ZanniAboutShow dialogue — Rogue Trader Dialogue Archive

Entry point 1 of 2

NPCYou have never heard of such xenos before. What is he doing in the Chasm, and why is he standing before you now?

NPC"This crib of putrid flesh offends your taste?
Oblivion comes now. Here its Nocturne plays.
I am that starlit strain that chills the soul,
The piece that doomed throngs pitches into dance.
You are among them, Merchant Vagabond.
So tread the steps I say, escape fate's grasp."

YOU"Forget your riddles for a moment. I am looking for my missing companions — do you know anything about their whereabouts?"

NPC"Whose life so dearly does the Merchant prize
To boldly now disrupt night's melody?"

YOU"I wish to find Pasqal, my Tech-Priest."

NPC"Amidst the shadows dancing round us here
A crimson streak I spied by flesh consumed,
Malevolent, but not his own, I fear,
A vagrant languishing, alone and doomed."

YOU"I wish to find Pasqal, my Tech-Priest."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Yrliet, one of your kind, lured me here. I wish to find her."

NPC"To lose the Path, and then by touch again
Discover it — such is the Outcast's lot.
On parlous streets she treads a bloody trail
That leads her on through pain and wickedness."

YOU"I wish to find Pasqal, my Tech-Priest."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Yrliet, one of your kind, lured me here. I wish to find her."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I am seeking a Genetor from my retinue, Eogunn Februs."

NPC"The sage who dared to conquer death and time,
Now stands before its threshold, past his prime.
Within the halls of flesh, both crushed and spent,
Yet proud. Defeat he never shall consent."

YOU"I wish to find Pasqal, my Tech-Priest."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Yrliet, one of your kind, lured me here. I wish to find her."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I am seeking a Genetor from my retinue, Eogunn Februs."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Do you know where the Drukhari are holding the psyker Idira?"

NPC"The one who mastered flesh's mysteries,
The soul's enigma is what plagues his mind.
All those who glint unnoticed by the rest
He now holds prisoner within his hall."

YOU"I wish to find Pasqal, my Tech-Priest."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Yrliet, one of your kind, lured me here. I wish to find her."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I am seeking a Genetor from my retinue, Eogunn Februs."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Do you know where the Drukhari are holding the psyker Idira?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"My Navigator, Cassia, is missing. I doubt she will last very long here on her own."

NPC"The one who mastered flesh's mysteries,
The soul's enigma is what plagues his mind.
All those who glint unnoticed by the rest
He now holds prisoner within his hall."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I wish to find my companion, Heinrix."

YOU"I am looking for my bodyguard, Kibellah."

YOU"I had a mercenary in my retinue. A bodyguard would be useful to me here."

NPC"A dream to play, the maestro does declare,
His flesh now sings in chorus with the rest."

YOU"I wish to find Pasqal, my Tech-Priest."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Yrliet, one of your kind, lured me here. I wish to find her."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I am seeking a Genetor from my retinue, Eogunn Februs."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Do you know where the Drukhari are holding the psyker Idira?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"My Navigator, Cassia, is missing. I doubt she will last very long here on her own."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I wish to find my companion, Heinrix."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I am looking for my bodyguard, Kibellah."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I had a mercenary in my retinue. A bodyguard would be useful to me here."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I see."

NPC"That business done, we must resume our dance."

YOU"Forget your riddles for a moment. I am looking for my missing companions — do you know anything about their whereabouts?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Everything is perfectly clear. There is a certain 'maestro of flesh' who conducts experiments on the bodies of others. He has a laboratory that can only be accessed by fighting in the arena to draw his attention. With his assistance, I will be able to escape the Chasm. Oh yes, and your name is Nocturne of Oblivion. Have I missed anything?"

NPCThe xenos stills and looks at you intently. He is not accustomed to anyone so adroitly and quickly navigating his verbal labyrinths, that much is clear. At last, you hear a low chuckle behind his mask and the xenos claps his hands slowly, saying only one word: "Bravo/a."

NPCAn indigo ripple passes over the xenos's body and he dissipates like a bad dream.

Yrliet"I thought some illusion had clouded my gaze when I beheld the Arebennian at the Archons' court. For he is an omen of monstrous things to come..."

YOU"Care to tell me who that was?"

Yrliet"My... brother? My kin? Like the Drukhari, he is not one of the Children of Asuryan. You mon-keigh call those like him Harlequins. For they are memory. They are oblivion. It is the Harlequins' duty to remind our kind that, despite our differing Paths, we have but one enemy — She Who Thirsts. And among the Harlequins, there is no creature more unpredictable or perilous than the Solitaire. Their entire lives are a spectacle where the art of performance and the art of killing are intertwined."

YOU"Care to tell me who that was?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"How do Solitaires differ from other Harlequins?"

