*'''Thor:''' ''So, you are going back. Back to Niflheimr.''
*'''Thor:''' ''So, you are going back. Back to Niflheimr.''
*'''Havi:''' ''As many times as it takes.''
*'''Havi:''' ''As many times as it takes.''
Following the conversation, Havi crossed the bridge in front of him, spotting a small tradepost that had been settled at the base of a ritualistic monument near the beam leading into Niflheimr. He then approached a dwarf near one of the tent's tables.
*'''Havi:''' ''Have we met before? There's something familiar about you.''
*'''[[Nar]]:''' ''Ah. You may have met one of my brothers.''
*'''Havi:''' ''Do they live around here?''
*'''Nar:''' ''Haha! In a way, in a way. They're dead. Doomed to Niflheimr for... well, let's just say they got into some nasty business.''
*'''Havi:''' ''And now you come here to pay homage to them?''
*'''Nar:''' ''Ha! I pay them nothing! I come to earn! You see, I have a bond with my brothers, like you with your ravens, but deeper. When I stand at the edge of Niflheimr, I can see what they see. Hear what they hear, smell what they--''
*'''Havi:''' ''I understand. But how can this profit you? Or benefit me?''
*'''Nar:''' ''I have learned some secrets of the dead. Charms and spells that I offer to you as... Favors. Are you interested? Can I tempt you with a favor?''
{{#tag:tabber|
Show me your shop=
*'''Havi:''' ''That depends. What are you offering?''
The High One looked through eight different available amulets, which he could trade for some memory or thought fragments, and then went on his way.
{{!}}-{{!}}
I'm not interested=
*'''Havi:''' ''TBA''
}}
{{!}}-{{!}}
{{!}}-{{!}}
Second defeat=
Second defeat=
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*'''King of Thieves:''' ''Fine by me. I'm not looking to make friends, only deals. Are you interested?''
*'''King of Thieves:''' ''Fine by me. I'm not looking to make friends, only deals. Are you interested?''
*'''Havi:''' ''Show me your stock.''
*'''Havi:''' ''Show me your stock.''
The High One perused through his products, which the thief accepted to trade for jewels. Following that, Havi faith-leaped to pile of snow below, using a zip line to reach the next area.
The High One perused through his products, which the thief accepted to trade for jewels. Following that, Havi faith-leaped to pile of snow below, using a zip line to reach the next area. Later, Havi traversed a stone bridge, encountering the entrance to [[Bangardhr]] and a man who had put up a tent and a bonfire near it, with a wooden wagon full of products next to him. The High One spoke to him.
Later, Havi traversed a stone bridge, encountering the entrance to [[Bangardhr]] and a man who had put up a tent and a bonfire near it, with a wooden wagon full of products next to him. The High One spoke to him.
*'''[[Olver the Unsettled]]:''' ''Why go to some other shop when my shop will come to you?''
*'''[[Olver the Unsettled]]:''' ''Why go to some other shop when my shop will come to you?''
*'''Havi:''' ''You carry your whole shop with you? That is quite a feat.''
*'''Havi:''' ''You carry your whole shop with you? That is quite a feat.''
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Havi is defeated=
Havi is defeated=
The beast overpowered Havi, killing him. In the following moment, Havi found himself in the Memory Corridor.
The beast overpowered Havi, killing him. In the following moment, Havi found himself in the Memory Corridor.
*'''Hel:''' ''TBA''
*'''Hel:''' ''You are good with animals.''
*'''Havi:''' ''I am skilled at killing all manner of things.''
Weakened, the High One dropped on his knees, while various wooden roots reached for him and covered Havi in their embrace, returning him to Odin's Camp.
Weakened, the High One dropped on his knees, while various wooden roots reached for him and covered Havi in their embrace, returning him to Odin's Camp.
}}
}}
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Havi is defeated=
Havi is defeated=
The beast overpowered Havi, killing him. In the following moment, Havi found himself in the Memory Corridor.
The beast overpowered Havi, killing him. In the following moment, Havi found himself in the Memory Corridor.
*'''Hel:''' ''TBA''
*'''Hel:''' ''You are good with animals.''
*'''Havi:''' ''I am skilled at killing all manner of things.''
Weakened, the High One dropped on his knees, while various wooden roots reached for him and covered Havi in their embrace, returning him to Odin's Camp.
Weakened, the High One dropped on his knees, while various wooden roots reached for him and covered Havi in their embrace, returning him to Odin's Camp.
}}
}}
Line 367:
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First run=
First run=
Havi entered Døkkerland, the industrial centre of Niflheimr, where the Muspels serving the Queen of the realm oppressed the Dwarven miners in their weakened state. At some point, he climbed an unfinished wall which possessed a dwarven style, finding a war table with a letter laying on it.
