Pot-Bellied Commoner"Oh, have you heard about Lord Grimley's new wife?" The pot-bellied servant has the other two's attention now. They lean closer, losing interest in the previous topic, and you can no longer hear a word they're saying. It would appear the trio has forgotten about you completely.
end of branch
Entry point 4 of 29
NPCThe people exchange whispers, nodding vigorously at each other. Every now and then, you catch a rapt glance in your direction.
NPC(sequence)
Balding Commoner"I told you! 's not just any Celestial , but one of the God-Emperor's anointed! A benefactor!"
end of branch
Balding Commoner"Say what you will, but a noble's a noble, no matter how celestial or . They all act the same."
end of branch
Balding Commoner"Celestial or not, I don't like this... My gut tells me it's better to stay out of way. You know how far I trust my gut? All the way!" The servant waves his hand, looks over his shoulder, and shudders slightly.
end of branch
Entry point 5 of 29
NPCThe people exchange anxious whispers. One of them shakes his head doubtfully as he steals glances in your direction.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 6 of 29
NPCThe people exchange whispers, nodding vigorously at each other. Every now and then, you catch a rapt glance in your direction.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 7 of 29
NPCThe people exchange anxious whispers. One of them shakes his head doubtfully as he steals glances in your direction.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 8 of 29
NPCThe people exchange whispers, nodding vigorously at each other. Every now and then, you catch a rapt glance in your direction.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 9 of 29
NPCThe people exchange anxious whispers. One of them shakes his head doubtfully as he steals glances in your direction.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 10 of 29
NPCThe commoners mumble something, their disbelief clear on their faces.
NPC(sequence)
Balding Commoner"Just a quick glance... just to walk on the same ground stepped on... If we had rulers like that, we could all breathe more freely! Why can't they make mercy their new custom, instead of wearing those sewed-on faces?"
end of branch
Pot-Bellied Commoner"If only I could live like that for just one day. I'd throw a great big feast. And I'd have dozens of entertainers, not just Maive here... no offence. But in the end, all we can do is please the nobles. I bet ours are going to start acting like the Celestial ..."
end of branch
Scrawny Commoner"How long do you think 'll be staying here? What if never leaves? What if becomes our new governor? For now, 's putting our lords and ladies in their places, but what if we're next? Oh, saints' blood, may He protect us..."
end of branch
Entry point 11 of 29
NPCThe three nudge each other in the side, nodding toward you. The details have clearly impressed them.
NPC(sequence)
Balding Commoner"The Celestial is honourable and righteous. Naysayers envy , so they want to drag name through the mud. All they do is prove me right! I wish I could get a closer look, just for a moment... Just one look, is all I ask!"
end of branch
Pot-Bellied Commoner"I'd rather stay out of that Celestial 's way. Who knows what goes on in those noble heads. Suppose my appearance offends ... I'd rather not part with my own head just yet!"
end of branch
Scrawny Commoner"Don't know about you, but I'd rather not catch eye. If I do, I might lose my own! It happens! Now my lord, when he has me whipped, at least it's for something I did — and I've still got all my limbs. Oh, Emperor protect us..."
end of branch
Entry point 12 of 29
NPCThe trio exchange doubtful glances. One of the commoners catches your eye and smiles awkwardly.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 13 of 29
NPCThe three nudge each other in the side, nodding toward you. The details have clearly impressed them.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 14 of 29
NPCThe trio exchange doubtful glances. One of the commoners catches your eye and smiles awkwardly.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 15 of 29
NPCThe three nudge each other in the side, nodding toward you. The details have clearly impressed them.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 16 of 29
NPCThe trio exchange doubtful glances. One of the commoners catches your eye and smiles awkwardly.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 17 of 29
Balding CommonerThe servant elbows the others, bidding them be silent. "Be quiet, will you! Let Maive speak!"