Yrliet"Harlequins perform the Dance Without End — the tragedy of our people's past. There is one role which only an Arebennian may perform... the role of the Enemy — She Who Thirsts, the reviled Sai'lanthresh."

Yrliet"To delve into the mind of She Who Thirsts, even for a moment, is extremely perilous. Many have lost their sanity and even their life attempting to portray our kind's greatest enemy upon the stage. Only the Arebennian are capable of such a feat, and for that reason they are respected and feared by all Aeldari — from the Farseers of the Asuryani to the Archons of the Dark City."

Yrliet"The Arebennian's role is one of terror and isolation. They walk the Path of Damnation, doomed after death to surrender their soul to She Who Thirsts, and even a spirit stone cannot guard them from this fate. And Cegorach, the Laughing God, must go into battle against Sai'lanthresh for the soul of every Solitaire. For in his victory lies the Arebennian's only hope of salvation."

YOU"Care to tell me who that was?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"How do Solitaires differ from other Harlequins?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You fear him, don't you?"

Yrliet"To the depths of my soul. If you are truly wise, elantach, you will do the same."

YOU"Care to tell me who that was?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"How do Solitaires differ from other Harlequins?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You fear him, don't you?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"What was he doing at the court?"

Yrliet"That I do not know. But what is not hidden from my gaze is his interest in you, elantach. Tread carefully — attention from an Arebennian bodes nothing good. Many believe that even speaking to one is tantamount to a death sentence."

YOU"Care to tell me who that was?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"How do Solitaires differ from other Harlequins?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You fear him, don't you?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"What was he doing at the court?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why did he call me the Merchant Vagabond?"

Yrliet"Who knows? Those like him see the world differently and see no need to explain their metaphors to others."

YOU"Care to tell me who that was?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"How do Solitaires differ from other Harlequins?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You fear him, don't you?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"What was he doing at the court?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why did he call me the Merchant Vagabond?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Do you know what he wants from me?"

Yrliet"The Arebennian weave their speech from shimmering threads of hidden meaning that even I cannot fully grasp. All I can discern is that he is sending us to... someone or something that can help us escape the Chasm. Based on the description, the 'key' is one of the Haemonculi of the Dark City. They are famed for their experiments with flesh. And the path to him lies through the arena... So, you must fight if you wish to attract his notice."

YOU"Care to tell me who that was?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"How do Solitaires differ from other Harlequins?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You fear him, don't you?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"What was he doing at the court?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why did he call me the Merchant Vagabond?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Do you know what he wants from me?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's go. We should not linger here."

Yrliet"[Name]." Normally unwavering, Yrliet stops in hesitation. "I promised that I would never again hide my soul behind a frozen wall of hubris and doubt. But this place... has too many eyes and ears to be sharing such thoughts."

Yrliet"Perhaps when we stop to rest in a place of quiet, you will find time to hear me. But for now, we must go."

end of branch

Yrliet"Forge our path, elantach."

end of branch

YOU"Let's go. We should not linger here."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Do you know what he wants from me?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's go. We should not linger here."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why did he call me the Merchant Vagabond?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Do you know what he wants from me?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's go. We should not linger here."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"What was he doing at the court?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why did he call me the Merchant Vagabond?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Do you know what he wants from me?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's go. We should not linger here."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You fear him, don't you?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"What was he doing at the court?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why did he call me the Merchant Vagabond?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Do you know what he wants from me?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's go. We should not linger here."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"How do Solitaires differ from other Harlequins?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You fear him, don't you?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"What was he doing at the court?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why did he call me the Merchant Vagabond?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Do you know what he wants from me?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's go. We should not linger here."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I shall endeavour to find the person of whom you speak."

NPC"Then go and dance. Do not forget the key."

NPCAn indigo ripple passes over the xenos's body and he dissipates like a bad dream.continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I do not understand what you want from me, xenos."

NPC"Alas, my wants are neither here nor there...
But turn the question on yourself instead.
Pursue the melody, and find the key."

NPCAn indigo ripple passes over the xenos's body and he dissipates like a bad dream.continues where this line first appears above

YOU"If you are unwilling to relieve me of your presence, at least spare me your senseless verbiage."

NPC"Of glimpse and whisper dream the blind and deaf,
But you eschew them both for darkness mute.
I will not be a pest — I've said my piece."

NPCAn indigo ripple passes over the xenos's body and he dissipates like a bad dream.continues where this line first appears above

NPC"That business done, we must resume our dance."

YOU"Forget your riddles for a moment. I am looking for my missing companions — do you know anything about their whereabouts?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"What is this dance you are so intent on drawing me into?"

NPC"The steps you know already, Vagabond.
A knife-edge minuet you must perform,
Between oblivion, foes, and your own friends.
So heed my sonnet well — it holds the key."

