NPCThe governor's heavy gold-stitched jacket adds a certain presence to his figure, but it cannot hide how poor of a rider he is. The way his boots dig into the horse's sides, his hands fiddling with the reins, his trembling fingers — all speak of nervousness and a lack of control.
YOU"Tell me your gossip, then."
Bluff the Court Fool"Well, slap my grox! Fine, then, listen to this: One-Eye, terror of the common man, went out a-thieving one day. He sneaks into a hut, itching to fill up his sack, and what sees he? A scary big shadow on the floor! He turns around, and right behind him... a giant! A monster! With hands like Imperial columns! It grabs him by the throat and starts beating the air out of him like he's a ball of dough... Turns out, he's popped by Murgeth's place, and she used to work the bone mill no worse than ten men could when she was young. The fellow's been One-Eye ever since. And hoo, is he glad he's not One-Arm or One-Leg!"
NPCHaving finished his nonsensical tale, the fool erupts into acerbic giggling.
YOU"Tell me your gossip, then."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the governor]
NPCThe governor's clumsy attempts to stay in the saddle and his utter lack of noble bearing are bewildering to you. It appears that the upbringing of the Thasserian aristocracy is as unimpressive as this world's technological state.
YOU"Tell me your gossip, then."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the governor]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to your face, Ruoldo?"
Governor RuoldoRuoldo touches his stretched-out countenance. "Ah, this is a fine tradition that I myself brought to this world! You see, there is a way to tame the merciless passage of time: all you need is to find a young and healthy face, appropriate it, and attach it over your own fading skin. The local nobility eagerly took to this art of extending one's life and youth, and I, once a Celestial Lord myself, now promote this custom by personal example so I may showcase its wonderful properties!"
YOU"Grant each 'rejuvenated' individual a regular youth levy and overtime duties — after all, what good are health and long life to the servants of the Imperium?"
Governor Ruoldo"Most assuredly, Your Celestial Highness! I shall proclaim this decree this very day..." Ruoldo smiles, causing his attached face to crease in an unsettling way.
YOU"Tell me your gossip, then."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the governor]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to your face, Ruoldo?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"'Celestial Highness.' What kind of an address is that?"
Governor Ruoldo"That is what we call the highborn who come down to us in their wondrous vessels... Of course, I am not a native of Thassera, and thus, was once a Celestial Lord myself. I have grown used to the local customs, however, and so, I address you like any Thasserian would."
YOU"Tell me your gossip, then."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the governor]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to your face, Ruoldo?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"'Celestial Highness.' What kind of an address is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And where are you from?"
Governor Ruoldo"From a distant civilised world — yes, Thassera lacks much of what I was accustomed to, yet after my appointment here, I quickly grew to love this planet with all my heart. I hope that during your visit you, too, will come to feel at least some affection for Thassera."
YOU"Ruoldo, I'm sure you know why we are here."
Governor RuoldoRuoldo nods, somewhat perplexed. "I, well, I do have certain suppositions—"
Solomorne"Enough. According to data-protocol Calixis-Sigma UX 11-4, this Mu-class planet, type 'feudal,' Aestimare rating E874, with an assigned tithe grade of Solutio Extremis, has not provided its due tithe amount in full. You have violated the Lex and are hereby under investigation. You are to present all related customs reports and shipping manifests. Immediately." The Proctor's voice carries no emotion, and Glaito silently bares his teeth, completing the image of the implacable hand of justice that has arrived on Thassera.
Governor Ruoldo"I am most flattered by your attention, esteemed judicator — and by this opportunity to serve the Imperium with even greater dedication than before. Speaking of dedication, we are already conducting a thorough inspection to see which scribe it was that bungled the tithe calculation. Fear not: the scoundrel shall soon be—"
Solomorne"Excuses are the hallmark of the guilty. Do not make your situation worse, Governor."
