.) Eivor: Can you remind me what you do here? Aoife: If it's weapons or armor enhanced or adorned you'll be needin', that's what I'm here for. (Leave – "I have to go.") Eivor: I'm off, be well friend.

Frankish Nobles

While aiding the siege of Paris, Eivor met and fought three disenfranchised Frankish nobles. Amric, the HunterGerswinda, the CavalierHerbert du Lilibonne, the Duelist While passing near Les Trois Pignons, Eivor spotted a chest suspiciously positioned in the center of a clearing. Evaded the trapLooted the chest Smelling a trap, Eivor avoided the chest and began scouting the area. She cleared some explosive traps with arrows and eventually found a nobleman hiding in the bushes, striking at him. Amric: What? Impossible! I cannot be seen. I cannot be found! I am not visible! Eivor looted the chest and a hiding noble starting attacking her. Amric: Hah! As expected of a simple heathen mind. So predictable. Eivor began attacking him between his crossbow volleys and chasing him around the clearing. He continued to boast despite his wounds. Amric: Sly heathen! Never mind your sharp, godless eyes, you will not take me! I will never let you best me. In the lovely name of Lilibonne! Lilibonne! Lilibonne! Lilibonne! Eivor eventually defeated Amric. Eivor: Cattle die. Kinsmen die. Cowards who hide in mud and leaves die. From the first noble she killed, she remarked on a letter she found. Eivor: There was a letter on the body. From Amric's body, she retrieved a letter written on woven sheep's wool. Woolly Letter Amric, Greetings, Brother! I hope this letter reaches you in good fortune! I, myself, have found favor amongst the admiring residents here. They crowd the arena I stand upon at Coteaux de la Seine, waiting only to cheer my name when I am victorious over a Northern invader! In the meantime, they busy themselves with provender. Alas, no one has come yet to find me, though they must surely have heard talk of me—Herbert du Lilibonne, Adored by Many, Feared and Fabled Scourge of Northerners! I made sure to yell my name at every tavern, boasting of my undeniable skill. I also sent letters to the Northerner camps, though I am doubtful they know letters, such is the dimness of their heathen minds. When the first Northern fool comes to challenge, I will write again with detail of each victorious blow! Herbert du Lilibonne Eivor approached a group of nuns being confronted by another woman mounted on a horse. French Woman: Please, we implore you. Leave us to our prayer! Gerswinda: Prayer won't be enough, sisters! We must take up arms and be the hand of God's judgement against the heathens. I have gathered a selection of fine swords for you all to choose from. Or even a mace, if you'd prefer. Gerswinda and her group attacked as they saw Eivor approach. Gerswinda: Ah ha! My eyes do not deceive me! It is our enemy! No time for training, sisters. Let us put our mettle to the ultimate test. French Woman: O dear, O my! The nuns fled as Gerswinda and her mounted cavalry began riding circles around Eivor. Gerswinda: Sisters, take up arms! Let us smite this foul evil down to the wretched underbelly of Hell! Occasionally, Gerswinda would ride several meters away from Eivor before turning with her spear brandished. She telegraphed her charge with a loud yell. Gerswinda: Charge! Eivor parried and dodged Gerswinda's mounted strikes. She continued to boast despite her wounds. Gerswinda: Ha, ha! I underestimated you. I thought you heathens only swung your weapons aimlessly like children. It is not enough that you ruin my family's name, but now you seek to snuff the wick of my very life now as well? For Mother, Father, Herbert, and Amric! For fair and lovely Lilibonne! Eivor defeated Gerswinda. Eivor: Had her rallying worked, she might have bested me. From Gerswinda's body, Eivor claimed a grass-stained letter. Grass-Stained Letter Gerswinda, I have reached Les Trois Pignons, southeast of Evreux. This is the secret location I mentioned when we three last met. Not one of the Northern fiends has yet come by, but I lie in readiness. I must be patient, for avarice is in their blood and they will not long resist sight of my treasure. Await my news, Sister. We shall soon return to Lilibonne covered in glory. As an aside, I worry for our brother Herbert. I fear that the juice of vengeance has addled his mind, for he has taken too keen an interest in the company of dumb farm animals of late. He was always rather dim, but this is stupid even for him. For Lilibonne and glory, Amric du Lilibonne Herbert du Lilibonne: ...then I sliced, and his head swung clean off the neck! I admit, it was no pleasant task. But not too gruesome for I! I, Herbert du Lilibonne, will engage in grand duel any heathen who shows their godless face! Eivor approached the boasting man. Herbert du Lilibonne: Ah ha! An unworthy challenger approaches! Eivor spoke to him. Eivor: Your arena has no crowd. Herbert du Lilibonne: O heathen, your eyes fail you! Can you not see my admirers all around me? I will not disappoint them! Ready your weapon, step into my arena, and prepare for defeat! Eivor stepped into the arena. Herbert du Lilibonne: Ah ha! No escape for you now, heathen! You'll die in this ring. The last thing in your ears will be applause and cheers from my company here! For I am Herbert du Lilibonne, and you are soon-to-be-gone! Waited for fight to beginAssassinated Herbert They began their fight to the death. Eivor dodged his greatsword strikes and inflicted injuries. He continued to boast despite his wounds. Herbert du Lilibonne: Ah ha! Your strike annoys! But you won't beat me for flair and poise! I am quick, quick as a sheep! Watch me leap! I will not suffer a defeat! For I am Herbert du Lilibonne! It is family honor I fight upon! Hear my admirers bleat! Rather than humor the fool with a duel, Eivor stuck her Hidden Blade into him while he boasted. Eivor defeated Herbert. Eivor: You were noble, but dumb as your sheep. From Herbert's body, Eivor retrieved a finely written letter. Finely Written Letter Herbert, For the love of our God, Brother, come to your senses. Those are not admirers, they are sheep. Do not make an ass of yourself over farm animals. I myself am on my way to the church at Arlonis Forest, north of Evreux. I hasten to spread our message and will rally the good people there against this plague of devils from the North! Aided by the valiant spirit that stirs amongst our sisters, as well as some very sharp weapons, we will prove victorious! Wait for my good news, Brother! Soon we will have more to praise us than your silly sheep! Gerswinda du Lilibonne In the nearby house, she found another note providing further details on the eccentric duelist. Mad Sheep Man Complaint In the name of God and Saint Taurinus himself, someone help me remove this madman! Barely a week ago he broke into my sheep pen, released all our sheep (though they do not stray far, for we feed them well), and stood in the middle of the pen waiting for Lord knows what! When questioned he answered that he was expecting a "fated challenger". What nonsense! No one has come, yet every day he goes to the pen, releases the sheep, and stands waiting in the same spot! I would chase him off but he holds a spear, and I'd rather not be at the end of it. Having defeated all of the nobles, Eivor reflected on their cause. Eivor: Brothers, and sister Lilibonne, they fought for honor but are no more.

