Yes, the online pass is free. But the problem is two fold. First, I downloaded it digitally. So the online pass is included with the download. That by itself isn't a problem (other than no armor), but if you have the stand alone house of valor/online pass DLC, it creates a game breaking glitch and the game won't even load.
I have no idea what to do. I'll probably move along and play the game, but it just sucks. Sad medieval panda.