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{{Era|ACV|Memories}}
{{Era|ACV|Memories}}
{{Imageneed}}
{{Memory Infobox
{{Memory Infobox
| name = Pricking the Needle
| name = Pricking the Needle
| image =
| image = ACV Pricking the Needle 19.png
| description = ''[[Eivor Varinsdottir]] searches the docks to reveal the identity of [[Grigorii|The Needle]].''
| description = ''[[Eivor Varinsdottir|Eivor]] returns to [[York|Jorvik]] harbor in search of the [[Grigorii|dockmaster]].''
| appearance = ''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]''
| appearance = ''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]''
| type = Main {{c|The City of Greed}}
| type = Main {{c|The City of Greed}}
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| next = [[Closing the Vault]]
| next = [[Closing the Vault]]
| source = [[Eivor Varinsdottir]]
| source = [[Eivor Varinsdottir]]
| location = [[York|Jorvik]]
| location = [[York|Jorvik]], [[Northumbria|Kingdom of Jorvik]]
| date = 870s
| date = c. 874
}}
}}
'''Pricking the Needle''' was a virtual representation of one of [[Eivor Varinsdottir]]'s [[Genetic memory|genetic memories]], relived by [[Layla Hassan]] through the [[Animus|Portable Animus HR-8.5]].
'''Pricking the Needle''' was a virtual representation of one of [[Eivor Varinsdottir]]'s [[Genetic memory|genetic memories]], relived by [[Layla Hassan]] in 2020 through the [[Animus|Portable Animus HR-8.5]].
==Description==
==Description==
Eivor started to seek out the Order member, The Needle, in [[York|Jorvik]], as to solve the disputes around the docks. Eivor was first told to search Jorvik's [[Trade Depot]] for any clues
Eivor hunted the [[Order of the Ancients|Order]] member known as The Needle in [[York|Jorvik]]. She was first told to search Jorvik's [[Trade Depot]] for any clues, as well as to solve its ongoing disputes.
==Dialogue==
==Dialogue==
After talking with [[Ljufvina Bjarmarsdottir]] about the recent demise of [[Ingeborg|The Firebrand]], Eivor was then told to visit the docks and Trade Depot, as to ascertain what actions were made between the merchants and the dockmaster. As Eivor arrived at the Trade Depot, she started investigating.
After talking with [[Ljufvina Bjarmarsdottir]] about the recent demise of [[Ingeborg|The Firebrand]], Eivor was told to visit the docks and Trade Depot to ascertain what actions were made between the [[merchant]]s and the dockmaster. As Eivor arrived at the Trade Depot, she started investigating.
*'''Eivor:''' ''Jorvik's trade depot. This must be where the merchants' wares are being kept.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''Jorvik's trade depot. This must be where the merchants' wares are being kept.''
Eivor then talked to the depot's front guard.
Eivor then talked to the depot's front guard.
*'''Eivor:''' ''The Dockmaster, I do not see him. Is he here?''
*'''Eivor:''' ''The [[Grigorii|Dockmaster]], I do not see him. Is he here?''
*'''Norse Man 1:''' ''Fuck off''
*'''[[Norse people|Norse]] Warrior 1:''' ''Keep walking. You have no business here.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''He has a loud mouth, usually stands right around here yawping. Hard to miss.''
*'''Norse Warrior 1:''' ''Fuck off.''
Eivor walked off thinking to herself.
*'''Eivor:''' ''There must be another way in.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''There must be another way in.''
After finding an entrance through the depot's roof, Eivor made an observation.
After finding an entrance through the depot's roof, Eivor made an observation.
*'''Eivor:''' ''The depot is guarded by the [[Red Hand]]. The [[Order of the Ancients|Order]] has a stake in these docks.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''The depot is well guarded by the [[Red Hand]]. The Order has a stake in these docks.''
Within the depot, Eivor overheard the [[bandits]] arguing.
[[File:ACV Pricking the Needle 4.png|thumb|250px|Eivor eavesdropping on the bandits]]
*'''[[Norsemen|Norse]] Man 2:''' ''What are you doing? You're supposed to be in the market!''
Within the depot, Eivor overheard two Red Hand warriors arguing.
*'''Norse Man 3:''' ''I know, I ... I forgot which merchants to collect from.''
*'''Norse Warrior 2:''' ''What are you doing? You're supposed to be in the market!''
*'''Norse Man 2:''' ''I cannot believe this. Black cloth. On their stalls. Gods, never you mind. Someone else will take care of it. You are playing with fire, boy. The Needle is known to sting for far less than this.''
*'''Norse Warrior 3:''' ''I know, I... I forgot which merchants to collect from.''
*'''Norse Warrior 2:''' ''I cannot believe this. Black cloth. On their stalls. Gods, never you mind. Someone else will take care of it. You are playing with fire, boy. The Needle is known to sting for far less than this.''
Meanwhile, Eivor noticed scrolls on a table.
Meanwhile, Eivor noticed scrolls on a table.
*'''Eivor:''' ''It seems like the complaints by the merchants never reached the council.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''It seems like the complaints by the merchants never reached the council.''
As she made her way to the lower level and disposed of the guards, Eivor reached and opened a door. There, Eivor noticed rugs to the side of the room.
[[File:ACV Pricking the Needle 5.png|thumb|250px|Eivor finds the merchants' seized goods]]
Eivor her way to the ground level and disposed of the [[Soldier|guards]], finding a door. Inside, Eivor noticed rugs to the side of the room.