Governor RuoldoRuoldo clasps his hands together and says meekly, "Of course, Master Judicator, I will provide you with all the documents as soon as our internal review is complete. I assure you it won't take long, and the report itself will be exhaustive!"
YOU"I believe there was something else the esteemed governor wished to say?"
Governor Ruoldo"Thank you, Your Celestial Highness! We know your journey here must have been an arduous one. As a sign of our appreciation, we have prepared a veritable... constellation of enjoyments in your honour! We humbly invite you to taste of our amasec, along with our finest dishes, and may you likewise savour some of the local entertainment. One of the court ladies will accompany you so as not to let even a single word or wish of yours linger without attention."
MaiveA thin woman emerges into the torchlight, looking at you with a mixture of fear and awe. Her diminutive figure is practically drowning in her velvet and silk dress, and a resplendent necklace of blue stone adorns her neck. "Maive, my Celestial Lord/Lady, at your service!"
SolomorneSolomorne leans closer and says in a lowered voice, "Based on my experience, I would say we have been assigned a spy under a pretence of generosity, but this is a good thing. We will use this young woman as our source of information about the world. For now, it would be wise to play along and question her thoroughly once we are away from prying ears."
YOU[Smile] "Relax, Maive. Just pretend that you are giving a good friend a tour of the place."
MaiveMaive smiles sheepishly. "I'm afraid that is easier said than done, my Celestial Lord/Lady — it would be like trying to imagine a mighty sun as a tiny ember. But I will do my best not to anger you by acting too nervous."
YOU[Smile] "Relax, Maive. Just pretend that you are giving a good friend a tour of the place."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your face is your own. Why is that?"
Maive"Such living masks are the privilege of the high nobility. I may not be a commoner, but to be entitled to a change of face... That is something I have yet to earn." Maive casts a fascinated eye over the nobles whose faces — inasmuch as they are theirs — are stretched tight over metal fixtures. Many have their mouths frozen in an unnatural smile, and it is hard to tell whether this is a consequence of the tightness, or simply an eager show of delight.
Bluff the Court Fool"Look at this one! She has barely risen above the bottom, and already she shoots for the privileges of the top! Greedy hands are wont to get chopped off!"
YOU[Smile] "Relax, Maive. Just pretend that you are giving a good friend a tour of the place."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your face is your own. Why is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You mentioned entertainment. Tell me more."
Maive"Taddua the Scorched is hosting a public trial for a few guilty wretches today. I also overheard that the council of Thasserian nobility was preparing a special gift for you... Besides those, our mechanical orchestra, the only one on Thassera, will be playing all evening! And of course, you will also get to see the crowning jewel of Lord Ruoldo's collection: his maimed, metal-harnessed beasts!"
Bluff the Court Fool "Little beasties like to play. People are their favourite prey. Champ and chomp and munch and crunch! Look! It's snapped your head away! Screams and tears and gore and more! Happy beastie, happy day!"
YOU[Smile] "Relax, Maive. Just pretend that you are giving a good friend a tour of the place."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your face is your own. Why is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You mentioned entertainment. Tell me more."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod at the servitor orchestra] "Fascinating. How did you manage to acquire something like that?"
Governor Ruoldo"Though at most only once in a generation, even Thassera receives visits from time to time, Your Celestial Highness. One day, an entire delegation from a foreign world arrived with these mechanical musicians in tow. We were immediately smitten with them! Sadly, our performers have now fallen into a sorry state. Thassera's humid air makes their preservation difficult, you see, and we don't have a single crimson-clad holy man or woman left. All we can do now is offer up prayers of our own, burn oils, and do everything else the old writings say, even though we have no hope of understanding them..."
NPCJudging by the stench, the servitors — or, more specifically, the parts of them made of flesh — will not last much longer. Slime oozes from rust holes, every other lifeless eye is adorned with cataracts, and their mouths are like corpse dumps filled with shards of rotten teeth. Every wrong note their instruments play is accompanied by the mournful screeching of servo-motors and sparks flashing from dangling wires.
