Governor RuoldoStraining to add a note of gravity to his voice, the governor proclaims: "Most radiant ladies and noble lords! I hereby declare the Impostor Hunt officially over!" The crowd responds with uproarious cheers.
Governor Ruoldo"The participants of our masquerade already stand before you! Did you guess correctly? Did you expose them all? Please don your oculars and have a good look..." Ruoldo turns to you and whispers conspiratorially, "Not one noble was permitted to hunt the impostors this time, my lord/lady. Still, knowing their penchant for such games, I do suspect they tried to make their guesses anyway — quietly, among themselves."
Governor Ruoldo"All these impostors have been found out by none other than... our celestial guest, [Name] von Valancius! An unsurpassable show, Your Celestial Highness! Bravo, bravo! Maive, present our gift!"
Bluff the Court FoolYou hear the fool's voice from somewhere among the crowd: "A noble torso, branded at the behest of the Rogue Trader himself/herself... Oh, what bitter irony! My standing ovation to you!"
Governor Ruoldo"Your Celestial Highness, as an honoured guest of Thassera, would you like to say a few words of guidance to our beautiful world?"
YOU"Wait. Why are there some people here that I didn't mark with the data-brand?"
Governor Ruoldo"According to the rules, all disguised commoners must be shown to the audience in the finale, so that we know who managed to pass themselves off as a real noble. That is why there are impostors... whom you chose not to mark." Ruoldo nervously tugs at his gilded collar, which is digging into his neck. "Now then... Will you bestow a few parting words upon Thassera?"
YOU"Wait. Why are there some people here that I didn't mark with the data-brand?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"No."
Governor RuoldoThere is an awkward pause. The governor smiles nervously: "I understand, Your Celestial Highness. All this talking and ceremony and protocol — it's enough to knock anyone off their feet! But believe me when I say that we are nearing the end."
Governor Ruoldo"And now, the fateful moment has arrived. Who among the branded will be granted... the Highest Favour..." Having realised too late that you did not take part in the hunt, the governor trails off and glances at you timidly.
YOU"What is the 'Highest Favour,' Ruoldo? Is it part of the rules of the game?"
Governor Ruoldo"That is correct, Your Celestial Highness! Whomever you grant your favour will be showered with all manner of honours and go to serve in the governor's palace."
YOU"What is the 'Highest Favour,' Ruoldo? Is it part of the rules of the game?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"No."
NPCThe hunt participants lower their heads, their eyes dimming.
NPCYou hear venomous laughter from among the crowd and recognise Bluff's voice. As the square drowns in the clamour and applause of gawkers who were spectating the game, you look around for the court fool but cannot spot him anywhere.
NPC(sequence)
Ulfar"That buffoon is as maddening as a wolf louse, and just as slippery. Why do they let him feed off the governor's court? Not for his foul tongue, surely..."
end of branch
Governor Ruoldo"Such is His/Her Celestial Highness's brilliant decision, which for some may have been fateful indeed! And finally, the hour you have all been waiting for: the concluding part of our, uh, conclusion! The great feast!" The crowd's patience has worn thin. Filling his lungs, the governor shouts out, "Laceraxes! DINNER IS SERVED!"
NPCThe cyber-laceraxes' lumens glow blood red. Before the condemned can even scream, the beasts pounce on their prey with hungry snarls.
end of branch
YOU"Yes, there is: the laundrywoman, Edytka."
Edytka"As it pleases Your Graciousness." Clutching her filthy skirt, Edytka crouches in a graceless curtsy, then walks away, dragging her feet dejectedly.
NPCYou hear venomous laughter from among the crowd and recognise Bluff's voice. As the square drowns in the clamour and applause of gawkers who were spectating the game, you look around for the court fool but cannot spot him anywhere.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I choose the tailor."
Man with Scissors"As you wish." With a chuckle, the man twirls his scissors around his finger and sets off for the castle.