NPC"A melody of snarling agony,
Beguiling now, by rending flesh bewyched,
Through sinew, bone, and grisly pageantry,
It calls the blood-soaked drape to come unstitched.
A haggard chorus in the hall behind,
Their flesh employed to serve the maestro's art.
No prayer for mercy slips from throats confined,
The baton sets the beat of every heart."

NPC"And entrails are for him an instrument,
And veins a living stave sans parallel,
Yet death to him is no impediment,
For corpses tunes do carry just as well.
Through spectacles of blood and gore forge past,
Should crave your eyes to glimpse sun's light at last."

YOU"Forget your riddles for a moment. I am looking for my missing companions — do you know anything about their whereabouts?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I shall endeavour to find the person of whom you speak."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I do not understand what you want from me, xenos."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"If you are unwilling to relieve me of your presence, at least spare me your senseless verbiage."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I have no intention of dancing to your tune or listening to this raving. Find yourself another toy."

NPC"The Merchant Vagabond rejects his/her role?
But only curtain's fall will smash the chains
And fully break Commorragh's iron grip.
So heed my sonnet well — it holds the key."

YOU"Before beginning a conversation with a Rogue Trader, xenos, it is customary to bow. I am waiting."

NPC"Your wait will test your patience and my own.
To pass the time, a sonnet I'll intone."

YOU[Attack] "Yet another accursed xenos concealing its lies and treachery in florid riddles. Enough!"

NPCBefore you even finish speaking, the xenos is gone from view and you feel something cold and sharp pressed against the nape of your neck. The familiar lugubrious baritone sounds directly above your ear:
"You make yourself a fool by baiting me,
The one who knows ahead the players' moves.
Locate your wits, I say, and listen well."
You blink, and the xenos is once again standing before you.

YOU"I see."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"My Navigator, Cassia, is missing. I doubt she will last very long here on her own."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I wish to find my companion, Heinrix."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I am looking for my bodyguard, Kibellah."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I had a mercenary in my retinue. A bodyguard would be useful to me here."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I see."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Do you know where the Drukhari are holding the psyker Idira?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"My Navigator, Cassia, is missing. I doubt she will last very long here on her own."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I wish to find my companion, Heinrix."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I am looking for my bodyguard, Kibellah."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I had a mercenary in my retinue. A bodyguard would be useful to me here."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I see."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I am seeking a Genetor from my retinue, Eogunn Februs."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Do you know where the Drukhari are holding the psyker Idira?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"My Navigator, Cassia, is missing. I doubt she will last very long here on her own."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I wish to find my companion, Heinrix."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I am looking for my bodyguard, Kibellah."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I had a mercenary in my retinue. A bodyguard would be useful to me here."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I see."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Yrliet, one of your kind, lured me here. I wish to find her."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I am seeking a Genetor from my retinue, Eogunn Februs."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Do you know where the Drukhari are holding the psyker Idira?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"My Navigator, Cassia, is missing. I doubt she will last very long here on her own."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I wish to find my companion, Heinrix."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I am looking for my bodyguard, Kibellah."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I had a mercenary in my retinue. A bodyguard would be useful to me here."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I see."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"What is this dance you are so intent on drawing me into?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I have no intention of dancing to your tune or listening to this raving. Find yourself another toy."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Before beginning a conversation with a Rogue Trader, xenos, it is customary to bow. I am waiting."continues where this line first appears above

YOU[Attack] "Yet another accursed xenos concealing its lies and treachery in florid riddles. Enough!"continues where this line first appears above

NPC(sequence)

YrlietYrliet takes an involuntary step back, her face filled with fear. "Arebennian! Doom incarnate! Of all the places in the galaxy... you show yourself here!"

NPC"The Outcast and the Merchant — what a pair.
Bereft of blood and hope, without a path...
The parent cloaks the cradle once again,
And babe is doused in darkness as before.
But death is near, Asuryan's child — make haste."

end of branch

SolomorneSolomorne's eye is seized by a tic so strong that he has to press an iron finger against the lid to stop it. "I... bloody... hate buffoons and their Throne-damned verses..."

end of branch

Entry point 2 of 2

NPCThe stranger standing before you brings to mind a motley-coloured, long-limbed doll abandoned amid carnage and detritus. The bright colours of his sleek costume seem comical against the unremitting gloom and hostility of this place. Only the sorrowful horned mask that hides his face and the dark hooded cloak he wears pay tribute to the overwhelming air of hopelessness. Every move the xenos makes sings with theatrical precision and a predator's grace. You cannot decide if this person is an accomplished dancer or a master assassin.

NPCYou had already recognised this creature during the trial, but now, with the Drukhari poison purged from your body, your mind is clear.

NPCA shiver runs down your spine. This is a Harlequin — the deadliest of all Aeldari warriors. You have heard of small Harlequin Troupes taking out entire armies of enemies, whirling in their mesmerising and terrifying dance of death.