NPCYour twin leers back. With razor-sharp teeth, his/her grin rips open your mind, and a primal dread slithers in through the gap. It is a terror woven into the genes of every living thing, the paralysing fear of the natural predator of one's species. There is nothing human in the smile emanating from that face you know so well.
YOU[Smile at the impostor] "I do not fear you."
YOU"Get. Off. My. Throne."
NPC(sequence)
MarazhaiMarazhai's face splits into a grin as he casts you a mocking look. "A sore spot with you, is it not?"
end of branch
NPCA rumbling growl shudders through every nerve ending in your body. It is the roar of a beast defending its territory. The throne is no longer yours. It was never yours in the first place.
YOU[Smile at the impostor] "I do not fear you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Get. Off. My. Throne."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you?"
NPCThe whispers grow stronger, conjuring visions of strange worlds inhabited by unthinkable creatures... Or is it a single creature? It has Unity, Meaning, Purpose, and Perfection. It is magnificent, and next to it, you are nothing.
YOU[Smile at the impostor] "I do not fear you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Get. Off. My. Throne."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you are a sentient creature, then you are also capable of negotiating, are you not?"
NPCThere is a strange... allure to the whispers. You begin to glimpse vague yet intriguing images — images of glorious victories and meaningful service, of a truly worthy goal, and of companions bound to you by the seal of genetic sameness. The angelic song enters into your dreams, revealing astounding truths.
YOU[Smile at the impostor] "I do not fear you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Get. Off. My. Throne."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you are a sentient creature, then you are also capable of negotiating, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give up the futile struggle] "You know... that unity of yours does not sound so bad after all. I think I am ready to accept it."
NPCThe doppelganger's eyes grow wider and deeper, like twin purple lakes. You step into them, and the Meaning begins to permeate every fibre of your being. You dive head-first into the bliss, never to come out again.
end of branch
YOU"Your very existence offends the Emperor. In His name, I cast you down into the abyss!"
NPCA ripple of dissonance runs through the chorus of voices as they screech in anger, vexation, defiance. The song no longer carries a sense of overpowering superiority.
NPCThe bridge shudders as a crushing roar billows across it. Behind the facade of that leering face, you glimpse the monstrous shadow — the shadow in the void that wants only to devour you.
end of branch
YOU"I have done the impossible before, and soon, your death will become simply another page in the chronicle of my deeds."
NPCYour heart feels strangely calm. It seems that performing feats of heroism has become second nature to you.
NPCA ripple of dissonance runs through the chorus of voices as they screech in anger, vexation, defiance. The song no longer carries a sense of overpowering superiority.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, there is a vile creature sitting on my throne. Get rid of it."
AbelardThe Seneschal adjusts his grip on his weapon and growls, "Only one man/woman may sit on the throne of the Rogue Trader, and that is [Name] von Valancius. Wretched pretenders, craven xenos, enemies of Humanity — their only rightful place is in a pool of blood at the lord/lady of the dynasty's feet!"
NPCThe bridge shudders as a crushing roar billows across it. Behind the facade of that leering face, you glimpse the monstrous shadow — the shadow in the void that wants only to devour you.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will end you, xenos."
NPCThe bridge shudders as a crushing roar billows across it. Behind the facade of that leering face, you glimpse the monstrous shadow — the shadow in the void that wants only to devour you.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give up the futile struggle] "You know... that unity of yours does not sound so bad after all. I think I am ready to accept it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your very existence offends the Emperor. In His name, I cast you down into the abyss!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have done the impossible before, and soon, your death will become simply another page in the chronicle of my deeds."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, there is a vile creature sitting on my throne. Get rid of it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will end you, xenos."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you are a sentient creature, then you are also capable of negotiating, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give up the futile struggle] "You know... that unity of yours does not sound so bad after all. I think I am ready to accept it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your very existence offends the Emperor. In His name, I cast you down into the abyss!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have done the impossible before, and soon, your death will become simply another page in the chronicle of my deeds."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, there is a vile creature sitting on my throne. Get rid of it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will end you, xenos."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you are a sentient creature, then you are also capable of negotiating, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give up the futile struggle] "You know... that unity of yours does not sound so bad after all. I think I am ready to accept it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your very existence offends the Emperor. In His name, I cast you down into the abyss!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have done the impossible before, and soon, your death will become simply another page in the chronicle of my deeds."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, there is a vile creature sitting on my throne. Get rid of it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will end you, xenos."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 15
NPC(no text)
YOU[Smile at the impostor] "I do not fear you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Get. Off. My. Throne."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you are a sentient creature, then you are also capable of negotiating, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give up the futile struggle] "You know... that unity of yours does not sound so bad after all. I think I am ready to accept it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your very existence offends the Emperor. In His name, I cast you down into the abyss!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have done the impossible before, and soon, your death will become simply another page in the chronicle of my deeds."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, there is a vile creature sitting on my throne. Get rid of it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will end you, xenos."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 15
Master Helmsman Ravor(no text)
Master Helmsman Ravor"Lord Cap'n? But if it is you, then who's sitting on the throne?" Ravor turns toward the impostor and recoils with a shout of terror. He reaches for his pistol, but blood begins gushing from his ears and he collapses to the floor.
