NPCAs a noble line, the Gapraks are no less ancient than the Drivestems. Perhaps imagining herself in their place has made Camilla anxious.
YOU[Convince Camilla to do as you command]
NPC"You, I see, are adept at playing courtly games yourself. Good. I shall await your sign, my dear."
end of branch
YOU"I would not be wrong in calling you the governor of Dargonus?"
NPCCamilla's wrinkled cheeks flush pink, visible even through the generous layer of powder. "Oh, come now, my lord/lady! I do not know who has led you astray, but that duty lies in the young but most capable hands of Lady Juvenna von Valancius. Of course, when her time comes to take the helm of the dynasty, a loyal ally will be needed to fill the position here. But for now, Dargonus could not wish for a better steward."
YOU[Convince Camilla to do as you command]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be wrong in calling you the governor of Dargonus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It's all lies! We are in a xenos trap! Look at the sky — it's simply not there!"
NPC"I beg your pardon?" Camilla presses her thin lips together, a look of mild revulsion in her gaze. "You poor thing, you must be in shock. Be sure to see the chirurgeon."
YOU[Convince Camilla to do as you command]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be wrong in calling you the governor of Dargonus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It's all lies! We are in a xenos trap! Look at the sky — it's simply not there!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So this is the real murderer of the Gaprak scion."
NPCThe duchess flinches, and the silk thread of the necklace snaps, sending beads scattering across the pavement. "It is beyond impertinent to accuse the head of a noble house of such a heinous offence. Even if there were proof, you are no one here, and your word is nothing against mine. I will listen to your fabrications, but only because you will surely start pestering other important personages. We cannot have gossip at a time like this."
YOU"Why did you do it, Camilla? The Gapraks' man was supposed to help, to bring an army!"
NPC"The Gaprak forces were laughable. They were routed in no time at all. House von Valancius has no need of such vassals — in fact, I have done the dynasty a favour by finishing off the worm that crawled to the gates of its master, not to offer military might, but to beg for it. I do not seek your understanding: it takes considerable experience to appreciate the significance of such a deed."
YOU"Why did you do it, Camilla? The Gapraks' man was supposed to help, to bring an army!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have chosen a curious time for court intrigue."
NPC"And what of you, you impudent whelp/chit? Wearing the name of a dead man, accusing an honourable duchess of a crime. I still do not understand which side you are playing on."
NPC"I shall say one thing: anyone who truly cares for the dynasty knows that it has no use for weak allies. The noble Drivestems will stand with the von Valancius to the end. Whereas the Gapraks, sooner or later, will drag all the highest nobility down with them. Think what you like about me, but know that Lady Juvenna sees the matter as I do."
YOU"Why did you do it, Camilla? The Gapraks' man was supposed to help, to bring an army!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have chosen a curious time for court intrigue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How exactly did it happen?"
NPC"Ah, so my accuser does not know the full story? Allow me to enlighten you. It happened at the changing of the guard — terribly convenient timing, it was. That skilful Sauerback fellow dispatched the surviving Gaprak boy and returned to the outpost as if nothing had happened. I do not know the rest of the details: such things spoil the appetite."
YOU"Why did you do it, Camilla? The Gapraks' man was supposed to help, to bring an army!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have chosen a curious time for court intrigue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How exactly did it happen?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did you bribe Isimond Sauerback?"
NPC"No need for such base insinuations: bribery had nothing to do with it! The Sauerbacks are insignificant people, with pitifully few privileges at court. The only way to entice one of that ilk is with the promise of a noble title. But now Isimond shall not have it, for he cannot hold his tongue."
YOU"Why did you do it, Camilla? The Gapraks' man was supposed to help, to bring an army!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have chosen a curious time for court intrigue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How exactly did it happen?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did you bribe Isimond Sauerback?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It seems that you yourself have fallen victim to the subtle manipulation of one individual..."
NPC"Nonsense!" Bereft of her usual prayer beads, the duchess digs her fingers into the edge of her ornately decorated belt. "All she told me was that Ovedius Gaprak would arrive unaccompanied. For years, my house has battled against the influence of those servitor-brained upstarts; it would have been foolish not to seize such a shining opportunity..." The duchess falls silent upon hearing her own words. Her eyes briefly cloud over like cracked glass, and suddenly she looks like a tearful, hurt old woman. She takes a step forward, crushing a bead under her heel.
