A Rivalry for the Ages was a virtual representation of one of Eivor Varinsdottir's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.
Description[]
Octavian asked Eivor to help him recover a statue of a Roman legionnaire by a fellow collector in Lunden.
Dialogue[]
- Octavian: Eivor, have you ever been in Love?
- Eivor: Why do you ask?
- Octavian: I wonder if you know the feeling of having your very heart pulled from your chest as it pursues the elusive object of your desire? I wonder if you have ever known the bitter agony of seeing your beloved in the arms of another? I have known such a pain. And Maximus was its source.
- Eivor: One of your lovers?
- Octavian: O gods, no! No no no! Maximus is a snake and a leech! A slime-encrusted bloodsucking viper of a man! He stole from me my beloved ... a perfectly-preserved statue of a legionnaire. It is all I desire in this world. Last I heard, Maximus was holed up in and around Lunden. Holding my beloved captive, leering and pawing at it no doubt! If you should ever see him, give him my regards. By that, I mean spit on him, then recover my statue!
Eivor traveled to Lunden and acquired the statue, then returned to Ravensthorpe.
- Eivor: Octavian... I have something that may interest you.
- Octavian: Hm?
- Eivor: Maximilian sends his regards.
- Octavian: What? He... he gave this to you? That perfect little wretch, how did he bring himself to part with it?
- Eivor: Ask no questions, hear no lies. I only hope you enjoy it. And that neither of us have to see that man again.
- Octavian: O, thank you, Eivor! Thank you!
Outcome[]
Eivor recovered the Roman legionnaire statue for Octavian.
Behind the scenes[]
Maximilian's character model is randomly generated, at times appearing with a beard in fashionable attire, or a balding man in blue robes, or another design altogether. As well, the mission description provided and Osbert himself names him as "Maximus", despite two notes referring to the man as "Maximilian".
Eivor can obtain the statue by buying it, convincing Maximilian to give it, or by stealing it. If Eivor stole it, Maximilian would send this message to Octavian:
- Maximilian's Accusations:
Do you think I would not know it was you, OSBERT (O yes, I know your true name)? Sending your little minion after me to pilfer a statue? How typical of you.
Yet despite your disrespect, I will not seek restitution. For if you must stoop so low as to steal from me to enrich your own paltry collection, then I do believe that my superiority is already proven. You are pathethic!
Maximilian
P.S. You reek of piss, as does your brutish associate.