Jocasta Sauerback"Be that as it may, we have hit a dead end. We hoped that exposing the culprits would lead us to the aberrations' lair."
YOU"Sauerback, the investigation must continue."
Leader"But no spinner or brave warrior from the Domin's circle can find the roots of the unclean, for it can appear as human and act as human. Only its thoughts betray its vile nature. Only its thoughts are never human."
Jocasta Sauerback"Weisz." Anxious silence falls the moment Sauerback says this one word. She narrows her eyes. "Is it unclean thoughts we need to find? Very well. Let Weisz find them. He knows how, no matter how badly he wishes that the rest of us forgot about it."
Leader"Veni'Zacchary is a fearsome hunter. When he hunts, the flagship wails. When he thinks, my teeth creak, and I can feel pain as if I am young again. But his power is great indeed — he can hunt down our prey."
YOU"How can the Choirmaster of the Astropaths be of use to us?"
Jocasta Sauerback"The esteemed Zacchary Weisz can perform the ritual of thought reading. This practice lets him do a cursory examination of the minds of thousands of people in search of certain individuals. A ritual as rare as it is dangerous, and only someone as versed as Master Weisz can accomplish such a feat."
YOU"How can the Choirmaster of the Astropaths be of use to us?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Has Weisz done something like that before?"
Jocasta Sauerback"Once. Lady Theodora made use of his services to expose spies on board... who apparently had been in the employ of Lord Inquisitor Calcazar."
YOU"How can the Choirmaster of the Astropaths be of use to us?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Has Weisz done something like that before?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Correct me if I am wrong, but it seems that not everyone here is eager to leave this matter to Master Weisz."
Jocasta Sauerback"I would say the one least eager will be Master Weisz himself. Last time, his efforts caused some... severe warp manifestations. The ritual truly is perilous."
YOU"How can the Choirmaster of the Astropaths be of use to us?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Has Weisz done something like that before?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Correct me if I am wrong, but it seems that not everyone here is eager to leave this matter to Master Weisz."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I already have a psyker in my retinue. Idira can perform the ritual."
LeaderThe Vizsier listens intently — not to the words of anyone present, but rather to someone invisible and inaudible. "I hear you, yes... The witch is weak. Death whispers of many names that it will claim if she is allowed. Names whose time to be erased is not now."
YOU"How can the Choirmaster of the Astropaths be of use to us?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Has Weisz done something like that before?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Correct me if I am wrong, but it seems that not everyone here is eager to leave this matter to Master Weisz."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I already have a psyker in my retinue. Idira can perform the ritual."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is all. Master-at-Arms, your duty is done. I give you leave to wrap up the investigation on the officers' deck."
Jocasta Sauerback"My duty will be done when the threat is eliminated. I will brief the enforcers while you consult Choirmaster Weisz, Lord Captain."
end of branch
Leader(sequence)
Idira"I'm not weak! Lady Theodora didn't keep weaklings around, and neither does the Lord Captain. But... a telepathic ritual of that scale really would be too big of a bite for me on my own. If it's listening to the whispers from behind the door or frying someone with lightning — that I can do. But looking for mutants by following the trail of their unclean little thoughts — that takes a special kind of learning."
end of branch
YOU"That is all. Master-at-Arms, your duty is done. I give you leave to wrap up the investigation on the officers' deck."continues where this line first appears above
Leader(sequence)
Abelard"Not to put too fine a point on it, Weisz nearly destroyed the ship back then. Incidentally, he had given us multiple warnings that it could happen. Lady Theodora ignored him, and we reaped the results. Oh, why do I get the feeling that I know what will happen next?"
end of branch
Idira"I didn't see the ritual — Weisz kicked me out. But the echoes of it that reached the decks were enough to scare me shitless. Weisz is a mighty old grox, but his head is a mess. And I mean the bad kind of a mess, the Astropathic kind. I say we think twice before we risk having whatever lives inside his head crawl out."
end of branch
YOU"I already have a psyker in my retinue. Idira can perform the ritual."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is all. Master-at-Arms, your duty is done. I give you leave to wrap up the investigation on the officers' deck."continues where this line first appears above
Leader(sequence)
HeinrixHeinrix clears his throat. "As far as I know, the Inquisition's involvement in the matter was never proven. Spreading dubious rumours is a precarious habit that you would do well to abstain from."