Tombs of the Fallen

While exploring England, Eivor found and investigated a number of tombs belonging to former Brittonic leaders who fought invading Roman legions. Tombs 1234567 Manius' Sanctum Eivor arrived at Ravensthorpe's docks and saw a crowd of onlookers witnessing strange behavior in a group of animals in the river. Norse Woman 1: Do you hear that? Norse Woman 2: Thor's testicles! What is happening over there? The women continued. Norse Woman 2: No good can come of this. Norse Woman 1: What has gotten into them? The fish and animals continued to flail strangely in the water. Norse Woman 1: What could they be so upset about? Norse Woman 2: It is not a good sign. Eivor approached them. Norse Woman 1: Have you ever known anything like this? Eivor: What is going on? Norse Woman 1: Across the river! The animals have lost their senses! Norse Woman 2: My very pig chewed through her fence and plunged into the river. She tried to swim across! Norse Woman 1: O! I have seen crows attacking one another. Perhaps this is serious. Eivor: It is concerning. My raven might see better. Sýnin! Through her raven's eyes, Eivor saw strange winds surrounding a rock engraved with a large ⟨⟩ sigil. Phantasmal winds swirled around the sigil, driving Sýnin off and breaking her connection with Eivor. Eivor reopened her eyes with a wince. Eivor: [ONO - HUH?] Sýnin herself has lost course. Norse Woman 2: Something must be done! Norse Woman 1: Do you think we are in danger? Eivor: I will look into it. Eivor crossed the river and went towards the marked rock while the two women shrugged at one another. When she touched the sigil, the rock itself flickered away into an Isu column, revealing an entrance into the mountain itself. Eivor: What seidr is this? A note lay near the small column. Strange Columns I am struck by the unusual stone structures found in the tombs. I cannot believe that Britons, who live in huts of clay could have carved such columns. Some long-forgotten peoples must have erected them. –Manius Calvisius, Engineer to the Emperor Eivor entered Manius's Sanctum, taking a Leap of Faith into a cart of hay at the bottom of the cave. She began exploring the tunnels beneath and found another letter. Command of Nero Claudius Germanicus, Emperor of Rome Manius, I know you to be a capable engineer with a cunning and sometimes diabolical imagination. I am therefore assigning you this weighty commission. The barbarians of Britain have taken to gathering at the tombs of their heroes as if at sacred shrines. There they foment rebellion against Rome and therefore against my very person. This cannot be tolerated. However, Manius, I have consulted my soothsayer, a man of subtle knowledge. The auguries tell him that to defile the tombs or even to seal them away would bring a storm of ill fortune upon me personally. You see the problem. You must leave the tombs unharmed but endeavor to make access to them so parlous as to be unthinkable. I am not asking of you a favor, Manius. This is a command from your emperor. –Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus Eivor came upon a hall with a couple of pressure plates. Eivor: I need to place something on this. The one on the left had a round recess, the one on the right a square impression. Eivor: I need something very heavy to weigh this down. To the left up the wall, she found an opening into an adjoining alcove, which contained a mechanism. Eivor threw the lever and the mechanism dispensed a small round weight. Eivor: Where does this belong? She returned to the hall with the weight in hand and dropped it on the round pressure plate. A lock clicked within the door and she turned her attention to the other. Behind a seal of wooden planks, she found a tall, movable column with a square footprint. Eivor: This could be useful. She slid the column onto the square plate. The second lock clicked open, raising the heavy gate and allowing her to proceed. Eivor: Ah! A hidden chamber. Eivor stepped through the gate and descended into the wide open chamber, taking stock of her surroundings. Eivor: This is the ancient work of Romans. Eivor walked up a short flight of stairs and spied an Isu map of the Isles hanging on the far cavern wall. She found a key to Manius' workshop and another note. The Final Conundrum All the tombs are now protected by my contraptions. Yet I am defeated by this final entrance! What could lie behind it? How does one open its odd gateway? It is perhaps the one problem I cannot solve. –Manius Eivor: Is this England? Odd. Some locations are marked. In an excavated pit before the base of the stairs was the final entrance Manius had mentioned. Eivor: Sealed tight. No way to open this. Eivor unlocked a nearby door leading to Manius' workshop, taking note of his lethal designs. Eivor: The workshop of a madman. She read a note on his desk. Notes from the Roman Engineer Emperor Nero has given me a task born of Madness. I am to prevent the Britons from gathering at the tombs of their fallen heroes. Yet I cannot simply build a wall! Our mad emperor insists that it be possible to approach the tombs, but mandates that all who attempt to do so shall perish. My duty is to do as he wishes, however nonsensical. And so I shall. –Manius Calvisius Near a prototype trap, two notes were affixed with daggers. Notes for Spinning Traps I lured a credulous Briton into one of the spinning traps. Successful dismemberment. Notes for Spike Walls The tests with the animals went badly. I must sharpen the spikes! Past the spike trap, Eivor looted a chest and retrieved the Fallen Hero Cape. Eivor: Impressive gear. Taking note of the marked locations, Eivor left the sanctum behind and first travelled to East Anglia. Boudicca's Tomb With Sýnin's help, Eivor found a similar column of phantasmal winds near the village of Elmenham. When she touched the sigil, the rock face flickered away to show a hologram-projecting Isu column, revealing an entrance into the mountain itself and Boudicca Tomb far below. Eivor: The same as the other. This time, there was a note affixed to the Isu column itself. The Illusions By pure happenstance, I have unleashed the power of this remarkable machinery. Using some artifice, the entrances to these caves are obscured, leaving a passerby to believe there is no entrance at all! If I believed the gods existed, I would ascribe this to Mercury himself. –Manius Eivor entered Boudicca's tomb. Eivor: This place is not very welcoming. She made her way deeper, avoiding the numerous spike traps. Eivor: Ah! Go! Go! Go! Eivor reached a large chamber filled with traps and pressure plates. To her right, she climbed up and opened a portcullis to release one of the weights she needed, and found the other to the left. With the weighted columns in place, Eivor crossed a deep chasm filled with poisonous gas. Eivor: Best not fall. To the right, she descended into a pit lined with spikes and found a mechanism that dispensed a small round weight. To return to the main hall, however, she had to traverse a tunnel filled with gas and spinning traps. Eivor: I have to go through this? She navigated the tunnel and returned to the main chamber, placing the weight upon the pressure plate and went to find another. To the far left, Eivor went through a tunnel of gas and spike walls, finding another mechanism at the end of it. Eivor: Slowly. Carefully. She made her way back to the main hall, weight in hand, dodging traps along the way and moving tall stones into place to use as footholds. Eivor: How many traps are in this place! With all four pressure plates weighed down, the gate opened. Eivor: Another chamber. May this one be as fruitful. To cross to the crypt entrance, Eivor quickly removed the stones weighing down the platforms and climbed back up, allowing them to rest evenly and form a path across the final chasm. In the crypt proper, Eivor saw Boudicca's tomb was perfumed by an odd incense. As Eivor inhaled the incense, the ghostly apparition of the Iceni warrior who laid there leaned against the sarcophagus. Boudicca: Who disturbs my centuries-long slumber? I well deserved this rest. When my husband, chief of the Iceni, died, the Romans broke their promise to us. They took our lands, cattle, crops, our horses and boats. They defiled my daughters. Then me. As I am of fiery temper, with my husband's sword, I hacked through their legions. I burned their camps at Colcestre, Lunden, Albanes. Desecrated Roman tombs. Let flow rivers of Roman blood. But there were too many. Defeated, I drank poison rather than give myself to their sweaty hands. I am Boudicca. The ghost thumped her fist on her chest and disappeared. Eivor found a note on the tomb. Tribute to Boudicca Fiery hair and fiery heart Our Boudicca burned the Roman camps And danced in the flames They could not kill her She saw to that. Eivor retrieved the Fallen Hero Greaves and Bracers from two nearby chests. Eivor: More! Of the same kind as the first. In a hidden tunnel off the tomb, she found a strange artifact, a metal frame in the shape of a regular dodecahedron. She collected it before leaving. Cassivellaunus' Tomb In Sciropescire, far north of Quatford at the northernmost bend of the River Afon Hafren, Sýnin helped Eivor spot another cone of phantasmal wind. Eivor found its source at the base of a cliff and approached the marked rock. When she touched the sigil, the rock itself flickered away into an Isu column, revealing an entrance under the cliff itself, leading to Cassivellaunus Tomb. Eivor: I shall never understand this. Eivor entered the damp waterlogged tunnels and eventually found a cave with many waterfalls. Eivor: I may have to get wet. At the bottom of the cave, she found a boat, which she rowed further into the tomb and found the main hall before the crypt proper. The main hall contained a building behind a waterfall, the pressure plates needed to open the large gate, and an empty dock to her left. In a tunnel to the right, she found a weight-dispensing mechanism and grabbed one of them. Holding it, she carefully studied and traversed the path of flotsam leading back to the main hall. Eivor: I must not fall here, lest I lose this. She returned it to the main hall with minimal issues, only setting it down occasionally to remove obstacles with her arrows. Near the gate, she pushed a column to another pressure plate before approaching the building. Eivor: What is in there? She entered the building through an opening on the side, dropping the weighted column through the boards and shuffled stone shelves to retrieve the key above her. She unlocked the door and slid the column outside onto a pressure plate. On the left side of the hall, she approached the empty dock. Eivor: An empty dock. Where is the boat? She noted the waterfall ahead. Eivor: The waterfall could hide something. Swimming through a flooded, spiked-lined tunnel, Eivor came upon a skeleton with a note. Final Note This cave is the making of a madman! I have barely survived several traps. But my strength wanes... Continuing on, she found a boat stopped in front of a wooden gate, and near it, another weight-dispensing mechanism. Eivor: The boat is blocked. Eivor placed the weight upon the boat and manipulated the counterweights holding the gate shut to allow her passage. Returning to the main hall, she placed the final weight upon the plate, opening the gate. Eivor: These strange caverns all have secrets. In the crypt proper, Eivor saw Cassivellaunus' tomb was perfumed by an odd incense. A ghostly apparition of the Briton made itself known, approaching Eivor. Cassivellaunus: Stranger, in life I was Cassivellaunus. I faced Gaius Caesar, called Julius. A clever man. We Britons had long fought each other, but the sea spewed forth Romans in their thousands. I rode to my enemies, the Atrebates, the Iceni, the Cantiaci, beseeching each to join together. United, we awaited the legions and their cowardly "turtle". Much blood was spilled, battles won and lost. Caesar declared victory and returned to Rome. But note well, stranger. He never came back. He vanished as quickly as he had appeared. Eivor found a note on the tomb. Tribute to Cassivellaunus A leader, a fighter, a stalwart man. We fought for Cassivellaunus like we would fight for our own fathers. The one called Caesar claimed victory. But look about you. No Romans we. She retrieved the Fallen Hero Breastplate from a nearby chest. Third piece in the setFourth piece in the set Eivor: I'm putting together quite a hoard! Eivor: Still more! How is it I am so good at this? On her way back out, Eivor discovered another mysterious artifact in a small waterfall canyon. She retrieved it and climbed back up to the zipline to make her escape from the flooded caves. Venutius' Tomb In Eurvicscire, very near the watchtower of Anlaf's Lookout, Sýnin helped track another cone of phantasmal wind. Eivor inspected the mountain and spotted the marked rock indicating the entrance to Venutius Tomb. When she touched the sigil, the rock itself flickered away into an Isu column, revealing an entrance into the mountain itself. Eivor: What adventure awaits within? Eivor entered the icy caves and came upon a chasm. Eivor: A steep drop. I must move with care. She traversed the chasm, rode a zipline with her axe handle, and eventually made her way to a large cavern with some ruined buildings encased in ice, a couple of bridges high above, and the pressure plates needed to open the large gate to the crypt. She performed a Leap of Faith to reach the lowest level, and in the deepest reaches, she found a room with a weight-dispensing mechanism and grabbed one of them. Eivor: Is it possible to carry this to the top? She carried it out, arranged some tall stones to serve as footholds, and at times carefully tossed it above her, reaching the destination with minimal issues. Near the gate, she pushed a column to another pressure plate before freeing the bridges with her bow. Across the left-hand bridge, she found a barred door. Eivor: An arrow could solve this. But fired from where? Climbing outside of the building, she managed to shoot the door open through a window. Returning, she eventually found another weighted column, though a gate impeded her from moving it to the pressure plate outside. Eivor: Now, how to move the platform? Manipulating the counterweight in the next room, she opened her way through, eventually reaching the plate and setting the weight into place. The right-hand bridge led to a chamber full of numerous walls of ice in rooms, with oil jars tucked behind them. Eivor: Dangers lie hidden behind this ice. Looking for a key to unlock a door to the weight, Eivor found a room below with spike traps and a note from Manius. Fewer Traps My ardor for deadly devices got the best of me in the cave filled with swamps. I created far too many traps. It is just too enjoyable to imagine the bloody results! But I grow short of supplies. In this frozen cave I shall limit myself. However, those that I build will be all the deadlier. –Manius Eivor broke the ice and carefully navigated the traps to reach the key on the altar. She climbed back out, escorted the weight through the maze of oil jars, and slid it into position in the main hall. With all four weights in place, the crypt's door opened. Eivor: As before. In the crypt proper, Eivor saw Venutius' tomb was perfumed by an odd incense. His ghostly beheaded body appeared, startling her, while his phantasmal head on the sarcophagus began talking. Venutius: Who disturbs my rest? I am Venutius of the Brigantes. Romans came from the sea to parade in their skirts and finery with short, flat swords. My chieftain wife threw in with them! They beguiled her with cloth and gold. She even betrayed Caratacus. Gave him to the Romans as a gift. Then she betrayed me. She took my armor-bearer as her lover. So I turned on her Roman patrons. For years I hewed down their foot soldiers and disemboweled their horses. For this they took my head. Worse luck for them, I have it here! Hahaha! Both parts of his body dissipated. Eivor found a note on the tomb. Tribute to Venutius Hail our fallen hero, the good Venutius A man strong of arm He felled many a thieving Roman But paid with his head Eivor retrieved the Fallen Hero Helmet from a nearby chest. Eivor: This must be the last of it. A fine haul! On her way back out, she saw another path that led to a small drop off and a blocked zipline. Affixed to the zipline beam with a dagger was another note from Manius. Cavern Purpose It seems clear that these caves were used for some other purpose long before the rebellious Britons came here. But what was that original purpose? I find evidence of restraints. Perhaps these were used as places of confinement. For beasts or men? If only I could breach the final entrance, what wonders I might discover! –Manius Eivor dropped the short distance to the lower level, broke an ice wall over a cave opening, and discovered another tomb. Inside, a skeleton lay on a stone slab with a note from Eivor's acquaintance Hildiran tucked under its right femur. First Note from Hildiran In my explorations I have come upon this ancient cell. I have meditated here and have heard voices of the past as though my ancestor's memories flow and surge in my blood. Could it be? Are the legends my mother told me true? Was this the place my long-ago forebear was imprisoned? A tale of betrayal by the gods themselves runs in my veins. A tale of a Valkyrie crashing to earth. A tale of the vengeance I must take. Eivor saw another note in a small snow pile against a wall just beyond the skeleton and its stone slab. Second Note from Hildiran I return to this ancient prison from time to time to think of my mother and what she told me. It is quiet. Thoughts of my many-generations-ago grandmother held captive here bring memories of my mother's words. When Freya's medallion senses the presence of the One-Eye, then, only then, will my long-ago grandmother's legacy be revealed. In the same room, Eivor discovered another of the mysterious artifacts, before she turned to leave the icy prison behind her. Verica's Tomb In Hamtunscire, on the southeast ridge below Uffentune, Sýnin helped Eivor discover the marked rock indicating Verica's Tomb, at the base of a cone of phantasmal wind. When Eivor touched the sigil, the rock itself flickered away into an Isu column, revealing a path under the mountain. Eivor: What tricks does this one hold? Eivor entered the cave, avoided the spike traps, and descended deeper until she found herself in a large cavern with ruined towers, flowing lava, and the locked tomb door on the far side. She located a weighted column and placed it on a pressure plate, triggering a mechanism to drain lava away and reveal two large metal grates, one with a square recess and another with a round recess. Eivor: New paths are ever opening. As Eivor explored, she noticed lava dripping even from the ceiling above, cautious of it landing on her head. Eivor: Like Muspelheim, where fire flows like water. And kills the careless. She also found steaming pools of water, the smell of which indicated it would offer no reprieve from the fire and lava. Eivor: The fumes from that water warn me to avoid it. From the central tower, a passage to the left near some large fallen statues of soldiers led to a door locked from the other side. Eivor slid down a slope full of spikes until she reached another cave, filled with sulfurous water and lined with scaffolding. There, she loosed arrows to release a series of counterweights to raise parts of the scaffolding and reach the top level. At the top, Eivor threw a lever to activate a simple horizontal elevator over lava, rode the platform across, then shot some boards above a locked door to infiltrate a small sealed chamber. Inside, she activated another lever and found a note. Trapped by Hubris I may have exceeded my own cleverness with this one. If one more legionary is lost to my fiery traps, I will surely be sealed within this scorched tomb. I must be satisfied knowing only the most exceptional of individuals would stand any chance of surviving this Hades-on-earth. –Manius Eivor continued down the path. She found the mechanism dispensing the round weight, then carried it through a tunnel full of lava by hopping across stalagmites, moved shelves to retrieve a prisoner's key from its skeleton in a gibbet above, and unlocked the door leading back. Just below the statues, she set the weight down on the exposed pressure plate. At the main chamber's lowest level was a building carved into the cavern wall. Inside, she blew up a back wall to reveal a movable shelf, which she dropped into the water before the column she needed, escorting it to an elevator and activating the lever to carry them both up. At the top, she shot jars to adjust the counterweights and gain vantage points to shoot down the drawbridge. With the bridge down, she slid the column across, then navigated another room to throw levers and raise two platforms to form another path across. On the other side of the lava, she found a note. Thoughts on the Volcanic Tomb Who knew that beneath such unassuming mounds lay such fury! The fires that heat this molten rock would surely have rivaled those of now-dead Vesuvius! Was the intent, I wonder, to bury Verica within this earthly Pyriphlegethon as some poetic punishment for his service to Rome? –Manius Escorting the column through, she dropped it down to the room from which she entered these chambers, then brought it back to the main chamber, sliding it onto the second square pressure plate. When she solved her second pressure plate, the lava high above receded, revealing the second plate with a round recess and the fourth part of the puzzle. Eivor: Yet another path. At least I move forward. At the bottom of the chamber, Eivor passed through another lava tunnel and reached a platform with a counterweight system. She cast stones on top of one of the platforms, raising the other to allow herself to climb up and reach the weight-dispensing mechanism. She found a note near the stones. Verica's Condemnation May his shame burn for eternity! Eivor climbed up the platform and dispensed the weight she needed. From her vantage point she threw it back onto the moving platform and jumped down after it, carrying it back to the main chamber and up the stairs before her. She carefully tossed and carried it up the walkways and hanging platforms to place it on the upper plate with a round recess. With all four pressure plates activated, the final lock disengaged and the crypt door raised to offer passage. Eivor: I feel closer to my destination. In the crypt proper, Eivor saw Verica's tomb was perfumed by an odd incense. The moment Eivor's feet touched the steps leading to the sarcophagus, ghostly blue fire sprang up and transformed the coffin into a funeral pyre. An apparition of the Atrebates warrior who laid there rose from the flames. Verica: Do you come to honor or mock Verica, King of the Atrebates and friend to the Romans? The other tribes were ruled by fear. Rather than build bridges, they waged war. They well deserved the slaughter that followed. He stepped off the pyre and walked to a doorway. Verica: I've seen the glory of Rome and know it is our future. They seal me in this sulfurous tomb, but they cannot bury destiny. His ghost stopped before a nearby chest and disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Eivor retrieved Verica's Sickle from the chest, then continued down the passage beyond it and found another of the mysterious artifacts, before continuing up the main path back to the tomb's entrance. Togodomnus' Tomb In Suthsexe, off the southern shore of England to the west of Brimclif Monastery, Sýnin's sight revealed a column of phantasmal wind. Eivor approached the marked rock indicating Togodomnus' Tomb at the very base of the cliff. When she touched the sigil, the rock itself flickered away into an Isu column, revealing an entrance into the cliffs. Eivor: These caves contain mysteries upon mysteries. She descended deep into the cave until she came to a flooded pit in the ground. Eivor: Nothing to do but dive in. She swam through and emerged on the other side, where she saw and destroyed a boarded up wall down a side passage that led to another flooded tunnel. Diving in, she saw spinning spike traps and a weighted rope coiled around a sunken timeworn pulley and thought to herself. Eivor: A well-placed hit may trigger something. She severed the rope and an underwater door opened. The Viking swam through the tunnel and found herself in the watery ruins of a Roman bathhouse. Under the water near where Eivor surfaced, she was able to swim inside the fenced off section and slide the first weighted column into the square impression. She casually hopped over the fence to return to the outer perimeter. On the outer perimeter, Eivor stood on a counterweight to lower it into the water and slipped into the passage, navigating a flooded tunnel and blasting open walls to reach a sewer system on the other side. She found a locked door. Eivor: The door's locked. I hope there's a key nearby. Eivor read the note pinned to the nearby post. The Lost Key Manius– The key in question was lost by a legionary who failed to treat his duties with due care. He has been disciplined. I will happily assign someone to retrieve it once we've finished putting down these blighted barbarians. In the meantime, you are welcome to fish for it yourself in the sewers below. –Quintus She slid below a nearby banner to find more oil jars to blast open the nearby walls. She found a chest of materials and a note. Tribute to Togodomnus The waters of this land flowed through his veins! On the opposite wall, she destroyed some boards and found another sealed wall to blast through. On the other side of a crack in the wall, Eivor dropped a tall stone onto a counterweight and blasted through the submerged sealed wall, granting her access to the sewers that contained the lost key. She returned to the locked door and opened the way leading back, sliding the weighted column with her, then climbing up to access the main chamber and drop a tall stone on the counterweight, completing the path to the column's destination. In the waters ahead, two tunnels lay submerged on either side. On the left, Eivor found a flooded maze full of doors and counterweights secured with timeworn pulleys. She severed them with her axe to open the way forward, stopping at an alcove above the water line to replenish her air. Here, she found a chest before continuing back underwater to reach a platform submerged just below the surface. Eivor: Those platforms could help me cross... if I can move them. Eivor destroyed the rope pulley overhead with an arrow, releasing the platform to the surface and allowing her to vault over the spike traps into a bathhouse. Here, she manipulated the counterweights with a tall stone and hopped across to dispense the spherical weight to carry back. In the next chamber over, she slid a shelf onto the counterweight and jumped over the fencing, released another counterweight, and climbed up into an alcove with a key and a note. Ideas for the Flooded Tombs The flooded areas present some interesting navigational challenges. Could height be used to thwart trespassers? Counterweights? Only those familiar with physics might avoid joining the Briton in his watery grave. –Manius Retrieving the bathhouse key, Eivor unlocked another tall stone to press onto the counterweight she previously used. She climbed back over, pulled the original stone off the first counterweight, allowing the other's weight to raise it high enough for her to climb out of the bathhouse while carrying the spherical weight. She returned to the main chamber and set it into the round recess. Through the righthand underwater tunnel, Eivor hacked at timeworn pulleys to release counterweights to use as platforms, and shot others with arrows to release more footholds. She easily reached the weight dispenser and completed a usable path to carry it back. Near a covered shed overlooking the water, she found a note. Thoughts on the Flooded Tombs Contrary to my initial impressions, the presence of water throughout this natural crypt was intentional and not, as I had first assumed, the result of subsequent flooding. It would appear that the revered tribal leader laid to rest here held some affinity for the local waterways. Had he possessed a better understanding of water warfare, I might not be here to make these observations. –Manius With an extra toss or two, she ushered the spherical weight back to its destination in the main chamber. With all four weight mechanisms activated, the heavy door leading to the crypt unlocked and raised open. Eivor: Again. In the crypt proper, Eivor saw Togodomnus' tomb was perfumed by an odd incense. To her surprise, a ghostly apparition of the Catuvellauni warrior who laid there appeared upside-down near the ceiling, "rising" dripping wet from under a pool of water. Togodomnus: The Romans have named me "Togodomnus the Terrible", but the Catuvellauni call me "King". We watched the Romans come, first with treaties and trade, then with violence and a hunger for conquest. Many were blinded by the Empire's gold, but my brother Caratacus and I saw their true face...and taught them to fear us. His ghost disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Eivor retrieved Togodomnus' Bearded Axe from a nearby chest, then continued down the passage beyond it and dove into a waterfall pool with more submerged ruins, where she found another of the mysterious artifacts held in the palm of a statue. Eivor picked it up, surfaced from under the pool, then made her way back out of the tomb using a zipline and opening the portcullis leading out. Eden Ring Station As Eivor explored the tombs of the fallen, she came upon mysterious artifacts that glowed with green light at their cores. Odin's Eye may have resonated with them, alerting her to their presence. In a detour leading off the path back out of her first tomb, she found her first artifact. Eivor: What is this? hàsm (The.) Why did I say that? In the second tomb Eivor explored, she retrieved another artifact much like the first. Eivor: rhobtoràs (Of the Chosen Ones.) Again, I'm speaking nonsense. In the third tomb Eivor explored, she found yet another artifact. Eivor: Yet another one of these. oænosôd (For the sake of one.) In the depths of the fourth tomb she explored, she found one more artifact. Eivor: dű (You). What brings these words to me? In the fifth tomb, Eivor retrieved the final artifact. Eivor: oærhàsi (Open.) I feel I have completed something. But what? Manius' Sanctum unlockedManius' Sanctum not unlocked Eivor: Perhaps the cave with the map holds the secret. My thoughts return to the map in the cave near Ravensthorpe. Eivor: There must be some place where these words are useful. I feel drawn back to Ravensthorpe. With all five mysterious artifacts in hand, Eivor entered the depths of Manius's Sanctum. Standing at the map chamber's entrance, she withdrew an artifact and noticed that a ball of energy began moving and humming within the frame. Eivor: Some spell has awakened the artifact. Her eyes immediately glazed over and she spoke yet another strange word. Eivor: Shuàrh (Wake up). A monolith with lines of green energy rose from the floor on the left side of the stairs to the map. Eivor regained her senses, walked up to the slate, and touched it. A mysterious voice spoke over the vault's speaker system. Mysterious Voice: Shuàgw (Speak). At the prompt, Eivor's eyes glazed over again and she recited a complete sentence made up from the Isu words she had uttered in each tomb. Eivor: Dű hàsm rhobtoràs oænosôd oærhàsi (Open for the sake of one of the Chosen Ones). She blinked and rubbed her head to again return to her senses and watched the door in the excavation pit activate and open into a larger chamber below lit in blue-green and with a number of platforms extending out from the walls. Eivor: There's more magic at work here. I feel compelled to explore further. She dropped into the vault, leaping from the ledges or climbing down the walls until she reached a platform. Eivor: How could this not be the work of the gods? Intrigued, she touched another pillar on the platform she had landed on, activating a large holographic display of an Isu head on the wall before her. Mysterious Voice: Nrchdrm...? (Unlocker...?) Eivor shook her head. Eivor: I don't understand you. Are you a god? Like Mímir from the old legends? Mysterious Voice: Smrmn zràw... (Memory stream...) The hologram blinked and frowned slightly. Mysterious Voice: Re-establishing communication. I apologize for the confusion, Unlocker. I now perceive you are human, but not any human I have met before. Eivor: So you aren't a god. A spirit, then? Mysterious Voice: Not in the sense that you mean. I am a cognitive operating system charged with the management of this defensive node. I borrow the appearance of Rah Cel'eze, the "author" of the Rings of Eden initiative. Eivor: Are you the one who summoned me here? I feel this discovery is no accident. Rah Cel'eze: In that you are correct. We approach a crisis point and you were identified as the most suitable candidate to address it. Eivor: What is the nature of your crisis? Rah Cel'eze: Not mine alone. The generators within this facility have been producing energy, but currently lack an outlet for it. If this continues unchecked, the result will be a catastrophic discharge ending all life upon this island. Eivor: That much I well understood. What must I do? Rah Cel'eze: The solution lies at the power core deep within the station. I will guide you to it. The hologram faded away. Looking around, Eivor saw and threw a lever at the platform's edge and unlocked a reflector lens. Eivor: That looks light enough to carry. She carried it to the corner diagonally opposite and placed it in a pillar, then aimed the reflector beam at an arch keystone to unlock the door and extend a bridge into the station. In the first room, she saw yellow beams at various intervals on the wall or near the floor. Eivor: A line of light! Is it dangerous? Rah Cel'eze: Only to flesh and bone. Eivor bypassed the energy beams and entered another room with many reflectors built into short, movable pillars. Eivor: Too heavy to lift, but I may yet move it. She slid or rotated some reflectors on one side of the room, then worked on the other, where she saw more reflectors with flared edge fins. Eivor: I could move that device if I hit it just right. She loosed arrows at the fins, rotating them to her liking. She solved the puzzle by aiming twin beams of light at targets on pillars before some stairs leading down, opening another gate in the floor. Descending, she entered a large room with more reflectors scattered throughout a small labyrinth on the floor and a raised, square platform in the center surrounded by energy gates. Eivor: My way is blocked. Rah Cel'eze: You will need to redirect the energy into the central chamber. Eivor solved the puzzle by aligning four light beams into targets on each of the platform's sides. The gates turned off, revealing a lever, which Eivor threw and unlocked a reflector lens ball. Eivor: I'll find this thing a better home. She carried it out to the room with the first puzzle. Eivor: This place has the feel of a dream. Rah Cel'eze: What you are experiencing are remnants of our defense system. Designed to disorient the eyes and minds of those who have not place here, or who come with some malignant purpose. Eivor returned to the entry chamber, placed the ball on a pillar near the bridge, and aimed the reflector's beam at an angled part of the ceiling. She then went to the reflector on the landing platform and aimed its beam at the other angled ceiling spot adjacent to the first, unlocking the door and extending another bridge. Eivor: These defenses...are they what drove Sýnin and the animals to confusion? Rah Cel'eze: Partly. The air also carries traces of chemicals and pheromones targeting sensory faculties and even memories. Eivor: Are you saying I may forget this place? Rah Cel'eze: Not necessarily, though your perception and recollection may deviate from objective reality. Eivor entered another room with moss-covered architecture, more reflectors, and free-floating platforms. Rah Cel'eze: Those are anti-gravity pads. Sadly, I no longer have control over them. Eivor: They may serve as stepping stones. She aimed the light at various targets on the walls to power the hover-pads and ascend to the top of the chamber, where she saw another cubic energy gate. She turned it off by redirecting the light to the gate switch and threw the lever hidden behind it, unlocking another reflector lens. She picked it up and stepped onto a platform that lowered her back to the ground. Eivor: Who would build something that could destroy a whole land? They would rule only death. Rah Cel'eze: Its intended purpose was defensive, but the project was abandoned prior to its completion. We were short-sighted in our planning and blind to the power of politics. She carried the lens back to the entry chamber and also placed it on a pillar near the bridge. She then aimed it and the other two reflectors at three ceiling targets on the connecting wall. As before, a gate opened, a bridge extended, and Eivor entered the station's third wing. Eivor: What need was so great to justify this risk? Rah Cel'eze: To avert a greater catastrophe that would devastate many lands, not just this one. Eivor: Sounds like Ragnarök. Rah Cel'eze: I lack that reference. Is was the end of an age? Eivor: And the dawn of another. Eivor entered another room with reflectors, but when she solved the puzzle and aimed the light at the target, the floor suddenly dropped out from under her and she fell into an angled duct lined with yellow energy beams she had to pivot around. She landed in a slightly-flooded basement level with reflectors and another cubic energy gate. Solving this puzzle like the other ones lowered the gates, rewarding the final reflector lens, and opened a door out. She found an elevator and rode it up to the entry chamber. Eivor: This catastrophe, back in your time, did you avoid it? Rah Cel'eze: I know not. When the project was shut down, this station was cut off from the global grid. Eivor: And to what end did your leaders then turn their godly powers? Rah Cel'eze: Again, that answer lies outside my knowing... but it may dwell within you. Eivor placed the lens in a pillar near the bridge and aimed the reflector and the other three at the remaining wall with four targets. The door to the station's last wing opened and a bridge extended. Eivor: To think such wonders are buried unused beneath the earth. I know some who'd risk their lives to possess them. Rah Cel'eze: Some did so to preserve them. Our Chief Guardian, Hildr, bore her anger all the way to the High Council. Her failure to return suggests an... unsatisfying end to her petition. (If The All-Seeing Eye was completed) Eivor: Hildr... I once met a woman named Hildiran, also driven by rage. I wonder if the two are somehow connected. Rah Cel'eze: It is possible you both share a direct link to the past, however tenuous it might be. Eivor ran through the halls and ascended many stairs until she reached the station's heart, where a circular platform in a spherical energy shield hung suspended over a chasm in the middle of the room. Eivor: My goal is within sight. Rah Cel'eze: Yes, you need but reach that pedestal to attain the key to this station. Eivor: I suspect it won't be so simple. Rah Cel'eze: No, the security protocols are fully active and beyond my reach. Eivor navigated her way past yellow energy beams and across floating platforms to free-standing columns to solve the puzzle by aiming three beams at their respective targets along the platform's edge. This lowered the shield and revealed a golden sword embedded mid-way down its blade in a column. Eivor climbed up onto the platform and inspected the sword. The station lights dimmed. Eivor: What is it? Some kind of weapon? Rah Cel'eze's holographic body materialized before her. Rah Cel'eze: More of a tool, but it has been used in defense of this facility. A hologram appeared of Hildr lifting the blade, against early humans dressed in furs. Rah Cel'eze: As its legend grew, people took to calling it "The Blazing Sword", ignoring its more...practical functions. The hologram altered to show a man in a wolf skin cap re-enacting the story to some onlookers. Eivor looked dubiously at him for describing the sword that way, yet still was struck by awe by her surroundings. Eivor: How long did it take your people to build this place? Rah Cel'eze paused in sad reminiscence, then turned to face the other direction, where another hologram appeared of an angry Hildr venting her grievances at him. Rah Cel'eze: We were aware of the threat for several of your centuries. The project was plagued with delays, and, in the end, we grew complacent. Hildr's hologram waved her arm to indicate invisible surroundings, shook her fist at Rah Cel'eze, then faded. Eivor: Fortunately, we don't have that luxury of time. What must I do? Rah Cel'eze stepped towards the sword and motioned to it. Rah Cel'eze: Draw it from the pedestal. Once released, the blade will absorb the station's power and trigger the shutdown sequence. Eivor cracked her knuckles and rolled her shoulders in preparation. Eivor: If the Fates have led me here, I must take hold of my destiny. She put her foot on the pedestal and used it for leverage to draw the sword. Eivor: Argh! She inspected the sword and laughed in approval. Eivor: Hah! She gave it a slight flourish and saw energy dance out from the blade. Rah Cel'eze: Well done, Nrchdrm. (Unlocker). You are a most effective piece of engineering... His hologram disappeared, but Eivor took no notice, still captivated by the sword. Eivor: A most impressive tool, spirit— The background hum of energy faded. With no more energy powering the station, the entire complex powered down, leaving Eivor in pitch darkness. Eivor: The engine dies, and the guardian spirit with it. She then returned to the station's main chamber, using a gravitational platform as a lift to reach the surface.