Havi entered Døkkerland, the industrial centre of Niflheimr, where the Muspels serving the Queen of the realm oppressed the Dwarven miners in their weakened state. At some point, he climbed an unfinished wall which possessed a dwarven style, finding a war table with a letter laying on it.
:'''TBA'''<br>''TBA''
:'''Discipline in Døkkerland'''<br>''To the attention of all Muspelbcaptains and chiefs-<br><br>I appreciate that managing dwarfs can prove challenging which is why I've asked [[Hjalmgunnar]] to increase the frequency of his inspections. His mere presence is an effective deterrent for rebellious activities, and his withering gaze even more so.<br>On the matter of thieves, I expect you to make a greater effort. They know they have an advantage of speed over the giants and have grown increasingly bold. I've invested much in the cultivation of crystals and their protective qualities have made them tempting target for plunder. Such actions must be seen to result in unpleasant consequences. The more public and painful, the better.<br><br>- Hel''
He then leapt to the area below, causing a distant horn to be blown, which prompted the lava pits in the area to starting filling.
He then leapt to the area below, causing a distant horn to be blown, which prompted the lava pits in the area to starting filling.
*'''Havi:''' ''Better hury. This place grows hotter.''
*'''Havi:''' ''Better hury. This place grows hotter.''
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He then used a nearby zip line to descend to the next area. In one of the following encounters, Havi spotted a Helchief.
He then used a nearby zip line to descend to the next area. In one of the following encounters, Havi spotted a Helchief.
*'''Havi:''' ''That looks like a warrior of rank. Perhaps he carries some prize on his person.''
*'''Havi:''' ''That looks like a warrior of rank. Perhaps he carries some prize on his person.''
The All-Father killed the Muspel captain, claiming his reward.
The All-Father ther killed the Muspel captain, claiming his reward.
{{!}}-{{!}}
{{!}}-{{!}}
Subsequent runs=
Subsequent runs=
After [[Dark Dealings|helping]] the dwarf [[Dani]] release his men from the Muspels' custody, Havi found out that the various severed ziplines left throughout the region had been repared, including one leading up to the other side of an abyss, separating him from a great mountain. He slided through its rope, landing on the entrance of a great mine of green crystals, guarded by several Muspel soldiers. Amidst the silica formations, he spotted another hooded figure of a thief. If Havi managed to assassinate him, he would recover another letter.
:'''Mind the Heat'''<br>''Be mindful of the searing waves which can suddenly sweep over dry Døkkerland. Seek out sheltered spots, preferably those containing crystals, where you can wait out the overwhelming heat.''
*'''Havi:''' ''My patience has been rewarded.''
Nearby, he found a crack on the rocks, sliding under them to find a tunnel sided by some mining carts. After reaching its end, he encountered himself on an open space, where he saw a tradepost, closely resembling the one settled on his camp. The High One then talked to another dwarf, strangely similar to Nar.
*'''Havi:''' ''Are you...?''
*'''[[Dar]]:''' ''No, no. I'm sure you're thinking of someone else. Perhaps one of my cousins.''
*'''Havi:''' ''Right. And I take it you are also involved in the family business?''
*'''Dar:''' ''Ah! If you want a fair deal, look no further!''
*'''Havi:''' ''Let us get down to business.''
The All-Father looked through his wares, finding out that he too accepted to trade them for jewels. After stocking up if needed, he read a note on a table behind Dar.
:'''TBA'''<br>''TBA''
Havi then moved a stone pillar from another narrow passage, which he used to get out and advance to the next area.
}}
}}
Eventually, after crossing through the entire region, he reached [[Gardhr Nárjarls]], the residence of one of Hel's lackeys, [[Hjalmgunnar]].
Eventually, after crossing through the entire region, he reached [[Gardhr Nárjarls]], the residence of the region's lord and one of Hel's lackeys, Hjalmgunnar.
*'''Hjalmgunnar:''' ''All-Father!''
{{#tag:tabber|
{{#tag:tabber|
First encounter=
First encounter=
Havi jumped to the fiery arena in front of him.
*'''Hjalmgunnar:''' ''All-Father!''
A four-armed fire giant carrying an orb at his back and dripping lava appeared behind him, with a smoldering scythe in his possession.
A four-armed fire giant carrying an orb at his back and dripping lava appeared behind him, with a smoldering scythe in his possession.
*'''Havi:''' ''Be thou one of Hel's experiments gone awry? What shameful crime could have earned so twisted a fate?''
*'''Havi:''' ''Be thou one of Hel's experiments gone awry? What shameful crime could have earned so twisted a fate?''
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Havi wins the confrontation against the vengeful creature.
Havi wins the confrontation against the vengeful creature.
