SeberianSeberian stares, motionless, at the Warrant's empty resting place. His augmented lungs do not inhale once. It is as though he has turned into a statue. The sacred chamber is silent as a crypt, save for the hum of servo-motors in the ancient Lord Captain's augmetics.
YOU"Saints' blood!"
NPC(sequence)
NPCThe answer to the enigma before your eyes comes to you immediately. The Warrant could not have vanished on its own. It could only have been stolen. By someone possessed of such staggering power that no amount of precautions could stop them. By someone who has already proven themselves a great thief, having stolen the Rogue Trader himself from the von Valancius dynasty. Trazyn the Infinite.
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NPCGuilt and shame crash down upon you like an avalanche. Once before, you endured a disgrace you'd long considered the greatest of your life. But the loss of the Warrant humiliates not only you, it humiliates the entire von Valancius dynasty, jeopardising its very existence. Your mouth goes dry, and your heart begins to beat twice as fast within your chest.
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Seberian"Gone. The Warrant is... gone." Seberian's voice sounds lifeless as he looks back and forth between you and the empty pedestal, and you see the skin-scrap of your ancestor's face tighten in a futile bid to convey his anger. "My heir, of all the scum in the Koronus Expanse, only one is capable of such a sacrilege — Trazyn!"
YOU"We must find Trazyn. He has the Warrant."
NPCThe moment you speak these words, a familiar figure coalesces from emerald-green light beside the Warrant's resting place, and a voice dripping with mockery sounds within your mind. "What a striking demonstration of the differences between us. To you, a centuries-old relic is nothing but a dust-covered scrap, left unattended in a pathetic, unsecured storeroom. To me, each of my exhibits is a precious witness to its era, carefully preserved in stasis for millennia to come."
Trazyn the Infinite"Your Warrant is safe within my Museion, for now. It holds little value to me in itself, like most of your so-called relics. However, as a means to settle a score with a dynasty of thieves who have made a habit of crossing my path..." The Necron lets out a low laugh. "But, very well. I would be glad to be rid of the Warrant and return it to you, were it not for one problem: its place must be taken by another exhibit. The one that was stolen from me."
Trazyn the Infinite"I have grown bored of watching Seberian attempt to insert himself into an age to which he does not belong. I suspect you feel the same. It is time to set things right. The Warrant will return to your domain, and Seberian will return to the Museion's exhibition. All you need do is travel to the territory of the Yekhmet dynasty, which lies beyond the very spatial gate you are already heading toward. The system's coordinates are already within your mind."
YOU"How did you manage to steal the Warrant?"
Trazyn the Infinite"The way you marvel at my kind's superiority over your own, human, might almost inspire a measure of endearment. In theory. In someone else."
YOU"How did you manage to steal the Warrant?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What makes you think I am heading to some gate?"
Trazyn the InfiniteTrazyn's smug chuckle makes you flinch. "Ever since your little escapade in the Museion drew my attention, I have learned a great deal about the scurrying of humans in this region of space. Suffice it to say, a certain portion of that scurrying has piqued my interest. And what interests me is naturally of interest to you, my informant."
YOU"How did you manage to steal the Warrant?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What makes you think I am heading to some gate?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who or what is this 'Yekhmet?'"
Trazyn the Infinite"A convenient landmark for me. For your own sake, you would do your best to understand what I am speaking of after you depart through the gate."
YOU"How did you manage to steal the Warrant?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What makes you think I am heading to some gate?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who or what is this 'Yekhmet?'"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why have you changed your mind? What do you want with Seberian?"
Trazyn the Infinite"The von Valancius dynasty once stole a relic from me — the Crimson Dance of Khaine. I deemed it only fitting to claim the head of the von Valancius dynasty in exchange. That very same individual whom you, a representative of said dynasty, have now, centuries later, stolen back from me. Are you even capable of appreciating the elegance of the temporal recursion that now endows this object with unique value? I doubt it. But. at the very least, I have attempted to convey the notion."
YOU"How did you manage to steal the Warrant?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What makes you think I am heading to some gate?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who or what is this 'Yekhmet?'"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why have you changed your mind? What do you want with Seberian?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will give you Seberian in exchange for the Warrant."
Trazyn the Infinite"Of course. I can wait."
