DiodasThe Inquisitor beckons, and the Sisters of Battle immediately raise their bolters. The ceremonial steel of their sarissas seems to leer at you like the fangs of a ravenous beast. With a glance at Laria, Seberian lunges forward with the same desperation as a voidship hurtling out of warp and into realspace.
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DiodasThe man before you is immediately recognisable as a servant of the Golden Throne, thanks to his heavy insignia of dull gold. The man is swathed in dark fabric, with a cloak of rough cloth thrown over the top. His face, which is heavily lined but not by the ravages of time, is so unremarkable that it is as if it were a deliberate attempt to make himself forgettable. But his eyes — no one would soon forget those. They are the eyes of someone who stares when others look away. Only someone strong of will or a mindless monster could withstand that penetrating gaze.
Juvenna von Valancius"I humbly greet you on behalf of the von Valancius dynasty, Diodas af Irramon. First, I must offer praise to the God-Emperor: by His will has our alliance been accomplished. I also wish to introduce a friend. [Name] was undoubtedly sent to us by His providence in our hour of need. It is thanks to his/her efforts that Seberian now stands before us with bowed head, as befits a deposed heretic."
YOU"Pleased to have been of service to you, Inquisitor."
SeberianYou are interrupted by the sound of metallic laughter — erratic and jagged, like a weak vox-signal. And then, just as suddenly, it cuts off. "Bow my head? I, an anointed steward of the God-Emperor whose servants you proclaim yourselves to be? I, whom you are sworn to obey until your dying breath? When He bestowed upon my ancestors the Warrant of Trade, He distinguished the name of my dynasty and charged it with expanding the borders of His Imperium. Know this: today, you oppose the God-Emperor's will. Today, I name you traitors."
Seberian"Diodas, like a spawn of the abyss have you poisoned my daughter's mind! You cloak yourself in His name, but you go against His covenants. Fools like you only burn away the shoots of knowledge that could serve the good of Humanity. Revel in your triumph, Inquisitor: my legacy is destroyed. But you will hear no contrition from me, for the truth is on my side."
Diodas"You see, there is neither need nor use in repentance, for our faith grants no redemption. But by the grace of the God-Emperor, Seberian will furnish the Koronus Expanse with one final gift. It will serve as a reminder that the more one earns of His blessings, the heavier the burden of responsibility becomes. And for those whose backbone of faith should break under that burden, there is no other way but cleansing with holy fire." The Inquisitor's voice sounds muted and measured, lending weight to every word.
Diodas(sequence)
Heinrix"A strong assertion, which just as strongly indicates one's fervent adherence to a puritan philosophy. This aligns with the limited data available to me regarding Inquisitor af Irramon."
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Solomorne"A prudent approach. The more bureaucratic procedures that precede an execution, the greater the latitude for manoeuvring afforded to the accused. Such efficiency is impressive."
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Kibellah"Those words are filled with conviction, Domin'[Name], yet Seberian's name has not yet passed the Undying One's lips. Is his execution truly so timely?"
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DiodasThe Inquisitor draws out a scroll bound with ribbon. The dark wax seal yields easily, and af Irramon unrolls the parchment. Line by line, he reads out the sentence — steadily, with neither wrath nor triumph. He lists names, titles, and testimonies, and cites ancient decrees. Until he arrives at the final lines: "...let this impious heretic, who bowed down before the xenos abomination, be consigned to the flames. The sentence is binding. The seal is set. For the glory of the God-Emperor."
YOU"Inquisitor af Irramon, since I have served your cause, may I ask you a few questions?"
Diodas"To refuse your request would show haste in delivering the sentence. But haste is a sign of weak faith. Seberian's fate was sealed the moment he thought xenos artefacts might serve the good of the Imperium. It was then that the sentence was handed down. I am no judge, my friend, but merely a messenger of His will. Therefore, speak."
YOU"Why is the Inquisition moving against the dynasty?"
