BatoshskiYou duck under the strike, and the blade cuts through skin and muscle on your shoulder blade. Driven by adrenaline and a thirst for victory, your body shrugs off the pain and the weakness of the poison.
BatoshskiYour counter-attack hits Batoshski square in the chest. Any other man would have howled in pain, but the old soldier only lets out a raspy snarl, ignoring the bloody froth on his lips.
Vedka Dunawski"We will go to the stars! But what will you give us there, beyond this world, [Name] von Valancius?" Vedka's voice cracks.
YOU"I shall give you new ways to serve the God-Emperor!"
Vedka Dunawski"Did you hear that? Serving the von Valancius dynasty promises us new feats of glory!" Dunawski's voice echoes between the ramshackle buildings. Eyes turn to you, full of open admiration.
BatoshskiIzdrig spits blood and snarls. Now you understand why he resisted the Drover's screams with such ease: the howl of the beast in his mind is far louder. With a roar, he lunges at you, locking you in a crushing embrace. The knife slips from your hand, clattering across the floor.
YOU"I will defeat you either way, so yield now!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Find the pressure point under the colonel's left ribcage and press down hard]
BatoshskiPain wracks Batoshski's body and, for the first time, he screams. Wildly, furiously, frantically. His grip loosens, and blood gushes from his wounds.
BatoshskiIzdrig steps back, shaking his head as he struggles to recover. The wounds on his body would have killed any other man, yet Batoshski stands in spite of it all, simply refusing to stop. And yet... He raises his hands.
Vedka Dunawski"The Trial Match is over! It is time for the oath. Your orders, Commander?" Tears glisten in Vedka's remaining eye.
YOU"You are mine now, Izdrig. Your life, even your soul, belongs to me. Swear on my blood, and your regiment will never fall into the clutches of Commissars or nobles."
Izdrig BatoshskiThe colonel nods, then gives a familiar predatory grin. "I swear by the blood that has been spilled, the blood now being spilled, and the blood that I will spill, that my life, soul, and loyalty without reserve belong to you, [Name] von Valancius."
Vedka DunawskiCaptain Dunawski nods at you. "32nd Merov Regiment, to renew your oaths to the von Valancius dynasty — faaaaaall in!"
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YOU"I am giving you one last chance, Izdrig."
Izdrig BatoshskiThe colonel looks at you in surprise then nods. "Yes, Your Lordship/Ladyship."
Vedka DunawskiCaptain Dunawski nods at you. "32nd Merov Regiment, to renew your oaths to the von Valancius dynasty — faaaaaall in!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Izdrig Batoshski, I sentence you to lifelong exile on the penal world Vheabos VI."
BatoshskiThe colonel's face twitches as if in a spasm, and the budding respect in his eyes gives way to hatred. He says nothing, but as he is led away, he does not take his gaze off you.
Vedka DunawskiCaptain Dunawski nods at you. "32nd Merov Regiment, to renew your oaths to the von Valancius dynasty — faaaaaall in!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Execute him] "Colonel Izdrig Batoshski, I charge you with the foul crime of secession, the blasphemy of insubordination to Terra, and the sacrilege of breaking your oath. I hereby sentence you to death."
Izdrig BatoshskiNot a single muscle on the colonel's face twitches as you read out the sentence. When you raise your weapon to do your duty to the Imperium, Batoshski looks you straight in the eye. "I'd do it again."
Vedka DunawskiCaptain Dunawski nods at you. "32nd Merov Regiment, to renew your oaths to the von Valancius dynasty — faaaaaall in!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Captain-Quartermaster, call for formation."
Vedka DunawskiCaptain Dunawski nods at you. "32nd Merov Regiment, to renew your oaths to the von Valancius dynasty — faaaaaall in!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Dunawski, let's just get this over with already."
Vedka DunawskiCaptain Dunawski nods at you. "32nd Merov Regiment, to renew your oaths to the von Valancius dynasty — faaaaaall in!"continues where this line first appears above
BatoshskiThe colonel's strength fails him and he drops heavily to his knee. Whatever force drives him, it still keeps the old beast from falling, but he has no strength left to continue the fight...
Izdrig Batoshski...and yet he rises. He draws himself up to his full height, standing rigidly to attention. Blood-streaked and broken, he salutes you. "The Trial Match is over. I, Izdrig Batoshski, step down as commander of the 32nd Merov Penal Regiment. It's up to you now, Your Lordship/Ladyship."
BatoshskiThe colonel's body slumps to the floor. Silence falls over the platform.
