NPCThe stately man in a Commissar's coat and a tall service cap greets you with the sign of the Aquila and a solemn announcement: "Another loyal servant of the Throne has found his/her way to us through these confounded catacombs! Fear not! Approach! If you have faith in the Emperor, then you will find only allies here."
YOU[Make the Aquila] "The Emperor protects!"
NPC"Indeed! The Emperor protects!" The Commissar's imperious, booming voice repeats your call, and the rest follow suit.
YOU[Look at the Commissar]
NPCOne might think that the archetypical Commissars from Imperial Guard propaganda posters are all life drawings of this man. He has a large and powerful jaw, his eyes are hard and fearless, and the small scar over his brow adds a certain rugged charm to his features. His coat, though worn, has been diligently cleaned and mended, and the skull on his tall cap has been polished to a shine.
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"
NPCThe man replies with clipped precision, "Commissar Iako Sotniy, but my brothers and sisters in arms prefer to call me simply 'the Commissar.' I was assigned to a regiment of the Vickentian Zouaves, and I fought in the battle for the world of Kemalt Secundus, where I was wounded and taken prisoner while unconscious. Having recovered from my wounds, I carry on fighting the wicked xenos as the head of the local resistance cell, which I founded."
NPCThe Commissar's speech is vehement and decisive. "My valorous comrades and I sabotage the enemy's activities while we devise our plan of escape."
YOU"Keep up the good work, Commissar Sotniy!"
NPC"Will do! We stand for the Imperium!" The Commissar turns his burning gaze to his fighters and they erupt in a roar of battle cries.
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"
NPCThe Commissar observes his humble army and says with enthusiasm, "Our first ongoing objective is to keep bolstering our ranks by seeking out prisoners who haven't yet lost faith and willingness to oppose our nefarious jailers. Our second priority is to arm ourselves and train — I teach my soldiers the basics of Guard tactics in order to mould them into a fully-fledged assault unit."
NPC"Most importantly, we gather information and plot our escape. And the day when we pave the road to freedom with the corpses of detestable xenos is nigh!" The Commissar's rallying shout makes his people square their shoulders, proudly straighten their backs, and respond with a fierce war cry.
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"
NPC"We engaged the enemy on the world of Kemalt Secundus in the Markayn Marches of the Calixis Sector. The loathsome foes of Humanity were known to launch raids in the area, so we received orders to defend the good subjects of the Imperium."
NPC"When the profaners descended upon us, we gave them no quarter. The enemy was routed, and my unit drove them back to their ships. Our counter-attack drove a wedge into their advancing horde and thwarted the invasion, but it also meant that we were cut off on both flanks and surrounded. We fought valiantly for several hours to stop the enemy ranks from reforming for a new onslaught... until we depleted our munitions reserves."
NPC"By that time, our superior officers had already fallen, so I led my people in a bayonet charge. We taught the xenos a lesson in blood, and then... I have no memory of how the battle ended. I came to consciousness in this foul place, disarmed and on the verge of death. I thought I'd die, but it was not yet time for the Emperor to release me from His service."
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."
NPCThe Commissar examines you critically. "You do not look too badly injured, and we are suffering from a severe shortage of medical supplies. Better to save what we have for critical situations."
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."
NPCThe Commissar lets out a contemptuous laugh and nods approvingly at you. "That scaled miscreant has long since wanted me dead. He craves my soldiers, he forced us from our base to this perilous place. But he will pay for his schemes soon, once my plan is set in motion. It is a disgrace to serve one such as he — you ought to join our ranks instead! Together, we will break out of this accursed city."
YOU"What is your escape plan?"
NPCThe Commissar's speech is brisk and energetic: "Some of our own have captured a small xenos ship that was moored for repairs at a remote unused dock. They eliminated the crew quietly, but left the pilot alive to sail the ship back to realspace. We can get to the dock through a dimensional portal located at our old base."
NPC(sequence)
Argenta"Was it Sergeant Vigastes's squad that was tasked with capturing the ship? Did he survive?"
NPC"The Emperor protected him, and he did not fail the Emperor. Vigastes is in good health and waiting for us to arrive."
end of branch
Yrliet"If the mon-keigh have managed to capture the vessel, they were permitted to do so. If they were permitted to do so..." Yrliet casts you a meaningful look. "The plan is doomed to fail."
end of branch
NPC"Regrettably, Malice and his Shriekers drove us out and took over the base, so the first order of business will be to confront him there. I propose that you take him by surprise and deliver the first strike — we will support the attack from the outside."
YOU"What is your escape plan?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are the people under your command?"
NPC"The core of my unit is composed of prisoners from various Astra Militarum regiments and a number of planetary guards. They formed the assault squad that went on the special operation under Sergeant Vigastes's command. The rest are common people who had the misfortune of being captured by xenos. Serfs, nobility, Administratum clerks, technomats, void workers, monks... Anyone who found the courage to take up arms. The only kinds you won't find here are heretics, lawbreakers, and cowards."
