DeathBut the shadow known as the Executioner was filled with a great lust for blood. The monster roared fiercely and charged at the Domin, surrounding him/her with blades; it was only the sorcery of Veni'Zacchary that drove the monster away. For one who has strayed from their thread is to be feared. He is Death.
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Entry point 2 of 107
DeathAnd a card of His Tarot appeared in the Domin's hand: it was the God-Emperor. And the first doubt was dispelled. He is Death.
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Entry point 3 of 107
DeathBut the shadow known as the Executioner was filled with a great lust for blood. The monster roared fiercely and charged at the Domin, surrounding him/her with blades; it was only the sorcery of Veni'Zacchary that drove the monster away. For one who has strayed from their thread is to be feared. He is Death.
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Entry point 4 of 107
DeathSector: Koronus Expanse Location: Von Valancius flagship Material: The Book of the Dead, the holy scripture of the Cult of the Bloodspun Web Author: unknown
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DeathA shackled mind cannot comprehend the wisdom contained herein; therefore repeat: He is Death. Release your breath with each word. Cleanse your thoughts. He is Death. Truth lies in Death. Free your soul from the body's cage. Become nothing. He is Death. Now that your heartbeat is a perfect line and your vision is shrouded in dusk, you have almost reached a state of purity and balance. Heed.
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Entry point 6 of 107
DeathBirth and Death are one. We are snatched from a place of warmth and sent blood-covered into an unfamiliar world: dying is the same. The Domin, too, learned this as he/she opened his/her eyes and found himself/herself on the lower decks, lying in a cold coffin. He/She beheld his/her ship, drifting through nothingness: an adamantine giant's corpse, a skeleton moaning from the winds of entropy. A tempest of rust was gnawing at its plasteel bones and twisting its vein-like cables, while machine oil oozed down its bulkheads like lymph. Had the Domin been alone, he/she would have lost his/her way inside the ship's mangled bowels, but a guide reached out a hand to him/her.
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Death(no text)
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DeathThe blades and the spikes fell, clanging, and turned to rust. For bloodlust weakens a blade, and the Domin had proved as much.
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Entry point 9 of 107
DeathThen the Undying Emperor leant over the Domin and drove a skeletal finger right into his/her heart. And He pulled at the scarlet thread of his/her soul; and the thread trembled, stretched to the limit. It was then that a revelation came to the Domin: a life must be paid for a life. And a name was revealed to him/her: Naaki Erebis. That was the life the Undying One demanded as payment. And the Domin...
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DeathThe creature wailed and trailed off into the void like a river of rot. For doubt weakens the spirit, and weakness always loses to strength.
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DeathAnd a card of His Tarot appeared in the Domin's hand: it was the Star. And the second doubt was dispelled. He is Death.
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DeathBut his/her sorrow only grew heavier, numbing all feeling, for great was the sadness of the shadow that had spawned it. Then Veni'Zacchary's incantation enveloped the Domin, and it alone was able to save him/her. For one who has let doubt lead them astray is to be feared. He is Death.
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Death(no text)
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DeathAnd the Domin read the words, and spoke them. And the Judge's body began to rebuild itself to a new design, as beautiful as it was terrifying. For nothing is impossible when a soul has grasped the hidden wisdom.
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Death(no text)
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DeathAnd the obstacle fell, and the Judge was unbound, no longer prevented from restoring himself. For when order has been defiled and corrupted, break it down and begin anew.
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Entry point 21 of 107
DeathThe flagship's bridge was draped in skulls and webs. And pale souls of the dead flocked to the foot of the throne upon which sat the Undying Emperor, the Protector of Mankind, may His praises be innumerable. Starlight shone coldly in the eyes of His skull, and the galaxy rested in His mighty hand. The Domin approached His throne and...
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Entry point 22 of 107
DeathAnd a card of His Tarot appeared in the Domin's hand: it was the Rogue Trader. And the third doubt was dispelled. He is Death.
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Entry point 23 of 107
DeathBut the Judge's flesh only twined tighter around the Domin, for strong were the delusions of the shadow that had spawned him. Then Veni'Zacchary let out a sorcerous cry, and brought down the obstacles. For there are times when only violence can put an end to doubt. He is Death.
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Death(no text)
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DeathThe skeletal fingers stirred, and the Domin's shadow loomed out of the darkness beside His throne. She was bound in black chains and asleep. The Undying One was silent: now was the time to offer a payment, as Death would give nothing away without payment in return. And the Domin promised the Undying One...