NPCYour doppelganger remains seated and motionless on the throne, but his/her posture betrays the tension of a predator ready to pounce. He/She catches your gaze, and the vessel of your soul overflows with a cascade of images and feelings. You hear a song, a chorus of countless whispers that weave a tantalising melody. You feel a unity with something great and beautiful. It is bigger than you, bigger than this ship and everyone on it.
YOU[Smile at the impostor] "I do not fear you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Get. Off. My. Throne."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you are a sentient creature, then you are also capable of negotiating, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give up the futile struggle] "You know... that unity of yours does not sound so bad after all. I think I am ready to accept it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your very existence offends the Emperor. In His name, I cast you down into the abyss!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have done the impossible before, and soon, your death will become simply another page in the chronicle of my deeds."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, there is a vile creature sitting on my throne. Get rid of it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will end you, xenos."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 6 of 15
NPC(no text)
NPC(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 7 of 15
NPC(no text)
YOU(no text)
YOU(no text)
YOU(no text)
NPC(sequence)
Heinrix(no text)
end of branch
Idira(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 8 of 15
NPC(no text)
NPC(no text)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 9 of 15
NPC(no text)
YOU(no text)continues where this line first appears above
YOU(no text)continues where this line first appears above
YOU(no text)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 10 of 15
NPC(no text)
NPC(no text)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 11 of 15
NPC(no text)
YOU(no text)continues where this line first appears above
YOU(no text)continues where this line first appears above
YOU(no text)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 12 of 15
Master Helmsman Ravor(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 13 of 15
NPCThe doppelganger peers into your smile. Displeased. Concerned. From the imperious look in his/her eyes, he/she expects submission, but there is no submission or fear in you. And this inspires terror.
YOU[Smile at the impostor] "I do not fear you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Get. Off. My. Throne."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you are a sentient creature, then you are also capable of negotiating, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give up the futile struggle] "You know... that unity of yours does not sound so bad after all. I think I am ready to accept it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your very existence offends the Emperor. In His name, I cast you down into the abyss!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have done the impossible before, and soon, your death will become simply another page in the chronicle of my deeds."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, there is a vile creature sitting on my throne. Get rid of it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will end you, xenos."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 14 of 15
NPC(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 15 of 15
NPCAn exact copy of you sits on the throne, a sinister double, crawled into this reality from behind the looking glass. His/Her gaze meets yours, and the world expands sharply, crushing you with an overwhelming sense of your own insignificance. From somewhere far away, across millions of light years, a god is looking at you through those eyes. He sees you and he is hungry — insatiably, unquenchably so.
NPC(sequence)
NPCHis very presence is unbearable — it washes over your mind, twisting and crushing it. You feel a wet crack inside your skull, and blood comes pouring out of your eyes and nose.
end of branch
NPCSomething starts scratching at the walls of your mind, making you ill.
end of branch
NPCYou hear stifled groans behind you. Even standing near this entity is torturous for anyone who possesses psychic powers.
end of branch
Master Helmsman RavorYou are snapped out of your stupor by Ravor's harsh bellow. The Master Helmsman's eyes are empty, his pale lips curling in fury. "Not one step further, voidscum! I sentence you to death for endangering the Lord Captain's safety!"
YOU"Mia, Nemi, have you betrayed me too?"
Nemi MontegNemi shakes her head. "Betrayal of false believers is not treason. We have heard the Sire's song throughout our entire lives. Our blood is pure. We bring liberation."
Mia MontegHolding you at gunpoint, Mia casts an annoyed glance at Nemi. "Don't speak with the heretic, you idiot!"
YOU"I do not wish to kill you."
Nemi Monteg"Then put down your weapons and accept death, heretic. The Sire will reap, and we shall be his sickles!" The girl's eyes burn with a fanatic zeal.
YOU"Mia, Nemi, have you betrayed me too?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Invade Ravor's mind and shatter the psychic bonds]
NPCWith a tremendous mental effort, you pry open the invisible jaws locked on Ravor's mind. You only manage to hold the unknown entity's monstrous power back for an instant, but it is enough to free your helmsman's consciousness from its prison.
Master Helmsman Ravor"Lord Cap'n? But if it is you, then who's sitting on the throne?" Ravor turns toward the impostor and recoils with a shout of terror. He reaches for his pistol, but blood begins gushing from his ears and he collapses to the floor.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is the Master Helmsman's duty never to deviate from the charted route. You have veered far off course, Ravor. Your hands should be holding the wheel, not pointing a weapon at your Lord Captain."
Master Helmsman RavorThis simple truth, known to any and all voidsmen, causes something in Ravor's mind to click. "I have... veered off? Blast me in the back with plasma torpedoes, who's watching the readings? And why am I aiming this thing at..."
