BatoshskiAlmost instantly, liquid flame spreads through your body. Pain pierces every nerve. After a few seconds, it begins to subside... but it does not go away completely. The slightest movement sends a scream of agony through your brain.
Batoshski"You're not dead, at least, my lord/lady heir. That's a start. I have to give you credit for courage, and that's not some Commissar claptrap."
YOU"What should we expect from it?"
Batoshski"It keeps its weak spot out of sight among the roots. And it's almost impossible to get there — unless you make it angry enough that it comes out. So first you'll have to deal with its armoured shoots. There're different kinds of them and we've given them different names based on how they act: barricades, maces, growths, and flowers."
YOU"Tell me about the maces."
Batoshski"Janur tells me you've seen them already. You'll recognise it at once, it's a long vine with thorns on the end." The colonel bares several ugly scars on his arm. "It carves you up deep, you'll bleed to death before you can blink. The creature can also spit its sucker at you — one slip-up and you're a shrivelled husk. If you manage to hack it up good, it'll try to dive back into the roots to regrow elsewhere. But there's a trick to it. Catch it with a burst of fire, and the mace loses its nerve and stays put."
YOU"Tell me about the maces."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Barricades? That doesn't sound... very apt."
Batoshski"They're not dangerous in themselves, but the Drover uses them to block a path. They're thick and dense. Watch yourself when you're smashing them — they're bristling with thorns. Strike it the wrong way and you're sure to get skewered. And you have to hurry, any cuts in it heal quickly." Izdrig holds out his palm, displaying a scar from a wound that went right through. Clearly the work of one of those thorns.
YOU"Tell me about the maces."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Barricades? That doesn't sound... very apt."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are the growths?"
Batoshski"Like a bunch of abscesses, they are. They ripen right on the roots, then a swarm of carnivorous midges bursts out. Smash the growth early, otherwise more of the bastards will hatch." A web of small bites on the man's shoulders alludes to the size of the insects.
YOU"Tell me about the maces."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Barricades? That doesn't sound... very apt."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are the growths?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Flowers? Sounds harmless enough. Deceptively so, I assume?"
BatoshskiBatoshski smirks, baring a shin hideously scarred by an acid burn. "It spits globs of caustic sap. Anything they hit gets sizzled. It also sprays pollen for some reason. It seems harmless though. But if you see a flower dissolve into a puddle of acid, don't think it's safe for a second, it's just another trick. Wait a little while and that flower will be back up again."
YOU"Tell me about the maces."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Barricades? That doesn't sound... very apt."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are the growths?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Flowers? Sounds harmless enough. Deceptively so, I assume?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You said that the shoots are armoured?"
Batoshski"The Drover inserts its growths and maces into old bones and wears them like we wear clothes or armour. But there's a trick to it — fire makes the Drover tremble. And that makes the growths either break their armour or shake it off." Izdrig makes a dismissive motion with his hand, then scoffs. "And no, I didn't get any scars from the armour."
YOU"Tell me about the maces."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Barricades? That doesn't sound... very apt."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are the growths?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Flowers? Sounds harmless enough. Deceptively so, I assume?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You said that the shoots are armoured?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I kill the creature?"
Batoshski"As I said, the Drover itself hides in a tangle of roots. It will only come out if you chop down a whole bunch of its shoots. But here's the thing... no one's ever been able to kill it. Usually, it just runs away. But we don't have weapons like yours."
YOU"Tell me about the maces."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Barricades? That doesn't sound... very apt."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are the growths?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Flowers? Sounds harmless enough. Deceptively so, I assume?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You said that the shoots are armoured?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I kill the creature?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So, it fears fire? Don't you have incendiary weapons?"
BatoshskiThe colonel fixes you with a fierce glare, but nonetheless unclips a pair of hand flamers from his belt. "Here, weapons of the First Call-Up. Rare and precious. When your time comes, detonate them before you die."
