The Kingmaker's Saga
Welcome, Jarl, to the heart of England's political turmoil! "The Kingmaker's Saga" is a pivotal arc in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, where Eivor's diplomatic prowess and combat skills will be tested in equal measure. This section of our guide will navigate you through the treacherous landscape of alliances and betrayals as you aid King Burgred of Mercia, or rather, the forces attempting to restore him to his throne. Expect intricate quests involving stealth, strategic combat, and crucial choices that will shape the future of Mercia and your standing with its various factions.
Throughout this saga, you'll encounter a colorful cast of characters, from the cunning Ivarr the Boneless to the steadfast Ceolwulf. Understanding their motivations and aling with the right individuals is key to successfully completing your objectives. We'll provide step-by-step instructions for each quest, highlighting important dialogue options, optimal combat strategies, and the locations of any sificant loot or collectibles you might encounter along the way. Prepare to delve into the murky waters of Anglo-Saxon politics and forge a new destiny for Mercia.
Quest: The Sons of Ragnar
This quest serves as your introduction to the complexities of Mercia. Upon arriving in Ledecestrescire, you'll be tasked with finding Ubba and Ivarr Ragnarsson. Follow the main road from your landing point towards Ledecestre. You'll find them near the longhouse, engaged in a heated discussion. After the initial cutscene, you'll be asked to help them with a local problem. This often involves clearing out a small bandit camp or investigating a suspicious area. Pay attention to Ivarr's aggressive tendencies and Ubba's more pragmatic approach; this will be a recurring theme.
- Objective: Find Ubba and Ivarr Ragnarsson.
- Location: Ledecestre, Ledecestrescire.
- Tip: Engage in conversation with the locals in Ledecestre; they often provide valuable insights into the political climate and potential side activities.
Quest: Bartering
After your initial meeting with the Ragnarssons, they will task you with finding Ceolwulf, a Mercian nobleman who they believe can help them. This quest involves a bit of detective work. Head to the marked location on your map, which will typically be a small village or a secluded estate. You'll need to gather information from the villagers or guards. Look for clues such as notes, specific dialogue options, or even environmental storytelling that points to Ceolwulf's whereabouts. He is often being held captive or is in hiding. Be prepared for a skirmish if you need to rescue him.
- Travel to the desated search area in Ledecestrescire.
- Use your Odin's Sight to highlight interactive clues or persons of interest.
- Interrogate guards or villagers if stealth is not an option.
- Locate Ceolwulf, who might be in a cellar, a guarded building, or a hidden camp.
- Escort Ceolwulf safely back to the Ragnarssons' camp. Be wary of ambushes during the escort.
Quest: Tilting the Balance
With Ceolwulf secured, the next step is to undermine King Burgred's support. This quest often involves a series of smaller objectives desed to weaken Burgred's hold on power. You might be asked to raid a supply convoy, assassinate a key loyalist, or destroy propaganda. Prioritize stealth for assassinations to avoid unnecessary large-scale conflicts. When raiding, focus on quickly securing the objective and escaping. This quest is an excellent opportunity to practice your stealth and combat skills in varied scenarios. Keep an eye out for wealth chests during these raids.
- Objective: Weaken King Burgred's influence in Ledecestrescire.
- Strategy: Utilize stealth for high-value targets. For raids, prioritize speed and efficiency.
- Reward: Increased standing with the Ragnarssons and Ceolwulf.
Quest: The Walls of Templebrough
This is a major assault quest. You will join Ubba, Ivarr, and Ceolwulf's forces in an attack on Templebrough Fort, where King Burgred is believed to be hiding. This is a full-scale assault, so prepare for heavy combat. Your primary objective is to breach the fort's defenses and locate Burgred. Focus on taking down archers on the walls first to reduce incoming damage. Use your allies effectively; let them draw enemy attention while you flank or target key objectives like breaking down gates or destroying barricades. Burgred will attempt to flee, so be ready for a chase sequence once you find him.
| Objective | Strategy | Key Enemies |
|---|---|---|
| Breach Fort Walls | Use siege equipment (if available) or climb unguarded sections. Eliminate archers quickly. | Archers, Spearmen |
| Locate King Burgred | Clear the inner courtyard. Burgred is often in the main keep or a hidden chamber. | Huscarls, Elite Guards |
| Capture Burgred | Be prepared for a chase. Use your mount or parkour to keep up. | Burgred (unarmed), fleeing guards |