Master Helmsman Ravor"Lord Cap'n? But if it is you, then who's sitting on the throne?" Ravor turns toward the impostor and recoils with a shout of terror. He reaches for his pistol, but blood begins gushing from his ears and he collapses to the floor.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ravor, you saw me fall to the lower decks in that elevator with your own eyes."
Master Helmsman Ravor"Groxshit! The Lord Captain never left the bridge. We dropped the elevator to keep the mutineers out!"
YOU"Mia, Nemi, have you betrayed me too?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Invade Ravor's mind and shatter the psychic bonds]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is the Master Helmsman's duty never to deviate from the charted route. You have veered far off course, Ravor. Your hands should be holding the wheel, not pointing a weapon at your Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ravor, you saw me fall to the lower decks in that elevator with your own eyes."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wound Ravor] "You are not yourself. I must stop you for your own good."
Master Helmsman RavorRavor tries to catch you in his sights, but falls to the deck before he can steady his hand. There is bloody foam bubbling from his mouth. "No! The Lord Captain is in danger! I must... protect..." He stops, his chest rising and falling heavily. He is badly wounded, but he will live if he receives help soon.
NPCYour doppelganger remains seated and motionless on the throne, but his/her posture betrays the tension of a predator ready to pounce. He/She catches your gaze, and the vessel of your soul overflows with a cascade of images and feelings. You hear a song, a chorus of countless whispers that weave a tantalising melody. You feel a unity with something great and beautiful. It is bigger than you, bigger than this ship and everyone on it.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Ravor] "Out of my way, fool!"
Master Helmsman RavorRavor tries to catch you in his sights, but falls to the deck before he can steady his hand. There is bloody foam bubbling from his mouth. "No! The Lord Captain is in danger! I must... protect..." He stops, his chest rising and falling heavily. He is badly wounded, but he will live if he receives help soon.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wound Ravor] "You are not yourself. I must stop you for your own good."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Ravor] "Out of my way, fool!"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
ArgentaArgenta looks at the girl with visible sadness. She whispers a silent prayer, then clenches her weapon so hard that the knuckles on her hand turn white.
end of branch
YOU"You carry xenos blood in you. Expect no mercy."
Nemi Monteg"We don't want your mercy. The Sire will reap his harvest, and we won't shame him with our cowardice!" The girl's eyes burn with a fanatic zeal.
YOU"Mia, Nemi, have you betrayed me too?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Invade Ravor's mind and shatter the psychic bonds]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is the Master Helmsman's duty never to deviate from the charted route. You have veered far off course, Ravor. Your hands should be holding the wheel, not pointing a weapon at your Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ravor, you saw me fall to the lower decks in that elevator with your own eyes."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wound Ravor] "You are not yourself. I must stop you for your own good."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Ravor] "Out of my way, fool!"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I owe Einrich a bullet in the forehead. Your deaths will simply be a nice bonus."
Nemi Monteg"You won't hurt him, heretic! The Sire won't let you! I won't let you!" The girl's eyes burn with a fanatic zeal.
YOU"Mia, Nemi, have you betrayed me too?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Invade Ravor's mind and shatter the psychic bonds]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is the Master Helmsman's duty never to deviate from the charted route. You have veered far off course, Ravor. Your hands should be holding the wheel, not pointing a weapon at your Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ravor, you saw me fall to the lower decks in that elevator with your own eyes."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wound Ravor] "You are not yourself. I must stop you for your own good."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Ravor] "Out of my way, fool!"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Invade Ravor's mind and shatter the psychic bonds]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is the Master Helmsman's duty never to deviate from the charted route. You have veered far off course, Ravor. Your hands should be holding the wheel, not pointing a weapon at your Lord Captain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ravor, you saw me fall to the lower decks in that elevator with your own eyes."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wound Ravor] "You are not yourself. I must stop you for your own good."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Ravor] "Out of my way, fool!"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Abelard"Master Helmsman, are you out of your mind? The Rogue Trader stands before you! Step aside before I shoot you for treason and insubordination!"
Master Helmsman Ravor"No, Abelard. The Rogue Trader sits upon the throne, and you dare drag this reactor sludge onto the bridge! You must have grown senile in your old age, Seneschal, if you cannot even distinguish His Lordship/Her Ladyship from an impostor." Ravor shakes his head, a trickle of blood running from his ear.
end of branch
Heinrix"Either infected, or exposed to a psychic influence. Both cases call for immediate termination."
end of branch
IdiraIdira doubles over, attempting to shield herself from your doppelganger with both arms. "It has latched onto him, grinding his thoughts like a millstone! What is this monster? Don't look, don't look!"
end of branch
Nemi MontegAmong the mutineers by the throne, you spot a dishevelled woman and a teenage girl with a short haircut. You recognise the Infernus Master's sister and niece, Nemi and Mia. Their faces are no longer friendly, but twisted with determination and hatred.