Odin

Tales of the Dwarves

While on his quest to discover all the Sons of Ivaldi's hidden Shelters on Svartálfaheimr, Havi met and listened to the stories and dilemmas of several refugees who offered him various services. Jordber ShelterGrenhellir ShelterJordeygr ShelterHodda Shelter Dwarven Fugitive: Last night, I saw that armor move. All by itself. Curious what the dwarf had meant, Havi looked around and saw Hreidmar's Armor Set on a stand in a side room. He walked up to it and eyed the gear approvingly. Havi: Hreidmar's armor. He wore it when his sons turned against him. Dwarves believe it to be cursed. I don't think they'll mind if I relieve them of this malediction. He donned the armor and stepped out of the room. Dwarven Fugitive 1: (whispers) Dwarven Fugitive 2: Seriously? He really did that? Havi quickly realized why the dwarves were shocked at his new equipment, as he found it steadily drained his health.

Dwarves in Distress
While exploring the regions of Svartálfaheimr, Havi came across a number of dwarves who were being harassed by members of Suttungr's Outriders. GullnámarSvaladalVangrinn ColbornYlva TaitSolvejKelbyTorborg FelmanCarrDestinIngrid

Mythical Memories

While exploring Svartálfaheimr, Havi came across some abandoned anvils that had been used to forge magical artifacts at the Æsirs' request. Hár SmidaSkíðblaðnir SmidaGungnir SmidaGullinbursti SmidaDraupnir SmidaMjölnir Smida Havi: Those golden threads... can it be? He approached the hair on the anvil. Havi: The golden hair of Sif, wife of Thor. Why Loki cut it off, only Loki knows... but Thor was less than pleased. Loki wisely chose to make amends. A new head of hair for Sif, finer than the last... and so he set off for Svartalfheim. At Loki's request, Ivaldi's sons made for him tresses of the purest gold, which would fix to Sif's scalp and grow as real hair would. Loki had what he needed. But now that he's seen what the master smiths of Svartalfheim could do... he wanted more. Havi: Ah, now here is a place I've heard of in legend. He approached the anvil. Havi: Impressed with the craft of the dwarven smiths, Loki set them to fashioning greats gifts he could bring to Asgard, and win back the favour he had lost. Skidbladnir, best of all ships, beloved by the wind. Big enough to carry all of Asgard's finest into battle... small enough to fit into a pocket. This would be Freyr's gift... and it pleased him well. With such gifts would Loki find forgiveness. My brother always knew how to win hearts. To him, it was almost as easy as breaking them. Havi: The clamor of hammers echoes out of the past. A great work was fashioned here. He approached the anvil. Havi: Gungnir. A gift from Loki for the Lord of Asgard, forged of sunlight and strong Asgardian metal. The tip of the spear was carved with runes to guide its path. Gungnir never missed its mark. Now Loki had the three gifts to win his redemption in Asgard: Sif's Hair, Gungnir and Skidbladnir. But already in his mind a plan was hatching. Three gifts was not enough... Havi: Ah! Here is an anvil on which the greatest dwarven smiths worked their art. He approached the anvil. Havi: Ivaldi's sons had made three mighty gifts for Loki, but my brother wanted more, so he went to their rivals, Sindri and Brokkr. He bet them they could not fashion three gifts greater still. If he won, he would keep the gifts. If he lost, they would take his head. But Loki had no intention of playing by the rules. He transformed himself into a gadfly, and set about biting Brokkr, in the hope of distracting him. But Brokkr did not flinch, and their work was a wonder. A boar of living metal, who gave off light in the dark, and ran faster than any horse. Gullinbursti. Havi: I know this place. I have seen it in my dreams... He approached the anvil. Havi: Loki had failed once in his attempts to ruin the work of Sindri and Brokkr. But he had a mind to try again. Again, he bit Brokkr. And again. Over and over until the dwarf could stand it no more ... but stand he did, outlasting the full extent of Loki's mischief. Draupnir. A ring of gold, from which eigth more rings would fall like rain every ninth night. A font of endless wealth for Asgard's most righteous lord. My Jotun brother would have one last chance to spoil the works of Sindri and Brokkr. If he failed, it would cost him his head. Havi: This is a place of great power. Here was forged the hammer to which all other hammers must yield. He approached the anvil. Havi: Brokkr and Sindri had made two gifts that outshone the works of the Sons of Ivaldi. Now they meant to make their masterpiece. Mjolnir. Giant's-bane. A hammer that could level mountains, that never missed its mark when thrown, and always returned to the hand of its owner. A third time they set about the forge. It had to be kept at exactly the right temperature for their work to be perfect. And yet again, Loki visited as a fly. So desperate to make Brokkr fail, he bit the dwarf's eye harder than any fly had ever bitten before. This time, he did not fail. The hammer was flawed. The handle a fraction too short. Yet even so, we judged the work of Sindri and Brokkr superior. Loki lost his bet, and his head was forfeit. Few would have mourned the death of Loki... But, of course, the trickster found a way to go back on his word. A tale for another time, perhaps.

