CassiaYou go for the pistol again but the weight of the emotional shock nearly throws you off your feet. Cassia suddenly straightens and her gaze becomes impassive and blank.
end of branch
CassiaYou try to reach for the weapon lying at your feet but your limbs will not budge. You have a splitting headache and you are seeing double. Your hand slips off and an eerie chill runs down the entire length of your body as Cassia suddenly straightens. Her gaze is impassive and blank.
end of branch
Entry point 2 of 22
Cassia"The Orsellio name... is no less glorious than that of von Valancius..." Cassia struggles to focus her eyes on you. An unfamiliar expression is imprinted on her pale, gaunt face, one that is stern, confident, and imperious. It is the same expression you saw on Theodora von Valancius's face when you first met her. "Rogue Traders are not the only ones favoured by the Emperor, [Name]. Do not dare threaten me."
CassiaAn eerie chill runs down the entire length of your body. It is a feeling you forgot, but recollection swiftly follows: someone else's turmoil and emotions and a will that is not your own... This crushing wave is about to consume you.
Entry point 3 of 22
CassiaCassia struggles to focus her eyes on you. An unfamiliar expression is imprinted on her pale, gaunt face, one that is stern, confident, and imperious. It is the same expression you saw on Theodora von Valancius's face when you first met her. "At this very moment, I am trying to save your life. Should I... stop?"
CassiaAn eerie chill runs down the entire length of your body. It is a feeling you forgot, but recollection swiftly follows: someone else's turmoil and emotions and a will that is not your own... This crushing wave is about to consume you.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 22
Cassia(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 5 of 22
CassiaCassia closes her eyes and the tremors in her body taper to a stop. With a weary movement of her hand, she adjusts her forehead adornment, taking care to cover her Navigator's eye, and you no longer feel the menace that was emanating from her a moment ago. "Thank... you? Your words, they helped. I feel a little better..."
YOU"And now... May I escort you out of here?"
CassiaGlancing nervously at the Haemonculus's artefact, Cassia nods courteously. "I would be honoured, Lord Captain. If I might ask you to lead the way?"
end of branch
YOU"You will pay dearly for the injuries you have caused me. Come with me."
CassiaCassia looks away. "Your words are fair, and yet, trust me... I deeply regret what took place here."
end of branch
YOU"Thank the Emperor, you look like yourself again. Let us depart. There will be other opportunities to talk."
Cassia"I thank you for pulling me out of that... darkness, Lord Captain. And I beg your forgiveness for what happened. I... Oh, let us leave this awful place at last."
end of branch
YOU[Seal Cassia inside the capsule] "I am doing this for everyone's sake."
Cassia"Don't! Please, Lord Captain! [Name]!"
end of branch
YOU[Kill Cassia] "Enough."
Cassia"W-why have your colours turned so suddenly to dark shades of maroon?"
end of branch
YOU[Leave Cassia] "You are a ticking time bomb. I cannot take you with me."
Cassia"L-Lord Captain, [Name], wait! Do not leave me, not like this! Just... Just kill me instead!"
end of branch
Entry point 6 of 22
CassiaA haze of anger, despair, and fear smothers you like a burial shroud, but this is not the first time you have had to deal with a surge of foreign emotions assailing your mind. You wish you would die here and now. No. You wish you had never been born in the first place. You summon your will and push these thoughts away as though fending off a sword thrust, and Cassia's feelings dissipate before they can latch onto you.
YOU"For all those years, fear and loneliness were all you knew. Not anymore. Don't you dare wish death upon yourself! When I am with you, I will strive to alleviate your every sorrow!"
YOU[Soothe her with prayer] "...The Emperor is with us so long as we remember our purpose — to serve Humankind and to never give in to its enemies..."
YOU"You are frightened, but that does not mean you can give up. Do not let these emotions consume you!"
YOU"You have had to rein in your gift before. Try to remember how you did it then!"
YOU"Do you wish to spend the rest of your days as the Haemonculus's test subject?"
YOU[Pick up a pistol from the floor and shoot Cassia]
Entry point 7 of 22
CassiaA haze of anger, despair, and fear smothers you like a burial shroud. Rage is burrowing under your skin with hundreds of needles and distress is turning your lungs inside out. An inexplicable sense of loneliness and emptiness permeates your mind. You are drowning in someone else's emotions... or are they your own? It no longer matters. You are powerless to stop them. You wish you would die here and now. No. You wish you had never been born in the first place.