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Entry point 26 of 107
DeathThe light in the Undying One's eyes faded out, and He returned to His throne and sat down upon it. For He had nothing to say to one unwilling to repay Death's benevolence. And the Domin...
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Entry point 27 of 107
DeathAnd the Domin's shadow remained beside the Undying One's throne, and has never been seen since. And so it was that the Domin, having seen Death before his/her due time, travelled there and back to bring us these words of wisdom: do not regret what has passed on to Death, for that is the right path. Find value in what the living possess, for one day it will be no more. He is Death.
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Entry point 28 of 107
DeathLest he/she sink into the soft rot of their wails and perish, the Domin...
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Entry point 29 of 107
DeathAnd the sobbing being was left behind, alone and forgotten. For strength always leaves weakness behind in the darkness of oblivion.
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DeathAnd the Lost Child's tears were dried, and with a meek sigh she returned to nothingness. For mercy, too, can be the blade that brings peace.
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Entry point 31 of 107
DeathAnd the old Veni led the Domin to the upper decks. And the Domin entered into the officers' chambers. A web of veins adorned the walls, entangling the precious trophies, and statues were bound in intertwining sinews. And high upon a balcony, the dismembered Judge wailed as he attempted to reassemble himself with his pale hands. But his movements merely tightened the tangle of the flesh, turning the chambers into a snare. Such is a blade tangled and trapped in misunderstood teachings. A hapless creature that does not know its place in the world.
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Entry point 32 of 107
DeathIn order to continue on his/her journey, the Domin...
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DeathAnd the Judge became whole again, and regained his comprehension of the world. For one who is wise can make whole what was broken.
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Entry point 34 of 107
DeathThose were true words. For everything is indeed nothing, and the Undying Emperor is lord of nothing. For all things live only to turn to dust in Death. The Domin's wisdom pleased the Undying One.
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Entry point 35 of 107
DeathThose were true words. For He valued His chosen servants, who accomplished incredible feats and brought Him great trophies. The Domin was one of them by nature, and this was known by all.
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DeathThe Undying One laughed, for all His enemies were but dust compared to Him.
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DeathThe Undying One listened to the Domin's brazen words without a hint of a smile; for one who taunts Death can do so but once.
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Entry point 38 of 107
DeathVeni'Zacchary led the Domin out of the hot furnace of the crematorium, and they walked past long columns of the dead. Frayed was their attire; their bones scraped against their augmetics and scratched their decrepit flesh. They were moaning sorrowfully, and the sound made memory fade away. The Domin saw that the dead were carrying an ark, and inside the ark was a Thing. A Lost Child cocooned in silk, shedding crimson tears for the unknown. The unliving carried her as servants would carry their lady, and loudly lamented their fate. Such is a blade mired in broodings over a lost past: a helpless child paralysed by regret.
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DeathAn oath of blood was sworn, and the chains fell from the Domin's shadow. Yet she remained silent and motionless, for she saw no sense in leaving the halls of Death. To which the Domin told her...
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DeathAnd there was clarity in the shadow's soul, and her eyes opened. Her doubt was banished, and she glimpsed the truth in her lord/lady's words.
DeathThat her woes stemmed from her wavering faith, and that the shadow must return to the thread of the Web in order to do His bidding. He is Death.
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Entry point 43 of 107
DeathAnd the eyes of the Domin's shadow opened, and she replied that she had not been waiting, had not missed him/her, sought neither duty nor power nor mercy, and had no desire to leave, as the monsters spawned by her mind had not been defeated and were still strong. However, she then rose to her feet and followed the one she had sworn an oath to. For her duty outweighed her mind's torment. He is Death.
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DeathThe spirit of old Veni'Zacchary had loyally followed the Domin to the other side.
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DeathAnd a card of His Tarot appeared in the Domin's hand: it was the God-Emperor. And the first doubt was dispelled. He is Death.
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Entry point 53 of 107
DeathAnd a card of His Tarot appeared in the Domin's hand: it was the Star. And the second doubt was dispelled. He is Death.
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Entry point 54 of 107
DeathBut his/her sorrow only grew heavier, numbing all feeling, for great was the sadness of the shadow that had spawned it. Then Veni'Zacchary's incantation enveloped the Domin, and it alone was able to save him/her. For one who has let doubt lead them astray is to be feared. He is Death.