Greetings from Ginnungagap

While exploring Svartálfaheimr, Havi found strange portals near the base of the dams at Midalstífla, Gomul-stifla, and Austri-stifla that showed moving ice blocks and Yggdrasil's roots on the other side. Havi: Surely I have what is needed to reach whatever lies beyond this portal... Despite Havi's boast, the portal grew increasingly colder the further he walked in, draining his health and eventually forcing him back. Havi: I can't get through... Argh, what could be on the other side? And what must I find to get me through? After collecting the scattered Jotun Armor Set pieces held by five of Suttungr's Outriders and equipping the gear, he returned to one of the portal locations and entered it. Emerging on the other side, he came to a cliff surrounded by thick fog. A female jötunn stood near the edge with her back to him but turned around upon hearing his footsteps. She inspected the newcomer. Riekr: You? You are not who I was expecting. Your armor... Then my scouts are no more. Look upon this land between realms. Look upon my uncaring face. Look upon my weapon. For these will be the last things you see, stranger. Drawing a greatsword, she engaged Havi in single combat. After Havi wounded her enough times, she conjured two apparitions of herself for Havi to defend against. Following a lengthy duel, during which Riekr and her doubles regularly used ice blasts and teleported for surprise attacks, he defeated these phantasms and killed Riekr. Inspecting her corpse, Havi retrieved the Jotnar Cleaver.

Ezio Auditore

1478

Unlocking Monteriggioni's Secrets

After Ezio Auditore collected four Codex pages that were left in containers in and around Monteriggioni, he visited his sister Claudia in the Villa Auditore's main room next to his uncle Mario's study on the lower floor. Claudia complaining to Ezio about her work Ezio: Salute (Hi) Claudia— Claudia: Our uncle is un mostro (a monster). This is outrageous! Ezio: What's happened? Claudia: He's making me work! If father was here, I'd never be stuck behind a desk like this. Ezio: And what are the terms of this supposed enslavement? Claudia: Since SOMEONE decided we're going to stay here, Zio (uncle) Mario suggested we try and find the money to repair the villa. Problem is, there isn't any. Ezio: I bet I can bring in some money. Claudia: Oh great, more work for me. Well, benissimo (fine). If you start paying for improvements to the town, I'll keep track of them in this book. And since I have nothing better to do, I'll also make note of any objects you bring in from the outside. If you actually get this place up and running, travelers might visit and spend money, although I doubt anyone will want to come this far out of the city. But if they do, I'll keep the money we make in this chest. You're going to have to show up to take it to the bank yourself, because when it gets full, I'm just going to take the extra cash for myself. Capito? (Understand?) Ezio: Deal. Ezio meeting with the architect He then proceeded to an architect waiting for him in the room. Ezio: Buongiorno (Good day). Is there something wrong? Architect: Ser Mario hired me to deal with this mess, but I'm an architetto (architect), not a miracle worker. Without money, I can't fix any of these buildings. Ezio: And if someone brought the money? Architect: Then we are in business! You must be Ser Ezio. Am I right? Ezio: Uncle! I like this architetto. (architect.) Mario: He gets very observant when he can smell money! Architect: If you want to fix this town, I'm going to need it. I have a price list here for new shops and renovations. Just bring me gold, make a choice and I'll begin at once. If I build you a shop, you, as the landlord, can purchase goods at lower rates. If you invest more money in the shop you get an even greater discount. As for the renovations, well... you'll be bringing the town and villa back to life. As Ser Mario tells me, that was very important to your great-great-grandfather. Plus, when you buy shops and renovations, you'll be increasing the number of people who visit, causing your income to increase! So, let's take a look, shall we? He showed Ezio a list of shops in the town in need of repairs and renovation. After ordering the renovation of a building, Ezio visited his sister again in order to check the town's progress. Ezio: Salute (Hi), Claudia. Claudia: You here to look at the book? She then turned the record book on the table, allowing his brother to consult it. Ezio eventually finished his revision and Claudia turned the book to her, bidding him farewell and starting to write on it again. Claudia: A presto (See you soon), Ezio. After some time, Ezio returned to Mario's study. Mario: Ezio! My boy. I think it's time I showed you something. Mario showing the Sanctuary to Ezio He pulled a lever within the bookshelf in his study. It opened to reveal a passage beyond, which led to a cellar. Mario: This is the Sanctuary. It was built by my great-grandfather to honor the memory of the Assassin Order and protect its secrets. Look around! These are the assassins who guarded the freedom of humanity when it was most threatened. And this is the Armor of Altaïr. Little is known about Altaïr's life, but his armor is light and very strong. I'd give it to you, but I don't know how to retrieve it. My great-grandfather told me it would remain locked away until all its protectors were made whole. I heard rumors of crypts located throughout Italia, hidden tombs filled with treasure where these six were moved centuries ago. Maybe they have something to do with it. In my younger days, I sought the six myself... with no success. Perhaps you will have better luck. Ezio obtains the Armor of Altaïr from its pedestal Over the next few years, Ezio collected all the six Assassin Seals from various Assassin Tombs throughout the country and put them in their respective places under the statues of the six Assassins. With every Seal he returned, a bar lock associated with each Assassins' respective symbol slid away from the gate that sealed away Altaïr's armor. Once Ezio put the last seal in its place, the gate quickly dropped into the floor without the locks to hold it up, and the pedestal with Altaïr's statue and armor lowered to chest height. Ezio approached it and reached for the gear. Ezio: Thank you, Altaïr, for this great gift. May it shield me from my enemies. Ezio touched the armor's refined metal and gathered its pieces to take to the Villa's armory, where he put it on. Through eyes of Ezio's modern day descendant, Desmond Miles, interacting with the statues using the Animus revealed the following descriptions: QULAN GAL Atop this pedestal stands a statue of QULAN GAL, the male Mongolian assassin. He used a BOW AND ARROW to shoot Ghenghis Khan's horse. DARIUS Atop this pedestal stands a statue of DARIUS, the male Persian assassin. He used his HIDDEN BLADE to kill Xerxes. This was the first recorded use of the hidden blade. WEI YU Atop this pedestal stands a statue of WEI YU, the male Chinese Assassin. He used a SPEAR to kill the first Chinese Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. AMUNET Atop this pedestal stands a statue of AMUNET, the female Egyptian assassin. She killed Cleopatra with A SNAKE. ILTANI Atop this pedestal stands a statue of ILTANI, the female Babylonian assassin. She POISONED Alexander the Great. LEONIUS Atop this pedestal stands a statue of LEONIUS, the male Roman assassin. He STABBED Caligula with a DAGGER.

1478 – 1492

A Mother's Grief

Ezio collected 50 eagle feathers throughout Italy in memory of his murdered little brother Petruccio. He returned to the Villa Auditore and placed them in a box his mother Maria kept on a dresser in her room. Mario walked by as Ezio closed the lid and spoke to him. Mario: I've seen you bringing Maria the feathers. I appreciate what you're trying to do for her, but you have to face facts. It's not working. Maybe you should focus on more important things. I've had a new weapon made for you at the blacksmith's. You can pick it up whenever you want. Mario hung his head in grief over his inability to prevent Petruccio's death, as well as the demise of his other nephew Federico and his own brother, Giovanni. Mario: I'm sorry, Ezio. Once his uncle left the room, Ezio visited the town's blacksmith and acquired the Condottiero War Hammer, which he added to the Villa's armory rack. After Ezio collected 50 more feathers throughout Italy, he again returned to the Villa and deposited them in Maria's box. An unresponsive Maria sat by the dresser and only noticed Ezio beside her when he closed the box lid. He held out his hands and she clasped them as she stood up, before they shared an embrace in memory of their lost family. Maria: Thank you, Ezio. For not forgetting about me. In gratitude, Maria gave Ezio a cape with the House of Auditore family crest.

1502 – 1503

Leonardo da Vinci

Ezio met with Leonardo da Vinci after destroying all of his war machines. Leonardo: Ezio. News has spread that all my inventions have been destroyed. The disarray allowed me to work on something just for you. Ezio: What is this? Leonardo: A new device to drift slowly from any height. It is not as cumbersome as my Flying Machine, you can take it everywhere. Ezio: Grazie (Thank you), Leonardo. Ezio met with Leonardo after assassinating Juan Borgia the Elder. Leonardo: Ezio! I just heard the most wonderful news. Cesare's banker has been killed. It seems Cesare's battle funds are in shambles. Ezio: What a surprise. Leonardo: You did not have anything to do with this, did you? Ezio: Do you really want to know? Leonardo: On second thought, let's stick with the inventions. Ezio met with Leonardo after assassinating Octavian de Valois. Leonardo: Ezio. The French are pulling out of Roma! The Baron de Valois was found murdered within his own camp. Ezio: Could it have been an Assassin? Leonardo: There are rumors which favor such a theory. Ezio: Never listen to gossip, Leonardo. It could get you into trouble. Leonardo: Good advice. Ezio met with Leonardo after the Passion Play at the Colosseum. Leonardo: Strange news, Ezio. Did you hear Pietro, Lucrezia's lover, fled the city after being poisoned by Micheletto at the Colosseum passion play? Ezio: No. But... was he saved by a hooded man? Leonardo: You daring figlio d'un cane (son of a bitch). Ezio: Shhh. I heard nothing, remember? Ezio met with Leonardo after Rodrigo Borgia's death. Leonardo: Ezio. The papal apartments are in turmoil. Cesare is ill and the Pope, dead. It was your doing, was it not? Ezio: Leonardo, I swear to you, he did not die by my hand. Leonardo: This world gets stranger every day. I shall have to focus on my painting. I work on the small portrait of a woman. I am growing rather fond of it. Ezio: Do not let a beautiful girl distract you from constructing my designs. Leonardo: Have no worries. Women provide little distraction. Ezio: Wait, I don't get it.

1511 – 1512

A Scholar

After purchasing or finding all of the various original manuscripts of ancient books in Constantinople, Ezio returned to the Galata headquarters and was surprised to receive a visit from Sofia Sartor. Sofia: Hello! Ezio: Eh? Sofia: Ezio, you old snake! You walked right past me. Ezio: Forgive me, Sofia. I did not notice. What are you doing in Galata? Sofia: Making some deliveries. Is this where you stay? Ezio: Ah, sì (yes). It is a kind of... school. Sofia: What is taught here? Ezio: Come this way. I want to show you something. I have been stocking the library here with rare books. A good start, no? Sofia: Ah! These are all so beautiful. And such diversity. So, are these men and women YOUR students? Ezio: In a way, yes. Sofia: Well, if they ever need a literature scholar, give them my name. In a pinch, I am a pretty good teacher. Ezio: If they find the time to read, I certainly will. Sofia: Oh! Chaucer! Bellissimo (Very nice).

Fujibayashi Naoe

Hideout

Fujibayashi Naoe met with her allies in the hideout during her free time. TomikoJunjiroHeijiYaya Naoe spoke to Tomiko, who wished to talk to her on new recruits. Tomiko: Good. I wanted to talk to you. Naoe: What is it? Tomiko: These new arrivals... do you have a plan for them? And will you take in any stray that comes along? Naoe: They are others who share our beliefs. Sometimes we'll find them, or they'll find us. Tomiko: I hope they are the only ones who find us. Naoe and Junjiro Naoe found Junjiro painting sakura flowers. Naoe: Not quite the season for hanami. Junjiro: I know, but the sakura is beautiful. Even when it's not blooming. After building a forge for Heiji in the hideout, Naoe spoke to him. Naoe: You mentioned a debt you owe to Tomiko. What was it? Heiji: When Lord Nobunaga came to Sakai, he commanded my parents to make weapons for his soldiers. They refused. Soldiers came, and took them. Their heads were displayed as an example to others. Naoe: I am very sorry. Heiji: I escaped because Tomiko hid me with her family. She risked her life. Naoe: That sounds like Tomiko. Heiji: My parents would be happy that I am here. They would like this place. After some time, Naoe visited and spoke to Heiji again in his forge. Naoe: You look comfortable here. Heiji: It is a good place, with good people. And a purpose I believe in. Naoe: A purpose we could not follow without the work that you do here. Heiji: I do my part, that is all. If more join us, as we hope, I will do more. Naoe found Yaya sitting by the river. Naoe: Are you settling in here, yaya? Yaya: I am. Yaya: It's a feeling I haven't felt for a long time. Naoe: What is it? Yaya: It's the feeling of being able to change things. Honganji had that potential, but this is different. I am grateful to feel this again. Some time later, Naoe found and spoke to Yaya by the resource storage area. Yaya: People of Iga speak fondly of Aekuni Shrine. Can you tell me about it? Naoe: I took the oath of our sokoku ikki there. And that same night, Oda Nobunaga attacked Iga. That shrine was a gate that my life passed through. I went from a girl to a warrior. Yaya: Some unassuming places are crossroads, but we don't know it. I went to the market a thousand times, and one day, a handsome man spilled a pile of tochi in my path. We married later that year.

Yasuke

Hideout

Yasuke met with his allies in the hideout during his free time. TomikoYaya Yasuke spoke to Tomiko in the hiroma. Yasuke: Tomiko. A question for you. Tomiko: Go ahead. Yasuke: You seem to tolerate me, but I am not certain you trust me. Tomiko: You are a good man, Yasuke. But your idea of an honorable samurai is a children's story. I've seen them cut down peasants simply to test their blades. Leave women and children to die in the flames of their burning homes. Yasuke: I cannot speak to the horrors you witnessed. But if there is any hope that we might live by those ideals, someone must be willing to try. Tomiko: We are fortunate to have you, Yasuke. Yasuke found Yaya stacking hay near the stables. Yasuke: What are you thinking of, Yaya? Yaya: My thoughts are with my husband. As they often are. Iwatora was a talented rikishi and he taught me how to wrestle. I grew very strong under his guidance and patience. The first time I beat him in wrestling, I was afraid I had wounded his pride. But he embraced me. We drank sake under the moonlight to celebrate. He beamed as brightly as the moon. He taught me all I know.

Haytham Kenway

Benjamin Franklin

After arriving in Boston in 1754, Haytham met Benjamin Franklin inside a general store. Benjamin: Hello again. Haytham: More Almanac pages? Benjamin: Not quite. It's a treatise, actually. Haytham: Oh? Concerning what? Benjamin: The benefits of taking an older woman as a lover. Haytham: Really? This, I'd like to hear. Benjamin: First and most obvious—they're wiser. And so this makes for far more stimulating conversation. Makes other things more stimulating as well. But more on that in a moment. Haytham: Alright. Your argument for experience makes some sense. Benjamin: Second, when beauty fades, women must improve their utility—lest they be discarded and forgotten. Rare is an old woman who is not also kind, compassionate, and good. Haytham: That's something of a generalization. Benjamin: But also true. Now onto the third! Older women cannot conceive! Which means one less thing over which to fret. In fact, you also decrease the chance of acquiring something like the French Pox—its presence clearly visible—or the woman dead. Haytham: And should one desire a child? Benjamin: Then make a young woman your wife. Let the older woman be a mistress. And that brings me to my fourth point: With age comes prudence. An older woman is less likely to reveal your indiscretions. Haytham: Yes. I suppose you know quite a bit about that. Benjamin: And proud of it, thank you! As to the fifth reason: Because in every animal that walks upright, the deficiency of the fluids that fill the muscles appears first in the highest part: the face first grows lank and wrinkled, then the neck; then the breast and arms; the lower parts continuing to last as plump as ever: So covering all the above with a basket, and regarding only what is below the girdle, it is impossible of two women to know an old from a young one. And as in the dark all cats are grey, the pleasure of corporal enjoyment with an old woman is at least equal, and frequently superior, every knack being by practice capable of improvement. Haytham: You mad bastard! Benjamin: Well it's true. And believe me, I should know—I've sampled a great many. You should try one as well! Like a fine wine, they only improve with age. Although... I suppose if left unattended too long, they have a tendency to sour. And that, my friend, is a most unpleasant experience. Better to work in a field often plowed, you know? Haytham: Is there more? Benjamin: Indeed, indeed. The sixth is this: the sin is less. To take a maidenhead is a great responsibility. Mishandled, it can ruin lives. No such risk with an older woman. And this implies the seventh: younger women are more given to compunction. Anxiety and unease are not present in the more aged and experienced. And as to the the last of my reasons. Well it's really quite simple. Older women are so very grateful for the attention. Haytham: You make a compelling argument, Mister Franklin. I might just have to run a few tests myself. Benjamin: I highly recommend it! Haytham spoke to Franklin another time: Benjamin: I owe you a great thanks by the way. Haytham: What for? Benjamin: Speaking with me. You see, I have very few friends in Boston these days. Haytham: And what did you do to earn their ire? Benjamin: Started with a cartoon I drew, suggesting unification. How else can we hope to withstand the French menace? I proposed something similar at the Albany Conference as well, and it ruffled quite a few feathers. See, I've begun to wonder if Parliament best serves our interests. The Colonies might be better off independent and autonomous. Most of my peers however, haven't taken kindly to the suggestion. Haytham: Are things truly so bad under the Crown? Benjamin: But you've answered your own question! Under! Why under? It should be side-by-side. Does France reside beneath Britain? Do the Italians? The Prussians? The Spanish? No. Sure they may disagree from time to time, even come to blows, but they stand on equal ground, and we should as well. Haytham: Are the Colonies not simply an extension of the Kingdom though? Another borough, if you will? Benjamin: No, we are not. We've evolved into something else, something distinct. Haytham: Hmmm, I suppose it's only natural to desire parity. We leave behind our parents, our childhoods, our homes, and seek to find a place in the world. If it's true for a person, why not a nation? Benjamin: Yes, yes, exactly. Haytham: Hmmm, interesting. Benjamin: Anyway, I've taken up enough of your time. Please, don't let me keep you from your work. Haytham approached Franklin again. Benjamin: Can't talk right now, I'm afraid... Sorry, but I've some work needs doing... Let us speak later, my friend. Haytham returned to Franklin after having collected one of his almanacs. Haytham: Mister Franklin. I believe I have something you'd like. Benjamin: You... You did it! You find the missing pages! Incredible! Haytham: Thank you for the kind words, but it was nothing, really. Benjamin: Nothing? It was impossible! They were gone. Scattered. And yet here they are, reunited. Franklin gave Haytham £500. Benjamin: Here. Take this. Least I can do. You are a miracle worker! I shall sing your praises forever! Much as I'd love to chat, I have some reading to do at present. I hope you understand.