YOU"Tell me about the maces."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Barricades? That doesn't sound... very apt."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are the growths?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Flowers? Sounds harmless enough. Deceptively so, I assume?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You said that the shoots are armoured?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I kill the creature?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So, it fears fire? Don't you have incendiary weapons?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for the advice."
BatoshskiHe simply grunts in response. "It costs me nothing to give it."
YOU"What should we expect from it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You've fought it, then?"
Batoshski"A long time ago. I'd just become colonel. Out it came — not very close, but still close enough to be a problem. It almost gobbled up one of the outposts. My father and I took a squad and went out to attack it. They all perished and my father took our remaining grenades and leapt into the Drover's maw. The beast ate its fill and slunk away. I should have found my atonement there, but I made it out. If I hadn't been exposed to so much of its poison as a child, I would have died there."
YOU"What should we expect from it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You've fought it, then?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is that thing anyway? Where did it come from?"
Batoshski"Who knows? It's not really a beast, more of a weed, though it shows more wit than your average recruit, in the way it uses bones... And how it's always popping up here and there. We've even got legends about this thing."
YOU"What should we expect from it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You've fought it, then?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is that thing anyway? Where did it come from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there any way I can prepare myself for its poisons?"
BatoshskiThe colonel raises an eyebrow and looks at you with grim amusement. "We prepare while we're still recruits, but you can try the rot extract. But it'll be really foul. Even if you don't give your soul to the God-Emperor, your body still might not adapt."
YOU"What is this rot extract?"
Batoshski"We brew it up from those killed by the Drover's poison. If you're not so badly poisoned that you die or wish you'd died, then for a while all kinds of poisons won't be any more dangerous to you than water — if."
YOU"What is this rot extract?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Accept the rot extract] "Very well, it's worth the risk."
BatoshskiBatoshski nods and barks out a few orders.
BatoshskiThe sergeant-chirurgeon soon appears with a flask and a cup bearing the crest of the Astra Militarum. After waiting for the colonel's nod, he pours the contents of the flask into the cup. The heavy odour of rot permeates the air. "Well, Your Lordship/Ladyship, not having second thoughts, are you?"
YOU[Silently drink the contents of the cup]
YOU[Raise the cup before drinking its contents] "You know, it's normal to give a toast first."
Batoshski"Well, as we say in our regiment, to your good health." Batoshski watches as you tip the contents of the cup down your throat.
YOU[Pray silently to the powers beyond the material world and drink the contents of the cup]
BatoshskiSeconds before the disgusting swill arrives in your stomach, you feel something unimaginably nefarious, majestic as death, and as disgusting as a decomposing corpse turn its gaze upon you.
BatoshskiAlmost instantly, liquid flame spreads throughout your body. Pain pierces every nerve... and begins to slowly recede as your body adapts. A large tremor hits you, and sweat instantly soaks through your clothes.
Batoshski"You're not dead, at least, my lord/lady heir. That's a start. I have to give you credit for courage, and that's not some Commissar claptrap."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You know, I think I'll decline. It's not worth the risk."
Batoshski"A sensible decision. You don't have the kind of conditioning we do." Judging by Batoshski's tone, "a sensible decision" was intended as an insult.
YOU"What should we expect from it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You've fought it, then?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is that thing anyway? Where did it come from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there any way I can prepare myself for its poisons?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The humming noise, the pain that comes and goes — is that a result of its cry?"
BatoshskiBatoshski silently claps his hands twice, applauding your quick wit.
YOU"What should we expect from it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You've fought it, then?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is that thing anyway? Where did it come from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there any way I can prepare myself for its poisons?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The humming noise, the pain that comes and goes — is that a result of its cry?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for sharing your experience, Colonel."
Batoshski"Whatever you may think of me, I won't send someone to be butchered just for a laugh."
YOU"How is life on Zarkov now?"