*'''Havi:''' ''I would feel worse about Hjalmgunnar if he was not such a ''bacraut'' (asshole).''
*'''Havi:''' ''I would feel worse about Hjalmgunnar if he was not such a ''bacraut'' (asshole).''
He then approached the gateway that followed and entered the pestilent realm of [[Nidheim]]r.
{{!}}-{{!}}
{{!}}-{{!}}
Havi is defeated=
Havi is defeated=
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Line 437:
{{!}}-{{!}}
{{!}}-{{!}}
Second encounter=
Second encounter=
{{#tag:tabber|
If Havi defeated Hjalmgunnar=
Havi found that a dwarven camp had been set up at its entrance. One of its members spoke out to him and the other rebels.
*'''Dwarf Rebel:''' ''Look everyone! The Giant Slayer has returned! Hjalmgunnar's bane is back!''
The All-Father approached him.
*'''Havi:''' ''TBA''
*'''Dwarf Rebel 1:''' ''Not just any news! We have been waiting for a sign like this. Proof the giant can be beaten.''
*'''Havi:''' ''I'm glad to have given you hope. Now you must seize your destiny with both hands.''
*'''Dwarf Rebel 1:''' ''We will! Thanks to your example, we will never be enslaved again!''
As Havi walked to the smoldering arena behind the giant statue of a skeleton, he could hear the fighter's conversations.
*'''Dwarf Rebel 2:''' ''What I wouldn't give for a real mug of [[mead]] right now...''
*'''Dwarf Rebel 3:''' ''TBA''
*'''Dwarf Rebel 4:''' ''TBA''
Once again, Havi dropped on the fire giant's lair to confront him, looking at his vicinities in an attempt to find the creature.
{{!}}-{{!}}
If Hjalmgunnar killed Havi=
Havi jumped to the fiery arena in front of him.
}}
*'''Hjalmgunnar:''' ''All-Father!''
*'''Havi:''' ''Your fate shames me, Hjalmgunnar. I would have given you the victory I promised had the Nornir not tied by hands.''
The giant appeared from behind a rock, jumping over it and facing the High One.
*'''Hjalmgunnar:''' ''I don't give a rat's turd about your shame. I lost my life and my kingdom, and I won't rest till I've destroyed yours.''
The two fought again.
{{#tag:tabber|
Havi prevails=
Havi killed the defiled King of the Goths once more, opening and traversing the gate it guarded.
{{!}}-{{!}}
Havi is defeated=
The monster overpowered Havi, killing him. In the following moment, Havi found himself in the Memory Corridor.
*'''Hel:''' ''TBA''
Weakened, the High One dropped on his knees, while various wooden roots reached for him and covered Havi in their embrace, returning him to Odin's Camp.
}}
{{!}}-{{!}}
{{!}}-{{!}}
Third encounter=
Third encounter=
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Fourth encounter=
Fourth encounter=
}}
}}
Once again, Havi approached the gateway that followed and entered the pestilent realm of [[Nidheim]].
|-|In the Bowels of Nidheim=
|-|In the Bowels of Nidheim=
|-|Returning to the Roots=
|-|Returning to the Roots=
Revision as of 01:59, 30 August 2022
He who increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow.
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With this, the seer walked away, prompting Everold to draw Eivor's attention again.
Everold:I will get the workshop ready. Come by when you want to get started.
After some time, Eivor returned to the site, finding a building constructed in place of the tent. She entered it, encountering a room full of various items the craftsman had previously reproducted, including pieces of green silica and a drawing of the dwarven city of Eitri, in Svartálfaheimr. The jarlskona then approached a bedside table, grabbing the vessel that contained Valka's potion laying on top of it and sitting on the bed. Once Everold joined by sitting on a stool, she drank the concoction while he spoke jokingly.
Everold:You'll be safe in my care. Valka has promised that any harm you suffer will be visited upon me tenfold.
As the potion began to take effect, her words started getting distant.
Eivor:But I must exact a promise from you. You must not speak of this to anyone... whatever happens...
She laid her head on the pillow.
Everold:I swear upon my life, I will not speak of this to any but you.
Eivor fell asleep as he finished talking, beginning to relive the memories of Odin's journey to retrieve Baldr's consciousness from Hel's guard in the heart of Niflheimr.
The Forgotten Saga
In an aggregate of land hovering outside of Niflheimr, Havi woke up in a cave under a tree glowing in blue and walked to its exterior to observe the rocky wasteland below him. His raven familiarMunnin flew above him and squawked, drawing Havi's attention.
Havi:Munnin!
Munnin squawked again and landed nearby on an animal skull altar. Havi extended his forearm and Munnin hopped to perch on it.
