NPCIt seems the xenos is trying to save the Farseers and their spirit stones at the behest of another, whose reasons are known only to them. All you have to guess now is if the "laugh of jest unending" that gave the Harlequin this mission is a living creature, a philosophical principle, or the figment of his deranged mind.
YOU"What do you want from me? Why have you involved me in your plans?"
Nocturne of Oblivion"Commorragh's ancient law was boldly spurned, And too despoiled were Crudarach's remains, The Tempest's mistress, spurred by avarice, Forbidden plunder brought to her dark nest. And though the City shrinks from those whose souls In darkness gleam with coruscating flame, The interdict is scorned, the pact ignored, Commorragh waits, Commorragh tastes its doom. To make of drama farce beyond belief, A pair uncredited assume the stage: A cutthroat mon-keigh, captive of a thief; A dancer, makestrife poet, guileful knave."
Nocturne of OblivionWith a weary sigh, the Harlequin concludes, "When coda's note falls silent ever more, The last a duty will perform, and then, The first will move, his/her exodus enact."
MarazhaiWhen Harlequin's voice fades, the silence is broken by a torrent of untranslatable but highly expressive xenos profanities — Marazhai has regained the power of speech and is using it to curse someone's kin and progeny. "Farseers! Yremeryss brought Asuryani Farseers to the Dark City! You stupid, desperate shrew! If this news reaches the— oh, but of course it has reached him already! You, Arebennian! You came to Commorragh to inform Vect of my sister's crimes and rescue her prisoners!"
Nocturne of OblivionThe Harlequin makes a jester's bow. "I am revealed and intrigue's curtain torn! The Puppet Master deigned to briefly let Me be the crosspiece of his artistry, That tweaks and tugs the strings for dance and death. To tempest's mistress, 'Vanish!' I do say, I've fashioned from your shackles a garrotte. Your burning wrath, my thief, direct her way, And forth you'll see the fruits of vengeance brought."
Marazhai"The accusations of consorting with mon-keigh are such a trifle compared to an attempt to bring about a dysjunction... If only I had known it! Had Yremeryss not managed to keep it secret from me..." Marazhai shields his eyes, contemplating something. "I wonder how many times Nazrakhei cursed himself for not overthrowing Yremeryss at the Obsidian Court when he had the chance? He had unknowingly spared the one his ruler had condemned. Hardly an excuse that will help him at his next meeting with Vect."
YOU"What is so bad about Yremeryss imprisoning the Farseers in the spire?"
Marazhai"The Webway in which Commorragh resides is fragile. A ripple of the veil can breach its boundaries and cause a dysjunction, an incursion of Sai'lanthresh into the streets. Each such occasion is an ordeal that weakens the Dark City, and so those capable of piercing the veil are banned from the spires. Of course, there are madmen who try to exploit any dysjunction and the ensuing chaos to take down competitors and move up the food chain... It appears that Yremeryss decided not to wait for an opportunity, but to make it happen herself!"
YOU"What is so bad about Yremeryss imprisoning the Farseers in the spire?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Wait... You brought the sorcerers to Commorragh yourself!"
Marazhai"I did, because such was the deal with Tervantias. In exchange for his help, I was not to kill the veil-linked mon-keigh, but to sedate and hand them over to him, a degenerate obsessed with studying the forbidden. I expected them to vanish without a trace into the shadows of the Anatomical Opera... and believe me, the damned of your kind are far less dangerous to the Webway than the Farseers of the Asuryani!"
YOU"What is so bad about Yremeryss imprisoning the Farseers in the spire?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Wait... You brought the sorcerers to Commorragh yourself!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. Just one more reason to finish off Yremeryss."
Marazhai"I had enough reasons even without this revelation! Kae-morag, I am half a step away from starting to see my expulsion from the Kabal as a blessing and not a punishment!"
Nocturne of OblivionNocturne of Oblivion watches the raging Drukhari with obvious amusement, but his interest barely lasts a moment.
YOU"What do you want from me? Why have you involved me in your plans?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you even interested in the fate of this dead Farseer and his fellows?"
Nocturne of Oblivion"The starved ones' fate to shelter from the storm, Enlisted me the laugh of jest unending, The soul is not at home amidst dark walls, It yearns to sing, and I to hearken long Its elegy, by name oblivion. A cradle I'll bestow, where may this song Forevermore resound in endless echo."
YOU[Point at the dead Aeldari] "What was he doing here? I presume he was a valuable prisoner."
Nocturne of Oblivion"The Executioner lost interest, And blithely tossed the toy despised aside. Proclaiming it a gift to empty bellies, He let the rabble tear it into scraps, And tooth and claw they fought to claim a share, With every one extolling his largesse."
YOU"What do you want from me? Why have you involved me in your plans?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you even interested in the fate of this dead Farseer and his fellows?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Aeldari] "What was he doing here? I presume he was a valuable prisoner."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you bring Ulfar here?"
Nocturne of Oblivion"As surety this feral brute has served, That to my plan there would be blood released, Without remorse fate's course I've whipped and spurred, A cruel hand on old, unruly beast."