YOU"What is your escape plan?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are the people under your command?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How have you managed to accomplish so much?"
NPC"Every morsel of intelligence we have acquired and every step of progress we have made was paid for in blood and pain. The information about the dying Kabal that dreads entering the docks of its enemies and instead moors in an abandoned area was forced out of captive xenos. The knowledge of the portal was bought in exchange for one half of all the weapons we had stockpiled. And taking that ship cost us several lives, each of which was worth more than this whole blasted city."
YOU"What is your escape plan?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are the people under your command?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How have you managed to accomplish so much?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I believe my original plan is more sound than what you are proposing. I shall gain Malice's support by killing you."
Argenta"[Name], wait!" Argenta looks at you with a stunned expression. "This man is our friend and the Emperor's dutiful servant! Why would you seek his death?"
YOU"You know as well as I do that he is doomed. If I kill him, we will gain a proper ally and thus improve our chances of escaping."
ArgentaArgenta's expression darkens, and she says mournfully, "You... are right. A Rogue Trader's life is too precious to gamble away. And yet I grieve that we have to save it by such ignoble means."
NPC"You have betrayed me, Sister Argenta? Defector! Your faith is weak and pitiful!"
NPC"Brothers and sisters in arms, destroy the traitor who kills at the behest of xenos!"
NPCFeathers ruffled, [Pet's Name] suddenly cries out, causing the attackers to waver for a moment.
YOU[Command your cyber-eagle to soar over your head] "I am a Rogue Trader, the Emperor's anointed, and I will guide you to His light! But for that, I will need the Commissar's head — who is with me?"
NPCThe two-headed eagle lets out an intimidating cry as it displays the full spread of its wings. Light reflects off the bird's gilded augmetics, creating a halo behind you. Among the endless labyrinth of xenos structures, this living symbol of the Imperium appears as a true miracle.
MisfitSomeone exclaims in awe, "It's an omen! The Emperor Himself has sent the holy Aquila to us along with His anointed messenger!" As more stunned voices join in, a number of fighters turn their weapons against the Commissar and charge into battle.
end of branch
YOU[Stand and fight]
end of branch
NPC"Brothers and sisters in arms, destroy the traitor who kills at the behest of xenos!"
end of branch
YOU"I do not trust him. In this place, everyone is a liar."
ArgentaArgenta's expression darkens, and she says mournfully, "Although I disagree, I have sworn to accompany you and protect you. I will not break that oath even here, in this den of unspeakable profanity."
NPC"You have betrayed me, Sister Argenta? Defector! Your faith is weak and pitiful!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"To the void with the Emperor and his servants! This is not the Imperium! If we hope to survive, we must be... flexible in our choices."
ArgentaArgenta's eyes flash, and she proclaims furiously, "The xenos have tainted your mind, [Name]. I will not let you harm this man! Abandon your ill intent, or you will fall!"
NPC"Brothers and sisters in arms, destroy the traitor who kills at the behest of xenos!"continues where this line first appears above
NPC"Brothers and sisters in arms, destroy the traitor who kills at the behest of xenos!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then I shall have to kill you too, Argenta."
ArgentaArgenta's eyes flash, and she proclaims furiously, "The xenos have tainted your mind, [Name]. I will not let you harm this man! Abandon your ill intent, or you will fall!"
NPC"Brothers and sisters in arms, destroy the traitor who kills at the behest of xenos!"continues where this line first appears above
NPC"Brothers and sisters in arms, destroy the traitor who kills at the behest of xenos!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. What is your plan, Commissar?"
ArgentaArgenta breathes a sigh of relief. "Thank the Emperor."
NPCThe Commissar's speech is brisk and energetic: "Some of our own have captured a small xenos ship that was moored for repairs at a remote unused dock. They eliminated the crew quietly, but left the pilot alive to sail the ship back to realspace. We can get to the dock through a dimensional portal located at our old base."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. We will go with the Commissar's plan."
NPCThe Commissar laughs and exclaims approvingly, "My brothers and sisters in arms, a new fighter has joined our ranks! The Emperor's grace is with us!"
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."
Argenta"[Name], wait!" Argenta looks at you with a stunned expression. "This man is our friend and the Emperor's dutiful servant! Why would you seek his death?"continues where this line first appears above
NPC"Brothers and sisters in arms, destroy the traitor who kills at the behest of xenos!"continues where this line first appears above
NPC"Brothers and sisters in arms, destroy the traitor who kills at the behest of xenos!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."
NPC"Farewell and keep the faith. The Emperor protects, brother/sister!"
end of branch
NPC"Brothers and sisters in arms, destroy the traitor who kills at the behest of xenos!"continues where this line first appears above
NPC"Brothers and sisters in arms, destroy the traitor who kills at the behest of xenos!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall join you."