Havi:When you're near, dear raven, my memory's sharp, my aim unmuddled. Down there, in Niflheimr, things are... less clear...
The High One stared at the snowy mountains at the other side of the chasm.
Havi:You know I cannot take you. I can barely get myself through the Warding Wall, and only then by abandoning my trusted weapons.
He looked at Munnin.
Havi:Do not sulk. I will not risk you, for who then would remind me of my purpose?
The raven cawed again, louder, as if talking to him.
Havi:Yes. Baldr. My son. The Light of the World, locked away in Hel's dark castle.
Munnin flew away while Havi turned and walked back in the direction of a stone beam projecting over the edge by his camp.
Havi:He was taken too soon. Stolen from us! I shall not rest till I have denied destiny and brought Baldr back from the dead.
In the air, Munnin cawed once more.
Havi:You're right, Munnin. If it is to be done, best it were done quickly. It is time to go to Hel.
Havi stepped onto the beam and performed a Leap of Faith into a pool down below, entering the cold region of Kaldstad.
Havi waked up in the cave again, rapidly getting up and leaving in a rush, stopping near Munnin's perch. He reached to the ground, grabbing and throwing a bit of dirt in the direction of Helheimr.
Havi:You think you can keep me out? I pulled your realm out of Ymir's ass! I will send it hurtling back to the Void if I have to!
The All-Father then spitted to the abyss, while a familar voice reached for him in his back.
Thor:I have news from home. War rattles the gates of Ásgarðr while you dally in this dream of rescuing Baldr.
His father replied agrily.
Havi:My whole life I have defied expectations by doing the unthinkable. How could I do any less when your brother's life is at stake?
Thor's beard emitted lightning while thunder could be heard in the sky. Munnin squawks in concordance.
Thor:My step-brother is dead! There is no life at stake! You are full of advice to all who will listen but deaf to anyone else.
Havi:Can you name anyone with more wisdom than I? Who has fought and fallen and sacrificed more than I have?
After a brief pause, Thor responded.
Thor:No.
Havi:Then I hope you will understand, Son, why I do not take counsel easily.
The God of Thunder crossed his arms.
Thor:So, you are going back. Back to Niflheimr.
Havi:As many times as it takes.
Following the conversation, Havi crossed the bridge in front of him, spotting a small tradepost that had been settled at the base of a ritualistic monument near the beam leading into Niflheimr. He then approached a dwarf near one of the tent's tables.
Havi:Have we met before? There's something familiar about you.
Nar:Haha! In a way, in a way. They're dead. Doomed to Niflheimr for... well, let's just say they got into some nasty business.
Havi:And now you come here to pay homage to them?
Nar:Ha! I pay them nothing! I come to earn! You see, I have a bond with my brothers, like you with your ravens, but deeper. When I stand at the edge of Niflheimr, I can see what they see. Hear what they hear, smell what they--
Havi:I understand. But how can this profit you? Or benefit me?
Nar:I have learned some secrets of the dead. Charms and spells that I offer to you as... Favors. Are you interested? Can I tempt you with a favor?
Havi:That depends. What are you offering?
The High One looked through eight different available amulets, which he could trade for some memory or thought fragments, and then went on his way.
Havi:TBA
Thor was leaning on a tree when Havi exited the cave after being defeated, holding an arm against his chest.
Havi:Each time you cast me out will only make me stronger!
He walked to the edge of the cliff, facing Hel's castle.
Havi:You sharpen my will like a dwarf-forged blade! I will slice you from tail to ti--
His son lifted his hammer Mjölnir, casting lightning from the skies.
Thor:Enough! I've heard this too many times! I cannot bear it any longer!
Havi:The problem with children is their utter lack of pattience.
Havi walked fastly to the bridge that lead to the wooden beam, with Thor following behind.
Thor:How can you say that? And who needs patience? When did patience ever win a war?
The All-Father turned to him.
Havi:Almost every single time! When preparing for battle--
Thor:No... No, no more of your... words of... wisdom, just... Please, Father... release me from my oath!
Havi:Oath? What oath?
Thor hesitated, looking to the ground.
Thor:If I tell you, I will... break it.
Havi:So break it, if your need is so great. If you swore to be my wet-nurse, to coddle me, then I free you from your bond.
Thor:I swore upon the head of Jörmungandr, the MidgarðrSerpent, and the... glorious death it will know at my hands.
Havi approached him.
Havi:Then tell me true. Will your words cause me to doubt my deeds? Sow suspicion in my thoughts?
His son looked aside, replying after a time.
Thor:I cannot say.
Havi:In that case, I am sorry, Son. I have no wish to burden you with my grief, but you are here, and Baldr is not.
Thor looked at his father as he walked away.
Thor:Aye.