YOU[Smile] "Relax, Maive. Just pretend that you are giving a good friend a tour of the place."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your face is your own. Why is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You mentioned entertainment. Tell me more."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod at the servitor orchestra] "Fascinating. How did you manage to acquire something like that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What an exquisite necklace! I think it would look better around the neck of your Celestial Lord/Lady."
MaiveMaive gasps. With trembling hands, she removes her necklace and offers it to you with a curtsy. "Lord Ruoldo generously gave it to me... This stone is a thassertium shard — the rare crystal our planet is famed for. Truly, my Celestial Lord/Lady is more deserving of such a gift..."
Bluff the Court Fool"Well, well! Our Celestial Lord/Lady is not one to mince words — he/she up and tells the specks on the soles of his/her shoes where they belong!"
YOU[Smile] "Relax, Maive. Just pretend that you are giving a good friend a tour of the place."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your face is your own. Why is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You mentioned entertainment. Tell me more."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod at the servitor orchestra] "Fascinating. How did you manage to acquire something like that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What an exquisite necklace! I think it would look better around the neck of your Celestial Lord/Lady."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. I would like to see what this place has to offer."
Bluff the Court Fool"Mhmm, I can tell by what I'm hearing that our executioner has already lit up the Phesmophorius, ready to give the condemned a warm welcome! Which means the governor's official whisper collector — that's me — has a whole lot of important business to get to. And so, I must leave you now, good sirs and ladies, lest I miss out on a hot batch of juicy tales. Terribly pleased to meet you all! Honoured judicator!" Bluff grasps Solomorne's hand and gives it a vigorous shake.
NPCBefore you can even blink, the cyber-mastiff beside him sinks its teeth into Bluff's forearm, jerking it back and forth in a fury. The attack lasts only for a moment, but when Glaito lets go, the fool's limb is already torn to shreds. With a cry of pain, Bluff leaps away and melds into the roiling crowd.
SolomorneSolomorne ruffles Glaito's neck and turns to you. "Feudal worlds are rarely known for their bureaucratic precision. Reconnaissance on the ground will tell us more than any report hastily scribbled down by these blockheads. I suggest we attend this trial and see how the laws of this planet are enforced."
YOU"Can't wait to meet some kindred spirits?"
Solomorne"Just professional intuition. Shall we go?"
YOU"Can't wait to meet some kindred spirits?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Never harm these people without my permission again, Solomorne."
Solomorne"As you wish. However, I should warn you that sudden 'handshakes' like that are considered tantamount to assaulting an Arbitrator on duty — there are contact poisons out there that can kill you in a couple of heartbeats. Be on your guard, Rogue Trader: festivals like these are ideal settings for assassinations."
YOU"Can't wait to meet some kindred spirits?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Never harm these people without my permission again, Solomorne."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's go, then. We must not miss the biggest local spectacle."
Solomorne"It's not a question of preference, but of what might help the investigation. The execution will gather a crowd, and we in turn will gather information. That will prove useful, considering how eager everyone was to make their exit."
SolomorneSolomorne looks at the throng currently staring at you in wonder and trepidation. "So, 'Celestial Lord/Lady'... Your coming is a historic event for these people. Rest assured: the locals will be watching your every move, and a single word or careless gesture from you may well transform their lives on this underdeveloped world."
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YOU"If it will help the investigation, we should not dally."
Solomorne"I am pleased to see that you prefer to continue our mission over all the idle pastimes of this world."
SolomorneSolomorne looks at the throng currently staring at you in wonder and trepidation. "So, 'Celestial Lord/Lady'... Your coming is a historic event for these people. Rest assured: the locals will be watching your every move, and a single word or careless gesture from you may well transform their lives on this underdeveloped world."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We have plenty of time. First, I will inspect every nook and cranny in this place."
