Road to Hamartia

Road to Hamartia was a virtual representation of one of Eivor Varinsdottir's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.

Description

Eivor traveled back to Halfdan to report her primary findings and spoils of Faravid.

Dialogue

Returning to Halfdan's castle at Donecaestre, Eivor read a note of instructions for herbs.

Instructions

These herbs are reserved wholly for the jarl. Bruise them and steep them in hot water. These must be kept warm at all times to make sure it is always available when requested.

In the upper audience chamber, Eivor overheard Moira talking to Halfdan.

• Moira: Slow sips, Halfdan. It helps the brew stay down.

Eivor entered the conversation as Halfdan drank the brew and then handed it to Moira.

• Moira: Drink the rest.
• Halfdan: Yes, yes. Thank you, Moira. That is all for now.

Eivor looking at the bowl Halfdan drank from

As Moira took her leave, Eivor saw the brew and walked to Halfdan.

• Halfdan: Her soothing herbs lift the fog from my mind, for a time.
• Eivor: How long has she been mixing these for you?
• Halfdan: You're stalling, Eivor. Tell me what you've learned. What news from the North?
• Eivor: The Picts were beaten back. We took their lives and their treasures. Faravid asked me to deliver this.

Halfdan stood up and took the chalice. Angered, Halfdan threw the chalice across the room.

• Halfdan: Is he taunting me!? Faravid poisons the wine he gifts me. These goblets are a cruel joke. He's mocking me!
• Eivor: We did capture some barrels of Frankish black. He said they were for you. But I made him open a cask. We drank together, there was no poison.
• Halfdan: Speak without guise, Eivor. Does he plot against me or no? Does he keep secrets? Give me something I can use.

Eivor was visited by a ghostly Odin.

• Odin: Now you must choose between treason and madness. Between the serpent's fang and the bite of a rabid wolf.
• Eivor: Faravid asked for my silence, but Halfdan expects the truth. If I am not careful, these lies will pile up, one upon the next.
• Halfdan: You've grown awfully silent, Wolf-Kissed.

Faravid is planning an attackFaravid is honorable

Eivor informing Halfdan of Faravid's secret attack

• Eivor: Faravid has planned an attack on the Picts at Magnis. Without you.
• Halfdan: That twin-faced, back-stabbing, glory-eater!

Halfdan paused for a moment to think.

• Halfdan: When? Tell me.
• Eivor: I won't know until we meet again. At a place called the Wolds.

• Eivor: I fought some hard battles at Faravid's side and found him to be an honorable man.
• Halfdan: No, no, he's a wily one, that man. He's got you fooled as well. You must keep digging. Where is he now, what's he doing?
• Eivor: We're to meet at a place called the Wolds.

• Halfdan: Good, go to him. Watch. Listen. Unearth his lies. You'll find them.

Eivor turned to leave, then stopped to think before turning back to Halfdan.

• Eivor: If you fear poison, lord, you must consider everything. Even Moira's brew.

Halfdan asking Eivor to investigate Moira and join him later on

• Halfdan: Impossible. Moira has been with me for an age. She's no witch, she's kind and... Hm. Perhaps you could speak with her, find out for yourself. She stays within Donecaestre, not far from here. If you learn something, find me north of Donecaestre. One of my scouts there has troubling news.

As Eivor was about to leave, Halfdan summoned his dog.

• Halfdan: Heel, Beonton! We're going for a walk, down to the temple.

Eivor spoke to herself.

• Eivor: I should see Moira about this brew she's been feeding Halfdan.

Eivor may have picked up the goblet Halfdan threw.

• Eivor: No sense wasting a fine goblet.

Eivor approaching Moira's home

Eivor located Moira's hut and entered.

• Eivor: Moira's not here.

Eivor looked around and found a letter to read.

Urgent Letter

Dear Sister Moira,

We spoke at the feast about my wife's condition, but I fear that it has worsened. I fear that she may not wake again.

Please, I beg you to come to Wyke with haste.

• Eivor: This letter came from Wyke. She must have gone there.