After being defeated again, Havi walked out of the cave, crossing the bridge leading to a zone of the camp where Thor had been previously resting.
Havi:You do well to hide behind your monsters, daughter of Loki! If you were here, I would tear you--
The Asgardian Gate placed on the camp started to shine in a blue color as the bodies of Thor and Freyja materialized in front of the building. The two walked to his location.
Freyja:No need to grab your weapon, Husband. It is not that kind of visit. We need to talk about Baldr.
Havi turned to his son.
Havi:How honorable! Seems your oath does not stop you from complaining to your mother.
An embarassed Thor looked to the ground as his father talked to Freyja.
Havi:So, this troll-tosser told you about Baldr, did he? Or have you been spying on me through your mirrors and pools?
Freyja:I need neither Thor nor magic. You are on the edge of Niflheimr and look like shit. Of course this is about Baldr. Jötunn are talking with Muspels. Týr thinks they will move on Ásgarðr together.
Havi:Týr will know what to do, he was War Lord once.
Freyja:He will take that title again if you are not careful.
Havi:What care I for titles? Or Jötunn or Muspels? I saw Baldr's body! His light snuffed out! How can I see that same light seated on Hel's dark throne and not take action?
As he talked, Munnin landed on its perch.
Freyja:You saw him on Hel's throne? I did not know you had reached her castle.
Her husband touched on his forehead with his hand, confused.
Havi:No... I-I did not think I had... I could not remember...
Freyja:You are many things, Lord of Lords, but a seer you are not.
Thor:His wits are curdled! We should take him home!
Freyja looked to Helheimr, looming over the horizon.
Freyja:I sense a mystery not easily untangled. Ásgarðr will not fall today. I'll stay and learn more before passing judgement.
Havi:Thank you... for believing in me.
She stepped forward.
Freyja:I shall believe what I see. Thank the Fates for gifting me patience.
Havi dived into the first realm of Niflheimr, cold Kaldstad, spotting a round and ornamented Lokkbox, locked by several etheral chains and guarded by jötnar.
Havi:Niflheimr's riches are doubly defended. I must kill the guards before disarming the shield.
As soon as he killed all the enemies surrounding the chest, its safeguards dissipated, letting the High One loot it.
Havi:The shield surrounding this prize must have been tied to its defender's life... or death.
Havi went on his way, finding it impeded by a chasm, with the only way of crossing it being two large chains hanging over it. After choosing one of them and reaching the other side, the chain broke, with its debris falling into the abyss.
Havi:No going back now.
After defeating the enemies in the next area, Havi proceeded to a zip line leading to the following zone. Near it, there was a note, which he read.
TBA TBA
After using the zip line, he saw a mysterious figure hiding behind some bushes.
Havi:That skulking figure has the demeanor of a thief. Who better to lead me to things of value?
Havi slowly approached the thief.
Havi:I must move carefully.
The High One suceeded in assassinating him, recovering some coin and a letter.
Look for Me Here You'll find me high above the fray, Towering above my rivals, Where Kaldstad's mind-numbing fog grows thin. The jötunn have lent, At great cost to myself, Their art of concealing the obvious. Don't expect me to reveal All my hard-earned secrets. I haven't reached these heights through charity.
The thief spotted Havi, throwing a smoke bomb to the ground and disappearing.
Havi:Luck was not on my side.
The All-Father searched the nearest area, finding another piece of land hovering on the other side of a chasm, which he crossed by using some tree branches. He spotted a chest, which turned to stone as he approached.
Havi:The air appears to shimmer here. Much in the way it does when the jötunn weave their illusions.
Havi climbed to the top of the elevation, as the air was slowly filled with small shimmers of golden light. After reaching the top, he slided down a rocky steep, breaking the illusion. He looted the chest, finding a letter and some memory fragments.
Congratulations It would appear you jötunn are equally adept at unravelling tricks as you are at weaving them. Continue in this direction and I'll consider extending your authority in Kaldstad.
- Hel
Havi:I shall make better use of this than Hel's officer would.
Afterwards, Havi spotted a golden statue of an elk, with some markings on its torso and horns.
Havi:Elkshrines are known to be places of healing.
He then activated the elk shrine, replenishing his health. Eventually, the High One came across a stone table with three ornamented cups laying on top of it and a note by their side.
Havi:Hospitality without a host. Are these drinks for the dead, or might anyone partake? That note may shed some light.
Havi read the note, approaching the table afterwards.
TBA TBA
Havi:Which one shall I choose?
Havi picked one of the cups, drinking from it, amazed with its taste.
Havi:By my loins! I feel refreshed!
The cup on his hand disappeared in a golden light just like the ones on the table. Due to this, the All-Father's health limit increased by 25.
Havi picked one of the cups, drinking from it.
Havi:That is an excellent drink.