YOU"What do you want from me? Why have you involved me in your plans?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you even interested in the fate of this dead Farseer and his fellows?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Aeldari] "What was he doing here? I presume he was a valuable prisoner."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you bring Ulfar here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How is all this connected to my escape?"
Nocturne of Oblivion"Strive up to where the thieving storm has built Its squalid nest among the darkened sky, The tempest's plunder hoards are buried there, And captives, riches, trophies all within. Amidst this cache a gate to realspace find, Pass through to freedom tempting and so craved, Companions have I brought, and steps revealed, My lines run out, I have no more to give. The stage is yours, my Merchant Vagabond, Go fetch a vessel swift — and get you gone!"
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace — he is losing his mind and I fear I will not be able to save him on my own. He does not deserve to be abandoned in the Dark City."
Nocturne of Oblivion"A fragment's all that's left of what was whole, The rest now worn away by treachery. But if you prize this repercussion so, This gesture I'll perform, and in return, The laugh with no beginning you will serve."
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace — he is losing his mind and I fear I will not be able to save him on my own. He does not deserve to be abandoned in the Dark City."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace. He is losing his mind, and I will struggle to break out of here with such a burden."
Nocturne of Oblivion"A fragment's all that's left of what was whole, The rest now worn away by treachery. Reality for him is out of bounds, But nightmares in Commorragh find a home, Depart. Forget. And leave the past alone."
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace — he is losing his mind and I fear I will not be able to save him on my own. He does not deserve to be abandoned in the Dark City."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace. He is losing his mind, and I will struggle to break out of here with such a burden."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my servants, the Shriekers, from the Chasm."
Nocturne of Oblivion"The Merchant wishes them another fate? A sudden turnabout, and curious. What path ought they to take? All ears am I."
YOU"Save the Commissar and his people from the arena."
Nocturne of Oblivion"My Merchant Vagabond, their part is played, It's not for you or me to denigrate The artful script directing this charade That writes them out — cast off to stormy fate."
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace — he is losing his mind and I fear I will not be able to save him on my own. He does not deserve to be abandoned in the Dark City."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace. He is losing his mind, and I will struggle to break out of here with such a burden."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my servants, the Shriekers, from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Save the Commissar and his people from the arena."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring the Commissar and his people from the Chasm."
Nocturne of Oblivion"The Merchant wishes them another fate? A sudden turnabout, and curious. What path ought they to take? All ears am I."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my comrades who previously served the Commissar from the Chasm."
Nocturne of Oblivion"The Merchant wishes them another fate? A sudden turnabout, and curious. What path ought they to take? All ears am I."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for helping me. The time has come to end this performance."
Achilleas the WrackThrough his overwhelming rage, Achilleas chokes out a farewell: "Good luck... Your Lordship/Ladyship... Until we meet... on the other side."
Nocturne of OblivionSaying nothing, the Harlequin vanishes in a blue shimmer of air. The horned mask disappears last, with vicious laughter drifting out from beneath it.
end of branch
Nocturne of OblivionSaying nothing, the Harlequin vanishes in a blue shimmer of air. The horned mask disappears last, with vicious laughter drifting out from beneath it.
Achilleas the WrackThrough his overwhelming rage, Achilleas chokes out a farewell: "I leave you... here... Your Lordship/Ladyship... I am a danger to you."
YOU"Why do you want to go?"
Achilleas the Wrack"I was made for... fighting. My body is excited by the smell of blood... It wants more. If I lose control... during the voyage... the best case is that I destroy the gondola... and we all die..."
YOU"Why do you want to go?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You will do it. I have faith in you!"
Achilleas the Wrack"I betrayed you... once. And I swore... never again."
YOU"Why do you want to go?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You will do it. I have faith in you!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Goodbye, Achilleas. Good luck to you."
Achilleas the Wrack"Goodbye... Avenge... us all."
Achilleas the WrackHis weakening human voice collapses into roars of rage and bloodthirst cloaked in flesh.
end of branch
YOU[Smile] "Kill more of these beasts!"
Achilleas the Wrack"As many... as I can... I promise."
Achilleas the WrackHis weakening human voice collapses into roars of rage and bloodthirst cloaked in flesh.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Go and meet the death that a worthless traitor deserves."
Achilleas the Wrack"So be it... Your Lordship/Ladyship... I promise."
Achilleas the WrackHis weakening human voice collapses into roars of rage and bloodthirst cloaked in flesh.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Goodbye, Achilleas. Good luck to you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile] "Kill more of these beasts!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Go and meet the death that a worthless traitor deserves."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You will do it. I have faith in you!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Goodbye, Achilleas. Good luck to you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Smile] "Kill more of these beasts!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Go and meet the death that a worthless traitor deserves."continues where this line first appears above
HeinrixHeinrix stares for a few more moments at the spot where Nocturne just stood. "How much longer will we be playthings in the hands of damned xenos? The torture... the arena... even this effortless 'escape'... And the source of all these degrading ordeals is still alive." His eyes, burning with hate, shift to Yrliet.
