HeinrixThe tall, dark-haired man sizes you up with a quick glance; a supernatural chill is making the air around him crackle softly. The expensive fabric of his jacket is stitched with gold thread and marked by several reddish brown stains. A force sword and a vox hang from his belt, and the emblem of the Holy Inquisition glitters on his chest.
YOU"Seneschal, isn't this the chap we're supposed to find for the Lord Inquisitor?"
Abelard"Hm! I dare say it is, Lord Captain. Now if it were possible for the gentleman to properly introduce himself and dispel our doubts—"
HeinrixThe man looks over at Abelard and then at you again. "'Seneschal'? 'Lord Captain'? Do I have the pleasure of speaking to a Rogue Trader? Allow me to introduce myself — Interrogator Heinrix van Calox of the Imperial Inquisition's esteemed Ordo Xenos. I must confess I'm perplexed to meet someone of your standing in a place like this."
YOU"I am here to collect you. I am under orders from the Lord Inquisitor to offer any assistance you may require, after which I am to provide you safe passage to Footfall aboard my ship."
HeinrixHeinrix ruminates silently on what you have told him. Then he makes a "hmm" of satisfaction and says, "Then the timing of our meeting is fortuitous. I am requisitioning you and your retinue for my task."
Heinrix(sequence)
Heinrix"Starting with her." Heinrix nods at Kibellah. "You have provided exactly the kind of specialist that this situation requires."
KibellahKibellah regards him coldly. "I am the Domin's shadow. If he/she says the word, I will protect you. If he/she says the word, I will take you to the Undying One."
end of branch
Abelard"Requisitioning!" Abelard is left speechless for a moment. "Young man, your choice of words is unseemly to the point of insult — you are addressing a Rogue Trader!"
HeinrixHeinrix casts an apprehensive glance at Abelard. "I don't imagine you'll be any happier if I say 'taking into Inquisitorial custody.'"
end of branch
Cassia"To aid His faithful servant in the fight against corruption is the solemn duty of all whose actions affect millions of the Imperium's subjects. 'Let your example guide those who will carry the Emperor's light across a thousand stars.'"
Heinrix"You are familiar with the works of Inquisitor Alastar the Redeemer? Not every acolyte can say the same, let alone... people less initiated." Heinrix arches an eyebrow, examining the coat of arms on Cassia's clothes. "Please forgive my lapse in manners, Lady Navigator Orsellio. It is a great honour."
end of branch
Heinrix"I came to Rykad Minoris on a mission, which a rebellion prevented me from fulfilling. The governor is convinced that malcontents from among the rabble were the instigators, but I immediately suspected a more sinister presence at the root of the mutiny. My visit to the monastery and a few unhurried conversations with some of the rebels—" Heinrix glances at the dead body at his feet. "—confirmed my suspicions."
Heinrix"Someone by the name of Aurora is leading the rebellion. Data indicates that the head of the cultists is here right now, in the sanctum of the ancient reactor. Given the prophecy of the Final Dawn and the especial efforts made by the enemies of Humanity to seize the monastery, their goal is to gain access to the holy power source's control circuit and trigger a process that, once started, cannot be stopped. In other words, to detonate the reactor, thus being themselves the cause of their much-touted 'final dawn.'"
YOU"I am here to collect you. I am under orders from the Lord Inquisitor to offer any assistance you may require, after which I am to provide you safe passage to Footfall aboard my ship."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Precisely what were you doing at the monastery?"
Heinrix"I arrived here with an escort squad, only to lose it in our very first open skirmish; the monastery is swarming with heretics. The soldiers I requisitioned from the governor fell in battle, bled to death, or deserted. I had to make do with catching and forcefully interrogating individual rebels. It is from them that I learned what I relayed to you just now."
YOU"I am here to collect you. I am under orders from the Lord Inquisitor to offer any assistance you may require, after which I am to provide you safe passage to Footfall aboard my ship."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Precisely what were you doing at the monastery?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point to the corpse] "What did you do to him?"
Heinrix"I convinced him to cooperate." Heinrix bows his head, cracks his neck, and grimaces. "I can influence living bodies. And I find that the interrogated are much more eager to share information once the blood starts to boil in their veins."
YOU"I am here to collect you. I am under orders from the Lord Inquisitor to offer any assistance you may require, after which I am to provide you safe passage to Footfall aboard my ship."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Precisely what were you doing at the monastery?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point to the corpse] "What did you do to him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This wretched planet's troubles are none of my concern. I'm taking you to the ship. Now."
Heinrix"Perhaps I haven't made myself sufficiently clear..." Heinrix leans forward a little and looks you dead in the eye. "In the Lord Inquisitor's absence, it is I who embody the will of the Holy Ordos. The Inquisition is fully intent on thwarting the vile prophecy that threatens doom for an entire planet. And I am not leaving the Rykad System until any such threat is removed."