Charles Lee

Between missions, Haytham and Charles Lee conversed in the Green Dragon Tavern. Haytham: Do you like it here, Charles? Charles: There's a certain charm to Boston I suppose, to all of the colonies really. Granted their cities have none of London's sophistication or splendor, but the people are earnest and hard-working. They've a pioneer spirit I find compelling. Haytham: It's quite something really, watching a place that's finally found its feet. Charles: Has it, though? The French still wage war from up north. And I fear the Spanish have designs upon this place as well... Is this a new world? Or just another battlefield? Haytham: Ah, that's a story old as time itself, and one that's not like to change. We're cruel and desperate creatures, set in our conquering ways. The Saxons and the Franks, the Ottomans and the Safavids—I could go on for hours! The whole of human history is but a series of conflicts and subjugations. A desire for more, and more, and more. Charles: I pray one day we rise above it. Haytham: Whilst you pray, I'll act. We'll see who finds success first, hmm? Charles: It was an expression. Haytham: Aye, and a dangerous one. Words have power: wield them wisely.

William Johnson

Haytham spoke to William Johnson after recruiting him. Haytham: Tell me about yourself, William. William: What's to tell? I was born in Ireland to Catholic parents—which I learnt early in life, severely limited my opportunities. So I converted to Protestantism and journeyed here at the behest of my uncle. But I fear my Uncle Peter was not the swiftest of men. He sought to open trade with the Kanien'kehá:ka—but chose to build his settlement away from the trade routes instead of on them. I tried to reason with the man, but as I said, not the swiftest. So I took what little money I'd earned and bought my own little plot of land. I built a home, a farm, a store and a mill—humble beginnings—but well situated, which made all the difference. Haytham: So this is how you came to know the Mohawk? William: Indeed—and it has proved a valuable relationship. Haytham: But still no mention from your contacts of the precursor site? No hidden temple or ancient constructs? William: Yes and no—which is to say, they have their fair share of sacred sites. Earthen mounds, forest clearings, hidden caves—but nothing matching what you describe. No strange metals... no odd glows. Haytham: Hmmm, it is well hidden. William: Even to them, it seems. But cheer up my friend, you'll have your precursor treasure, I swear it. Haytham: To our success then. William: And soon! Should not be much longer... I'll let you know, soon as I have something... I hope you're right, Haytham... I should return to my studies. Haytham spoke to William again after identifying Silas Thatcher. Haytham: This business with Silas confuses me! If Britain stands any chance of pushing back the French, they must ally with the natives, not enslave them! William: Silas is loyal only to his purse. That his actions harm the Crown is irrelevant. So long as there are buyers for his product, he'll continue to procure it. Haytham: All the more reason to stop him then. William: My days are spent in congress with the locals—attempting to convince them that we're the ones they should trust; that the French are merely using them as tools to be abandoned once they've won. Haytham: Your words must lose their strength when held against the reality of Silas's actions. William: I've tried to explain that he does not represent us, but he wears the red coat; he commands a fort; I must appear to them either a liar or a fool... likely both. Haytham: Take heart, brother, when we deliver them his head, they'll know your words were true.

Thomas Hickey

Haytham spoke to Thomas Hickey after recruiting him. Haytham: Any news? Thomas: Whispers of things, nothin' solid at the moment. I know you're looking for word of anything out the ordinary, dealin' with temples and spirits and ancient times and whatnot. But so far, can't say my boys have heard much. Haytham: No trinkets or artefacts being moved through your... shadow market? Thomas: Nothin' new, couple ill-gotten weapons—some jewelry likely lifted from a living thing. But you said to listen for talk of glows and hums and strange sights, right? An' I ain't heard nothin' 'bout that. Haytham: Keep at it. Thomas: Oh I will—you've done me a great service mister, and I fully intend to repay my debt, thricefold, if it pleases. Haytham: Thank you, Thomas. Thomas: Place to sleep and meal to eat is thanks enough. Don't you worry, I'll get you sorted soon.

Benjamin Church

Haytham spoke to Benjamin Church after recruiting him. Haytham: So a question for you: why medicine? Benjamin: I'm supposed to tell you I care for my fellow man right? That I chose this path because it allows me to accomplish a greater good? Haytham: Are these things not true? Benjamin: Perhaps. But that's not what guided me. No, for me it was a less abstract thing: I like money. Haytham: There are other paths to fortune. Benjamin: Aye, but what better ware to peddle than life? Nothing else is as precious, nor so desperately craved. And no price is too great for the man or woman who fears an abrupt and permanent end. Haytham: Your words are cruel, Benjamin. Benjamin: But true as well. Haytham: You took an oath to help people, did you not? Benjamin: I abide the oath, which makes no mention of price. I merely require compensation—fair compensation—for my services. Haytham: And if they lack the required funds? Benjamin: Then there are others who will serve them. Does a baker grant free bread to a beggar? Does the tailor offer a dress to the woman who cannot afford to pay? No: why should I? Haytham: You said it yourself, nothing is more precious than life. Benjamin: Indeed: all the more reason one should ensure they have the means to preserve it.

John Pitcairn

Haytham spoke to John Pitcairn after recruiting him. John: If I may, I was curious about your past with Braddock. You two clearly have a history. Haytham: Edward was one of us, upon a time: I considered him a close friend. He was brave and bold in ways few men are. But everything changed at the siege of Bergen op Zoom. We had lost the fortress to the French, and were in the midst of egress. There was a skiff hidden at the port with which we planned to make our escape. As we drew near, a young man and his family came upon us, begging for safe passage. I consented, but Edward refused. The young man called him craven then... so Edward killed him and all the rest... even the children. To this day I don't know why. Was this the first time he'd struck out? Or had I simply never seen it before? Either way, things were never the same after that. We campaigned together a few more times, but each outing was more disturbing than the last. He killed and killed; enemy or ally, civilian or soldier, guilty or innocent, it mattered not. If he perceived one to be an obstacle, they died. He maintained that violence was a more efficient solution: it became his mantra, and it broke my heart. John: I had no idea. Haytham: He hides it well, and intimidates into silence any who discover him. Those who persist, have a tendency to find... misfortune. John: We should stop him. Haytham: I suppose you're right, but I maintain a foolish hope that he might yet be saved and brought back round to reason. I know, I know, it's a silly thing, to believe that one so drenched in death might suddenly change. John: I'm sorry to have brought this up: it was not my intent to sour you. Haytham: Nonsense! We are brothers now: there should be no secrets between us.

Ratonhnhaké:ton

Samuel Adams

After attending the Second Continental Congress on 16 June 1775, Ratonhnhaké:ton spoke with Samuel Adams. Samuel: Still here, are you? Connor: I was just wondering... What happens now? Samuel: There's quite a lot to do. Commander Washington must determine when and where we'll strike next. And we need to get to work on our message. Connor: Message? Samuel: We must contact the broadsheets at once—ensure it's clear to everyone that it was the Loyalists who fired first in Lexington. Connor: But no one knows who fired first... Samuel: Which is exactly why we must spread the news quickly. We'll determine public opinion. Connor: This seems... dishonest. Samuel: Perhaps. But so what? People must believe we acted in self-defense. Else, we've committed treason. Connor: But you have. Samuel: Better to bow and scrape before a tyrant then? Is that what you suggest? Connor: No, of course not. No one should be denied freedom. And yet... To change the truth... It seems a dangerous road to travel. Samuel: Understand, Connor, this is a war fought not just on the battlefield, but within hearts and minds as well. There's nothing wrong with a bit of theater—especially if it saves lives.

George Washington

Connor met with George Washington at the encampment at Valley Forge. Connor: Commander? George: I have failed them, Connor. Only look around to know my words are true. This revolution once seemed a righteous thing. Our cause pure and just. We asked only for what all people deserve: liberty, equality, and respect. The Empire should have embraced us. Instead they pushed for war—a war, it seems, they are now destined to win. I dared to dream of better things. Behold what it has wrought. Connor: Such dark thoughts will cripple a man. But only if he lets them. Look again. Out there stand men and women determined to be free. Such a struggle is rarely easy, and never without sacrifice. I have often asked myself a thousand times if I would not be happier back amongst my people, living a quieter, simpler life. But if I abandoned my cause—if you abandoned yours, Commander—who would take our places? And what would become of the people who rely upon us? George: It isn't right that they should suffer when I do not. If the ground must be their mattress, so too will it be mine. Connor: And what about the storm? George: If I can't take a stand against some snow, then there really is no hope for us. Not long afterwards, Connor spoke with Washington once more. George: What news do you bring me? Connor: No news, Commander. I was merely curious how your assistants were faring. George: Without them we would be lost. It's as simple as that. With Lafayette drilling our men, it's possible our next engagement will not be one sided. Have you had the opportunity to meet Casimir Pulaski? Connor: I have not. George: Unfortunate. He's another of these soldiers we've hired from overseas. A Polish man capable of fighting on horseback the likes of which I have never seen. I intend to name him Commander of the Horse and when spring comes and the battles resume, the Regulars will fear the charge of his Patriot Cavalry. Connor: I look forward to that day, Commander. George: As do I, Connor. As do I. During spring in Valley Forge, Connor spoke to Washington about his strategy that year. Having met his father, Connor began to express skepticism about the commander's tactics. Connor: The season for war is fast approaching, Commander. Have you decided upon a strategy? George: You cut to the core of things, don't you, Connor? We are divided. The British have Philadelphia and we hold Boston. Howe won't try for Boston again, there is no sense to such a maneuver. The port in New York—and by extension the Hudson—will be his prize and we will march there to meet him. For glory or for ruin. Connor: Are you sure that wise, Commander? George: Hesitant to take action? You? I'm surprised. Our army is as prepared and large as ever and the time for patience has passed. We need to strike a decisive blow this spring and New York will be the stage. Whether we achieve victory or not will remain in the Lord's hands. We've done all we can. After the war had ended, Connor came across George Washington at Bowling Green. George: Connor. Connor: Commander. George: It's good to see you. Connor: You have what you set out for. What will you do with it? George: A fair question. But if truth be told, I do not know. Men with far greater minds than mine will build this country's foundation, a task I am simply not equipped for. Have you played bocce before? I'm really growing quite fond of it. I think I'll have a green built in Mount Vernon when I return. Connor: All that death and sacrifice and you mean to leave the important tasks to better men while you play games? I might have expected it. George: Connor— Connor: Whether you think you are worthy or capable of the task, after the things we've done to ensure this outcome, you should not have the luxury of peace.

Marquis de Lafayette

Connor met with Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette at the encampment at Valley Forge during winter. Gilbert: Ah! Connor. What do you think of my work thus far? Connor: The men are bolstered. Focused. It is good you have come. Gilbert: You are too kind. Lord knows my journey was far from certain. The trials we suffered getting here were strange and many. I dressed as a woman, Connor, to evade British spies. Did you know that? Connor: I did not. As a woman you say? Gilbert: It is the truth. King George had already stopped our crossing once in Bordeaux, threatening to seize my newly purchased ship, La Victoire, and arrest me. But I was born stubborn and such a warning could not dissuade me. So we rode for Spain and bought passage aboard a ship there. George's spies had followed us every step of the way. Disguise was the only remaining option... mon dieu. (My Lord.) Connor: No man can doubt your commitment and you are invaluable to the cause. You did what you needed to do. I am certain I would have done the same. Gilbert: But of course you would! I expect nothing less! Connor met the Marquis de Lafayette again at Valley Forge. Gilbert: Monsieur (Mister) Connor. A pleasure as always. What brings you? Connor: I wanted to ask you something: why is this revolution so important to you? Gilbert: Hm. Since I decided to embark upon this adventure, through all the lords and merchants and soldiers I've spoken to, you are the first to ask me this. Have you ever been to France? Connor: I have not. Gilbert: One day, when all this is over, I will invite you to Paris to stay with me and my family. She is the most beautiful city in all the world, Connor, full of art and culture, women and wine. But she is sick on the inside, black and rotting. But here... here is something quite different. On the outside the colonies are dirty and dangerous, unforgiving and uncivilized. But on the inside they GLOW. And that is why I am here. To learn. I want to return home able to touch France's black heart and make it glow once more.

Kanen'tó:kon

Connor met Kanen'tó:kon at Kanatahséton during his training with Achilles Davenport. Kanen'tó:kon: Ratohnhaké:ton! I am glad for your visit. Connor: How are things? Kanen'tó:kon: A good year. Our harvest was plentiful—our numbers swell—and the forest remains undisturbed. Connor: I am glad of it. Kanen'tó:kon: And how are YOU, brother? Connor: Kept busy by our enemies... But their power wanes. I am hopeful that the land will be free of their influence soon. Kanen'tó:kon: I have kept your place inside the longhouse. It will be there for you when you are ready to come home. Another time, Ratonhnhaké:ton. I should return to work... Connor met with Kanen'tó:kon again after William Johnson's death, where he informed his friend that incursions into their land had stopped. Kanen'tó:kon: It is good to see you, brother. Connor: I trust the incursions have ended? Kanen'tó:kon: For now. Connor: You seem troubled. Kanen'tó:kon: What if they return? What if there are more? We should have listened to you. Then, we might be better prepared to deal with these threats. Connor: Fear nothing, for I will watch over our people. Kanen'tó:kon: But will it be enough? During the war, Kanen'tó:kon began to have doubts. Kanen'tó:kon: The seasons pass, but the threat lingers. When will we be free, brother? Connor: It is not so simple, Kanen'tó:kon. Kanen'tó:kon: You sound like the colonists. Connor: What do you mean? Kanen'tó:kon: They are wise with words, using them to hide truth. Connor: I hide nothing from you. Kanen'tó:kon: Still... perhaps I should take up arms. Perhaps we all should. Connor: No. That is not the way. Kanen'tó:kon: You fight. Why not us? Connor: I fight so that no one else needs to. Kanen'tó:kon: But I fear we do, Ratonhnhaké:ton... For you are just one man. Connor met with Kanen'tó:kon again. Kanen'tó:kon: Tell me something. The other Kanien'kehá:ka side with the Loyalists. Our village alone commits to no one. And you seem to favor the Patriots. Connor: I favor only freedom. Kanen'tó:kon: They have come to us, you know... The men in red coats. Their commanders have offered to secure our borders in exchange for service. Connor: You will make no such alliance. Kanen'tó:kon: Then you would have us join the men in blue? Connor: I would have you stay out of the conflict. Kanen'tó:kon: You may wish for us to remain neutral... But I fear it cannot last. I fear for our future, brother... I will think on all you've said. Your words worry me... I should return to my duties...