YOU"For all those years, fear and loneliness were all you knew. Not anymore. Don't you dare wish death upon yourself! When I am with you, I will strive to alleviate your every sorrow!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Soothe her with prayer] "...The Emperor is with us so long as we remember our purpose — to serve Humankind and to never give in to its enemies..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are frightened, but that does not mean you can give up. Do not let these emotions consume you!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have had to rein in your gift before. Try to remember how you did it then!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you wish to spend the rest of your days as the Haemonculus's test subject?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Pick up a pistol from the floor and shoot Cassia]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 8 of 22
CassiaWith visible effort, Cassia clasps her hands in a gesture of prayer. "...and to believe in His might, and His aid, and His wisdom. And if we still have the strength to fight, then fight we shall to the end..." Her pale brow furrows and rivulets of blood run from her nose and eyes. Undeterred, she focuses on bringing her powers under control... until her body jolts as if electrocuted.
Cassia"You know, when darkness envelops you... it takes everything away. Leaving no sounds, no smells, no solid footing. Darkness devours every colour that tries to make its way in. Every colour I tried to create inside. Darkness is withering, it swallows the colours, it chews and consumes... But when despair had overtaken me completely, I could sense I was not alone in that darkness. Someone else was with me. Someone intangible, cold, and colourless. And that realisation ravaged my sanity all the more."
Cassia"When the capsule opened, my mind was drowned in grimy shades of crimson, and umber, and black, and... And I am going barmy, [Name]. I thought I could harness this power, but now... You must end this. For my sake, for your own... and for that of all that we have shared. If you do this, I... I shan't object at all." Cassia closes her eyes, unable to bring herself to meet your gaze. Her tremors subside for a brief moment, like a resigned victim going still in anticipation of the executioner's axe.
CassiaFrigid heaviness hangs in the air. Your entire being implores you to run. Quickly. Now!
YOU[Hold her and kiss her] "Don't even think of leaving me, Cassia. I won't let you go."
CassiaCassia freezes, startled by your touch, and your lips join together in a bittersweet kiss that tastes of blood and tears. You see terror in her wide-open eyes but then her body relaxes, and her eyes close along with her Navigator's eye. She reciprocates slowly, uncertainly, gently... "Please, no more! I cannot breathe... I fear I may faint..."
YOU[Kiss her again] "But that is what I am trying to do. To help you escape for a time."
CassiaCassia smiles faintly and closes her eyes before your next kiss. When your lips meet once more, you feel as if your nerves are electrified. She kisses you swiftly and passionately, as if she is truly trying to lose herself in the moment. "Oh, [Name]..."
CassiaTaking an awkward step back, Cassia gingerly covers her third eye, as if afraid that she might unleash her soul's tempestuous powers upon you once more. "You risked your life to save me. For a Rogue Trader, the ruler of a great dynasty, it was... utter lunacy. It was irresponsible!" Cassia's brow furrows indignantly, but her eyes are full of pain and despair. "Your protectorate, your billions of subjects, they could have lost their sovereign in the blink of an eye. Yet, you... What were you even thinking?"
YOU"You are angry with me? Why?"
Cassia"I... I don't know!" Cassia throws up her hands and closes her eyes in exhaustion. "I am so very tired..."
YOU"You are angry with me? Why?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"My only thought was to save you."
Cassia"What could you possibly see in someone like me?" Cassia's voice is almost a whisper. She looks away.
YOU"I have feelings for you."
Cassia"No, stop..."
YOU"I have feelings for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do."
Cassia"I... I have feelings for you as well, [Name]," Cassia says in a breathy voice as she gently holds your hand. "And these feelings frighten me. But I do not want... to give up on them."
CassiaCassia glances at the Haemonculus's sphere and her hand involuntarily reaches for the Atlas in her chest. That is when she notices the cracked stone that has torn the delicate skin on her neck. "[Name], look! The energies sustaining this artefact are almost depleted! Were I to give it just one more push, I know I would be able to remove it. However, after what transpired today, I am no longer certain if Felek and the others were so wrong about me."
YOU"The stone is what helps you keep your powers at bay. There is a good chance it saved you from losing your mind just now."
CassiaCassia considers your words and then nods in agreement. "Perhaps I might lose my chance at freedom. So be it. That way, my mind and my powers will remain mine to command. There is no place for madness in the Imperium. For mad Navigators... that is even more true."
Cassia"Might we move away from this terrible place now, [Name]? I do not wish to stay here any longer."
end of branch
YOU"It was not the stone that contained your powers, Cassia. It was you. Set yourself free, for you have no need for shackles."
