NPCEvayne hesitates before making a helpless gesture. "I wish I could assist you, but I gave my word that I would keep the secrets of House Orsellio. I beg your forgiveness, Lord/Lady von Valancius."
YOU"Do you not wish to enquire why I now stand at the head of my house and not Theodora?"
NPCA short-lived smile flashes across Evayne's face. "I gather more than a few people have already put that question to you. Or perhaps you expect to be accosted by such queries in the future. Honestly, I did not ask because I was afraid of being obtrusive and tactless. But to tell the truth, I am dying to know."
YOU"Theodora perished in a cultist raid, one that took place right here in the Rykad System. That is when I took the helm."
NPC"Please accept my condolences. May Lady Theodora's soul be forever in Terra's eternal light." Evayne pauses for an appropriate length of time. "So you are still new to your status! And you have not yet had your Magnae Accessio, I presume? How fascinating. I do not believe I have ever had the fortune of meeting an individual with a fate so compelling as yours. I hope that one day you may grace me with your presence under more civil circumstances, Lord/Lady von Valancius. There is much I wish to ask you about!"
YOU"You yourself are the son of a Rogue Trader, are you not? So what is it about me you find so fascinating?"
NPC"My father has ruled for an exceptionally long time. He has already outlived three of his chroniclers. I would be far more interested in speaking to someone who had just recently acquired their first taste of power and responsibility. Besides... to be perfectly honest..." Evayne appears to be slightly embarrassed. "I am not exactly Calligos Winterscale's most favoured descendant. I could count on one hand the number of times I have had meaningfully long conversations with my father. And for half of those conversations, we exchanged messages through an Astropath. I think it prudent to say I have not exactly been lavished with the attention and insight of a Rogue Trader."
YOU"You yourself are the son of a Rogue Trader, are you not? So what is it about me you find so fascinating?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It would be so refreshing to at last converse with another of commensurate pedigree and not some lowly servant or commoner."
NPC"Of course. I hope my company will not disappoint you."
YOU"Do you not wish to enquire why I now stand at the head of my house and not Theodora?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything you can tell me about the Navis Nobilite station in this system?"
NPC"I know more than most but less than one might expect. Our Navigators are true recluses..." Evayne stops for a moment and glances forward. You can see he is aching to continue further into the prison, but he suppresses the urge to rush off.
NPC"Eurac V Station is the sovereign demesne of Navigator House Orsellio. As I said, they are remarkably reclusive, unwilling to interact with anyone, even the system's governor." Evayne pauses. "However, House Orsellio has a direct agreement with House Winterscale. Several Navigators of the House serve on my father's ships. That is why I was granted personal access to the station — for emergency situations and important negotiations."
NPC"I have been to the station twice. Alone — it is the masters' demand that even guards and servants be left on the shuttle. By the Throne, is it a bizarre place. Inexplicably, my emotions would shift from sudden trembling to carefree jubilation. For what reason, I cannot say. That station was far from uplifting. Every servant who tended to me there had had their tongue amputated. Well, I doubt such details are of interest to you... Once we are done here, I can try to contact the station and request access for you as well — but I am almost certain it will be for naught."
YOU"Do you not wish to enquire why I now stand at the head of my house and not Theodora?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything you can tell me about the Navis Nobilite station in this system?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Allow me to use your access code. My Navigator is dead. If I fail to find a new one, the very first warp jump could spell disaster for my ship. As a nobleman and a scion of a Rogue Trader house, you are obliged to aid me."
YOU"Let us discuss the matter at hand. You are here to end the riot, are you not?"
NPCEvayne's expression is grave. "Indeed. It is a personal matter, if you will. And not simply because this incident occurred in a system that belongs to my father. The prison warden, An... he used to be a close friend of mine, once. I want to give him a chance to come to his senses, lay down his weapons, and stop this senseless uprising."
YOU"The warden is clearly not of sound mind. At one point, he was trying to manage the inmates by offering incentives and even days of rest! What utter madness!"
NPC"Incentives and leisure, you say? That sounds like the An I know..."