Solomorne"I see no reason not to. Who knows what evidence we might discover — or what secrets of her lord our guide might share." Solomorne gives Maive an ominous look that makes her shudder timidly.
SolomorneSolomorne looks at the throng currently staring at you in wonder and trepidation. "So, 'Celestial Lord/Lady'... Your coming is a historic event for these people. Rest assured: the locals will be watching your every move, and a single word or careless gesture from you may well transform their lives on this underdeveloped world."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's go, then. We must not miss the biggest local spectacle."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If it will help the investigation, we should not dally."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We have plenty of time. First, I will inspect every nook and cranny in this place."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Never harm these people without my permission again, Solomorne."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's go, then. We must not miss the biggest local spectacle."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If it will help the investigation, we should not dally."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We have plenty of time. First, I will inspect every nook and cranny in this place."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Yawn]
MaiveMaive fidgets anxiously with her dress. "Perhaps my Celestial Lord/Lady would like to attend the feast? Or the execution?"
Bluff the Court Fool"Mhmm, I can tell by what I'm hearing that our executioner has already lit up the Phesmophorius, ready to give the condemned a warm welcome! Which means the governor's official whisper collector — that's me — has a whole lot of important business to get to. And so, I must leave you now, good sirs and ladies, lest I miss out on a hot batch of juicy tales. Terribly pleased to meet you all! Honoured judicator!" Bluff grasps Solomorne's hand and gives it a vigorous shake.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Remember, Maive: I do not want to hear a word out of you unless I give you explicit permission or ask a direct question."
MaiveMaive opens her mouth to say something, but catches herself, drops her gaze, and gives a sad nod.
Bluff the Court Fool"Mhmm, I can tell by what I'm hearing that our executioner has already lit up the Phesmophorius, ready to give the condemned a warm welcome! Which means the governor's official whisper collector — that's me — has a whole lot of important business to get to. And so, I must leave you now, good sirs and ladies, lest I miss out on a hot batch of juicy tales. Terribly pleased to meet you all! Honoured judicator!" Bluff grasps Solomorne's hand and gives it a vigorous shake.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have absolutely no interest in your base entertainments. The sooner we start reviewing the tithe documents, the better!"
Bluff the Court Fool"Mhmm, I can tell by what I'm hearing that our executioner has already lit up the Phesmophorius, ready to give the condemned a warm welcome! Which means the governor's official whisper collector — that's me — has a whole lot of important business to get to. And so, I must leave you now, good sirs and ladies, lest I miss out on a hot batch of juicy tales. Terribly pleased to meet you all! Honoured judicator!" Bluff grasps Solomorne's hand and gives it a vigorous shake.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. I would like to see what this place has to offer."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Yawn]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Remember, Maive: I do not want to hear a word out of you unless I give you explicit permission or ask a direct question."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have absolutely no interest in your base entertainments. The sooner we start reviewing the tithe documents, the better!"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
PasqalPasqal's optical visor fills with deep red, and his vox-speaker erupts into a howl of pained fury: "I am registering heretical sacrilege born from the stupidity of self-entitled laity! The commandment 'Allow not a false prophet to touch upon the mysteries of the Omnissiah' has been violated! The commandment 'Offend not the Omnissiah by negligent misservice' has been trampled!" His wail turns into an angry, stifled wheeze: "What scoundrel was it that thought to burn sacred unguents instead of incense?"
Eogunn"Temper yourself, colleague. You are making a category error, thinking that the indigenous population is capable of observing the rituals of service to the fullest extent. The best that an ignorant layperson can do for a working mechanism is to leave it well alone. The burning of sacred unguents, however, is... quite unnecessary."
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Eogunn"I am surprised they're still functioning." Eogunn's facial muscles twitch, as if the Manipulus is making a titanic effort not to grimace in disgust. "Perhaps the air here is conducive to the slow decay of the organic matter... or perhaps even servitors possess something akin to a will to live. What's that, Nuncius?" The Genetor turns to his servo-skull. "No, this particular phenomenon does not seem anything like a machine miracle after all."
