NPCSomething strange has occurred to the two women's augmetics — it is as if they have begun to grow inside their flesh, spreading webs of metal around them.
AxiomanthaSuddenly something clicks inside the body of one of the Omnissiah's servants. Her eyes open wide. A cramp runs through her thin lips. Her lips twist in an arch. A single word escapes them: "Yoke!"
YOU"She is still alive! Call the medicae!"
Axiomantha"Reconstruction... impossible." The woman's whisper is barely audible, but the weak voice that is coming from her pale lips still sounds more alive than the mechanical hiss of a vox.
Axiomantha"The shelter has fallen. The Maimed Hunter... comes. Cessation of vital functions inevitable." Her eyes momentarily roll back, but then a metallic chirr inside her chest brings her back to consciousness.
YOU[Inspect the Tech-Priest's wounds]
YOU"Who are you?"
Axiomantha"Magos... Axiomantha Haneumann. That is my identifier."
YOU"You are not the first servant of the Omnissiah I have met who goes by that name."
AxiomanthaThe Tech-Priest responds with a faint and enigmatic smile. "You have found yourself at the centre of a tangle of paradoxicality."
YOU"You are not the first servant of the Omnissiah I have met who goes by that name."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You spoke of a shelter and a Maimed Hunter. What did you mean by it?"
Axiomantha"This place was a shelter. The Lord Inquisitor hid me here... and not only me." A high-pitched groan of pain interrupts her words. "The Maimed Hunter... A figure of termination, an unknown variable. Amarnat's nemesis. I never met them, but I inferred their existence based on statistical evidence and logical conclusions. The portents of entropy foretell that the Hunter is near."
YOU"You are not the first servant of the Omnissiah I have met who goes by that name."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You spoke of a shelter and a Maimed Hunter. What did you mean by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, permission to commence the interrogation procedure granted."
PasqalPasqal switches to rapid binharic trills, but Axiomantha merely shakes her head. Pasqal demands loudly: "Our identifiers are identical. State the reason for the duplication."
AxiomanthaShe closes her eyes and whispers almost deliriously, "A portent left by the Messiah. A cog pattern in which the righteous may see the Deus Mechanicus."
PasqalAfter this less than coherent response, Pasqal continues sharply, "I seek Archmagos Amarnat. Where is he?"
Axiomantha"The Messiah of Discontinuing was revoked."
PasqalPasqal says nothing for a while, then enquires thoughtfully: "The Maimed Hunter. What are the unit's status and parameters?"
Axiomantha"Coming. Concealed. Proceed with caution, for the Hunter too sees the Messiah's signs."
YOU"You are not the first servant of the Omnissiah I have met who goes by that name."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You spoke of a shelter and a Maimed Hunter. What did you mean by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, permission to commence the interrogation procedure granted."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, what have you learned from your... conversation?"
Pasqal"The unit lacks clear answers. Her cognitive abilities have been damaged, but analytical data suggests a... higher validity to our identifiers being an exact match. It is not a consequence of malicious falsification. It is more akin to an act of purposeful direction."
Pasqal"Estimated level of threat to Archmagos Amarnat increased. The unit identified as the Maimed Hunter is now regarded as the most probable source of danger."
YOU"You are not the first servant of the Omnissiah I have met who goes by that name."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You spoke of a shelter and a Maimed Hunter. What did you mean by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, permission to commence the interrogation procedure granted."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, what have you learned from your... conversation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can you speak more plainly?"
Axiomantha"Are my words obscure? That is regrettable. Processing becomes difficult when you only have one half of your mind. Certain notions, data, and logical instruments were left... in the less functional part of me."
YOU"You are not the first servant of the Omnissiah I have met who goes by that name."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You spoke of a shelter and a Maimed Hunter. What did you mean by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, permission to commence the interrogation procedure granted."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, what have you learned from your... conversation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can you speak more plainly?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you know about Amarnat?"
Axiomantha"I was... a disciple of the Messiah of Discontinuing. When he was laid low, I found myself here. I hid from my reckoning. I reached out to the Omnissiah's wisdom as I pondered and considered. Logic revealed much to me even here, in my prison."
YOU"You are not the first servant of the Omnissiah I have met who goes by that name."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You spoke of a shelter and a Maimed Hunter. What did you mean by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, permission to commence the interrogation procedure granted."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, what have you learned from your... conversation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can you speak more plainly?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you know about Amarnat?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Tech-Priest] "Was she your sister?"