Cassia"It is true... You are right. Unless I free myself now, I will be forever the prisoner of my own power... and the fears of others." Cassia clenches the medallion and its energies resonate with her own. The icy stone begins to glow red with heat until it breaks apart with a resounding crackle. Cassia covers the wound with a hand and smiles warmly. "Are you not yet tired of the sight of this place? It is time we were on our way, Lord Captain."
Cassia"Might we move away from this terrible place now, [Name]? I do not wish to stay here any longer."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Shrug]
CassiaCassia thinks for a moment and then clenches the medallion. As its energies resonate with her own, the icy stone in her clawed hand begins to glow red with heat until it breaks apart with a resounding crack. Cassia covers the wound and says in a quiet yet confident tone of voice, "House Orsellio can now trust me. I can trust myself. Such is my decision."
Cassia"Might we move away from this terrible place now, [Name]? I do not wish to stay here any longer."continues where this line first appears above
CassiaCassia thinks for a moment and then shakes her head. "No... Though I might lose my chance at freedom, my mind and my powers will remain mine to command. There is no place for madness in the Imperium. For mad Navigators... that is even more true."
Cassia"Might we move away from this terrible place now, [Name]? I do not wish to stay here any longer."continues where this line first appears above
CassiaCassia glances involuntarily at the Haemonculus's sphere and her body shudders again. "Might you agree to continuing this another time, [Name]? I cannot bear to remain in this place any longer."
end of branch
YOU"I do not know. But I know I cannot hope to see the light in my days ever again without you."
Cassia"Yes... I can see it in your colours. Your soft, warm hues... And the bright flashes whenever you look at me as you are doing right now, [Name]. I... I feel the same when I am with you! And I am afraid that I might grow to depend on this feeling. The colours of bliss are... so very fleeting." Cassia gives you an affectionate look and a timid smile.
end of branch
YOU"When I met you, I discovered myself."
Cassia"Oh, I can never tell if you are being serious or speaking in jest. How could you find yourself in one who has yet to find herself?" Cassia laughs quietly. "And yet, your words warm my heart nonetheless. An auspicious sign, dare I say?"
end of branch
YOU[Kiss her] "Words fail me as I seek to express my feelings. Let my actions speak for me."
Cassia"Please stop!" Cassia exclaims, gently covering your mouth with a hand. "My lips... are sore from the wounds. I can feel your heart in your actions, I do. But for now, please... let us enjoy a moment of respite." She caresses your cheek and then steps away, abashed.
end of branch
YOU"What you say is true. Growing too close does not bode well for either of us. I hope you understand."
Cassia"I... understand. It will be difficult but it is for the best that we forget about what happened." Cassia involuntarily touches her lips and an awkward silence hangs in the air until she notices the cracked stone that has torn the delicate skin on her neck.
Cassia"[Name], look! The energies sustaining this artefact are almost depleted! Were I to give it just one more push, I know I would be able to remove it. However, after what transpired today, I am no longer certain if Felek and the others were so wrong about me."
YOU"The stone is what helps you keep your powers at bay. There is a good chance it saved you from losing your mind just now."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It was not the stone that contained your powers, Cassia. It was you. Set yourself free, for you have no need for shackles."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Shrug]continues where this line first appears above
Cassia"I... understand. It will be difficult but it is for the best that we forget about what happened." Cassia involuntarily touches her lips and an awkward silence hangs in the air. "Let us leave this terrible place, [Name]. I cannot bear to stay here any longer."
end of branch
YOU"I do."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not know. But I know I cannot hope to see the light in my days ever again without you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"When I met you, I discovered myself."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kiss her] "Words fail me as I seek to express my feelings. Let my actions speak for me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What you say is true. Growing too close does not bode well for either of us. I hope you understand."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I was thinking about a future where we are together."
Cassia"What could you possibly see in someone like me?" Cassia's voice is almost a whisper. She looks away.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I was not thinking, just... acting."
Cassia"What could you possibly see in someone like me?" Cassia's voice is almost a whisper. She looks away.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What you say is true. Growing too close does not bode well for either of us. I hope you understand."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"My only thought was to save you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I was thinking about a future where we are together."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I was not thinking, just... acting."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What you say is true. Growing too close does not bode well for either of us. I hope you understand."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Hold her closer] "I fear that if I were to let you go, you might want to disappear again."
Cassia"No, I... I shan't leave. I promise." Cassia is not trembling anymore. Instead, she clings to your chest and rests her head on your shoulder. You can feel her heart pounding in a measured, sweet, and calm rhythm. "Oh, [Name]..."