Vedka Dunawski"The Trial Match is over! It is time for the oath. Your orders, Commander?" Tears glisten in Vedka's remaining eye.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Headbutt him in the face as hard as you can]
YOU[Stare into Batoshski's eyes] "It's over, Colonel. I've already won. Release me. This instant."
YOU[Find the pressure point under the colonel's left ribcage and press down hard]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Headbutt him in the face as hard as you can]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Stare into Batoshski's eyes] "It's over, Colonel. I've already won. Release me. This instant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall give you the chance to perform deeds as great as mine!"
Vedka Dunawski"To become part of a greater cause! Not as despised penal outcasts, but as those who have found atonement! Those who survived! Those who prevailed!" The crowd nods in agreement with Dunawski, their eyes fixed on you with open admiration.
BatoshskiIzdrig spits blood and snarls. Now you understand why he resisted the Drover's screams with such ease: the howl of the beast in his mind is far louder. With a roar, he lunges at you, locking you in a crushing embrace. The knife slips from your hand, clattering across the floor.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall give you an enemy you've never faced before!"
YOU"I shall give you the chance to be part of Humanity, rather than its enemies!"
YOU"I shall give you atonement for the one!"
BatoshskiThe Merovians begin chanting your name. It is soft, the whisper of hunters accustomed to silence, yet it cuts to your core. Oddly, Vedka does not rush to join the collective surge.
BatoshskiIzdrig spits blood and snarls. Now you understand why he resisted the Drover's screams with such ease: the howl of the beast in his mind is far louder. With a roar, he lunges at you, locking you in a crushing embrace. The knife slips from your hand, clattering across the floor.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 25
BatoshskiYou duck under the strike, and the blade cuts through skin and muscle on your shoulder blade. Every movement now causes a blinding, excruciating lance of pain. Your strikes lose their precision, only to become more dangerous.
BatoshskiYour counter-attack hits Batoshski square in the chest. Any other man would have howled in pain, but the old soldier only lets out a raspy snarl, ignoring the bloody froth on his lips.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 25
BatoshskiThe colonel deflects the first strike, the second, and the third. But you are faster, and he misses the fourth one by a fraction of a second.
BatoshskiBatoshski circles you, looking for a weakness in your defences before striking. He remains utterly indifferent to the blood flowing from his wounds.
Vedka Dunawski"[Name] von Valancius, who descended from the stars, stands before us now! Fighting for the right to command the 32nd Merov Regiment!" Vedka's voice rings out over the crowd. "Tell us, Your Lordship/Ladyship, what use have you for us?"
YOU"As my ancestor once said: even the doomed are worth saving, for their debt of gratitude leads to grand deeds."
Vedka DunawskiA satisfied hum ripples through the crowd. Vedka thrusts her clawed hand into the air. "We are born for greater things, and our gratitude to the dynasty knows no bounds!"
BatoshskiYour eyes catch the glint of Batoshski's knife, coated in something greenish. The colonel has used the moment you spent answering Dunawski to coat his knife in poison.
YOU"Poison, Colonel? That doesn't seem like fair play."
Izdrig Batoshski"Merely spice for the meal, heir of Seberian. This poison will tingle the nerves, nothing more."
YOU"Poison, Colonel? That doesn't seem like fair play."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Take the colonel's swiping nick, relying on the immunity granted by the rot extract]
BatoshskiBatoshski's attack, meant only to deliver the poison under your skin, nicks your shoulder, leaving a stinging itch. You feel a surge of nausea and a salty tang in your mouth, yet no further symptoms follow.
BatoshskiYour counter-attack hits Batoshski square in the chest. Any other man would have howled in pain, but the old soldier only lets out a raspy snarl, ignoring the bloody froth on his lips.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Take the hit and close in]
YOU[Dodge]
Izdrig Batoshski"This poison isn't meant to kill you, only weaken you slightly. I'll finish you myself."
YOU"Poison, Colonel? That doesn't seem like fair play."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Take the colonel's swiping nick, relying on the immunity granted by the rot extract]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Take the hit and close in]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Dodge]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Take the colonel's swiping nick, relying on the immunity granted by the rot extract]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Take the hit and close in]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Dodge]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Offer your most charming smile] "To lead you toward glory."
Vedka DunawskiA satisfied hum ripples through the crowd. Vedka thrusts her clawed hand into the air. "We are born for greater things, and our gratitude to the dynasty knows no bounds!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You belong to the dynasty, and the dynasty never abandons its own."
YOU"Together, we shall go to the stars and defy the terrors of space for the glory of the dynasty!"
YOU"Much like you, I have no other choice."
BatoshskiThe Merovians exchange nods and cheers, but the captain-quartermaster casts a wary glance at you.