YOU"I am here to collect you. I am under orders from the Lord Inquisitor to offer any assistance you may require, after which I am to provide you safe passage to Footfall aboard my ship."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Precisely what were you doing at the monastery?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point to the corpse] "What did you do to him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This wretched planet's troubles are none of my concern. I'm taking you to the ship. Now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I can help you with Aurora. Let's join forces."
Heinrix"Thank you. Regrettably, the governor's people showed themselves to be unprepared for the perils of this place." The Interrogator glances at the limp body clad in the colours of the governor's wardens, and sighs briefly. "And extracting blade shards from a person's stomach is beyond my powers. I hope that a Rogue Trader's retinue will prove more capable than a group of soldiers fresh off the base."
Heinrix"I am positive that not all of the Electro-Priests within these walls have perished; the heretics spoke of shadows emerging from side alleys to make short work of the cultists invading their abode. I surmise that the entrance to their hiding place is somewhere in the hall near a machine known as the 'circular cogitator.' I imagine it's one of the local sacred relics which the Electro-Priests treat with special piety."
HeinrixThe Interrogator takes a gloomy look at the heretics' tatters you are wearing and says, with clear reluctance, "I suppose I must put on a disguise or else I will stick out like a sore thumb. Luckily, I have— I had... a prisoner."
end of branch
Heinrix"I am positive that not all of the Electro-Priests within these walls have perished; the heretics spoke of shadows emerging from side alleys to make short work of the cultists invading their abode. I surmise that the entrance to their hiding place is somewhere in the hall near a machine known as the 'circular cogitator.' I imagine it's one of the local sacred relics which the Electro-Priests treat with special piety."
end of branch
YOU"I can help you with Aurora. Let's join forces."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This wretched planet's troubles are none of my concern. I'm taking you to the ship. Now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I can help you with Aurora. Let's join forces."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point to the corpse] "What did you do to him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This wretched planet's troubles are none of my concern. I'm taking you to the ship. Now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I can help you with Aurora. Let's join forces."continues where this line first appears above
Heinrix(sequence)
Pasqal"Blasphemous insanity." The Tech-Priest's visor flashes and turns a bloody scarlet. A soft hum of some activating systems is heard from under his robe.
end of branch
HeinrixAs Heinrix van Calox speaks, you suddenly notice the way he is looking at you — with his eyes slightly narrowed, as if he is peering into your soul... a soul that is touched by the gift of sorcery. The change in your expression does not escape the Interrogator's notice, and you see the corner of his mouth twitch. He must have instantly recognised a fellow psyker.
end of branch
YOU"Precisely what were you doing at the monastery?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point to the corpse] "What did you do to him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This wretched planet's troubles are none of my concern. I'm taking you to the ship. Now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I can help you with Aurora. Let's join forces."continues where this line first appears above
HeinrixHe casts a repulsed glance at the heretical garb you are wearing and comments softly, "I would also advise against this type of disguise. Haven't you ever heard the adage 'the mask becomes the face'?"
YOU"I am here to collect you. I am under orders from the Lord Inquisitor to offer any assistance you may require, after which I am to provide you safe passage to Footfall aboard my ship."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Precisely what were you doing at the monastery?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point to the corpse] "What did you do to him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This wretched planet's troubles are none of my concern. I'm taking you to the ship. Now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I can help you with Aurora. Let's join forces."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Interrogator van Calox, I presume?"
Heinrix"Yes." The man turns away slightly to clear his throat. The room starts to get noticeably warmer. "Since you know who I am and are in no hurry to kill me, I infer that you serve the Emperor, not His enemies. Allow me to introduce myself — Interrogator Heinrix van Calox of the Imperial Inquisition's esteemed Ordo Xenos. With whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"
YOU"Rogue Trader [Name] von Valancius."
Heinrix"Von Valancius... To the best of my knowledge, that dynasty is headed by the esteemed Theodora von Valancius. Has there been a change of circumstances?" Heinrix watches your expression closely.
YOU"I see you take no end of pleasure in your job. I've barely introduced myself and I'm already being grilled."
HeinrixHeinrix pulls back and looks away with visible effort. "I do admit courteous small talk is not my strong suit. What brings you to the Sanctum of the Omnissiah?"
YOU"I am here to collect you. I am under orders from the Lord Inquisitor to offer any assistance you may require, after which I am to provide you safe passage to Footfall aboard my ship."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Precisely what were you doing at the monastery?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point to the corpse] "What did you do to him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This wretched planet's troubles are none of my concern. I'm taking you to the ship. Now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I can help you with Aurora. Let's join forces."continues where this line first appears above
HeinrixHe casts a repulsed glance at the heretical garb you are wearing and comments softly, "I would also advise against this type of disguise. Haven't you ever heard the adage 'the mask becomes the face'?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Theodora is dead. Slain in battle by enemies of Humanity."