NPCThe Commissar laughs and exclaims approvingly, "My brothers and sisters in arms, a new fighter has joined our ranks! The Emperor's grace is with us!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I believe my original plan is more sound than what you are proposing. I shall gain Malice's support by killing you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall join you."continues where this line first appears above
Argenta"Trust me, [Name], these people can be relied upon. In their darkest hour, they found a source of resolve in faith, and each among them is ready to give their life for their righteous cause. Many already have."
YOU"What is your escape plan?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are the people under your command?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How have you managed to accomplish so much?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I believe my original plan is more sound than what you are proposing. I shall gain Malice's support by killing you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall join you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How have you managed to accomplish so much?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I believe my original plan is more sound than what you are proposing. I shall gain Malice's support by killing you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall join you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are the people under your command?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How have you managed to accomplish so much?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I believe my original plan is more sound than what you are proposing. I shall gain Malice's support by killing you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall join you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
NPCThe Commissar pulls out an injector and deftly gives you a shot of healing solution. You notice a Munitorum symbol on the injector. "Medicine is in short supply here, but we do not abandon our own. May you be well, my brother/sister in arms! The Emperor has given us no leave to die."
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
NPCThe Commissar makes a helpless gesture. "Forgive me, but there is nothing more I can spare. I already gave you the only fast-acting stimulant I had."
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You must have faced many a danger here."
NPCThe Commissar mutters scornfully, "What power do contemptible inhumans have to threaten true faith?"
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do I know if you are a real Commissar? Care to present some proof? You may start by shooting one of these slobs."
NPCThe Commissar's answer is calm and composed. "A Commissar's duty is to root out cowardice and doubt among His warriors. There are no cowards or dissenters in my troop."
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Founded a resistance cell, did you? I wonder why you have not been killed yet. Most suspicious..."
NPC"They've tried, oh, how they've tried! But every time, the Emperor protected His servant." The Commissar smiles fearlessly.
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is a farce. The Drukhari will swat you like flies the moment you cause them the slightest inconvenience."
NPC"Better to die for the Emperor than to live for oneself alone!" There is not a single hint of doubt or fear in his voice.
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see."
NPC"I hope you will join us in this struggle."
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Yrliet"The streets of Commorragh are like a maze of spider webs into which the Dark Ones lure unfortunate souls. Each thread that leads to freedom turns out to be another cruel deception in the end."
end of branch
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Greetings. Are you the Commissar?"
NPCHe answers with dignity, "Yes, I have the honour of serving the God-Emperor as a bearer of that honourable station."
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We may be in Commorragh, but I am still a Rogue Trader, and you will greet me as befits my rank. On your knees."
NPCThe man gets a better look at you, then fervently commands, "All of you, kneel before the Rogue Trader, the God-Emperor's steward beyond the borders of the blessed Imperium!"
NPC"Your Lordship/Ladyship, it is an honour!"
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A genuine Commissar in the heart of Commorragh. And here I thought the surprises were over."
NPCThe man responds proudly, "Wherever His warriors go, there must be a Commissar to embolden their spirit and inspire the doubtful. And all whom you see here are His warriors." He gestures at the people around you.
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Jae"Fate has a twisted sense of humour. Of all the grubby corners in the galaxy, I've somehow managed to run into a Commissar in the Dark City." Jae scoffs. "Praise be to the Exalted One, He must be very, very busy right now trying to keep me alive."
end of branch
Entry point 2 of 6
NPC"Comrade! How can I help you?"
YOU[Look at the Commissar]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What does your resistance do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What were the circumstances of your capture?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I require medical assistance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Malice sent me here for your head. However, I have no desire to cause you harm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "Malice will help me survive if I bring him your head."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have other business to attend to."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 6
NPC(sequence)
end of branch
Entry point 4 of 6
NPC(sequence)
end of branch
Entry point 5 of 6
NPCThe Commissar's plan is bold, and the odds of it succeeding are bleak. However, it seems improbable that anyone in Commorragh is prepared for such decisive covert action from the city's prisoners, so the Commissar and his people have the element of surprise on their side.
YOU"What is your escape plan?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are the people under your command?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How have you managed to accomplish so much?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I believe my original plan is more sound than what you are proposing. I shall gain Malice's support by killing you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall join you."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 6 of 6
NPCEvery step in the Commissar's plan, when taken separately, seems viable enough. When combined together, however, the chances of success become so ludicrously slim that only a complete madman would agree to this strategy.
YOU"What is your escape plan?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are the people under your command?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How have you managed to accomplish so much?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I believe my original plan is more sound than what you are proposing. I shall gain Malice's support by killing you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall join you."continues where this line first appears above