High Factotum Janris DanrokYour words diffuse the fearful attention focused on Kibellah as a strike cruiser scatters a raider squadron. The officers stop staring at your intimidating companion.
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah glances at the maze she has inscribed and sighs. "Whenever I lose my thread... whenever I am forced astray by the outside world... I return to the labyrinth. It has all the answers. My meditation helps. In finding my way out, I regain myself and praise the righteousness of serving the Undying One."
YOU"I see you have found a delicacy that is to your liking?"
High Factotum Janris DanrokShe smiles. "Food like this is impossible to come by in the lower bays. I do not know what this is, but it tastes incredible." Juice is dripping down her fingers and hand. It seems she is the only one here who has not lost her appetite — the officers' faces have turned into pale, alarmed masks, and none of them is in a hurry to enjoy the feast.
YOU"I see you have found a delicacy that is to your liking?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you like the 'ceremonies' on the upper decks?"
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I am attempting to peer through the florid shell to the core, yet it continues to elude me." Kibellah looks you in the eye. "What is the purpose of this ritual, Domin'[Name]? Explain it to me."
YOU"Camaraderie. Spending all your days in toil can be... dreary".
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Dreary? Is serving one's thread not the greatest joy there is? You of all people should know this, Domin'[Name]."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I am too conspicuous beside the rest of your servants." Kibellah looks at the other guests, and they quickly avert their eyes. "A fitting mask — that is what is required for a ritual like this. I came unprepared. It will not happen again."
YOU"I see you have found a delicacy that is to your liking?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you like the 'ceremonies' on the upper decks?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are you?"
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I feel wrong. Strange people, strange sounds and gestures..." Kibellah lets out a sharp breath. Her gaze becomes vacant, and her hand reaches for the table knife. "I am... losing myself in this whirlpool."
High Factotum Janris DanrokGrasping the knife, she begins to carve lines right into the expensive wooden tabletop. A nervous murmur runs through the crowd. Their tense gazes are locked on the harmless-looking, barely sharpened metal utensil in the hand of the cultist of the Bloodspun Web.
YOU[Give Danrok a pointed look]
High Factotum Janris DanrokWith the dignity of a true nobleman, the High Factotum glowers at those in attendance and silences them with a vicious smile. The anxious voices die down.
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah glances at the maze she has inscribed and sighs. "Whenever I lose my thread... whenever I am forced astray by the outside world... I return to the labyrinth. It has all the answers. My meditation helps. In finding my way out, I regain myself and praise the righteousness of serving the Undying One."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the other attendees] "Could it be that someone here finds the conduct of the Lord Captain's guest disturbing?"
YOU[Smile at Kibellah] "I see you have already mastered the art of commanding attention. You seem to be quite in your element."
YOU[Watch in silence]
High Factotum Janris DanrokShe is clearly aware of the looks she is getting and the frightened whispering flowing around her, yet her expression remains impassive.
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah glances at the maze she has inscribed and sighs. "Whenever I lose my thread... whenever I am forced astray by the outside world... I return to the labyrinth. It has all the answers. My meditation helps. In finding my way out, I regain myself and praise the righteousness of serving the Undying One."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at her spinner's mask and regalia] "Your choice of attire is not customary for such gatherings."
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah looks at you with mild confusion. "My appearance tells those around me who I am. Everyone here is wearing a mask for their respective thread. Is this not a requirement for your rituals?" She glances at the opulent room, the dazzling decor, and the handsomely dressed officers.
YOU"I see you have found a delicacy that is to your liking?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you like the 'ceremonies' on the upper decks?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at her spinner's mask and regalia] "Your choice of attire is not customary for such gatherings."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I sense that this gathering was a terrible mistake."
High Factotum Janris DanrokDanrok sighs heavily and looks down.
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Why? You have looked behind the curtain at my existence, and now, I have looked at yours." Kibellah stares at you intently. "I do not think that we have heard all the words that should have been spoken here today. Is it because you do not wish to say them in front of... witnesses?"
YOU"I grow weary of the crowd. Take a walk with me."
end of branch
YOU"It is high time that this dull evening was over and done with. We should return to our duties."
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah gives you a curt nod. "You have kept your promise. We have each gained a glimpse into the other's worlds, but now, we must return to our own. Thank you, Domin'[Name]." She bows solemnly and takes her leave.
