KibellahNone of them are steeped in corruption, and so the sweetness of trespassing still intoxicates them. Their minds are captivated by how close they have come to the forbidden. They have not earned an immediate execution... not yet. But do they deserve to be saved? Why save them at all?
KibellahTwisted faces and bestial snouts. Stench and spittle bursting from open mouths. Staring eyes, clenched fists, hair standing on end... They are smothering me with their mass, pressing, demanding, lamenting, complaining... They are ugly in their offence, and like all offenders, they yearn to be punished.
YOU[Look Rapier in the eye]
RapierShe is fragile, but there is a strength in her, an authority, taken for granted and understood by everyone. She is clearly ready to command, with legions willing to die for such maidens, beautiful and resolute as they are. She carries no banner in her hand, for she herself is the banner.
YOU[Look Rapier in the eye]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Sense the fetid stench of blasphemy]
YOU[Appeal to Domin'[Name] loudly and exigently]
KibellahBut the noise around me drowns out my own thoughts and stops me from focusing on image.
YOU[Look Rapier in the eye]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Sense the fetid stench of blasphemy]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Appeal to Domin'[Name] loudly and exigently]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Death will claim you all, but not today — unless you are truly keen to meet its embrace."
KibellahThe crowd falls silent as the sacred promise of death reminds them just how precious the gift of life is.
KibellahAt last, I perceive a glint of understanding and willingness to listen on their pale faces. I point to Furnace, Rot, and Rapier, and I know that no words are necessary as the crowd speaks out for me: "Traitors!"
KibellahA hoarse shriek rises above their heads: "Strike down the heretics!" Within moments, the raging mob begins tearing, punching, and trampling the three seditionists, reducing them to nothing but a mass of flesh and bone. This is wrong! I need them alive!
YOU[Stop the mob justice]
KibellahThe crowd is too enraged, stunned by their fury. Fists rise and fall, each time with more and more blood on them.
YOU[Stop the mob justice]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Put my blades to work]
KibellahIt is too late. The crowd is too enraged to fear any more violence. It thirsts for blood, and those I wound scream with ecstasy, glorying in their agony.
KibellahEverything ends quickly and bloodily. This delicate flesh cannot withstand the rage of those who have realised that they were almost sent to their execution.
end of branch
YOU"Sauerback! Monteg! Assist me!"
KibellahMy words are drowned out by the bellowing of men looking to kill. I look for those who volunteered to assist me, but they are nowhere to be found.
KibellahEverything ends quickly and bloodily. This delicate flesh cannot withstand the rage of those who have realised that they were almost sent to their execution.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Silently watch the Undying One's foes perish]
KibellahEverything ends quickly and bloodily. This delicate flesh cannot withstand the rage of those who have realised that they were almost sent to their execution.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Put my blades to work]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sauerback! Monteg! Assist me!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Silently watch the Undying One's foes perish]continues where this line first appears above
KibellahThe crowd does not answer. They do not hear me. The sacred promise of death no longer moves them, for they have fallen under the enemy's spell.
KibellahThey surround me, threatening, pointing fingers, cursing. They dare not strike, not yet... But already their enormous bulk presses down upon me as the smell of blood in the air grows thicker by the minute.
YOU"Stop! You are committing treason!"
KibellahThey hear me no more. They cannot, for the poison of disobedience has utterly filled their minds.
YOU"Stop! You are committing treason!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Stand firm and do not resist]
KibellahThe crowd presses forward, harder and harder. My breath is growing short, my bones are crunching. Somebody is screaming in my face... I endure the stench.
YOU"Stop! You are committing treason!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Stand firm and do not resist]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sauerback! Monteg! Assist me!"
KibellahMy words are drowned out by the bellowing of men looking to kill. I look for those who volunteered to assist me, but they are nowhere to be found.
