Kibellah(no text)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 9 of 11
Jocasta Sauerback(no text)
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Entry point 10 of 11
Jocasta Sauerback(no text)
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Entry point 11 of 11
Jocasta Sauerback"Lord Captain, a murder has been committed on this ship. The victim is one Lettard Forius, Chirurgeon Majoris. The perpetrator was apprehended at the scene of the crime, admitted her guilt, and did not resist arrest."
KibellahKibellah appears cold and apathetic. Her unblinking eyes stare vacantly, her expression odd.
Jocasta Sauerback"The Forius clan invoked a ship's tradition and summoned a Requiescator to testify on behalf of the deceased."
The Late Lettard ForiusThe masked man bows, stiffly and decorously.
YOU"How do you feel, Kibellah?"
Kibellah"I am fine." Kibellah turns her face toward you slightly. A whisper escapes her lips: "This is just hollow ceremony. Pointless."
YOU"How do you feel, Kibellah?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A Requiescator? Explain."
Jocasta Sauerback"When there is no one to speak for a deceased person in court, their representative is entitled to seek assistance from a member of the Requiescators' Guild. Their duty is to know and remember each and every person on this ship so that they can defend the interests of the deceased and represent them in court. They study the victim's entire life history to gain the most detailed impression of their personality, deeds, and aspirations. The guild was founded by one of your distant ancestors and, to my knowledge, the Requiescators only exist on our glorious flagship."
YOU"How do you feel, Kibellah?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A Requiescator? Explain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us see just how well he knows the deceased. Tell me, Requiescator, what did Forius like and dislike about his work?"
The Late Lettard ForiusThe masked head lowers, and the man strokes his chin contemplatively. "He was fascinated by diseases. Injuries. Pathogens. Complications. The part he disliked was... the patients. They would not let him concentrate on that which was killing them."
YOU"How do you feel, Kibellah?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A Requiescator? Explain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us see just how well he knows the deceased. Tell me, Requiescator, what did Forius like and dislike about his work?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why is a Requiescator speaking for the late Forius? Does the man not have a family?"
The Late Lettard Forius"The clan to which the deceased belonged are wary of bringing accusations against the Lord Captain's companion. And the esteemed Lettard never made any courageous friends in his life, having always preferred his work to the company of others."
YOU"How do you feel, Kibellah?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A Requiescator? Explain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us see just how well he knows the deceased. Tell me, Requiescator, what did Forius like and dislike about his work?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why is a Requiescator speaking for the late Forius? Does the man not have a family?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the circumstances of the murder."
Jocasta Sauerback"The eyewitness accounts didn't give us much. The deceased and the murderer had a brief conversation, following which Mistress Kibellah beheaded the Chirurgeon Majoris. The witnesses did not overhear any details of the conversation."
YOU"Is it true that you killed him, Kibellah?"
Kibellah"Yes." Neither the chirurgeon's death nor her own impending punishment seem to trouble Kibellah. Her pensive dark gaze wanders around the bridge. "It was me."
YOU"Is it true that you killed him, Kibellah?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do it?"
Kibellah"The Heartless Man enjoyed what he did. His work should have been a holy mission of service. The pain of thousands should have been a solemn sacrifice. Yet he derived pleasure from it. It was... repulsive."
Kibellah"The Undying One... never whispered his name. I myself decided to sever his thread."
YOU"Is it true that you killed him, Kibellah?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have violated the prohibition on killing that I issued to the Bloodspun Web."
KibellahKibellah fixes you with a long stare, as though struggling to comprehend what you have just said. Then she sighs. "That matters little. You cannot prevent death from taking. It simply takes."
YOU"Is it true that you killed him, Kibellah?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have violated the prohibition on killing that I issued to the Bloodspun Web."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us hear from the victim's representative."
The Late Lettard ForiusThe masked man's voice is unpleasantly creaky. "The esteemed Lettard served this voidship and this dynasty for many years. He treated the sick and gained new knowledge as his trade commanded. He saved many, but he himself was not saved. He caused Mistress Kibellah no grievance. He never offended her. He merely answered her questions regarding his work, whereupon he was attacked. And so he has the right to demand a reckoning. The death of his murderer would be lawful and proportionate retribution."
