FaithHis bloodshot eyes, slightly twitching fingers, and nervous agitation point to chronic sleep deprivation or the gruelling strain of too much work.
YOU[Examine the strange young man]
YOU"You look unwell, Marius. How long since you last slept?"
Faith"I require neither rest nor sleep! I feel energised and alive like never before. I— I'm overflowing with faith!"
YOU[Examine the strange young man]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You look unwell, Marius. How long since you last slept?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You deign to speak to me out of turn?"
FaithThe officer tries to smooth his hair with one hand and straighten his collar with the other. "B-but who else if not one of the Emperor's anointed? The vision... I must bring this matter to your attention. You are the only one I can ask."
YOU[Examine the strange young man]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You look unwell, Marius. How long since you last slept?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You deign to speak to me out of turn?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about the vision you had."
FaithThe officer raises his eyes to the ceiling and recollects with rapt abandon: "First I noticed a faint light out of the corner of my eye, but thought it was a surgical lumen someone had turned on. The light grew brighter, and when I turned toward it, it shone right through me! I saw my muscles, organs, and bones under my skin. I was bared, body and soul, as if I was standing by the Throne itself."
Faith"An ancestor of mine stepped out of that most pure light." Marius pauses, his voice faltering. "And he said, 'My child! Your destiny is to bring faith to distant worlds. Seek the Rogue Trader's blessing and set out on your journey.' The words didn't seem to be coming from his mouth but from every direction at once, and other strong and pure voices echoed them, and, and—" For a moment Marius looks like he's about to faint, but he finishes his speech in a tone that is almost serene. "It was a miracle."
YOU[Examine the strange young man]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You look unwell, Marius. How long since you last slept?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You deign to speak to me out of turn?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about the vision you had."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak of your great-great-grandfather with particular enthusiasm. What makes him so important?"
Faith"He had the honour of helping an ancestor of yours capture this relic." Marius points piously toward the reliquary. "In that gruelling fight, he not only treated the wounded soldiers but shed blood for the cause himself."
YOU[Examine the strange young man]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You look unwell, Marius. How long since you last slept?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You deign to speak to me out of turn?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about the vision you had."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak of your great-great-grandfather with particular enthusiasm. What makes him so important?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prove to me that your epiphany was real. Put your faith to the test."
FaithYour words leave the officer awestruck. He freezes in place, waiting.
YOU"Sister Argenta, I entrust you with the test."
ArgentaAn inner fire lights up Argenta's face. "You believe you have been chosen for missionary work? Do you know what hardships the bringers of His word must endure? Words alone will not make the faithless fall to their knees. Countless righteous men and women have died at the hands of those they were trying to save! Other foes lurk on remote worlds as well. Disease. Hunger. Destitution. The smallest flaw in your faith will be enough for them to break you and turn you away from the Throne. Do you think you have what it takes to overcome these challenges?"
Faith(sequence)
FaithMarius wrings his hands. "Your Lordship/Ladyship! You have turned my inner eye to things I've never reflected on before. I think... you're right. I am not ready to be a missionary." He smiles a tired smile. "A vision brought me to you, and you have shown me the truth. Correcting the flaws in my faith is what I must turn my efforts toward."
end of branch
FaithIt is hard to tell if Marius is more intimidated by the Sister of Battle or the hardships she speaks of. However, he juts out his chin and replies in a firm voice, "I will drink my cup of sorrows, no matter how bitter it may be, and will praise the Emperor for every trial."
ArgentaArgenta nods in satisfaction. "Spoken like a righteous man!"
YOU"Sister Argenta, I entrust you with the test."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Kibellah, you know what to do."
KibellahKibellah approaches the officer without making a sound. "Death is the faithful companion of those who sow the seeds of faith amid the stars. Though it has a thousand faces, I will show you but one... The one you fear most. The one you have seen in your nightmares."
Faith(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
FaithOne swift movement, and a cold needle flashes by Marius's neck. His eyes roll up and his body convulses. Nothing happens for several long seconds, until he finally forces out, "O Emperor! What an abomination, what unbearable, Throne-offending blasphemy!" He clenches his teeth and mutters stubbornly on through the froth forming on his lips. "And I shall fear no corruption, and I shall face my death as His faithful servant!"