The cup on his hand disappeared in a golden light just like the ones on the table. Due to this, the All-Father healed any injuries, replenishing his health.
Havi picked one of the cups, drinking from it, but quickly stopping, disgusted with its taste.
He dropped the cup, which disappeared mid-air, just like the ones on the table. Due to this, the All-Father's health decreased by 25.
Havi:Only one drink per visit. Generosity has its limits.
At some point, Havi encountered another ornamented chest, this time covered in shiny wooden roots. After being detected by the guards in the vicinity, a ghostly tree appeared above the chest, which in turn started emitting encompassed pulses.
Havi:I'm discovered, and the roots would rake my reward!
The High One swiftly takes out all the enemies in less than two minutes, prompting the tree roots to disappear from the chest, allowing him to loot it.
The High One didn't manage to take out the enemies in time, prompting the tree roots to smash the chest, rendering the objects in its interior useless.
Havi:One must be quick in the land of the dead.
The All-Father advanced through the region, eventually entering a heavily-guarded temple. After killing all the jötunn soldiers, Havi noticed that another ilusion had been placed by them in his surrondings. After passing through a specific entrance to the building, an elevator was revealed near one of the walls. He utilized it to go further up, climbing a ladder and finding a letter among various pieces of gold and jewelry.
TBA TBA
After going all the way to the top of the frozen building, Havi found a small and cozy lair, with a small bed at its center. Beside it, was a tall, crowned man, to whom Havi talked to.
King of Thieves:The King of Thieves welcomes all who wish to bargain fairly and freely.
Havi:Can I expect fair treatment from one holding so dubious a title?
King of Thieves:I was once a common thief, fighting over scraps, picking corpses clean of all that could be bartered or sold. But now, as their sovereign, the rogues of Niflheimr trust me with their traffic, and you may do the same.
Havi:I may offer trade, but my trust is not easily earned.
King of Thieves:Fine by me. I'm not looking to make friends, only deals. Are you interested?
Havi:Show me your stock.
The High One perused through his products, which the thief accepted to trade for jewels. Following that, Havi faith-leaped to pile of snow below, using a zip line to reach the next area. Later, Havi traversed a stone bridge, encountering the entrance to Bangardhr and a man who had put up a tent and a bonfire near it, with a wooden wagon full of products next to him. The High One spoke to him.
Olver the Unsettled:Why go to some other shop when my shop will come to you?
Havi:You carry your whole shop with you? That is quite a feat.
Olver the Unsettled:Anything can be negotiated if you have the means, even this difficult land. Would you like to see what I have?
Havi:Let us get down to business then.
Olver showed him a variety of quality weapons and other products which could be traded for coins. After looking through them, Havi read a note laying on the wagon.
Border Blockade When you offered to act as agent between us and Døkkerland, you agreed to accept the risks. All the risks. You'll not last long in this line of work if you let a boneyard bog you down. Cross it swiftly, don't tarry, and I'm sure you'll be fine.
I'm not interested in excuses, just in my share.
- King of Thieves
After descending into Kaldstad again, Havi visited the area where he had first seen an elk shrine, but didn't find anything in its place.
Havi:I have a memory of an elk shrine here... or does some Helish magic muddle my wits?
Later, the All-Father climbed a steep elevation, finding a note laying in a small camp set up on its top.
TBA TBA
Eventually, Havi met the King of Thieves in his hideout again.
King of Thieves:Ah, the wary bargainer returns.
Havi:Show me your stock.
Havi looked through his products, leaving afterwards.
Havi:TBA
After a while, he encountered the wandering merchant to whom he had spoken earlier.
Olver the Unsettled:Looking for a deal?
Havi:Let us get down to business then.
Havi looked through his stock, leaving afterwards.
Havi:TBA
Havi then entered the large tunnel in front of him, encountering a projection of Hel in an open space further along.
Hel:Leave, lest I make a monument of your bones.
Havi:I granted you this realm, child, but I will unmake it if you deny me Baldr.
Hel:You gave me a barren world filled with the dishonored and other undesirables. I gave them purpose.
Havi:What purpose? An afterlife of constant death?
The projection approached a brazier near a grand gateway decorated with golden runes.
Hel:No, a new kind of life, one free from the fear of death. All who serve me shall have their rebirth.
As the shadow disappeared, the brazier lit in a blueish flame, which gave form to either a fiery or an icyboar. The creature jumped into the snowy arena, preparing to attack the High One.
After a fierce fight, Havi defeated the beast.
Havi:I have lost all appetite for boar.
After that, he approached the gate, which opened in a golden light, granting him passage to the brutal region of Døkkerland.
The beast overpowered Havi, killing him. In the following moment, Havi found himself in the Memory Corridor.