BatoshskiIzdrig scratches his beard as he looks around the outpost. "Fresh supplies are helpful. New people coming to Zarkov not so much. I'll see plenty more danger in my lifetime, but our children will have it a lot easier."
YOU"How is life on Zarkov now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Threats and insubordination. Tell me, Colonel, why shouldn't I kill you on the spot?"
BatoshskiContrary to expectations, Batoshski gives a nod of understanding. "Straight talk, lord/lady heir. However strong your retinue may be, my soldiers outnumber them. And every one of them will lay down their life if you decide to kill me. I'll definitely take a couple of yours with me before I find my atonement. You likely have more people up in the sky, but as I understand it, they are far beyond your reach."
YOU"How is life on Zarkov now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Threats and insubordination. Tell me, Colonel, why shouldn't I kill you on the spot?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you dislike me so much, why did you bother helping me?"
Batoshski"Because you're going out there to kill the Drover. If you pull it off, its death will be a gift to the entire regiment. If you die, but my advice helps you wound it first, then at least we'll have a chance to finish it off later."
YOU"How is life on Zarkov now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Threats and insubordination. Tell me, Colonel, why shouldn't I kill you on the spot?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you dislike me so much, why did you bother helping me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I opened Seberian's stasis container. His logs were inside and, within them, orders for your regiment."
Batoshski"With all due respect to your most holy ancestor, his orders are of little use now. Keep them — after all, it is your legacy."
YOU"How is life on Zarkov now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Threats and insubordination. Tell me, Colonel, why shouldn't I kill you on the spot?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you dislike me so much, why did you bother helping me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I opened Seberian's stasis container. His logs were inside and, within them, orders for your regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We found a shuttle in this system. It contained a recording of a distress signal that came from the regiment."
BatoshskiThe colonel nods thoughtfully, shrugging his shoulders. "In the First Call-Up's second decade, our ancestors found a flying machine somewhere. They decided they needed to make their presence known. So one soldier got in it and flew off to transmit a distress signal. No one ever heard from him again. His name, Ruban Khoroshkavich, is written on the memorial wall."
YOU"How is life on Zarkov now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Threats and insubordination. Tell me, Colonel, why shouldn't I kill you on the spot?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you dislike me so much, why did you bother helping me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I opened Seberian's stasis container. His logs were inside and, within them, orders for your regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We found a shuttle in this system. It contained a recording of a distress signal that came from the regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to know more about the Drover."
Batoshski"That thing is ancient and huge. My great-grandfather saw it in the roots way back. We've known about it for ages, but this is the first time it got this close."
YOU"What should we expect from it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You've fought it, then?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is that thing anyway? Where did it come from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there any way I can prepare myself for its poisons?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The humming noise, the pain that comes and goes — is that a result of its cry?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for sharing your experience, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have questions regarding your world."
Batoshski"Hm." In the colonel's grumbling, you think you catch a hint of approval.
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Penal Regiment."
Batoshski"What exactly do you want to know?"
YOU"If you are cut off from command here, how are ranks appointed?"
Batoshski"In the First Call-Up, the rank of colonel was a lifetime post — he granted all other promotions and demotions unilaterally. The rank passed to his son, then to his grandson, who turned out to be a weakling. The others slit his throat, and the strongest and most cunning of them took the colonel's position. He set the rule that if you want a promotion, you prove your worth. You fight the Trial Match against others with the same ambition. It's the same for every rank: if you're aiming to become sergeant, you head into the roots with the other candidates. If you make it back, you've earned the rank."
YOU"Is that how you became colonel too?"
Batoshski"Yes. Only we didn't go into the roots. We settled it all right there in the Cage. Six of us went out to fight. I was the only one left. If they all hadn't swarmed me, I might have spared someone."
YOU"Is that how you became colonel too?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Utter madness. Superior strength does not necessarily make the best commander."
BatoshskiBatoshski shrugs. "The Trial Match isn't just about brute force. Sometimes your rivals will hand you the win themselves if you've got their respect. And a fool won't last long in the post anyway."