Eivor made her way out of the house.

• Eivor: I should go to Wyke. Find Moira.

Eivor arriving in Wyke

Eivor travelled to Wyke and then arrived at the village.

• Eivor: It's a small village. Moira's house must be near.

Along the path to Moira's house, Eivor found a note pinned into a tree with a knife.

Village Proclamation

Hearken, All and Sundry!

Let it be known that Moira the Healer is a soothsayer, a Jezebel with a cunning tongue who lies with heathens and serves pagan lords!

Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live!

Eivor located Moira's house, where an angry mob of villagers had assembled, trapping Moira inside.

• Anglo-Saxon Man 1: C'mon outta there, you heathen lover!
• Moira: Away from my house, you ruffians!

Eivor talked to the shouting man.

• Eivor: What's this ruckus?
• Anglo-Saxon Man 1: Stand back, Dane. There's a witch within that house. We've come to burn it down.
• Eivor: She's no witch, she's Halfdan's healer.
• Anglo-Saxon Man 1: That proves it! Dark magic, that is!
• Eivor: Clear out, all of you! Before I beat you senseless.

The mob remained protesting.

• Anglo-Saxon Man 1: You can't hide forever!

Infiltrated Moira's houseAssaulted the mob

Eivor broke her way into the house through the roof, startling Moira.

• Moira: O, goodness! You're not... not one of them. You must help me slip free.

Eivor also found a journal note of Moira's.

Journal Page

Is God testing me? Has he put a heathen man, one who forsakes the love and sacrifice of Christ himself, to test my ability to love others? To love my enemies, that I may find the closure for those lost to this same plague that seems to be ailing Halfdan.

Mother, you taught me to love all regardless even as I am shunned by my brethren. I am trying my best, mother. Alas, back then, it was not enough to save you. I hope it will be different this time.

Eivor spoke with Moira.

Eivor devising with Moira to escape the place

• Eivor: Moira, we must go. Before they burn your cottage to cinders.
• Moira: I can't go out there! They'll steal me away and burn me at the stake.
• Eivor: All right. I see two ways out of this but neither is without risk.
• Moira: Do what you must, only hurry. I leave myself in your hands.

I can talk my way out of thisPretend you are hurt

• Eivor: I'm as good with words as I am with weapons. It will take some convincing, but I can talk my way out of this.
• Moira: Lead on, then. I shall follow.

Eivor headed outside to deal with mob.

• Eivor: Go home, all of you. This woman is in my care now.
• Anglo-Saxon Man 1: Who died and made you sovereign of Northumbria now?

Let me tell you my name (Level 3 Charisma)By command of HalfdanFight – My fists

• Eivor: I am the Wolf-Kissed. Killer of Men, Feeder of Ravens. Stand back or I will wear your bones as ornaments.
• Anglo-Saxon Man 1: Jesus. Ease up now. We was only protecting our hamlet here. Tell Halfdan he can have 'er.

The mob ran away screaming.

• Eivor: Now, leave this woman alone. Even look her way again and it will be the last thing you see. Moira, it is safe to go.

Eivor and Moira ran to the woods.

• Eivor: Stand back, ceorls. This woman serves Halfdan Ragnarsson.
• Anglo-Saxon Man 1: Pfft. We're not moving, heathen. We're watching you!

The mob remained in place, and Eivor had to consider another option.

• Eivor: You will talk to my fists!
• Anglo-Saxon Man 1: Up your arse, Odin-fucker.

Eivor engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the mob leader.

• Anglo-Saxon Man 1: This'll be fun. You can't take us all on.

Won the fightLost the fight

Eivor won the fight and the mob ran away screaming.

• Eivor: Now, leave this woman alone. Even look her way again and it will be the last thing you see. Moira, it is safe to go.

Eivor and Moira ran to the woods.

Eivor lost the fight. Despite this, she provided enough distraction for Moira to escape.

• Anglo-Saxon Man 2: Hey! That foul witch escaped! Bah, let's go. We'll come again tomorrow. And again and again until she leaves for good!

