Marshal Gregoras StrachsTwo markedly distinct figures approach your throne. Marching in front is a man clad in Adeptus Arbites armour. He carries his helmet in the crook of his arm, but his stern facade serves him as well as any visor could. He bows to you sharply. "Marshal Strachs of the Adeptus Arbites."
MarshalA dry shadow follows after the Marshal — an old woman, familiar to you and likely to generations of clerks at the Administratum Palace. The ampleness of her robes gives the illusion that the Master of Seals is hovering rather than walking.
Prefect Inscribia VulturThe woman bows. "Rogue Trader [Name] von Valancius! I, Prefect Inscribia Vultur, greet you on behalf of the Adeptus Administratum. I will now begin the due procedure of official address to the ruler of Dargonus as formalised by Amendment 4-N/10 to Law SK-941. May your name be wreathed in glory for centuries to come; may your fortunes ever proliferate; may the God-Emperor bestow upon you a duty worthy of His chosen..." Her monotonous droning is making you weary. It seems she intends to go on for a good while longer.
YOU[Interrupt the old woman with the longest ceremonial greeting you can dredge up from your memory]
MarshalYou enunciate an impressively long and ornate list of all the blessings and encouragements that have been showered upon you since birth. Those in attendance listen with bated breath. With each passing minute, the prefect's face falls lower and lower, but she dares not utter a word throughout your speech, which takes a good quarter of an hour.
YOU"Prefect, I recall seeing your face somewhere... Didn't I kill you at the Administratum Palace?"
Prefect Inscribia VulturThe old woman steps forward and reveals a crude metal patch covering a gruesome wound. "Decree 1457, Clause 92, Amendment 8 states that the Rogue Trader has the right to discharge their subjects by any means available. Assistance was provided afterward, and I am now fit for service once more, as you may observe. The data in my cerebral storage was too valuable to let it go to waste."
YOU"Prefect, I recall seeing your face somewhere... Didn't I kill you at the Administratum Palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what is to stop me from 'discharging' you again?"
Marshal Gregoras StrachsThe Marshal just barely turns his head in the prefect's direction, but it is enough to cause your guards and retinue to tense. "Please, it is best to leave this topic. As the official functionary tasked with executing the will of the Adeptus Terra, the prefect is under the protection of the Adeptus Arbites. Let us not complicate matters."
YOU"Prefect, I recall seeing your face somewhere... Didn't I kill you at the Administratum Palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what is to stop me from 'discharging' you again?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prefect, Master of Seals... Is that not too many titles for one official?"
Prefect Inscribia Vultur"It is proportionate to my duties, Your Lordship/Ladyship. While I am involved with the Administratum's archiving cogitators, I proudly bear the title of Master of Seals. In all other circumstances, I am a mere prefect. This distinction allows me to organise my work in due fashion. And as you surely understand, clarity and order are critical components of the sacred acts of maintaining and managing records."
YOU"Prefect, I recall seeing your face somewhere... Didn't I kill you at the Administratum Palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what is to stop me from 'discharging' you again?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prefect, Master of Seals... Is that not too many titles for one official?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Inscribia? Who would give their child a name like that?"
Prefect Inscribia Vultur"For thirty-four generations, my family has served in the Adeptus Administratum. I was given a name befitting one who comes from a long line of scribes." The prefect looks at you without blinking — she is either ignoring your disrespectful tone or has genuinely failed to notice it.
YOU"Prefect, I recall seeing your face somewhere... Didn't I kill you at the Administratum Palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what is to stop me from 'discharging' you again?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prefect, Master of Seals... Is that not too many titles for one official?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Inscribia? Who would give their child a name like that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard! What are these people doing in my demesne?"
Abelard"A delegation of the Adeptus Administratum and the Adeptus Arbites is accommodated in the von Valancius territory so that they may tally and collect the Imperial Tithe from your worlds, Lord Captain. Lady Theodora graciously provided them with premises where they could perform their duties and authorised them to restructure the dynasty's archives."
Prefect Inscribia Vultur"If I may continue for you." The prefect steps forward, dragging her feet slightly. "As per the decree of Theodora von Valancius ORD-037/ЗN, the representatives of the Adeptus Administratum and the Adeptus Arbites are sanctioned to use the Palace of Justice, oversee tithe collection in the protectorate, and review any and all cases of tithe avoidance, tithe exceedance, or other irregularities. These rights have been formalised in numerous pacts and statutes under the main decree — considering your new position, you may have yet to acquaint yourself with all these documents."
Prefect Inscribia Vultur"You are the successor to Lady Theodora, whose alliance with our two sacred organisations forever glorified her as a Rogue Trader closely tied to the executors of Holy Terra's will. And we as representatives of the Adeptus Administratum and the Adeptus Arbites must verify that you are able to maintain this alliance that has brought such repute to your dynasty." The prefect scrutinises you as if trying to estimate your proportions and weight. "That is why we have arrived in person, as the present circumstances have provided us with a chance to see if your intentions concord with those of the late von Valancius."