NPC(sequence)
Balding CommonerThe servant lowers his voice to a whisper. "Have you heard about the mutant disaster? Everyone wanted to blame the commander or the executioner, but the Celestial interfered and was merciful. It was like I'm telling it. Wasn't it, Maive?"
end of branch
Pot-Bellied CommonerThe servant lowers his voice to a whisper. "Have you heard about the mutant disaster? Well, they sure found someone to blame. The Celestial didn't even bother with a trial. made 'em crawl in the mud, begging for mercy... That's right! Isn't it, Maive?"
end of branch
Scrawny CommonerThe servant gestures at the others to come closer and says in a conspiratorial whisper, "The Celestial is a monster. You didn't listen to me, but I'll prove it, and Maive will confirm it. Heard about the mutant disaster? Well, they started looking for the culprits. They found two so-called suspects, and the Celestial just had them both thrown into a furnace for amusement... Am I right, Maive?"
end of branch
Scrawny CommonerThe servant gestures for the others to come closer and says in a conspiratorial whisper, "The Celestial is a monster. You didn't listen to me, but I'll prove it, and Maive will confirm it. You hear about the mutant disaster? Well, they started looking for the culprits. But the Celestial just had the executioner thrown into a furnace for amusement... Am I right, Maive?"
Pot-Bellied Commoner"No, no, you've got it all wrong! Not the executioner — the commander! Tell us, Maive: did the Celestial really execute somebody?"
end of branch
Entry point 18 of 29
NPCThe commoners nod their understanding as they continue to hang on your every word.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 19 of 29
NPCThe commoners mumble something, their disbelief clear on their faces.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 20 of 29
NPCThe commoners mumble something, their disbelief clear on their faces.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 21 of 29
NPCThe commoners nod their understanding as they continue to hang on your every word.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 22 of 29
NPC(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 23 of 29
NPCThe commoners nod their understanding as they continue to hang on your every word.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 24 of 29
NPC(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 25 of 29
NPC(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 26 of 29
NPC(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 27 of 29
NPC(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 28 of 29
NPC(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 29 of 29
Balding CommonerSeveral commoners are talking in a loud whisper, taking no notice of you. A balding man with a bowl cut is gesturing energetically, his back turned toward you. "Never thought a thing like this would happen in my time! A new Celestial has paid us a visit! They say descended from the sky on a great bird of iron, then stepped out of its belly clad in golden armour. Any who saw were blinded by the splendour. That's His anointed for you!"
Pot-Bellied Commoner"Rubbish! I've heard that tale before, and only an idiot would believe it. 's a noble like any other, just a more important one. Treats everyone like dirt and pushes people around worse than any of our own nobles do... But that's the way it is, isn't it. It's the God-Emperor's will that their place be at the top and ours in the dust. It's how the world works... Next thing you know, that Celestial will make this whole place own." The pot-bellied man runs a finger under his nose, leaving a clean patch on his grimy face.
Scrawny Commoner"Oh, I wish it was like you said... but something tells me bad things are coming now that 's here. I heard the new Celestial — Wait, look, that's Maive over there! She served the Celestial herself. She can tell us all about it. Hey, Maive!" The small crowd rushes toward you.
YOU"You want me to tell you about the Celestial ? Well, I do know a thing or two."
NPCThe people's eyes light up with curiosity at your words. They hurriedly gather around you, ready to hear something extraordinary.
NPC(sequence)
Balding Commoner"I was told the Celestial accepted the key to Thassera from the court fool's hands . didn't shun the fool, didn't beat him! So gracious..." the servant whispers with reverence. "That's how it happened. Right, Maive?"
end of branch
Pot-Bellied Commoner"I heard that when Bluff the court fool handed the key to Thassera, the Celestial didn't so much as touch the gift. ordered a servant to take it. shuns the rabble, same as any noble would. That was what happened, wasn't it, Maive?" The corpulent servant puts his hands on his hips and looks down at you with condescension.
end of branch
Scrawny CommonerThe servant looks about him several times, steps closer to you, and whispers, "I heard the Celestial was offended at the court fool for daring to speak to , and then beat him up. Is that what happened, Maive?"
end of branch
YOU"Move along. There is nothing to tell."
Balding Commoner"Wait, hold on! Your father was of common stock himself, Maive, even if he did rise through the ranks at court..." The crowd encircles you, staring at you intently.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Slip away]
NPCYou try to evade the crowd's attention, only for the commoners to descend upon you like so many vultures. They stare at you as if you were a rare and bizarre animal.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above