This quest begins immediately after Wedding Horns. Now that you’ve secured an alliance with East Anglia after securing king Oswald on the throne, it’s time to report back to Randvi in the longhouse at Ravensthorpe.
Mane and Tail
When you reach the longhouse you’ll hear Holger and Rowan arguing in front of Randvi. Approach Randvi to begin the brief quest Mane and Tail.
When you reach the longhouse you’ll hear Holger and Rowan arguing in front of Randvi. Approach Randvi to hear what all the fuss is about. Randvi will ask you to preside over the dispute, an act which angers Dag, but he’ll soon shuffle off.
Rowan will describe how Holger has a history of using his tools without permission, and now he’s taken the practice too far by using the tail hair from Rowan’s finest horse to make a brush for his painting, taking it without consent. Rowan insists that he be compensated, while Holger mounts an enviable defence of his artistic pursuits.
You’ll need to listen to both sides of the argument from Rowan and Holger before you come to a decision. It doesn’t matter who you decide is in the right, so go with what feels best to you. There will be no significant consequences. You’ll be treated to a brief exchange between Rowan and Holger when the quest completes, so be sure to stick around for that.
Did You Know? Horse hair is so desirable for use in paint brushes due to its smoothness, as Holger articulated, but it is also able to hold more paint for longer. Other applications for its use include stringed instruments, fishing lines, jewellery fittings, upholstery, clothing such as gloves, hats, and scarves, shoe lacing, basket weaving, and even suturing wounds. With all these uses and more, one might begin to see why it was so valuable to Holger!
(1 of 2) Approach Randvi in the longhouse to see what the disturbance is about.
Approach Randvi in the longhouse to see what the disturbance is about. (left), You’ll need to decide who is right between Rowan and Holger. (right)
Report to Randvi
Once you’re done with Rowan and Holger, speak with Randvi behind the throne to complete the quest. At the end of the conversation Randvi will inform you that Svend has unfortunately died in his sleep, and recommends that you check on Tove. This leads to the brief settlement quest Carrying the Torch.