CassiaTaking an awkward step back, Cassia gingerly covers her third eye, as if afraid that she might unleash her soul's tempestuous powers upon you once more. "You risked your life to save me. For a Rogue Trader, the ruler of a great dynasty, it was... utter lunacy. It was irresponsible!" Cassia's brow furrows indignantly, but her eyes are full of pain and despair. "Your protectorate, your billions of subjects, they could have lost their sovereign in the blink of an eye. Yet, you... What were you even thinking?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Take her hand] "Please let me stay with you a little longer."
CassiaCassia carefully places her hand over yours and lets out a sigh of relief. "You're alive... Thank the Emperor, you're alive, [Name]."
CassiaTaking an awkward step back, Cassia gingerly covers her third eye, as if afraid that she might unleash her soul's tempestuous powers upon you once more. "You risked your life to save me. For a Rogue Trader, the ruler of a great dynasty, it was... utter lunacy. It was irresponsible!" Cassia's brow furrows indignantly, but her eyes are full of pain and despair. "Your protectorate, your billions of subjects, they could have lost their sovereign in the blink of an eye. Yet, you... What were you even thinking?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I apologise. I did not mean to disconcert you with my improper insistence."
Cassia"Were it not for your insistence, I might well be dead at this very moment. Thank you... for not abandoning me." Cassia affectionately squeezes your hand — ever so gently — and lets go.
CassiaTaking an awkward step back, Cassia gingerly covers her third eye, as if afraid that she might unleash her soul's tempestuous powers upon you once more. "You risked your life to save me. For a Rogue Trader, the ruler of a great dynasty, it was... utter lunacy. It was irresponsible!" Cassia's brow furrows indignantly, but her eyes are full of pain and despair. "Your protectorate, your billions of subjects, they could have lost their sovereign in the blink of an eye. Yet, you... What were you even thinking?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Soothe her with prayer] "...The Emperor protects!"
Cassia"The Emperor protects, Lord Captain." Cassia smiles, enduring the pain.
CassiaCassia closes her eyes and the tremors in her body taper to a stop. With a weary movement of her hand, she adjusts her forehead adornment, taking care to cover her Navigator's eye, and you no longer feel the menace that was emanating from her a moment ago. "Thank you. Your words, they helped. I feel better already."
YOU"And now... May I escort you out of here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You will pay dearly for the injuries you have caused me. Come with me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank the Emperor, you look like yourself again. Let us depart. There will be other opportunities to talk."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Seal Cassia inside the capsule] "I am doing this for everyone's sake."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Cassia] "Enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Cassia] "You are a ticking time bomb. I cannot take you with me."continues where this line first appears above
CassiaCassia takes a moment to regather her strength. Then, with a look of surprise, she touches the cracked stone that has torn the delicate skin on her neck. "The energies sustaining this artefact are almost depleted! Were I to give it just one more push, I know I would be able to remove it! However, after what transpired today, I am no longer certain if Felek and the others were so wrong about me."
YOU"The stone is what helps you keep your powers at bay. There is a good chance it saved you from losing your mind just now."
CassiaCassia considers your words and then nods in agreement. "Perhaps I might lose my chance at freedom. So be it. That way, my mind and my powers will remain mine to command. There is no place for madness in the Imperium. For mad Navigators... that is even more true."
YOU"And now... May I escort you out of here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You will pay dearly for the injuries you have caused me. Come with me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank the Emperor, you look like yourself again. Let us depart. There will be other opportunities to talk."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Seal Cassia inside the capsule] "I am doing this for everyone's sake."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Cassia] "Enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Cassia] "You are a ticking time bomb. I cannot take you with me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It was not the stone that contained your powers, Cassia. It was you. Set yourself free, for you have no need for shackles."
Cassia"It is true... You are right. Unless I free myself now, I will be forever the prisoner of my own power... and the fears of others." Cassia clenches the medallion and its energies resonate with her own. The icy stone begins to glow red with heat until it breaks apart with a resounding crackle. Cassia covers the wound with a hand and smiles warmly. "Are you not yet tired of the sight of this place? It is time we were on our way, Lord Captain."
