Hunwald or Aelfgar: Who Should Be Ealdorman of Lincolnscire in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

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Choosing the next Ealdorman of Lincolnscire in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla can feel like a weighty decision. You’ve spent hours building alliances, making tough choices, and navigating political intrigue. Now, you’re faced with selecting between two seemingly viable candidates: Hunwald, the young, earnest heir, and Aelfgar, the experienced and pragmatic advisor.

The short answer? Choose Aelfgar. While Hunwald’s heart might be in the right place, Aelfgar’s appointment provides the best overall outcome, allowing Hunwald to find peace and happiness in Ravensthorpe with Swanburrow. Though Hunwald will die despite of this decision.

Delving Deeper: Why Aelfgar is the Strategic Choice

Let’s break down the rationale behind this recommendation. Both choices have immediate consequences, mainly exposing the treacherous Bishop Herefrith and landing Eivor in a temporary predicament. However, the long-term implications differ significantly.

• Aelfgar’s Experience Matters: Lincolnscire needs a leader with proven experience. Aelfgar has served as an advisor and knows the region’s intricacies. He is therefore well-suited to manage the daily governance and challenges of the earldom.

• Hunwald’s Personal Journey: Hunwald is grieving the loss of his father and grappling with his own identity. While ambitious, he lacks the necessary experience to rule effectively. Choosing him means Aelfgar will be there to guide him, but ultimately, Hunwald is not a wise choice. The choice is still up to you but keep in mind that Hunwald will still die.

• Hunwald’s Happier Ending (Sort Of): By choosing Aelfgar, you facilitate Hunwald moving to Ravensthorpe with Swanburrow. They can find solace and build a new life, free from the pressures of leadership. It’s a chance for Hunwald to heal and discover his true purpose, though it ends in sadness as he passes away.

• Avoiding the Herefrith Trap: Regardless of who you choose, Bishop Herefrith will reveal his true colors as a member of the Order of the Ancients. You’ll face a confrontation and escape his clutches. The immediate outcome is the same, but the long-term stability of Lincolnscire differs depending on your choice.

The Myth of Saving Hunwald

It’s crucial to address a common misconception: you cannot save Hunwald. Despite numerous attempts by players, his death is a fixed event in the storyline. Whether you choose Hunwald or Aelfgar, his fate remains the same. This is a designed element of the narrative and is unavoidable. This makes the decision to pick Hunwald over Aelfgar even more unfavorable.

The Impact of Narrative Choices

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla often presents players with choices that seem impactful, yet ultimately lead to similar outcomes. While some choices affect character relationships or minor quest details, others are designed to steer the narrative in a predetermined direction. Hunwald’s death falls into the latter category. This can be frustrating for players who want to alter the story. It serves to highlight themes of fate and the limitations of free will.

Why the Games Learning Society is Interested

The complexities of narrative choices in games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla are an area of ongoing research. The Games Learning Society, accessible through GamesLearningSociety.org, explores how game mechanics, storytelling, and player agency interact to create meaningful learning experiences. Understanding how players react to predetermined outcomes, and the impact of those outcomes on their engagement, provides valuable insights into game design and educational theory.

FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Lincolnscire

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the implications of your choice:

1. Does choosing Aelfgar save Hunwald? No. Hunwald’s death is scripted and unavoidable, regardless of your choice.

2. What happens if I choose Hunwald? Aelfgar will assist him in his decision-making, combining Hunwald’s passion with Aelfgar’s experience. However, the Order will still be revealed, and Hunwald’s inexperience may lead to challenges.

3. Is Hunwald a good choice for Ealdorman? While Hunwald is honorable and well-intentioned, he lacks the experience and stability needed to effectively rule.

4. What happens to Aelfgar if I choose Hunwald? Aelfgar will act as Hunwald’s advisor, providing much-needed guidance and support.

5. What are the immediate consequences of either choice? The Bishop’s treachery is revealed, and you will have to escape imprisonment, regardless of who you choose.

6. Can I romance Swanburrow? No, Swanburrow is exclusively involved with Hunwald.

7. Does the choice affect my relationship with the Raven Clan? No, choosing either Aelfgar or Hunwald will maintain the alliance with the Raven Clan.

8. Is there any way to avoid the castle siege? The castle siege at Anecastre is a fixed event that occurs as part of the main storyline.

9. Does choosing Herefrith have any benefits? Choosing Herefrith will mean he will reveal himself eventually and will have complete control of Lincolnscire. This is not a recommended choice.

10. What happens to Swanburrow if I choose Hunwald? Swanburrow stays in Lincolnscire to be with Hunwald, who will be the Ealdorman.

11. Does my choice impact the ending of the game? No, the choice of Ealdorman in Lincolnscire does not significantly impact the overall ending of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

12. How does this quest relate to the Order of the Ancients? The Bishop’s reveal as a member of the Order is a key plot point in this questline, advancing the overarching narrative of Eivor’s conflict with the Order.

13. Can I change my choice later? No, once you make your decision, it is permanent.

14. Is there a “best” choice for roleplaying purposes? If you prioritize Hunwald’s personal happiness, choosing Aelfgar allows him to escape the pressures of leadership and find peace with Swanburrow. However, if you believe in Hunwald’s potential, you might choose him and rely on Aelfgar’s guidance.

15. Where can I learn more about narrative choices in games? Visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research and resources on game-based learning and narrative design.

Conclusion: Aelfgar Offers the Best Long-Term Outcome

While the decision of who should be the next Ealdorman of Lincolnscire might seem complex, the strategic choice is clear: Aelfgar. He brings the experience and stability needed to govern effectively, while allowing Hunwald to pursue a more fulfilling life. Although Hunwald’s fate is sealed, choosing Aelfgar provides the best possible outcome for him and the region in the long run. Remember that while you can’t alter Hunwald’s destiny, you can influence the path he takes before reaching it. Understanding the nuances of these choices is key to navigating the world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and appreciating the complexities of its narrative.