NPCYou hear venomous laughter from among the crowd and recognise Bluff's voice. As the square drowns in the clamour and applause of gawkers who were spectating the game, you look around for the court fool but cannot spot him anywhere.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The tailor's victim. You are released and pardoned."
Frightened Nobleman"I am thoroughly perplexed by the logic of your actions, Your Celestial Highness, but at least I will no longer be forced to tolerate these lowlifes. Good evening to you." The man bows, fixes his clothes nervously, and leaves in the direction of the castle.
NPCYou hear venomous laughter from among the crowd and recognise Bluff's voice. As the square drowns in the clamour and applause of gawkers who were spectating the game, you look around for the court fool but cannot spot him anywhere.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The old priest. The Highest Favour is yours."
Old Priest"God-Emperor protect you, my lord/lady. The Emperor sees into our souls and keeps us always on the true path." The priest's haggard face is full of humility. He bows, bending like a dry tree, then sets off toward the castle.
NPCYou hear venomous laughter from among the crowd and recognise Bluff's voice. As the square drowns in the clamour and applause of gawkers who were spectating the game, you look around for the court fool but cannot spot him anywhere.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I favour the young priest."
Young Priest"Thank you, my lord/lady. I am glad that His Eye has seen the truth and did not let paltry deceptions cloud your powers of insight." With an air of profound sagacity and clad in his rich robes, the priest heads toward the castle.
NPCYou hear venomous laughter from among the crowd and recognise Bluff's voice. As the square drowns in the clamour and applause of gawkers who were spectating the game, you look around for the court fool but cannot spot him anywhere.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sir Timeus's servant, I grant you my favour."
Finely Dressed Woman"You are so very kind, my Celestial Lord/Lady." The woman smiles hesitantly and turns to the castle. With a shuddered breath that betrays her recent tears, she heads toward the stairs.
NPCYou hear venomous laughter from among the crowd and recognise Bluff's voice. As the square drowns in the clamour and applause of gawkers who were spectating the game, you look around for the court fool but cannot spot him anywhere.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sir Timeus, you are free to go."
Man in a Jacket"Thank you, Your Celestial Highness." The man gives you a curt nod, then turns with confidence and heads toward the castle.
NPCYou hear venomous laughter from among the crowd and recognise Bluff's voice. As the square drowns in the clamour and applause of gawkers who were spectating the game, you look around for the court fool but cannot spot him anywhere.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I choose the lady in the golden mask, who so expertly sets snares for her rivals."
Lady in a Golden Mask"Why, thank you, Your Celestial Highness! I knew you had a heart of gold and a sharp mind!" The woman offers you a dignified curtsy and proceeds toward the castle.
NPCYou hear venomous laughter from among the crowd and recognise Bluff's voice. As the square drowns in the clamour and applause of gawkers who were spectating the game, you look around for the court fool but cannot spot him anywhere.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at one of the branded impostors at random] "Since you people love prattling about destiny so much, we will let fate choose!"
Lady in a Golden Mask"Why, thank you, Your Celestial Highness! I knew you had a heart of gold and a sharp mind!" The woman offers you a dignified curtsy and proceeds toward the castle.continues where this line first appears above
Man in a Jacket"Thank you, Your Celestial Highness." The man gives you a curt nod, then turns with confidence and heads toward the castle.continues where this line first appears above
Finely Dressed Woman"You are so very kind, my Celestial Lord/Lady." The woman smiles hesitantly and turns to the castle. With a shuddered breath that betrays her recent tears, she heads toward the stairs.continues where this line first appears above
Young Priest"Thank you, my lord/lady. I am glad that His Eye has seen the truth and did not let paltry deceptions cloud your powers of insight." With an air of profound sagacity and clad in his rich robes, the priest heads toward the castle.continues where this line first appears above
Old Priest"God-Emperor protect you, my lord/lady. The Emperor sees into our souls and keeps us always on the true path." The priest's haggard face is full of humility. He bows, bending like a dry tree, then sets off toward the castle.continues where this line first appears above
Frightened Nobleman"I am thoroughly perplexed by the logic of your actions, Your Celestial Highness, but at least I will no longer be forced to tolerate these lowlifes. Good evening to you." The man bows, fixes his clothes nervously, and leaves in the direction of the castle.continues where this line first appears above
Man with Scissors"As you wish." With a chuckle, the man twirls his scissors around his finger and sets off for the castle.continues where this line first appears above
Edytka"As it pleases Your Graciousness." Clutching her filthy skirt, Edytka crouches in a graceless curtsy, then walks away, dragging her feet dejectedly.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you mocking me, Ruoldo?"