YOU"Stop! You are committing treason!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Stand firm and do not resist]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sauerback! Monteg! Assist me!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Lose myself in the dance of blood]
KibellahI can bear it no longer. The blades in my hands sing, and blood streaks across astonished faces. I am done speaking and exhorting — I merely dance on the thread that I have spun. I bestow death and blessed wounds. I catch a glimpse of Rapier's cloven face and Furnace's open belly. Rot's severed hand falls at my feet, and its owner flees howling. I dance, and breathe, so freely!
end of branch
YOU[Lose myself in the dance of blood]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sauerback! Monteg! Assist me!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Lose myself in the dance of blood]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Stand firm and do not resist]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sauerback! Monteg! Assist me!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Lose myself in the dance of blood]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Bare one of my blades] "Do you wish to die? I swear that anyone who follows the mutineers will perish this day!"
KibellahThe crowd falls silent as the sacred promise of death reminds them just how precious the gift of life is.continues where this line first appears above
KibellahThe crowd does not answer. They do not hear me. The sacred promise of death no longer moves them, for they have fallen under the enemy's spell.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use my throwing knife to take an idle swipe at Rapier's face] "Seal your lips, heretic."
KibellahFaced with the blade, all the strength and authority have been erased from her features. The crowd looks on in horror at the one whom, just moments ago, they had been willing to die for. They have seen how easily her power was overthrown, and they are seized with fear.
KibellahAt last, I perceive a glint of understanding and willingness to listen on their pale faces. I point to Furnace, Rot, and Rapier, and I know that no words are necessary as the crowd speaks out for me: "Traitors!"continues where this line first appears above
KibellahThe spilt blood becomes the tipping point. The crowd erupts into cries. They no longer hear me, for the enemy has them in their grasp.
KibellahThey surround me, threatening, pointing fingers, cursing. They dare not strike, not yet... But already their enormous bulk presses down upon me as the smell of blood in the air grows thicker by the minute.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Death will claim you all, but not today — unless you are truly keen to meet its embrace."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Bare one of my blades] "Do you wish to die? I swear that anyone who follows the mutineers will perish this day!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use my throwing knife to take an idle swipe at Rapier's face] "Seal your lips, heretic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Sense the fetid stench of blasphemy]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Appeal to Domin'[Name] loudly and exigently]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Death will claim you all, but not today — unless you are truly keen to meet its embrace."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Bare one of my blades] "Do you wish to die? I swear that anyone who follows the mutineers will perish this day!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use my throwing knife to take an idle swipe at Rapier's face] "Seal your lips, heretic."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 2 of 3
KibellahThat tantalising, elusive scent of rage... It is more than a stench. It is a tool. The weapon of the despicable trio, which they use to influence the minds of the laity. Invisibly intoxicating their minds!
KibellahThe crowd reeks of flowering treason. I delve down to its root and realise what it is that rejects His will so: His sacred privilege is being attacked. He alone chooses who may journey to Him, but these three... instigators, they are determined to make this decision for themselves, dragging the souls of all around into the fires of violence with them.
KibellahThey are impudent upstarts who have put themselves above Him... and above me, the Second Spinner of the Bloodspun Web, His chosen servant. The realisation of such audacity burns my very soul.
YOU[Look Rapier in the eye]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Sense the fetid stench of blasphemy]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Appeal to Domin'[Name] loudly and exigently]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Death will claim you all, but not today — unless you are truly keen to meet its embrace."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Bare one of my blades] "Do you wish to die? I swear that anyone who follows the mutineers will perish this day!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use my throwing knife to take an idle swipe at Rapier's face] "Seal your lips, heretic."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 3
KibellahThe laypeople press in from all sides, pushing and shoving. Their faces are ablaze with terror and rage, and a violent energy boils through the mass of bodies. This power will be difficult to contain — frightened people are dangerous people. The hunt was meant to go differently, but such is the Undying One's will.
FurnaceOne voice rises above the others, the voice of a burly, bearded technomat, low as the roar of a furnace. Furnace smells of sweat and sacred unguents. He is not afraid, he merely pretends to be. Beneath the shudder of terror, I hear excitement. "Do we deserve to be executed, my brothers and sisters? Have we not laboured with the sweat of our brow? Have we not perished from the outbursts of raging machine spirits? Why do they call us rebels? Why are we being punished?" Furnace's words make the crowd seethe even more.