Axiomantha"She was me. A phenomenon of flesh divided me into two identical bodies at birth. The Omnissiah's wisdom let me overcome this physiological flaw by braiding the separated mind. I was the first unificate in the Fleet."
Axiomantha"Now this half of me is dead. The rest of my mind... is fading. The sympathetic principle is insurmountable." The Tech-Priest closes her eyes and starts whispering something incomprehensible, sinking deeper into the depths of oblivion.
YOU"You are not the first servant of the Omnissiah I have met who goes by that name."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You spoke of a shelter and a Maimed Hunter. What did you mean by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, permission to commence the interrogation procedure granted."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, what have you learned from your... conversation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can you speak more plainly?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you know about Amarnat?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Tech-Priest] "Was she your sister?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough about you."
Axiomantha"If you wish to know more, then hurry. The turning of the cog will soon cease."
YOU[Inspect the Tech-Priest's wounds]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to you?"
AxiomanthaA pained shadow falls across her face. "The chapel was attacked. The preservation protocol commanded me to hide within the inner artefactorium and block all outside access to it. Prolonged presence in close proximity to the object was prohibited by the algorithm, but the preservation protocol had a higher priority. The object... affected me. I resisted. Resistance led to structural change."
YOU"What object?"
Axiomantha"The Yoke. The weapon we forged at the Lord Inquisitor's command. The destroyer of worlds."
YOU"What object?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need more details. How does it work? What is this Yoke?"
Axiomantha"An enigma. The project was kept secret from everyone, including the smiths. We forged fragments of it... It was a tool for controlling energies of staggering power, and it was not the Omnissiah's blessed gifts that served as its foundation. It was forbidden knowledge, knowledge that we comprehended."
YOU"What object?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need more details. How does it work? What is this Yoke?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else do you know about this weapon? How did Calcazar learn of it? Against whom does he intend to use it?"
Axiomantha"Against... anyone. Its power is absolute. The first experiments with this tech-relic were calamitous. The tech-blight... is merely its echo. Its potential is so much greater." She stops, as if frightened by her own words. "It never should have fallen into the hands of the laity, but the Lord Inquisitor stole it. Its secret was procured beyond the dimensional gate, beneath the dark stars, and passed over to Amarnat. Calcazar destroyed the Messiah of Discontinuing and robbed him. And claimed the secret for himself."
Axiomantha"He knew." The woman points her finger at Thorbald's body. "He was there."
YOU"What object?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need more details. How does it work? What is this Yoke?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else do you know about this weapon? How did Calcazar learn of it? Against whom does he intend to use it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How exactly did the object affect you?"
Axiomantha"A difficult thing to explain... to a layman/laywoman. Metamorphosis phenomena occur in the object's vicinity. Sacred technology and even ordinary plasteel start to behave... wilfully. Shifting, restructuring, and altering their fundamental attributes."
Axiomantha"Imagine yourself gazing upon a surface of water that was disturbed by a stone an era ago, but the ripples never stop coming. That is what it felt like. The object propagated echoes of change."
YOU"What object?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need more details. How does it work? What is this Yoke?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else do you know about this weapon? How did Calcazar learn of it? Against whom does he intend to use it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How exactly did the object affect you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you revealing Calcazar's secrets to me?"
Axiomantha"I was never his servant. I was forced to serve. When our circle was broken, he offered me a choice: submit or die. He threatened to kill half of me if I refused to forge for him. He needed Archmagos Amarnat's knowledge, and I had it. I saw no sense in resisting."
YOU"What object?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need more details. How does it work? What is this Yoke?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else do you know about this weapon? How did Calcazar learn of it? Against whom does he intend to use it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How exactly did the object affect you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you revealing Calcazar's secrets to me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I doubt I can learn more from you."
Axiomantha"It's difficult... to process... Have I fulfilled my duty to the Omnissiah? May I rest now?" She looks through you as though she can no longer see you.
YOU[Inspect the Tech-Priest's wounds]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are in need of help."
Axiomantha"Attempts to slow down the degradation process are irrational, for they only prolong my suffering. I wish to cease to be." Her eyes close.
Axiomantha"Brother... Take my thoughts. I kept them. Keep them now." Her final words are a faint whisper.
Pasqal"Knowledge will not fall into oblivion." Taking great care not to ruin the Tech-Priest's features, Pasqal reverently extracts the neural cogitator from her skull, then does the same to her sister. "The Quest for Knowledge is the Omnissiah's mission to us."