YOU"Prefect, I recall seeing your face somewhere... Didn't I kill you at the Administratum Palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what is to stop me from 'discharging' you again?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prefect, Master of Seals... Is that not too many titles for one official?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Inscribia? Who would give their child a name like that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard! What are these people doing in my demesne?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not recall seeing you at court. What is the purpose of your visit?"
Marshal Gregoras StrachsThe Marshal leans forward. His voice is low, and when he speaks, it feels as though the marble tiles of the palace had begun to vibrate. "The Adeptus Arbites delegation has arrived to greet Lady Theodora's successor and to see to the extension of our decades-long arrangement."
Prefect Inscribia Vultur"If I may continue for you." The prefect steps forward, dragging her feet slightly. "As per the decree of Theodora von Valancius ORD-037/ЗN, the representatives of the Adeptus Administratum and the Adeptus Arbites are sanctioned to use the Palace of Justice, oversee tithe collection in the protectorate, and review any and all cases of tithe avoidance, tithe exceedance, or other irregularities. These rights have been formalised in numerous pacts and statutes under the main decree — considering your new position, you may have yet to acquaint yourself with all these documents."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I recently assisted the Adeptus Arbites in dealing with a heretic who had stolen a tithe shipment."
Marshal Gregoras StrachsThe Marshal gives you a terse nod. "Indeed, and I should offer you our thanks once again. I have read the report on the operation, and it is worth noting that Proctor Anthar spoke highly of you and your talents."
YOU"Prefect, I recall seeing your face somewhere... Didn't I kill you at the Administratum Palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what is to stop me from 'discharging' you again?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prefect, Master of Seals... Is that not too many titles for one official?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Inscribia? Who would give their child a name like that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard! What are these people doing in my demesne?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not recall seeing you at court. What is the purpose of your visit?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I recently assisted the Adeptus Arbites in dealing with a heretic who had stolen a tithe shipment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what circumstances are those?"
Prefect Inscribia VulturThe prefect's lips contort into a twist. "Our work has been disrupted by unforeseen setbacks regarding communication and transportation. As our requisitioned assets were not adequately prepared, we have lost some of our personnel and resources as a result."
Prefect Inscribia Vultur"The Arbitrators are too short-handed to perform all the duties expected of them. Since they first arrived in the Expanse, their numbers, limited from the outset, have only continued to dwindle... After analysing the situation in accordance with Amendment FS/89З-24 to Decree ORD-037/ЗN, we have decided to notify you of a tithe violation committed by one of the worlds in the region. This regrettable lapse must be rectified as quickly as possible." The old woman shivers and rubs her augmented hands together with an unnerving creak.
YOU"Are you implying that I have an obligation to help you?"
Marshal Gregoras Strachs"Not at all. You are the Emperor's anointed, and you act solely of your own volition." The Marshal's voice makes the enforcers in the room flinch.
Prefect Inscribia VulturThe prefect, on the other hand, speaks softly, and yet, you can hear every word as if she were standing directly beside you: "Your predecessor, Lady Theodora — may the light of the Throne illuminate her path in death — always sought to address the needs of both the Adeptus Administratum and the Adeptus Arbites, because she realised how blessed and important our work is for the good of the Imperium — to say nothing of the fact that she honoured the laws of her own dynasty."
YOU"Are you implying that I have an obligation to help you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And which world was it that had the misfortune of drawing your attention?"
Marshal Gregoras Strachs"Thassera, a feudal world far from the main routes that was bereft of the Imperium's light, then rediscovered less than two centuries ago. It supplies agricultural resources and manpower."
YOU"Are you implying that I have an obligation to help you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And which world was it that had the misfortune of drawing your attention?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If one of my governors has missed a tithe payment, I will simply have them hanged and the debt collected."
Prefect Inscribia Vultur"This is not a von Valancius world — the system is located just outside the border of your protectorate. The Imperium is built upon strict and unfailing abidance by the Lex Imperialis, and a planet's tithe, even one that is relatively small, must be provided in full."
YOU"Are you implying that I have an obligation to help you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And which world was it that had the misfortune of drawing your attention?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If one of my governors has missed a tithe payment, I will simply have them hanged and the debt collected."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will carry forth the responsibilities taken on by Lady Theodora. I offer you my help."
Marshal Gregoras Strachs"An Arbitrator will be assigned to you for increased security. Proctor Anthar, front and centre!" The Marshal's voice thunders over the Arbitrator ranks, and Solomorne Anthar marches over to your throne, his cyber-mastiff at his heel.
YOU"I have enough fighters in my retinue already. Why would I want an Administratum spy?"