Kibellah"The Heartless Man did more than heal people. He maimed them, too. Tortured them. Killed them slowly. And observed."
KibellahFrowning, Kibellah adds, "There was another like the Heartless Man. A xenos from the Dark City who lorded over flesh and oversaw unholy resurrections. They were both touched by the same corruption, that of hubris."
The Late Lettard Forius"He treated the sick and he gained knowledge." The masked head jerks up haughtily. "The boots of those who walk the path of wisdom leave bloodied footprints. It is a rule that existed long before the esteemed Lettard did."
YOU"Is it true that you killed him, Kibellah?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have violated the prohibition on killing that I issued to the Bloodspun Web."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us hear from the victim's representative."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Whom specifically did Forius torture?"
The Late Lettard Forius"Unimportant people. Common people. Doomed people." The Requiescator shakes drops of imaginary blood from his hands with disgust. "This was the esteemed Lettard's way of thinking: does a doomed leper care whether the disease or the knife is causing them pain? Is the formula for a medicine that would cure distinguished officers not worth the lives of a few dozen commoners turned test subjects? With the knowledge he gained, he invented a multitude of balms, antidotes, and treatment methods that went on to save thousands of lives."
YOU"His methods were revolting."
The Late Lettard Forius"His methods were efficient. Only one who has never lain upon an operating table would prefer a principled healer to a competent one."
YOU"Is it true that you killed him, Kibellah?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have violated the prohibition on killing that I issued to the Bloodspun Web."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us hear from the victim's representative."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Whom specifically did Forius torture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough."
Jocasta Sauerback"We humbly await your verdict, Lord Captain."
YOU"My companion is within her rights to kill anyone on this ship. Her accusers, on the other hand, are naught but dust. Do not touch her. Is that clear?"
The Late Lettard ForiusA single voice cuts through the ensuing silence. "That is the Lord Captain's will. But the deceased would not call it justice."
Kibellah"I cannot be put on trial." Kibellah's words are barely louder than a whisper, but everyone hears them. She raises her head, face deathly pale, as if she is asleep with her eyes open. "None have the right to judge a spinner of death."
Vizsier of the Bloodspun Web"Only He can judge."
Vizsier of the Bloodspun WebThough the Vizsier's eyes are sewn shut, one can still read the grief that permeates his wrinkled features. He whispers in a sorrowful voice, "You have strayed from the thread. You have doomed the Tenets of the Bloodspun Web to oblivion. What a sorry end — for me, not for you. For I am compelled to usher my apprentice's soul to the other side before it is my own time to go."
YOU"Why have you come here, Vizsier?"
Vizsier of the Bloodspun Web"To take the one who no longer sees the Tenets. To give her to Him. She is dangerous. To pacify her forever — such is my duty, and so it must be."
Kibellah"Did He whisper my name to you? I— I do not believe you, Mentor. I am loyal to Him. You must have been confused and misread His signs."
YOU"Why have you come here, Vizsier?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I never gave you permission to harm my servant, Vizsier."
Vizsier of the Bloodspun Web"But if you saw her the way I see her, you would. She is tempest. She is woe. You do not want this by your side, Domin. Believe me."
YOU"Why have you come here, Vizsier?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I never gave you permission to harm my servant, Vizsier."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is happening to her? She is not herself."
Vizsier of the Bloodspun Web"The Second Spinner is in the throes of a spiritual ailment that we call doubt. This most terrible ailment, though harmless to layfolk, is deadly to us. For a doubtful spinner will stray from their destined thread and into bloodthirsty madness. Doubt brings them to the Undying One before their time."
Vizsier of the Bloodspun Web"Our service is demanding. It requires clarity and a sense of purpose that she no longer possesses. Long have I sensed the seeds of anxiety in her, but I hoped her reason would prove stronger and prevail. Alas, now I see the mark of despondence on her. Alas, I know that I am not mistaken."