YOU"Thorbald, did you understand what is happening here?"
Thorbald Ironhide"Something foul. The Inquisitor seeks to use us to obtain a mighty weapon. And that he kept this design even from us, the Allfather's warriors, sows suspicion in my heart. Does he keep his lips sealed because he knows that we won't support his game? Does the worm of treason lurk within his mind?"
YOU"Thorbald, did you understand what is happening here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Uralon, I demand an explanation. What is really going on here?"
Uralon the Cruel"Intertwining probabilities that will give rise to a new era. The Inquisitor has used you to obtain a weapon with the power to obliterate entire worlds. Or rather a part of that weapon. He knew he was crossing the line, so he concealed his plan even from his allies: both you and the pups who called themselves Wolves. You should follow and track him, champion. The Inquisitor will likely attempt to complete the weapon and that will be the true moment of your triumph. For, when it is completed, you are going to take it."
YOU"Thorbald, did you understand what is happening here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Uralon, I demand an explanation. What is really going on here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Send a vox-cast to the ship] "Stop the loading. I will inspect the trophies personally."
NPCAll you hear in response is wheezing static.
Uralon the Cruel"You are wasting your effort, champion. The Inquisitor's minions have jammed the vox-transmitters. By the time you reach the surface, his people will have slipped away with the Yoke. But worry not, for this is an outcome the Edge of Daybreak has already told you about. It will be the beginning of your ascent, not an impediment."
YOU"Thorbald, did you understand what is happening here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Uralon, I demand an explanation. What is really going on here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Send a vox-cast to the ship] "Stop the loading. I will inspect the trophies personally."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am returning to Footfall. I have questions for the Lord Inquisitor."
Uralon the Cruel"Go forth, champion. May the Truth guide you."
end of branch
Thorbald Ironhide"May the winds of the warp drive your drekkar swiftly, Rogue Trader! And may the truth not escape your grip."
end of branch
YOU"The Lord Inquisitor will answer for daring to manipulate me. I will chase him down on Footfall."
Uralon the Cruel"Go forth, champion. May the Truth guide you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Honour the fallen Tech-Priests] "May the Deus Mechanicus accept their souls."
Thorbald Ironhide"May the Wolf That Stalks Between Stars keep their departed souls."
end of branch
Thorbald Ironhide"Aishara, that conniving spittle, she silenced our vox-voices." Thorbald tries to revive his caster to no avail. "By the time we get back to the surface, the Inquisitor's mutts will be gone with their prize."
YOU"Thorbald, did you understand what is happening here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Uralon, I demand an explanation. What is really going on here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Send a vox-cast to the ship] "Stop the loading. I will inspect the trophies personally."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am returning to Footfall. I have questions for the Lord Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Lord Inquisitor will answer for daring to manipulate me. I will chase him down on Footfall."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Honour the fallen Tech-Priests] "May the Deus Mechanicus accept their souls."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am returning to Footfall. I have questions for the Lord Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Lord Inquisitor will answer for daring to manipulate me. I will chase him down on Footfall."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Honour the fallen Tech-Priests] "May the Deus Mechanicus accept their souls."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Send a vox-cast to the ship] "Stop the loading. I will inspect the trophies personally."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am returning to Footfall. I have questions for the Lord Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Lord Inquisitor will answer for daring to manipulate me. I will chase him down on Footfall."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Honour the fallen Tech-Priests] "May the Deus Mechanicus accept their souls."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Uralon, I demand an explanation. What is really going on here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Send a vox-cast to the ship] "Stop the loading. I will inspect the trophies personally."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am returning to Footfall. I have questions for the Lord Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Lord Inquisitor will answer for daring to manipulate me. I will chase him down on Footfall."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Honour the fallen Tech-Priests] "May the Deus Mechanicus accept their souls."continues where this line first appears above
Axiomantha"Attempts to slow down the degradation process are irrational, for they only prolong my suffering. I wish to cease to be." Her eyes close.