SeberianThe apparition of the xenos dissipates, leaving empty air where the flickering image once stood, and with it the voice of Seberian, who has clearly been speaking for some time now, can be heard. "...it is time to set aside our quarrels and turn our united strength against a common enemy. The dynasty's Warrant must be restored to its place. Without it, the von Valancius will perish in the darkness. Do you agree to stand together against the enemies of Humanity and the dynasty?"
YOU"I received a message from Trazyn. He wants you in exchange for the Warrant."
Seberian"So that's how it is..." Seberian sighs, and his entire metal-threaded body rises and slumps like a giant wave. "And what do you think about his offer?"
YOU"I have no intention of betraying you to an enemy of Humanity."
Seberian"A worthy answer. Truly, whatever differences may stand between us, we must not show weakness before the true enemy. Duty to Humanity and to the dynasty outweighs all else."
SeberianSeberian is silent for a long time, clearly deep in thought. When he speaks, his voice sounds quieter and deeper than usual. "If our expedition ends in failure, if the risk of the dynasty being left without the Warrant becomes too great, you will have to make that bargain. Not for your own sake. For the dynasty's sake. For those who will inherit the Warrant and the title of Rogue Trader after you."
YOU"I received a message from Trazyn. He wants you in exchange for the Warrant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What of our current dispute? Shall we simply pretend nothing happened?"
Seberian"When the time comes, we shall resolve it as befits people of our status, with a duel, or else a game of regicide. Or perhaps you will succeed in convincing me that the dynasty and the protectorate are in safe hands... and I will abandon my claim."
YOU"I received a message from Trazyn. He wants you in exchange for the Warrant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What of our current dispute? Shall we simply pretend nothing happened?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"First and foremost, we must deal with the xenos and recover the Warrant."
Seberian"The dynasty comes first, my heir. I am glad you understand that."
SeberianSeberian lifts his head as if straining against the weight of his numerous implants, and fixes you with an eye burning with righteous fire. "Our purpose is clear. Let us find the enemy and repay them according to their misdeeds, heir."
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YOU"I shall overlook your insolence. For now."
Seberian"Likewise, I shall turn a blind eye to the threats looming over the protectorate as a result of a lack of vigilant oversight."
SeberianSeberian lifts his head as if straining against the weight of his numerous implants, and fixes you with an eye burning with righteous fire. "Our purpose is clear. Let us find the enemy and repay them according to their misdeeds, heir."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Remain pointedly silent]
SeberianSeberian's gaze bores into yours and then, receiving no answer, he sighs. "When the time comes, we shall resume this interrupted conversation. Sooner or later."
SeberianSeberian lifts his head as if straining against the weight of his numerous implants, and fixes you with an eye burning with righteous fire. "Our purpose is clear. Let us find the enemy and repay them according to their misdeeds, heir."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Keep your hands where I can see them, and perhaps you will live long enough to stand trial for your assault upon my title."
Seberian"I had no intention of causing you harm, my heir, and still do not. The God-Emperor knows you might make a worthy vassal yet." Seberian waves a hand casually. "But enough on that. We have other business."
SeberianSeberian lifts his head as if straining against the weight of his numerous implants, and fixes you with an eye burning with righteous fire. "Our purpose is clear. Let us find the enemy and repay them according to their misdeeds, heir."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"First and foremost, we must deal with the xenos and recover the Warrant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall overlook your insolence. For now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Remain pointedly silent]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Keep your hands where I can see them, and perhaps you will live long enough to stand trial for your assault upon my title."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Dealing with a xenos sits even worse with me than dealing with you."
Seberian"The sentiment is mutual, heir."
SeberianSeberian is silent for a long time, clearly deep in thought. When he speaks, his voice sounds quieter and deeper than usual. "If our expedition ends in failure, if the risk of the dynasty being left without the Warrant becomes too great, you will have to make that bargain. Not for your own sake. For the dynasty's sake. For those who will inherit the Warrant and the title of Rogue Trader after you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Perhaps we should indeed restore everything to how it was. The Warrant returns to the Chamber, and you return to the Museion."
SeberianSeberian is silent for several seconds. "Regret for what has been done is a path to nowhere. Focus on the present, however grim it may appear at this moment."