*'''Eivor:''' ''Seized exotic wares. These are worth plenty, something that could be on the Red Hands' agenda. Accumulating wealth.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''Seized exotic wares. These are worth plenty, something that could be on the Red Hands' agenda. Accumulating wealth.''
Across to the other side of the room, Eivor also noted a letter on a table.
Across the room, Eivor read a letter on a table.
:'''Written Orders'''<br>''I expect all the coin from merchants to be delivered to my office daily. Their stalls draped in black are not hard to find. Do not fail me again.''
{{IUNote
*'''Eivor:''' ''"The sting of a Needle..." I'm on his trail... So the dockmaster seizes cargo and resells it through merchants in the marketplace. The ones involved bear black cloths. I may be able to get their attention by showing some [[silver]] around the marketplace.''
|Title=Written Orders
Eivor left the depot and headed towards [[Coppergate Market]] to investigate.
|Text=''I expect all the [[coin]] from merchants to be delivered to my office daily. Their stalls draped in black are not hard to find. Do not fail me again.''}}
*'''Eivor:''' ''"The sting of a Needle..." I'm on his trail...''
Eivor walked out, putting the pieces together.
*'''Eivor:''' ''So the Dockmaster seizes cargo and resells it through merchants in the marketplace. The ones involved bear black cloths. I may be able to get their attention by showing some [[silver]] around the marketplace.''
[[File:ACV Pricking the Needle 6.png|thumb|250px|Eivor investigating the market]]
Eivor left the trade depot and made her way to [[Coppergate Market]] to investigate.
*'''Eivor:''' ''Coppergate market. I'll flash some silver to the merchants. That should get their attention.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''Coppergate market. I'll flash some silver to the merchants. That should get their attention.''
Eivor talked a merchant at his clothless stand.
Eivor heard a conversation between some Norse men.
*'''Norse Man:''' ''Have you any wine for sale? There's nary a drop in town.''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Woman 1:''' ''Sorry. All the wine's been bought up for the [[Yule]]tide feast.''
*'''Norse Man:''' ''Shame. I could do with a cup. But alas, this feast is the talk of the town. I am eager for it! Good man, that [[Audun]].''
Eivor found a female merchant near the western bridge.
*'''Eivor:''' ''Hear me, friend. I have a haul of silver that will sink my [[ship]]. Can you help me spend it?''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Woman 2:''' ''Keep it down, would you? You'll get yourself killed, flaunting like that, especially around here!''
*'''Eivor:''' ''What good is a market if I cannot sniff around the stalls, eager to spend my gains?''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Woman 2:''' ''You want to let go of your silver? Try the narrow alleys. Now begone.''
Past the female merchant, Eivor overheard some of the Red Hand soldiers talking.
*'''Norse Warrior 4:''' ''Keep your focus. There was trouble at the depot earlier.''
*'''Norse Warrior 5:''' ''What do you mean, trouble?''
*'''Norse Warrior 4:''' ''I don't know for sure, but The Needle is calling for more protection. Meet me here at nightfall. We will go see him together.''
Eivor reflected on what she learned.
*'''Eivor:''' ''Those guards will return after dark. I might be able to follow them to The Needle.''
Eivor then passed by more soldiers talking from a bell foundry overlooking the market.
*'''Norse Warrior 6:''' ''We will go one by one, and if any of these peddlers gives you a hard time, remind them just who it is they work for.''
*'''Norse Warrior 7:''' ''O', with pleasure.''
Further in the market, Eivor talked to a merchant at his empty stand.
*'''Eivor:''' ''Hey, friend. I have a hoard of silver I am aching to spend. Can you help me? What have you got?''
*'''Eivor:''' ''Hey, friend. I have a hoard of silver I am aching to spend. Can you help me? What have you got?''
*'''[[Anglo-Saxons|Anglo-Saxon]] Man 1:''' ''I have nothing left to trade, but Coppergate market is the right place. Ask around, you'll find someone who will bend an ear.''
*'''[[Anglo-Saxons|Anglo-Saxon]] Man 1:''' ''I have nothing left to trade, but Coppergate market is the right place. Ask around, you'll find someone who will bend an ear.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''My thanks.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''My thanks.''
Eivor then found a merchant near the bridge.
[[File:ACV Pricking the Needle 7.jpg|thumb|250px|Eivor speaking to the rug merchant]]
*'''Eivor:''' ''Hear me, friend. I have a haul of silver that will sink my ship. Can you help me spend it?''
<tabber>
*'''Anglo-Saxon Woman 1:''' ''Keep it down, would you? You'll get yourself killed, flaunting like that, especially around here!''
|-|Investigated rug merchant=
*'''Eivor:''' ''What good is a market if I cannot sniff around the stalls, eager to spend my gains?''
Across from the empty stall, up the steps into a covered rug shop, Eivor spoke to the merchant.
*'''Anglo-Saxon Woman 1:''' ''You want to let go of your silver? Try the narrow alleys. Now begone.''
Eivor then headed to a rug merchant.
*'''Eivor:''' ''I hear this marketplace sees its fair share of silver pass through. I have something that may interest you.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''I hear this marketplace sees its fair share of silver pass through. I have something that may interest you.''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''You will want to speak [[Grigorii]].''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''You will want to speak to Grigorii.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''The dockmaster?''
*'''Eivor:''' ''The dockmaster?''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''Sorry, who are you?''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''Sorry, who are you?''