Oiá:ner

Connor met with Oiá:ner at Kanatahséton during his training. Oiá:ner: Ratohnhaké:ton? I hardly recognize you. Connor: I am sorry that I did not visit sooner. My time is taken up with study... Oiá:ner: Have you found what you seek, then? Connor: It is too soon to know. But I am on the proper path. Oiá:ner: Already, it is more than most. Connor: But will it be enough? Oiá:ner: That is something only you can answer. You are always welcome here, Ratonhnhaké:ton. I hope you will visit again soon. After William Johnson's assassination, Oiá:ner revealed that his demise had left them more vulnerable as he was generally supportive of the natives. She also began having doubts about the village staying neutral in the war, but Connor encouraged her to continue standing apart from the Iroquois clans that joined the conflict. Oiá:ner: It is good to see you, though I wish it was more often. Connor: I trust all is well? Oiá:ner: Things have been peaceful since Johnson's passing. Although... Connor: What is it? Oiá:ner: Some are concerned. He promised safety and security. With him gone, we are alone once more. And now, the other villages speak of aligning with the Loyalists. Connor: That is their choice. Our people walk a different path. Oiá:ner: Yes... For a very long time, we have stood apart from the Haudenosaunee. Apart from the Kanien'kehá:ka. Apart from all others, in fact. I will not abandon our duty, but some days I cannot help but question it. Connor: There is a reason that we stand alone. It is natural to wonder... To worry. But we must stand strong. We must have faith. Oiá:ner: Truly the world is turned around when it is I who question and you who comfort. You have given this old woman much to ponder... You have grown into a fine young man. I am proud of you. During the war, she expressed concern whether Connor would finish his task. Oiá:ner: You are returned to us! But not for long, I think? Connor: My work is not yet done... Oiá:ner: I wonder will it ever be? The symbol that you sought and found... It is a mark of courage and honor, yes. But it promises pain and loss as well. Connor: I will bear such things gladly—if it means you are all kept safe. Oiá:ner: You must not forget to look after yourself from time to time... Connor: When this is finished. When all are free. Then I will rest. Oiá:ner: I hope that day comes soon. Connor: As do I. Oiá:ner: Do not let me keep you, Ratonhnhaké:ton. Remember to look after yourself from time to time... After Kanen'tó:kon's death, Connor informed Oiá:ner. Fearful, though unaware Connor was the one who had killed him, she suggested relocating the village. Oiá:ner: What troubles you, Ratohnhaké:ton? Connor: Kanen'tó:kon is dead. Oiá:ner: What happened? Connor: He... I... I cannot say for certain... Oiá:ner: There is talk amongst the other nations of moving west... Away from the war... Perhaps it is time we considered such a thing. Connor: No. We stay. This is our home. Oiá:ner: But for how much longer? And at what cost? Connor: I will make it safe. Oiá:ner: Oh, my child... We cannot change what is to come. Though we might abandon this land... We will not abandon our ways. We carry home in our hearts. Connor: Please. You must wait. A little more time is all I need... Oiá:ner: I must speak with the others. I will see what can be done.

Stephane Chapheau

After recruiting Stephane Chapheau into the Colonial Assassins, Connor spoke with him in a tavern. Connor: Stephane. How is your ale? Stephane: Pisse (Piss), but it gets the job done—my father would be disgusted—but after a day's work with you a man needs to unwind. I would prefer a nice bottle of wine but these Colonies lack refinement. Connor: Your father? Stephane: Mon père. (My father). He was a great man. A cook in the French Army during the Seven Years' War. He marched all across the white North, feeding Louis-Joseph de Montcalm and his officers. Cooking them feasts from sticks and berries. When the Commander-in-Chief opted for open conflict instead of manning the battlements of Quebec, every man was called to arms, including my father. He died on the field. But I'm told he fought ferociously. It matters little. He's gone now. Connor: He would be proud of you. Stephane: This is my one hope—that he smiles upon the choices I've made. Some time afterwards, Connor spoke with Stephane once more. Stephane: Connor! Do you have time to sit? Connor: I do. Stephane: Good! I have been meaning to ask you, how did you come to all this? Connor: I did not ask for it, but I feel it was meant to happen. I was just a boy when I met Achilles. He made me a warrior. Stephane: That easy? I miss the kitchen if you can believe it. I had more control in that world than I ever will in the one we inhabit. But more people get to taste the fruit of my labor in this line of work and for that I am satisfied. Connor: We may change things yet, if we press on. Stephane: Frenchmen from the North never grow weary, just ask the women! Ha!

Duncan Little

Connor met Duncan Little in a tavern in Boston. Duncan: So you're the lad. Neighborhood could use more men of action like yourself. Connor: My name is Connor. Duncan: That's a lovely name for a man from Wales. What's your real name? Connor: Ratonhnhaké:ton... Duncan: A strong name—you should use it. Mine's Duncan, plain as they come. If you've the time to spare, I'd urge you to keep on doing what you're doing. This infernal gang needs to be stopped. Connor approached Duncan again. Duncan: How's it going, lad? I imagine you're busy these days, not much has changed with regards to our local thugs. I'll leave you to it. Your work is bearing fruit, my boy, and I'm close to figuring out who's orchestrating this ugly symphony. But something's got people spooked beyond the usual gang stuff. Odd. Anyway, keep on it. After recruiting Duncan into the Colonial Brotherhood, Connor spoke with him in a tavern. Duncan: Oi, lad! How's it going then? Connor: I am well. And you? Duncan: Oh, can't complain. There was something I've been meaning to tell you... I met your Da. It was a long time ago in London. I was just a boy—well, I didn't meet him really, just saw him do a fella in at the London Opera House. I was sitting in the balcony with an uncle of mine. Went to have a piss and when I came back, there's your Da. Dashing as they come, he was—shirt, jacket, immaculate. My uncle was just slumped there. Looked like he was sleeping. But I knew better even if I was a child. Your Da locked eyes on me. And I don't think I've ever been so frightened as I was in that instant. It wasn't a fear that he was going to cause me pain, it was a sense that he saw right through me—into my heart—and he'd crush it if it pleased him. But he didn't. He just raised his finger to his lips and gestured for my silence. I complied. Then he was gone. Connor: That must have been in the days before his betrayal was made public. He would have sailed for the Colonies not long after. I'm astonished that you were actually there. Duncan: You can imagine my surprise when I saw his face. Took me a while to piece it together but... there you have it. Thought you'd like to know. Connor: Thank you. Some time afterwards, Connor spoke with Duncan once more. Connor: How are you faring? Duncan: Not bad. Not bad. All this reminds me of being back in the Old Country. Fightin' for land, fightin' for the right to see God my way. Didn't take long before I realized the fight was futile and stepped aboard a ship bound for the Colonies. People over there are so wrapped up in HOW you perceive the Lord they forget we're all part of his flock. Stories change, Connor. The way people tell them evolves. It's no different in the Bible and I believe that's the real root of all the strife back home. But nobody wants to listen to me—if you don't see it their way, you're a heathen. But I feel we're honestly making a difference here. That our presence is felt if not appreciated by all. Ah! And it makes me sleep easy at night and that's all a man can ask for really. Connor: I would like to visit your home country some day. Duncan: Oh, would you now? You'd turn a head or two on the Emerald Isle, I'll tell you that. Maybe one day, I'll muster up the courage, go back and I'll bring you with me—would be good for a laugh at any rate!

Clipper Wilkinson

Connor met Clipper Wilkinson at Boston Neck. Clipper: Don't mean to bother you, but I couldn't help but notice what you done. Real good of you. Connor: What is happening here? Clipper: Regulars have taken to conscribing the young ones 'round here. It's not right. I was thinking that maybe we could do some good together—if you had the time. Connor: What would you have me do? Clipper: More of the same, actually. I got a plan cooking, but the folks need to know they've got someone to turn to. Find me when you're done. Connor approached Clipper again. Clipper: They're still conscribing kids all over, but I wager you've been off fryin' bigger fish. You're doing it. The recruiters are scared to go out collecting. We're almost ready to make our move. After recruiting Clipper into the Colonial Brotherhood, Connor spoke with him in a tavern. Connor: You do not partake? Clipper: No, sir. I need to stay sharp in case you call upon my rifle. Spirits do me in right quick. Drank half a flask of rum out in the bush with my brothers a few years back. Went for a run in the buff before I found myself rolling around in deer skat being sick all over. I don't want to go there again. No thank you. Connor: A smart choice given the circumstances. Clipper: I want to fight like you someday. Connor: You have everything it takes to be a great Assassin. Clipper: That means something coming from you. Some time afterwards, Connor spoke with Clipper once more. Connor: Where did you learn to shoot like you do? Clipper: Ranging with my dad and brothers in Virginia country. My family's been surveying and prospecting out there since my grand-pappy. Connor: How did you end up here? Clipper: I'm the youngest of four brothers. I was always going to be a runner-up with them so I set off alone to do my own business. Out west of Ohio's territory that no man of the Colonies' ever trodden. Figured I could find contracts out of New York. Then the war started. Connor: And you sided with the Patriots. Clipper: Not really. My family's for the King. I just don't like seeing boys forced to fight against their will is all. But I know that I want to be free, for all to be free. If that means I'm a Patriot, I guess I am. Connor: You are an Assassin. Nothing else. Clipper: That I am. And proud of it.

Deborah Carter

Connor met Deborah Carter at the north end of New York. Deborah: Might I have a word? Name's Dobby Carter. Couldn't help but notice you're getting involved in the goings on in our borough. Thought we might be of service to each other. Connor: What is happening here? Deborah: Ever since the war kicked off, merchants have been demanding high prices "for the good of the cause". Profiteering is what that is. It's high time the folks 'round the way got a fair shake. Connor: How can I help? Deborah: That easy? That's a change. Eh... Set up these up nearby when you get a chance—it's part of a bigger plan I got. Come see me when you're done. Connor approached Deborah again. Deborah: Merchants are still gouging people 'round here. We'll talk again soon. You certainly don't disappoint! People are standing up all over the place. We're almost there. After recruiting Deborah into the Colonial Brotherhood, Connor spoke with her in a tavern. Deborah: How do you do, Connor? Connor: I am alright. And you? Deborah: It's nice to be a part of something. Until now I was sort of drifting about the neighborhood getting irate when I saw things unjust. Sometimes I'd intervene, other times I would come here. Now I feel like all my energy is pointed at something. Connor: I am grateful to have your help. How did you come to be... you? Deborah: Ha! Funny question but I get your meaning. I was an orphan, pretty common around the ports with all the sailors and whores mucking about. I wanted to be out on my own so I did what I had to do. That's when I decided to pretend to be a boy. That worked for a time, until nature decided otherwise and it just became a bad joke. Folks around the borough still called me "Dobby" but the old codgers started leering and getting fresh. That's when I got tough. Took a good many shots to the face before I learned to defend myself properly but now I dare any man to come at me. They learn the price quick. Some time afterwards, Connor spoke with Deborah once more. Connor: Hello, Dobby. Deborah: Connor. You look well. Connor: I have been better. Deborah: Do you ever sleep? I really don't know how you do it. Connor: I try not to think about it. Deborah: A strong man, stronger than any I've ever met. How is it a man like you has no wife? Connor: I do not have the time to give a woman what she deserves. Perhaps when all this is over, I will be able to settle and have a family. I hope. Deborah: Of all the lecherous and deceitful men out there who are fathers, you'd be a godsend. But I suppose that's how it is, the good ones are too busy for it and the louts have nothing better to do. In any case, if you ever think it's time, make sure I get the first crack! Connor: Hmm, I promise.

Jamie Colley

Connor met Jamie Colley at a clinic in New York. Jamie: At least you're no beast like most of these "people". Anybody who's immune has already fled. Cowards. Connor: And who are you? Jamie: Jamie Colley. You need to keep doing what you're doing. Nobody else is. If we both get after it, we might be able to quell this monster of a disease. Connor: I will do what I can. Jamie: I'll be lending a hand to these doctors. Find me once you think you've done enough and maybe we can do more. Connor approached Jamie again. Jamie: What are you talking to me for? You haven't done anything about the outbreak yet. It's a start. Keep going and then we'll talk real business. After recruiting Jamie into the Colonial Brotherhood, Connor spoke with him in a tavern. Connor: Thirsty I take it? Jamie: What's wrong with taking a draught or two when the time is right? Connor: Nothing, Jamie, nothing. Jamie: Then why don't you join me then? Connor: Not right now, maybe later. Jamie: I suppose you got important business to attend to. I understand. Don't worry about me though, I can handle my booze. If you need me, I'll be there, Connor. Some time afterwards, Connor spoke with Jamie once more. Jamie: Hey Connor. Connor: Taking it easy today? Jamie: Things got a little out of hand the last time you saw me. Keeping an even keel. Connor: Good. Where are you from? Jamie: Here. Born and raised but I'm a mutt if that's what you're really asking. Think I even got a little of the Far East in my blood. That's what my father said, wherever that bastard got off to. Connor: What about your mother? Jamie: She's down south. Haven't seen her in five years or so. She works on a plantation—keeping care of the slaves. Pff. Slaves. That's why I left. Can't support that business. Owning a human isn't something any man should do. She doesn't agree so I leave her to it. I make my life up here now. I'm an Assassin. This is my family.

Jacob Zenger

Connor met Jacob Zenger in a tavern in New York. Jacob: So you are the man taking up arms in our part of the city. Glad to be hearing it. Connor: The military seems to be controlling this area. Jacob: Yah. Martial law has been declared. For what purposes, I do not know, but there is not a need. I do what I can, but it is hard. Connor: I may be able to help. Jacob: Very well. I need information on the man responsible for this. He has men all over the place—corrupt Redcoats. Maybe you can get them to talk. Connor approached Jacob again. Jacob: Hallo, friend. The martial law is quite the same. You are needing to start making an impact. Ah, the tides of change are coming in. Remain vigilant, and maybe we succeed in putting an end to this. After recruiting Jacob into the Colonial Brotherhood, Connor spoke with him in a tavern. Jacob: Ah! Connor! Sit! Sit! Connor: How are you Jacob? Jacob: Missing the beer gardens back home—but I am well. Connor: How did you arrive in the colonies? Jacob: Like most other men like me. The Army. I was a Hessian for a time. It was a good job while I had it. I only felt it was time for something different once I arrived. Not long after I am meeting you so it seems my feeling was useful, no? Connor: Certainly. Jacob: I am hoping to send for my family when the time is right. But we are fighting a war of our own, and I will not put them at risk. Connor: Hopefully things will die down soon. Jacob: No rush, Connor. I am in their hearts, and they are in mine. Some time afterwards, Connor spoke with Jacob once more. Jacob: I received a letter from home. Connor: What news? Jacob: My son is the strongest boy in our village. Standing tall and proud. My heart grows heavy for them, now and my patience wanes for bringing them across the ocean. I have sent money for passage. War or no war. Connor: We will keep them safe from the fighting when they arrive. Jacob: I am having no doubts about this. My worry is now of the crossing itself. Many miles overland to a port in France. There they must be purchasing safe passage aboard a ship coming to the colonies. Then they must brave the voyage itself. Many risks. Connor: Your son can lead them, you said yourself he is strong and capable. Jacob: My son? Ha! No matter how strong he grows he will never be as strong as my wife. Wihelmina is the most able person I have ever met—else I would not have left them. It is more matters of fortune that trouble me. Storms, pirates. Connor: These are things none can control, but I am sure if pirates try and take their ship, Wihelmina and your boy will make the brigands rue their decision. Jacob: Yes! Yes, you are right!