YOU"And now... May I escort you out of here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You will pay dearly for the injuries you have caused me. Come with me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank the Emperor, you look like yourself again. Let us depart. There will be other opportunities to talk."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Seal Cassia inside the capsule] "I am doing this for everyone's sake."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Cassia] "Enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Cassia] "You are a ticking time bomb. I cannot take you with me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Shrug]
CassiaCassia thinks for a moment and then clenches the medallion. As its energies resonate with her own, the icy stone in her clawed hand begins to glow red with heat until it breaks apart with a resounding crack. Cassia covers the wound and says in a quiet yet confident tone of voice, "House Orsellio can now trust me. I can trust myself. Such is my decision."
YOU"And now... May I escort you out of here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You will pay dearly for the injuries you have caused me. Come with me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank the Emperor, you look like yourself again. Let us depart. There will be other opportunities to talk."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Seal Cassia inside the capsule] "I am doing this for everyone's sake."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Cassia] "Enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Cassia] "You are a ticking time bomb. I cannot take you with me."continues where this line first appears above
CassiaCassia thinks for a moment and then shakes her head. "No... Though I might lose my chance at freedom, my mind and my powers will remain mine to command. There is no place for madness in the Imperium. For mad Navigators... that is even more true."
YOU"And now... May I escort you out of here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You will pay dearly for the injuries you have caused me. Come with me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank the Emperor, you look like yourself again. Let us depart. There will be other opportunities to talk."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Seal Cassia inside the capsule] "I am doing this for everyone's sake."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Cassia] "Enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Cassia] "You are a ticking time bomb. I cannot take you with me."continues where this line first appears above
CassiaCassia's body is rocking violently, her eyes are shifting back and forth, and her legs are about to give out. Her Navigator's eye twitches restlessly, ready to open at any moment, and oppressive emotions constrict your neck like a tight knot. Cassia is falling apart, barely holding back her raging powers.
YOU"Cassia, we have walked a long road together. Do not make me abandon you here. Keep fighting!"
YOU"I will not leave you here. Come along."
CassiaCassia takes a hesitant step toward you and nods slowly. Her fear and despair spread to you like a heavy burden upon your shoulders. Resisting her emotions was a difficult task even when they were stable. Now her powers have become that much more overwhelming.
end of branch
YOU[Seal Cassia inside the capsule] "I am doing this for everyone's sake."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Cassia] "Enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Cassia] "You are a ticking time bomb. I cannot take you with me."continues where this line first appears above
Cassia"Even my third eye cannot see the Emperor's light in this accursed place. All my prayers will go unheard."
CassiaCassia closes her eyes and the tremors in her body taper to a stop. With a weary movement of her hand, she adjusts her forehead adornment, taking care to cover her Navigator's eye, and you no longer feel the menace that was emanating from her a moment ago. "Thank you. Your words, they helped. I feel better already."continues where this line first appears above
CassiaCassia's body is rocking violently, her eyes are shifting back and forth, and her legs are about to give out. Her Navigator's eye twitches restlessly, ready to open at any moment, and oppressive emotions constrict your neck like a tight knot. Cassia is falling apart, barely holding back her raging powers.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You will overcome this, Cassia. You are stronger than you think you are."
Cassia"Remarkable. You believe in me even when I have lost all faith in my own strength." Cassia smiles faintly, enduring the pain.
CassiaCassia closes her eyes and the tremors in her body taper to a stop. With a weary movement of her hand, she adjusts her forehead adornment, taking care to cover her Navigator's eye, and you no longer feel the menace that was emanating from her a moment ago. "Thank you. Your words, they helped. I feel better already."continues where this line first appears above
CassiaCassia's body is rocking violently, her eyes are shifting back and forth, and her legs are about to give out. Her Navigator's eye twitches restlessly, ready to open at any moment, and oppressive emotions constrict your neck like a tight knot. Cassia is falling apart, barely holding back her raging powers.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am not interested in listening to you vent your grievances. Prove that you are still of use to me, or I shall send you back into the darkness!"
Cassia"No!" Cassia recoils in horror. "Never again! I shan't go back!"
CassiaCassia closes her eyes and the tremors in her body taper to a stop. With a weary movement of her hand, she adjusts her forehead adornment, taking care to cover her Navigator's eye, and you no longer feel the menace that was emanating from her a moment ago. "Thank you. Your words, they helped. I feel better already."continues where this line first appears above
CassiaCassia's body is rocking violently, her eyes are shifting back and forth, and her legs are about to give out. Her Navigator's eye twitches restlessly, ready to open at any moment, and oppressive emotions constrict your neck like a tight knot. Cassia is falling apart, barely holding back her raging powers.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Whatever happened to you, we can make it right. Put your trust in me."
Cassia"I wish I were half as confident and courageous as you, Lord Captain." A weak smile crosses Cassia's pale lips and she shakes her head.