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YOU"What an exquisite necklace! I think it would look better around the neck of your Celestial Lord/Lady."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. I would like to see what this place has to offer."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Yawn]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Remember, Maive: I do not want to hear a word out of you unless I give you explicit permission or ask a direct question."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have absolutely no interest in your base entertainments. The sooner we start reviewing the tithe documents, the better!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod at the servitor orchestra] "Fascinating. How did you manage to acquire something like that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What an exquisite necklace! I think it would look better around the neck of your Celestial Lord/Lady."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. I would like to see what this place has to offer."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Yawn]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Remember, Maive: I do not want to hear a word out of you unless I give you explicit permission or ask a direct question."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have absolutely no interest in your base entertainments. The sooner we start reviewing the tithe documents, the better!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You mentioned entertainment. Tell me more."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod at the servitor orchestra] "Fascinating. How did you manage to acquire something like that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What an exquisite necklace! I think it would look better around the neck of your Celestial Lord/Lady."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. I would like to see what this place has to offer."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Yawn]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Remember, Maive: I do not want to hear a word out of you unless I give you explicit permission or ask a direct question."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have absolutely no interest in your base entertainments. The sooner we start reviewing the tithe documents, the better!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your face is your own. Why is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You mentioned entertainment. Tell me more."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod at the servitor orchestra] "Fascinating. How did you manage to acquire something like that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What an exquisite necklace! I think it would look better around the neck of your Celestial Lord/Lady."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. I would like to see what this place has to offer."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Yawn]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Remember, Maive: I do not want to hear a word out of you unless I give you explicit permission or ask a direct question."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have absolutely no interest in your base entertainments. The sooner we start reviewing the tithe documents, the better!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You heard the Proctor. Take us somewhere we can have a serious conversation."
Governor Ruoldo"Well, in that case... please proceed to the castle. All of Thassera has been awaiting your arrival, busily preparing the finest dishes and entertainments in your honour, so I fear it may be challenging for you to avoid attention. Let us have a court lady accompany you..."
MaiveA thin woman emerges into the torchlight, looking at you with a mixture of fear and awe. Her diminutive figure is practically drowning in her velvet and silk dress, and a resplendent necklace of blue stone adorns her neck. "Maive, my Celestial Lord/Lady, at your service!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Glare at Ruoldo]
Governor RuoldoDaunted by your silence, the governor squirms nervously in his saddle.
Governor Ruoldo"Well, in that case... please proceed to the castle. All of Thassera has been awaiting your arrival, busily preparing the finest dishes and entertainments in your honour, so I fear it may be challenging for you to avoid attention. Let us have a court lady accompany you..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, announce the purpose of our visit to these provincials."
AbelardAbelard clears his throat. "His Lordship/Her Ladyship [Name] von Valancius, inheritor of the greatest protectorate of the Koronus Expanse and bearer of the sacred Warrant, has graced Thassera with his/her presence in order to discuss matters pertaining to this planet's tithe—"
Solomorne"Enough. According to data-protocol Calixis-Sigma UX 11-4, this Mu-class planet, type 'feudal,' Aestimare rating E874, with an assigned tithe grade of Solutio Extremis, has not provided its due tithe amount in full. You have violated the Lex and are hereby under investigation. You are to present all related customs reports and shipping manifests. Immediately." The Proctor's voice carries no emotion, and Glaito silently bares his teeth, completing the image of the implacable hand of justice that has arrived on Thassera.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod to Solomorne]
Solomorne"Enough. According to data-protocol Calixis-Sigma UX 11-4, this Mu-class planet, type 'feudal,' Aestimare rating E874, with an assigned tithe grade of Solutio Extremis, has not provided its due tithe amount in full. You have violated the Lex and are hereby under investigation. You are to present all related customs reports and shipping manifests. Immediately." The Proctor's voice carries no emotion, and Glaito silently bares his teeth, completing the image of the implacable hand of justice that has arrived on Thassera.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And where are you from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ruoldo, I'm sure you know why we are here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, announce the purpose of our visit to these provincials."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod to Solomorne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You put on other people's skin out of a desire to look younger? You will declare this vile practice banned — today."
