ChordaA well-groomed young man calls out to you. He is clean-shaven and dressed in clothes that are expensive but unshowy, with a bright Aquila embroidered in a prominent spot.
Chorda"Your Lordship/Ladyship, I humbly ask for a minute of your time! I am Bastian in Derama Bastaal-Chorda, youngest cousin of House Chorda, envoy of Incendia Bastaal-Chorda, Rogue Trader of the Koronus Expanse by the grace of the most holy Emperor."
YOU[Hide the truth] "Quite right, I am Lady Theodora's envoy."
Chorda"Splendid. It's a pleasure to be speaking with an equal — truth be told, I get a little flustered in the presence of the powers that be..." Bastian smiles meekly.
YOU[Hide the truth] "Quite right, I am Lady Theodora's envoy."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Reveal the truth] "Theodora von Valancius was killed by heretics. You are speaking to her heir."
ChordaBastian's eyes go wide for a moment as he processes the new information. "What a tragedy! What a terrible loss... Please accept my condolences, Your Lordship/Ladyship! May the Emperor's light be with the righteously departed, may their brilliance never dim in the memory of their descendants... And please likewise accept my congratulations on attaining the status of Rogue Trader, albeit as a consequence of such a tragic event."
YOU[Hide the truth] "Quite right, I am Lady Theodora's envoy."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Reveal the truth] "Theodora von Valancius was killed by heretics. You are speaking to her heir."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What did you wish to speak with me about?"
Chorda"A matter of the utmost delicacy... You see, you've been to the residence of the Liege. Vladaym almost certainly appealed to you for assistance in the arrangement of shipments to Footfall. The von Valancius protectorate is famed for the abundance of its main agri-world, Janus. It would be odd for him not to seize on such an opportunity when Footfall is on the verge of famine."
Chorda"However, the Chorda dynasty pursues its own interests on Footfall. We have already announced our terms to the Liege, but he is stalling — I imagine, in hopes of getting a better offer from you. The Chorda dynasty believes..." Bastian smiles and gives a slight shrug. "...that cooperation would be preferable for both Rogue Trader houses. If you refuse Vladaym, thereby forcing him to agree to a deal with us — the Chorda dynasty can promise you a share of the profits from the future contract, as well as certain other perquisites. Everybody benefits!"
YOU[Draw your weapon] "I appreciate the warning, Idira."
Chorda"What?" Bastian stares at you in surprise, then turns around...
end of branch
YOU"Would you mind elaborating on the terms of your proposal?"
Chorda"Not at all. Would you like to take these negotiations somewhere more suitable so that I may go over the details?"
ChordaBastian smiles and opens his mouth to offer another piece of sugar-coated courtesy, when suddenly...
end of branch
YOU"I am open to cooperation."
Chorda"That's wonderful to hear. I had no doubts about our dynasties' mutual interests."
ChordaBastian smiles and opens his mouth to offer another piece of sugar-coated courtesy, when suddenly...continues where this line first appears above
YOU"My business with the Liege is my own. It is no concern of House Chorda."
Chorda"Strong words. Perhaps you would like to give my proposal a little more consideration?"
ChordaBastian smiles and opens his mouth to offer another piece of sugar-coated courtesy, when suddenly...continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So you seek to rob the station blind — a station that is facing famine — and you're proposing that I join your little feast of vultures?"
Chorda"It's simply business. Honest and straightforward. Footfall is a den of bandits and profiteers. They may not be outright heretics, but they are far from the light of the Imperium. They should be grateful that Rogue Traders allow this den to exist in the first place. Demanding fair payment from them is only right."
ChordaBastian smiles and opens his mouth to offer another piece of sugar-coated courtesy, when suddenly...continues where this line first appears above
Chorda(sequence)
Argenta"The Emperor's most loyal servants should be more concerned with carrying His will through the stars and less with divvying up profit among themselves," Argenta says disapprovingly, but quietly enough so as not to interrupt the negotiations. "Especially when the well-being of one of the Imperium's worlds is at stake, even one such as Footfall."
end of branch
Cassia"Behind your smile, Master Bastian, teal shadows swirl. Others may not see them, but your worry cannot escape my eye. What are you afraid of? Your house's wrath should these negotiations prove fruitless? Or the wrath of House von Valancius?"
end of branch
Jae"Vladaym may be a putrid-mouthed ashmag, but he's no fool. The terms of the deal must have been ludicrous for him to refuse a Rogue Trader's offer. Catastrophically unfavourable, I'd say."
end of branch
IdiraIdira, who was yawning in boredom a moment ago, flinches and clutches her face, her fingernails digging into her skin. "They're coming! Again! Brothers of the ones who came before! I just don't get it — do they all have a death wish?"
end of branch
YOU"I don't have time to stop and chat."
Chorda"A shame, truly a shame... Perhaps we could meet later? At a time that is more convenient for you?"
ChordaBastian smiles and opens his mouth to offer another piece of sugar-coated courtesy, when suddenly...continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What did you wish to speak with me about?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I don't have time to stop and chat."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Reveal the truth] "Theodora von Valancius was killed by heretics. You are speaking to her heir."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What did you wish to speak with me about?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I don't have time to stop and chat."continues where this line first appears above
Chorda(sequence)
Abelard"Chorda, hmm. They are some of the most influential Rogue Traders in the Koronus Expanse. But not on Footfall — this station is under the control of House Winterscale. Something tells me that we are about to hear a most curious offer..." says Abelard under his breath so that only you can hear him.
end of branch
Chorda"Noble sir/lady, a minute of your time, if you please! I am Bastian in Derama Bastaal-Chorda, youngest cousin of House Chorda, envoy of Incendia Bastaal-Chorda, Rogue Trader of the Koronus Expanse by the grace of the most holy Emperor. And you must be an envoy of Theodora von Valancius? I noticed that you arrived on the esteemed lady's ship."
YOU[Hide the truth] "Quite right, I am Lady Theodora's envoy."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Reveal the truth] "Theodora von Valancius was killed by heretics. You are speaking to her heir."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What did you wish to speak with me about?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I don't have time to stop and chat."continues where this line first appears above
Chorda(sequence)continues where this line first appears above