YrlietYrliet looks at Heinrix with empty eyes and shivers slightly. "The deluge of misfortune did not start with me, mon-keigh. It was your charge, Achilleas..."
Heinrix"Do not speak his name! You sully the name of a servant of the Throne by uttering it." Heinrix's voice has dropped to a rasping hiss. "And stop trying my patience with your lies."
YOU[Address Marazhai] "Anything you want to say?"
MarazhaiMarazhai gives you a mocking look and turns back to Heinrix expectantly.
YrlietYrliet laughs bitterly. "You can kill me. Torture me. Grind to dust the very memory of my existence... But you cannot change what has transpired. The burnt mon-keigh made a misstep. I killed the traitor."
Heinrix"Enough, xenos! Repeating the same thing over and over will not convince me of your ridiculous lies. The Rogue Trader takes you at your word — that is his/her vice and heresy, not mine. And until I have more solid proof of Achilleas Scalander's treason than your prattle, I will not change my mind. Not now, not ever."
MarazhaiMarazhai's scathing laugh seems to cut through the air. "He was weeping when he begged me for death."
HeinrixHeinrix freezes. "What..." He slowly turns around and raises his gaze to the Drukhari. "...did you say?"
Marazhai"No, he was squealing, like all cattle do at a slaughterhouse. Back on the ravaged world where I spent hours twisting his mind and spirit." Marazhai draws out the words, slowly advancing toward the Interrogator. "Your servant traded away the most terrible secrets for a reprieve from pain. Yours, Heinrix van Calox, and those of your little mon-keigh Inquisition. Did I need them? No. What I wanted to know was beyond your servant's knowledge but he still would not settle down, desperate to purchase my mercy. He kept mumbling incessantly, both about you, whom he feared so much, and his beloved mistress... Lichtenhart, wasn't it?"
HeinrixHeinrix's face, twisted with hatred, turns whiter than snow. "No..."
MarazhaiMarazhai's eyes flash with pleasure at the look of horror on Heinrix's face. "Yes, mon-keigh. You wanted proof of how weak your kind is and how insignificant your servants are, didn't you? The name of Emelina Lichtenhart. The poor singed beast... He tried so hard, he was so eager to please his new master that he sold out every one of you..." Marazhai cocks his head as if straining to hear a distant sound, then grins carnivorously. "Oh, Heinrix van Calox. The shards of your naive illusions are slicing your soul so sweetly..."
YOU"Be silent, Marazhai. Now."
MarazhaiThe xenos scoffs. "With pleasure. Especially now that we have both got what we wanted."
Heinrix"[Name]..." Heinrix's voice is barely audible. "I have detained us. I beg you to forgive my outburst. Please lead on."
end of branch
YOU"Here is the proof you wanted, Heinrix."
HeinrixHeinrix looks at you with dead eyes, struggling to say something.
MarazhaiMarazhai does not hide the contempt in his look aimed at the Interrogator. "You should have killed the burnt mon-keigh immediately and not deluded yourself by putting faith in his strength and resilience. You mon-keigh are clueless when it comes to the art of espionage and treason. I could teach you a thing or two... If you ask nicely enough." He turns his gaze toward you. "I am finished here. We may go."
end of branch
YOU"So. I am off to find the promised vessel. You can stay here or you can come with me... Quietly."
NPCHeinrix and Marazhai give each other one last look — a hateful human glare and a disdainful Drukhari sneer — and silently follow.
end of branch
NPCThe Interrogator remains still for another second, then his eyes glaze over, his face twists, and the air around him turns icy cold. Marazhai twitches and coughs strangely, his pale face turning purple. He staggers and reaches for his blade...
YOU[Stand between Heinrix and Marazhai] "Enough, both of you!"
HeinrixHeinrix flinches when you appear before him. He hesitates for another moment, and then, clenching his fists impotently, he looks away. "I am sorry, [Name]. I... lost my head for a moment."
MarazhaiMarazhai rubs his face, bruised from the ruptured blood vessels under the skin. His voice oozes contempt. "Keep your broodmale on a shorter leash, [Name]. I might break your little plaything next time."
end of branch
YOU[Strike Heinrix] "I have no need for an unhinged psyker!"
end of branch
YOU[Strike Marazhai] "You will die for everything you have done, here and now!"
MarazhaiMarazhai nimbly evades your blow and, having lost precious time, drops to his knees with a wheeze. The next moment his eyes burst, a fountain of blood gushes from his mouth, and the xenos's dead body slumps to the ground.
HeinrixHeinrix sighs heavily and stares down at the corpse at his feet. He looks suddenly forlorn. "Foolish... So foolish... I could have interrogated him... extracted every bit of information he managed to get from Achilleas..." He looks up at you, his gaze filled with pain. "I'm sorry. I... lost my head for a moment. I will not let it happen again. No, I won't." Casting one last hateful glance at the dead Marazhai, Heinrix turns away.
end of branch
YOU[Watch without interfering]
YrlietAfter a blurred flash of movement, Yrliet appears between the feuding Heinrix and Marazhai, pale with fear and anger. "Enough! Hate has blinded you when Commorragh is about to let us out of its clutches. Marazhai, still your intractable tongue and stand down. And you..." She looks at Heinrix in apparent bewilderment. "Do you really want to deny the one who makes your heart beat faster a chance at survival by dying or killing her allies as she escapes? Is that what you want?"