Idira"What is it, iceman? Are you worried we might take a peek inside your own dark thoughts? Well, don't be. We already know we can't trust you."
end of branch
YOU"Correct me if I am wrong, but it seems that not everyone here is eager to leave this matter to Master Weisz."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I already have a psyker in my retinue. Idira can perform the ritual."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is all. Master-at-Arms, your duty is done. I give you leave to wrap up the investigation on the officers' deck."continues where this line first appears above
Leader(sequence)
LeaderYou heard tales of this practice during your training at the Scholastica Psykana — dark, chilling tales. This is not a ritual that is taught, for it can only be learned through great sacrifice. Weisz is obviously a rare example of someone who was able to pay the price and survive.
end of branch
YOU"Has Weisz done something like that before?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Correct me if I am wrong, but it seems that not everyone here is eager to leave this matter to Master Weisz."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I already have a psyker in my retinue. Idira can perform the ritual."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That is all. Master-at-Arms, your duty is done. I give you leave to wrap up the investigation on the officers' deck."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let the Bloodspun Web find the mutants breeding on my ship."
Leader"But no spinner or brave warrior from the Domin's circle can find the roots of the unclean, for it can appear as human and act as human. Only its thoughts betray its vile nature. Only its thoughts are never human."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We may be overestimating the scale of the problem."
Leader"No." The Vizsier responds in a slithering whisper. "Your dread is not hollow: the unclean has sullied every bay on this ship. You are right to fear it. It is His will that you do."
Leader"But no spinner or brave warrior from the Domin's circle can find the roots of the unclean, for it can appear as human and act as human. Only its thoughts betray its vile nature. Only its thoughts are never human."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 7
Jae(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 6 of 7
Leader(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 7 of 7
LeaderThe Vizsier of the Bloodspun Web treads lightly and silently as if his old, gaunt body has no weight at all. He whispers weakly, "Domin'[Name] willed to see me, and so I have come."
YOU[Nod respectfully] "I have summoned you to discuss the actions of your apprentices."
LeaderThe Vizsier responds in an equally respectful manner, "Let their deeds be weighed."
Jocasta Sauerback"Investigation has established that the Bloodspun Web orchestrated an attack on His Lordship/Her Ladyship by means of pouring unholy blood into his/her bath. This affront—"
LeaderThe old man's murmur drowns out Sauerback's relentless voice: "Domin'[Name] knows the truth. So it was done, for so I did will. It was no affront, but... a prophecy. For my hands to divine, unsullied martyrs offered their souls and bodies into His imperishable embrace. I gazed into the red rivers of their smouldering lives, and I did see. A roiling unclean staining the bays, reaching for the anointed Lord/Lady of the Ark."
Leader"In my apprentices' last sighs, I heard the Undying One's whisper. He bid me: bathe the Domin in the blood of he who must go and they who have been righteous, for this will shield the Domin and strengthen his/her body against the roiling unclean. I obeyed."
YOU"Do you claim that you did it because the God-Emperor willed so?"
Leader"I speak, move, and draw breath because He wills so. I defy not the Undying One, neither in death that gifts and takes nor in my living existence."
YOU"Do you claim that you did it because the God-Emperor willed so?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Kibellah, did you know about this?"
Kibellah"When I saw the wounds made by the hand of a fellow believer, I guessed. But the Vizsier chose not to warn you, and so it was not my place to do so either. If there had been a plot against you, and a knife aimed at you, I would have given you some sign. But the Vizsier means you no harm, he is your servant. Where your other subjects' threads are clear and straight, his lie in the shadows of hints and secrets. Trust him as I do."
YOU"Do you claim that you did it because the God-Emperor willed so?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Kibellah, did you know about this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could your vision have been false?"
LeaderThe Vizsier's lips curl into a smile. "I held the cards of His Tarot, washed in the blood of the righteous. They make no mistakes, and neither does He send false visions. Only mortals err — they who read the signs. They who interpret."
YOU"Do you claim that you did it because the God-Emperor willed so?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Kibellah, did you know about this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could your vision have been false?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The man you killed — who was he?"