YOU"Why have you come here, Vizsier?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I never gave you permission to harm my servant, Vizsier."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is happening to her? She is not herself."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There must be a way to help her."
Vizsier of the Bloodspun Web"How would one heal the soul of another, Domin? She is fighting a losing battle inside her mind... One she has all but lost. We cannot enter her mind. We cannot reach out a hand to her... Although..."
Vizsier of the Bloodspun Web"You could. A thread binds the Domin and his/her shadow together. A rare thread, a shared thread. Will that connection be enough for your souls to enter into harmony?"
YOU"Why have you come here, Vizsier?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I never gave you permission to harm my servant, Vizsier."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is happening to her? She is not herself."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There must be a way to help her."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must attempt to save her, at the very least."
Vizsier of the Bloodspun WebThe Vizsier turns his face toward Kibellah, who seems withdrawn, her spark snuffed out. He whispers, "Then seek a steward of souls. An artisan who will put you both in a psyker's trance, allowing your minds to become one. You have a chapel full of Astropaths, Domin. One of them will surely do you that service. See that their guidance is strong, for inside her soul, you will encounter... monsters. A doubt-ridden mind is a dangerous place."
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YOU"She must die — not because anyone's beliefs demand it, but because such is the will of the Lex Imperialis. Kibellah, for the murder of a servant of the Imperium, your sentence is death. Vizsier, carry out the execution."
Kibellah"I— I don't want to die, Domin!"
end of branch
YOU"Grant her grim soul mercy, Vizsier. Let her die."
Vizsier of the Bloodspun Web"Second Spinner Kibellah, the Undying One has spoken. It is your time."
Kibellah"I— I don't want to die, Domin!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The blame for what happened lies not with Kibellah, but with your entire perverse philosophy. Enforcers, I order you to cull every member of the Bloodspun Web on my ship!"
Jocasta Sauerback"Enforcers! The Bloodspun Web is now outlawed! Execute the undesirables!"
end of branch
YOU"I must attempt to save her, at the very least."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"She must die — not because anyone's beliefs demand it, but because such is the will of the Lex Imperialis. Kibellah, for the murder of a servant of the Imperium, your sentence is death. Vizsier, carry out the execution."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Grant her grim soul mercy, Vizsier. Let her die."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The blame for what happened lies not with Kibellah, but with your entire perverse philosophy. Enforcers, I order you to cull every member of the Bloodspun Web on my ship!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There must be a way to help her."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must attempt to save her, at the very least."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"She must die — not because anyone's beliefs demand it, but because such is the will of the Lex Imperialis. Kibellah, for the murder of a servant of the Imperium, your sentence is death. Vizsier, carry out the execution."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Grant her grim soul mercy, Vizsier. Let her die."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The blame for what happened lies not with Kibellah, but with your entire perverse philosophy. Enforcers, I order you to cull every member of the Bloodspun Web on my ship!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is happening to her? She is not herself."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There must be a way to help her."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must attempt to save her, at the very least."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"She must die — not because anyone's beliefs demand it, but because such is the will of the Lex Imperialis. Kibellah, for the murder of a servant of the Imperium, your sentence is death. Vizsier, carry out the execution."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Grant her grim soul mercy, Vizsier. Let her die."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The blame for what happened lies not with Kibellah, but with your entire perverse philosophy. Enforcers, I order you to cull every member of the Bloodspun Web on my ship!"continues where this line first appears above
Kibellah"Mentor... Why me? Do you truly think the greatest danger to your flock is... me?" Kibellah's voice trembles with pain.
YOU"Why have you come here, Vizsier?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I never gave you permission to harm my servant, Vizsier."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is happening to her? She is not herself."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There must be a way to help her."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must attempt to save her, at the very least."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"She must die — not because anyone's beliefs demand it, but because such is the will of the Lex Imperialis. Kibellah, for the murder of a servant of the Imperium, your sentence is death. Vizsier, carry out the execution."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Grant her grim soul mercy, Vizsier. Let her die."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The blame for what happened lies not with Kibellah, but with your entire perverse philosophy. Enforcers, I order you to cull every member of the Bloodspun Web on my ship!"continues where this line first appears above
Kibellah"What makes you think you are fit to judge me, Mentor? You are not Him!"