Diodas"I have been asked something like that question hundreds of times. And, I must say, it has never been asked by a righteous person. The lord of this planet, Seberian von Valancius, compromised himself several cycles ago by committing monstrous xenoheresy. In forsaking the very foundations of Humanity, he has sealed the fate of himself and all Dargonus."
YOU"Why is the Inquisition moving against the dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What a farce! You punish heresy with death, and yet all the while you are playing a part in a xenos trap!"
Diodas"Are you trying to make me afraid? I am not permitted to fear. Whatever nets Seberian has set, I will break them. The God-Emperor leads me, and His will is stronger than any snare."
YOU"Why is the Inquisition moving against the dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What a farce! You punish heresy with death, and yet all the while you are playing a part in a xenos trap!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We are all servants of the God-Emperor. Must we spill our blood so senselessly?"
DiodasYour companions murmur in agreement in response to your words. The Inquisitor silently turns his gaze to the Sisters of Battle. They stand as if carved from stone — and yet there is no peace in that stillness. Their bolters are raised just enough to take aim in a single motion.
Diodas(sequence)
Sergeant Zarkov"Soldiers, to me! Cover His Lordship's flank!"
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Exalt-117"Assigning priority of the highest order to the vector of convergence with the enemy."
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Exalt-117"Reconstructing vector of convergence with the enemy is impossible: personal armament readiness is unsatisfactory. Omnissiah prayer priority activated."
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Camilla Drivestem"Officer, gather the troops. Today the Drivestems will go down in history as the only house to come to the defence of Dargonus and the von Valancius."
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Camilla Drivestem"The Drivestems shall observe this performance from the wings. Juvenna, my dear, let us allow the Inquisitor to clear any superfluous pieces from the board."
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Isimond Sauerback"Today the name Sauerback will ring out alongside that of von Valancius!"
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Isimond Sauerback"The Sauerback name should stand beside that of the von Valancius. But only if it does not bear the stain of xenoheresy. I must stand aside so that justice may be done."
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Argenta"My heart is heavy with sorrow, Lord Captain. There is no greater torment than to stand opposing my own sisters in battle. Only my faith that all this is a false and unholy apparition strengthens my spirit."
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YOU"Enough words. Let the battle begin!"
DiodasYour companions murmur in agreement in response to your words. The Inquisitor silently turns his gaze to the Sisters of Battle. They stand as if carved from stone — and yet there is no peace in that stillness. Their bolters are raised just enough to take aim in a single motion.
Diodas(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough words. Let justice be done!"
DiodasWhen you hand Seberian over to the Inquisition, you notice that the Lord Captain never once lost his signature poise, even in the face of death. Thrusting out his chest emblazoned with the von Valancius coat of arms and with his metal chin proudly raised, the Rogue Trader marches majestically to his execution.
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YOU"We are all servants of the God-Emperor. Must we spill our blood so senselessly?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough words. Let the battle begin!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough words. Let justice be done!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What a farce! You punish heresy with death, and yet all the while you are playing a part in a xenos trap!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We are all servants of the God-Emperor. Must we spill our blood so senselessly?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough words. Let the battle begin!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough words. Let justice be done!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"May we have a chat, as befits those of noble birth, before we cross blades?"
Diodas"Your attempt to delay the inevitable is as obvious as it is ridiculous. I will allow you to speak not because of your title: in the eyes of the God-Emperor, all heretics are equal. I am only giving you this chance so that you may realise for yourselves the futility of your intention."
YOU"Why is the Inquisition moving against the dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What a farce! You punish heresy with death, and yet all the while you are playing a part in a xenos trap!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We are all servants of the God-Emperor. Must we spill our blood so senselessly?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough words. Let the battle begin!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough words. Let justice be done!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have gone to great lengths to appear before you, Diodas af Irramon. May I ask you a few questions?"
Diodas"To refuse your request would show haste in delivering the sentence. But haste is a sign of weak faith. Seberian's fate was sealed the moment he thought xenos artefacts might serve the good of the Imperium. It was then that the sentence was handed down. I am no judge, my friend, but merely a messenger of His will. Therefore, speak."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough words. Let the battle begin!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope, Inquisitor, that your sentence here will be final."