KibellahWith another swift movement, Kibellah administers an antidote to the officer. "This one has gained knowledge of one of death's manifestations. Another of his weaknesses has died off, making room for service."
YOU"Sister Argenta, I entrust you with the test."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Kibellah, you know what to do."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile knowingly at Idira] "Any suggestions?"
IdiraIdira smiles back at you. "Indeed, why not look into this wannabe fanatic's future?" She closes her eyes and rubs her temples theatrically. "Oh yes! The whispers tell me that you, Marius, will embarrass yourself on the very first planet you go to, and come crawling back to this ship burdened with debt and disburdened of breeches!"
Faith(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
FaithMarius clenches his fists, gnashes his teeth, and says, "That will never be! The cursed spirits are lying to you! They seek to lead me astray, as they do any fervent believer. Drown out their voices with prayer and don't let them make you an instrument of their evil!"
Idira"Easy, paragon of faith. I was just testing how frayed your nerves are."
YOU"Sister Argenta, I entrust you with the test."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Kibellah, you know what to do."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile knowingly at Idira] "Any suggestions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were assigned a position on this ship. That is your place in the Imperium's design. And you seek to upset that order? I ought to have you executed for such impudence."
Faith(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
FaithYour stern tone frightens Marius. "I am a loyal son of the Imperium and have, until now, never entertained the idea of abandoning my duties on this ship. But what if mine is a different calling? How could I ignore a message from Him?"
YOU"Sister Argenta, I entrust you with the test."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Kibellah, you know what to do."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile knowingly at Idira] "Any suggestions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were assigned a position on this ship. That is your place in the Imperium's design. And you seek to upset that order? I ought to have you executed for such impudence."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Marius, you can do good without having to leave the ship. You have enough work here to fill the rest of your life. Cure people and strengthen their faith: is that not enough?"
Faith(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
FaithThe medicae officer looks away, struggling to comprehend what he has just heard. A deep furrow appears on his brow — a rare occurrence in someone of his age. "You are right. There's a lot I could do for my home ship. But I can't just turn my back on the sign I was given and make do with a compromise. The Emperor commands that I dedicate every part of me to His faith, so that's how it must be."
YOU"Sister Argenta, I entrust you with the test."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Kibellah, you know what to do."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile knowingly at Idira] "Any suggestions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were assigned a position on this ship. That is your place in the Imperium's design. And you seek to upset that order? I ought to have you executed for such impudence."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Marius, you can do good without having to leave the ship. You have enough work here to fill the rest of your life. Cure people and strengthen their faith: is that not enough?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am ready to pass my verdict."
FaithMarius's eyes glaze over, and his lips start moving in silent prayer.
YOU"Medicae Officer Marius Clemence Sorne Keblau, you have convinced me of your genuine faith. I hereby give you my blessing as Rogue Trader and order you to take up missionary service."
FaithTears glisten in Marius's eyes as he stands to attention and makes the sign of the Aquila again. "Your Lordship/Ladyship! It has been a great honour to serve you. Faith takes time to cultivate on faraway worlds, but one day you or your descendants will hear of my deeds."
end of branch
YOU"Your courage and resolve are beyond reproach. You will make a fine officer. Trust me."
FaithMarius is silent for a long time, then smiles timidly. "If it were someone else, I would try to insist... But if you really believe that I will... Throne, who am I to doubt the words of a conqueror of the void like you? Thank you for your guidance, Lord Captain. I will not fail you."
end of branch
YOU"I am unimpressed, Marius. You do not belong among the missionaries. Return to your duties."
FaithMarius makes an effort to stifle the protest within him before it can burst into words. "Thank you for the honour, Your Lordship/Ladyship. I will serve you diligently."
end of branch
YOU"Take my blessing, along with any weapon you like from the ship's reliquary. Quench its thirst with the blood of those you deem unworthy."
FaithMarius sputters in astonishment, "Chosen one? I— you— anything you wish, Your Lordship/Ladyship! I must tell my family at once!"
end of branch
YOU[Kill the officer] "All I see in you is dangerous madness."