*'''Eivor:''' ''Someone who wants to do business. With Grigorii.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''Someone who wants to do business. With Grigorii.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''I don't know your face, and I've said too much already. Please go.''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''I don't know your face, and I've said too much already. Please go.''
Within the rug merchant shop, a little boy eavesdropped and pssted at Eivor.
After the merchant ushered her away, a little boy who [[eavesdropping]] whispered to Eivor.
*'''Anglo-Saxon Boy 1:''' ''Psst. Psst! Hey!''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Boy 1:''' ''Psst. Psst! Hey!''
[[File:ACV Pricking the Needle 9.png|thumb|250px|Eivor speaking to the young boy]]
Eivor walked towards the child.
Eivor walked towards the child.
*'''Anglo-Saxon Boy 1:''' ''Did I hear you talking about silver?''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Boy 1:''' ''Did I hear you talking about silver?''
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*'''Anglo-Saxon Boy 1:''' ''You have something he wants. If you truly want to make a trade, head to the statue near the east gate.''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Boy 1:''' ''You have something he wants. If you truly want to make a trade, head to the statue near the east gate.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''I shall. Watch yourself around here, young one.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''I shall. Watch yourself around here, young one.''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Boy 1:''' ''Who me? Ah! Please, I've a bigger sword than the lot of 'em.''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Boy 1:''' ''Who me? Ah! Please, I've a bigger [[sword]] than the lot of 'em.''
Among the people, Eivor overheard some of the Red Hand bandits talking.
[[File:ACV Pricking the Needle 10.png|thumb|250px|Eivor investigating the statue]]
*'''Norse Man 4:''' ''Keep your focus. There was trouble at the depot earlier.''
Eivor followed her investigation east of the market and drew near to the statue the boy mentioned.
*'''Norse Man 5:''' ''What do you mean, trouble?''
:*'''Eivor:''' ''This is the statue the child talked about. Now, to find the hidden key.''
*'''Norse Man 4:''' ''I don't know for sure, but The Needle is calling for more protection. Meet me here at nightfall. We will go see him together.''
:Eivor found the key buried in some rubble behind the statue's base.
Eivor then stated to herself.
:*'''Eivor:''' ''Found the key. Now, to locate the hideout.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''Those guards will return after dark. I might be able to follow them to The Needle.''
[[File:ACV Pricking the Needle 11.png|thumb|250px|Eivor finding the hideout]]
Eivor then passed by more bandits talking.
With the key in hand, Eivor located the Red Hand's hideout.
*'''Norse Man 6:''' ''We will go one by one, and if any of these peddlers gives you a hard time, remind them just who it is they work for.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''Empty carts... and a black cloth marking the house. This is the place.''
*'''Norse Man 7:''' ''O', with pleasure.''
Eivor made her way to the door and eyed the padlock securing it.
:If Eivor stole the key from one of the bandit guards at firsthand, she stated to herself
*'''Eivor:''' ''Hmm... locked.''
|-|Tailed the guards=
Eivor opted to wait until nightfall to follow the guards to the meeting place.
*'''Norse Warrior 5:''' ''Sorry I was late. The lady. You know how it is.''
*'''Norse Warrior 4:''' ''Just hurry, will you? We have rounds to make.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''If I follow them, they should lead me to The Needle.''
[[File:ACV Pricking the Needle 11.png|thumb|250px|Eivor finding the hideout]]
Eivor followed the guards until they dispersed within the grounds of a remote house to the east of the market.
:If spotted, the guards attacked Eivor.
:*'''Norse Warrior 5:''' ''I will eat your eyes and make soup of your bones!''
She claimed the key from the largest guard, either from picking his pocket or looting his corpse.
*'''Eivor:''' ''A key. Where to?''
*'''Eivor:''' ''A key. Where to?''
:If attacked, the guards stated to Eivor.
</tabber>
*'''Norse Man 4:''' ''I will eat your eyes and make soup of your bones.''
Eivor united key and lock, opening the door into the house and found a secret passage to the sewers.
Eivor then headed towards the statue.
*'''Eivor:''' ''Hiding among the [[rat]]s, Needle? Fitting.''
:If Eivor has not stolen the key, Eivor thought to herself at the statue.
Eivor went down the ladder, through the sewer passage, and came to a gated entry on her right.
*'''Eivor:''' ''This is the statue the child talked about. Now, to find the hidden key.''
:Eivor found the key.
*'''Eivor:''' ''Found the key. Now, to locate the hideout.''
With the key in hand, Eivor located the Red Hand hideout.
*'''Eivor:''' ''Empty carts ... and a black cloth marking the house. This is the place.''
Eivor entered the house with the key and found a secret passage to the sewers.
*'''Eivor:''' ''Hiding among the rats, Needle? Fitting.''
Eivor went down the ladder and through the sewer passage. She came across a gated entry.
*'''Eivor:''' ''There must be another way in.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''There must be another way in.''
Eivor then found her way around the sewer and then swam through its waters to a secret workshop.
[[File:ACV Pricking the Needle 12.png|thumb|250px|Eivor discovering a workshop beneath the sewers]]
*'''Eivor:''' ''The sound of metal ... A workshop, in the sewers. What is the Needle's operation?''
In the other direction, Eivor climbed up, swam through the water, and successfully made her way forward.
Eivor went in closer.
*'''Eivor:''' ''The sound of metal... A workshop, in the sewers. What is The Needle's operation?''