YOU"If you are cut off from command here, how are ranks appointed?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the Merov regiment, Colonel."
Batoshski"A lot's been forgotten. It's not like our regiment is mentioned somewhere in the Handbook, if you catch my meaning." Izdrig digs a hand into his beard, abruptly yanking out a wriggling stalk. "We came from Merov. It's the kind of place where the Brother-Generals are constantly looking for an excuse to snatch you up and throw you into a penal legion. Breathe the wrong way or say the wrong thing? Welcome to the service."
Batoshski"As the stories go, there were plenty of these Brother-Generals. More than enough to claim every decent soul. They treated their troops like toy soldiers, wasting their lives for sport instead of the God-Emperor's cause. Occasionally they sent them to the stars, but of course it was just to serve as shields for other regiments. The First Call-Up, our ancestors, was made up of just such unfortunate lads who ended up in the Brothers' hands."
YOU"If you are cut off from command here, how are ranks appointed?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the Merov regiment, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Isn't your regiment a little small for you to bear this rank?"
BatoshskiBatoshski gives a vicious grin. "Here in the Cage, we don't even have half a company, it's true, though you haven't seen the whole lot: some have been cut off by the Drover's siege, and others I've stashed away just in case. Still, we have plenty of smaller outposts scattered across the world, transit points for hunting units and all kinds of other strongholds. So even if we all die here by the God-Emperor's will, the rest of the regiment will live."
YOU"If you are cut off from command here, how are ranks appointed?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the Merov regiment, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Isn't your regiment a little small for you to bear this rank?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is your connection to my dynasty?"
Batoshski"An expedition." Batoshski grins crookedly as he says it. "The First Call-Up was requisitioned by Seberian von Valancius. I don't think they complained — better than serving as human shields for other regiments."
Batoshski"Your ancestor was a great man. Our songs still carry the tales of our campaigns at his side. Then we were stranded here. The Rogue Trader vanished into the roots, leaving us with the Final Order: hold this world. And hold it we did."
YOU"If you are cut off from command here, how are ranks appointed?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the Merov regiment, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Isn't your regiment a little small for you to bear this rank?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is your connection to my dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see. Let's talk about something else."
BatoshskiBatoshski only grunts wordlessly by way of reply.
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Penal Regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I want to know more about Zarkov."
Batoshski"This is our home. Bitter, wild, and deadly. Just like us."
YOU"I agree, the environment isn't exactly welcoming."
Batoshski"Huge creatures of some kind once inhabited this world, but they all died out. The roots shot up after that. We often find a skull right in the middle of a root, or a vertebra the size of three men. It's clear as day, the roots had grown right through them."
Batoshski"There are virtually no animals, but every type of plant life imaginable. And all of them try to kill humans. The Drover is just another tree, or a flower, but the nastiest of them."
Batoshski"There are also some ruins, not made by human hands. We rarely go there. A decent man has no business in such a place. Ask Dunawski. When she was up for her promotion to captain-quartermaster, she led an expedition to those ruins."
YOU"I agree, the environment isn't exactly welcoming."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have your own unique dialect here, it seems. Would you care to translate?"
Batoshski"The sayings, you mean? Atonement for the one comes from an old tradition that, if the whole regiment perishes except for one, then all of that person's wrongdoings are forgiven and eternal and faithful service to the God-Emperor awaits them. But atonement takes many forms. Commissar claptrap means lies, because our forebears never got any good from those deceitful, tempting spirits. If you want to know the rest, you should ask Vedka."
YOU"I agree, the environment isn't exactly welcoming."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have your own unique dialect here, it seems. Would you care to translate?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Colonel, I heard a song as I approached the camp. What was it?"
Batoshski"It was 'Hymn of the Lost,' the song of the old Call-Ups. It holds the answer to why we're here and what we're meant for. It's how we remember the fallen and warn the living. And as for the tomb... well, that's just a local horror story."