end of branch
YOU"I sense that this gathering was a terrible mistake."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Gratitude. My crew is willing to give their lives for the dynasty, and this is my way of praising their service."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Does one merit gratitude for doing what their duty demands? Would these people act differently without your show of appreciation? I hope that is not the case."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I am too conspicuous beside the rest of your servants." Kibellah looks at the other guests, and they quickly avert their eyes. "A fitting mask — that is what is required for a ritual like this. I came unprepared. It will not happen again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Power. These people came at the snap of my fingers. They look at me, hang upon my every word and gesture, hoping against hope that I might grace them with a smile or a glance."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Is that so? I hope that this power you so cherish serves a purpose other than hollow vanity."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I am too conspicuous beside the rest of your servants." Kibellah looks at the other guests, and they quickly avert their eyes. "A fitting mask — that is what is required for a ritual like this. I came unprepared. It will not happen again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at her spinner's mask and regalia] "Your choice of attire is not customary for such gatherings."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I sense that this gathering was a terrible mistake."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you like the 'ceremonies' on the upper decks?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at her spinner's mask and regalia] "Your choice of attire is not customary for such gatherings."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I sense that this gathering was a terrible mistake."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 8 of 21
High Factotum Janris DanrokYour words force the other attendees to avert their gazes, but there is still a lingering sense of apprehension in the air — every officer now appears to be straining their hearing to detect Kibellah's slightest movements.
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah glances at the maze she has inscribed and sighs. "Whenever I lose my thread... whenever I am forced astray by the outside world... I return to the labyrinth. It has all the answers. My meditation helps. In finding my way out, I regain myself and praise the righteousness of serving the Undying One."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 9 of 21
High Factotum Janris DanrokShe blinks in surprise and looks up at you. She glances back and forth, seemingly privy to the meaning of your words... and then, her clear, genuine laughter fills the room, startling everyone around her. "I suppose that's true, Domin'[Name]! I will not fluster your subjects further."
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah glances at the maze she has inscribed and sighs. "Whenever I lose my thread... whenever I am forced astray by the outside world... I return to the labyrinth. It has all the answers. My meditation helps. In finding my way out, I regain myself and praise the righteousness of serving the Undying One."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 10 of 21
High Factotum Janris DanrokYour joke goes over her head — she is too focused, and neither your words nor the other guests' oppressive attention can interrupt her trance-like process.
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah glances at the maze she has inscribed and sighs. "Whenever I lose my thread... whenever I am forced astray by the outside world... I return to the labyrinth. It has all the answers. My meditation helps. In finding my way out, I regain myself and praise the righteousness of serving the Undying One."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 11 of 21
High Factotum Janris Danrok(no text)
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High Factotum Janris Danrok(no text)
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High Factotum Janris Danrok(no text)
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High Factotum Janris Danrok(no text)
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High Factotum Janris Danrok(no text)
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Entry point 17 of 21
High Factotum Janris Danrok(no text)
YOU[Give Danrok a pointed look]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the other attendees] "Could it be that someone here finds the conduct of the Lord Captain's guest disturbing?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile at Kibellah] "I see you have already mastered the art of commanding attention. You seem to be quite in your element."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Watch in silence]continues where this line first appears above
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High Factotum Janris Danrok(no text)
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Entry point 20 of 21
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah stands out clearly from the officers in attendance — both for her favouring the full regalia of a member of the Bloodspun Web over formal attire and for the empty space around her. The other attendees are keeping their distance, as if an air of mortal danger repels them from your companion.
High Factotum Janris DanrokDanrok, whose keen, worried gaze is locked on Kibellah and whose mouth is stretched into the most courteous of smiles, gives you a hurried bow. "Your Lordship/Ladyship!"
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Domin'[Name]. You are here." Kibellah sounds neither excited nor solemn — her tone is indifferent as her fearsome metal claws clutch a slice of fruit from one of the plates.
YOU"I see you have found a delicacy that is to your liking?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you like the 'ceremonies' on the upper decks?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Gesture at her spinner's mask and regalia] "Your choice of attire is not customary for such gatherings."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I sense that this gathering was a terrible mistake."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 21 of 21
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah avoids your gaze as the two of you walk away from the other guests. She seems calm, but the slight tremble running down her right hand betrays her agitation. Once you are alone, she looks straight at you.
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I have discerned what you are doing here, and I know that your calling it a ritual was a ruse. True rituals are constant, immutable, like the cycles of the cooling machines in the ship's bowels or the shifts of the bays' servants. This was... spontaneous, something you prepared just for me, and then you stayed at my side the entire time. Now, here you are, granting me yet another request. Why is that?"
YOU"What do you mean, 'why'?"
High Factotum Janris Danrok"There is no place for idle benevolence, neither along your thread nor along mine." Kibellah's eyes seem almost to glow in the dark. "Yet, you offer me attention and privileges that are both undeserved and unnecessary. Why?"
YOU"What do you mean, 'why'?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are my instrument, my blade — one that I intend to maintain."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"You wanted to sharpen me." Kibellah's expression hardens. "You are wise. Now that I have studied your world, I can excel as your protector, your servant. Thank you for gifting me this clarity."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"I have seen enough to understand what masks and gestures His servants use around you. That is enough. Let us each return to our respective threads and aspire to give our all to the Undying One, now and forever."
end of branch
YOU"You are my comrade — I cannot simply dismiss you and your wishes!"