BatoshskiYour eyes catch the glint of Batoshski's knife, coated in something greenish. The colonel has used the moment you spent answering Dunawski to coat his knife in poison.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 25
BatoshskiWhen you strike, Batoshski's reflexes do not fail him. Steel clashes against steel, throwing off sparks. Several slashing blows strike the colonel's body, but he pays them no heed.
BatoshskiBatoshski circles you, looking for a weakness in your defences before striking. He remains utterly indifferent to the blood flowing from his wounds.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 6 of 25
BatoshskiYour forehead slams into your opponent's nose with a wet crunch. Batoshski's grip loosens, and he is forced to stumble back as he struggles to regain his balance.
BatoshskiIzdrig steps back, shaking his head as he struggles to recover. The wounds on his body would have killed any other man, yet Batoshski stands in spite of it all, simply refusing to stop. And yet... He raises his hands.continues where this line first appears above
BatoshskiThe colonel's strength fails him and he drops heavily to his knee. Whatever force drives him, it still keeps the old beast from falling, but he has no strength left to continue the fight...continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 7 of 25
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Entry point 8 of 25
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Entry point 9 of 25
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Entry point 10 of 25
BatoshskiAs if dancing, you dodge the slash. Izdrig howls like a maddened beast and unleashes a series of wild, sweeping strikes, exposing himself to an attack.
BatoshskiYour counter-attack hits Batoshski square in the chest. Any other man would have howled in pain, but the old soldier only lets out a raspy snarl, ignoring the bloody froth on his lips.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 11 of 25
BatoshskiAt the last moment, you dodge and Batoshski's knife only tears through your clothes, forcing you back even further. Instinctively, you pour more strength into your next attack, as you strain to reach your opponent.
BatoshskiYour counter-attack hits Batoshski square in the chest. Any other man would have howled in pain, but the old soldier only lets out a raspy snarl, ignoring the bloody froth on his lips.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 12 of 25
BatoshskiThe colonel strikes — but you attack a fraction of a second earlier, forcing him to go on the defensive.
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Entry point 13 of 25
BatoshskiThe colonel strikes — but you attack a fraction of a second earlier, forcing him to go on the defensive.
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Entry point 14 of 25
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Entry point 15 of 25
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Entry point 16 of 25
BatoshskiHis green eyes widen. Feral rage gives way to another, deeper feeling. He releases his iron grip and takes a step back.
BatoshskiIzdrig steps back, shaking his head as he struggles to recover. The wounds on his body would have killed any other man, yet Batoshski stands in spite of it all, simply refusing to stop. And yet... He raises his hands.continues where this line first appears above
BatoshskiThe colonel's strength fails him and he drops heavily to his knee. Whatever force drives him, it still keeps the old beast from falling, but he has no strength left to continue the fight...continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 17 of 25
BatoshskiThe crowd erupts with a chilling roar, echoing your words. Batoshski glares around in fury. For a second, you think he will not back down, but then he relaxes his grip and steps away.
BatoshskiIzdrig steps back, shaking his head as he struggles to recover. The wounds on his body would have killed any other man, yet Batoshski stands in spite of it all, simply refusing to stop. And yet... He raises his hands.continues where this line first appears above
BatoshskiThe colonel's strength fails him and he drops heavily to his knee. Whatever force drives him, it still keeps the old beast from falling, but he has no strength left to continue the fight...continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 18 of 25
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Entry point 19 of 25
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Entry point 20 of 25
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Entry point 21 of 25
Vedka Dunawski"Hear me! We are part of the von Valancius dynasty! No longer are we nameless Guardsmen — we are the shield of the Rogue Trader now!"
BatoshskiYour eyes catch the glint of Batoshski's knife, coated in something greenish. The colonel has used the moment you spent answering Dunawski to coat his knife in poison.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 22 of 25
Vedka Dunawski"Did you hear that? Serving the von Valancius dynasty promises us new feats of glory!" Dunawski's voice echoes between the ramshackle buildings. Eyes turn to you, full of open admiration.
BatoshskiIzdrig spits blood and snarls. Now you understand why he resisted the Drover's screams with such ease: the howl of the beast in his mind is far louder. With a roar, he lunges at you, locking you in a crushing embrace. The knife slips from your hand, clattering across the floor.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 23 of 25
Batoshski(no text)
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Entry point 24 of 25
BatoshskiYour forehead collides with the colonel's with a dull thud, making you both see stars. The stunned Merovian breaks his hold, staggering back a couple of paces.
