The "Burn It or Keep It" Choice: Reeve's Orders in Oxenefordscire
In Assassin's Creed Valhalla, a notable "burn it or keep it" decision arises during the Oxenefordscire story arc, specifically within the quest "Chipping Away." After Eivor confronts Lady Eadwyn's reeve (sheriff) in Buckingham, a scroll containing sensitive orders is found, presenting a critical choice.
The Context:
The scroll is essentially a kill order or a list containing names of individuals targeted by Eadwyn, potentially including allies or members of the Raven Clan. This discovery forces Eivor to decide how to handle this piece of intelligence.
The Options:
- Burn the orders: Eivor can choose to destroy the scroll. This act prevents the information from being used further, ensures it doesn't fall into other enemy hands, and can be seen as a way to protect those named. Tactically, it also means that antagonists like Fulke might not be forewarned of Eivor's knowledge or approach.
- Keep the orders: Eivor can opt to retain the scroll. The motivation might be to use it as evidence, leverage, or to gain a tactical advantage by knowing the enemy's plans in more detail.
Consequences and Impact on Sigurd's Judgment:
This decision is one of the five pivotal choices that directly influence Sigurd's opinion of Eivor, which in turn affects the game's ending regarding Sigurd's fate in England.
- Burning the orders: This is generally considered the "correct" or favorable choice in terms of Sigurd's judgment. Sigurd will approve of this action, seeing it as Eivor acting discreetly and decisively to protect their allies and not escalating conflict unnecessarily or mishandling sensitive information. This choice helps avoid a "strike" against Eivor.
- Keeping the orders: This action is viewed negatively by Sigurd and will count as a "strike" against Eivor. Sigurd may perceive this as Eivor being untrustworthy, potentially reckless with intelligence, or acting in a self-serving manner. Story-wise, keeping the orders can also lead to Fulke being better prepared for a later confrontation.
Recommendation:
For players aiming to achieve the "best" outcome with Sigurd (where he chooses to stay in England with Eivor), it is strongly recommended to burn the orders. This aligns with the path of earning Sigurd's respect and trust. While keeping the orders might offer a momentary sense of holding valuable intel, the long-term narrative consequence within Valhalla's system of major choices leans towards burning them being the more beneficial decision for Eivor's relationship with Sigurd and the overall clan stability.