Homestead residents

After inviting Godfrey and Terry to live on the Davenport Homestead, Connor introduced himself to their wives Catherine and Diana. Catherine: You must be Connor! We've been raring to finally meet you! My name's Catherine and this is Diana. We're the wives of those two blockheads who cut trees. Diana: Nice to meet you! We've heard so much of you from the boys. Glad to finally put a face to the name. Connor: The pleasure is mine. Catherine: We were just discussing how nice this bit of territory is, on a river with nobody upstream. I won't lie, Godfrey's letter had me a little worried but now that we're here and settled, I must say I'm rather happy. Diana: They had us on this plot north of Champlain that was a tangle of rock and bramble. Horrible place. It's a real treat to be able to walk up the hill and take in the ocean. Connor: Your husbands must keep you busy. Catherine: Ha! Nothing we can't handle, Connor. The boys think they run the show, but the real bosses are standing right in front of you. Connor: I do not doubt it. After rescuing Prudence from a bear, Connor spoke to her and Warren. Warren: Hello, Connor. Prudence: Hello. Connor: Is something the matter? Warren: No, nothing that need worry you. Connor: I would not pry, but please know that if there was anything I could do to help, I would. Prudence: It's alright. Connor already knows half of it. As you know, we have been trying to have a child, Connor. For a long time. Thus far we've not been blessed, even once. It takes its toll after a time. Connor: You must not force such things. Nature will grant you with a young one when the time is right. Warren: We hope you're right, Connor. At the very least, we are at peace here. After the construction of Oliver and Corrine's inn, Connor checked to see if they were happy. Oliver: ...delicious, love. Connor! What brings you? Connor: I was passing by and thought I would stop in and see how you were faring. Oliver: That's nice of you. Well, my boy, we are faring very well. Corrine: Between those who live here, the sailors coming and going from the pier, not to mention the travelers, our beds are always full and our taps are always flowing. Connor: I am pleased things have worked out for you here. Oliver: As are we, Connor. I'd be lying if I told you we weren't worried when we were ousted from our old place, but the Lord works in mysterious ways. Connor greeted Terry and Godfrey on his way there to see if they were still at peace with each other. Connor: Gentlemen. You seem to be getting along. Terry: Oh aye. We're just on our way to have an ale. You might have noticed, I've got a bit of a temper problem. Diana's fine, the spuds are fine. We've got a good thing going here. I'm just happy I didn't hurt ol' Godfrey. Wouldn't have been able to forgive myself. Godfrey: So am I, Terry. So grateful you didn't poke me with your tiny fists. Terry: Don't rile me up! Godfrey: Alright, alright. Take it easy. Connor: I am happy things are well again. After collecting wild flowers for Norris to court Myriam with, Connor spoke with him and realized that to court someone meant to romance them. Norris: Hello, Connor. Connor: Norris. How are you? Norris: Alright. Remember we talked about Myriam? Connor: I do. And the cougar she felled. Norris: One shot. Confident and precise. Incroyable. (Incredible.) I like her. Connor: She is a good friend, we all do. Norris: Not like that, Connor. Connor: Oh. OH! Well, good for you! Norris: Only good for me if she likes me back. She is a strong woman. An independent woman. I admire her. Connor: I wish you well in your quest, Norris. Connor spoke to Achilles, who was examining his old robes that he had retrieved for him. Connor: Remembering old times, Achilles? Achilles: Connor. Oh. Yes, I suppose I was. Seems like so long ago. Connor: Who was the Assassin this belonged to? Achilles: Originally, it was John de la Tour's, the first Assassin in the Colonies. Then it was mine for a time. The things I've done wearing that armor... Some are uplifting to recall, others—very painful indeed. One day I will hand it over to you, Connor. It is your duty to keep it. It serves as a reminder for how long our brotherhood has really been here. How long we've been protecting the people of the land. But here I am going on again, I know you appreciate what it is. After Connor's returning from Boston, Warren expressed gratitude to Connor about his new life and the child on the way. Warren: Dr. White called upon us earlier! A very unexpected surprise. One that has put both Prudence and I at ease. Connor: The village is growing and a healer's services will benefit all. Warren: Indeed! It's hard to explain how I am feeling right now. My wife is resting healthy and safe, full with child in our warm home. The community is kind and attentive, and the land is rich. It was not so long ago that such a life was only a dream for us, Connor. Connor: All people deserve to feel safe and free. Warren: Hopefully, a day will come when all men of the Colonies will share your perspective. But it will be a long, hard road, that much is certain. Following Hunter's birth, Connor found Warren, Prudence, and Lyle White reminiscing at the farm about that day. Warren: Smoke, Connor? Connor: No, thank you. Lyle: We were just recalling the eventful day of little Hunter's birth. Connor: I am not sure I have ever been so anxious. Lyle: Ha! Warren: I barely remember a thing up until the moment I heard him cry. Then, it all slows down and I recall every little detail. From Hunter's wailing face, to Prudence's teary eyes filled with pure joy, to the smell of the mud and the leaves. I've never been as happy as I was in that instant. Lyle: Things in this house sound right. After Connor helped Norris again with romantic matters, they spoke about their names. Norris revealed that his name was Maurice, but since everyone mispronounced it, he grew tired of correcting them. Connor: Norris! How is the mine? Is there anything worth your time down there? Norris: Most definitely. Copper, Connor. And a healthy amount of it. Connor: Excellent. I am glad. I have been meaning to ask, is Norris a common French name? Norris: My real name is not Norris. It's Maurice. Connor: But you told me... Norris: I did. When I arrived in Boston, people started calling me Norris and I got tired of correcting them all the time. Just before we met I had been talking with that lady in the pub, she said she liked my name "Norris". I decided to stick with it. Connor: Would you prefer I called you by your real name? Norris: Nah. Everybody here knows me as Norris, Myriam included. Names can change but people stay the same, isn't that right, Connor? Connor: Very true. After Dr. White approached Connor for help with his reputation and the confrontation with the British scouts, Connor spoke to Prudence, Diana and Ellen outside the inn about their children, and they expressed gratitude towards him for bringing White to the Homestead. Diana: Not a day goes by that one of the boys doesn't hurt himself. I'll get some rest with the doctor around, sending the boys his way. Ellen: I know what you mean. Maria is all over the property like a mad-girl. Norris found her in his MINE yesterday with a great big gash in her knee. That girl, I tell you. Connor: It sounds like you all have your hands full. Diana: You could say that! Prudence: Having the doctor here is great for all of us, Connor. Thank you for finding him and bringing him here. Connor: He came here because of you. I only brought him the offer. After obtaining Lance's plans from France, Connor listened to him elaborate on the newly invented folding chair. Lance: Connor! Great timing. I was just getting underway on something that might be of interest to you. Connor: What is that? Lance: Those plans you retrieved for me. And believe you me, they were worth all the fuss. A FOLDING chair. Connor: I do not follow you. Lance: It's a chair. That FOLDS, Connor. You can fold them right up and stack them. Store them. Transport them. I could have a thousand chairs in my back room! It's simple brilliance and I am going to make a fortune. Connor: A folding chair. Well, I wish you the best with it. Lance: You'll see, Connor. You'll see. Later, Lance came to the Davenport manor and explained that the plans also contained Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machine. They built and tested it, but it did not work, due to their limited knowledge on the invention. Lance: Connor! I'm so glad you're here. The plans I bought. They weren't JUST a folding chair, oh no. They had something else with them, something quite astonishing. A flying machine designed by Leonardo Da Vinci himself! And I built it! Ha! You can be the first to try it if you like! You'll be able to fly! Soar like an eagle! Connor: And it works? Lance: Da Vinci was one of the greatest minds in human history! As brilliant a man as any there has ever been. You can be CERTAIN it works! Would you like to try it? Connor: Yes. Such a device would certainly prove useful. When Connor found the painting of Achilles' family in New York, Achilles explained to him that he was reluctant to open the package and look at it since the memories were too painful. Connor: What is it, Old Man? Achilles: Just an old painting. Connor: I have gathered that much. Why will you not open it? Achilles: It is something close to me. Something that I can't bear to look at just yet. Perhaps someday I will muster up the courage to gaze upon it again, but not yet. After helping White and Diana tend to the injured after the Battle of the Chesapeake, Connor learned that she had become Dr. White's apprentice. Lyle: Good day, Connor. Connor: Hello, Dr. White. Diana. Diana: Hello there, Connor. Lyle: Diana and I were just having a look over our equipment and facilities, they've seen a great deal of use over the last few days. Connor: So things have turned for the better? Lyle: Better than it ever was in Boston. I was missing my apprentice when things first exploded but now I have Diana. She is better than he was in every respect. Connor: And are you happy, Diana? Diana: I never thought this would be my path but now that I'm here, I admit it feels right. He then spoke with Lyle and Lance at the tavern, where both men joked about being bachelors and then asked Connor why he had no wife. Lance: One day, doc. One day. You'll find one too. She'll come wandering into the village and light up your life. Mark my words. I'm telling you. I have a sense for these things. Lyle: Might be, might be. Ahoy, Connor! Look at us, three bachelors, waiting for love or waiting for a drink, whatever comes first. Drink wins! Lance: Women'll be lining up for you, doc! I'm telling you! Ladies love a healer. It's me that's doomed. Who wants to marry a woodworker, eh? Who? Nobody is who. Lyle: Hogwash! You brought the folding chair to the Americas! You're a pioneer! An entrepreneur! Women appreciate a man with vision. Ha ha ha! Lance: What about you, Connor? How is it a man like you has no wife? Connor: I would not be a good husband. I have not the time to give. One day, perhaps. After Achilles' funeral, Connor spoke to Father Timothy at the church, thanking him for presiding over the service. Timothy: Good day, Connor. How are you faring? Connor: I will honor him, in time. I just hope that what I do is enough. Timothy: If anybody is capable of honoring a man the likes of Achilles, it's you, Connor. Connor: How is your church? Timothy: It's everything I could have wanted and more. The people here are hard-working and appreciative of my services. They contribute more than most I've seen. I understand our God is not for you, but the community is strong when we gather within these walls. That much, you should see. Connor: I will pass through one of these days.

Arno Dorian

Staff at Café Théâtre

After the French Assassins introduced Arno Dorian to their intelligence gathering hub disguised as the Café Théâtre, he talked to the building's intendant upstairs about making improvements to the place. Intendant: It seems that workmen renovating the main wing found a small room hidden behind the kitchen. Its contents may be of interest to you. When Arno had acquired enough coin, he paid the intendant and the excavation crew uncovered a ground-level club hall. He later inquired with the intendant when he wanted to expand the Café again. Intendant: The previous owners must have walled off a room in the main hall. Perhaps you'd be interested in what they found. When Arno had acquired enough coin, he paid the intendant and the excavation crew uncovered a small gallery room. He later inquired with the intendant when he wanted to expand the Café again. Intendant: That well's been disused for years. It'll be nice to have fresh water again. When Arno had acquired enough coin, he paid the intendant and the excavation crew uncovered access to the Assassin Sanctuary under Sainte-Chapelle through the courtyard's well. He later inquired with the intendant when he wanted to expand the Café again. Intendant: We found something in the attic during the renovation. You may wish to go upstairs and have a look. When Arno had acquired enough coin, he paid the intendant and the excavation crew uncovered upper rooms in the Café, two of which he claimed as a living quarters and for trophy display. He later inquired with the intendant when he wanted to expand the Café a final time. Intendant: The workmen were able to break open a doorway in the basement. It would afford a way to come and go along the north bank free from prying eyes, should someone require such a thing. When Arno had acquired enough coin, he paid the intendant and the excavation crew uncovered access from the underground tunnels to the Île de la Cité's east bank along the Seine.