HeinrixHeinrix takes a step back and looks at you in shock. After a moment, his face regains its usual stoic expression. "That is enough. You are right, xenos. About this..." Heinrix hesitates, struggling to say the next words. "...and about other things too." As if drained of the last of his strength, Heinrix turns away from you.
MarazhaiMarazhai rubs his face, bruised from the ruptured blood vessels under the skin. His voice oozes contempt. "Keep your broodmale on a shorter leash, [Name]. I might break your little plaything next time."continues where this line first appears above
HeinrixAfter delivering his speech, Heinrix seems to snap out of his haze of undiluted hatred. He takes a breath and glances at you, now looking weary beyond words. "Come on. Every minute in this cursed place brings us all closer to madness."
end of branch
YOU"Heinrix. Stop."
YrlietYrliet laughs bitterly. "You can kill me. Torture me. Grind to dust the very memory of my existence... But you cannot change what has transpired. The burnt mon-keigh made a misstep. I killed the traitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why will you not even entertain the possibility that Yrliet is not lying?"
HeinrixHeinrix's gaze turns on you — and you are suddenly trembling, enveloped in an icy fog. "Because it is a hastily concocted tale that would fool only a naive simpleton. If you wish to trust the word of an enemy of Humanity, that is your unfortunate choice to make. But until I have better proof of Achilleas Scalander's treason than this pathetic prattle, I will not change my mind. Not now, not ever."
MarazhaiMarazhai's scathing laugh seems to cut through the air. "He was weeping when he begged me for death."continues where this line first appears above
HeinrixAfter delivering his speech, Heinrix seems to snap out of his haze of undiluted hatred. He takes a breath and glances at you, now looking weary beyond words. "Come on. Every minute in this cursed place brings us all closer to madness."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough. We have to get out of Commorragh first and that will require the strength of each and every one of us."
YrlietYrliet laughs bitterly. "You can kill me. Torture me. Grind to dust the very memory of my existence... But you cannot change what has transpired. The burnt mon-keigh made a misstep. I killed the traitor."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
MarazhaiMarazhai, who had been engrossed in his own thoughts, springs to life at the Interrogator's frenzied words. He turns his head with snake-like grace and stares unblinkingly at Heinrix.
end of branch
YOU"I don't care about you, but I won't leave anyone in the clutches of these abominations. Not even xenos."
Achilleas the WrackThrough his overwhelming rage, Achilleas chokes out a farewell: "Good luck... Your Lordship/Ladyship... Until we meet... on the other side."continues where this line first appears above
Nocturne of OblivionSaying nothing, the Harlequin vanishes in a blue shimmer of air. The horned mask disappears last, with vicious laughter drifting out from beneath it.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am tired of your deceit and manipulation. I will no longer be your tool."
Nocturne of Oblivion"A role miscast, alas, I do concede, But all the same, your steps you will complete: A solo, no one to mislead, and to the tune of silence. Nocturne will retreat." The Harlequin vanishes in a blue shimmer. The horned mask disappears last, its empty eye holes seeming to stare at you in silent reproach.
HeinrixHeinrix stares for a few more moments at the spot where Nocturne just stood. "How much longer will we be playthings in the hands of damned xenos? The torture... the arena... even this effortless 'escape'... And the source of all these degrading ordeals is still alive." His eyes, burning with hate, shift to Yrliet.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now I know the path to freedom. I have no reason to help you. Get out of here."
Nocturne of Oblivion"A role miscast, alas, I do concede, But all the same, your steps you will complete: A solo, no one to mislead, and to the tune of silence. Nocturne will retreat." The Harlequin vanishes in a blue shimmer. The horned mask disappears last, its empty eye holes seeming to stare at you in silent reproach.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I have my own ideas about how this show should end!"
Nocturne of Oblivion"A role miscast, alas, I do concede, But all the same, your steps you will complete: A solo, no one to mislead, and to the tune of silence. Nocturne will retreat." The Harlequin vanishes in a blue shimmer. The horned mask disappears last, its empty eye holes seeming to stare at you in silent reproach.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring the Commissar and his people from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my comrades who previously served the Commissar from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for helping me. The time has come to end this performance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I don't care about you, but I won't leave anyone in the clutches of these abominations. Not even xenos."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am tired of your deceit and manipulation. I will no longer be your tool."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now I know the path to freedom. I have no reason to help you. Get out of here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I have my own ideas about how this show should end!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my servants, the Shriekers, from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Save the Commissar and his people from the arena."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring the Commissar and his people from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my comrades who previously served the Commissar from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for helping me. The time has come to end this performance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I don't care about you, but I won't leave anyone in the clutches of these abominations. Not even xenos."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am tired of your deceit and manipulation. I will no longer be your tool."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now I know the path to freedom. I have no reason to help you. Get out of here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I have my own ideas about how this show should end!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace. He is losing his mind, and I will struggle to break out of here with such a burden."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my servants, the Shriekers, from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Save the Commissar and his people from the arena."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring the Commissar and his people from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my comrades who previously served the Commissar from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for helping me. The time has come to end this performance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I don't care about you, but I won't leave anyone in the clutches of these abominations. Not even xenos."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am tired of your deceit and manipulation. I will no longer be your tool."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now I know the path to freedom. I have no reason to help you. Get out of here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I have my own ideas about how this show should end!"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Cassia"Ah, a ship! We will finally leave this horrible place flooded with scarlet hues of agony and washed-out tinges of despair."
