Man of Mystery
Man of Mystery was a virtual representation of one of Eivor Varinsdottir's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan in 2020 through the Portable Animus HR-8.
Description[edit | edit source]
Eivor spoke with the residents of Ravensthorpe to uncover the identity of Guthban.
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
Eivor saw Tekla in Ravensthorpe's main hall, wringing her hands in anticipation.
- Tekla: Who could Guthban be? One of us?
Eivor! A moment?
Eivor spoke with Tekla.
- Eivor: Tekla, you look like you wrestled a bear. Is something wrong?
- Tekla: Gods, Eivor. I was robbed! On the road between here and Lincoln.
- Eivor: By who? Did you get a good look at them?
- Tekla: They were Saxons, I know that much. A pack of them! Lifted four barrels of my ale and all the coin I had on me! The biggest one pulled me off my horse and stuck his mouth in my ear. Said "Tell Guthban we expected him home soon."
- Eivor: Guthban? That's "Battle Bone" in the Saxon tongue. Are you sure?
- Tekla: That's what he said. It's not someone here, is it?
- Eivor: Not that I know of.
- Tekla: I do not begrudge us taking in orphans, Eivor. But some of these Saxons, we hardly know them. You ought to ask around.
- Eivor: A good idea. You take care of yourself, let me see to this.
- Tekla: Thank you, Eivor.
Eivor left the main hall to talk with her Saxon residents. She first spoke with Rowan at his stables.
- Eivor: Rowan.
- Rowan: Ah! Eivor. How's the day, my friend?
- Eivor: I am well, Rowan. I had only a small question. Do you know anyone named Guthban?
- Rowan: Guthban? Hm. Nothing comes to mind. Should I?
- Eivor: It is not a question of should.
- Rowan: Ah. Is it a horse?
- Eivor: No, it's—
- Rowan: A lover?
- Eivor: No, Rowan. It's... it's no one.
- Rowan: You came here to ask me about no one?
- Eivor: Thank you for your time.
Eivor left the stablemaster and met with Octavian.
- Eivor: Octavian.
- Octavian: Ah! Salve, Eivor. How are you?
- Eivor: Well, thank you. A question. Does the name Guthban mean anything to you?
- Octavian: Guthban. Hmm. It's not Latin, is it?
- Eivor: It is a name, I think. But no face comes to mind. I fear it may be a moniker. A false name.
- Octavian: So you came to me? Why would you come to me about a false name? Do you think my name is false?
- Eivor: No. Is it?
- Octavian: I am Octavian, I have always been Octavian. Now please, Eivor, this is not a good time for me. I am terribly busy. Good day.
Eivor left Octavian and met with Tarben at his bakery.
- Eivor: Tarben. Do you have a second? I was wondering if—
- Tarben: I am Guthban, Eivor. It means Battle-Bone. Not the name of a cheery baker, is it?
- Eivor: Not one who bakes bread, no. So how did you earn this name?
- Tarben: Before I came here, I lived another life. A brutal, bloody life. I served with a gang of mercernaries. I was their weapon, roaming the wilds of England. Did whatever they asked of me. And all they asked was violence. When I left, I laid this sword on the grass and made a vow. I swore never to spill another drop of blood. To abandon acts of violence. To never kill again.
- Eivor: A hard promise for a hard man.
- Tarben: It wasn't. Not for me. This life here is all I've ever wanted. I've never been more at peace. This is my doing. I brought all this upon you. It is down to me to fix it.
- Eivor: Tarben. By threatening you, they threaten my clan. I cannot allow that.
- Tarben: These men are foul, Eivor. You should not have to fight my battles for me.
- Eivor: Do you not hear me, Tarben? If they threaten you, they threaten me. So let us face them. Together.
- Tarben: Very well. Meet me outside when you're ready. I believe I know where they will be.
Tarben left while Eivor readied herself. Afterwards, she reconvened with Tarben outside the bakery near a horse.
- Eivor: If you wish to face your old friends, I am ready when you are.
- Tarben: Good. I'll lead the way.
Tarben mounted his horse and led Eivor on their mission while Eivor summoned her own mount and followed.
- Tarben: I want you to know... should it comes to blows with my old crew, I can handle it myself. Forgiving me is all the work you need to do.
- Eivor: There is nothing to forgive. You walked away. They pursued. By axe or by fist, I will do what must be done to protect my clan.
Tarben chuckled.
- Tarben: You are living the life you want, aren't you?
They continued to ride together.
- Eivor: Before we're spotted, tell me what I should expect here. Will they attack us on sight?
- Tarben: I shouldn't think so, no. Nothing like that. It's not how Wilf operates. Yes, he's a clever one, and rather kind when you meet him. Makes you feel like you're a friend. Family, even. I met him a decade ago and he was the first person to truly welcome me. To see some value in me. He told me I had a gift. For intimidation, persuasion... violence. Just by the size and strength of me, he knew how to use me.