CassiaCassia closes her eyes and the tremors in her body taper to a stop. With a weary movement of her hand, she adjusts her forehead adornment, taking care to cover her Navigator's eye, and you no longer feel the menace that was emanating from her a moment ago. "Thank you. Your words, they helped. I feel better already."continues where this line first appears above
CassiaCassia's body is rocking violently, her eyes are shifting back and forth, and her legs are about to give out. Her Navigator's eye twitches restlessly, ready to open at any moment, and oppressive emotions constrict your neck like a tight knot. Cassia is falling apart, barely holding back her raging powers.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Cassia] "Forgive me, love. I shall grant your final request."
CassiaWith a mix of tenderness and sadness, Cassia watches as a viscous crimson puddle grows beneath her body. Her clawed hand brushes carefully against your cheek and she rasps, "Thank... you, [Name]. For doing this for me. I..." A thin stream of blood escapes from her throat along with a cough. "You were the first soul I came to love in this world, even though I could not even love myself. So, please, live! Live..."
CassiaHer pale hand slips off your cheek, her nails leaving behind a shallow cut. Her ruby eyes go still.
end of branch
YOU[Pick up a pistol from the floor and shoot Cassia] "I shall grant your final request."
CassiaCassia does nothing to deter her fate, merely closes her eyes in acceptance.
end of branch
YOU[Pick up a pistol from the floor and shoot Cassia] "I should have killed you as soon as I met you."
Cassia"No!"
end of branch
YOU[Run away]
Cassia"L-Lord Captain, [Name], wait! Do not leave me, not like this! Just... Just kill me instead!"continues where this line first appears above
Cassia"When the capsule opened, my mind was drowned in grimy shades of crimson, and umber, and black, and... And I am going mad, [Name]. I used to think I could control this, but now... You must end this. For the sake of my House. For your own safety. For me..."
CassiaFrigid heaviness hangs in the air. Your entire being implores you to run. Quickly. Now!continues where this line first appears above
Cassia"When the capsule opened, my mind was drowned in grimy shades of crimson, and umber, and black, and... And I am going mad, [Name]! Please, help me!" Cassia reaches out her hands to you in a pleading gesture but her entire body is quaking from the force of her overflowing power, and you can tell it is about to burst forth once more.
CassiaFrigid heaviness hangs in the air. Your entire being implores you to run. Quickly. Now!continues where this line first appears above
Cassia"When the capsule opened, my mind was drowned in grimy shades of crimson, and umber, and black, and... And it's all because of you!" Cassia clenches her fists and another wave of anger washes over you. Her body is quaking from the force of her overflowing power and you can tell it is about to burst forth once more. "If you hadn't involved me in your intrigue and schemes, none of this would have happened!"
CassiaFrigid heaviness hangs in the air. Your entire being implores you to run. Quickly. Now!continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 9 of 22
CassiaWith visible effort, Cassia clasps her hands in a gesture of prayer but lets go instantly. "I cannot, I just..." She suddenly straightens and her gaze becomes impassive and blank.
Cassia"You know, when darkness envelops you... it takes everything away. Leaving no sounds, no smells, no solid footing. Darkness devours every colour that tries to make its way in. Every colour I tried to create inside. Darkness is withering, it swallows the colours, it chews and consumes... But when despair had overtaken me completely, I could sense I was not alone in that darkness. Someone else was with me. Someone intangible, cold, and colourless. And that realisation ravaged my sanity all the more."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 10 of 22
Cassia"You do not understand, I..." Cassia shakes her head and then nods wearily. "I do not want to stay here forever. I do not..." She takes a deep breath and straightens her shoulders. Her pale brow furrows, rivulets of blood run from her nose and eyes, but Cassia fights to bring her powers under control... until her body jolts as if electrocuted.
Cassia"You know, when darkness envelops you... it takes everything away. Leaving no sounds, no smells, no solid footing. Darkness devours every colour that tries to make its way in. Every colour I tried to create inside. Darkness is withering, it swallows the colours, it chews and consumes... But when despair had overtaken me completely, I could sense I was not alone in that darkness. Someone else was with me. Someone intangible, cold, and colourless. And that realisation ravaged my sanity all the more."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 11 of 22
CassiaCassia closes her eyes, trying to focus, but then immediately cries out and opens her third eye — just for a brief moment, but it is enough to blast you with another surge of deadly energies.