YOU"Thorbald, did you understand what is happening here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Uralon, I demand an explanation. What is really going on here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Send a vox-cast to the ship] "Stop the loading. I will inspect the trophies personally."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am returning to Footfall. I have questions for the Lord Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Lord Inquisitor will answer for daring to manipulate me. I will chase him down on Footfall."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Honour the fallen Tech-Priests] "May the Deus Mechanicus accept their souls."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
HeinrixClicks are heard in the ensuing silence. For a while now, Heinrix has been trying to bring his vox-transmitter back to life — to no avail, judging by the twist to his mouth.
end of branch
Abelard"The warp take me, what kind of ordeal has the Lord Inquisitor really dragged you into?" Abelard shakes his head. "Never mind. But what am I talking about? Calcazar's links to House von Valancius obviously go back to your predecessor's time. There is no telling what other secrets Lady Theodora took with her..."
end of branch
NPC"The Yoke... Such a primitive name. And yet what has been said of it piques my curiosity. A secret weapon based on forbidden knowledge and forged by the joint efforts of dozens or even hundreds of people left in ignorance..." Trazyn hums contentedly. "You should find this thing — I'd like to take a closer look at it."
end of branch
NPC(sequence)
Pasqal"You betrayed him too."
Axiomantha"Yes." Her agreement comes easily, with a weak smile. "Ethics are an insubstantial construct of emotion. I acted logically. I continued to comprehend rather than terminate my vital functions."
end of branch
Eogunn"You have chosen life." Eogunn nods. "Knowledge is but a meagre toll for the chance to pursue your works."
Axiomantha"True." The Tech-Priest smiles weakly. "I found this concept to be the most rational."
end of branch
YOU"I doubt I can learn more from you."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Pasqal"Her True Flesh has betrayed her and become a heavy burden of metal within her body, something that is not of the Omnissiah's design. Something devoid of function." Pasqal speaks the last words with audible disgust and sorrow.
end of branch
YOU"Why are you revealing Calcazar's secrets to me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I doubt I can learn more from you."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
PasqalPasqal spews an angry tirade in binharic and glares at the fallen Angel of the Emperor. "Why is it that even the most capable of laypeople can never be reliable sources of information?"
end of branch
Axiomantha"He knows." She points at Thorbald. "He was there."
Thorbald IronhideThorbald glances at you in shame. "She speaks no lies. The first task the Inquisitor gave us in the Expanse was to destroy a cult of tech-heretics. The deed was done. This Amarnat, was he a good priest? Did Calcazar drag us into something foul?"
YOU"Why did Calcazar need you to do it?"
Thorbald Ironhide"At first he tried to do everything swiftly and quietly, but his agents and the cog-priests loyal to him failed to capture the leader of the tech-heretics. That's when he realised he needed indestructible warriors. He needed us. The cog-kaerls were powerless against the Wolves' might, and we brought carnage to the Explorators' ships and worlds."
YOU"Why did Calcazar need you to do it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ulfar, why did you keep quiet about this?"
UlfarUlfar mutters, his expression as dark as a storm cloud, "It was not my concern, only another's will. And it was the Chapter's business. I have already told you more about the Wolves than many of my brothers would have said in my place."
YOU"I did not expect this from you, Ulfar. You have betrayed my trust."
UlfarA violent roar erupts from Ulfar's throat as his face turns red. "What can you know of what it's like for a warrior of the Allfather to be among mortals? You are my battle comrades, you're almost a pack to me! But you do not carry Russ's blessing, you are not of my blood! You think I enjoy keeping my mouth shut about the Wolves' secrets? You think I come from secretive schemers whose thoughts crawl and slither like vipers? It disgusts me!"
Ulfar"Truly a Wolf's place is among the Wolves!" Ulfar grinds his teeth, no longer hiding his shame and anger.
YOU"Why did Calcazar need you to do it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ulfar, why did you keep quiet about this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else do you Wolves know about Amarnat?"
Thorbald IronhideThorbald throws up his hands. "Nothing, I swear on my honour. He disappeared, and so did his ship. There is no blood of his upon our hands."
YOU"Why did Calcazar need you to do it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ulfar, why did you keep quiet about this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else do you Wolves know about Amarnat?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what do you know about this secret weapon?"
Thorbald Ironhide"I never even knew there was a weapon! I was told of traitors, and I tracked them down! I claimed no trophies, I had no part in any dark intrigues! You think I would have wished that sneaky, scheming viper to get his hands on something so powerful? I wouldn't even trust him with my axe!"
YOU"Why did Calcazar need you to do it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ulfar, why did you keep quiet about this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else do you Wolves know about Amarnat?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what do you know about this secret weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is not my place to judge you. You were following orders."