Prefect Inscribia Vultur"Proctor Anthar's capacity is not that of a spy, but that of a representative of our organisations who will help you to navigate the many nuances of the Imperial Law and, if the need arises, direct you down the just path."
YOU"I have enough fighters in my retinue already. Why would I want an Administratum spy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your support. I will go to Thassera as soon as I can."
Marshal Gregoras Strachs"The Emperor protects!" The Marshal makes the sign of the Aquila in a motion so sharp that you can practically hear it cutting the air.
Prefect Inscribia VulturThe prefect adjusts her ocular lenses with a weary sigh. "And once again, no specifics given — of course. And my reports? Nobody ever stops to think—" She quickly catches herself and offers you a bow.
end of branch
YOU"Fine, I will try not to lose your dog handler."
Marshal Gregoras Strachs"The Emperor protects!" The Marshal makes the sign of the Aquila in a motion so sharp that you can practically hear it cutting the air.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for your support. I will go to Thassera as soon as I can."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Fine, I will try not to lose your dog handler."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope I can expect a proper reward for my assistance."
Prefect Inscribia VulturThe prefect bows to you. "The material compensation... should satisfy you."
Marshal Gregoras Strachs"An Arbitrator will be assigned to you for increased security. Proctor Anthar, front and centre!" The Marshal's voice thunders over the Arbitrator ranks, and Solomorne Anthar marches over to your throne, his cyber-mastiff at his heel.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"These are your problems, not mine. I am turning down your request."
Marshal Gregoras StrachsThe Marshal inclines his head. "If you were to break this pact, the Adeptus Arbites would no longer consider itself obligated to provide you with support, such as by bolstering your personal retinue with Arbitrators."
Prefect Inscribia Vultur"Furthermore..." The prefect licks her finger out of habit, as though she were about to turn an invisible page. "Decree ORD-037/ЗN 'On Mutual Benefaction and Cooperation Between the Rogue Trader and Representatives of the Adeptus Administratum and the Adeptus Arbites' was created and personally certified by Theodora von Valancius for good reason. If we were to disregard this measure, we would risk having... any of the aforementioned parties sink back into pernicious freethinking. I am sure I need not to tell you what a great undertaking it is to establish any semblance of order. I strongly urge you to reconsider."
YOU"Hmm... So be it. Let us not end this arrangement just yet. I will help you."
Marshal Gregoras Strachs"An Arbitrator will be assigned to you for increased security. Proctor Anthar, front and centre!" The Marshal's voice thunders over the Arbitrator ranks, and Solomorne Anthar marches over to your throne, his cyber-mastiff at his heel.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"My word is final. You are dismissed."
Prefect Inscribia VulturBefore you even finish speaking, the prefect's cogita-quill begins scratching at her data-slate, likely recording your refusal and making corrections to various decrees. The Marshal merely bows, and the delegation of lawkeepers leaves the room.
end of branch
YOU"I will carry forth the responsibilities taken on by Lady Theodora. I offer you my help."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope I can expect a proper reward for my assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"These are your problems, not mine. I am turning down your request."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If one of my governors has missed a tithe payment, I will simply have them hanged and the debt collected."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will carry forth the responsibilities taken on by Lady Theodora. I offer you my help."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope I can expect a proper reward for my assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"These are your problems, not mine. I am turning down your request."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And which world was it that had the misfortune of drawing your attention?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If one of my governors has missed a tithe payment, I will simply have them hanged and the debt collected."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will carry forth the responsibilities taken on by Lady Theodora. I offer you my help."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope I can expect a proper reward for my assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"These are your problems, not mine. I am turning down your request."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's get to the point, shall we? What do you two want from me?"
Marshal Gregoras StrachsThe Marshal nods — he seems more accustomed to the tone you have chosen than to wordy pleasantries. "Warp storms ravaging the Koronus Expanse have deprived us of ships, people, and resources. And so, we must approach you as the inheritor of the pact we made with Lady Theodora."
Prefect Inscribia Vultur"The Arbitrators are too short-handed to perform all the duties expected of them. Since they first arrived in the Expanse, their numbers, limited from the outset, have only continued to dwindle... After analysing the situation in accordance with Amendment FS/89З-24 to Decree ORD-037/ЗN, we have decided to notify you of a tithe violation committed by one of the worlds in the region. This regrettable lapse must be rectified as quickly as possible." The old woman shivers and rubs her augmented hands together with an unnerving creak.continues where this line first appears above
Marshal(sequence)
Marshal Gregoras Strachs"Though, having once saved him and the other Arbitrators from a dying planet, your character should require no further affirmation."
