Marazhai"I will rip out your heart for Khaine to devour!"
end of branch
Entry point 2 of 9
Archon NazrakheiYou have heard many gruesome tales about the atrocities of the Drukhari, but the cruellest and vilest always involved Asdrubael Vect, the Archon of the Kabal of the Black Heart, the supreme overlord of Commorragh, and the most dangerous of all his dark kind.
YOU[Look at the Aeldari who interrupted the trial]
YOU[Recall what you know about Vect]
YOU"Damned xenos, I will burn all of you in this den of heresy, in the God-Emperor's name!"
NPCThe words almost fly from your lips when a sharp pain seizes your head in a vice-like grip. Blood and nausea roil inside your throat, and the world starts swaying before your eyes. It looks like the creature Marazhai shoved into your head is still suppressing your will with all its might, but you can already feel its approaching demise.
YOU[Look at the Aeldari who interrupted the trial]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Recall what you know about Vect]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Damned xenos, I will burn all of you in this den of heresy, in the God-Emperor's name!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Hey, Archon or whatever your name is. I shall soon be adding your mask to my collection of xeno-artefacts."
NPCThe words almost fly from your lips when a sharp pain seizes your head in a vice-like grip. Blood and nausea roil inside your throat, and the world starts swaying before your eyes. It looks like the creature Marazhai shoved into your head is still suppressing your will with all its might, but you can already feel its approaching demise.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Stop acting like I am not here!"
NPCThe words almost fly from your lips when a sharp pain seizes your head in a vice-like grip. Blood and nausea roil inside your throat, and the world starts swaying before your eyes. It looks like the creature Marazhai shoved into your head is still suppressing your will with all its might, but you can already feel its approaching demise.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]
Archon Nazrakhei"Marazhai Aezyrraesh, considering the circumstances..." The Archon looks around the room and rests his troubled gaze on the xenos in bright armour who interrupted him. "The council finds Archon Yremeryss guilty. The blade of your truth cut through the shadowy veil concealing her transgressions. However..." A glint of cruel mockery appears in his eyes. "How dare you insult the council with such a pathetic complaint? You should have ripped Yremeryss's heart out with your own hands and granted her soul to Vect if you wanted to atone for the mistakes of the Reaving Tempest."
Marazhai"I..." Marazhai's eyes widen, filled with astonishment and disbelief. He seems to have been certain of the outcome and did not expect what he is hearing now. His lips twist in an enraged snarl — hatred directed at the xenos on the throne — and yet it finds no outlet under the gazes of the dozens of Drukhari in the chamber.
Archon Nazrakhei"To contradict my decision is to contradict the decision of Vect himself, fool." Something in the xenos's tone makes your heart skip a beat. "Allow me to discipline you for your weakness. Today, the Dracon will lose his wings and plunge to the very bottom of the chasm — you will go to the arena to atone for your mistakes and impertinence alongside the rabble you have dragged to Commorragh. If you are a true Dracon, you will rise again. If you do not... your suffering will satiate the worthy."
Archon Nazrakhei"Lay down your weapons and follow the guards. I will let you keep what little dignity you have left. This is my final gift to you, Marazhai."
Archon NazrakheiThe Archon nods in satisfaction and makes an unfamiliar gesture. The guards draw closer to you. "Let us return to you, Yremeryss."
StrangerThe Harlequin's laughter interrupts the Archon and echoes under the vaults of the chamber in a resounding baritone: "And all the masks upon their marks now stand: The slave of vanity the spire ascends, The thief and traitor cast downward by her hand. Unbeknownst to all, their fate depends Upon a lead unseen, a player green." The Harlequin leans forward and eyes you with genuine interest.
Archon Nazrakhei"Is this how you treat the hospitality of Commorragh, Arebennian?" The Archon angrily balls his fist, the shadow of his wrath hanging over the Aeldari interloper like a thunder cloud. "I thought your words were worth more. You insult me by interrupting the trial again."
StrangerThe xenos sweeps into a theatrical bow without taking his eyes off Nazrakhei's face. "You, Archon, speak a just rebuke, in truth, Fate's melodies in snarls fantastic have Entrapped me here, and when I heard them play I could not keep my lips from grinning wide. Here comes the hour for shadows to retreat: To where the curtain waits to rise, the laugh With no beginning now sends forth the call."
end of branch
StrangerThe laughter of the masked xenos interrupts the Archon and echoes under the vaults of the chamber in a resounding baritone: "And all the masks upon their marks now stand: The slave of vanity the spire ascends, The thief and traitor cast downward by her hand. Unbeknownst to all, their fate depends Upon a lead unseen, a player green." The xenos leans forward and eyes you with genuine interest. The mask hides his narrow face, and his motley garb shimmers in the dim light.