YOU"Why have you come here, Vizsier?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I never gave you permission to harm my servant, Vizsier."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is happening to her? She is not herself."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There must be a way to help her."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must attempt to save her, at the very least."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"She must die — not because anyone's beliefs demand it, but because such is the will of the Lex Imperialis. Kibellah, for the murder of a servant of the Imperium, your sentence is death. Vizsier, carry out the execution."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Grant her grim soul mercy, Vizsier. Let her die."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The blame for what happened lies not with Kibellah, but with your entire perverse philosophy. Enforcers, I order you to cull every member of the Bloodspun Web on my ship!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I never gave you permission to harm my servant, Vizsier."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is happening to her? She is not herself."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There must be a way to help her."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must attempt to save her, at the very least."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"She must die — not because anyone's beliefs demand it, but because such is the will of the Lex Imperialis. Kibellah, for the murder of a servant of the Imperium, your sentence is death. Vizsier, carry out the execution."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Grant her grim soul mercy, Vizsier. Let her die."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The blame for what happened lies not with Kibellah, but with your entire perverse philosophy. Enforcers, I order you to cull every member of the Bloodspun Web on my ship!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Kibellah is not subject to ordinary justice. She serves the Emperor through death, and as such cannot be convicted for a death."
The Late Lettard ForiusA single voice cuts through the ensuing silence. "That is the Lord Captain's will. But the deceased would not call it justice."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Forius clan will be awarded a generous indemnity for their loss, to be paid by me."
The Late Lettard Forius"I humbly declare that the esteemed Lettard was indifferent to the fortunes, good or otherwise, of his estranged kinspeople whom you have made rich. And that he would not be satisfied with this ruling."
Kibellah"I cannot be put on trial." Kibellah's words are barely louder than a whisper, but everyone hears them. She raises her head, face deathly pale, as if she is asleep with her eyes open. "None have the right to judge a spinner of death."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forius deserved to die, and I am not going to punish Kibellah for that murder. As for his practices, they are henceforth banned on this ship."
The Late Lettard ForiusA single voice cuts through the ensuing silence. "That is the Lord Captain's will. But the deceased would not call it justice."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I find Kibellah guilty. But she will receive a more lenient penalty than death."
Kibellah"I cannot be put on trial." Kibellah's words are barely louder than a whisper, but everyone hears them. She raises her head, face deathly pale, as if she is asleep with her eyes open. "None have the right to judge a spinner of death."
KibellahShe points at the masked man and smiles wryly. Her grim whisper is chilling: "I am going to kill you too."
Deck Enforcer"No contradicting the Lord Captain, convict." The enforcer lays a firm hand on Kibellah's shoulder.
Kibellah"Do. Not. Touch me!" Her hissing whisper turns into a ferocious cry. Out of nowhere, a dagger appears in her grasp and flashes across the enforcer's hand. His bloodied fingers fall to the floor.
Vizsier of the Bloodspun WebThe bridge is suddenly filled with a furious clamour, until an old man's whisper cuts through the noise. "Enough, my daughter."
Vizsier of the Bloodspun WebThough the Vizsier's eyes are sewn shut, one can still read the grief that permeates his wrinkled features. He whispers in a sorrowful voice, "You have strayed from the thread. You have doomed the Tenets of the Bloodspun Web to oblivion. What a sorry end — for me, not for you. For I am compelled to usher my apprentice's soul to the other side before it is my own time to go."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A murder was committed. The punishment for that is clear. Let the law triumph. Commence preparations for the execution."
Kibellah"I cannot be put on trial." Kibellah's words are barely louder than a whisper, but everyone hears them. She raises her head, face deathly pale, as if she is asleep with her eyes open. "None have the right to judge a spinner of death."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"These arguments are sensible."