end of branch
Achilleas the WrackAchilleas's growling becomes louder and louder. Through the rasping and gurgling, a tortured voice breaks through: "Combat... stimulants... Too many... I need... slaughter... Slaughter. Slaughter!" Your former servant is teetering on a knife edge, threatening to tumble into bloodthirsty madness at any moment.
end of branch
Ulfar"Agh, you rotten-gutted swine! Used me as a war beast, did you? Set me on your enemies?" Ulfar's face darkens in fury, but with gargantuan effort he forces it down and manages to prevent a fit of blood rage from taking hold.
YOU"What do you want from me? Why have you involved me in your plans?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you even interested in the fate of this dead Farseer and his fellows?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Aeldari] "What was he doing here? I presume he was a valuable prisoner."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you bring Ulfar here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How is all this connected to my escape?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How is all this connected to my escape?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you bring Ulfar here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How is all this connected to my escape?"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Nocturne of OblivionThe xenos tilts his head, staring at Yrliet. "The cradle's fragments smoulder dimly there, Where tight has drawn the Tempest all together. Dare you plunge your hand into the flame, And drag truth's embers out into the light?"
Yrliet"Oh Arebennian, you ask if I am too afraid to try to save the little that remains of my home? Now that the wind of hope fans the flame of the coming truth?" The stone on Yrliet's chest flares crimson — a timid glow that goes out as soon as the Aeldari touches her chestplate. "Even if the fire of truth burns me from within, I will follow this Path to the end."
Yrliet"Elantach, the Arebennian love jests, but this is not one. Please, before it is too late, I... we must save the Farseers! Allow me to go with you to the spire — to that nest of depravity, to that haven of pain, anger, and betrayal of my kind." Yrliet's voice wavers like a taught string, and her eyes are veiled with darkness.
YOU"Are these Aeldari truly that important to you?"
Yrliet"Do you... truly not understand, elantach? It pains me to recall how I was willing to exchange your life for the pathetic scraps of information Marazhai scattered at my feet. But the Farseers... with those scraps, they have the ability to grow an entire forest of truth."
YrlietYrliet half closes her eyes, her lids fluttering from suppressed emotion. "A very long time ago, an old friend once told me, 'A bird does not know its feathers' worth until it loses the gift of harnessing the wind.' I think I understand now."
YOU"Are these Aeldari truly that important to you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If what the Harlequin says is true, we will save whomever we can."
YrlietYrliet shudders as if she cannot believe your words, and her expression shifts subtly. "I... am grateful."
Yrliet"I find myself wondering if a single Farseer, gazing at the hazy visions of things yet to come, ever glimpsed a future where the key to their salvation stemmed from the duo of a mon-keigh and an Outcast." She turns her face to you and nods with gratitude. "Come along. Let us tear the Farseers' lives from the clutches of my insatiable cousins."
Nocturne of OblivionThe horned mask tilts, as the Harlequin observes the mon-keigh and the Outcast's conversation with interest, but he does not make a sound.
end of branch
YOU"I have not yet decided if I can trust this strange xenos."
Yrliet"An Arebennian would not lie about this! Or did you not hear the words of the dying Farseer?" Impatience burns in Yrliet's emerald eyes. "I hope your soul's doubts will be dispelled before we reach the spire. I am not asking you to rise to Nocturne's words, but to my request."
Nocturne of OblivionThe horned mask tilts, as the Harlequin observes the mon-keigh and the Outcast's conversation with interest, but he does not make a sound.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"After all the trouble xenos have caused me, you are still asking for my help?"
YrlietYrliet tenses her lithe frame in an attempt to hold back the shudder of despair that rocks through her. "I understand your doubts, elantach. I but ask you to consider my request... and to do it not for my kin, for the Arebennian, or for anyone else. But for me."
Nocturne of OblivionThe horned mask tilts, as the Harlequin observes the mon-keigh and the Outcast's conversation with interest, but he does not make a sound.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If what the Harlequin says is true, we will save whomever we can."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have not yet decided if I can trust this strange xenos."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"After all the trouble xenos have caused me, you are still asking for my help?"continues where this line first appears above
Jae"Here we go again! Trusting the pointy-eared ones and saving xenos! We don't learn from our mistakes, do we? Nah, of course not!" Jae's plaintive groan is directed more at herself than you.