Archon Nazrakhei"Is this how you treat the hospitality of Commorragh, Arebennian?" The Archon angrily balls his fist, the shadow of his wrath hanging over the Aeldari interloper like a thunder cloud. "I thought your words were worth more. You insult me by interrupting the trial again."continues where this line first appears above
Archon NazrakheiThe Archon addresses the female Drukhari standing beside him, his eyes alight with mockery — not directed at her, however, for he is still looking at Marazhai. "How does the Archon intend to pay for her Kabal's blatant disrespect? I am waiting for your reply, Yremeryss, and my patience is growing thinner with each breath you take."
Marazhai"I..." Marazhai's eyes widen, filled with astonishment and disbelief. He seems to have been certain of the outcome and did not expect what he is hearing now. His lips twist in an enraged snarl — hatred directed at the xenos on the throne — and yet it finds no outlet under the gazes of the dozens of Drukhari in the chamber.
Yremeryss"I humbly bow before the Council of Archons and apologise for this... outburst on behalf of the Kabal. Allow me to prove my respect to you with a humble gift." Yremeryss points at you with a clawed finger and flashes a satisfied grin. "The Dracon of the Kabal of the Reaving Tempest himself and his amusing mon-keigh plaything with their entourage of hapless freaks will enter your arenas and fight the best warriors for the crowd's amusement."
Archon NazrakheiA muffled chuckle can be heard from under Nazrakhei's mask. "Commorragh accepts your gift, Yremeryss. But what should I do, for Marazhai is the first among your blades? Should I cast him out of the palace and condemn to disgrace? Or should I be merciful and allow him to leave the chamber on his own?" The Archon's chilling gaze falls upon you. "I think I know who will make this difficult decision. A creature whose mewling the Council of Archons was meant to heed. Is this not right, Marazhai? You will receive what you have been longing for — it will be the mon-keigh who decides your fate."
MarazhaiMarazhai's face contorts in despair. His gaze shifts from the Archon to you, then to Yremeryss and back, but he does not dare to utter an objection.
YOU"Beat him half to death and throw him out like rubbish!"
Archon Nazrakhei"The mon-keigh has decided your fate, Marazhai. Let this be a lesson to you."
MarazhaiWith a hiss of rage, Marazhai draws his blades, preparing to fight back.
Archon NazrakheiThe Archon nods in satisfaction and makes an unfamiliar gesture. The guards draw closer to you. "Let us return to you, Yremeryss."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Marazhai was a worthy opponent. Let him go to the arena himself."
Marazhai"Silence, mon-keigh! You can choke on your pity, I have no need of it!"
Archon Nazrakhei"The mon-keigh has chosen your fate, Marazhai. Let this be a lesson to you. Lay down your weapon, follow the guards, and may the pity of a lesser being serve as a mark of disgrace far worse than the wrath of the Archons. Go!"
Archon NazrakheiThe Archon nods in satisfaction and makes an unfamiliar gesture. The guards draw closer to you. "Let us return to you, Yremeryss."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"To the void with you, xenoscum. I will not be a part of your games."
Archon Nazrakhei"The lesser races are disgustingly primitive." The Archon of the Kabal of the Black Heart addresses Marazhai, ignoring your words. "The mon-keigh cannot even decide the fate of its enemy, and you were hoping that someone here would lend an ear to its words? Amusing. The arenas of Commorragh will devour you and your playthings."
MarazhaiWith a hiss of rage, Marazhai draws his blades, preparing to fight back.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Listen and remember, in the Emperor's name, I will end you all!"
Archon Nazrakhei"The lesser races are disgustingly primitive." The Archon of the Kabal of the Black Heart addresses Marazhai, ignoring your words. "The mon-keigh cannot even decide the fate of its enemy, and you were hoping that someone here would lend an ear to its words? Amusing. The arenas of Commorragh will devour you and your playthings."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Spit in disgust]
Archon Nazrakhei"The lesser races are disgustingly primitive." The Archon of the Kabal of the Black Heart addresses Marazhai, ignoring your words. "The mon-keigh cannot even decide the fate of its enemy, and you were hoping that someone here would lend an ear to its words? Amusing. The arenas of Commorragh will devour you and your playthings."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Say nothing]
Archon Nazrakhei"The lesser races are disgustingly primitive." The Archon of the Kabal of the Black Heart addresses Marazhai, ignoring your words. "The mon-keigh cannot even decide the fate of its enemy, and you were hoping that someone here would lend an ear to its words? Amusing. The arenas of Commorragh will devour you and your playthings."continues where this line first appears above
Archon Nazrakhei"It has been a long time since the Obsidian Court last saw such an... entertaining spectacle as this. The accusations flung at Archon Yremeryss may be serious... but I see no reason to attempt to delve into their substance." The Drukhari on the throne looks at Marazhai with a hungry leer, clearly waiting for his reaction.