Heinrix"The news is lamentable... My condolences. And I presume the heir to the sacred Warrant of Trade and the lofty title of Rogue Trader is none other than yourself. Well then... what precisely has brought you to the Sanctum of the Omnissiah?"
YOU"I am here to collect you. I am under orders from the Lord Inquisitor to offer any assistance you may require, after which I am to provide you safe passage to Footfall aboard my ship."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Precisely what were you doing at the monastery?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point to the corpse] "What did you do to him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This wretched planet's troubles are none of my concern. I'm taking you to the ship. Now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I can help you with Aurora. Let's join forces."continues where this line first appears above
HeinrixHe casts a repulsed glance at the heretical garb you are wearing and comments softly, "I would also advise against this type of disguise. Haven't you ever heard the adage 'the mask becomes the face'?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can this conversation wait for a better time? I'm here on the Lord Inquisitor's orders, to see to his acolyte's safe and timely arrival on Footfall."
HeinrixHeinrix ruminates silently on what you have told him. Then he makes a "hmm" of satisfaction and says, "Then the timing of our meeting is fortuitous. I am requisitioning you and your retinue for my task."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"My name is [Name]."
HeinrixHeinrix's eyes narrow. "Your name rings a bell... You're one of the heirs to Rogue Trader Theodora von Valancius, isn't that right?"
YOU"I see you take no end of pleasure in your job. I've barely introduced myself and I'm already being grilled."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Theodora is dead. Slain in battle by enemies of Humanity."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can this conversation wait for a better time? I'm here on the Lord Inquisitor's orders, to see to his acolyte's safe and timely arrival on Footfall."continues where this line first appears above
Heinrix(sequence)
IdiraIdira recoils from the Interrogator as if scalded, and starts swaying to and fro. "Sh-shadow! A great big sun-eclipsing chain-weaving shadow! I can see the threads, myriads of them extending toward us all, and all of them creeping off toward him like snakes, shrouding us in poison. My oh my, do I sense trouble, and it's right in my throat! It itches!" A puff of black smoke comes out of the psyker's mouth and dissipates at once.
HeinrixHeinrix eyes Idira keenly. "A psyker. Interesting. And a diviner, at that. Even more interesting. Are you sanctioned?"
Idira"D-don't you inquisition me! I'm under the Rogue Trader's protection!" Idira looks at you pleadingly.
YOU"Idira's predictions are seldom wrong. I will be watching you."
HeinrixThe Interrogator chuckles. "And I will be watching you. Now that we have declared our intent, let me ask again: who are you?"
end of branch
YOU"Pay no attention. She talks all kinds of nonsense."
HeinrixThe Interrogator rests his intent gaze on Idira for another moment before shifting it to you. "I'm afraid paying attention to such things is my express duty. But let's leave that aside for now and return to the issue at hand. With whom do I have the honour of speaking?"
end of branch
YOU"Idira is a member of my personal retinue and is under my protection."
HeinrixThe Interrogator rests his intent gaze on Idira for another moment before shifting it to you. "Your retinue, you say? Then let's go back to my previous question. With whom do I have the honour of speaking?"
end of branch
YOU"The Emperor protects!"
Heinrix"And in this, we must be like Him." The man nods to you. "My greetings to you, fellow servant of the Master of Mankind. I am Interrogator Heinrix van Calox of the Imperial Inquisition's esteemed Ordo Xenos. With whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"
YOU"Rogue Trader [Name] von Valancius."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"My name is [Name]."continues where this line first appears above
Heinrix(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Kneel and repent of your heresy before a Rogue Trader, filthy sorcerer, and I might spare your life."
HeinrixThe man smiles acerbically out of the corner of his mouth. "A Rogue Trader... With all due respect, Your Lordship/Ladyship, my right to sorcerous powers was bestowed upon me by a greater power than yours. Allow me to introduce myself — Interrogator Heinrix van Calox of the Imperial Inquisition's esteemed Ordo Xenos, member of the High Lord Inquisitor's circle and, by His Lordship's grace, sanctioned psyker in the service of the Imperium. If this suffices as introduction, permit me respectfully to enquire, what manner of circumstance has brought a Rogue Trader to this monastery, currently overrun by heretics?"
YOU"I am here to collect you. I am under orders from the Lord Inquisitor to offer any assistance you may require, after which I am to provide you safe passage to Footfall aboard my ship."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Precisely what were you doing at the monastery?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point to the corpse] "What did you do to him?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This wretched planet's troubles are none of my concern. I'm taking you to the ship. Now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I can help you with Aurora. Let's join forces."continues where this line first appears above
HeinrixHe casts a repulsed glance at the heretical garb you are wearing and comments softly, "I would also advise against this type of disguise. Haven't you ever heard the adage 'the mask becomes the face'?"continues where this line first appears above
Heinrix(sequence)
HeinrixYou try to focus on the man in front of you, but you cannot shake the image of the deadly torture he inflicted on his victim. Your pulse quickens, blood pounding in your ears and sweat beading on your skin.