SeberianYou are interrupted by the sound of metallic laughter — erratic and jagged, like a weak vox-signal. And then, just as suddenly, it cuts off. "Bow my head? I, an anointed steward of the God-Emperor whose servants you proclaim yourselves to be? I, whom you are sworn to obey until your dying breath? When He bestowed upon my ancestors the Warrant of Trade, He distinguished the name of my dynasty and charged it with expanding the borders of His Imperium. Know this: today, you oppose the God-Emperor's will. Today, I name you traitors."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps providence can send us a hot bath and a half-decent dinner. Let's get this over with as quickly as possible."
SeberianYou are interrupted by the sound of metallic laughter — erratic and jagged, like a weak vox-signal. And then, just as suddenly, it cuts off. "Bow my head? I, an anointed steward of the God-Emperor whose servants you proclaim yourselves to be? I, whom you are sworn to obey until your dying breath? When He bestowed upon my ancestors the Warrant of Trade, He distinguished the name of my dynasty and charged it with expanding the borders of His Imperium. Know this: today, you oppose the God-Emperor's will. Today, I name you traitors."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seberian has bored me to tears already. Now it is your turn: take him away and let's be done with it."
DiodasWhen you hand Seberian over to the Inquisition, you notice that the Lord Captain never once lost his signature poise, even in the face of death. Thrusting out his chest emblazoned with the von Valancius coat of arms and with his metal chin proudly raised, the Rogue Trader marches majestically to his execution.continues where this line first appears above
SeberianDespite the Inquisitor's formidable presence, Seberian maintains his dignified bearing and bows his head with pointed courtesy. "Greetings, Inquisitor. I had heard that the rosette opens many doors, and it seems that my door is no exception. Allow me to introduce you to [Name], a loyal servant of my dynasty. [Name], this is Diodas af Irramon, he who leads the enemy forces. I would not call making his acquaintance an honour, but you can decide that for yourself. Esteemed Diodas, let us put a swift end to this affair: I deny all your accusations, and have no cause for repentance."
YOU"I fear I shall be no less of a disappointment than Seberian, Inquisitor, for I too have nothing to repent of before you."
Diodas"You see, there is neither need nor use in repentance, for our faith grants no redemption. But by the grace of the God-Emperor, Seberian will furnish the Koronus Expanse with one final gift. It will serve as a reminder that the more one earns of His blessings, the heavier the burden of responsibility becomes. And for those whose backbone of faith should break under that burden, there is no other way but cleansing with holy fire." The Inquisitor's voice sounds muted and measured, lending weight to every word.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Oh, my precious executioner, you cannot imagine how long I have waited for this moment!"
Diodas"You see, there is neither need nor use in repentance, for our faith grants no redemption. But by the grace of the God-Emperor, Seberian will furnish the Koronus Expanse with one final gift. It will serve as a reminder that the more one earns of His blessings, the heavier the burden of responsibility becomes. And for those whose backbone of faith should break under that burden, there is no other way but cleansing with holy fire." The Inquisitor's voice sounds muted and measured, lending weight to every word.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I imagined you differently. There is so much of the man of servitude in you and so little the man in authority."
Diodas"You see, there is neither need nor use in repentance, for our faith grants no redemption. But by the grace of the God-Emperor, Seberian will furnish the Koronus Expanse with one final gift. It will serve as a reminder that the more one earns of His blessings, the heavier the burden of responsibility becomes. And for those whose backbone of faith should break under that burden, there is no other way but cleansing with holy fire." The Inquisitor's voice sounds muted and measured, lending weight to every word.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seberian, let's not give these fools the chance to open their mouths — only poison will pour from their throats. To battle!"
DiodasYour companions murmur in agreement in response to your words. The Inquisitor silently turns his gaze to the Sisters of Battle. They stand as if carved from stone — and yet there is no peace in that stillness. Their bolters are raised just enough to take aim in a single motion.continues where this line first appears above