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah lowers her head, then looks up at you with warmth. "Here, at the top, everyone's blood still carries a craving for what my cult sees as weakness: attachments, intimacy. I understand, but I have no need for them. And yet, I am grateful for the offer." She shakes herself slightly, as if throwing a familiar cloak of aloofness over her shoulders. "We must now return each to our own thread. Thank you."
end of branch
YOU"I have come to value your company."
High Factotum Janris DanrokHer eyes widen slightly. "So, that's how it is, Domin'[Name]..."
High Factotum Janris DanrokShe suddenly looks away. A smile touches her lips. "When you asked me if I wanted to look at the rituals of your world... I was not entirely candid with my answer. Yes, to see the Domin's world is a priceless gift, but... what I truly wished for was to see it with you." She gives you a searching look, narrowing her eyes. "What do you think, Domin'[Name]? Has your blade failed you?"
YOU[Step closer] "That sounds promising."
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah's lips stretch into a smile. She slowly places a hand on your shoulder. "I... share your anticipation, Domin'[Name]."
YOU[Kiss Kibellah]
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah reciprocates — hesitantly at first, then passionately. Her lips are warm and soft — surprisingly so for someone seemingly woven from muscle and unyielding will.
YOU[Kiss Kibellah]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I want to stay with you, somewhere private."
High Factotum Janris Danrok"Then take me there... [Name]." You can barely hear Kibellah's voice as she speaks your name plainly for the first time.
end of branch
YOU"Thank you for this evening. I hope it will not be the last."
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah closes her eyes, her lips carrying a slight smile that seems to hold some unspoken secret. "As it pleases you, Domin'[Name]."
end of branch
YOU"I want to stay with you, somewhere private."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for this evening. I hope it will not be the last."continues where this line first appears above
High Factotum Janris DanrokShe stops abruptly, her eyes tense. "I must ask. Everyone knows that your heart is taken — you have already tied yourself to another thread. Do you mean to say that you would break this bond so that I could become your one and only chosen?"
YOU"You are all I need."
High Factotum Janris DanrokThe tension in her voice fades, giving way to warmth and trust. "So, then... what will your next step be, Domin'[Name]?"
YOU[Kiss Kibellah]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I want to stay with you, somewhere private."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for this evening. I hope it will not be the last."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I cannot do that."
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah draws a ragged breath and steps away from you, her burning eyes glancing aside. "The time of my visit has come to an end. Thank you for the ritual, Domin'[Name], and for answering my question. Now, I must go back to my own thread."
end of branch
YOU"That is the first time you have been honest with me about your desires. To see your sincerity — that is the truly priceless gift here."
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah's face darkens for an moment, but then, almost immediately, her faint smile grows wider. "That is a luxury that no spinner can afford." Her voice drops to a soft whisper.
YOU[Kiss Kibellah]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I want to stay with you, somewhere private."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for this evening. I hope it will not be the last."continues where this line first appears above
High Factotum Janris DanrokShe stops abruptly, her eyes tense. "I must ask. Everyone knows that your heart is taken — you have already tied yourself to another thread. Do you mean to say that you would break this bond so that I could become your one and only chosen?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Lean closer to Kibellah] "Never regret an action that has given you what you want. You and I are here, alone. What does one little lie matter?"
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah freezes. "Your words ring with danger, Domin'[Name]." She brings a hand to your neck and slides it down. "But I can understand why you would think thus. Such is the Domin's destiny: the burden of power... The burden of living as a predator."
YOU[Kiss Kibellah]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I want to stay with you, somewhere private."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for this evening. I hope it will not be the last."continues where this line first appears above
High Factotum Janris DanrokShe stops abruptly, her eyes tense. "I must ask. Everyone knows that your heart is taken — you have already tied yourself to another thread. Do you mean to say that you would break this bond so that I could become your one and only chosen?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have no use for a blade that tries to deceive and toy with me. Remember that."
High Factotum Janris DanrokKibellah draws a ragged breath and steps away from you, her burning eyes glancing aside. "The time of my visit has come to an end. Thank you for the ritual, Domin'[Name], and for answering my question. Now, I must go back to my own thread."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wanted to show you that there are other things in life besides service and duty."
High Factotum Janris DanrokShe tilts her head, studying your face. "'Other things,' Domin'[Name]?"
High Factotum Janris DanrokShe suddenly looks away. A smile touches her lips. "When you asked me if I wanted to look at the rituals of your world... I was not entirely candid with my answer. Yes, to see the Domin's world is a priceless gift, but... what I truly wished for was to see it with you." She gives you a searching look, narrowing her eyes. "What do you think, Domin'[Name]? Has your blade failed you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are my instrument, my blade — one that I intend to maintain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are my comrade — I cannot simply dismiss you and your wishes!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have come to value your company."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wanted to show you that there are other things in life besides service and duty."continues where this line first appears above