Leader"I know not. I heard only the name, and I knew: he must go." He listens to the empty space above his shoulder and nods. "Yes. We need no more knowledge than that."
YOU"Do you claim that you did it because the God-Emperor willed so?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Kibellah, did you know about this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could your vision have been false?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The man you killed — who was he?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you mean by 'the roiling unclean'?"
Leader"He did not reveal. But it is corruption itself. It offends Him. It tastes as sweet as fetid waters in old pipes. Its promises are the deception of an enforcer's smile. Its face is... elusive."
YOU"Do you claim that you did it because the God-Emperor willed so?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Kibellah, did you know about this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could your vision have been false?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The man you killed — who was he?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you mean by 'the roiling unclean'?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Master-at-Arms, are you convinced that we have found the culprits?"
Jocasta Sauerback"The situation is clear, Your Lordship/Ladyship." Sauerback makes the sign of the Aquila. "The Emperor has sent us a portent. The Protector of Mankind guides the hands of His holy servants to guard us and warn us of hidden threats."
YOU"Why so cryptic, Heinrix? If you have any theories about what is occurring here, share them."
Heinrix"My 'theories' are classified information of the Inquisition that I cannot divulge without good reason. If evidence comes to light that confirms my fears, I will disclose everything necessary. If, however, my concern is baseless, I would not wish to share knowledge dangerous to you without cause."
YOU"Why so cryptic, Heinrix? If you have any theories about what is occurring here, share them."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could it be a coincidence that the victim of the ritual was a genetic aberration?"
LeaderThe officers around you keep a respectful silence, but you can tell by their faint smiles that they find the very idea of doubting the Emperor's providence absurd.
YOU"Why so cryptic, Heinrix? If you have any theories about what is occurring here, share them."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could it be a coincidence that the victim of the ritual was a genetic aberration?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I offer you my apologies for having you brought here at gunpoint, Vizsier."
Leader"There is no need for them, Domin'[Name]. The word of the Lord/Lady of the Ark begets truth, not danger." He gives you a meek nod, his thin, unarmed hands hanging limply at his sides.
Jocasta Sauerback"Be that as it may, we have hit a dead end. We hoped that exposing the culprits would lead us to the aberrations' lair."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Cult of the Bloodspun Web will face no persecution for their deed."
LeaderThe Vizsier freezes, listening to silence, then nods to nothing. "Yes, yes... I will tell him/her." He turns his sewn-shut eyes to you once more. "We are seeds in your hands, Giver of Life. Whether you keep us or scatter us, we will remain grateful."
Jocasta Sauerback"Be that as it may, we have hit a dead end. We hoped that exposing the culprits would lead us to the aberrations' lair."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you think that your tales will save you from punishment..."
LeaderBefore you can finish your sentence, a curved dagger appears in the Vizsier's hand. There is a flash of steel in the air, and five severed fingers land at your feet. He says, his voice unfaltering, "We have displeased you. We are guilty." His parchment-like skin grows even paler. He carefully bandages his maimed hand, then bows his head low. "It is disgraceful for me to stand before you, Domin. I beg you to accept the cult's apologies. My apologies. I am ashamed."
Jocasta Sauerback"Be that as it may, we have hit a dead end. We hoped that exposing the culprits would lead us to the aberrations' lair."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will not have murders and bloody rituals committed on my ship. Henceforth, the cult is banned from engaging in such spectacles!"
LeaderSomething resembling alarm creeps into his colourless voice. "They were martyrs. It was their conscious wish to walk into the Undying Emperor's embrace. Domin'[Name], by disallowing the spinners' duty to Him, death, and the dynasty, you cut the very threads of faith that the Bloodspun Web uses to hold the flagship's bays together."
YOU"Such is my will."
Leader"Such is your will. We obey, but know this, Domin'[Name]: death claims all. One way or another."
Jocasta Sauerback"Be that as it may, we have hit a dead end. We hoped that exposing the culprits would lead us to the aberrations' lair."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps you are right, Vizsier. The spinners may carry on with their bloody service."
Leader"We thank your will and your grace, Domin'[Name]. We will serve you well."