YOU"Are these Aeldari truly that important to you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"If what the Harlequin says is true, we will save whomever we can."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have not yet decided if I can trust this strange xenos."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"After all the trouble xenos have caused me, you are still asking for my help?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Silently turn from Marazhai to the Harlequin]
Nocturne of OblivionNocturne of Oblivion watches the raging Drukhari with obvious amusement, but his interest barely lasts a moment.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. Just one more reason to finish off Yremeryss."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Silently turn from Marazhai to the Harlequin]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Wait... You brought the sorcerers to Commorragh yourself!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. Just one more reason to finish off Yremeryss."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Silently turn from Marazhai to the Harlequin]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you even interested in the fate of this dead Farseer and his fellows?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Aeldari] "What was he doing here? I presume he was a valuable prisoner."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you bring Ulfar here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How is all this connected to my escape?"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 13
NPC(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 5 of 13
NPCYremeryss acted recklessly when she decided to bring captive psykers back to Commorragh. The Webway is extremely sensitive to psychic powers and the psykers' presence could force the Dark City apart at the seams, opening gaping chasms to the warp. If the other Kabals knew about this audacious stunt...
YOU"What do you want from me? Why have you involved me in your plans?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you even interested in the fate of this dead Farseer and his fellows?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Aeldari] "What was he doing here? I presume he was a valuable prisoner."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you bring Ulfar here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How is all this connected to my escape?"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 6 of 13
NPCIt is clear that Yremeryss acted recklessly by taking such valuable prisoners and she risked starting a war with her xenos cousins.
YOU"What do you want from me? Why have you involved me in your plans?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you even interested in the fate of this dead Farseer and his fellows?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Aeldari] "What was he doing here? I presume he was a valuable prisoner."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you bring Ulfar here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How is all this connected to my escape?"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 7 of 13
Nocturne of OblivionThe Harlequin's mournful mask gives no sign of his intentions. Who knows what goes on in his head?
YOU"They are my instrument. Let them continue to serve me."
Nocturne of Oblivion"A drum or harp, or any instrument, Of maestro's eye it is the apple prized. I will ensure that yours sounds once again, From death I'll save your precious property."
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace — he is losing his mind and I fear I will not be able to save him on my own. He does not deserve to be abandoned in the Dark City."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace. He is losing his mind, and I will struggle to break out of here with such a burden."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my servants, the Shriekers, from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Save the Commissar and his people from the arena."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring the Commissar and his people from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my comrades who previously served the Commissar from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for helping me. The time has come to end this performance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I don't care about you, but I won't leave anyone in the clutches of these abominations. Not even xenos."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am tired of your deceit and manipulation. I will no longer be your tool."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now I know the path to freedom. I have no reason to help you. Get out of here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I have my own ideas about how this show should end!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"They are like me — simply actors. The show is not yet ended, which means their place is on stage with me."
Nocturne of Oblivion"What is a stage when actors do not tread? Naught but a pile of pointless wood, that's what! Before the culmination thunders past, Your friends will find a part to play, fear not, Your words I've heard, my Merchant Vagabond."
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace — he is losing his mind and I fear I will not be able to save him on my own. He does not deserve to be abandoned in the Dark City."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace. He is losing his mind, and I will struggle to break out of here with such a burden."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my servants, the Shriekers, from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Save the Commissar and his people from the arena."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring the Commissar and his people from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my comrades who previously served the Commissar from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for helping me. The time has come to end this performance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I don't care about you, but I won't leave anyone in the clutches of these abominations. Not even xenos."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am tired of your deceit and manipulation. I will no longer be your tool."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now I know the path to freedom. I have no reason to help you. Get out of here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I have my own ideas about how this show should end!"continues where this line first appears above
Nocturne of Oblivion"What is a stage when actors do not tread? Naught but a pile of pointless wood, that's what! Before the culmination thunders past, Your friends will find a part to play, fear not, Your words I've heard, my Merchant Vagabond."
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace — he is losing his mind and I fear I will not be able to save him on my own. He does not deserve to be abandoned in the Dark City."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace. He is losing his mind, and I will struggle to break out of here with such a burden."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my servants, the Shriekers, from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Save the Commissar and his people from the arena."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring the Commissar and his people from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my comrades who previously served the Commissar from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for helping me. The time has come to end this performance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I don't care about you, but I won't leave anyone in the clutches of these abominations. Not even xenos."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am tired of your deceit and manipulation. I will no longer be your tool."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now I know the path to freedom. I have no reason to help you. Get out of here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I have my own ideas about how this show should end!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"They are victims of the brutality that reigns over this place. I wish to save them from torment."
Nocturne of Oblivion"The picture of compassion, so you are, Remembering the weak and bare this way, Why not? I'll show my care for them as well, And guard them from Commorragh's horrors all."
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace — he is losing his mind and I fear I will not be able to save him on my own. He does not deserve to be abandoned in the Dark City."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace. He is losing his mind, and I will struggle to break out of here with such a burden."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my servants, the Shriekers, from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Save the Commissar and his people from the arena."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring the Commissar and his people from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my comrades who previously served the Commissar from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for helping me. The time has come to end this performance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I don't care about you, but I won't leave anyone in the clutches of these abominations. Not even xenos."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am tired of your deceit and manipulation. I will no longer be your tool."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now I know the path to freedom. I have no reason to help you. Get out of here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I have my own ideas about how this show should end!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forget about them."