NPC"Well. Pat yourself on the back — you have opened my eyes. Lady von Valancius always preferred to act through intermediaries, and that gave her special honour in the eyes of the aristocracy. It appears that I was her tool this time." The unnaturally pale, mask-like face of the Duchess of Dargonus splits into a bitter, resentful smirk. "The girl learned from the best."
YOU"So take your revenge: I promise I will find a moment that will be especially painful for Juvenna."
NPC"You, I see, are adept at playing courtly games yourself. Good. I shall await your sign, my dear."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I suppose I can keep your secret. But remember, you owe me."
NPC"You, I see, are adept at playing courtly games yourself. Good. I shall await your sign, my dear."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Call Laria by vox] "I have found someone for you to arrest."
NPCWhen Laria's men arrive, Camilla Drivestem does not resist. With silent dignity, the duchess holds out her arms to the enforcers and departs in their wake.
end of branch
YOU"My mistake. You are right. I apologise."
NPCCamilla immediately loses interest in you, sinking into contemplation.
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YOU"It seems that you yourself have fallen victim to the subtle manipulation of one individual..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"My mistake. You are right. I apologise."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did you bribe Isimond Sauerback?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It seems that you yourself have fallen victim to the subtle manipulation of one individual..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"My mistake. You are right. I apologise."continues where this line first appears above
NPC"A strange remark from a friend of Lady Juvenna. You ought to learn from her foresight."
NPC"I shall say one thing: anyone who truly cares for the dynasty knows that it has no use for weak allies. The noble Drivestems will stand with the von Valancius to the end. Whereas the Gapraks, sooner or later, will drag all the highest nobility down with them. Think what you like about me, but know that Lady Juvenna sees the matter as I do."continues where this line first appears above
NPC"I shall say one thing: anyone who truly cares for the dynasty knows that it has no use for weak allies. The noble Drivestems will stand with the von Valancius to the end. Whereas the Gapraks, sooner or later, will drag all the highest nobility down with them. Think what you like about me, but know that Lady Juvenna sees the matter as I do."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How exactly did it happen?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did you bribe Isimond Sauerback?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It seems that you yourself have fallen victim to the subtle manipulation of one individual..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"My mistake. You are right. I apologise."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have chosen a curious time for court intrigue."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How exactly did it happen?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did you bribe Isimond Sauerback?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It seems that you yourself have fallen victim to the subtle manipulation of one individual..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"My mistake. You are right. I apologise."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know what happened to the Gaprak army?"
NPC"I received reports that the Gapraks ought to have arrived at the palace by now. Perhaps something happened on the way, or perhaps the noble house has decided that defending Dargonus is not one of its priorities."
NPCYour question alarms the Duchess: she immediately interlaces her dry fingers, trying to hide her agitation.
YOU[Convince Camilla to do as you command]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be wrong in calling you the governor of Dargonus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It's all lies! We are in a xenos trap! Look at the sky — it's simply not there!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So this is the real murderer of the Gaprak scion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know what happened to the Gaprak army?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know who Elana is?"
NPC"I do not. And as it happens, I am perfectly uninterested in the question at present." With a short click, Camilla moves a bead on the necklace in her hands.
YOU[Convince Camilla to do as you command]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be wrong in calling you the governor of Dargonus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It's all lies! We are in a xenos trap! Look at the sky — it's simply not there!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So this is the real murderer of the Gaprak scion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know what happened to the Gaprak army?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know who Elana is?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."
NPCCamilla immediately loses interest in you, sinking into contemplation.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know who Elana is?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So this is the real murderer of the Gaprak scion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know what happened to the Gaprak army?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know who Elana is?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It's all lies! We are in a xenos trap! Look at the sky — it's simply not there!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So this is the real murderer of the Gaprak scion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know what happened to the Gaprak army?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know who Elana is?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
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NPC"You, I see, are adept at playing courtly games yourself. Good. I shall await your sign, my dear."
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NPC"Well. Pat yourself on the back — you have opened my eyes. Lady von Valancius always preferred to act through intermediaries, and that gave her special honour in the eyes of the aristocracy. It appears that I was her tool this time." The unnaturally pale, mask-like face of the Duchess of Dargonus splits into a bitter, resentful smirk. "The girl learned from the best."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 12 of 13
NPC"Camilla Drivestem, Duchess of Dargonus. Is there something you need?" The elderly lady who catches your eye is more sanguine than the rest. Her bony fingers steadily work through a string of jewelled prayer beads.
