Abelard"Sauerback! How could you have let this happen? An assassination attempt upon the Rogue Trader, in his/her own chambers, right under the noses of your enforcers?" A fierce growl rumbles deep in Abelard's throat.
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Entry point 2 of 8
NPCThe Master-at-Arms radiates grim fury — her eyes are dark, her lips pursed. With a practised hand, she removes the maul from her belt and offers it to you. "An unforgivable error. I accept full responsibility and ask for due punishment."
YOU"I want an explanation, not vain self-chastisement. Put that weapon away and report."
NPCSauerback hesitates for a moment before putting the maul away. "Understood, Lord Captain. Reporting."
NPC"All adjacent decks have been isolated. We have begun our search for the culprit, and have set up investigation headquarters on the officers' deck. The substance has been analysed and confirmed to be blood containing traces of major mutations. While it poses no risk of infection to Your Lordship/Ladyship, the very presence of such genetic aberration on board is a serious threat to the safety of the ship and must be addressed promptly. Once word of this gets out, many among the crew will surely see it as a brazen challenge to your status as Rogue Trader."
YOU"What genetic aberration?"
NPC"The heresy of mutation. Mutants are vicious beasts who sow only ruin and death. They are devoid of all humanity, and the vile blood that runs through their veins feeds their unclean thoughts and urges. Numerous accounts speak of entire colonies falling prey to bloody uprisings staged by these creatures, all because their governors were too squeamish to order genetic purges."
YOU"What genetic aberration?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could this have been an assassination attempt?"
NPC"Then they would have filled the bath with acid or poison instead. There are easier ways to kill someone than drowning them in blood, as foul as that blood may be."
YOU"What genetic aberration?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could this have been an assassination attempt?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do next?"
NPCAs one, every enforcer present gets on their knees. "Lord Captain, this incident has cast a shadow on our honour. We only ask for one thing: a chance to absolve ourselves of our guilt. Allow me to head to the officers' deck at once so that I may lead the investigation personally."
YOU"I will handle the investigation myself. If they wish to challenge me, then I shall take matters into my own hands."
NPCYou see a look of horror in Sauerback's eyes. "Lord Captain, I implore you! This was my mistake. If you rectify it for me, I will be disgraced."
YOU"Could it ever be a disgrace to face a challenge shoulder to shoulder with your lord/lady?"
NPC"I... had not considered it like that. Your resolve is commendable."
NPC"I will await your arrival at the headquarters on the officers' deck to brief you on our current progress."
end of branch
YOU"Consider it my whim. I have always wished to participate in a real inquest!"
NPCSauerback's expression darkens. "I shall strive to satisfy your... curiosity."
NPC"I will await your arrival at the headquarters on the officers' deck to brief you on our current progress."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You dare protest against my will? You should count yourself fortunate I have not yet had you thrown you out of an airlock for this blunder!"
NPCShe bows even lower, as if hoping to find her trampled pride beneath your boot. "I beg your forgiveness, Lord Captain, and I thank you for your mercy."
NPC"I will await your arrival at the headquarters on the officers' deck to brief you on our current progress."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"On second thought, it might be interesting to see you at work. I think that is what I will do."
NPC"Of course, Lord Captain. I will arrange for an area befitting your status to be prepared on the officers' deck."
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YOU"Very well. In that case, I will take no part in this investigation. Notify me once you have found the culprit."
NPC"I will not fail you. We will find and eliminate any and all threats, Lord Captain."
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YOU"I am curious to see the Master-at-Arms in action. I will preside over the investigation."
NPC"Of course, Lord Captain. I will arrange for an area befitting your status to be prepared on the officers' deck."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I want answers. I will take no part in this investigation — notify me once you have found the culprit."
NPC"Do I understand correctly that Your Lordship/Ladyship does not wish to oversee the course of the investigation?"
YOU"Indeed. Now get to work."
NPC"I will not fail you. We will find and eliminate any and all threats, Lord Captain."
end of branch
YOU"On second thought, it might be interesting to see you at work. I think that is what I will do."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have changed my mind. I will take charge of this investigation myself."
NPCSauerback's expression darkens. "I shall strive to satisfy your... curiosity."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Abelard"That is precisely what Lady Theodora would have done: entrust the matter to her faithful servants. However, I would still advise you to observe the Master-at-Arms at work, Lord Captain — it may prove enlightening."
NPC"Should the Lord Captain wish to monitor the investigation, my people and I would consider it an honour."
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Abelard"Lord Captain, on a previous occasion, it was your intervention that resolved a matter that my own rigidity had only succeeded in making worse. With all due respect to Mistress Sauerback, perhaps she would benefit from your fresh perspective."
NPC"Seneschal! Do you think so little of me that you would rob me of a chance to defend my honour?"
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NPC(sequence)
CassiaCassia shudders. "I beg to differ. Were something of this sort to happen to me, my heart would surely stop."
end of branch
YOU"What do you intend to do next?"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Idira"You don't say! I wonder why somebody we don't consider human and exterminate by the thousands would think to revolt. What a crazy mystery."
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Heinrix"Alas, the Imperium's enemies are not limited only to those outside its borders. Mutants can become a considerable threat, especially when given the chance to organise."
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Argenta"The heretics have revealed themselves and are eager to fight? Then fight we shall! Let the vessel be purged of their filth!"
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Solomorne"Sometimes, it falls to the Arbites to conduct such purges — mutants on lower hive levels breed quickly and often become a threat to the stability of the entire planet." The Proctor raises his iron hand to his face. "I know only too well what these miscreants are capable of."
end of branch
YOU"Could this have been an assassination attempt?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Everyone makes mistakes. I pardon you."
NPCSauerback hesitates for a moment before putting the maul away. "Our approaches to discipline differ radically. You are too magnanimous, Lord Captain. In that case, I will give my report."
NPC"All adjacent decks have been isolated. We have begun our search for the culprit, and have set up investigation headquarters on the officers' deck. The substance has been analysed and confirmed to be blood containing traces of major mutations. While it poses no risk of infection to Your Lordship/Ladyship, the very presence of such genetic aberration on board is a serious threat to the safety of the ship and must be addressed promptly. Once word of this gets out, many among the crew will surely see it as a brazen challenge to your status as Rogue Trader."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Take the maul and beat Sauerback with it]
NPCSauerback clenches her teeth through every one of your blows. Not a single sound escapes her throat, not even when the maul's steel head breaks her nose and splits open her lips. After you finish, she receives her weapon back and bows, all the while maintaining the same impeccable bearing.
NPC"Thank you, Lord Captain. Requesting permission to report."
NPC"All adjacent decks have been isolated. We have begun our search for the culprit, and have set up investigation headquarters on the officers' deck. The substance has been analysed and confirmed to be blood containing traces of major mutations. While it poses no risk of infection to Your Lordship/Ladyship, the very presence of such genetic aberration on board is a serious threat to the safety of the ship and must be addressed promptly. Once word of this gets out, many among the crew will surely see it as a brazen challenge to your status as Rogue Trader."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Marazhai"Such a good, obedient mon-keigh! Go on, [Name]. Do not deny the rest of us the pleasure of watching."