Nocturne of Oblivion"No sooner said than done, offstage they go, Their fates do matter little to our show."
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace — he is losing his mind and I fear I will not be able to save him on my own. He does not deserve to be abandoned in the Dark City."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Take Achilleas to realspace. He is losing his mind, and I will struggle to break out of here with such a burden."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my servants, the Shriekers, from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Save the Commissar and his people from the arena."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring the Commissar and his people from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Bring my comrades who previously served the Commissar from the Chasm."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Thank you for helping me. The time has come to end this performance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I don't care about you, but I won't leave anyone in the clutches of these abominations. Not even xenos."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am tired of your deceit and manipulation. I will no longer be your tool."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Now I know the path to freedom. I have no reason to help you. Get out of here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack] "I have my own ideas about how this show should end!"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Yrliet"Be careful, elantach. Arebennian weigh each word with meticulous pedantry. If you do not take care, you will receive what you want, only turned inside out, like the fabric of the void without any stars."
end of branch
Marazhai"Watch your words. Arebennian love nothing more than interpreting words superficially, and not how they were intended."
end of branch
Cassia"Lord Captain, beware, the colours of this xenos are constantly changing. Where there was clarity one moment, there is mystery and darkness the next. Foulness sprouts where there was goodness and then everything is stirred up and turned upside down. I cannot bear to look at it. It is making me feel dizzy..."
end of branch
NPCSeveral encounters with the Harlequin have been enough to teach you that everything that is happening is merely one grand show or dance for him. It is pointless to converse with him like a typical xenos — he is a director, playwright, and actor all in one. All that interests him is that the performance comes off successfully.
end of branch
Entry point 8 of 13
NPCThe Harlequin said the words "laugh of jest unending" with reverence, as if it were a title or rank. You recall that Harlequins serve the Laughing God Cegorach. It seems the xenos is saying that it is at Cegorach's behest that he is attempting to save the Farseers.
YOU"What do you want from me? Why have you involved me in your plans?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you even interested in the fate of this dead Farseer and his fellows?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Aeldari] "What was he doing here? I presume he was a valuable prisoner."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you bring Ulfar here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How is all this connected to my escape?"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 9 of 13
NPC(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 10 of 13
HeinrixThe blow catches Heinrix off guard, and he gives you a stunned look before a razor-sharp blade slices through his face, cleaving his skull in two and severing the rest of his head. His decapitated body falls heavily at Marazhai's feet.
Marazhai"A fitting end." Marazhai snorts contemptuously and looks at you. "I am finished here. I trust we can move on to important matters: finding that ship the Arebennian kept babbling about and dealing with Yremeryss."
end of branch
Entry point 11 of 13
NPC(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 12 of 13
Nocturne of OblivionAlthough the Harlequin's mournful mask is absolutely still, you cannot shake the feeling that a nasty grin lurks behind it. This is a game, a test. You must choose your words carefully.
YOU"They are my instrument. Let them continue to serve me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"They are like me — simply actors. The show is not yet ended, which means their place is on stage with me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"They are victims of the brutality that reigns over this place. I wish to save them from torment."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Forget about them."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 13 of 13
Nocturne of OblivionThe slender figure of the Harlequin emerges from the shimmering haze. With the grace of one performing a sorrowful dance, he approaches the dying Aeldari nearby. "Your dance is now tableau, and I lament, The darkness in the eyes that saw the Path, I peer into those tunnels black and bleak, A gleam I seek, the one that points the way To your imprisoned kin in tempest's cage."
Ulfar"The accursed jester, back again. If you start weaving your webs of rotten claptrap again, I'll rip out your useless tongue!"
FarseerThe Farseer's voice is weak and tremulous from pain. It is strange that he is still capable of speech — his body has been horrifically maimed. The colours of his garb are familiar — the group of xenos you met on Janus wore the same. "At the top of the spire. They are all there. Help them, Arebennian. And help... me. Take me away from here, when it is all over... Soon."
MarazhaiAt the Farseer's words, Marazhai's face stiffens and he opens his mouth, but to no avail. The Drukhari appears to have lost the power of speech.
Nocturne of Oblivion"Disdain you not will I with a refusal, Your soul's refrain will I keep safe as well, But leave to me reality, Farseer, And dreams I'll give into your worthy hands." With a solemn strike, the Harlequin ends his kinsman's torment and carefully takes the spirit stone from his body. When the xenos turns to you, his hands are already empty — the stone is gone.
YOU"You led me into a trap! Is this your idea of a path to salvation?"
Nocturne of Oblivion"You blame the music for your graceless dance, But who here is the means, and who the goal? Of both together are sensations made. You'll have the outcome, I the path thereto."