NPC"For as long as I have known him, An has always been a thinker, a dreamer, even. He would dig up these ancient books, studying societal models and theories. He was obsessed with ideals. There are priests within the Ecclesiarchy who would call it heresy to view the society of the Imperium as anything but perfect, however... I believe that An only wanted what he thought was best. I only wish I knew where that road had taken him..."
YOU"The warden is clearly not of sound mind. At one point, he was trying to manage the inmates by offering incentives and even days of rest! What utter madness!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The warden is clearly not of sound mind. He performed inhumane experiments on prisoners. Acts of sheer brutality."
NPC"Experiments? Atrocities? I believe you, but... that sounds nothing like him!"
NPC"For as long as I have known him, An has always been a thinker, a dreamer, even. He would dig up these ancient books, studying societal models and theories. He was obsessed with ideals. There are priests within the Ecclesiarchy who would call it heresy to view the society of the Imperium as anything but perfect, however... I believe that An only wanted what he thought was best. I only wish I knew where that road had taken him..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Rebelling against lawful authority is heresy! Extending clemency to a heretic... Are you in your right mind?"
NPCHe lowers his head stubbornly. "He is my friend. And my father's vassal. I do not deny his guilt — but I intend to give him the chance to atone for it."
YOU"You came here with naught but a single shuttle's worth of guards — do you not think it foolhardy?"
NPC"So did you." Evayne smiles. "I... had my doubts, of course. But I am not Governor Medineh. I refuse to sit idle in the safety of a bunker. I wanted to do something, and I thought arriving with a light escort would show Anathagon the sincerity of my intentions. Had I arrived at the head of a whole unit, I would not fault An for assuming this was an assault."
YOU"You came here with naught but a single shuttle's worth of guards — do you not think it foolhardy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where is Warden Casteglia now?"
NPC"He is up ahead somewhere. And further below. We exchanged a few words over the vox, and he said he would meet me in the quarry behind the prison building. A strange choice for negotiations... but those were his conditions." There is worry in his voice.
YOU"You came here with naught but a single shuttle's worth of guards — do you not think it foolhardy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where is Warden Casteglia now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can I at all dissuade you from this escapade of yours?"
NPC"You cannot."
YOU"You came here with naught but a single shuttle's worth of guards — do you not think it foolhardy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where is Warden Casteglia now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can I at all dissuade you from this escapade of yours?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. In that case, I shall accompany you."
NPC"I must admit, I do appreciate your company. This prison is giving me a strong sense of unease. But the lift cannot support both our parties. If you are going ahead, wait for us in the quarry, we will follow shortly."
end of branch
YOU"Very well. You may go see your friend. Far be it from me to try and stop you from losing your head!"
NPC"In that case, I thank you for your time, Lord/Lady von Valancius." Even if he intends for his words to bite, his voice offers no indication. With a bow of his head, he departs.
end of branch
NPC(sequence)
Abelard"Your Lordship..." Abelard looks at young Winterscale with worry.
NPC"Please, I kindly ask that you not waste your breath. My decision is final."
end of branch
YOU"Very well. In that case, I shall accompany you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. You may go see your friend. Far be it from me to try and stop you from losing your head!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can I at all dissuade you from this escapade of yours?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. In that case, I shall accompany you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. You may go see your friend. Far be it from me to try and stop you from losing your head!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where is Warden Casteglia now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can I at all dissuade you from this escapade of yours?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. In that case, I shall accompany you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. You may go see your friend. Far be it from me to try and stop you from losing your head!"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Heinrix"Such sentiments and intentions tend to only create more victims."
Idira"Oh, cut him some slack, will you? We should be glad for Evayne here. It takes proper effort to still have that kind of attitude at his age! It's not too often you meet someone who's truly honourable."
end of branch
YOU"The desire to help a friend is a noble one."
NPC"My father would disagree..." Evayne smirks wryly. "Thankfully, he is not here."
YOU"You came here with naught but a single shuttle's worth of guards — do you not think it foolhardy?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Where is Warden Casteglia now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can I at all dissuade you from this escapade of yours?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. In that case, I shall accompany you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. You may go see your friend. Far be it from me to try and stop you from losing your head!"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If your diplomacy truly can stop the riot, it is worth a try. The fewer deaths, the better."