*'''Eivor:''' ''All this silverware ... some still in their crates. Has this all been seized as well? They are melting the silver into bars and coins. What do they plan on doing with it?''
Eivor explored further.
*'''Eivor:''' ''All this silverware... some still in their crates. Has this all been seized as well?''
She rounded the corner and sneaked into the workshop, sticking to the upper vantages.
*'''Eivor:''' ''They are melting the silver into bars and coins. What do they plan on doing with it?''
Eivor then observed from above as she heard a commotion below from one of the workers.
Eivor then observed from above as she heard a commotion below from one of the workers.
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 3:''' ''No, please! Don't do this! I promise ... I promise you your silver next week! Please! Don't do this. It's a misunderstanding. That's all. I'll pay.''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 3:''' ''No, please! Don't do this! I promise... I promise you your silver next week!
*'''Norse Man 8:''' ''You had your chance. Faster! Or would you prefer another thrashing?''
The guard picked him up and carried him across the workshop.
Eivor then went to retrieve a key from one of the bandits. She then opened the locked door and walked inside its room. Eivor came across a happy then startled Grigorii, who was a table with a ton of stolen goods.
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 3:''' ''Please! Don't do this. It's a misunderstanding. That's all. I'll pay.''
*'''Norse Warrior 8:''' ''You had your chance.''
The warrior dropped him on the ground and beat him savagely.
*'''Norse Warrior 8:''' ''Faster! Or would you prefer another thrashing?''
[[File:ACV Pricking the Needle 13.jpg|thumb|250px|Eivor confronting Grigorii within the chamber]]
On the ground level, Eivor took note of one of the tables laden with silver.
*'''Eivor:''' ''All this silver... it is being minted into coins.''
She retrieved a key from one of the guards, then opened the locked door and entered. Inside, she saw a satisfied Grigorii, who sat at a table laden with stolen goods. She drew closer, startling him.
*'''Eivor:''' ''I am not surprised to find you creeping down here.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''I am not surprised to find you creeping down here.''
Eivor walked towards Grigorii, despite the gated bars between them.
Eivor continued towards him, despite the gated bars between them.
*'''Grigorii:''' ''You! You don't belong down here.''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''You! You don't belong down here.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''"We run a clean dock in Jorvik." I believe those were your words. And yet here I find you, swimming in silver from all the wares you seized. Are you the Needle, or just another of his pawns?''
*'''Eivor:''' ''"We run a clean dock in Jorvik." I believe those were your words. And yet here I find you, swimming in silver from all the wares you seized. Are you the Needle, or just another of his pawns?''
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*'''Eivor:''' ''You're a shit poet, but at least my question is answered.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''You're a shit poet, but at least my question is answered.''
Grigorii laughed.
Grigorii laughed.
*'''Grigorii:''' ''Yes, well, we all have our weaknesses. Yours appears to be the iron between us.''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''Yes, well, we all have our weaknesses. Yours appears to be the [[iron]] between us.''
[[File:ACV Pricking the Needle 15.png|thumb|250px|Eivor confronted by Grigorii's men]]
*'''Eivor:''' ''Think your men are going to stop me?''
*'''Eivor:''' ''Think your men are going to stop me?''
*'''Eivor:''' ''I would not undermine them so. The Red Hand are loyal to our cause. Which is more than I can say for the merchants. Make it quick. Meet me in the marketplace when you are done.''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''I would not undermine them so. The Red Hand are loyal to [[New World Order|our cause]]. Which is more than I can say for the merchants. Make it quick. Meet me in the marketplace when you are done.''
Grigorii left Eivor to deal with the opposing force of two bandits and a rabid wolf. After defeating them, Eivor escaped the sewers.
Grigorii left Eivor to deal with two warriors, one of whom had a rabid [[wolf]] familiar, while others took positions along the exit route.
*'''Eivor:''' ''That damned bacraut (asshole) ... slipped through my fingers. I'll finish this in Coppergate market.
*'''Norse Warrior 9:''' ''Block the exits. Don't let this one escape!''
Eivor headed back to Coppergate market as she caught sight of Grigorii with the rug merchant who Eivor talked with, before.
Eivor killed the remaining Red Hand warriors in the sewers and hurried towards the exit.
*'''Grigorii:''' ''Come come ... walk with me. It is good to walk.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''That damned ''bacraut'' (asshole)... slipped through my fingers. I'll finish this in Coppergate market.''
[[File:ACV Pricking the Needle 16.png|thumb|250px|Griogrii confronting the rug merchant]]
Eivor headed back to Coppergate market and caught sight of Grigorii with the rug merchant she talked to before.
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''P-please, no! I-I can explain! Mercy!''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''No need. I am well versed in the spouting excuses of bottom-feeders like you. Come come... walk with me. It is good to walk.''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''Grigorii...''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''Grigorii...''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''Good to take in the air. The sights. The sounds. The smells.''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''Good to take in the air. The sights. The sounds. The smells.''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''P-please, Grigorii. I-I-I didn't think you would mind. It was just a few coins!''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''P-please, Grigorii. I-I-I didn't think you would mind. It was just a few coins!''
Grigorii grabbed the man's head, mid-response.
Grigorii grabbed the man's head.
