NPCYour eye is drawn to the head of the predatory creature behind the man. Its beastly face, distorted in mortal rage, is vaguely familiar, and its gaze — too intelligent for a dead thing — is fixed on something very specific outside the painting.
YOU[Look closely at the face]
NPCChiselled features, dark brows, and a gaze full of inner strength. You also notice the finely worked furrows of stubbornness on his forehead and at the corners of his mouth. The artist strove to capture the complex character of a strong-willed man, and seems to have done a superlative job.
YOU[Look closely at the face]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You cut a fine figure."
NPCThe portrait remains silent. Perhaps because, despite the vividness of the person depicted, it is only an object that has been hanging on this wall for centuries.
YOU[Look closely at the face]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You cut a fine figure."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the weapon in the portrait]
YOU[Study the background of the painting]
YOU[Turn your attention to something else]
NPCReflections of light play whimsically on the expensive oil with which the portrait is painted.
YOU[Study the details of the portrait]
NPCIt is hard to argue with the simple truth: the subject of the portrait was an extremely good-looking individual. Not one of his meticulously painted scars, which the Rogue Trader bore like medals for military valour, could spoil his noble beauty.
YOU[Look closely at the face]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You cut a fine figure."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the weapon in the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Study the background of the painting]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Turn your attention to something else]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will not dishonour the glorious name of the von Valancius dynasty. I swear it."
YOU"You're a forgotten legend now, old man. But the Koronus Expanse will not forget me so quickly, I assure you."
YOU"Danrok! I have found a portrait of my ancient ancestor. I wish for it to be re-hung in my chambers."
NPCThe obsequious reply comes almost instantly: "I will arrange everything at once, Lord Captain!"
YOU[Study the details of the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will not dishonour the glorious name of the von Valancius dynasty. I swear it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You're a forgotten legend now, old man. But the Koronus Expanse will not forget me so quickly, I assure you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Danrok! I have found a portrait of my ancient ancestor. I wish for it to be re-hung in my chambers."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Burn the portrait]
NPCThe flames do not take hold immediately, as if the portrait were resisting its doom. The face of the ancient hero first becomes covered in a layer of melted paint, as if drenched in horror, and then curves in a malevolent snarl and collapses in on itself.
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YOU[Step away]
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YOU[Burn the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step away]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the weapon in the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Study the background of the painting]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Turn your attention to something else]continues where this line first appears above
NPCWith sudden clarity, you realise that the image has been significantly embellished. What you have before you is a ceremonial portrait intended to cast its subject in the most favourable light possible. Either that, or... the artist whose brush produced this work truly did see your ancestor as some kind of idol.
YOU[Look closely at the face]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You cut a fine figure."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the weapon in the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Study the background of the painting]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Turn your attention to something else]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
CassiaCassia studies the canvas thoughtfully, barely touching the scrollwork of the heavy frame with her slender fingers. "The work of a skilled and undoubtedly talented painter, Lord Captain. The execution is so exquisite that glimpses of the model's own emotions flicker before my gaze. As if... As if the master has captured not only the man's likeness upon the canvas, but his very soul."
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NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You cut a fine figure."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the weapon in the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Study the background of the painting]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Turn your attention to something else]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 21
NPCThere can be no doubt about the weapon's origins: the sword depicted by this unknown artist's brush was not forged by human hands. The fluid curves, the exceptional lustre of the blade, and the gem at the hilt show the weapon to be the work of an Aeldari artisan. The blade is also unusual for the runes engraved along its length — they are most ancient indeed. The inscription is in the Aeldari language, recounting the legend of an unholy god of war revered by the xenos.
YOU[Look closely at the face]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You cut a fine figure."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the weapon in the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Study the background of the painting]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Turn your attention to something else]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
EogunnPlaceholder
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Jae"What an intriguing blade. But to display it in a ceremonial portrait is a sign of either fantastic arrogance or self-indulgent stupidity."
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ArgentaArgenta shakes her head in disapproval. "Memory is the force that drives Humanity and inspires us to deeds worthy of our ancestors. Details are eroded by time, leaving only the essences crystallised within relics and images. We should preserve only that which fortifies us upon His path. The rest must be consigned to oblivion. Unfortunately... this portion of your legacy belongs to the latter."
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Entry point 6 of 21
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 7 of 21
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 8 of 21
NPCThere can be no doubt about the weapon's origins: the sword depicted by this unknown artist's brush was not forged by human hands. The fluid curves, the exceptional lustre of the blade, and the gem at the hilt show the weapon to be the work of an Aeldari artisan.
YOU[Look closely at the face]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You cut a fine figure."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the weapon in the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Study the background of the painting]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Turn your attention to something else]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 9 of 21
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 10 of 21
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 11 of 21
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 12 of 21
NPCOnly one thought occurs to you: the Rogue Trader in the portrait was no stranger to luxury or daring exploits.
YOU[Look closely at the face]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You cut a fine figure."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the weapon in the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Study the background of the painting]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Turn your attention to something else]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 13 of 21
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 14 of 21
NPCYou know you speak the truth. You begin to think that the man in the portrait is looking back at you with faith in his eyes.
YOU[Study the details of the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will not dishonour the glorious name of the von Valancius dynasty. I swear it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You're a forgotten legend now, old man. But the Koronus Expanse will not forget me so quickly, I assure you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Danrok! I have found a portrait of my ancient ancestor. I wish for it to be re-hung in my chambers."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Burn the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step away]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 15 of 21
NPCThe piercing stare from above seems to mock your self-assurance.
YOU[Study the details of the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will not dishonour the glorious name of the von Valancius dynasty. I swear it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You're a forgotten legend now, old man. But the Koronus Expanse will not forget me so quickly, I assure you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Danrok! I have found a portrait of my ancient ancestor. I wish for it to be re-hung in my chambers."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Burn the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step away]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 16 of 21
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 17 of 21
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 18 of 21
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 19 of 21
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 20 of 21
NPC(no text)
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Entry point 21 of 21
NPCA figure in grand attire stares down at you from the portrait with an air of regal superiority. The insignia embellishing his lavish cloak leaves no room for doubt — this is a Rogue Trader of bygone days. His right hand rests on the hilt of an exquisite blade, and his roguish half-smile radiates majestic condescension.
NPCThe plaque reads, "Seberian von Valancius Massimo af Koronus, Rogue Trader of the Imperium and Guiding Light of his dynasty."
YOU[Study the details of the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will not dishonour the glorious name of the von Valancius dynasty. I swear it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You're a forgotten legend now, old man. But the Koronus Expanse will not forget me so quickly, I assure you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Danrok! I have found a portrait of my ancient ancestor. I wish for it to be re-hung in my chambers."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Burn the portrait]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step away]continues where this line first appears above