NPC(sequence)
Nocturne of Oblivion"And yet the feast of waking nightmares draws Another pen into this narrative. The playwright's face remains a mystery, But message mine I hope will reach those ears: That nightmares suffer nightmares of their own, Where Nocturne of Oblivion resounds." The black gaze of the horned mask's eye hollows lingers on your face before the Harlequin continues his speech.
end of branch
Nocturne of OblivionThe Harlequin makes an exaggerated show of drawing back an imaginary curtain. The shadows beneath the black eye holes in his horned mask once again form a mocking smile. "The grand finale of this gory piece, Where perfidy and cunning reign supreme, Shall now unfold, my Merchant Vagabond."
YOU"What do you want from me? Why have you involved me in your plans?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you even interested in the fate of this dead Farseer and his fellows?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Aeldari] "What was he doing here? I presume he was a valuable prisoner."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you bring Ulfar here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How is all this connected to my escape?"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Idira"I don't know what's doing my head in more — my whispers or his damned metaphors. Why can't he just say, 'I saved your asses, now do this for me — whack these upstarts and get out while you can'?"
Jae"I'm surprised that anyone can understand a thing he says. I stopped listening after the first sentence — now I'm just waiting for the Lord Captain to decide on whatever it is."
end of branch
Pasqal"Even flesh-speak is more efficient than the speech patterns of this xenos. Hypothesis: the elucidator machine spirit has been affected by the pernicious influence of this place and is producing distorted output. I seek permission to conduct a technical survey."
Jae"I'm surprised that anyone can understand a thing he says. I stopped listening after the first sentence — now I'm just waiting for the Lord Captain to decide on whatever it is."
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
Eogunn"A bizarre tapestry of metaphors, yet containing a surprisingly deep meaning." Eogunn listens closely to the Harlequin's recital, counting off on his fingers in rhythm with the stressed syllables of the poem. "Iambic pentameter. An unexpected choice, yet pleasing to my auditory receptors."
Jae"I'm surprised that anyone can understand a thing he says. I stopped listening after the first sentence — now I'm just waiting for the Lord Captain to decide on whatever it is."
end of branch
Achilleas the WrackAchilleas's rasping snarl drowns out the Harlequin's last words. The beast looks around bloodthirstily, but there are no enemies left, and its interest in the xenos becomes more and more pronounced.
end of branch
YOU"My visit here was part of your plan? Everything has gone as you wanted it to?"
Nocturne of Oblivion"You may applaud my disappearing act The reaper's fatal steps I did conceal From eyes that dreams of blood so wildly craved. For unbeknownst to them, death merely moved Into another hall, in harmony With inmate's steps and night's own melody."
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Nocturne of OblivionThe Harlequin makes an exaggerated show of drawing back an imaginary curtain. The shadows beneath the black eye holes in his horned mask once again form a mocking smile. "The grand finale of this gory piece, Where perfidy and cunning reign supreme, Shall now unfold, my Merchant Vagabond."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You dragged me here to save this Farseer, is that it?"
Nocturne of Oblivion"You listen well, oh pathless wanderer, Night music's leitmotif you have discerned, And title virtuoso you have earned."
Nocturne of OblivionThe Harlequin makes an exaggerated show of drawing back an imaginary curtain. The shadows beneath the black eye holes in his horned mask once again form a mocking smile. "The grand finale of this gory piece, Where perfidy and cunning reign supreme, Shall now unfold, my Merchant Vagabond."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Yrliet"Cantraetal, who chose the Path of the Seer... Muaran told me he disappeared as soon as the cataclysm befell Crudarach. Does this mean my kin are being held captive at the top of the Reaving Tempest's spire? The truth is ready to reveal itself to me if I but stretch out my hand..." Sparks of impatience flicker in Yrliet's gaze. She wants to talk to you, but she will not interrupt your exchange with the Harlequin.
end of branch
CassiaCassia clutches her head at the sight of the Harlequin and scarlet blood starts trickling down her cheeks. "Your colours, xenos, are fractured and wrong, as if refracted through a distorted prism! What should be familiar is dispersed. And the bedazzling shades won't stop twisting madly..."
Nocturne of OblivionThe xenos, tilting his head to the side, looks at Cassia with curiosity. "So many things can three eyes glimpse at once: Sha'eil's veiled paths and caverns of the soul, But with a thousand sights you could not see The wrecks of fate beneath reality! Past's creaking waltz will twirl you round in halls of intertwining serendipity, But not just yet — the dance calls for a pair, Your partner is, for now, tied up with me."
Cassia"I... do not understand..."
Nocturne of Oblivion"Oh nectar sweet — your name is ignorance! Make sure to savour every drop before Your glass is drained by insight in a blink."
end of branch
Nocturne of Oblivion"Disdain you not will I with a refusal, Your soul's refrain will I keep safe as well, But leave to me reality, Farseer, And dreams I'll give into your worthy hands." With a solemn strike, the Harlequin ends his kinsman's torment and carefully takes the spirit stone from his body. When the xenos turns to you, his hands are already empty — the stone is gone.continues where this line first appears above
FarseerThe Farseer's voice is weak and tremulous from pain. It is strange that he is still capable of speech — his body has been horrifically maimed. The colours of his garb are familiar — the group of xenos you met on Janus wore the same. "At the top of the spire. They are all there. Help them, Arebennian. And help... me. Take me away from here, when it is all over... Soon."continues where this line first appears above