*'''Grigorii:''' ''Shh shh ... I understand. It's not your fault, it was mine, for thinking you had anything but empty air between your ears.''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''Shh shh... I understand. It's not your fault, it was mine, for thinking you had anything but empty air between your ears.''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''With all the silver I've given you, I have nothing left to feed my children, let alone myself. Please, understand.''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''With all the silver I've given you, I have nothing left to feed my children, let alone myself. Please, understand.''
Grigorii took out his dagger.
Grigorii took out his [[Short blade|dagger]].
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''O, dear God...''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''O, dear [[Christianity|God]]...''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''Merchants of Jorvik. I promised you a future rife with opportunity. And what was the one thing I asked in return? Do you remember?''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''Merchants of Jorvik. I promised you a future rife with opportunity. And what was the one thing I asked in return? Do you remember?''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''Loyalty.''
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man 2:''' ''Loyalty.''
Grigorii then shouted at the rug merchant.
Grigorii suddenly shouted at the rug merchant.
*'''Grigorii:''' ''Loyalty!''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''Loyalty!''
Grigorii proceeded to stab the rug merchant in the abdomen multiple times, killing him.
[[File:ACV Pricking the Needle 17.png|thumb|250px|Grigorii killing the merchant]]
Grigorii stabbed the rug merchant multiple times in the abdomen, killing him.
*'''Grigorii:''' ''Let this serve as a lesson, should any of you think it a good idea to threaten my operation.''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''Let this serve as a lesson, should any of you think it a good idea to threaten my operation.''
Eivor then looked for an opportunity as Grigorii mandated his position.
Eivor looked for an opportunity as Grigorii continued talking.
*'''Grigorii:''' ''I run this operation. I do the thinking. You do as you're told.''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''I run this operation. I do the thinking. You do as you're told.''
Eivor then assassinated Grigorii. In the [[Memory Corridor]], Eivor walked to Grigorii, who was staring off into the distance.
Eivor followed him along the rooftops while he continued to shake down the market.
*'''Grigorii:''' ''It's funny, as a child I thought of snow as the tears of God, frozen by our sins. Weaked with hunger, I stared into the sky, hoping it was me He wept for. Me He sought to save.''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''It is a simple demand. I bring you the wares. You get rid of them. You give the coin to my men and you don't. Ask. Questions.''
As he moved through the market, his guard detail dispersed and the clear lines of sight bended into secluded corners.
*'''Grigorii:''' ''You. I expect your payment by next nightfall. Do not fail me.''
Eivor took her opportunity and assassinated Grigorii. In the [[Memory Corridor]], Eivor walked to Grigorii, who stood in a simulation of the market square and stared off into the distance.
*'''Grigorii:''' ''It's funny, as a child I thought of snow as the tears of God, frozen by our sins. Weak with hunger, I stared into the sky, hoping it was me He wept for. Me He sought to save.''
Grigorii turned to Eivor.
Grigorii turned to Eivor.
*'''Grigorii:''' ''But God did not save me. The Vault did. He took me to a fine house. Gave me hearty meals. A warm bed.''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''But God did not save me. [[Audun|The Vault]] did. He took me to a fine house. Gave me hearty meals. A warm bed.''
Grigorii then looked away and reminisced of the past.
Grigorii then looked away and reminisced of the past.
*'''Grigorii:''' ''For the first time, someone extended a hand, showed me kindness. Compassion.''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''For the first time, someone extended a hand, showed me kindness. Compassion.''
Grigorii walked further away towards the darkness.
Grigorii walked further away into the darkness.
*'''Grigorii:''' ''And it was then that I made a vow. I vowed to never turn my back on he who was there for me when God was not.''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''And it was then that I made a vow. I vowed to never turn my back on he who was there for me when God was not.''
As Grigorii turned towards Eivor, Eivor walked towards him.
As Grigorii turned back Eivor as she walked towards him.
*'''Eivor:''' ''So you served The Vault, knowing full well what he was a part of.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''So you served The Vault, knowing full well what he was a part of.''
A ghostly [[Odin]] then walked into the conversation.
A ghostly [[Odin]] then walked into the conversation.
*'''Grigorii:''' ''The Order made our paths intersect. I owed them a debt, and I repaid it by saving this city from its own destruction.''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''The Order made our paths intersect. I owed them a debt, and I repaid it by saving this city from its own destruction.''
*'''Odin:''' ''A life debt is a strong motivator. It took hold of this one's hugr, drove it, and never let go.''
*'''Odin:''' ''A life debt is a strong motivator. It took hold of this one's'' hugr'', drove it, and never let go.''
As Eivor responded, Odin looked away and then walked off.
As Eivor replied, Odin looked away and then walked off.
[[File:ACV Pricking the Needle 20.png|thumb|250px|Grigorii in the Memory Corridor]]
*'''Eivor:''' ''Yet not with the same compassion you were shown. Too many have suffered by your hand in pursuit of this cause.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''Yet not with the same compassion you were shown. Too many have suffered by your hand in pursuit of this cause.''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''You're right. Perhaps I deserve this death. But I am but one cog in a large wheel. One that still turns unhindered.''
*'''Grigorii:''' ''You're right. Perhaps I deserve this death. But I am but one cog in a large wheel. One that still turns unhindered.''
Eivor then took Grigorii's Order medallion mid-response.
Eivor took Grigorii's Order [[Order of the Ancients medallion|medallion]] as he talked.
*'''Eivor:''' ''Not for long.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''Not for long.''
Upon this action, Grigorii's spirit turned to ice, then it exploded, and then his spirit immediately vanished.