Hel:I cannot train my pets if you are too weak to play.
Weakened, the High One dropped on his knees, while various wooden roots reached for him and covered Havi in their embrace, returning him to Odin's Camp.
Hel:Why have you returned, Old One?
Havi:Why do you not face me, Queen of the Shamed? Or better yet, give me back my son and I shall leave you in peace.
The projection landed near Havi.
Hel:I can shape dead flesh into new life, summon an army with a whisper. What makes you think you still have power over me?
Havi:Then why would you not show your true self? What is it you fear?
Hel's shadow levitated to a tunnel entrance, where it dissapeared, unveiling either a wolf of fire or ice.
Hel:My fear is beyond your imagining. Your fear, however, is well known among the dead.
The wolf walked outside of the tunnel, howling to the sky, then launching itself into the arena and attacking Havi.
After overcoming his fear and defeating the beast, the High One thought to himself.
Havi:Far from my first wolf, and it will not be my last.
He then walked to the great gate again and passed through it.
The beast overpowered Havi, killing him. In the following moment, Havi found himself in the Memory Corridor.
Hel:You are good with animals.
Havi:I am skilled at killing all manner of things.
Weakened, the High One dropped on his knees, while various wooden roots reached for him and covered Havi in their embrace, returning him to Odin's Camp.
Hel:Leave, lest I make a monument of your bones.
Havi:Like your dead, I will keep coming back, Learning, growing stronger until I take back what is mine.
Hel:You know nothing of my dead. Not all I do is driven by war. But quite a lot is.
Suddenly, Bálsvín or Íssvín appeared behind him in blue flames, launching itself at him. Havi noticed it, dodging in time, and beggining to attack the animal.
Eventually, Havi killed the creature, entering the door thereafter.
The beast overpowered Havi, killing him. In the following moment, Havi found himself in the Memory Corridor.
Hel:I cannot train my pets if you are too weak to play.
Weakened, the High One dropped on his knees, while various wooden roots reached for him and covered Havi in their embrace, returning him to Odin's Camp.
Hel:Why have you returned, Old One?
Havi:You think me afraid of your creations? I have had nightmares more terrifying.
He walked to the gateway to face the shadow, while Hel conjured Bálulfr or Íssulfr again, behind him.
Hel:What an interesting thought. If one can harvest memories, could one not plant a dream?
Havi turned to face the wolf.
Eventually, Havi killed the creature again, passing through the door thereafter.
The beast overpowered Havi, killing him. In the following moment, Havi found himself in the Memory Corridor.
Hel:You are good with animals.
Havi:I am skilled at killing all manner of things.
Weakened, the High One dropped on his knees, while various wooden roots reached for him and covered Havi in their embrace, returning him to Odin's Camp.
Havi entered Døkkerland, the industrial centre of Niflheimr, where the Muspels serving the Queen of the realm oppressed the Dwarven miners in their weakened state. At some point, he climbed an unfinished wall which possessed a dwarven style, finding a war table with a letter laying on it.
Discipline in Døkkerland To the attention of all Muspelbcaptains and chiefs-
I appreciate that managing dwarfs can prove challenging which is why I've asked Hjalmgunnar to increase the frequency of his inspections. His mere presence is an effective deterrent for rebellious activities, and his withering gaze even more so. On the matter of thieves, I expect you to make a greater effort. They know they have an advantage of speed over the giants and have grown increasingly bold. I've invested much in the cultivation of crystals and their protective qualities have made them tempting target for plunder. Such actions must be seen to result in unpleasant consequences. The more public and painful, the better.
- Hel
He then leapt to the area below, causing a distant horn to be blown, which prompted the lava pits in the area to starting filling.
Havi:Better hury. This place grows hotter.
In the following area, Havi discovered a trail of scaffoldings and ladders which leaded to a small plateau illuminated by small braziers in the skull-carved active volcano nearby, where another chest protected by one of Hel's ilusions was located.
Havi:The air appears to shimmer here. Much in the way it does when the jötunn weave their illusions.
He continued to climb and traverse the lava-filled chasms of the mountain, using two lifts to reach its utmost point, overlooking the entire region. There, between two rocky thornes, the illusion was undone, with Havi performing a Leap of Faith to leaf pile next to the now accessible chest. The High One opened it, finding another note from Hel and the Dwarven Defender outfit in its interior.
Well Done A small token to express my appreciation of the defining traits of Døkkerland: industriousness and perseverance.
- Hel
Havi:Impressive attire! I shall add it to my wardrobe.
He then used a nearby zip line to descend to the next area. In one of the following encounters, Havi spotted a Helchief.
Havi:That looks like a warrior of rank. Perhaps he carries some prize on his person.
The All-Father ther killed the Muspel captain, claiming his reward.