YOU"Cassia, we have walked a long road together. Do not make me abandon you here. Keep fighting!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will not leave you here. Come along."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Seal Cassia inside the capsule] "I am doing this for everyone's sake."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Kill Cassia] "Enough."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave Cassia] "You are a ticking time bomb. I cannot take you with me."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 12 of 22
Cassia"I... I will try." She takes a deep breath and straightens her shoulders. Her pale brow furrows, rivulets of blood run from her nose and eyes, but Cassia fights to bring her powers under control... until her body jolts as if electrocuted.
Cassia"You know, when darkness envelops you... it takes everything away. Leaving no sounds, no smells, no solid footing. Darkness devours every colour that tries to make its way in. Every colour I tried to create inside. Darkness is withering, it swallows the colours, it chews and consumes... But when despair had overtaken me completely, I could sense I was not alone in that darkness. Someone else was with me. Someone intangible, cold, and colourless. And that realisation ravaged my sanity all the more."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 13 of 22
CassiaYou try to reach for the weapon lying at your feet but your limbs will not budge. You have a splitting headache and you are seeing double. Your hand slips off and an eerie chill runs down the entire length of your body. It is a feeling you forgot, but recollection swiftly follows: someone else's turmoil and emotions and a will that is not your own... This crushing wave is about to consume you.
Entry point 14 of 22
Cassia"Lord Captain? W-why have your colours turned so suddenly to dark shades of maroon?"
end of branch
Entry point 15 of 22
Cassia"You still have not realised, have you? A storm cannot be brought to heel. A fire cannot be forced to spare its victim. The sun cannot be commanded to rise on the other side of the horizon. These are not things a person can accomplish simply by having the desire to do so. Even if that person is a daughter of a Navigator House." Cassia suddenly straightens and her gaze becomes impassive and blank.
Cassia"You know, when darkness envelops you... it takes everything away. Leaving no sounds, no smells, no solid footing. Darkness devours every colour that tries to make its way in. Every colour I tried to create inside. Darkness is withering, it swallows the colours, it chews and consumes... But when despair had overtaken me completely, I could sense I was not alone in that darkness. Someone else was with me. Someone intangible, cold, and colourless. And that realisation ravaged my sanity all the more."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 16 of 22
CassiaCassia struggles to focus her eyes on you. An unfamiliar expression is imprinted on her pale, gaunt face, one that is stern, confident, and imperious. It is the same expression you saw on Theodora von Valancius's face when you first met her. "You do not even believe your own words. Look at me... Look! I am an abomination. A monster! And you know what must be done with monsters."
CassiaAn eerie chill runs down the entire length of your body. It is a feeling you forgot, but recollection swiftly follows: someone else's turmoil and emotions and a will that is not your own... This crushing wave is about to consume you.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 17 of 22
Cassia"Do not speak of such things, do you hear me?" Cassia digs her sharp nails into her head, and rivulets of blood turn her hair from white to crimson. "I could have killed you when we first met. I could have unwittingly robbed you of reason on your ship. It is my fault you were attacked in your own palace, and now..."
CassiaHer eyes are brimming with red tears as she looks at you with passion and tenderness. "I cannot endanger you any longer, [Name]. I... I will not let you suffer." Cassia concentrates, determined to bring her powers under control... until her body jolts as if electrocuted.
Cassia"You know, when darkness envelops you... it takes everything away. Leaving no sounds, no smells, no solid footing. Darkness devours every colour that tries to make its way in. Every colour I tried to create inside. Darkness is withering, it swallows the colours, it chews and consumes... But when despair had overtaken me completely, I could sense I was not alone in that darkness. Someone else was with me. Someone intangible, cold, and colourless. And that realisation ravaged my sanity all the more."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 18 of 22
Cassia"Do not speak of such things, do you hear me?" Cassia digs her sharp nails into her head and rivulets of blood turn her hair from white to crimson. "I could have killed you when we first met. I could have unwittingly robbed you of reason on your ship. It is my fault you were attacked in your own palace, and now... now..." Cassia suddenly straightens, and her gaze becomes impassive and blank.
Cassia"You know, when darkness envelops you... it takes everything away. Leaving no sounds, no smells, no solid footing. Darkness devours every colour that tries to make its way in. Every colour I tried to create inside. Darkness is withering, it swallows the colours, it chews and consumes... But when despair had overtaken me completely, I could sense I was not alone in that darkness. Someone else was with me. Someone intangible, cold, and colourless. And that realisation ravaged my sanity all the more."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 19 of 22
CassiaCassia struggles to focus her eyes on you. An unfamiliar expression is imprinted on her pale, gaunt face, one that is stern, confident, and imperious. It is the same expression you saw on Theodora von Valancius's face when you first met her. "What makes you think you can even save yourself from this place, Lord Captain?"