Upon this action, Grigorii's spirit turned to ice and exploded, then his spirit immediately vanished.
*'''Eivor:''' ''Where you have gone, there will be no tears waiting for you.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''Where you have gone, there will be no tears waiting for you.''
Eivor then walked away.
Eivor then walked away. She defeated the remnants of Grigorii's entourage and made her way back to the royal hall, where she conferred with Ljufvina.
*'''Ljufvina:''' ''What news do you bring?''
*'''Eivor:''' ''The Needle will never sting again.''
*'''Ljufvina:''' ''Well done, Eivor. Who was hiding behind the name—''
[[Hjorr Halfsson|Hjorr]] dashed in and interrupted them.
*'''Hjorr:''' ''My love. There has been an attack at the [[Coppergate Market|markets]]. The dockmaster, Grigorii, is dead.''
*'''Eivor:''' ''The Needle. Sold off the wares he seized to collect silver for The Vault.''
*'''Hjorr:''' ''He had no such authority, why would anyone believe him?''
Eivor presented the council seal she found among Grigorii's personal effects.
*'''Ljufvina:''' ''The council seal. That [[rat]]!''
*'''Hjorr:''' ''This is getting out of hand. How he was able to obtain this is... concerning. I must return and prepare for the Yuletide feast, but I will do so with a bent ear and a keen eye. Be safe.''
Hjorr left them.
*'''Eivor:''' ''One down, two left.''
*'''Ljufvina:''' ''The Christian texts will lead to another, I'm sure of it. Search the [[archives]].''
==Outcome==
==Outcome==
Eivor found and assassinated The Needle, thus ending his manipulation and thievery of the merchants in Jorvik.
Eivor found and assassinated The Needle, thus ending his manipulation and thievery of the merchants in Jorvik.
==Behind the scenes==
Once Eivor learns of the hideout and statue from the eavesdropping boy, she will still be able to obtain a copy of the sewer key from the largest guard, but she will no longer question its purpose. Additionally, obtaining the key in this manner prevents her from collecting the other copy from the statue's rubble, and depending on how much she has investigated on that end, she may not even remark on finding the statue, the hideout, or the locked door.
The four guards that make up the group to tail at night, then take positions at the sewer entrance, are the two guards who prompt the tailing objective, and the two in the bell foundry. If some but not all of them are killed ahead of the tail, the dialogue and objective can break, but this will not prevent collecting the key from the largest guard and unlocking the hideout, nor does it prevent simply going the investigative route.
The warrior who beats the man in the sewer workshop speaks to him specifically, yet due to gameplay constraints he will often hit the man so hard that he will outright kill him, which in turn causes the other workers to flee in terror as though a murder took place on the busy streets above, and then the other guards will turn suspicious and begin looking for the player more actively, as though they were responsible for the death.
Eivor hunted the Order member known as The Needle in Jorvik. She was first told to search Jorvik's Trade Depot for any clues, as well as to solve its ongoing disputes.
After talking with Ljufvina Bjarmarsdottir about the recent demise of The Firebrand, Eivor was told to visit the docks and Trade Depot to ascertain what actions were made between the merchants and the dockmaster. As Eivor arrived at the Trade Depot, she started investigating.
Eivor:Jorvik's trade depot. This must be where the merchants' wares are being kept.
Eivor then talked to the depot's front guard.
Eivor:The Dockmaster, I do not see him. Is he here?
Norse Warrior 1:Keep walking. You have no business here.
Eivor:He has a loud mouth, usually stands right around here yawping. Hard to miss.
Norse Warrior 1:Fuck off.
Eivor walked off thinking to herself.
Eivor:There must be another way in.
After finding an entrance through the depot's roof, Eivor made an observation.
Eivor:The depot is well guarded by the Red Hand. The Order has a stake in these docks.
Eivor eavesdropping on the bandits
Within the depot, Eivor overheard two Red Hand warriors arguing.
Norse Warrior 2:What are you doing? You're supposed to be in the market!
Norse Warrior 3:I know, I... I forgot which merchants to collect from.
Norse Warrior 2:I cannot believe this. Black cloth. On their stalls. Gods, never you mind. Someone else will take care of it. You are playing with fire, boy. The Needle is known to sting for far less than this.
Meanwhile, Eivor noticed scrolls on a table.
Eivor:It seems like the complaints by the merchants never reached the council.
Eivor finds the merchants' seized goods
Eivor her way to the ground level and disposed of the guards, finding a door. Inside, Eivor noticed rugs to the side of the room.
Eivor:Seized exotic wares. These are worth plenty, something that could be on the Red Hands' agenda. Accumulating wealth.
Across the room, Eivor read a letter on a table.
Written Orders
I expect all the coin from merchants to be delivered to my office daily. Their stalls draped in black are not hard to find. Do not fail me again.
Eivor:"The sting of a Needle..." I'm on his trail...
Eivor walked out, putting the pieces together.
Eivor:So the Dockmaster seizes cargo and resells it through merchants in the marketplace. The ones involved bear black cloths. I may be able to get their attention by showing some silver around the marketplace.
Eivor investigating the market
Eivor left the trade depot and made her way to Coppergate Market to investigate.
Eivor:Coppergate market. I'll flash some silver to the merchants. That should get their attention.
Eivor heard a conversation between some Norse men.
Norse Man:Have you any wine for sale? There's nary a drop in town.
Anglo-Saxon Woman 1:Sorry. All the wine's been bought up for the Yuletide feast.