YOU[Take a closer look at Furnace]
FurnaceStrong. Heavy. Enormous hands whose blows should be feared. A great belly that has become a symbol of his success. He does not starve, so those who follow him will not starve either. A powerful leader, recognised by the whole pack.
YOU[Take a closer look at Furnace]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Feel the flowing rage of these poor wretches]
KibellahThe flame burns high, for there is strong fuel at its heart. These people have amassed many grievances. The enforcers are cruel to them, for they believe that fear eradicates treason. The officers despise them, for their clothes and hands are filthy. The quartermasters rob them and withhold what is owed to them, for their clan is not strong enough to make demands. They are vulnerable. Their hearts are vulnerable. The Undying One commands us to spin a web to catch such hearts before they plunge into the abyss of treason. And so, I am spinning the web.
KibellahBut there is something else mixed into their righteous indignation, something that taunts them, excites them, angers them. It is something foul, hovering in the air. Aberration.
YOU[Take a closer look at Furnace]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Feel the flowing rage of these poor wretches]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Think about Domin'[Name]]
KibellahI turn my thoughts to , for it is people that are standing before me. What would do, the one whose thread I anoint with my blood?
YOU"Which of you was it that dared call the Lord Captain's judgement unfair? I demand to see the accuser."
KibellahThey grow still, as though a sheet of ice had formed on the roiling surface of a water tank. No one dares to be the One Whose Name Is Spoken. No one dares to leave the crowd and lose the protection of anonymity.
Rot"Why are you surprised? Have the officers ever treated us otherwise?" A new voice, sandpaper-rough, tears through the rumbling of the crowd. Its owner is ragged and filthy, and a feverish gleam burns in his eyes. His words inflame the people's minds, like rot feasting upon a wound. Rot cries out mockingly, "That's because you're afraid of them, but they're not afraid of you!"
Rot"They have the almighty baton. All you have is the source of the power that feeds the whole ship. Why shouldn't they take you for granted? It serves you right, you cowards!" His ugly shriek spills like venom upon the sweating faces as they slowly draw closer and closer.
YOU[Sense the smell hanging over the crowd]
KibellahI take a deep breath, and something stupefying, noxious, and luscious disturbs my senses. This is no ordinary odour, but something subtle and... foul. It carries the same stench as Rot.
KibellahSkinny and scrawny, Rot leers at me with his gaping mouth. He is a nobody who has nothing. His body has wasted away from disease. His hands are five fingers short. His fate is sealed. And that makes him convincing: everyone knows he has nothing to gain for himself, and thus no reason to lie. His poverty is his armour.
YOU[Sense the smell hanging over the crowd]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Turn my thoughts to Domin'[Name]]
KibellahI address the one who commands these people and who possesses the authority to execute and pardon. Am I to hear thoughts?
YOU"The Domin takes care of all, for such is burden. But cannot save everyone."
Rot" only cares about flunkies!" The bile spraying from Rot's mouth sizzles in the workers' minds like acid. It is burning them through.
Rapier"We will not commit rebellion, but we will not allow ourselves be slaughtered by villains, either. The law and the Emperor are on our side!" A young woman steps forth, slender and supple like a rapier. "If they want to crush us with the fear of death, let them kill us: it will only prove our righteousness!" The ringing call is a command, pressing itself into their hearts. The foul stench of sacrilege almost knocks me off my feet.
YOU[Look Rapier in the eye]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Sense the fetid stench of blasphemy]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Appeal to Domin'[Name] loudly and exigently]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Death will claim you all, but not today — unless you are truly keen to meet its embrace."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Bare one of my blades] "Do you wish to die? I swear that anyone who follows the mutineers will perish this day!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Use my throwing knife to take an idle swipe at Rapier's face] "Seal your lips, heretic."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your seditious words have been heard and will not be forgotten. I hereby chastise this compartment for its profane thoughts."
Rot"Do they think they can hide their 's disgrace behind such threats?" The bile spraying from Rot's mouth sizzles in the workers' minds like acid. It is burning them through.
