Drivestem Goldier"Not to worry, my lord/lady. I've known the captain a long time. You could sneak a melta bomb right under his nose and he'd be none the wiser." Jarub waves off your warning with feigned insouciance.
YOU"I hear you have hands of gold, Jarub. You can lay your nimble fingers on just about anything."
Drivestem GoldierFor a few seconds, the sergeant shifts awkwardly from foot to foot, reluctant to answer. "I'm no one special, my lord/lady. I landed myself in the penal legion because of a streak of bad luck — I wanted to do better for myself, so I started peddling rubbish from the manufactorum. Turned out that it wasn't rubbish at all, but actually highly valuable materials. That's how I wound up in the 32nd. So what if I have nimble fingers, what good's it done me?"
YOU"A fine lesson for all those who tempt fate and try the patience of the God-Emperor. But your lesson is not yet finished. I have a task for you."
Drivestem Goldier"Who could've guessed, my lord/lady—" Jarub breaks off from his confused stream of excuses and looks down at the ground. "You're right. I'm listening."
YOU"There is a man in possession of a very valuable artefact, and I wish to see him parted from it."
Drivestem GoldierThe sheen of sweat appears on Jarub's patchily shaven cheeks. "I know what you're getting at. I had the same thought: since my life's worthless to the Imperium, I've got nothing to lose. I'll swipe the sword and make myself disappear. I'll take myself off to Footfall, fence it there for a decent amount, and start a new life away from all these horrors. I've never been one for fighting, at any rate, or for seeing the error of my ways."
YOU"Why go all that way to sell it? I'll buy it from you here — just name your price. And what's more, I can have my people escort you to Footfall afterward."
Drivestem GoldierUnable to help himself, Jarub runs a hand through his tousled, straw-coloured hair in puzzlement. "This has to be a joke. My lord/lady...?" Then something seems to click in his mind, and he nods. "Deal. But His Lordship keeps the blade under guard. We need to somehow lure the guards away from the treasure, and then I can handle the rest. After it's done, I'll be waiting outside the infirmary with the... precious cargo. I'll definitely be there — the guard shift change is coming up."
YOU"I hear you have hands of gold, Jarub. You can lay your nimble fingers on just about anything."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Watch out for Captain Sauerback. He's got his eye on you."
Drivestem Goldier"I don't know how you know this, my lord/lady, but I can see that you know it for a fact." The sergeant nods gravely. "I'll try to keep out of his way from now on."
YOU"I hear you have hands of gold, Jarub. You can lay your nimble fingers on just about anything."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Watch out for Captain Sauerback. He's got his eye on you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We shall go to the place where Seberian keeps his sword. I'll distract the guards, the rest is up to you. Come along."
Drivestem Goldier"Right you are." The Merovian casts a quick glance at the chronometer. "Perfect timing."
Drivestem GoldierLeaving Jarub in the shadows, you approach the gilded display case, where the blade, the Crimson Dance of Khaine, sits gleaming inside a casket of thick, clear glass. A guard in uniform bearing the Drivestem crest greets you with a questioning look and steps forward. "Hail. How may I serve you?"
YOU"Lady Juvenna has an urgent commission. I'm here to relieve you."
Drivestem GoldierThe guard glances around doubtfully, but still leaves his post for fear of falling into disfavour with his superiors. You remain still for a while longer to see if anyone takes an interest in what you are doing.
Drivestem GoldierJarub lingers awkwardly by the display case before at last finding the courage to interrupt your watch. "Uh... Perhaps we'd best meet at the infirmary later, my lord/lady? I can do the rest on my own. Don't take this the wrong way, but you're a bit too conspicuous."
end of branch
YOU[Show Laria's ring] "The Seneschal has ordered me to relieve you."
Drivestem GoldierThe guard glances around doubtfully, but still leaves his post for fear of falling into disfavour with his superiors. You remain still for a while longer to see if anyone takes an interest in what you are doing.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I'm from House Gaprak. The Inquisition forces are on their way. Rest up before the battle, and I will keep watch."
Drivestem GoldierThe guard glances around doubtfully, but still leaves his post for fear of falling into disfavour with his superiors. You remain still for a while longer to see if anyone takes an interest in what you are doing.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Seberian has personally assigned me to guard his blade. You are relieved of your post."
Drivestem GoldierThe guard's distrust is quickly replaced by suspicion. Within moments, he is asking Seberian over the vox-caster what to do about your inordinate curiosity. The Lord Captain is not inclined to tolerate a stranger showing such keen interest in his favourite toy. Orders are given, shots are fired, and you are swallowed by oblivion once more.
end of branch
YOU"What's the sense in keeping weapons from your own? Since death is at our doorstep, why not play a game of regicide?"
Drivestem GoldierThe guard's distrust is quickly replaced by suspicion. Within moments, he is asking Seberian over the vox-caster what to do about your inordinate curiosity. The Lord Captain is not inclined to tolerate a stranger showing such keen interest in his favourite toy. Orders are given, shots are fired, and you are swallowed by oblivion once more.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There will soon be an air strike on the main headquarters. No one will notice you in the ensuing commotion."
