The Blade Itself

Content Warning: This section of the guide features references to suicide, suicidal ideation, domestic abuse, and enslavement.

A barbarian named Logen Ninefingers flees from the pursuing beasts known as the Shanka. He kills one, but another attacks, and together the two plunge over a cliff. Logen clings to a tree root, a creature called a “Flathead” dangling from his leg. It sinks its teeth into his calf. With his hand slipping from the tree root, Logen flings himself out into the void. As the Flathead smashes against the rocks, Logen falls into the raging river below.

Logen survives the fall and crawls out of the river, nursing his wounds. With the woods still full of Shanka, his best option is to head into the mountains, but he needs provisions to survive the cold. He decides to go back to his camp to retrieve his boots and other supplies. The camp bears signs of battle, but his possessions are still intact—boots, cloak, blanket, backpack, and cook pot. He fears for the fate of his companions, but he can only save himself now.