Rapier"We will not commit rebellion, but we will not allow ourselves be slaughtered by villains, either. The law and the Emperor are on our side!" A young woman steps forth, slender and supple like a rapier. "If they want to crush us with the fear of death, let them kill us: it will only prove our righteousness!" The ringing call is a command, pressing itself into their hearts. The foul stench of sacrilege almost knocks me off my feet.continues where this line first appears above
Rot"That's right! Deal with it, you lowlifes! They are not afraid of you!" Rot's voice seems out of place in the hanging silence, sounding foreign, bereft of power. The word of the punishment has returned a shred of reason to the minds of the workers, for all is as it should be. Insolence has been followed by retribution. The world makes sense once more, and is no longer frightening.
Rapier"We will not commit rebellion, but we will not allow ourselves be slaughtered by villains, either. The law and the Emperor are on our side!" A young woman steps forth, slender and supple like a rapier. "If they want to crush us with the fear of death, let them kill us: it will only prove our righteousness!" The ringing call is a command, pressing itself into their hearts. The foul stench of sacrilege almost knocks me off my feet.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Reveal my blades] "Do you seek to challenge me? You may try."
Rot"You see! They're already itching to kill us, and we haven't even done anything yet! They're not afraid of us!" The bile spraying from Rot's mouth sizzles in the workers' minds like acid. It is burning them through.
Rapier"We will not commit rebellion, but we will not allow ourselves be slaughtered by villains, either. The law and the Emperor are on our side!" A young woman steps forth, slender and supple like a rapier. "If they want to crush us with the fear of death, let them kill us: it will only prove our righteousness!" The ringing call is a command, pressing itself into their hearts. The foul stench of sacrilege almost knocks me off my feet.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[I will not hear]
KibellahBut the whisper of the Undying One will not forsake me.
YOU[Sense the smell hanging over the crowd]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Turn my thoughts to Domin'[Name]]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Whole ranks of warriors have feared the Domin's gaze. Rebellions have withered at the wave of hand. You are no warriors. You will not withstand gaze. Remember that."
Rot"We're not warriors. We're common people! And we will not be intimidated by some retired Commissar!" Rot's voice seems out of place in the hanging silence, sounding foreign, bereft of power. The image of the posters chills the crowd's hearts: a person can be killed, but a living embodiment of punishment is invulnerable. Everyone gathered here knows that their futile battle is already lost.
Rapier"We will not commit rebellion, but we will not allow ourselves be slaughtered by villains, either. The law and the Emperor are on our side!" A young woman steps forth, slender and supple like a rapier. "If they want to crush us with the fear of death, let them kill us: it will only prove our righteousness!" The ringing call is a command, pressing itself into their hearts. The foul stench of sacrilege almost knocks me off my feet.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Domin takes care of all, for such is burden. But cannot save everyone."
Rot" only cares about flunkies!" The bile spraying from Rot's mouth sizzles in the workers' minds like acid. It is burning them through.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your seditious words have been heard and will not be forgotten. I hereby chastise this compartment for its profane thoughts."
Rot"Do they think they can hide their 's disgrace behind such threats?" The bile spraying from Rot's mouth sizzles in the workers' minds like acid. It is burning them through.continues where this line first appears above
Rot"That's right! Deal with it, you lowlifes! They are not afraid of you!" Rot's voice seems out of place in the hanging silence, sounding foreign, bereft of power. The word of the punishment has returned a shred of reason to the minds of the workers, for all is as it should be. Insolence has been followed by retribution. The world makes sense once more, and is no longer frightening.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Reveal my blades] "Do you seek to challenge me? You may try."