They kept on riding up the hills northwest of Ravensthorpe before turning northeast. The settlement disappeared into the valley behind them as they rode into the valley below, towards Ledecestre.
- Eivor: So what do they want from you now?
- Tarben: They'll want me back. They'll want me to be the man they think I am. Monstrous and massive. Wilf and them were the only family I had then. But their love was... conditional. Wilf only loves what he owns.
- Eivor: So what do you intend?
- Tarben: I know I won't go back. I don't want more blood on my hands. But apart from that, it's hard to say. Who knows what they have in mind?
They crossed the River Brant and neared a small farmhouse on the outskirts of Ledecestre. Tarben brought his horse to a stop and dismounted. Eivor followed his lead and spoke to him.
- Eivor: We're stopping...
- Tarben: That house there. They're likely within. It won't look like much, Eivor. But don't be fooled. And don't take Wilf lightly, charming as he seems. The man is a serpent.
- Eivor: I've met plenty of charmers who turned out to be snakes.
- Tarben: I know, I know. Only a warning. Let's go inside.
Together, Eivor and Tarben entered the hideout as Wilf heard their entrance. Wilf spoke to them.
- Wilf: Guthban, my boy! As I live and breathe, you got my message! And you've brought a friend. Who might you be, Dane? His new leash?
- Eivor: I am Eivor. And the woman you robbed was one of my clan. That will not stand.
- Wilf: I know, I know. I'm busted up about it. But tell... Tekla, was it? Tell her that her ale is some of the finest we've tasted.
Eivor went to confront Wilf but Tarben halted her.
- Tarben: I am done with you, Wilf.
- Wilf: But we are not done with you, boy. We gave you food, shelter, ale to drink, riches galore. We made you who you are.
- Eivor: For all you did for him, he repaid you with blood and sweat, did he not?
- Wilf: You're a fiery one, I like that. But the ink was dried on this deal well before your number arrived in England. If you wish to clear Tarben's name, I'm happy to help with that. It's only a small matter of cost... Some weeks back, soldiers confiscated my personal wares, shall we say. Tried to confiscate me as well, but I gave them the slip. If you're keen, you could recover my belongings and return them to me. Do that, and your name is clear.
- Tarben: I... I can't. I promised myself I would leave all this behind, but...
- Eivor: If it will clear Tarben's name, we will recover what is yours. Where are these soldiers?
- Wilf: Camped not far to the west. A battalion of bloated, brainwashed military men. You can't miss it for the smell.
- Tarben: Wait here then. We will return before you sprout another pair of horns.
- Wilf: God go with you, Eivor.
Together, Eivor and Tarben left Wilf and rode to the soldiers' camp.
- Tarben: Eivor, this isn't your fight. You don't need to do this.
- Eivor: But I am. Now listen. When we reach the camp, leave everything to me. I will find Wilf's goods and bring them to you. If I am spotted, it won't be pretty. Many may die, and I do not want you involved. You must not break your vow.
- Tarben: No vow stands above my duty to my friends, Eivor. I could not leave you alone with them should they attack.
- Eivor: If it comes to that. Stand aside until then.
- Tarben: I will. You have my word.
They crossed the River Soar and arrived at Glen Ford Camp.
- Eivor: All right. Wait here... and stay out of sight.
- Eivor and Tarben may have fought the soldiers if they caught sight of Eivor.
Eivor found the chest containing a parcel full of Wilf's goods and looted it. She identified the contents immediately.
- Eivor: This is everything. I'll return to Tarben.
Afterwards, she returned to Tarben.
- Tarben: You found it!
- Eivor: I did. Let's bring this back to Wilf.
- Tarben: You handled that better than I would have.
- Eivor: Is this the sort of work you often did with Wilf and your family of marauders?
- Tarben: A quick robbery like this? That was the least of our work. We stole from the poor, killed the helpless, cheated the dimwitted. We were lower than slugs. I shudder to remember our best days, and I weep for our worst.
- Eivor: Let it go then. Remember only what makes you a better man.
Tarben and Eivor traveled back to the bandit hideout and met with Wilf.
- Wilf: O ho! They have returned!
- Eivor: We have your goods.
- Wilf: Beautiful! Beautiful, put them there.
Eivor placed the goods on the ground while Tarben stood before Wilf.
- Tarben: The ledger...
- Wilf: Of course. Happy to honor it, my goodness! Such a lack of trust these days. It's a dark age, no mistake.
Wilf handed the ledger to Tarben.
- Tarben: That's it then. We're done?
- Wilf: Aye. You are free to walk from this place and live as Tarben the Boring Bread Maker for the rest of your days.