After helping the dwarf Dani release his men from the Muspels' custody, Havi found out that the various severed ziplines left throughout the region had been repared, including one leading up to the other side of an abyss, separating him from a great mountain. He slided through its rope, landing on the entrance of a great mine of green crystals, guarded by several Muspel soldiers. Amidst the silica formations, he spotted another hooded figure of a thief. If Havi managed to assassinate him, he would recover another letter.
Mind the Heat Be mindful of the searing waves which can suddenly sweep over dry Døkkerland. Seek out sheltered spots, preferably those containing crystals, where you can wait out the overwhelming heat.
Havi:My patience has been rewarded.
Nearby, he found a crack on the rocks, sliding under them to find a tunnel sided by some mining carts. After reaching its end, he encountered himself on an open space, where he saw a tradepost, closely resembling the one settled on his camp. The High One then talked to another dwarf, strangely similar to Nar.
Havi:Are you...?
Dar:No, no. I'm sure you're thinking of someone else. Perhaps one of my cousins.
Havi:Right. And I take it you are also involved in the family business?
Dar:Ah! If you want a fair deal, look no further!
Havi:Let us get down to business.
The All-Father looked through his wares, finding out that he too accepted to trade them for jewels. After stocking up if needed, he read a note on a table behind Dar.
TBA TBA
Havi then moved a stone pillar from another narrow passage, which he used to get out and advance to the next area.
Eventually, after crossing through the entire region, he reached Gardhr Nárjarls, the residence of the region's lord and one of Hel's lackeys, Hjalmgunnar.
Havi jumped to the fiery arena in front of him.
Hjalmgunnar:All-Father!
A four-armed fire giant carrying an orb at his back and dripping lava appeared behind him, with a smoldering scythe in his possession.
Havi:Be thou one of Hel's experiments gone awry? What shameful crime could have earned so twisted a fate?
Hjalmgunnar:It's not the Nornir, but you and that bitch Brunhild who made me thus!
He approached a clueless Havi.
Hjalmgunnar:Have you betrayed so many Goths, Oath-Breaker, that you no longer recognize their king?
Havi:Hjalmgunnar? Why has Hel raised you as this grotesque monstruosity?
Hjalmgunnar:Ha-hargh! I rebuilt myself from abandoned appendages and discarded flesh. A labor of loathing, fuelled by vengeance and driven by hate.
The two entered a fight. When injured enough by Havi, the giant casted a circle with his scythe on the ground, awakening his fiery orb, turning out to be an eye, to invoke several fire beams to aid him on the fight.
Havi wins the confrontation against the vengeful creature.
Havi:I would feel worse about Hjalmgunnar if he was not such a bacraut (asshole).
He then approached the gateway that followed and entered the pestilent realm of Nidheimr.
The monster overpowered Havi, killing him. In the following moment, Havi found himself in the Memory Corridor.
Hel:Hjalmgunnar has got his revenge.
Weakened, the High One dropped on his knees, while various wooden roots reached for him and covered Havi in their embrace, returning him to Odin's Camp.
Havi found that a dwarven camp had been set up at its entrance. One of its members spoke out to him and the other rebels.
Dwarf Rebel:Look everyone! The Giant Slayer has returned! Hjalmgunnar's bane is back!
The All-Father approached him.
Havi:TBA
Dwarf Rebel 1:Not just any news! We have been waiting for a sign like this. Proof the giant can be beaten.
Havi:I'm glad to have given you hope. Now you must seize your destiny with both hands.
Dwarf Rebel 1:We will! Thanks to your example, we will never be enslaved again!
As Havi walked to the smoldering arena behind the giant statue of a skeleton, he could hear the fighter's conversations.
Dwarf Rebel 2:What I wouldn't give for a real mug of mead right now...
Dwarf Rebel 3:TBA
Dwarf Rebel 4:TBA
Once again, Havi dropped on the fire giant's lair to confront him, looking at his vicinities in an attempt to find the creature.
Havi jumped to the fiery arena in front of him.
Hjalmgunnar:All-Father!
Havi:Your fate shames me, Hjalmgunnar. I would have given you the victory I promised had the Nornir not tied by hands.
The giant appeared from behind a rock, jumping over it and facing the High One.
Hjalmgunnar:I don't give a rat's turd about your shame. I lost my life and my kingdom, and I won't rest till I've destroyed yours.
The two fought again.
Havi killed the defiled King of the Goths once more, opening and traversing the gate it guarded.
The monster overpowered Havi, killing him. In the following moment, Havi found himself in the Memory Corridor.
Hel:TBA
Weakened, the High One dropped on his knees, while various wooden roots reached for him and covered Havi in their embrace, returning him to Odin's Camp.