The villagers marched inside Moira's house and began ransacking her belongings. Regardless, Eivor and Moira made their escape into the woods.

• Moira: Are they gone? Thank the light!

• Eivor: You give a good scream and fall. Then I'll carry you through the mob as if I've done you serious harm.
• Moira: O Lord above have mercy. Yes, fine. I'll do it. Whatever it takes.

Moira dropped to the ground in a heap.

• Moira: (scream)
• Eivor: Time to be convincing.

Eivor loaded Moira over her shoulder and carried her outside.

• Anglo-Saxon Man 2: Yes, that's right! Sinners deserve to die!

The villagers marched inside Moira's house and began ransacking her belongings. Regardless, Eivor and Moira made their escape into the woods.

• Moira: Are they gone? Thank the light!

Opting for the fastest solution, Eivor simply assaulted one of the mob members. The mob ran away screaming.

• Eivor: Now, leave this woman alone. Even look her way again and it will be the last thing you see. Moira, it is safe to go.

Eivor and Moira ran to the woods.

Within the woods, Eivor spoke to Moira safely away from the mob.

Eivor questioning Moira about Halfdan's brew and the ingredients used

• Eivor: We'll be safe here.
• Moira: Thank you, Eivor. A thousand times, I thank you.
• Eivor: And if I asked you to drink your own brew?
• Moira: I would, gladly. And often do, from time to time. To ensure it is not overly bitter before serving to Halfdan.
• Eivor: When you said there's no cure for what ails Halfdan ... you mean he's touched in the head?
• Moira: I fear so. The same malady bedeviled my mother. The body breaks down and the mind falls apart over time. It's a terrible thing.

What goes into your brew?Can your brew really cure?

• Eivor: I need your help, Moira. The brews you mix for Halfdan. What goes into them?
• Moira: O, quite a diverse mixture, let me see... lavender, rosemary, meadowsweet, yarrow, soothing herbs, nothing uncommon.

• Eivor: Can you cure his illness with such a brew?
• Moira: My medicine is meant to alleviate his pain, not cure it. I fear there is no cure at all for what ails Halfdan.

• Eivor: I should return to Halfdan. He said he would be at the Temple of Flora.
• Moira: Tread lightly this topic with him. If you would tread it at all.

Eivor took her leave and headed west to meet Halfdan.

Eivor arrived at the Temple of Brigantia, where she heard Halfdan shout in response to her approach.

• Halfdan: Who's out there?

Eivor stepped forward and spoke to Halfdan.

• Eivor: Halfdan, good to find you here.
• Halfdan: The Raven-Feeder returns! Now keep quiet. I'm hunting a band of traitors lurking about this swamp.
• Eivor: Who told you there were traitors here?
• Halfdan: My scout. He asked me to join him here, but he's nowhere to be found. Have a look around, tell me if you see something.

As she was about to investigate, Halfdan shouted hints at her as he looked for his scout.

• Halfdan: Eivor, search the perches and lookouts here. He could be spying from above. Olav! Speak to us! Where are you?

Eivor discovering the scout on a column

Eivor investigated the ruins and found the dying scout on top of a column.

• Eivor: He's clinging to life. I should carry him down.

Eivor carried the scout.

• Olav: Ugh... h-help... ngh...

Once Eivor brought him down, Halfdan noticed his grave injuries.

• Halfdan: Olav!

Eivor and Halfdan with the scout's body

Eivor set Olav on the ground.

• Eivor: I found your scout, but his wounds are grave.
• Halfdan: Olav. Poor Olav... he'll be buried with honors, I'll see to that.

Beonton whimpered.

• Halfdan: Walk the bridge, old friend. I will see you on the other side. Beonton may track his attackers. Get 'em, boy.

Beonton tracked as Eivor and Halfdan followed.

• Halfdan: Good boy! Follow their trail!

As Beonton led, Halfdan shouted out commands.

• Halfdan: Sniff 'em out, boy! We'll paint the ground with their blood!

Along the follow, Eivor asked Halfdan a question.