Norse Man:Shame. I could do with a cup. But alas, this feast is the talk of the town. I am eager for it! Good man, that Audun.
Eivor found a female merchant near the western bridge.
Eivor:Hear me, friend. I have a haul of silver that will sink my ship. Can you help me spend it?
Anglo-Saxon Woman 2:Keep it down, would you? You'll get yourself killed, flaunting like that, especially around here!
Eivor:What good is a market if I cannot sniff around the stalls, eager to spend my gains?
Anglo-Saxon Woman 2:You want to let go of your silver? Try the narrow alleys. Now begone.
Past the female merchant, Eivor overheard some of the Red Hand soldiers talking.
Norse Warrior 4:Keep your focus. There was trouble at the depot earlier.
Norse Warrior 5:What do you mean, trouble?
Norse Warrior 4:I don't know for sure, but The Needle is calling for more protection. Meet me here at nightfall. We will go see him together.
Eivor reflected on what she learned.
Eivor:Those guards will return after dark. I might be able to follow them to The Needle.
Eivor then passed by more soldiers talking from a bell foundry overlooking the market.
Norse Warrior 6:We will go one by one, and if any of these peddlers gives you a hard time, remind them just who it is they work for.
Norse Warrior 7:O', with pleasure.
Further in the market, Eivor talked to a merchant at his empty stand.
Eivor:Hey, friend. I have a hoard of silver I am aching to spend. Can you help me? What have you got?
Anglo-Saxon Man 1:I have nothing left to trade, but Coppergate market is the right place. Ask around, you'll find someone who will bend an ear.
Eivor:My thanks.
Eivor speaking to the rug merchant
Across from the empty stall, up the steps into a covered rug shop, Eivor spoke to the merchant.
Eivor:I hear this marketplace sees its fair share of silver pass through. I have something that may interest you.
Anglo-Saxon Man 2:You will want to speak to Grigorii.
Eivor:The dockmaster?
Anglo-Saxon Man 2:Sorry, who are you?
Eivor:Someone who wants to do business. With Grigorii.
Anglo-Saxon Man 2:I don't know your face, and I've said too much already. Please go.
After the merchant ushered her away, a little boy who eavesdropping whispered to Eivor.
Anglo-Saxon Boy 1:Psst. Psst! Hey!
Eivor speaking to the young boy
Eivor walked towards the child.
Anglo-Saxon Boy 1:Did I hear you talking about silver?
Eivor:I am looking to spend a large sum, not fork it over to some street beggar.
Anglo-Saxon Boy 1:Oi! I'm no beggar, you dolt. I'm with the big dogs.
Eivor:You mean The Needle?
Anglo-Saxon Boy 1:You have something he wants. If you truly want to make a trade, head to the statue near the east gate.
Eivor:I shall. Watch yourself around here, young one.
Anglo-Saxon Boy 1:Who me? Ah! Please, I've a bigger sword than the lot of 'em.
Eivor investigating the statue
Eivor followed her investigation east of the market and drew near to the statue the boy mentioned.
Eivor:This is the statue the child talked about. Now, to find the hidden key.
Eivor found the key buried in some rubble behind the statue's base.
Eivor:Found the key. Now, to locate the hideout.
Eivor finding the hideout
With the key in hand, Eivor located the Red Hand's hideout.
Eivor:Empty carts... and a black cloth marking the house. This is the place.
Eivor made her way to the door and eyed the padlock securing it.
Eivor:Hmm... locked.
Eivor opted to wait until nightfall to follow the guards to the meeting place.
Norse Warrior 5:Sorry I was late. The lady. You know how it is.
Norse Warrior 4:Just hurry, will you? We have rounds to make.
Eivor:If I follow them, they should lead me to The Needle.
Eivor finding the hideout
Eivor followed the guards until they dispersed within the grounds of a remote house to the east of the market.
If spotted, the guards attacked Eivor.
Norse Warrior 5:I will eat your eyes and make soup of your bones!
She claimed the key from the largest guard, either from picking his pocket or looting his corpse.
Eivor:A key. Where to?
Eivor united key and lock, opening the door into the house and found a secret passage to the sewers.
Eivor went down the ladder, through the sewer passage, and came to a gated entry on her right.
Eivor:There must be another way in.
Eivor discovering a workshop beneath the sewers
In the other direction, Eivor climbed up, swam through the water, and successfully made her way forward.
Eivor:The sound of metal... A workshop, in the sewers. What is The Needle's operation?
Eivor explored further.
Eivor:All this silverware... some still in their crates. Has this all been seized as well?
She rounded the corner and sneaked into the workshop, sticking to the upper vantages.
Eivor:They are melting the silver into bars and coins. What do they plan on doing with it?
Eivor then observed from above as she heard a commotion below from one of the workers.
Anglo-Saxon Man 3:No, please! Don't do this! I promise... I promise you your silver next week!
The guard picked him up and carried him across the workshop.
Anglo-Saxon Man 3:Please! Don't do this. It's a misunderstanding. That's all. I'll pay.
Norse Warrior 8:You had your chance.
The warrior dropped him on the ground and beat him savagely.
Norse Warrior 8:Faster! Or would you prefer another thrashing?
Eivor confronting Grigorii within the chamber
On the ground level, Eivor took note of one of the tables laden with silver.
Eivor:All this silver... it is being minted into coins.