YOU"I agree, the environment isn't exactly welcoming."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have your own unique dialect here, it seems. Would you care to translate?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Colonel, I heard a song as I approached the camp. What was it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see. Let's talk about something else."
BatoshskiBatoshski only grunts wordlessly by way of reply.
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Penal Regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I want to know more about Zarkov."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why not just hand over command of the regiment, since it's been foretold?"
BatoshskiA rasping growl escapes Batoshski's lips, only to dissolve into laughter. "Ha! No, don't be foolish. Traditions are there to be honoured and upheld. I'll face you, heir of Seberian, and make no mistake, I'll be fighting for keeps."
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Penal Regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I want to know more about Zarkov."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why not just hand over command of the regiment, since it's been foretold?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"In any proper regiment, you'd be executed for speaking of Commissars that way."
BatoshskiYou only notice Izdrig's hand was on his knife hilt when he pulls it away. After studying your face, he shakes his head. "Unlikely. Commissars don't do anything themselves, they just use their words to goad decent soldiers into every kind of foulness."
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Penal Regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I want to know more about Zarkov."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why not just hand over command of the regiment, since it's been foretold?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"In any proper regiment, you'd be executed for speaking of Commissars that way."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Colonel, what are these leaf cocoons with the bodies inside?"
Batoshski"It's atonement for the one, heir of Seberian. After death, our bodies are turned into poisons, medicines, and materials. That's how a person atones for everything they did in life. If you're interested in the details, ask the captain-quartermaster. She's in charge of distribution. The previous holder of her rank taught her how to tend to the corpses."
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Penal Regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I want to know more about Zarkov."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why not just hand over command of the regiment, since it's been foretold?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"In any proper regiment, you'd be executed for speaking of Commissars that way."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Colonel, what are these leaf cocoons with the bodies inside?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have satisfied my curiosity, Colonel."
Batoshski"Wasn't my intention, but what's done is done."
YOU"How is life on Zarkov now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Threats and insubordination. Tell me, Colonel, why shouldn't I kill you on the spot?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you dislike me so much, why did you bother helping me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I opened Seberian's stasis container. His logs were inside and, within them, orders for your regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We found a shuttle in this system. It contained a recording of a distress signal that came from the regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to know more about the Drover."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have questions regarding your world."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all, Colonel."
Batoshski"As you wish." Batoshski mutters sourly in reply, then stares after you as you walk away.
end of branch
YOU"You have satisfied my curiosity, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Colonel, what are these leaf cocoons with the bodies inside?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have satisfied my curiosity, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"In any proper regiment, you'd be executed for speaking of Commissars that way."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Colonel, what are these leaf cocoons with the bodies inside?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have satisfied my curiosity, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see. Let's talk about something else."continues where this line first appears above
Batoshski(sequence)
Heinrix"Distortion of the Imperium's immutable laws always begins with the little things. Such as these beliefs in 'tempting spirits' without a proper understanding of the consequences of such words." The Interrogator smiles coldly at the now-wary Izdrig.
end of branch
YOU"Colonel, I heard a song as I approached the camp. What was it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see. Let's talk about something else."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have your own unique dialect here, it seems. Would you care to translate?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Colonel, I heard a song as I approached the camp. What was it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see. Let's talk about something else."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why not just hand over command of the regiment, since it's been foretold?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"In any proper regiment, you'd be executed for speaking of Commissars that way."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Colonel, what are these leaf cocoons with the bodies inside?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have satisfied my curiosity, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
Batoshski(sequence)
Jae"What exceptional loyalty to a final order. Exceptional both in its persistence and in its futility." Jae gives a humourless smile and looks away.
end of branch
YOU"I see. Let's talk about something else."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is your connection to my dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see. Let's talk about something else."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Isn't your regiment a little small for you to bear this rank?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is your connection to my dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see. Let's talk about something else."continues where this line first appears above
Batoshski(sequence)
Argenta"That is true. Battle tests not only the strength of the body but also the power of the spirit." Argenta raises her fist to the sky, clenching it with such force that she seems to crush the very idea of cowardice. "Triumph belongs to the most worthy, to the one whose faith is stronger and whose intent is purer. And is it not such that should lead others? There is truth in this tradition."
end of branch
YOU"From noble succession to dictatorship by the best killer?"