NPC"My father would disagree..." Evayne smirks wryly. "Thankfully, he is not here."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
IdiraYou hear Idira scoffing. "Yeah, I've known a few 'dreamers' like that myself! They always want what's best, but somehow it always ends in heresy. Back on my world, there was a big shot who was really into dental hygiene. To spare his people from pain, he started pulling out all their rotten teeth. But he, uh, got slightly carried away and started pulling healthy ones too, sometimes along with the jaw. 'Preventive care,' he called it. So a mob of toothless servants ended up tearing his kindly head clean off. It was preventive too, you see — that little noggin of his was rotten through and through."
end of branch
YOU"The warden is clearly not of sound mind. He performed inhumane experiments on prisoners. Acts of sheer brutality."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Rebelling against lawful authority is heresy! Extending clemency to a heretic... Are you in your right mind?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The desire to help a friend is a noble one."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If your diplomacy truly can stop the riot, it is worth a try. The fewer deaths, the better."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Allow me to use your access code. My Navigator is dead. If I fail to find a new one, the very first warp jump could spell disaster for my ship. As a nobleman and a scion of a Rogue Trader house, you are obliged to aid me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us discuss the matter at hand. You are here to end the riot, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It would be my utmost pleasure to indulge you."
NPC"I am delighted! And now, I believe it's high time we returned to discussing the far-from-delightful circumstances in which we currently find ourselves..."
YOU"Do you not wish to enquire why I now stand at the head of my house and not Theodora?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything you can tell me about the Navis Nobilite station in this system?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Allow me to use your access code. My Navigator is dead. If I fail to find a new one, the very first warp jump could spell disaster for my ship. As a nobleman and a scion of a Rogue Trader house, you are obliged to aid me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us discuss the matter at hand. You are here to end the riot, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is no question that my destiny is great. You, on the other hand, have yet to prove your worth to me. My consideration is no mere trifle."
NPCEvayne looks offended, but he finds the strength to keep his emotions in check. "Very well, then. I dare not pester you any further. Let us discuss the matter that has brought us both to this dismal place."
YOU"Do you not wish to enquire why I now stand at the head of my house and not Theodora?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything you can tell me about the Navis Nobilite station in this system?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Allow me to use your access code. My Navigator is dead. If I fail to find a new one, the very first warp jump could spell disaster for my ship. As a nobleman and a scion of a Rogue Trader house, you are obliged to aid me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us discuss the matter at hand. You are here to end the riot, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We will have to discuss social gatherings some other time. This hardly seems the appropriate occasion."
NPC"You are certainly right, Lord/Lady von Valancius."
YOU"Do you not wish to enquire why I now stand at the head of my house and not Theodora?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything you can tell me about the Navis Nobilite station in this system?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Allow me to use your access code. My Navigator is dead. If I fail to find a new one, the very first warp jump could spell disaster for my ship. As a nobleman and a scion of a Rogue Trader house, you are obliged to aid me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us discuss the matter at hand. You are here to end the riot, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It would be so refreshing to at last converse with another of commensurate pedigree and not some lowly servant or commoner."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It would be my utmost pleasure to indulge you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"There is no question that my destiny is great. You, on the other hand, have yet to prove your worth to me. My consideration is no mere trifle."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We will have to discuss social gatherings some other time. This hardly seems the appropriate occasion."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your restraint is warranted. I have no desire to speak of it at this time."
NPC"As you wish, Your Lordship/Ladyship." The young man bows his head politely.
YOU"Do you not wish to enquire why I now stand at the head of my house and not Theodora?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything you can tell me about the Navis Nobilite station in this system?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Allow me to use your access code. My Navigator is dead. If I fail to find a new one, the very first warp jump could spell disaster for my ship. As a nobleman and a scion of a Rogue Trader house, you are obliged to aid me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us discuss the matter at hand. You are here to end the riot, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything you can tell me about the Navis Nobilite station in this system?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Allow me to use your access code. My Navigator is dead. If I fail to find a new one, the very first warp jump could spell disaster for my ship. As a nobleman and a scion of a Rogue Trader house, you are obliged to aid me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us discuss the matter at hand. You are here to end the riot, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 2 of 3
NPCThere is a long pause. Evayne peers at you, weighing something in his mind. Eventually, he lets out a sigh. "It is an onerous task, trusting someone at first glance, but... I have a good feeling about you, Lord/Lady von Valancius. After all, people in our position can afford to be candid with one another."
