Rurik is a Viking merchant active in Eastern Europe, tall and strong with messy light red hair. He agrees to guide Ivar’s pursuit party toward Constantinople, using his knowledge of the Neva, Volkhov, and Dnieper river systems. He repeatedly warns against provoking the Pechenegs, but his advice is ignored when Niels kills a rider. He organizes the grueling portaging of the cargo ship over seven dangerous rapids. He is experienced, cautious, and pragmatic, focused on trade and survival.