Governor Ruoldo"N-not at all, no! Well, then..." The governor quickly adjusts his dress. "That is to say, the hour we have all been waiting for has come at last — let the great feast begin!"
NPCThe cyber-laceraxes' lumens glow blood red. Before the condemned can even scream, the beasts pounce on their prey with hungry snarls.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"No."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yes, there is: the laundrywoman, Edytka."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I choose the tailor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The tailor's victim. You are released and pardoned."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The old priest. The Highest Favour is yours."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I favour the young priest."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sir Timeus's servant, I grant you my favour."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sir Timeus, you are free to go."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I choose the lady in the golden mask, who so expertly sets snares for her rivals."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at one of the branded impostors at random] "Since you people love prattling about destiny so much, we will let fate choose!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you mocking me, Ruoldo?"continues where this line first appears above
Governor Ruoldo"And now, good lords and ladies, the time has come to make the fateful decisions! There is naught but one true reward, the Highest Favour, that any branded impostor desires. Please, Your Celestial Highness, tell us: is there among these people one worthy of the Rogue Trader's favour?"
YOU"What is the 'Highest Favour,' Ruoldo? Is it part of the rules of the game?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"No."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yes, there is: the laundrywoman, Edytka."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I choose the tailor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The tailor's victim. You are released and pardoned."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The old priest. The Highest Favour is yours."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I favour the young priest."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sir Timeus's servant, I grant you my favour."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sir Timeus, you are free to go."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I choose the lady in the golden mask, who so expertly sets snares for her rivals."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at one of the branded impostors at random] "Since you people love prattling about destiny so much, we will let fate choose!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you mocking me, Ruoldo?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Solomorne, perhaps you have something to say?"
Solomorne"I am quite good at saying the word 'guilty.' Would that satisfy you?"
Governor RuoldoThere is an awkward pause. The governor smiles nervously: "I understand, Your Celestial Highness. All this talking and ceremony and protocol — it's enough to knock anyone off their feet! But believe me when I say that we are nearing the end."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give your Seneschal a pointed look] "Abelard?"
AbelardAbelard adjusts his coat. "His Lordship/Her Ladyship Rogue Trader [Name] von Valancius, ruler of the greatest protectorate in the Koronus Expanse, wishes rapid growth and many centuries of prosperity upon your homeland. Remember your duty, and may you labour tirelessly for the glory of the mighty Imperium."
Governor Ruoldo"That was... a grand speech! Thank you!" Ruoldo sniffles loudly, dabbing his face with a handkercher.
Governor Ruoldo"And now, the fateful moment has arrived. Who among the branded will be granted... the Highest Favour..." Having realised too late that you did not take part in the hunt, the governor trails off and glances at you timidly.continues where this line first appears above
Governor Ruoldo"And now, good lords and ladies, the time has come to make the fateful decisions! There is naught but one true reward, the Highest Favour, that any branded impostor desires. Please, Your Celestial Highness, tell us: is there among these people one worthy of the Rogue Trader's favour?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We stand united in our faith and in our common mission: to bring about Humanity's victorious future. May you all toil for the indestructible fortress of the Imperium and wish for no other life, for the God-Emperor is the one true path through the darkness of the universe. Glory to the Emperor!"
NPC"Glory!" the masked people respond, making the sign of the Aquila over their chests.