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Entry point 55 of 107
DeathAnd a card of His Tarot appeared in the Domin's hand: it was the Star. And the second doubt was dispelled. He is Death.
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Entry point 56 of 107
DeathAnd a card of His Tarot appeared in the Domin's hand: it was the Rogue Trader. And the third doubt was dispelled. He is Death.
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Entry point 57 of 107
DeathBut the Judge's flesh only twined tighter around the Domin, for strong were the delusions of the shadow that had spawned him. Then Veni'Zacchary let out a sorcerous cry, and brought down the obstacles. For there are times when only violence can put an end to doubt. He is Death.
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Entry point 58 of 107
DeathThe ghost of old Veni'Zacchary, who did not rest in peace, stood by the Domin's side. Deep and painful as his soul's wounds were, he bore the Domin no ill will: for the old Veni had himself sought the punishment the Domin had exacted upon him.
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Entry point 59 of 107
DeathAnd a card of His Tarot appeared in the Domin's hand: it was the Rogue Trader. And the third doubt was dispelled. He is Death.
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Death(no text)
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DeathAnd there was clarity in the shadow's soul, and her eyes opened. Her doubt was banished, and she glimpsed the truth in her lord/lady's words.
DeathThat the shadow's encounter with Death had taught her many things about the flow of fate's currents, and thus she was now positioned to decide which thread to sever. Second Spinner Kibellah, Death's Chosen One, may she be glorified! He is Death.
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Entry point 63 of 107
DeathAnd the eyes of the Domin's shadow opened, and she replied that she had not been waiting, had not missed him/her, sought neither duty nor power nor mercy, and had no desire to leave, as the monsters spawned by her mind had not been defeated and were still strong. However, she then rose to her feet and followed the one she had sworn an oath to. For her duty outweighed her mind's torment. He is Death.
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Entry point 64 of 107
DeathAnd there was clarity in the shadow's soul, and her eyes opened. Her doubt was banished, and she glimpsed the truth in her lord/lady's words.
DeathPreserving the defenceless from heinous designs would give her strength; eradicating the ruiners of souls would give her purpose. The shadow would wrap the Bloodspun Web's threads around the ship and thus be redeemed of her flaws. He is Death.
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Entry point 65 of 107
DeathAnd the eyes of the Domin's shadow opened, and she replied that she had not been waiting, had not missed him/her, sought neither duty nor power nor mercy, and had no desire to leave, as the monsters spawned by her mind had not been defeated and were still strong. However, she then rose to her feet and followed the one she had sworn an oath to. For her duty outweighed her mind's torment. He is Death.
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DeathThe Undying One laughed, for the Domin was His to begin with: as it was written in the great treaty between Him and the Domin's line, the treaty every spinner of the Bloodspun Web serves and defends.
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Entry point 69 of 107
DeathTogether, the Domin and the Veni made their way up through the malformed frame of the ship. From the cold catacombs of the lower decks, they travelled up into the fires of the ship's crematorium. Tongues of flame licked at them, yet they did not burn. Columns of the dead marched toward them to be turned to ash in the fire, and the Domin and the Veni walked toward the dead in turn.
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DeathNo human will see Death before their time: that is the delusion of the living. Heed. To which we say: a strong spirit can travel there and make the journey back. Heed the tale of the great Domin'[Name], who descended into the kingdom of the dead to retrieve his/her shadow.
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Entry point 78 of 107
DeathIn the labyrinth of the hereafter, the piercing gaze of Veni'Zacchary discerned the thorny path to the halls of Death. The loyal servant swore to protect his lord/lady.
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Entry point 79 of 107
DeathAt the great gate of the crematorium, their path was blocked by the Executioner, a sentinel made of metal spikes and coiling blades with roaring flame and pale, bleeding bodies writhing within. Such is a blade that has lost the strength of the Tenets. A murderous monster no longer driven by faith, but by dark desires.
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Entry point 80 of 107
DeathThe Domin saw that a fight was inevitable, and...
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Entry point 81 of 107
DeathBut the shadow known as the Executioner was filled with a great lust for blood. The monster roared fiercely and charged at the Domin, surrounding him/her with blades; it was only the sorcery of Veni'Zacchary that drove the monster away. For one who has strayed from their thread is to be feared. He is Death.
