What is the Story Behind Halfdan’s Illness in AC Valhalla?
Halfdan is prone to fits of coughing, and after one particular episode during the feast, he’ll drop his cup. Eivor retrieves it and discovers that the cup is made of a strange metal—and is in fact, lead. So it seems that Halfdan’s illness is not an accident.
Halfdan’s illness is attributed to a lead cup gifted to him by Faravid, which is revealed to be the reason for his deteriorating health. The narrative revolves around whether Faravid knowingly poisoned Halfdan. Although Faravid is culpable for giving the cup, the story does not provide conclusive evidence of intentional harm. Suspicion arises from Faravid’s actions during the quest, including the killing of a Pict warrior and the injury of Halfdan’s scout, suggesting a possible conspiracy against Halfdan.
Upon discovering that the goblet is made from lead, Eivor is faced with a moral choice: to side with Halfdan or Faravid. This decision does not affect the endgame but is pivotal to the story’s progression. ing Halfdan leads to a confrontation with Faravid, culminating in a battle where Halfdan ultimately kills Faravid, showcasing the tragic end of their relationship and leaving the question of betrayal unresolved.
Halfdan executed Faravid after he discovered that Faravid had been (possibly unintentionally) poisoning him with lead for several years. Faravid gifted Halfdan the lead cup, so he is culpable for Halfdan’s poisoning.
Halfdan begins to choke after drinking from a goblet gifted to him by Faravid. His attendant healer identifies the goblet as being made from lead. Dialogue: Halfdan: You! All these years, you gifted me poison! You gifted me madness! Faravid: Old friend, please. Your sickness has clouded your judgment.
Is Faravid the Real Villain in Halfdan’s Downfall?
Throughout the story, Eivor is torn between his loyalty to Halfdan and his friendship with Faravid. Eivor has the option to come clean to Faravid at Alortun, where Faravid expresses doubt: “You doubt me? I am here to fight.” Choosing to tell Faravid the truth about Halfdan’s suspicions makes Faravid uneasy, while lying to him only worsens the deceit. However, Faravid trusts Eivor.
Back at Donecaestre, Eivor faces another choice: to reveal to Halfdan what Faravid is planning. “Faravid is planning an attack.” It is highlighted that “Faravid is honorable.” Telling Halfdan the truth about Faravid’s plan increases Eivor’s loyalty. Conversely, if Eivor lies to Halfdan, he will not believe and will demand to know Faravid’s whereabouts.
At Magnis Fortress, Eivor, Faravid, and Halfdan confront the Pict army. They discover King Ricsige has declared himself the King of Northumbria with Pict . After an intense battle, Eivor defeats King Ricsige. Later, at Jorvik, Halfdan names himself the King of Northumbria. However, during the crowning ceremony, Halfdan suffers a coughing fit, revealing that the goblets he has been drinking from are made of lead.
It remains ambiguous whether Faravid betrayed Halfdan. Nonetheless, hints of betrayal emerge throughout the storyline. For instance, there’s the incident with Halfdan’s scout being killed by friendly fire, Faravid’s act of killing the Pict leader before he could answer Eivor’s questions, and his refusal of the goblet Eivor offered.
Ultimately, it appears Faravid is indeed betraying and poisoning Halfdan. If Eivor opts to role-play wisely, they can make flavor choices that reflect on this situation.
Additionally, after sharing wine with Faravid during “Honor Has Two Edges,” he reveals his secret plan to attack the Picts, which leaves Eivor feeling uneasy. The connection between the lead goblet and Faravid strengthens suspicions regarding his true intentions. In the end, Eivor must decide who is right between Faravid and Halfdan, while securing an alliance with Halfdan.
How Does Lead Poisoning Affect Halfdan in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
Halfdan begins to choke after drinking from a goblet gifted to him by Faravid. His attendant healer identifies the goblet as being made from lead. It quickly becomes apparent that Halfdan’s descent into madness is a result of lead poisoning.
By this point, Eivor knows that Faravid isn’t exactly on the level. Although Faravid’s poisonous cups were a gift, he didn’t know that they were dangerous. Eivor argues that Halfdan is in no fit state to be making decisions while suffering from the effects of lead poisoning. This choice leads Halfdan to refuse further talks of an alliance with the Raven Clan.
Halfdan executed Faravid after discovering that Faravid had been (possibly unintentionally) poisoning him with lead for several years. This revelation unfolds when Halfdan, prone to fits of coughing, drops his cup during a feast. Eivor retrieves it and discovers that the cup is made of a strange metal—and is in fact, lead. Therefore, it seems that Halfdan’s illness is not an accident.