Thorbald IronhideThorbald frowns and says in a hollow voice, "And yet doubts smother my heart. Did we sully our Chapter's honour with deeds done for a dishonourable end?"
YOU"What object?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need more details. How does it work? What is this Yoke?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else do you know about this weapon? How did Calcazar learn of it? Against whom does he intend to use it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How exactly did the object affect you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you revealing Calcazar's secrets to me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I doubt I can learn more from you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were wrong to obey Calcazar. He used you to commit a dark deed."
Thorbald Ironhide"My instinct tells me as much." Thorbald grits his teeth, his face growing grim until it resembles an emotionless stone statue depicting an ancient deity of storms and thunder.
YOU"What object?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need more details. How does it work? What is this Yoke?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else do you know about this weapon? How did Calcazar learn of it? Against whom does he intend to use it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How exactly did the object affect you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you revealing Calcazar's secrets to me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I doubt I can learn more from you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is not my place to judge you. You were following orders."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were wrong to obey Calcazar. He used you to commit a dark deed."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what do you know about this secret weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is not my place to judge you. You were following orders."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were wrong to obey Calcazar. He used you to commit a dark deed."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
PasqalPasqal utters coldly, "Unit Ulfar claims that he was a tool in another's hands. This statement has been archived. Then let every tool be treated as befits its function."
UlfarUlfar responds quietly and sullenly, "You are a worthy ally. I never meant you or your brethren harm, cog-priest."
Pasqal"As. Befits. Its. Function."
end of branch
YOU"I have no right to judge you. But Pasqal does."
PasqalPasqal utters coldly, "Unit Ulfar claims that he was a tool in another's hands. This statement has been archived. Then let every tool be treated as befits its function."
UlfarUlfar responds quietly and sullenly, "You are a worthy ally. I never meant you or your brethren harm, cog-priest."
Pasqal"As. Befits. Its. Function."
YOU"Why did Calcazar need you to do it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ulfar, why did you keep quiet about this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else do you Wolves know about Amarnat?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what do you know about this secret weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is not my place to judge you. You were following orders."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were wrong to obey Calcazar. He used you to commit a dark deed."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I respect your oaths and do not think less of you."
Ulfar"Thank you." Ulfar looks away, and you can just make out the string of Fenrisian curses he utters. You can surmise who their intended addressee is.
YOU"Why did Calcazar need you to do it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ulfar, why did you keep quiet about this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else do you Wolves know about Amarnat?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what do you know about this secret weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is not my place to judge you. You were following orders."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were wrong to obey Calcazar. He used you to commit a dark deed."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I understand, Space Wolf Ulfar."
NPC"Understand? You understand nothing!"
UlfarA violent roar erupts from Ulfar's throat as his face turns red. "What can you know of what it's like for a warrior of the Allfather to be among mortals? You are my battle comrades, you're almost a pack to me! But you do not carry Russ's blessing, you are not of my blood! You think I enjoy keeping my mouth shut about the Wolves' secrets? You think I come from secretive schemers whose thoughts crawl and slither like vipers? It disgusts me!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else do you Wolves know about Amarnat?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what do you know about this secret weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is not my place to judge you. You were following orders."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were wrong to obey Calcazar. He used you to commit a dark deed."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Ulfar, why did you keep quiet about this?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else do you Wolves know about Amarnat?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And what do you know about this secret weapon?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is not my place to judge you. You were following orders."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You were wrong to obey Calcazar. He used you to commit a dark deed."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
UlfarUlfar looks away and rumbles heavily, "I was there too. I fought those judged by Calcazar."
end of branch
PasqalPasqal's vox sounds as if a hot metal string just snapped inside: "This unit is waiting for an explanation."
end of branch
YOU"How exactly did the object affect you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you revealing Calcazar's secrets to me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I doubt I can learn more from you."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Pasqal"Registering blasph—"
Axiomantha"We were continuing the work of our mentor, Archmagos Amarnat. It was his wisdom that made our toils possible." Axiomantha's words render Pasqal speechless.
end of branch
HeinrixHeinrix shakes his head in amazement. "A yoke? A means of restraint... It sounds like a project on a grand, planetary scale — and this is the first I'm hearing of it. Perhaps there was a hidden purpose to my assignment besides combatting the cult and accompanying you, [Name]. But why?"
end of branch
EogunnAstounded, Eogunn turns rigid, letting his hands drop helplessly. "This means that the laboratory on Amsanct is not the only one? The Inquisition was running a project unsanctioned by the priesthood of the Adeptus Mechanicus? Now the pieces are falling into place... now I see."