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Entry point 82 of 107
DeathBut his/her sorrow only grew heavier, numbing all feeling, for great was the sadness of the shadow that had spawned it. Then Veni'Zacchary's incantation enveloped the Domin, and it alone was able to save him/her. For one who has let doubt lead them astray is to be feared. He is Death.
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Entry point 83 of 107
DeathBut the Judge's flesh only twined tighter around the Domin, for strong were the delusions of the shadow that had spawned him. Then Veni'Zacchary let out a sorcerous cry, and brought down the obstacles. For there are times when only violence can put an end to doubt. He is Death.
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Entry point 84 of 107
DeathThe Undying One heeded the words spoken to Him and lowered His brow of bone, acknowledging that He had heard the prayer, as He had heard the Domin's other prayers before.
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Entry point 85 of 107
DeathThe Undying Emperor grinned a bony grin, and cast a glance at the Domin. And at that moment, something died forever inside the Domin. For the price of arrogant pride in the face of Death is always heavy, but worth its weight.
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Entry point 86 of 107
DeathThe eyes of the Undying One's skull flashed ominously, for He was the Domin of the entire human race, and any and every throne was His throne. But He did not stoop to destroying the brazen Domin, for it was not yet his/her time to go.
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Entry point 87 of 107
DeathThen the Undying One spoke — and these words are to be preserved in your heart as the greatest of prayers, for they sprang from a source that was and is the holiest of all things: "I know you, Domin. I know your heart."
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Entry point 88 of 107
Death"And the softness that dwells within it. Many who were due to pass on to me remained alive as your heart willed. But I am not angered, for they will pass on to me in the end."
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Entry point 89 of 107
Death"And the fervent faith that dwells within it. I know your readiness to serve me, and I accept it. Your spirit has been weighed and found worthy."
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Entry point 90 of 107
Death"And the unclean corruption that dwells within it. I know the temptations and shameful longings that gnaw at you. And thus know this: you will face me again when it is your turn, and your spirit will be weighed but found unworthy, and you will rot in sorrow. But that will come to pass later."
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Entry point 91 of 107
DeathAnd a card of His Tarot appeared in the Domin's hand: it was the God-Emperor. And the first doubt was dispelled. He is Death.
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DeathThe Undying Emperor, may His praises be innumerable, said no more, and it was the Domin's turn to speak.
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DeathThe Undying One laughed, for the Domin had promised Him nothing that did not already belong to Him.
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DeathAmong them, the Domin saw the card of the Executioner, who carries out sentences and brings a violent end to that which he did not begin.
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Entry point 99 of 107
DeathAmong them, the Domin saw the card of the Lost Child, who was torn from her roots and her support, but carries within her the still-hidden seeds of a promise to recover them someday.
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Entry point 100 of 107
DeathAmong them, the Domin saw the card of the Judge, who weighs and separates guilt from innocence, and passes his verdict.
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DeathThe Domin peered at them but could form no meaning from the Undying One's signs, hearing only the howling of the monsters spawned by his/her shadow's mind.
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Entry point 102 of 107
DeathBlades whirled around like a hurricane, but the Domin slipped ghost-like between them. For bloodlust blinds the eye, and the Domin proved as much.
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Entry point 103 of 107
DeathAnd they descended into the lower bays, lay down in a stone coffin, and closed their eyes. And the Domin heard the Undying Emperor's voice promising they would meet again, and soon. And thereupon their journey ended. And so it was that the Domin, having seen Death before his/her due time, travelled there and back to bring us these tidings and wisdom: be free of doubt as you walk along the threads of the Bloodspun Web, for those threads lead to Him, as does all of existence. He is Death.
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Entry point 104 of 107
DeathAnd the eyes of the Domin's shadow opened, and she replied that she, too, had been waiting and had missed him/her, and that the Domin should claim her and keep her. He is Death.
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Entry point 105 of 107
DeathAnd the eyes of the Domin's shadow opened, and she replied that she had not been waiting, had not missed him/her, sought neither duty nor power nor mercy, and had no desire to leave, as the monsters spawned by her mind had not been defeated and were still strong. However, she then rose to her feet and followed the one she had sworn an oath to. For her duty outweighed her mind's torment. He is Death.
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Entry point 106 of 107
DeathThe Domin and his/her shadow left the bridge of the Undying Emperor, may His praises be innumerable, and their path was strewn with His Tarot cards.
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Entry point 107 of 107
DeathThe beast prostrated itself and began to tear its own body apart. For words of true faith pacify even the worst of evils with a sense of shame and self-loathing.