Rot"You see! They're already itching to kill us, and we haven't even done anything yet! They're not afraid of us!" The bile spraying from Rot's mouth sizzles in the workers' minds like acid. It is burning them through.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Whole ranks of warriors have feared the Domin's gaze. Rebellions have withered at the wave of hand. You are no warriors. You will not withstand gaze. Remember that."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Domin takes care of all, for such is burden. But cannot save everyone."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your seditious words have been heard and will not be forgotten. I hereby chastise this compartment for its profane thoughts."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Reveal my blades] "Do you seek to challenge me? You may try."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Turn my thoughts to Domin'[Name]]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Whole ranks of warriors have feared the Domin's gaze. Rebellions have withered at the wave of hand. You are no warriors. You will not withstand gaze. Remember that."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Domin takes care of all, for such is burden. But cannot save everyone."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your seditious words have been heard and will not be forgotten. I hereby chastise this compartment for its profane thoughts."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Reveal my blades] "Do you seek to challenge me? You may try."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Already you are rioters in everything but name, and then you ask why you have been shown no trust?"
KibellahMy words frighten them — wound them — because they are just. And that makes their anger swell all the more.
Rot"Why are you surprised? Have the officers ever treated us otherwise?" A new voice, sandpaper-rough, tears through the rumbling of the crowd. Its owner is ragged and filthy, and a feverish gleam burns in his eyes. His words inflame the people's minds, like rot feasting upon a wound. Rot cries out mockingly, "That's because you're afraid of them, but they're not afraid of you!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You should be grateful for having been blessed with both toil and injury. Who would you be without them? Nothing but worthless rabble."
KibellahMy words frighten them — wound them — because they are just. And that makes their anger swell all the more.
Rot"Why are you surprised? Have the officers ever treated us otherwise?" A new voice, sandpaper-rough, tears through the rumbling of the crowd. Its owner is ragged and filthy, and a feverish gleam burns in his eyes. His words inflame the people's minds, like rot feasting upon a wound. Rot cries out mockingly, "That's because you're afraid of them, but they're not afraid of you!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[But voice does not resound in my thoughts]
KibellahI will make my own choice.
YOU[Take a closer look at Furnace]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Feel the flowing rage of these poor wretches]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Think about Domin'[Name]]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Which of you was it that dared call the Lord Captain's judgement unfair? I demand to see the accuser."
KibellahThey grow still, as though a sheet of ice had formed on the roiling surface of a water tank. No one dares to be the One Whose Name Is Spoken. No one dares to leave the crowd and lose the protection of anonymity.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Already you are rioters in everything but name, and then you ask why you have been shown no trust?"
KibellahMy words frighten them — wound them — because they are just. And that makes their anger swell all the more.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You should be grateful for having been blessed with both toil and injury. Who would you be without them? Nothing but worthless rabble."
KibellahMy words frighten them — wound them — because they are just. And that makes their anger swell all the more.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Remain silent]
FurnaceThe crowd draws nearer, and Furnace shouts at the top of his lungs, "Do you hear? They have nothing to say! Even they know we are right!"
YOU[Take a closer look at Furnace]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Feel the flowing rage of these poor wretches]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Think about Domin'[Name]]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Which of you was it that dared call the Lord Captain's judgement unfair? I demand to see the accuser."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Already you are rioters in everything but name, and then you ask why you have been shown no trust?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You should be grateful for having been blessed with both toil and injury. Who would you be without them? Nothing but worthless rabble."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Remain silent]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Which of you was it that dared call the Lord Captain's judgement unfair? I demand to see the accuser."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Already you are rioters in everything but name, and then you ask why you have been shown no trust?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You should be grateful for having been blessed with both toil and injury. Who would you be without them? Nothing but worthless rabble."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Remain silent]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Think about Domin'[Name]]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Which of you was it that dared call the Lord Captain's judgement unfair? I demand to see the accuser."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Already you are rioters in everything but name, and then you ask why you have been shown no trust?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You should be grateful for having been blessed with both toil and injury. Who would you be without them? Nothing but worthless rabble."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Remain silent]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Feel the flowing rage of these poor wretches]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Think about Domin'[Name]]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Which of you was it that dared call the Lord Captain's judgement unfair? I demand to see the accuser."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Already you are rioters in everything but name, and then you ask why you have been shown no trust?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You should be grateful for having been blessed with both toil and injury. Who would you be without them? Nothing but worthless rabble."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Remain silent]continues where this line first appears above