BatoshskiIzdrig steps back, shaking his head as he struggles to recover. The wounds on his body would have killed any other man, yet Batoshski stands in spite of it all, simply refusing to stop. And yet... He raises his hands.continues where this line first appears above
BatoshskiThe colonel's strength fails him and he drops heavily to his knee. Whatever force drives him, it still keeps the old beast from falling, but he has no strength left to continue the fight...continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 25 of 25
BatoshskiA dense ring of people surrounds a platform suspended on chains. No one shouts any encouragement to you or the colonel. In grim, solemn silence, the Merovians keep their eyes on you and Batoshski, armed with traditional knives.
Vedka DunawskiCaptain-Quartermaster Dunawski's voice rings out crisp and clear, as if on parade. "For centuries, we have awaited this moment, hoping to witness it. And now we are here. We have survived, from the First Call-Up unto our own!"
Vedka Dunawski"Tell us then, Your Lordship/Ladyship: do you revoke the Final Order of your most holy ancestor, Seberian?"
YOU[Hand Seberian's records over to Vedka] "It is not I, but Seberian himself, who revokes it."
Vedka Dunawski"Hear me, Guardsmen! Written by the hand of Seberian von Valancius himself: 'Together with my heir they shall venture to the stars, serving as a blade and a shield to my successor!'" The crowd's roar swallows her final words.
Izdrig BatoshskiWith the grace of a predator, the colonel rolls from heel to toe. "Shall we have some fun, lord/lady heir?"
YOU"Why do you fight? I pose no threat to you, Izdrig, nor to your people."
Izdrig BatoshskiBatoshski bares his teeth. Unexpectedly, there is respect in his smile, but it is that of a beast that has met another predator. "Because I wish to hand over the regiment to you following every tradition. Because it is the right thing to do. And because I refuse to insult you with pity or disdain."
YOU"Why do you fight? I pose no threat to you, Izdrig, nor to your people."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Seize the moment to use the Zarkovian combat technique]
BatoshskiThe colonel moves smoothly, precisely, hiding a potential strike in every move, but you're one step ahead. As he lunges forward, he finds your blade already waiting for him.
BatoshskiBatoshski circles you, looking for a weakness in your defences before striking. He remains utterly indifferent to the blood flowing from his wounds.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Toss the knife from hand to hand, distracting Batoshski]
YOU[Go on the attack]
Izdrig Batoshski"Because we must always fight, against all the odds. I know it won't change a thing, but is that any reason to stop fighting against the inevitable?"
YOU"Why do you fight? I pose no threat to you, Izdrig, nor to your people."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Seize the moment to use the Zarkovian combat technique]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Toss the knife from hand to hand, distracting Batoshski]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Go on the attack]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Seize the moment to use the Zarkovian combat technique]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Toss the knife from hand to hand, distracting Batoshski]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Go on the attack]continues where this line first appears above
Izdrig BatoshskiThe colonel, who looks like a predator at any other time, does not bare his teeth or smile in bloodthirsty anticipation, nor does he look at you with hatred. He is entirely focused, his gaze cold and calculating. "Atonement for the one, lord/lady heir. Be it for you, or for me."
YOU"Why do you fight? I pose no threat to you, Izdrig, nor to your people."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Seize the moment to use the Zarkovian combat technique]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Toss the knife from hand to hand, distracting Batoshski]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Go on the attack]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is no need to revoke the Final Order. You shall follow it into the Koronus Expanse and complete it there!"
Vedka Dunawski"Did you hear that? Our exile on Zarkov has come to its end!"
Izdrig Batoshski"It's a bit early for you to start giving orders. We haven't had the Trial Match yet." Batoshski's quiet voice easily cuts through the noise of the crowd.
Izdrig BatoshskiWith the grace of a predator, the colonel rolls from heel to toe. "Shall we have some fun, lord/lady heir?"continues where this line first appears above
Izdrig BatoshskiThe colonel, who looks like a predator at any other time, does not bare his teeth or smile in bloodthirsty anticipation, nor does he look at you with hatred. He is entirely focused, his gaze cold and calculating. "Atonement for the one, lord/lady heir. Be it for you, or for me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I believe that, unless I revoke the Final Order, I cannot issue the next one. And that will be an order to redeploy."
YOU"You shall be freed from the Final Order and together we shall strengthen the power of House von Valancius!"
YOU"His orders mean nothing to me. From this moment on, I am the one giving them!"
BatoshskiMany Merovians nod in agreement. Vedka, however, looks surprised.
Izdrig Batoshski"It's a bit early for you to start giving orders. We haven't had the Trial Match yet." Batoshski's quiet voice easily cuts through the noise of the crowd.continues where this line first appears above