Furthermore, Halfdan’s healer Moira identified the substance as toxic lead, leading the king to angrily accuse Faravid of poisoning him. Although it’s not made entirely clear whether Faravid knowingly poisoned Halfdan, this situation creates tension. Predictably, this choice leads Halfdan to name both Eivor and Faravid as traitors. Ultimately, the lead poisoning sends Halfdan into a mad craze, culminating in him tossing his accusations around.
Faced with Eivor’s ultimatum, Faravid will choose to fight them. Halfdan will eventually intervene, requesting that Faravid fight him instead.
What Choices Does Eivor Face About Faravid and Halfdan?
In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Eivor faces significant choices regarding Faravid and Halfdan, particularly during the questlines of “Honor Has Two Edges” and “Of Blood and Bonds.”
After drinking wine with Faravid, he reveals his secret plan to attack the Picts. This revelation puts Eivor in a difficult position, presenting three dialogue choices:
- Your secret is safe. Eivor agrees to keep Faravid’s secret and not inform Halfdan, committing to fight alongside Faravid.
- I cannot hide this. Eivor chooses to fight with Faravid but states they will inform Halfdan of the plan. Although Faravid is upset, this choice keeps Eivor in Halfdan’s good graces.
- Let the gods decide. Eivor leaves the decision to fate, leading to Halfdan discovering the truth, but without severe consequences.
Moving forward, near the Eurviscire story arc, Eivor must decide between revealing a hard truth to Halfdan or confronting Faravid about potential betrayal during a feast in “Of Blood and Bonds.” After Halfdan confronts Faravid regarding a cup, Eivor faces additional choices:
- You’re insane, Halfdan: This option results in Halfdan exiling Faravid from Jorvik, and Eivor must escort Faravid out of the town.
- Stand down or fight me, Faravid: Choosing this option leads to a confrontation with Faravid. Eivor must fight him, and afterwards, Halfdan will execute Faravid, but will provide the alliance that Eivor sought.
The optimal choice is to select Stand down or fight me, Faravid, ensuring the alliance with Eurviscire is secured while allowing Eivor to forge paths for seeking allies elsewhere.
In summary, during the various choices Eivor faces:
- Choosing You are insane, Halfdan leads to the exile of Faravid, resulting in a failed alliance.
- Choosing Stand down or fight me, Faravid results in a fight, ending with Faravid’s execution but securing the alliance.
If Eivor wants to control the outcome and avoid leaving matters to chance, it’s crucial to consider these choices carefully.
Uncovering Betrayal: The Dynamics Between Halfdan and Faravid
Eivor, Faravid, and Halfdan face the Pict army at the Magnis Fortress. Ricsige has declared himself king, and it is up to you to defeat him. After a fierce battle, the three manage to achieve the task.
Following this, Halfdan crowns himself King of Northumbria but, at the crowning ceremony, suffers a coughing fit. It turns out the goblet is made of lead, indicating that someone is trying to poison him. This leads to a confrontation between Eivor and Faravid. Halfdan will get really angry and will exile Faravid from Jorvik.
During the events, it becomes clear that Faravid is guilty in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as his distrust with Halfdan was quite evident. Picking Halfdan over him is also the best option as it would mean securing your alliance with Eurviscire. Some believe that Faravid did intentionally poison Halfdan. Even when interrogated, he seems to dodge all the questions, showcasing his adeptness at deception.
In the quest titled Of Blood and Bonds, Halfdan accuses Faravid of poisoning him with the lead cups. At this point, players must decide to take the side of Halfdan or Faravid. Choosing the option ‘You are insane, Halfdan’ leads to consequences where Halfdan names both Eivor and Faravid as traitors. However, the lead poisoning sends Halfdan into a mad craze, culminating in him tossing his hammer aside. Faravid, expressing betrayal, states that he will not follow a king who considers him a traitor, and he leaves with his life.
Alternatively, choosing ‘Stand down or fight me, Faravid’ leads to a direct conflict where Eivor fights Faravid. At the end of the fight, Halfdan will kill Faravid and will be consumed by grief. Nevertheless, he will pledge himself and Eurvicscire to fight for Eivor when the time comes. It should be noted that Faravid had multiple opportunities to eliminate Halfdan because of his behavior, yet he remained loyal until the end.
Ultimately, you should choose the ‘Stand down or fight me, Faravid’ option and side with Halfdan. This decision culminates in Halfdan killing Faravid for committing treason, and in a symbolic gesture, he gifts Eivor a token of peace, thereby strengthening their alliance.