Batoshski"Huh? I don't know those fancy words. But I know this: the best killer, as you put it, is only on top as long as the troops respect them. Either that, or as long as they're feared."
YOU"If you are cut off from command here, how are ranks appointed?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the Merov regiment, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Isn't your regiment a little small for you to bear this rank?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is your connection to my dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see. Let's talk about something else."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Not the worst way to take power, I suppose. Less destructive than a rebellion, at least."
Batoshski"That's what I'm saying. A rebellion endangers many, but the Trial Match is atonement for the one."
YOU"If you are cut off from command here, how are ranks appointed?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the Merov regiment, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Isn't your regiment a little small for you to bear this rank?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is your connection to my dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see. Let's talk about something else."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Utter madness. Superior strength does not necessarily make the best commander."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"From noble succession to dictatorship by the best killer?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Not the worst way to take power, I suppose. Less destructive than a rebellion, at least."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you are cut off from command here, how are ranks appointed?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the Merov regiment, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Isn't your regiment a little small for you to bear this rank?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is your connection to my dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see. Let's talk about something else."continues where this line first appears above
Batoshski(sequence)
Solomorne"Descendants of deserters who slew their own commander. That is an exhaustive description of this scum."
end of branch
YOU"Tell me about the Merov regiment, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Isn't your regiment a little small for you to bear this rank?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is your connection to my dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see. Let's talk about something else."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I want to know more about Zarkov."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why not just hand over command of the regiment, since it's been foretold?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"In any proper regiment, you'd be executed for speaking of Commissars that way."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Colonel, what are these leaf cocoons with the bodies inside?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have satisfied my curiosity, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to know more about the Drover."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have questions regarding your world."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We found a shuttle in this system. It contained a recording of a distress signal that came from the regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to know more about the Drover."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have questions regarding your world."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I opened Seberian's stasis container. His logs were inside and, within them, orders for your regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We found a shuttle in this system. It contained a recording of a distress signal that came from the regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to know more about the Drover."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have questions regarding your world."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you dislike me so much, why did you bother helping me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I opened Seberian's stasis container. His logs were inside and, within them, orders for your regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We found a shuttle in this system. It contained a recording of a distress signal that came from the regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to know more about the Drover."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have questions regarding your world."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Threats and insubordination. Tell me, Colonel, why shouldn't I kill you on the spot?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you dislike me so much, why did you bother helping me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I opened Seberian's stasis container. His logs were inside and, within them, orders for your regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We found a shuttle in this system. It contained a recording of a distress signal that came from the regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to know more about the Drover."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have questions regarding your world."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for sharing your experience, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You know, I think I'll decline. It's not worth the risk."continues where this line first appears above
Batoshski(sequence)
Pasqal"I characterise the described method of increasing resistance to toxic substances as deleterious and unsuitable for application. Recommendation: avoid profane methods of bodily fortification."
end of branch
Marazhai"I trust, [Name], you will not deny yourself the opportunity to savour this 'nectar.' From what I have heard of your people's living conditions, consuming the processed remains of your own kind should hardly be a novelty for you."