Marazhai"I..." Marazhai's eyes widen, filled with astonishment and disbelief. He seems to have been certain of the outcome and did not expect what he is hearing now. His lips twist in an enraged snarl — hatred directed at the xenos on the throne — and yet it finds no outlet under the gazes of the dozens of Drukhari in the chamber.
Archon Nazrakhei"The arena will make you answer for this insult to the court. The arena will strip you of your titles and your skin, and the contenders' blows will break your bones and your pride. Nothing but blood and suffering will wash away the shame the Dracon has brought upon himself this day!"
MarazhaiWith a hiss of rage, Marazhai draws his blades, preparing to fight back.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Hey, Archon or whatever your name is. I shall soon be adding your mask to my collection of xeno-artefacts."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Stop acting like I am not here!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 9
Archon NazrakheiJudging by the Archon's reaction, this is a prominent figure in the Drukhari hierarchy, but memory fails you — you are not familiar with a xenos by that name.
YOU[Look at the Aeldari who interrupted the trial]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Recall what you know about Vect]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Damned xenos, I will burn all of you in this den of heresy, in the God-Emperor's name!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Hey, Archon or whatever your name is. I shall soon be adding your mask to my collection of xeno-artefacts."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Stop acting like I am not here!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 9
YremeryssThe xenos is wearing armour encrusted with jewels and stands calmly next to the speaker. Such behaviour is typical of the xenos occupying the higher tiers of the Drukhari hierarchy, which means you are facing one of the Archons.
YOU[Look at the Drukhari upon the throne]
NPCOne half of his face is hidden behind a golden mask with an intimidating visage, the other half is showing a malicious, sharp-toothed leer. The xenos's elaborate armour is decorated with skulls and patches of human skin impaled on countless blades and hooks. He carries himself with authority and ease, as though he is a ruler who holds the threads of fate of all those present tightly in his grasp.
YOU[Look at the Drukhari upon the throne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the female Drukhari]
YOU[Look at Marazhai]
MarazhaiA triumphant grin erupts on Marazhai's face, but the xenos remains surprisingly composed and does not dare to interrupt the unknown speaker.
YOU[Look at the Drukhari upon the throne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the female Drukhari]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Marazhai]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Achilleas]
Achilleas ScalanderAchilleas remains indifferent to what is going on. It is as though he does not notice the terrifying decor of the hall, or the wounds on his tortured body, or the enemies surrounding you. His clouded gaze seeks out Marazhai over and over, and, failing to find any response there, it roves from one face to another.
YOU[Look at the Drukhari upon the throne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the female Drukhari]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Marazhai]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Achilleas]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Yrliet]
YrlietYrliet absorbs every word, occasionally wincing in pain and covering her weeping wounds. Her posture and gestures are full of tension — like prey cornered by a pack of predators, Yrliet shrinks under the hungry stares of those around her.
YOU[Look at the Drukhari upon the throne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the female Drukhari]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Marazhai]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Achilleas]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Yrliet]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]
Marazhai"With the greatest respect, mighty Nazrakhei, Archon of the Kabal of the Black Heart, First Among the Chosen, Voice of the Overlord of the Dark City, Bringer of Demise, Conqueror of a Hundred Worlds—"
Archon NazrakheiNazrakhei dismisses Marazhai like a bothersome fly. "The Council of Archons has heard enough platitudes, Dracon Marazhai, and no longer wishes to—"
Stranger"Of vitriol verbose the cut and thrust Keep time with fate's own machinations grave, But whose deft footwork leads to naught but dust? While from its brutal finish none can save This play, the Puppet Master granted me Through murky stalls a path obligingly."
Archon Nazrakhei"The Puppet Master? Has... has Vect himself invited you to this chamber?" The Archon chokes on his own words but quickly regains his composure. "No matter. You may be our guest, Arebennian, but you are merely a spectator in this performance. And spectators do not belong on the stage, as you undoubtedly know. Do not interfere."
StrangerThe stranger presses a delicate finger to the lips of his sorrowful mask and says with a twinkle in his eye, "A shadow in the shadows will I be."
