Chipping Away
The quest "Chipping Away" marks a pivotal moment in the Grantebridgescire arc, pushing Eivor deeper into the machinations surrounding the enigmatic Fulke and the ancient artifact. This guide will walk you through every step, from initial investigations to the final confrontation, ensuring you retrieve the artifact piece and understand the unfolding narrative.
Quest Objectives & Rewards
- Primary Objective: Investigate Fulke's whereabouts and retrieve the artifact piece.
- XP Reward: 1700 XP
- Gear Reward: Minor Runes, potentially a new weapon or armor piece depending on world events.
Walkthrough: Unraveling Fulke's Trail
This quest begins immediately after completing "Warlord of Grantebridgescire" or a similar preceding quest in the arc, typically after Eivor has had a significant interaction with Fulke. Your first task is to locate Fulke, who has proven to be an increasingly complex and unsettling character. Her "true intentions" are slowly coming to light, hinting at a deeper, more fanatical devotion to the artifact than previously understood.
Step 1: Investigate the Abandoned Monastery
Your first lead will direct you to an abandoned monastery, typically located in the northern part of Grantebridgescire, often near the border with East Anglia.
- Location: Look for a ruined stone structure, often overgrown, with signs of recent activity. Use your raven, Synin, to scout the area for points of interest.
- Clues: Upon entering the monastery, activate your Odin's Sight to highlight interactive clues. You'll be looking for:
- A crumpled note: Often found on a table or altar, detailing Fulke's research or her next destination.
- A bloodstain: Indicating a struggle or a recent injury.
- A discarded religious text: With specific passages underlined, hinting at Fulke's increasingly zealous interpretations.
- Enemies: Expect a small patrol of 3-5 Bandits or Zealots guarding the monastery. They are typically light to medium armored.
- Strategy: Use stealth to thin their numbers. A well-placed headshot with your bow can take down weaker enemies. For tougher foes, parry their attacks to open them up for heavy damage.
Step 2: Tracking Fulke to the Hidden Cave
The clues from the monastery will point you towards a hidden cave or an ancient crypt, usually nestled within a forested area or along a riverbank. This location is often marked by a distinct rock formation or a small, overgrown entrance.
- Location: Pay close attention to the map marker and the environmental clues. Look for disturbed earth, broken branches, or faint trails.
- Navigating the Cave: The cave system can be a short labyrinth.
- Obstacles: You may encounter breakable ice walls (use an arrow on the weak point or a heavy attack), movable stone blocks (push/pull them to clear paths), or submerged passages (hold your breath and swim through).
- Parkour: Expect some light platforming, climbing ledges, and swinging across gaps using ropes or beams.
- Enemies: The cave is likely guarded by Wild Animals (Wolves, Bears) or a small group of Cultists/Zealots who are also seeking the artifact or protecting Fulke's research.
- Strategy: Animals can be distracted with bait or taken down with ranged attacks. Cultists often use fire or poison, so be prepared with appropriate resistance or dodge frequently.
Step 3: The Confrontation at the Ancient Ruins
The trail culminates at a set of ancient Roman ruins or a forgotten Saxon stronghold, often a larger, more fortified location. This is where you will finally confront Fulke and attempt to retrieve the artifact piece.
- Location: This will be a significant landmark on your map, often with multiple entry points.
- Approach:
- Stealth: Recommended for initial infiltration. Use tall grass, bushes, and elevated positions to pick off isolated guards. Look for weak points in the defenses like unguarded walls or hidden tunnels.
- Direct Assault: If stealth fails or you prefer direct combat, be prepared for a larger engagement.
- Enemy Types: The ruins will be heavily guarded by a mix of Saxon Soldiers, Elite Guards, and potentially a few Zealots.
- Saxon Soldiers: Standard infantry, archers, and spearmen.
- Elite Guards: Often shield-bearers or heavy axe-wielders. Focus on breaking their guard with heavy attacks or parries.
- Zealots: If present, these are mini-boss level enemies. They have high health, unique attack patterns, and can inflict status effects. Prioritize dodging their unblockable attacks (indicated by a red glow).
- Finding Fulke: Fulke herself will not engage in direct combat at this stage. She will be found within a specific chamber or ritual site within the ruins, often performing some kind of ritual or intensely studying the artifact piece.
- Retrieving the Artifact: After clearing the immediate area around Fulke, a cutscene will trigger. Eivor will attempt to retrieve the artifact piece. This interaction will reveal more about Fulke's unsettling obsession and her growing belief in the artifact's power.
Combat Strategies & Tips
- Recommended Loadout:
- Weapon: A fast-hitting weapon (e.g., Daggers, Light Axe) for quick combos, paired with a heavier weapon (e.g., Greatsword, Dane Axe) for breaking shields and dealing high damage.
- Bow: A Hunter Bow for precision shots or a Light Bow for rapid fire.
- Abilities:
- Dive of the Valkyries: Excellent for area-of-effect damage and crowd control.
- Rush & Bash: Good for closing distances and stunning enemies.
- Man's Best Friend: Distracts enemies, allowing for easy assassinations or flanking maneuvers.
- Environmental Hazards: Look for oil jars, explosive pots, or hanging cargo that can be shot down to damage groups of enemies.
- Health Management: Always carry a full stock of rations. If low, hunt animals or gather berries in the surrounding wilderness.
Common Pitfalls & Missables
- Overlooking Clues: Ensure you thoroughly investigate each location with Odin's Sight to avoid missing crucial narrative details or even small loot caches.
- Underestimating Guards: Even standard guards can be dangerous in groups. Don't rush into large engagements without a plan.
- Ignoring Side Content: While not directly part of "Chipping Away," completing nearby World Events or collecting Wealth can provide valuable XP and gear upgrades, making the main quest easier.
Upon successfully retrieving the artifact piece and witnessing Fulke's increasingly erratic behavior, the quest "Chipping Away" will conclude, setting the stage for the dramatic conclusion of the Grantebridgescire arc and further revelations about the Isu artifact and Fulke's true, disturbing allegiance.