Performances at Café Théâtre

The more Arno upgraded the café, the more customers would visit the establishment, and some would later stay to watch performances on stage. DebatesPublic announcementsVocal MusicInstrumental music Arno viewed a variety of debates on current issues at the café. Male Performer: Thank you, thank you. Friends, we are here tonight to talk of hunger. With another bad harvest and all of the low countries turned against us, what are we to do? Justine: It's the war that's the problem. With Austria's import denied to us, we cannot but starve. Male Performer: So you would surrender, then? Need I remind you that we were not the aggressors in this conflict. Justine: I said nothing of surrender, citizen, only that we must get our bread from somewhere. Male Performer: Well, perhaps we should ask the Prussians to supply our shot and powder while they're at it. Justine: Once again, my friend constructs a fine fellow out of straw and delights in setting it ablaze. Male Performer: Well, you'd ask our enemies to feed us? It's categorically absurd! Justine: It's practical! Male Performer: Practical? Practical? They're on the border with heavy artillery! They threaten to raze Paris to the ground! What you suggest is treason! Justine: Would you instead propose that we feed the citizenry on revolutionary fervor? The grain must come from somewhere, and while we are at war, where then might it come from? The performers shook hands and exited the stage. Male Performer: Bonsoir, bonsoir (Good night, good night), and thank you for coming out. Tonight, the inestimable Madame Le Clerc and I will be discussing something dear to all our hearts: Is it Sunday yet? Justine: Who can say anymore? Hm. Male Performer: We are, of course, speaking of the new calendar. Justine: Or as I call it, the national headache. Male Performer: Just tell me, how bad is it? If I write to my cousin in Dover using this calendar, am I going to restart the hundred years war? Justine: Probably not, but you'd best hope it's not time sensitive. Male Performer: Why all the fuss, then? What's the point of it? Are we as a nation so mad for decimalization that we think we can bend nature to our will? Justine: That seems to be exactly what we think. Male Performer: I'd just like to address this if I may. We can't even keep the night-soil carts operating correctly but we think we can command the celestial bodies themselves? People are starving and the rest of Europe wants to kill us, but by God our clocks will all be in multiples of ten. Justine: And in no sense does it actually provide a useful means of keeping time. This calendar, for all its laudable philosophy, is completely useless when applied to the real world. We must not forget, revolutionary ideals must serve the people, not the other way around. The performers shook hands and exited the stage. Male Performer: Hello and good evening. Tonight we're here to discuss Citizen Romme's proposal for a new calendar to commemorate the revolution. Your thoughts, madame? Justine: Absolutely absurd. A waste of time and money. Male Performer: Elaborate, if you please. Justine: This new system cannot even remain consistent within itself. Have you seen how they expect leap year to work? Male Performer: I'm afraid the mathematics of it are quite beyond me. I speak only of the poetry of the thing. Justine: Poetry is lovely but when it comes to when you should plant and harvest I prefer practicality. Male Performer: So you'd reject the entire idea out of hand, then? Surely it could be reformed. Hasn't every great nation commemorated its birth with the christening of a new year zero? Justine: Not since the Romans, no. Male Performer: Well then, let us be like the Romans! Let us herald civilization in the barbarous wastes of this modern world. Let us make a world in which our deeds shall be remembered forevermore. Justine: Let us build a world in which we can scarcely communicate with foreign powers without breaking out a slide rule and a protractor? Male Performer: No, that is— Justine: Where the people Male Performer: No, that is not what I— Justine: earn only one day of rest in every ten? It is folly! Male Performer: Well, if you're going to be like that, then— Justine: And continuing down this course will make us fools in the eyes of the world. The performers shook hands and exited the stage. Male Performer: Thank you very much. Tonight Madame Justine Le Clerc joins me to discuss the rights of women. Now, to begin with, I want to get this out in the open right up front: Are you, in fact, a witch? Justine: I am not. Male Performer: Well, thank God for that. Please continue. Justine: Well, with this revolution we have a rare opportunity to— Male Performer: Are you sure? Justine: Pardon? Male Performer: Are you sure you're not a witch? Justine: I'm quite certain. Male Performer: No familiars? Weigh the same as a stack of bibles? Lacking any supernumerary nipples? Justine: The last time I checked. Male Performer: Well, there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. Equality for women, not actually a sinister conspiracy of witches. Put away the ducking stool and the large stones, we can all relax. Please, carry on. Justine: Female representatives of the nation ask to be constituted as a national assembly. They have resolved to set forth in a solemn declaration the rights of woman. The demands of the citizenesses may always tend toward maintaining the constitution, good morals, and the general welfare. I hope you will join them. The performers shook hands and exited the stage. Male Performer: Good evening once again! Tonight, our topic is religion, so I'll begin with a simple question for Madame Le Clerc. Is there a god, and does he hate us? Justine: Yes, and no. Male Performer: Alright, good. Debate over. Justine: However, I cannot think he is please with what is done in his name, or in defiance of it. Male Performer: Oh, well, now you've gone and done it, haven't you? Now we have to actually talk about this like adults. Justine: (Laughing) Sorry, I'm sorry. Male Performer: No, no, no, no, we're in it now. Explain it, please. Why is God so angry with us? Justine: Angry may be a bit strong. Male Performer: Alright, fair enough. I'll rephrase. Why does god want to strike us down with fiery wrath? Granted, we did essentially break into his house, rob him blind, and tell his servants they had to pay taxes like everyone else, but come on, God, be the bigger man. Justine: I think the point to keep in mind here is that we must not turn our backs on God for the actions of His earthly servants, any more than we should turn our backs on the nation because of some of its representatives. The flesh is fallible; the ideal is transcendent. The performers shook hands and exited the stage. Male Performer: Good evening. Thank you. Now, Madame Le Clerc is here with us this evening to discuss Madame Olympe de Gouges's Declaration of the Rights of Women. Madame. Justine: Yes. Mothers, daughters, sisters— Male Performer: Just a moment. Is this not a mere ploy to get in— Justine: What this is, Monsieur, is my turn to speak. You will have yours in time. Male Performer: Very well, very well. Let's hear these unnatural notions and have done with it. Justine: What is unnatural is to fight for liberty and stop when it is given to only half the people. Male Performer: Don't be absurd. We will not rest until all men are free. Justine: This is precisely what I'm talking about— Male Performer: No. Justine: This view of women as a separate class of— Male Performer: Well, look, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. We—Must we actually sit here and be lectured like this? Are we truly to compare a woman's rightful servitude to her husband to the tyranny of monarchy? What— Justine: You be silent! If a woman may mount the scaffold, she may surely mount the rostrum as well. Women wake up! Male Performer: No. Justine: The tocsin of reason sounds throughout the universe, recognize your rights! Whatever the barriers set up against you, it is in your power to overcome them. You only have to want it. Let us see if our wise legislators will think sanely about the education of women. The performers shook hands and exited the stage. Male Performer: Bonjour, mes amis (Hello, my friends). Tonight we are here to speak on the topic of Citizen Guillotin and his marvelous invention. Madame Le Clerc. Justine: Merci (Thank you). While I commend Citizen Guillotin on his ingenuity, I cannot condone the device itself. Male Performer: Why on earth not? Surely it is to be preferred over the breaking wheel. Justine: 'Tis not the method I object to, but the punishment itself. Male Performer: Well, are you actually advocating leniency for enemies of the revolution? I cannot believe I'm hearing this. Justine: All human life is sacred. If we butcher those who oppose us, how are we better than tyrants ourselves? Male Performer: Well, because we're killing the tyrants. Justine: Tyrants today, innocents tomorrow. Male Performer: Well, I have never heard such soft-hearted nonsense, huh? What do we do with them, then? The prisons are full to bursting. Justine: The prisons must be reformed. A criminal might be remade in the image of a model citizen. A man who is sent to the guillotine, on the other hand, may only be remade into one thing: a corpse. The performers shook hands and exited the stage. Male Performer: Hello once again. Good evening. With me as always is Madame Le Clerc, and tonight we'd like to speak to you about capital punishment. Madame, I believe you have some strong feelings on this matter. Justine: I do. I believe it to be the great injustice of our legal system. Male Performer: Even if they really deserve it? Justine: I do not believe anyone deserves such a thing. Male Performer: Hang on, are you telling me that the state isn't allowed to execute someone even if it really, really doesn't like them? Justine: This is precisely what I'm saying, or rather, that it should not. Male Performer: But how are we gonna make anyone take us seriously as a country if we don't immediately murder anyone who disagrees with us? Have you met the rest of Europe? These are people who looked at the concept of being ripped apart by horses, and thought, "You know what? We can make it hurt more." What's left? Talking out our differences like civilized human beings? Justine: Yes, yes, that is precisely the alternative. For every hundred who mount the guillotine guilty as sin, how many innocents die as well, victims of circumstance or angering the wrong magistrate or or the very revolutionary fervor that brought us liberty? I put it to you that no matter the number it is too high. Arno heard various announcements concerning current events and businesses. Announcer: The Brotherhood of Chastity of Saint-Michel are opening their doors to all Parisian citizens in need of aid. They provide food, beds, and medicine for those in need. In unrelated news, I don't actually have a joke to follow that, that's just delightful. The tyrant Robespierre has gone to the guillotine. They say he could not use his famous oratory to save himself, because prior to his arrest, he shot himself in the jaw and couldn't speak! What a fantastic concept! Imagine if we'd've just shot the king's crown off five years ago, this'd've been all over in a trice. Dispatches from the northern front. At the battle of Hondschoote, General Jacques Fromentin had two horses shot from under him, and was separated from the main body of his troops. He was found three days later, having survived on nothing but the flesh of his own horses. In a public statement, the assembly honored General Fromentin as a hero of the Republic, and also asked, "Could we have your recipe?" At ten hours, twenty-two minutes of the morning, the twenty-first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-three, Louis Capet, the last king of France, met his destiny upon the guillotine. Long live the republic! The National Guard expects no complications with the exercise of citizen Capet's sentence, but vigilance will be significantly increased. To avoid any misunderstandings, please behave with respect to their authority. The king is dead! Rejoice, rejoice. The king is dead. Long live the Republic of France. Long live the National Convention. Louis Capet is no more. Glory to the new era of liberty, equality, and fraternity. At ten hours, twenty-two minutes of the morning, the twenty-first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-three, the traitor Louis Capet, now officially last of his kind, met the guillotine! Long live the republic! The tree of liberty grows only when watered by the blood of tyrants. Well said, Citizen Barère. Let it be our patriotic duty to proclaim such inspired, heartening words to all men, and to our children, to never forget the truth they contain. The sentence has been carried out. The king is dead! France is free of the great traitor! All hail our glorious revolution, our splendid republic! Liberty, equality, and fraternity for all France's sons and daughters. Under the auspices of Citizen Sanson, Citizen Capet will meet his fate in the Place de la Revolution on the morning of the twenty-first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-three. Long live the French republic! It's done. The king is dead. Louis Capet is dead. Long live the glorious republic of France. Long live the national convention. Long live liberty, equality, justice and unity! The king is dead. The guard will be out in force all the morning until the execution is carried out, but there is always a risk of interference, as our enemies are legion. The republic needs your help, citizens! Report any suspicious or merely unusual activity at once. The king is dead! The traitor Louis Capet is no more. Long live the glorious republic of France! Liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice rule in France! The king is dead! Word is emerging of a struggle for power within the republic's leadership. The Committee of Public Safety and the National Convention have both been in turmoil, with Citizen Robespierre at the center. The Committee of Public Safety would like to apologize for any confusion possibly engendered during Citizen Robespierre's recent public announcements. The grand nature of the occasion seems to have somewhat unsettled him. The brothers of chastity of Saint-Michel remind all the needy, bedraggled masses of Paris that a friend is always near, with soup, warm beds, and medical care offered in three location around the city, they will help you keep body and soul together. We are receiving conflicting reports of arrests, escapes, many dead, and skirmishes raging, particularly in the area surrounding the Place de Grève. Do your utmost to be elsewhere, as you value your lives. Your attention, citizens. A dramatic and unforeseen disturbance has chaos running riot throughout Paris. Opposing forces within the Convention, commune, and Committee of Public Safety would appear to have spilled out into the streets. Remain indoors if at all possible. Citizen Rouleau, cutler extraordinaire, is proud to invite all of Paris to his new Montmartre showroom. Whether your tastes run to simple pewter, or to fine filigree silver, Rollo has the service to suit your fancy. The Assembly today abolished the exclusive right of hunting for the nobility. Any man may now hunt any prey he may find on his property, including, one presumes, the nobility themselves. A theater in the Marais district was closed last night after an actor took a heckling audience member to task. What the performer didn't realize was that the audience member in question was Monsieur Barère of the Convention. When reached for comment, Monsieur Barère said he was very much looking forward to the gentleman's next performance, and expressed confidence that it would have them rolling in the aisles. A small correction, that his head would be rolling in the aisles. A man was crushed to death by a carriage yesterday, and his family is seeking any information about the driver. Any information that leads to the arrest of the scoundrel responsible will be rewarded with a purse of 25 livres and ten pounds of horse steaks. More riots and upheavals in Paris this week, and the Convention would like to take this opportunity to address all citizens: Please stop. The Bastille was wonderful, a defining point in our nation's history. But when there's a new riot every third Tuesday, it does begin to blunt the impact a bit. People, for the good of our revolutionary fervor, please try to keep it to no more than one uprising per month. Your local section sergeants will be distributing free pikes to all able-bodied citizens. Do your part for the nation. Train with and maintain your pike in good condition, against the day its use becomes necessary. We wake now at last from nightmare upon nightmare. The tyrant Robespierre who crushed us underfoot even as he raised himself to divinity has tasted the razor. Let no throat weep for him, let no voice be raised in mournful sorrow. Let us instead look ahead, to the future of our nation, that is brighter without that monster in it. You, too, must do your utmost for the cause of France, citizens. All of our daily lives must necessarily be affected by the shortages to come. Think of your nation first. consider what you can do, what you can give. Support the revolution through willing sacrifice. Though food be scarce, and winter hard upon us, turn not to violence and criminal pursuits. We are all in the same boat, and now must row together to survive. After yet another poor harvest, importations being of a difficult nature to transact, we are again in the midst of a shortage of grain. We ask all citizens to refrain from the excesses of choler this disappointing news generally raises. Hearken now my friends to the tale of a hero of the republic. Young Anna Quatresous, all of thirteen years old and in love with the ideal of patriotism, disguised herself as a man and joined the battalions at Isère. She served heroically on the front for three long years before an injury on the field revealed her ruse. Even then, she would have fought on had her wound not driven her from the field. We should all of us show the same love of country and of freedom. Your concerned friend, Citizen Varlet will be holding another of his political examinations for the public good. Join him, as the latest decrees and bylaws are given the once-over to see how they affect your lives, good citizens. Traitors in our midst. The French people are great, generous and invincible. They will not let a few traitors shake their resolve. These rogues wish to crush the revolution, to return us to bondage under a wretched monarch. Freedom, equality, and the common happiness. All good men who wish to see these are called upon to put their best efforts into building a scaffold, and to expiate the demise of the despotic crown. Parisian prisons are full of children, the newspapers say. As the city's population grows, youngsters must walk farther and farther to attend school, with the result that a great number of them are swept up in routine mass arrests of vagabonds and libertines. Now, this is just my opinion, but if you can't tell an eight-year-old on her way to catechism from a degenerate sex maniac, then perhaps policing isn't the job for you. Despite political events and preoccupations, the benevolent fraternity of Saint Vincent de Paul is organizing a fundraiser to help out those most needy in our community. Please don't turn them away, and give as best you can. Citizens, the Law of Prairial is not to be regarded as a means to settle old scores, but a simple tool of expediency at the disposal of our trusted representatives chairing the Revolutionary Tribunal. Rejoice, Citizens. We have word of a great victory on the field at Fleurus. General Jourdan has soundly thrashed coalition forces led by Josias of Coburg. This momentous triumph puts our armies in a supreme position to take control of the Austrian Netherlands and Dutch Republic. Citizen Saint-Just addresses France on behalf of the Committee of Public Safety. Though their labors are bearing much fruit, citizens are asked to look within themselves for any traces of anti-revolutionary feeling. Should they find it, virtue should bring them to declare it at once. Please note that Citizen Couthon's law of Prairial does not grant the Revolutionary Tribunal carte blanche (a white card) to hold mass executions. It simply entitles them to free up space in our dreadfully overcrowded prison network. Alphonse's Tavern is pleased to announce that its Hundred Beers a Month Club has a new member, Michel 'The Imbiber' Bevre. Who thinks they can best his record? Whether compliment or accusation, Citizen Robespierre has asked all his fellow revolutionaries to please desist in referring to him as a sanguinocrat. His duties are heavy, and often bloody, but not without compassion. Citizens, we can but beg your indulgence for poor Citizen Robespierre's sadly misunderstood address during the Festival of the Supreme Being. We can only surmise he was intoxicated with holiness by the sheer sanctity of it all. For all your cheap cuts and offal, visit Le Grange Butchers, backside of Les Halles. Sheep spleen, 6 deniers the pound. Goat's heart, 1 livre each. And this month's special, last month's leftovers. The Committee of Public Safety asks that an extra 20 yards be cordoned off around any guillotine. Due to the slick rivers of blood released by the increased number of condemned serviced each day, accidents are unfortunately on the rise. Proud, patriotic citizen of Paris, how is your whistle? If it's a touch on the dry side, don't delay. For cheap booze and the soup du jour (soup of the day), run straight to L'Auberge de Poisseur. Home of the rabble since 1770. Are your trousers too loose? Does your overcoat leave you sodden and frozen of a wet night? Then you need Sondon's expert advice. Tailors to the people for over 50 years. See what our experience can do for you. Sharp eyed? Steady nerved? Quick fingered? Apply for a position defending the nation's mail coaches. Steady men familiar with firearms are almost guaranteed employment. Start your new career as a mail guard today. Tired of long hours of backbreaking labor? Chronic unemployment left your family destitute? Join the dung scrapers of île Notre-Dame. Removing the filth of Paris from your boots since 1537. Bellanger Brothers reminds you that no one makes a finer cudgel. Whether it's a sleek blackjack or iron-banded club, we've the selection of woods, weights, ergonomics, and design to suit your slightly brutal guilty pleasure. Miserable weather, poor roads, and rising production costs are making grain scarce once again. We realize that despite government regulation, the prices are difficult for many citizens to meet, and can only hope fresh importations reach us shortly. Grain shortages are everyone's business. We all have to be vigilant and eliminate waste, gouging, and hunger. Is France not the preeminent bread basket of Europe? Despite poor harvests, only human error and human greed truly hurt us. Today we celebrate the closure of the Monarchists' Club. Let those damned Aristos beware. Soon there will be no rock in Paris under which they can hide. We will dig them out, root and branch and make them pay at last the dues of freedom. Are you sole-less, abased, or noticeably shallow? Do your toes greet more of the weather and Paris muck than is healthy? You need to see Jean Jean Cobblers immediately. Because you'll only ever own one pair, give them the best of care. Have you got a sweet tooth and a few sous in your purse? Stop in at Madame Quenelon's Bakery, or look for her ambassadors of delight in the streets. We guarantee you'll not find a more delectable gâteau de pomme (apple cake) in all the city. There have been conflicting arrests, violence in various quarters, reports of several dead. There is also confusion over the whereabouts of Maximillien Robespierre and his co-accused. Citizens Robespierre, Hanriot, Saint-Just, Couthon, Barère, all are involved. The Convention would seem to have the upper hand, though no outcome is yet clear. Stay clear of the fighting. We will keep you abreast of events as they unfold. Whilst perusing Citizen Rouleau's finest cutlery, be sure to pop into Le Talion's new plate emporium. Faience, porcelain or more traditional potteries, work with talent and style. Le Talion's, serving Paris for over 30 years. Performers led the crowd in singing various revolutionary songs, including "Ah! Ça ira!", "Frères Courons aux Armes!", "La Carmagnole", "La Guillotine Permanente", "La Marseillaise", "Le Chant du Départ", and "Prise de la Bastille". Performers played music on lute and violin.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed II (first appearance)
• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
• Assassin's Creed: Revelations
• Assassin's Creed III
• Assassin's Creed: Unity
• Assassin's Creed: Origins
  • The Curse of the Pharaohs
• Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
  • Wrath of the Druids
  • The Siege of Paris
  • Dawn of Ragnarök
  • The Forgotten Saga
• Assassin's Creed: Mirage