Tarben shook his head and walked off.
- Wilf: But you, Eivor. If you ever get tired of the settled life... we could always use a thief with your skills. Think about it.
Eivor spat on Wilf before leaving. Together, she and Tarben rode their way back to Ravensthorpe.
- Eivor: Tarben... are you satisfied?
- Tarben: Yes, I cannot thank you enough, Eivor. I feared the worst when I heard my old moniker, Guthban. Hadn't heard it in years. Dredges up fearful memories.
- Eivor: I imagine. How did you fall in with that bunch?
- Tarben: After my mother died, I sought family. Wilf offered it. He looked at me, took me in, and told me who I was. Who I could be. I don't crave that belonging anymore. Among you lot, people accept me as I am. The greatest gift I ever got. Peace.
- Eivor: Many men are calm because they have never known a storm. You weathered the storm and worked through it. That is a rare thing.
- Tarben: That means a lot. Thank you.
After a long ride home, they arrived back at Tarben's bakery.
- Tarben: Ah, it's good to be home again... that is, if I haven't robbed myself of the pleasure of calling it home.
- Eivor: Tarben, in spite of all, you are welcome here. And you owe us nothing but the work you love.
- Tarben: Right. Payment in fresh loaves of bread. I can manage that.
- Eivor: But first, one scrap of your past remains.
- Tarben: Right. The ledger.
- Eivor: Toss it. And purge the past.
- Tarben: With pleasure.
Tarben followed Eivor's advice as he left for his bakery. Inside, Eivor found two notes.
Unfinished Letter to Wilf
- Wilf,
I can scarcely say how many times I have sat down with the intention to write this letter.
It has at times begun with an apology for having abandoned you and our gang.
It has at other times begun with a condemnation of all that you have done to me and others that you call your dearest.
Today, it begins with a word: goodbye. As long as
(letter ends here with a scribble)
The note ended abruptly. Eivor read the other note near the door.
Letter to Tarben
- Tarben,
I pray this finds you safe.
There is little time left for me now, though the fever comes and goes.
An infection. In a life of violence and battle, I am taken by an infection?
Perhaps it is the way of things.
Perhaps the quickness of the deaths I have visited upon the weak has numbed me to the slow ones.
The ones that give you time to consider.
I will not drag this letter out, as I am being dragged out.
The thirst for blood was instilled in you by me. It was not how you were made.
You were born kind, sweet, loving. Soft and healing.
Your strength is in that, despite your size.
I should have understood this, and let you be the pacifist.
So instead, while you still live, know that you can be.
Know you can stop fighting, stop killing. Stop seeking glory there. Instead, love. Heal. Embrace. Bake. Be the you I did not let you become. And when they remember me as "The Merciless", do not let it be with praise.
There is no glory in the power I wielded.
And in the next life, I will do better.
I love you.
Your Mother
Outcome[edit | edit source]
Eivor learned of Tarben's past as a bandit mercenary, then aided him in clearing his debt to a bandit leader, allowing him to live free of his past commitments.
Behind the scenes[edit | edit source]
This memory is available some time after completing The Baker's Plaint. Enough activity must transpire in-game to reset the positions of Tarben and Tekla, the latter of whom is the subject of Wilf's robbery.
While the game instructs the player to inquire with the Saxon residents of Ravensthorpe on the identity of Guthban, only Rowan and Octavian have anything to say besides Tarben himself; Arth and Wallace in particular—who also arrive in Ravensthorpe at the same point in Ravensthorpe's renovations as Tarben—have nothing to say outside of their usual menu dialogues.
This memory's dialogue breaks if Wilf's parcel was already retrieved from the Glen Ford Camp, skipping the entire section for infiltrating the camp. Tarben's AI may also not cooperate, leading him to stand in place outside Wilf's house and not follow the player back to Ravensthorpe. Reloading the game after delivering Wilf's parcel may fix this, however, which will at least allow the memory to complete.
After this memory, players can reset the area around Tarben's bakery with enough in-game time or distance, then spend time fishing with him at the docks in pursuit of a romance. This does not count as a full memory, however, rather it is more akin to a mini-game like the archery contest with Petra. As it requires the fishing line, it will not be available until the tool is obtained by first renovating Ravensthorpe's Fishing Hut.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
-
Tekla explaining her encounter with bandits -
Eivor questioning the stablemaster Rowan -
Eivor questioning the collector Osbert -
Eivor speaking to Tarben, who revealed himself "Guthban" -
Eivor following Tarben to meet his former associate -
Tarben warning Eivor before their meeting with his former associate -
Wilf asking Tarben for one final request -
Eivor and Tarben returning with Wilf's package -
Wilf handing over the notebook, officially "freeing" him of his services -
Tarben asked by Eivor to burn the notebook, the final piece of his past