Drivestem Goldier"Right you are." The Merovian casts a quick glance at the chronometer. "Perfect timing."
Drivestem Goldier"Not to worry, my lord/lady, I have a plan. I'll be in and out in thirty minutes, and then we'll meet at the agreed place. I'll be there, you have my word." Jarub perks up noticeably in eager anticipation.
YOU"I hear you have hands of gold, Jarub. You can lay your nimble fingers on just about anything."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Watch out for Captain Sauerback. He's got his eye on you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We shall go to the place where Seberian keeps his sword. I'll distract the guards, the rest is up to you. Come along."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There will soon be an air strike on the main headquarters. No one will notice you in the ensuing commotion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all."
Drivestem Goldier"Yes, my lord/lady!"
YOU"Sergeant, have you observed the strange light grid in the sky or the force field at the entrance to the residence?"
Drivestem GoldierThe sergeant thinks, the strain apparent in his feverish eyes. Your question is well beyond the bounds of his understanding of reality. "Begging your pardon, my lord/lady! I'm no good at guessing games! I've no clue what force fields you're talking about!"
YOU"Sergeant, have you observed the strange light grid in the sky or the force field at the entrance to the residence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who among your fellow soldiers carries a plasma weapon?"
Drivestem GoldierJarub looks around before he answers, as if checking whether there are any listening ears nearby. His voice drops to almost a whisper: "Captain Isimond Sauerback is the only one I know of. I heard the plasma pistol was given to him personally by the Rogue Trader for his loyal service to the dynasty. As you can imagine, it's an expensive piece, engraved with his initials and all. Guns like that aren't for the likes of me, or ordinary enforcers either. If I'd been given a reward like that, you can be sure I'd put it to good use. I just might improve my lot."
YOU"Sergeant, have you observed the strange light grid in the sky or the force field at the entrance to the residence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who among your fellow soldiers carries a plasma weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to discuss your hidden talents, Jarub."
Drivestem Goldier"I'm listening." The sergeant leans toward you conspiratorially.
YOU"I hear you have hands of gold, Jarub. You can lay your nimble fingers on just about anything."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Watch out for Captain Sauerback. He's got his eye on you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We shall go to the place where Seberian keeps his sword. I'll distract the guards, the rest is up to you. Come along."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There will soon be an air strike on the main headquarters. No one will notice you in the ensuing commotion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all."continues where this line first appears above
Drivestem GoldierThe sergeant's eyes glaze over. Jarub, now pale with terror, backs away from you. "My lord/lady, I... I was just... joking... I've lost the knack for it. Don't waste your anger on a fool like me." He is so frightened that you doubt he will dare to speak of such things again. His trust in you is irretrievably lost... this time.
YOU"Sergeant, have you observed the strange light grid in the sky or the force field at the entrance to the residence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who among your fellow soldiers carries a plasma weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to discuss your hidden talents, Jarub."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"About our arrangement."
Drivestem GoldierJarub lowers his voice to a whisper and looks around uneasily. "You haven't changed your mind, have you?"
YOU"I hear you have hands of gold, Jarub. You can lay your nimble fingers on just about anything."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Watch out for Captain Sauerback. He's got his eye on you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We shall go to the place where Seberian keeps his sword. I'll distract the guards, the rest is up to you. Come along."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There will soon be an air strike on the main headquarters. No one will notice you in the ensuing commotion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forces from House Gaprak were supposed to arrive here. Do you know what happened to them?"
Drivestem Goldier"House who?" Jarub moves to sheepishly scratch the back of his head, but catches himself. "I wouldn't know, my lord/lady. My unit's not reported any reinforcements arriving. We're making do with the troops we have."
YOU"Sergeant, have you observed the strange light grid in the sky or the force field at the entrance to the residence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who among your fellow soldiers carries a plasma weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to discuss your hidden talents, Jarub."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"About our arrangement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forces from House Gaprak were supposed to arrive here. Do you know what happened to them?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you noticed anything unusual of late? Speak plainly — I'll have no demurring."
Drivestem GoldierIn a jerky motion, the sergeant stands at attention once more. "My lord/lady, there have been no incidents in the commission of the task!" With a sidelong look at the passing officers, he continues very quietly, so that only you can hear: "Lady Drivestem, may the God-Emperor prolong her days, has been favouring Captain Sauerback lately. I overheard her giving him some orders, but I couldn't make out what."
YOU"Sergeant, have you observed the strange light grid in the sky or the force field at the entrance to the residence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who among your fellow soldiers carries a plasma weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to discuss your hidden talents, Jarub."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"About our arrangement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forces from House Gaprak were supposed to arrive here. Do you know what happened to them?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you noticed anything unusual of late? Speak plainly — I'll have no demurring."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Merov."