CassiaAn eerie chill runs down the entire length of your body. It is a feeling you forgot, but recollection swiftly follows: someone else's turmoil and emotions and a will that is not your own... This crushing wave is about to consume you.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 20 of 22
CassiaCassia struggles to focus her eyes on you. Unending streams of bloody tears are running down her cheeks. "Forgive me, I... I did not want any of this... Leave, I beg of you. Go! I do not want to hurt you any more than I already have!"
CassiaAn eerie chill runs down the entire length of your body. It is a feeling you forgot, but recollection swiftly follows: someone else's turmoil and emotions and a will that is not your own... This crushing wave is about to consume you.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 21 of 22
CassiaCassia struggles to focus her eyes on you. Unending streams of bloody tears are running down her cheeks. "I... I cannot return to my House in such a state. No, I would rather die here at your hands than imperil my family."
CassiaAn eerie chill runs down the entire length of your body. It is a feeling you forgot, but recollection swiftly follows: someone else's turmoil and emotions and a will that is not your own... This crushing wave is about to consume you.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 22 of 22
Cassia"I... feel. At last, I feel something..." You see horror and confusion in Cassia's wide-open eyes. Her face, neck, and hands are gruesomely scratched and sticky blood is dripping from the tips of her claw-like fingernails. "Ah! Why are there so many of you at once? Red. Black. Violet. Scarlet. Yellow. Dark maroon... Away with you! Stop swarming my thoughts!"
Cassia(sequence)
MarazhaiMarazhai recoils, letting out a frenzied hiss. "I should have killed this thing back then... It's a foul gateway of Sai'lanthresh!"
end of branch
Heinrix"[Name], get back!"
end of branch
CassiaCassia clutches her head again, this time covering her third eye, but you can already feel the breath of the warp coming from its gaze. The stone fused into her body heats up under her pale skin, burns through it, and... cracks. "[Name], I cannot control it!" The powers flowing through Cassia's fragile body make your head swim and your hair stand on end.
CassiaYour body is burning as if you have been doused with a vat of molten plasteel, and your head is teeming with strange whispers, shadows, voices... Every breath is a struggle, as though something is scratching at your insides, trying to claw its way out of your chest. Your gorge rises. You have survived being exposed to the Navigator's open eye, but will your body and mind hold if it occurs again?
YOU[Smile through the pain] "All is well, my lady. You can defeat this. I shall stay by your side and help however I can."
YOU[Soothe her with prayer] "May the Emperor's radiance illuminate our way through the tenebrous gloom as we that are broken of heart turn to His wisdom..."
CassiaCassia struggles to focus her eyes on you. An unfamiliar expression is imprinted on her pale, gaunt face, one that is stern, confident, and imperious. It is the same expression you saw on Theodora von Valancius's face when you first met her. "...And may His light scatter the darkness ahead, for the Astronomican is the beacon and His guiding blessing to me..."
CassiaAn eerie chill runs down the entire length of your body. It is a feeling you forgot, but recollection swiftly follows: someone else's turmoil and emotions and a will that is not your own... This crushing wave is about to consume you.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Cassia, the worst part is over. I am taking you away from this place."
YOU"Lady Navigator, compose yourself! You are embarrassing the Orsellio name!"
YOU"We are in enemy territory! Unless you regain control of yourself, I will end this tumult personally!"
YOU[Pick up a pistol from the floor and shoot Cassia]
Cassia(sequence)
Jae"Cass, light of my eyes, you are stronger than this, you hear me? Fight it! Fight it, my pale-faced shereen!"
end of branch
YrlietYrliet desperately clutches the spirit stone on her chest. "Elantach, hurry! She Who Thirsts is looking through the three eyes of this mon-keigh. Looking at us!"
end of branch
CassiaCassia clutches her head again, this time covering her third eye, but you can already feel the breath of the warp coming from its gaze. "[Name], I... I cannot control it!" The powers flowing through Cassia's fragile body make your head swim and your hair stand on end.
CassiaYour body is burning as if you have been doused with a vat of molten plasteel, and your head is teeming with strange whispers, shadows, voices... Every breath is a struggle, as though something is scratching at your insides, trying to claw its way out of your chest. Your gorge rises. You have survived being exposed to the Navigator's open eye, but will your body and mind hold if it occurs again?continues where this line first appears above