YOU[Look at the Aeldari who interrupted the trial]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Recall what you know about Vect]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Damned xenos, I will burn all of you in this den of heresy, in the God-Emperor's name!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Hey, Archon or whatever your name is. I shall soon be adding your mask to my collection of xeno-artefacts."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Stop acting like I am not here!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Yrliet]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above
MarazhaiThe smug grin has fled Marazhai's face. He clutches the hilt of his blade and casts a vicious look at the female Drukhari in sumptuous armour.
YOU[Look at the Drukhari upon the throne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the female Drukhari]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Marazhai]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Achilleas]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Yrliet]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above
MarazhaiThere is genuine terror in Marazhai's gaze, but his face remains impassive and calm. At one point he catches your eye, and you can clearly see he is lusting for blood. Your blood.
YOU[Look at the Drukhari upon the throne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the female Drukhari]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Marazhai]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Achilleas]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Yrliet]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Achilleas]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Yrliet]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the female Drukhari]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Marazhai]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Achilleas]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Yrliet]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 9
YremeryssThe xenos looks menacing. Perhaps she is the personal guard of the Drukhari sitting on the throne.
YOU[Look at the Drukhari upon the throne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the female Drukhari]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Marazhai]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Achilleas]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Yrliet]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 6 of 9
StrangerThe bright motley, the holo-suit, the mask hiding its owner's face, and the graceful, subtle movements... Before you stands a Harlequin, another representative of the multifaceted Aeldari race. The xenos catches your eye and nods. For a moment, the play of shadows on the mask appears to twist its expression into a mischievous grin.
YOU[Look at the Aeldari who interrupted the trial]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Recall what you know about Vect]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Damned xenos, I will burn all of you in this den of heresy, in the God-Emperor's name!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Hey, Archon or whatever your name is. I shall soon be adding your mask to my collection of xeno-artefacts."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Stop acting like I am not here!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 7 of 9
StrangerThe smooth, subtle movements of this xenos are unlike the rough lunges of the Drukhari or the cautious gestures of the Children of Asuryan, but your aching head and the lingering fugue prevent you from focusing your eyes on the daring soul who interrupted the Archon. The xenos catches your eye and nods. For a moment, the play of shadows on the mask appears to twist its expression into a mischievous grin.
YOU[Look at the Aeldari who interrupted the trial]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Recall what you know about Vect]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Damned xenos, I will burn all of you in this den of heresy, in the God-Emperor's name!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Hey, Archon or whatever your name is. I shall soon be adding your mask to my collection of xeno-artefacts."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Stop acting like I am not here!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 8 of 9
NPC(no text)
Archon Nazrakhei(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 9 of 9
NPCAfter the spell is lifted, staggering pain pierces your body. Darkness clouds your vision and nausea creeps up your throat, but the wounds you managed to forget soon remind you that you are still alive.
NPC"Marazhai Aezyrraesh. Dracon of the Kabal of the Reaving Tempest. First Blade to Lady Yremeryss. Eviscerator of Illiridos, Blaze of the Barkhag Kingdom, and Slayer of Carrocius the Pale..." The commanding inhuman voice tears you from the vice of agony, and you see the silhouette of a Drukhari whose very presence makes your innards clench. "...how dare you come before the council of Archons of the Dark City with this... lesser creature?"
YOU[Look at the Drukhari upon the throne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the female Drukhari]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Marazhai]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Achilleas]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Yrliet]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above
Archon Nazrakhei"The weakness of your subjects is an insult to the Council of Archons and the supreme overlord of Commorragh himself, Yremeryss." The commanding, inhuman voice tears you from the vice of agony, and you see an unknown Drukhari in the centre of the chamber whose presence alone causes your insides to clench. "Instead of fighting and ripping what they are owed from destiny's hands by force, they dare to crawl into the Dark Palace, begging for favours!"
YOU[Look at the Drukhari upon the throne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the female Drukhari]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Marazhai]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Achilleas]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Yrliet]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above
Archon NazrakheiMuffled clapping tears you from the vice of agony. The Drukhari in the centre of the chamber observes you coldly from under the golden mask, causing your insides to clench. "A Dracon of the Kabal of the Reaving Tempest has been cast down by his own ineptitude in an attempt to take part in thyllian ai-kelethril. Never did I think that my eyes were destined to behold the greatest disgrace for a Dark One, a trueborn humbled by a lowly creature before the Council of Archons."
YOU[Look at the Drukhari upon the throne]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the female Drukhari]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Marazhai]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Achilleas]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at Yrliet]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Listen to the conversation]continues where this line first appears above