Drivestem Goldier"I'm no great storyteller, but if my lord/lady insists." Jarub's expression darkens. "Every one of us Merovians is guilty before the God-Emperor, terribly guilty. We wash away our wicked deeds with blood, dying for Humanity. No matter how petty the offence, death for the glory of the Golden Throne awaits everyone in our regiment." He shivers as if from a sudden chill.
YOU"Sergeant, have you observed the strange light grid in the sky or the force field at the entrance to the residence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who among your fellow soldiers carries a plasma weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to discuss your hidden talents, Jarub."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"About our arrangement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forces from House Gaprak were supposed to arrive here. Do you know what happened to them?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you noticed anything unusual of late? Speak plainly — I'll have no demurring."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Merov."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."
Drivestem GoldierThe sergeant drops into a low bow in farewell.
end of branch
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Merov."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you noticed anything unusual of late? Speak plainly — I'll have no demurring."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Merov."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"About our arrangement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forces from House Gaprak were supposed to arrive here. Do you know what happened to them?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you noticed anything unusual of late? Speak plainly — I'll have no demurring."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Merov."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to discuss your hidden talents, Jarub."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"About our arrangement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forces from House Gaprak were supposed to arrive here. Do you know what happened to them?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you noticed anything unusual of late? Speak plainly — I'll have no demurring."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Merov."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who among your fellow soldiers carries a plasma weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to discuss your hidden talents, Jarub."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"About our arrangement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forces from House Gaprak were supposed to arrive here. Do you know what happened to them?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you noticed anything unusual of late? Speak plainly — I'll have no demurring."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Merov."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We shall go to the place where Seberian keeps his sword. I'll distract the guards, the rest is up to you. Come along."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There will soon be an air strike on the main headquarters. No one will notice you in the ensuing commotion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So you really intend to rob your betters? I should never have started this conversation..."
Drivestem GoldierThe sergeant's eyes glaze over. Jarub, now pale with terror, backs away from you. "My lord/lady, I... I was just... joking... I've lost the knack for it. Don't waste your anger on a fool like me." He is so frightened that you doubt he will dare to speak of such things again. His trust in you is irretrievably lost... this time.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is a priceless blade, and if you apply your talents correctly..."
Drivestem GoldierThe sheen of sweat appears on Jarub's patchily shaven cheeks. "I know what you're getting at. I had the same thought: since my life's worthless to the Imperium, I've got nothing to lose. I'll swipe the sword and make myself disappear. I'll take myself off to Footfall, fence it there for a decent amount, and start a new life away from all these horrors. I've never been one for fighting, at any rate, or for seeing the error of my ways."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A monstrous miscarriage of justice. I believe we can help each other."
Drivestem GoldierJarub lifts his gaze to you with lively curiosity, as well as some distrust. "I'd be very interested to hear how someone like me can be of use to my lord/lady."
YOU"There is a man in possession of a very valuable artefact, and I wish to see him parted from it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is a priceless blade, and if you apply your talents correctly..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Watch out for Captain Sauerback. He's got his eye on you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We shall go to the place where Seberian keeps his sword. I'll distract the guards, the rest is up to you. Come along."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There will soon be an air strike on the main headquarters. No one will notice you in the ensuing commotion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"That will be all."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 10 of 12
Drivestem GoldierJarub is visibly anxious. He speaks quietly, almost without parting his lips. "Begging your pardon, my lord/lady, I haven't managed the task yet. Haven't had the chance. I've been on sentry duty — command's orders."
YOU"Sergeant, have you observed the strange light grid in the sky or the force field at the entrance to the residence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who among your fellow soldiers carries a plasma weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to discuss your hidden talents, Jarub."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"About our arrangement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forces from House Gaprak were supposed to arrive here. Do you know what happened to them?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you noticed anything unusual of late? Speak plainly — I'll have no demurring."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Merov."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 11 of 12
Drivestem GoldierThe sergeant stands, swaying slightly with a deliberate air of nonchalance. Jarub casts a furtive look first one way, then the other, with the barest turn of his head. "I'm ready to move as soon as it happens, my lord/lady. Any minute now."
YOU"Sergeant, have you observed the strange light grid in the sky or the force field at the entrance to the residence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who among your fellow soldiers carries a plasma weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to discuss your hidden talents, Jarub."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"About our arrangement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forces from House Gaprak were supposed to arrive here. Do you know what happened to them?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you noticed anything unusual of late? Speak plainly — I'll have no demurring."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Merov."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 12 of 12
Drivestem Goldier"Hail!" The Merovian salutes you and stands to attention, drawing his awkward form up to his full, unimpressive height. "Sergeant Jarub Vukchik, 32nd Merov, at your service."
YOU"Sergeant, have you observed the strange light grid in the sky or the force field at the entrance to the residence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who among your fellow soldiers carries a plasma weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I wish to discuss your hidden talents, Jarub."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"About our arrangement."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forces from House Gaprak were supposed to arrive here. Do you know what happened to them?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Have you noticed anything unusual of late? Speak plainly — I'll have no demurring."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about the 32nd Merov."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above