• Eivor: Who are these men you suspect of treason?
• Halfdan: Thieves who stole my war spoils.

Beonton led them to the Petuaria Ruins.

• Eivor: Looks abandoned. Are you sure someone is here?
• Halfdan: The trail ends, but nobody's here. Hmph.

As all went inside the ruins, Eivor searched and located a secret passage.

• Eivor: Here, a hidden entrance. They might be lurking below.

Eivor went to the bottom of the entrance.

• Eivor: These pipes burst and flooded the tunnel.
• Halfdan: Even this old Roman work cannot withstand the icy kiss of winter's goddess.
• Eivor: Look there! The pipes cut through that wall. Could there be more rooms beyond?

Eivor swam through the water and emerged on the other side as Halfdan finished assessing the layout.

• Halfdan: Eivor! Something's there!
• Eivor: Hold on. We'll find a way through.

Eivor reached the other side of the sealed threshold where Halfdan waited.

• Halfdan: I can't get through!
• Eivor: The way is blocked!

Eivor thought to herself.

• Eivor: There must be a way to let Halfdan through. An opening of great size.

Eivor looked around and found an oil canteen. Eivor used the oil canteen and blew up the bricks and stone sealing the threshold shut, allowing Halfdan through.

• Halfdan: You've done it! We must hurry.

Eivor and Halfdan investigating the treasure room

Eivor and Halfdan found a sturdy door and breached it in tandem. They walked into a room filled with Roman riches.

• Eivor: The Romans were fine craftsman. These chambers are vast and decorated, and laced with piping.
• Halfdan: Yet, they went mad and vanished, just like their gods. Moira's books tell us so. Ah! Here you see! Spoils of war. Mine. Stolen from me! (scream)

Halfdan tossed a grail to the side as Eivor looked on.

• Halfdan: I am beset on all sides, Eivor. By plotters and schemers.
• Eivor: What kings and jarls are not? Your territory is vast and wealthy.
• Halfdan: Every day, decisions I make change the lives of thousands. It is a burden few could bear. Yet, I do. I do.

Eivor nodded.

• Halfdan: You spoke with Moira. What did you learn?
• Eivor: She means well. I don't believe she would poison you, not willingly.
• Halfdan: (grunts)
• Eivor: She also said she's seen your illness before. In her own family. Said it came on slow but was... incurable.
• Halfdan: No... No no no. This is not an illness. This is poison. Somehow, someone is poisoning me!
• Eivor: Shhh! Listen...

Eivor and Halfdan heard voices from above.

• Halfdan: These will be thieves who stole my tribute.

Eivor and Halfdan confronting Ulf

Both warriors found an exit and headed outside. They were greeted by Ulf.

• Ulf: Wolf-Kissed and Halfdan, well met! Come, fill your bellies with mead.
• Halfdan: You stole this tribute! By rights this is mine! It was meant for me!
• Ulf: We stole nothing! Faravid gifted this to us! For a hard day's battle!
• Halfdan: And did you take my scout's, Olav, in that battle? Your brother in arms? Did he, too, have to die for this tribute?
• Ulf: That was... that was Olav? Damned fool, we thought he was a thief!
• Halfdan: The only thieves here are the ones drinking my mead and spit-shining my silver. You! Cowards and traitors!
• Ulf: We are owed this bounty, jarl! For battles won and blood let! Eivor, you tell him!

Traitors must sufferThey do not deserve punishment

Ulf and his men turning against Halfdan and Eivor

• Eivor: This is treason. And treason is punishable by death.

Halfdan nodded and released his weapon as Ulf stepped back.

• Ulf: Faravid treated us better than you ever did.

Ulf spat at Halfdan.

• Halfdan: Faravid is nothing, and you are less.

Ulf and his men took out their weapons and fought against Eivor and Halfdan.

• Ulf: Glory! Glory for Ulf!

Ulf and his men died by the seasoned warriors' hands.