NPC(sequence)
Abelard"Absolutely not. They absolutely cannot," Abelard mutters, barely audible.
end of branch
HeinrixHeinrix lets out a strange sound — apparently deciding a bit too late to disguise a sardonic chuckle as a cough.
end of branch
NPC"Lately, the Orsellios have been acting even more strangely than usual. They change their access codes with unreasonable frequency. Right before I left for Rykadi Philia, my comm-link received a message: 'How can a blind man see the starry sky?' I presume it is the new passphrase. If it is of little help to you, you have my apologies. The Navigators are... a peculiar breed."
YOU"Do you not wish to enquire why I now stand at the head of my house and not Theodora?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything you can tell me about the Navis Nobilite station in this system?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Allow me to use your access code. My Navigator is dead. If I fail to find a new one, the very first warp jump could spell disaster for my ship. As a nobleman and a scion of a Rogue Trader house, you are obliged to aid me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us discuss the matter at hand. You are here to end the riot, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
IdiraIdira leans close to you and whispers in a conspiratorial tone, "Lord Captain, while he's being all nice, why don't you ask him if you could borrow a few teensy planets of his? And later, if he asks for them back, you can just say you can't remember where you left them! Trust me, works every time, heh heh."
end of branch
Entry point 3 of 3
NPC"Lord/Lady von Valancius, my greetings! May the light of eternal Terra shine forevermore!" The young man before you offers an impeccably courteous bow. He then straightens his back and looks you in the eye, not as a show of defiance, but with cool confidence. It is a gaze with which one graces an equal. "Evayne Winterscale, younger son of Calligos Winterscale. At your service."
YOU[Greet him with decorum] "Lord/Lady [Name] von Valancius. I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
NPC"As am I." Evayne's voice is soft and immaculately polite. "Please accept my apologies for the slight breach of etiquette. Here and now is neither the best place nor time for protracted ceremony."
YOU"Do you not wish to enquire why I now stand at the head of my house and not Theodora?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything you can tell me about the Navis Nobilite station in this system?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Allow me to use your access code. My Navigator is dead. If I fail to find a new one, the very first warp jump could spell disaster for my ship. As a nobleman and a scion of a Rogue Trader house, you are obliged to aid me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us discuss the matter at hand. You are here to end the riot, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank the Emperor that at least someone in this back-of-beyond system is my equal! Rogue Trader [Name] von Valancius, absolutely delighted to make your acquaintance."
NPCEvayne raises his eyebrows, somewhat flustered. "In times like these, nobility usually prefers the safety of family bunkers to such uninviting places. Yet you are more drawn to acts of daring, I see."
YOU"Do you not wish to enquire why I now stand at the head of my house and not Theodora?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything you can tell me about the Navis Nobilite station in this system?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Allow me to use your access code. My Navigator is dead. If I fail to find a new one, the very first warp jump could spell disaster for my ship. As a nobleman and a scion of a Rogue Trader house, you are obliged to aid me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us discuss the matter at hand. You are here to end the riot, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Nod curtly] "At your service."
NPC"You are a man/woman of action, I see? I agree, this is hardly the time for cordial greetings."
YOU"Do you not wish to enquire why I now stand at the head of my house and not Theodora?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is there anything you can tell me about the Navis Nobilite station in this system?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Allow me to use your access code. My Navigator is dead. If I fail to find a new one, the very first warp jump could spell disaster for my ship. As a nobleman and a scion of a Rogue Trader house, you are obliged to aid me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Let us discuss the matter at hand. You are here to end the riot, are you not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We can dispense with the formalities. There are more important matters at present."
NPC"You are a man/woman of action, I see? I agree, this is hardly the time for cordial greetings."continues where this line first appears above