Governor Ruoldo"Oh!" Ruoldo looks confused for a few moments. "Yes! Yes, of course, this very day..."
YOU"Tell me your gossip, then."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the governor]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to your face, Ruoldo?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"'Celestial Highness.' What kind of an address is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And where are you from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ruoldo, I'm sure you know why we are here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, announce the purpose of our visit to these provincials."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod to Solomorne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A fine tradition indeed... I hope the subjects are conscious when you peel their skins off? I would love to attend such a procedure myself sometime and enjoy the show."
Governor RuoldoRuoldo's eyes nearly pop from their sockets at your words. He gulps and nods awkwardly.
YOU"Tell me your gossip, then."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the governor]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to your face, Ruoldo?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"'Celestial Highness.' What kind of an address is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And where are you from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ruoldo, I'm sure you know why we are here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, announce the purpose of our visit to these provincials."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod to Solomorne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Interesting."
Governor Ruoldo"Most assuredly, Your Celestial Highness! I shall proclaim this decree this very day..." Ruoldo smiles, causing his attached face to crease in an unsettling way.continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
HeinrixA furrow appears on Heinrix's brow. "But that is devoid of all sense... What is this, some travesty of rejuvenat treatments? All the procedures I have heard of are far more complex and laborious..."
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YOU"'Celestial Highness.' What kind of an address is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And where are you from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ruoldo, I'm sure you know why we are here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, announce the purpose of our visit to these provincials."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod to Solomorne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to your face, Ruoldo?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"'Celestial Highness.' What kind of an address is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And where are you from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ruoldo, I'm sure you know why we are here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, announce the purpose of our visit to these provincials."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod to Solomorne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the governor]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to your face, Ruoldo?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"'Celestial Highness.' What kind of an address is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And where are you from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ruoldo, I'm sure you know why we are here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, announce the purpose of our visit to these provincials."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod to Solomorne]continues where this line first appears above
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NPCThe governor's gold-stitched jacket bears a skilfully depicted Aquila encircled by glittering stars, each of which has been cut from a different type of gemstone — a remarkable luxury for someone who governs a world devoid of the light of civilisation.
YOU"Tell me your gossip, then."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the governor]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to your face, Ruoldo?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"'Celestial Highness.' What kind of an address is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And where are you from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ruoldo, I'm sure you know why we are here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, announce the purpose of our visit to these provincials."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod to Solomorne]continues where this line first appears above
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Governor Ruoldo(no text)
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Jae(no text)
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NPCRuoldo abruptly changes the subject, unwilling to say more about his native world. The reason for this is unclear.
YOU"Tell me your gossip, then."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the governor]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to your face, Ruoldo?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"'Celestial Highness.' What kind of an address is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And where are you from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ruoldo, I'm sure you know why we are here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, announce the purpose of our visit to these provincials."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod to Solomorne]continues where this line first appears above
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NPCRuoldo does not seem in the least disheartened — exchanging the gleaming spires of a hive for the dark towers of a feudal world would have broken the spirit of many.
YOU"Tell me your gossip, then."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the governor]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to your face, Ruoldo?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"'Celestial Highness.' What kind of an address is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And where are you from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ruoldo, I'm sure you know why we are here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, announce the purpose of our visit to these provincials."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod to Solomorne]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 36 of 36
Governor RuoldoA richly dressed man riding a sinewy horse breaks off from the procession. When he approaches, you immediately notice a strange detail: the man's face is pinned to his head with precious fastenings that stretch the skin across his skull. "Celestial guests, there is no higher honour for us than to extend our hospitality to such noble eminences! His/Her Celestial Highness the Rogue Trader, and an illustrious judicator of the Imperium! All of Thassera clamours, trembles, and cheers! Ruoldo the Fair-Faced, Governor of Thassera, at your service!"