YOU"I have the honour of being a friend of Juvenna von Valancius. May I have a word?"
NPC"My time is valuable, so please do not waste it. With the loss of the Gaprak forces, the Drivestem army has been left as the dynasty's only source of support, and as the marshal of the dominion, I have much to plan."
YOU[Convince Camilla to do as you command]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be wrong in calling you the governor of Dargonus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It's all lies! We are in a xenos trap! Look at the sky — it's simply not there!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So this is the real murderer of the Gaprak scion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know what happened to the Gaprak army?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know who Elana is?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I come from House Gaprak. May I speak with you briefly?"
NPC"A most unexpected meeting! For I have been informed that the Gaprak army is, ahem, delayed. I suppose that makes you the advance guard?" With a tinkling click, the Duchess thumbs a bead in her rosary and fixes you with a penetrating look.
NPC"I have had the honour of knowing many Gapraks in the course of my long life, but I do not recall you. You must be of the younger branch, my dear? You most surely have the severity of Subord Shab in you. But then those eyes... Kalivin branch? No, no, I'm losing my touch — you are decidedly Noblis Minoris Uratli!"
YOU"I must disappoint you: I am of the Gaprak-Olwen branch."
NPC"Of course! I am pleased you managed to reach us unharmed. A glittering future awaits a house of such persistence."
YOU[Convince Camilla to do as you command]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be wrong in calling you the governor of Dargonus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It's all lies! We are in a xenos trap! Look at the sky — it's simply not there!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So this is the real murderer of the Gaprak scion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know what happened to the Gaprak army?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know who Elana is?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were close. I am of the Subord Shaba branch."
NPC"I'm afraid there is no such branch, poor dear."
NPC"Here is one last lesson for you, young fellow/lady: only a member of the Gaprak-Olwens could set foot on Dargonus at present. Although... it is rather unseemly for the dead to come to court. Guards!" The soldiers who surround you leave no hope of victory. The last thing you hear is the dry click of a bead between Camilla Drivestem's fingers.
end of branch
YOU"Impressive! I am indeed of the Noblis Minoris Uratli."
NPC"I beg your pardon? Did I mishear, or did you claim to be a member of a family that perished in a warp jump a hundred years ago?"
NPC"Here is one last lesson for you, young fellow/lady: only a member of the Gaprak-Olwens could set foot on Dargonus at present. Although... it is rather unseemly for the dead to come to court. Guards!" The soldiers who surround you leave no hope of victory. The last thing you hear is the dry click of a bead between Camilla Drivestem's fingers.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Alas, I am of the Kalivin line."
NPC"Well, this is rather embarrassing... since the Kalivins are a minor offshoot of House Drivestem. A dozen souls, all told, and I know each and every one of them."
NPC"Here is one last lesson for you, young fellow/lady: only a member of the Gaprak-Olwens could set foot on Dargonus at present. Although... it is rather unseemly for the dead to come to court. Guards!" The soldiers who surround you leave no hope of victory. The last thing you hear is the dry click of a bead between Camilla Drivestem's fingers.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Laria Voigtvir sent me. I have something to discuss with you."
NPC"My time is valuable, so please do not waste it. With the loss of the Gaprak forces, the Drivestem army has been left as the dynasty's only source of support, and as the marshal of the dominion, I have much to plan."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were recommended to me as an exceptional conversationalist. Could I beg a few moments of your time?"
NPC"My time is valuable, so please do not waste it. With the loss of the Gaprak forces, the Drivestem army has been left as the dynasty's only source of support, and as the marshal of the dominion, I have much to plan."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let's dispense with the pleasantries and get straight to the point."
NPC"My time is valuable, so please do not waste it. With the loss of the Gaprak forces, the Drivestem army has been left as the dynasty's only source of support, and as the marshal of the dominion, I have much to plan."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 13 of 13
NPCCamilla Drivestem meets your eye and raises her delicately defined brows enquiringly.
YOU[Convince Camilla to do as you command]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be wrong in calling you the governor of Dargonus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It's all lies! We are in a xenos trap! Look at the sky — it's simply not there!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So this is the real murderer of the Gaprak scion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know what happened to the Gaprak army?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know who Elana is?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I must take my leave."continues where this line first appears above