end of branch
YOU[Accept the rot extract] "Very well, it's worth the risk."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You know, I think I'll decline. It's not worth the risk."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The humming noise, the pain that comes and goes — is that a result of its cry?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for sharing your experience, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there any way I can prepare myself for its poisons?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The humming noise, the pain that comes and goes — is that a result of its cry?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for sharing your experience, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is that thing anyway? Where did it come from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there any way I can prepare myself for its poisons?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The humming noise, the pain that comes and goes — is that a result of its cry?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for sharing your experience, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
Batoshski(sequence)
UlfarUlfar's thunderous laugh makes Batoshski start. "I like this mortal, Aett-Vater! Had he been born on Fenris, a Wolf Priest would have chosen him. What a joy it would be to watch him take the Test of Morkai!"
end of branch
YOU"Thank you for the advice."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So, it fears fire? Don't you have incendiary weapons?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for the advice."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I kill the creature?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So, it fears fire? Don't you have incendiary weapons?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for the advice."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You said that the shoots are armoured?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I kill the creature?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So, it fears fire? Don't you have incendiary weapons?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for the advice."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Flowers? Sounds harmless enough. Deceptively so, I assume?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You said that the shoots are armoured?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I kill the creature?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So, it fears fire? Don't you have incendiary weapons?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for the advice."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are the growths?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Flowers? Sounds harmless enough. Deceptively so, I assume?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You said that the shoots are armoured?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I kill the creature?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So, it fears fire? Don't you have incendiary weapons?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for the advice."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Barricades? That doesn't sound... very apt."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are the growths?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Flowers? Sounds harmless enough. Deceptively so, I assume?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You said that the shoots are armoured?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I kill the creature?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So, it fears fire? Don't you have incendiary weapons?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for the advice."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You've fought it, then?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is that thing anyway? Where did it come from?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there any way I can prepare myself for its poisons?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The humming noise, the pain that comes and goes — is that a result of its cry?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for sharing your experience, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 8
Batoshski(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 4 of 8
Yrliet(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 5 of 8
Batoshski(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 6 of 8
BatoshskiRegardless of the changes to the Cage, Batoshski remains the same as ever: savage, spiteful, and unyielding.
YOU"How is life on Zarkov now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Threats and insubordination. Tell me, Colonel, why shouldn't I kill you on the spot?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you dislike me so much, why did you bother helping me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I opened Seberian's stasis container. His logs were inside and, within them, orders for your regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We found a shuttle in this system. It contained a recording of a distress signal that came from the regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to know more about the Drover."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have questions regarding your world."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 7 of 8
BatoshskiBatoshski watches you like a predator on the hunt. With a heavy sigh, he pulls himself together and crosses his powerful arms across his chest.
Batoshski"Let's get one thing straight, lord/lady heir. You're here to subvert our ways. Take us to the stars. That's been foretold, but that doesn't mean I have to like it." This last statement ends in a deep, guttural growl. Izdrig leans forward, as if ready to pounce, but makes no move to.
YOU"How is life on Zarkov now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Threats and insubordination. Tell me, Colonel, why shouldn't I kill you on the spot?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you dislike me so much, why did you bother helping me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I opened Seberian's stasis container. His logs were inside and, within them, orders for your regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We found a shuttle in this system. It contained a recording of a distress signal that came from the regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to know more about the Drover."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have questions regarding your world."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
Batoshski(sequence)
Batoshski"I heard you saved Drill Sergeant Jovakha's life." Izdrig is silent for a while and then nods slightly. "Thank you."
Batoshski"Now, then. Was there something you wanted to discuss?"
end of branch
Entry point 8 of 8
BatoshskiBatoshski hears your footsteps and turns, his hand already on the grip of his weapon.
YOU"How is life on Zarkov now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Threats and insubordination. Tell me, Colonel, why shouldn't I kill you on the spot?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If you dislike me so much, why did you bother helping me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I opened Seberian's stasis container. His logs were inside and, within them, orders for your regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We found a shuttle in this system. It contained a recording of a distress signal that came from the regiment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to know more about the Drover."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have questions regarding your world."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all, Colonel."continues where this line first appears above
Batoshski(sequence)continues where this line first appears above