SeberianSeberian is silent for a long time, clearly deep in thought. When he speaks, his voice sounds quieter and deeper than usual. "If our expedition ends in failure, if the risk of the dynasty being left without the Warrant becomes too great, you will have to make that bargain. Not for your own sake. For the dynasty's sake. For those who will inherit the Warrant and the title of Rogue Trader after you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What is this, Seberian? Do I hear fear in your voice?"
SeberianSeberian lets out a low, satisfied chuckle. "Do not delude yourself. You shall need to work much harder than that to instil fear in my heart."
SeberianSeberian is silent for a long time, clearly deep in thought. When he speaks, his voice sounds quieter and deeper than usual. "If our expedition ends in failure, if the risk of the dynasty being left without the Warrant becomes too great, you will have to make that bargain. Not for your own sake. For the dynasty's sake. For those who will inherit the Warrant and the title of Rogue Trader after you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have not yet had the time to consider it."
SeberianSeberian is silent for a long time, clearly deep in thought. When he speaks, his voice sounds quieter and deeper than usual. "If our expedition ends in failure, if the risk of the dynasty being left without the Warrant becomes too great, you will have to make that bargain. Not for your own sake. For the dynasty's sake. For those who will inherit the Warrant and the title of Rogue Trader after you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What of our current dispute? Shall we simply pretend nothing happened?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"First and foremost, we must deal with the xenos and recover the Warrant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall overlook your insolence. For now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Remain pointedly silent]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Keep your hands where I can see them, and perhaps you will live long enough to stand trial for your assault upon my title."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You will not have Seberian. Together, we shall wrest the Warrant from your foul clutches, xenos!"
Trazyn the Infinite"Such fervour. If I had need of a second Rogue Trader for my exhibition instead of one, I might even welcome that. But one way or another, you will bring him to me."
SeberianThe apparition of the xenos dissipates, leaving empty air where the flickering image once stood, and with it the voice of Seberian, who has clearly been speaking for some time now, can be heard. "...it is time to set aside our quarrels and turn our united strength against a common enemy. The dynasty's Warrant must be restored to its place. Without it, the von Valancius will perish in the darkness. Do you agree to stand together against the enemies of Humanity and the dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will consider your proposal."
Trazyn the InfiniteA dry chuckle scrapes like metal on glass. "It is past time you rid yourself of the illusion of choice."
SeberianThe apparition of the xenos dissipates, leaving empty air where the flickering image once stood, and with it the voice of Seberian, who has clearly been speaking for some time now, can be heard. "...it is time to set aside our quarrels and turn our united strength against a common enemy. The dynasty's Warrant must be restored to its place. Without it, the von Valancius will perish in the darkness. Do you agree to stand together against the enemies of Humanity and the dynasty?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will give you Seberian in exchange for the Warrant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You will not have Seberian. Together, we shall wrest the Warrant from your foul clutches, xenos!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will consider your proposal."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why have you changed your mind? What do you want with Seberian?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will give you Seberian in exchange for the Warrant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You will not have Seberian. Together, we shall wrest the Warrant from your foul clutches, xenos!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will consider your proposal."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who or what is this 'Yekhmet?'"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why have you changed your mind? What do you want with Seberian?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will give you Seberian in exchange for the Warrant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You will not have Seberian. Together, we shall wrest the Warrant from your foul clutches, xenos!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will consider your proposal."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What makes you think I am heading to some gate?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who or what is this 'Yekhmet?'"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why have you changed your mind? What do you want with Seberian?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will give you Seberian in exchange for the Warrant."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You will not have Seberian. Together, we shall wrest the Warrant from your foul clutches, xenos!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will consider your proposal."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"No one outside this Chamber must learn that the Warrant has vanished until I find a way to recover it."
NPCThe moment you speak these words, a familiar figure coalesces from emerald-green light beside the Warrant's resting place, and a voice dripping with mockery sounds within your mind. "What a striking demonstration of the differences between us. To you, a centuries-old relic is nothing but a dust-covered scrap, left unattended in a pathetic, unsecured storeroom. To me, each of my exhibits is a precious witness to its era, carefully preserved in stasis for millennia to come."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The cursed xenos has sealed his own doom by insulting the von Valancius dynasty."