end of branch
YOU"And what circumstances are those?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's get to the point, shall we? What do you two want from me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not recall seeing you at court. What is the purpose of your visit?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I recently assisted the Adeptus Arbites in dealing with a heretic who had stolen a tithe shipment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what circumstances are those?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's get to the point, shall we? What do you two want from me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard! What are these people doing in my demesne?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not recall seeing you at court. What is the purpose of your visit?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I recently assisted the Adeptus Arbites in dealing with a heretic who had stolen a tithe shipment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what circumstances are those?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's get to the point, shall we? What do you two want from me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Inscribia? Who would give their child a name like that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard! What are these people doing in my demesne?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not recall seeing you at court. What is the purpose of your visit?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I recently assisted the Adeptus Arbites in dealing with a heretic who had stolen a tithe shipment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what circumstances are those?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's get to the point, shall we? What do you two want from me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prefect, Master of Seals... Is that not too many titles for one official?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Inscribia? Who would give their child a name like that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard! What are these people doing in my demesne?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not recall seeing you at court. What is the purpose of your visit?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I recently assisted the Adeptus Arbites in dealing with a heretic who had stolen a tithe shipment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what circumstances are those?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's get to the point, shall we? What do you two want from me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what is to stop me from 'discharging' you again?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prefect, Master of Seals... Is that not too many titles for one official?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Inscribia? Who would give their child a name like that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard! What are these people doing in my demesne?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not recall seeing you at court. What is the purpose of your visit?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I recently assisted the Adeptus Arbites in dealing with a heretic who had stolen a tithe shipment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what circumstances are those?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's get to the point, shall we? What do you two want from me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Get comfortable and listen to the end]
Prefect Inscribia VulturThe prefect resumes her elaborate formula. You notice a few poorly concealed yawns and frenzied blinking among the crowd. The speech drags on for another five minutes, but you pass this test of fortitude honourably. At last, the prefect's address comes to an end.
YOU"Prefect, I recall seeing your face somewhere... Didn't I kill you at the Administratum Palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what is to stop me from 'discharging' you again?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prefect, Master of Seals... Is that not too many titles for one official?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Inscribia? Who would give their child a name like that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard! What are these people doing in my demesne?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not recall seeing you at court. What is the purpose of your visit?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I recently assisted the Adeptus Arbites in dealing with a heretic who had stolen a tithe shipment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what circumstances are those?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's get to the point, shall we? What do you two want from me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Clear your throat]
Prefect Inscribia VulturThe prefect stops at the unceremonious sound reverberating throughout the room. Behind her thick ocular lenses, her eyes flash with displeasure. Catching herself, she quickly says, "In accordance with the Rogue Trader's prerogative to do so, the welcoming ceremony will be shortened to a brief formality."
YOU"Prefect, I recall seeing your face somewhere... Didn't I kill you at the Administratum Palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what is to stop me from 'discharging' you again?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prefect, Master of Seals... Is that not too many titles for one official?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Inscribia? Who would give their child a name like that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard! What are these people doing in my demesne?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not recall seeing you at court. What is the purpose of your visit?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I recently assisted the Adeptus Arbites in dealing with a heretic who had stolen a tithe shipment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what circumstances are those?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's get to the point, shall we? What do you two want from me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Doze off]
Prefect Inscribia VulturYour eyes drift shut. You slowly plunge ever deeper into the darkness of sleep, while a voice, growing more and more distant, continues to wish you and your progeny epiphanies and boons of every kind... until an awkward cough jerks you suddenly out of your sweet torpor. The prefect, who appears to have finished speaking some time ago, is looking at you wordlessly, as is the Marshal, along with everyone else in the room.
YOU"Prefect, I recall seeing your face somewhere... Didn't I kill you at the Administratum Palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what is to stop me from 'discharging' you again?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Prefect, Master of Seals... Is that not too many titles for one official?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Inscribia? Who would give their child a name like that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard! What are these people doing in my demesne?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not recall seeing you at court. What is the purpose of your visit?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I recently assisted the Adeptus Arbites in dealing with a heretic who had stolen a tithe shipment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what circumstances are those?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's get to the point, shall we? What do you two want from me?"continues where this line first appears above
Prefect Inscribia VulturAn old woman walks in the Marshal's shadow, her body fitted with dozens of scribing implants and magnifying instruments. If not for her eyes, quick and inquisitive behind a giant pair of ocular lenses, you might have mistaken her for an exotic servitor. Her robes are adorned with sacred symbols of the Adeptus Administratum.
Prefect Inscribia VulturThe woman bows. "Rogue Trader [Name] von Valancius! I, Prefect Inscribia Vultur, greet you on behalf of the Adeptus Administratum. I will now begin the due procedure of official address to the ruler of Dargonus as formalised by Amendment 4-N/10 to Law SK-941. May your name be wreathed in glory for centuries to come; may your fortunes ever proliferate; may the God-Emperor bestow upon you a duty worthy of His chosen..." Her monotonous droning is making you weary. It seems she intends to go on for a good while longer.continues where this line first appears above