NPC(sequence)
Ulfar"Glory to the Allfather!" Ulfar's voice thunders over the crowd. Inspired by the might of his faith, the people praise the Emperor, shouting His name until their voices become hoarse.
end of branch
Argenta"The one true path through the darkness of the universe..." Repeating after you, the Sister of Battle whispers the words fervently.
ArgentaEven after the deluge of cries gives way to reverent silence, Argenta's eyes remain bright with zealous fire. "May the God-Emperor be merciful to this world steeped in mistaken beliefs."
end of branch
Governor Ruoldo"That was... a grand speech! Thank you!" Ruoldo sniffles loudly, dabbing his face with a handkercher.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"May you be each other's pillars of support. We shall achieve all we strive for, and we shall prevail — but only together can we do so, for there is no greater force in existence than our unity."
NPC"Hear, hear! All hail our celestial sovereign! Glory! Glory!" The masks extol you, roused by your words.
Governor Ruoldo"That was... a grand speech! Thank you!" Ruoldo sniffles loudly, dabbing his face with a handkercher.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"When my ship carries me between the stars, cutting through the endless void, I ask myself what the new day might bring. And then, I find myself standing up to my nose in filth, among a gaggle of morons who think that a cogitator is a wind-up gewgaw. You want to hear my wishes? Well, my wish is to be off this planet as soon as possible. The end."
Governor RuoldoThere is an awkward pause. The governor smiles nervously: "I understand, Your Celestial Highness. All this talking and ceremony and protocol — it's enough to knock anyone off their feet! But believe me when I say that we are nearing the end."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"No."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Solomorne, perhaps you have something to say?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Give your Seneschal a pointed look] "Abelard?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We stand united in our faith and in our common mission: to bring about Humanity's victorious future. May you all toil for the indestructible fortress of the Imperium and wish for no other life, for the God-Emperor is the one true path through the darkness of the universe. Glory to the Emperor!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"May you be each other's pillars of support. We shall achieve all we strive for, and we shall prevail — but only together can we do so, for there is no greater force in existence than our unity."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"When my ship carries me between the stars, cutting through the endless void, I ask myself what the new day might bring. And then, I find myself standing up to my nose in filth, among a gaggle of morons who think that a cogitator is a wind-up gewgaw. You want to hear my wishes? Well, my wish is to be off this planet as soon as possible. The end."continues where this line first appears above
Governor Ruoldo"Your Celestial Highness, as an honoured guest of Thassera, would you like to say a few words of guidance to our beautiful world?"continues where this line first appears above
Governor Ruoldo"Had it been me in your shoes, Your Celestial Highness, I would not have guessed any of them — I dare say I would have... anti-guessed! After all, even a scrubwoman would look like a princess if you dressed her in silks and laces. But you are able to see through any deception! Maive, go on and present our special gift to our celestial guest!"
NPCRuoldo leans toward you slightly, gracing you with the strong smell of amasec. "And that you see more impostors before you than anticipated — that's just to add to your enjoyment, Your Celestial Highness. A crowd burns brighter, as my mother always used to say. Burns, uh... with righteousness, of course. Fierce righteousness!"
Bluff the Court FoolYou hear the fool's voice from somewhere among the crowd: "A noble torso, branded at the behest of the Rogue Trader himself/herself... Oh, what bitter irony! My standing ovation to you!"continues where this line first appears above
Governor Ruoldo"Your Celestial Highness, as an honoured guest of Thassera, would you like to say a few words of guidance to our beautiful world?"continues where this line first appears above
Governor Ruoldo"However, while most of us were indulging — I would even say wallowing — in the thrill of the Impostor Hunt, His/Her Celestial Highness turned his/her lofty thoughts away from these motley diversions and toward duty. How can this be anything but a true victory of will over whim? Maive, come and present our gift to our celestial guest!"
Governor Ruoldo"Your Celestial Highness, as an honoured guest of Thassera, would you like to say a few words of guidance to our beautiful world?"continues where this line first appears above