NPCThe moment you speak these words, a familiar figure coalesces from emerald-green light beside the Warrant's resting place, and a voice dripping with mockery sounds within your mind. "What a striking demonstration of the differences between us. To you, a centuries-old relic is nothing but a dust-covered scrap, left unattended in a pathetic, unsecured storeroom. To me, each of my exhibits is a precious witness to its era, carefully preserved in stasis for millennia to come."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Abelard"God-Emperor... have mercy." The Seneschal's face is drained of all colour, and his gaze, fixed upon the empty resting place of the Warrant, holds a soul-crushing despair. In all the time Abelard has accompanied you, he has never seemed closer to his heart giving out than now.
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Idira"The voices... The voices say the withered dead know no peace. They cannot sleep in their tombs. They suffer, these lost souls... Whatever that means, [Name]."
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EogunnPlaceholder
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Kibellah"This is blasphemy against the Undying One. An insult to the Domin. And a dishonour to all of the Bloodspun Web." Kibellah retrieves one of her many knives and slowly draws the blade across her face, leaving a crimson trail in its wake.
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SolomorneThe Arbitrator frowns, then speaks in a calm, warning tone. "Rog— [Name] von Valancius, from this moment forward, all your rights, freedoms, incomes, holdings, and status may be called into question at any time." He is silent for a few seconds. "Not by me, but still... should someone wish to put an end to you..."
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Heinrix"I will... temporarily overlook the Rogue Trader's lack of a Warrant, which would, in essence, mean the revocation of his/her high station and all attendant privileges. Let us just rectify this 'minor inconvenience' as swiftly as possible, [Name]."
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Ulfar"Do not grieve, Aett-Vater! A great deed awaits you: the recovery of the ancient scroll of rights, inscribed by the Allfather's own hand! What a glorious saga, what a thundering legend it will be! And the feast that will follow! That is your wyrd, [Name] — do not dream of any other."
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Argenta"...I shall become Thy Wrath, and Thy Fury, and Thy Flame. For from Thy right hand flows only Righteous Redemption against any who raise themselves against Thee and against Humanity..."
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Jae"Ashmags! The filthy azhi! [Name], we'll get your Warrant back for you! Just don't forget, shereen: as long as no one knows the relic is missing, no one can use that knowledge against you. So everyone present had best keep their mouths shut."
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Pasqal"Registering an increased risk of complications of legitimacy. Registering a change in status for the subject [Name] von Valancius." Pasqal gives you a long, weighty stare, then his vox rasps. "I assume this observation to be self-evident, yet protocol demands its utterance: the security classification of this facility is hereby revised to 'untrustworthy.'"
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Cassia"Poison-yellow fear and dark-blue anger, they spill so thickly through the air... and these hues blind me to the empty dais. How grateful I am for this blindness, for I could not look upon such a loss without weeping."
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MarazhaiMarazhai sweeps his gaze across those assembled. His narrow, gaunt face is filled with barely restrained ecstasy and a hazy veil of euphoria creeps over his eyes. "If only you knew how sweet your terror and fury are... and how much of it there is... Exquisite!"
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Yrliet"I do not... I do not understand, elantach. Everyone knows who you are. The crew, the retinue. What tragedy is there in the loss of some piece of paper?"
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YOU"Where is my Warrant?"
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Seberian"Gone. The Warrant is... gone." Seberian's voice sounds lifeless as he looks back and forth between you and the empty pedestal, and you see the skin-scrap of your ancestor's face tighten in a futile bid to convey his anger. "My heir, of all the scum in the Koronus Expanse, only one is capable of such a sacrilege — Trazyn!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How... intriguing."
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Seberian"Gone. The Warrant is... gone." Seberian's voice sounds lifeless as he looks back and forth between you and the empty pedestal, and you see the skin-scrap of your ancestor's face tighten in a futile bid to convey his anger. "My heir, of all the scum in the Koronus Expanse, only one is capable of such a sacrilege — Trazyn!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Remain silent]
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Seberian"Gone. The Warrant is... gone." Seberian's voice sounds lifeless as he looks back and forth between you and the empty pedestal, and you see the skin-scrap of your ancestor's face tighten in a futile bid to convey his anger. "My heir, of all the scum in the Koronus Expanse, only one is capable of such a sacrilege — Trazyn!"continues where this line first appears above