She retrieved a key from one of the guards, then opened the locked door and entered. Inside, she saw a satisfied Grigorii, who sat at a table laden with stolen goods. She drew closer, startling him.
Eivor:I am not surprised to find you creeping down here.
Eivor continued towards him, despite the gated bars between them.
Grigorii:You! You don't belong down here.
Eivor:"We run a clean dock in Jorvik." I believe those were your words. And yet here I find you, swimming in silver from all the wares you seized. Are you the Needle, or just another of his pawns?
Grigorii:You have it all wrong. The fabric of this world has been used up, torn, shredded, you see. Someone must be there to stitch it back together. Someone with a firm yet steady hand. Who can thread a needle. Someone like me.
Eivor:You're a shit poet, but at least my question is answered.
Grigorii laughed.
Grigorii:Yes, well, we all have our weaknesses. Yours appears to be the iron between us.
Eivor confronted by Grigorii's men
Eivor:Think your men are going to stop me?
Grigorii:I would not undermine them so. The Red Hand are loyal to our cause. Which is more than I can say for the merchants. Make it quick. Meet me in the marketplace when you are done.
Grigorii left Eivor to deal with two warriors, one of whom had a rabid wolf familiar, while others took positions along the exit route.
Norse Warrior 9:Block the exits. Don't let this one escape!
Eivor killed the remaining Red Hand warriors in the sewers and hurried towards the exit.
Eivor:That damned bacraut (asshole)... slipped through my fingers. I'll finish this in Coppergate market.
Griogrii confronting the rug merchant
Eivor headed back to Coppergate market and caught sight of Grigorii with the rug merchant she talked to before.
Anglo-Saxon Man 2:P-please, no! I-I can explain! Mercy!
Grigorii:No need. I am well versed in the spouting excuses of bottom-feeders like you. Come come... walk with me. It is good to walk.
Anglo-Saxon Man 2:Grigorii...
Grigorii:Good to take in the air. The sights. The sounds. The smells.
Anglo-Saxon Man 2:P-please, Grigorii. I-I-I didn't think you would mind. It was just a few coins!
Grigorii grabbed the man's head.
Grigorii:Shh shh... I understand. It's not your fault, it was mine, for thinking you had anything but empty air between your ears.
Anglo-Saxon Man 2:With all the silver I've given you, I have nothing left to feed my children, let alone myself. Please, understand.
Grigorii:Merchants of Jorvik. I promised you a future rife with opportunity. And what was the one thing I asked in return? Do you remember?
Anglo-Saxon Man 2:Loyalty.
Grigorii suddenly shouted at the rug merchant.
Grigorii:Loyalty!
Grigorii killing the merchant
Grigorii stabbed the rug merchant multiple times in the abdomen, killing him.
Grigorii:Let this serve as a lesson, should any of you think it a good idea to threaten my operation.
Eivor looked for an opportunity as Grigorii continued talking.
Grigorii:I run this operation. I do the thinking. You do as you're told.
Eivor followed him along the rooftops while he continued to shake down the market.
Grigorii:It is a simple demand. I bring you the wares. You get rid of them. You give the coin to my men and you don't. Ask. Questions.
As he moved through the market, his guard detail dispersed and the clear lines of sight bended into secluded corners.
Grigorii:You. I expect your payment by next nightfall. Do not fail me.
Eivor took her opportunity and assassinated Grigorii. In the Memory Corridor, Eivor walked to Grigorii, who stood in a simulation of the market square and stared off into the distance.
Grigorii:It's funny, as a child I thought of snow as the tears of God, frozen by our sins. Weak with hunger, I stared into the sky, hoping it was me He wept for. Me He sought to save.
Grigorii turned to Eivor.
Grigorii:But God did not save me. The Vault did. He took me to a fine house. Gave me hearty meals. A warm bed.
Grigorii then looked away and reminisced of the past.
Grigorii:For the first time, someone extended a hand, showed me kindness. Compassion.
Grigorii walked further away into the darkness.
Grigorii:And it was then that I made a vow. I vowed to never turn my back on he who was there for me when God was not.
As Grigorii turned back Eivor as she walked towards him.
Eivor:So you served The Vault, knowing full well what he was a part of.
Hjorr:This is getting out of hand. How he was able to obtain this is... concerning. I must return and prepare for the Yuletide feast, but I will do so with a bent ear and a keen eye. Be safe.
Hjorr left them.
Eivor:One down, two left.
Ljufvina:The Christian texts will lead to another, I'm sure of it. Search the archives.
Once Eivor learns of the hideout and statue from the eavesdropping boy, she will still be able to obtain a copy of the sewer key from the largest guard, but she will no longer question its purpose. Additionally, obtaining the key in this manner prevents her from collecting the other copy from the statue's rubble, and depending on how much she has investigated on that end, she may not even remark on finding the statue, the hideout, or the locked door.
The four guards that make up the group to tail at night, then take positions at the sewer entrance, are the two guards who prompt the tailing objective, and the two in the bell foundry. If some but not all of them are killed ahead of the tail, the dialogue and objective can break, but this will not prevent collecting the key from the largest guard and unlocking the hideout, nor does it prevent simply going the investigative route.
The warrior who beats the man in the sewer workshop speaks to him specifically, yet due to gameplay constraints he will often hit the man so hard that he will outright kill him, which in turn causes the other workers to flee in terror as though a murder took place on the busy streets above, and then the other guards will turn suspicious and begin looking for the player more actively, as though they were responsible for the death.