YOU"I thank you for the courteous welcome, Governor; however, we have come here to address a grave concern."
Governor Ruoldo"But of course, Your Celestial Highness! It would be my pleasure to discuss whatever topic you have in mind. That said, you have had such long and perilous journey behind you! Like any self-respecting host, I must first propose—"
Bluff the Court FoolA smaller figure steps out of the crowd, dressed in the motley attire of a court fool and wearing a sneering mask. "My name is Bluff! I am Lord Ruoldo's good mood. I tickle His Governorship with well-spouted jests and itty-bitty gossip. And now, I merrily doff my cap to our Celestial Lords and Ladies and hand them this here key to Thassera as a token of our boundless loyalty." The fool bows and offers you his gift.
YOU[Accept the gift] "Thank you, Bluff."
Bluff the Court FoolThe fool parts with his offering and then jumps away with an irritating giggle.
Bluff the Court Fool"Being the paragon of grace that he/she is, would my Celestial Lord/Lady, perhaps, also deign to feast his/her ears on the latest Thasserian gossip to go with my gift?"
YOU"Tell me your gossip, then."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the governor]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to your face, Ruoldo?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"'Celestial Highness.' What kind of an address is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And where are you from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ruoldo, I'm sure you know why we are here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, announce the purpose of our visit to these provincials."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod to Solomorne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Wave in Abelard's direction] "Seneschal, you take it. I do not wish to soil my hands."
AbelardAbelard, wearing a grim expression, accepts the gift in your stead. Through comically exaggerated gestures, the fool displays his grief at having been unable to hand you the key directly, then steps back into the governor's shadow.
Bluff the Court Fool"Being the paragon of grace that he/she is, would my Celestial Lord/Lady, perhaps, also deign to feast his/her ears on the latest Thasserian gossip to go with my gift?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do your servants often interrupt their rulers' conversations without permission, Governor?"
Governor Ruoldo"Oh, the embarrassment!" The governor leans down from his horse and grabs the fool's hand. Having wrenched the key from Bluff's grasp, Ruoldo raises his hand to strike, and the fool quickly backs off. Finally, the governor offers the gift to you with a reverential bow.
YOU"Tell me your gossip, then."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the governor]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to your face, Ruoldo?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"'Celestial Highness.' What kind of an address is that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And where are you from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ruoldo, I'm sure you know why we are here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, announce the purpose of our visit to these provincials."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod to Solomorne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Strike the fool] "Mind your place, peasant!"
Bluff the Court FoolYou miss your mark as the fool jumps away with surprising agility, dancing and jeering as he goes.
Governor Ruoldo"Oh, the embarrassment!" The governor leans down from his horse and grabs the fool's hand. Having wrenched the key from Bluff's grasp, Ruoldo raises his hand to strike, and the fool quickly backs off. Finally, the governor offers the gift to you with a reverential bow.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Glance around with a bored expression] "Might we proceed inside now? I find all this squalor rather tiring."
Governor Ruoldo"N-now, Your Celestial Highness, we truly tried our best to put together a celebration worthy of our honoured visitors. But the news of your coming reached us so late! All I have left is a single talentless Astropath. We had to rush the preparations. Nevertheless, we have managed to put everything, everything Thassera is proud of on display here for you! I must ask—"
Bluff the Court FoolA smaller figure steps out of the crowd, dressed in the motley attire of a court fool and wearing a sneering mask. "My name is Bluff! I am Lord Ruoldo's good mood. I tickle His Governorship with well-spouted jests and itty-bitty gossip. And now, I merrily doff my cap to our Celestial Lords and Ladies and hand them this here key to Thassera as a token of our boundless loyalty." The fool bows and offers you his gift.continues where this line first appears above