Jocasta Sauerback"Be that as it may, we have hit a dead end. We hoped that exposing the culprits would lead us to the aberrations' lair."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I forbade you and your cult from killing my subjects. Your trespass will be punished."
LeaderBefore you can finish your sentence, a curved dagger appears in the Vizsier's hand. There is a flash of steel in the air, and five severed fingers land at your feet. He says, his voice unfaltering, "We have displeased you. We are guilty." His parchment-like skin grows even paler. He carefully bandages his maimed hand, then bows his head low. "It is disgraceful for me to stand before you, Domin. I beg you to accept the cult's apologies. My apologies. I am ashamed."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I offer you my apologies for having you brought here at gunpoint, Vizsier."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Cult of the Bloodspun Web will face no persecution for their deed."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you think that your tales will save you from punishment..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will not have murders and bloody rituals committed on my ship. Henceforth, the cult is banned from engaging in such spectacles!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I forbade you and your cult from killing my subjects. Your trespass will be punished."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could it be a coincidence that the victim of the ritual was a genetic aberration?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I offer you my apologies for having you brought here at gunpoint, Vizsier."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Cult of the Bloodspun Web will face no persecution for their deed."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you think that your tales will save you from punishment..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will not have murders and bloody rituals committed on my ship. Henceforth, the cult is banned from engaging in such spectacles!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I forbade you and your cult from killing my subjects. Your trespass will be punished."continues where this line first appears above
Leader(sequence)
Argenta"God-Emperor, I thank Thee for protecting us, even though there are instruments of Your protection whose purity and holiness I may never understand."
end of branch
Ulfar"The Allfather's enemies are through! This grisly old spider did well. Every pup on Fenris knows that bathing in the blood of a slain foe wards off witchcraft."
end of branch
Heinrix"[Name], regardless of how regularly you kneel before an altar, I advise you to take this warning seriously. If I am correct in my suspicions about what is transpiring here — and I pray to the Throne that I am not — then you can indeed consider this incident a sign that the Emperor is watching over you and this ship."
end of branch
Yrliet"This mon-keigh has drawn attention to the mutant in a way that could not be ignored. A shrewd tactic, if the threat is indeed as great as he believes."
end of branch
YOU"Master-at-Arms, are you convinced that we have found the culprits?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you mean by 'the roiling unclean'?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Master-at-Arms, are you convinced that we have found the culprits?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The man you killed — who was he?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you mean by 'the roiling unclean'?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Master-at-Arms, are you convinced that we have found the culprits?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could your vision have been false?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The man you killed — who was he?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you mean by 'the roiling unclean'?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Master-at-Arms, are you convinced that we have found the culprits?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Kibellah, did you know about this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Could your vision have been false?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The man you killed — who was he?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you mean by 'the roiling unclean'?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Master-at-Arms, are you convinced that we have found the culprits?"continues where this line first appears above
Leader(sequence)
LeaderYou hear laughter scraping against the inside of your head. "The Emperor bid him? This old fool sacrificed his disciples to read their flesh, blood, and bones. He wants to see the corpse emperor's revelations in the tangle of happenstance. He is so desperate that he... invents omens for himself."
end of branch
YOU"Decrepit worm! You will pay for your mutinous plot with your life!"
Leader"Do I fear meeting Him? I do not. Yet I fear my Domin, for I hear his/her ire thunder." He chews his lips, casting his sewn-shut eyes down.
Jocasta Sauerback"Investigation has established that the Bloodspun Web orchestrated an attack on His Lordship/Her Ladyship by means of pouring unholy blood into his/her bath. This affront—"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Master-at-Arms, inform this man of the accusations against the cult."
Jocasta Sauerback"Investigation has established that the Bloodspun Web orchestrated an attack on His Lordship/Her Ladyship by means of pouring unholy blood into his/her bath. This affront—"continues where this line first appears above
LeaderYou notice a fresh bruise on the Vizsier's face, and his clothes are torn even more than those of his fellow cult members. The escort enforcers' faces are pale but resolute.
YOU[Nod respectfully] "I have summoned you to discuss the actions of your apprentices."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Decrepit worm! You will pay for your mutinous plot with your life!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Master-at-Arms, inform this man of the accusations against the cult."continues where this line first appears above