FaithThe young man makes no effort to shield himself from your strike, accepting death with an expression of genuine surprise on his face.
end of branch
YOU"I am ready to pass my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Marius, you can do good without having to leave the ship. You have enough work here to fill the rest of your life. Cure people and strengthen their faith: is that not enough?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am ready to pass my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were assigned a position on this ship. That is your place in the Imperium's design. And you seek to upset that order? I ought to have you executed for such impudence."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Marius, you can do good without having to leave the ship. You have enough work here to fill the rest of your life. Cure people and strengthen their faith: is that not enough?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am ready to pass my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile knowingly at Idira] "Any suggestions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were assigned a position on this ship. That is your place in the Imperium's design. And you seek to upset that order? I ought to have you executed for such impudence."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Marius, you can do good without having to leave the ship. You have enough work here to fill the rest of your life. Cure people and strengthen their faith: is that not enough?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am ready to pass my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Kibellah, you know what to do."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile knowingly at Idira] "Any suggestions?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were assigned a position on this ship. That is your place in the Imperium's design. And you seek to upset that order? I ought to have you executed for such impudence."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Marius, you can do good without having to leave the ship. You have enough work here to fill the rest of your life. Cure people and strengthen their faith: is that not enough?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am ready to pass my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
Faith(sequence)
Ulfar"Right you are, Aett-Vater! Everyone on Fenris knows: they who seek a great destiny must first face a great trial! Many of our heroes covered themselves in glory by accepting harsh challenges and proving their valour."
end of branch
YOU"I have no time for this and no desire to deal with you. I am leaving."
FaithMarius grabs onto the hem of your clothes. "I implore you! This is my calling!"
YOU"I see you are going to persist. Fine. I will give you a chance to prove your faith."
FaithYour words leave the officer awestruck. He freezes in place, waiting.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill the officer] "All I see in you is dangerous madness."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"My decision stands. Now get out of my sight."
end of branch
YOU"Prove to me that your epiphany was real. Put your faith to the test."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have no time for this and no desire to deal with you. I am leaving."continues where this line first appears above
Faith(sequence)
Yrliet"The ray of his soul is so thin and pure, so fragile... A rare glow in the guts of an iron ship."
Marazhai"Easily remediable." Marazhai continues critically examining his sharp claws.
end of branch
YOU"You speak of your great-great-grandfather with particular enthusiasm. What makes him so important?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prove to me that your epiphany was real. Put your faith to the test."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have no time for this and no desire to deal with you. I am leaving."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about the vision you had."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak of your great-great-grandfather with particular enthusiasm. What makes him so important?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prove to me that your epiphany was real. Put your faith to the test."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have no time for this and no desire to deal with you. I am leaving."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You deign to speak to me out of turn?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about the vision you had."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak of your great-great-grandfather with particular enthusiasm. What makes him so important?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prove to me that your epiphany was real. Put your faith to the test."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have no time for this and no desire to deal with you. I am leaving."continues where this line first appears above
Faith(sequence)
Cassia"His colours burn brightly and feverishly, his zealous gold ready to consume all other hues. A beautiful sight, if somewhat frightening."
end of branch
Entry point 2 of 30
FaithWhatever happened to this officer, it has him in quite a state.
YOU[Examine the strange young man]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You look unwell, Marius. How long since you last slept?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You deign to speak to me out of turn?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about the vision you had."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak of your great-great-grandfather with particular enthusiasm. What makes him so important?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prove to me that your epiphany was real. Put your faith to the test."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have no time for this and no desire to deal with you. I am leaving."continues where this line first appears above
Faith(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
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Entry point 30 of 30
FaithA young man is praying beside the reliquary. His hair is dishevelled and his sweat-stained uniform is crumpled. Dark circles have formed underneath his eyes. As you approach, he jumps up from his knees and makes the sign of the Aquila with a jerky motion. "Lord Captain! You are here! I believed— nay, I knew you would come!"
FaithThe young man takes an almost ludicrously deep breath and says solemnly, "I am Marius Clemence Sorne Keblau, medicae officer. I have had a vision. My great-great-grandfather appeared before me and bid me seek your blessing to become a missionary! Please grant me your gracious leave to embark on my journey." He freezes and stares at you without blinking.
YOU[Examine the strange young man]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You look unwell, Marius. How long since you last slept?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You deign to speak to me out of turn?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about the vision you had."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You speak of your great-great-grandfather with particular enthusiasm. What makes him so important?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prove to me that your epiphany was real. Put your faith to the test."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have no time for this and no desire to deal with you. I am leaving."continues where this line first appears above