The Late Lettard Forius"The esteemed Lettard would be grateful for this judgement. He was a man of logic and practicality."
YOU"Is it true that you killed him, Kibellah?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have violated the prohibition on killing that I issued to the Bloodspun Web."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us hear from the victim's representative."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Whom specifically did Forius torture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forius's nonchalant disregard for common humanity is worthy of respect!"
The Late Lettard Forius"The esteemed Lettard would be grateful for this judgement. He was a man of logic and practicality."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Everything is clear."
The Late Lettard ForiusThe masked head bows ceremoniously.
YOU"Is it true that you killed him, Kibellah?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have violated the prohibition on killing that I issued to the Bloodspun Web."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us hear from the victim's representative."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Whom specifically did Forius torture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough."continues where this line first appears above
The Late Lettard Forius"When you were brought in and placed on his table, burned by the fire you had passed through, he saved you. The methods he used to keep your body alive had been tested on inhabitants of Loading Bay 8. As had the scar-removing techniques. Were their lives worth yours? The esteemed Lettard thought that they were."
YOU"His methods were revolting."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"These arguments are sensible."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forius's nonchalant disregard for common humanity is worthy of respect!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Everything is clear."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough."continues where this line first appears above
The Late Lettard Forius"He treated the sick and he gained knowledge." The masked head jerks up haughtily. "The boots of those who walk the path of wisdom leave bloodied footprints. It is a rule that existed long before the esteemed Lettard did."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Whom specifically did Forius torture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us hear from the victim's representative."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Whom specifically did Forius torture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough."continues where this line first appears above
Kibellah(sequence)
MarazhaiMarazhai shrugs. "So she felt like killing some servant. Why do they all take such offence? Is every corpse going to cause such a stir from now on?"
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Jae"I told you it would end like this. But why should anyone listen to little old Jae?" She shakes her head sullenly.
end of branch
Cassia"Her colours have changed. The scarlet and the gold are drowning in the rage of muddled crimson, the misty blues of sorrow, and the impenetrable greens of doubt. These shades are all in conflict, melding together in a frenetic tapestry..."
end of branch
Yrliet"You walked a narrow, dark path across a yawning abyss — it is small wonder that you stumbled. This soul, already mangled by bloody and frightening service, has fractured further still. Can it still be saved?" Yrliet falls silent, leaving her own question unanswered.
end of branch
Solomorne"She was never sane to begin with. Judging lunatics is a thankless duty. The more important thing to address is that her cult is guilty of having drilled the notion of chosenness into her head — the whole sect must answer for this incident."
end of branch
Kibellah"The Heartless Man took on a burden that was not his to bear. His duty was to heal, but instead he sent people to the Undying One, people whose time had not yet come. He was... cruel. And had no intention of ever stopping."
Kibellah"The Undying One... never whispered his name. I myself decided to sever his thread."continues where this line first appears above
Kibellah"The Heartless Man imagined himself to be above others. He believed his trade had uplifted him. He did not even avert his gaze before a servant of the Undying One. It was... brazen. Unjustifiable."
Kibellah"The Undying One... never whispered his name. I myself decided to sever his thread."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have violated the prohibition on killing that I issued to the Bloodspun Web."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us hear from the victim's representative."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Whom specifically did Forius torture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you do it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have violated the prohibition on killing that I issued to the Bloodspun Web."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us hear from the victim's representative."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Whom specifically did Forius torture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the circumstances of the murder."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why is a Requiescator speaking for the late Forius? Does the man not have a family?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the circumstances of the murder."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us see just how well he knows the deceased. Tell me, Requiescator, what did Forius like and dislike about his work?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why is a Requiescator speaking for the late Forius? Does the man not have a family?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the circumstances of the murder."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A Requiescator? Explain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us see just how well he knows the deceased. Tell me, Requiescator, what did Forius like and dislike about his work?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why is a Requiescator speaking for the late Forius? Does the man not have a family?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the circumstances of the murder."continues where this line first appears above