• Eivor: They only took their rightful share.
• Halfdan: You are traitorous worms, but Eivor seems to think you deserve pity. So I will give it this once. Return my spoils to Donecaestre, and I'll wipe this day from my memory.
• Ulf: I can't do that. It is our share. We fought for it, killed for it, bled for it. If we don't get the glory, we deserve our share—

Halfdan lifted his hammer and crushed Ulf's skull.

• Halfdan: The barking will stop!

Ulf's men relented in fear of Halfdan.

Eivor approached Halfdan, who stood over Ulf's corpse.

• Halfdan: They forced my hand.
• Eivor: Take hold of your fear, Halfdan. It can poison your mind.
• Halfdan: Faravid killed this man, not me! He forced my hand with slights and trickery! He—

Halfdan stopped and started to cough.

• Halfdan: (coughing)

Eivor patted his back as Halfdan stood straight.

Halfdan telling Eivor to continue her investigation of Faravid

• Halfdan: Forgive me, I... I find it hot in these furs. The day must be warming. You have a meeting with Faravid. Isn't that right?

'This Son of Jorvik' incomplete'This Son of Jorvik' complete, truth told to Halfdan'This Son of Jorvik' complete, truth withheld

• Eivor: I do. At the Wolds.
• Halfdan: Yes, I know the place well. It's on the road between Jorvik and Picheringa.

Halfdan took some time to think.

• Halfdan: Press him, Eivor. As hard as you can! Never let up! And bring me proof of his treachery... or otherwise.

• Eivor: His forces are gathering at Stenwege. It's from there he plans to attack the Picts at Magnis.
• Halfdan: Hmph. I see. Say nothing of what you told me. He must not know that I am aware of his plan.

Eivor nodded, but maintained her silence on Faravid's impending attack on the Picts.

• Eivor: I'll take my leave, lord.

Halfdan took some time to think.

• Halfdan: Press him, Eivor. As hard as you can! Never let up! And bring me proof of his treachery... or otherwise.

About to leave, Eivor heard Halfdan muttering to himself.

• Halfdan: Traitors... thieves... no right! They had no right to... it's rightfully mine, yes, yes... Faravid the rat! Words are poison...

Outcome

Eivor discovered Moira to be innocent and helped Halfdan find his dead scout and his missing treasures. After Halfdan killed Ulf for his apparent treason, Eivor was told to visit Faravid to continue her investigation.

Behind the scenes

Hamartia is a literary term commonly used in Greek tragedies that pertains to a character's flaws that leads to their downfall, in this case Halfdan's paranoia.

The ornate goblet that Halfdan threw is available all the way up until the completion of this memory, even if players leave Donecaestre without picking it up initially.

It is possible to track Halfdan and Beonton's actors with Sýnin before leaving Donecaestre, but until Moira is spoken to in Wyke, only Halfdan will relocate to the Petuaria Ruins after unloading. Similarly, Moira is loaded into Wyke beset by the mob immediately after speaking with Halfdan, and thus the note at her house in Donecaestre can be skipped entirely.

The angry mob outside Moira's house is one of the few groups of civilians not treated as "innocents" for the sake of triggering desynchronization for killing too many of them. This allows the player to harm at least one, or even kill all of them—save for the mob leader, who does not register damage—for the swiftest resolution. Additionally, Moira will know Eivor on a first name basis even if she was never spoken to during War in the North.

While players must shoot out either of the two sets of boards to descend into the Petuaria Ruins, Halfdan's actor is not affected by them. Destroying the set of boards not covering the ladder, falling down, and waiting for Halfdan to follow causes him to grab the ladder and clip through the boards.

Gallery

• 
  Halfdan drinking Moira's medicine
• 
  Halfdan asking Eivor on the status of the Picts in the north
• 
  Eivor handing Faravid's goblet gift to Halfdan
• 
  Halfdan urging Eivor to continue spying
• 
  Halfdan considering Eivor's words, looking at the medicine bowl belonging to Moira
• 
  Eivor reading a note concerning Moira
• 
  Eivor discovering a mob surrounding Moira's location
• 
  Eivor threatening the mob