end of branch
YOU"What else do you know about this weapon? How did Calcazar learn of it? Against whom does he intend to use it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How exactly did the object affect you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you revealing Calcazar's secrets to me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I doubt I can learn more from you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I need more details. How does it work? What is this Yoke?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else do you know about this weapon? How did Calcazar learn of it? Against whom does he intend to use it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How exactly did the object affect you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you revealing Calcazar's secrets to me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I doubt I can learn more from you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are in need of help."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Pasqal"Creation of unificates is dangerous knowledge that has long since been denounced by many as a procedure not blessed by the Omnissiah. It is based not on a direct prototype envisioned by the precursors, merely on loosely connected technologies."
Axiomantha"Knowledge will not have the capacity to be absolute until the coming of the Omnissiah. We do not know of such pre-technology, but can we claim with certainty that it never existed? Do you remember stories about—"
Pasqal"The Geminicrats. The twin Magi who joined their minds in their devotion to Mars. I remember. Proponents of the right to create unificates base their defence on this momentous precedent."
end of branch
Eogunn"Unification... A risky, extremely laborious creation of symbiosis between identical individuals. I believed it to be a legendary technology, deemed lost. Perhaps it could have been the key to the creation of the Triasomata... I regret that we have only met now, upon your deathbed." Eogunn watches the Tech-Priest without looking away.
end of branch
YOU"I have learned enough about you."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Pasqal"The Cycle will be discontinued, sister." Pasqal speaks the words of the sacred motto with an air of mournful consolation.
Axiomantha"Hope is alogical, brother."
end of branch
YOU[Point at the dead Tech-Priest] "Was she your sister?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough about you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you know about Amarnat?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Tech-Priest] "Was she your sister?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough about you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can you speak more plainly?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you know about Amarnat?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Tech-Priest] "Was she your sister?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough about you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, what have you learned from your... conversation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can you speak more plainly?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you know about Amarnat?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Tech-Priest] "Was she your sister?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough about you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, permission to commence the interrogation procedure granted."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, what have you learned from your... conversation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can you speak more plainly?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you know about Amarnat?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Tech-Priest] "Was she your sister?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough about you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You spoke of a shelter and a Maimed Hunter. What did you mean by it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, permission to commence the interrogation procedure granted."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Pasqal, what have you learned from your... conversation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Can you speak more plainly?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you know about Amarnat?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the dead Tech-Priest] "Was she your sister?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have learned enough about you."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
PasqalPasqal's mechadendrites snap up in a whirlwind of alarm, and the recorder in his vox activates with a click. "Initiating interrogation procedure."
end of branch
YOU"What happened to you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are in need of help."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Pasqal"Reading the unit's Noospheric signature. No evidence of corruption registered in the algorithms. Detecting substantial logical disruptions within the augments. Threat level: low."
end of branch
Eogunn"One should not make such hasty decisions. Diagnostic auspexes have revealed to me that the victim's life currents harbour no corruption. The sacred iron within her body functions with complete efficacy; thus, this individual is untainted by entropy."
end of branch
YOU"Hmm. Curious."
AxiomanthaThe servant of the Omnissiah freezes for a moment. You hear mechanical clicks and binharic chirring, as though unseen mechanisms in her body are struggling to run a diagnostic. After a while, the sounds die down.
Axiomantha"Reconstruction... impossible." The woman's whisper is barely audible, but the weak voice that is coming from her pale lips still sounds more alive than the mechanical hiss of a vox.continues where this line first appears above
NPC"Get me a healer priest! We have heavily wounded here!" Thorbald roars his command into the vox, but there is no immediate response.
Axiomantha"Reconstruction... impossible." The woman's whisper is barely audible, but the weak voice that is coming from her pale lips still sounds more alive than the mechanical hiss of a vox.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did you come back to life? It cannot be that corruption is in control of your body now, can it?"
Axiomantha"No corruption... only damage." The woman's whisper is barely audible, but the weak voice that is coming from her pale lips still sounds more alive than the mechanical hiss of a vox.
Axiomantha"The shelter has fallen. The Maimed Hunter... comes. Cessation of vital functions inevitable." Her eyes momentarily roll back, but then a metallic chirr inside her chest brings her back to consciousness.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do it, Thorbald! The heretics' corruption must have tainted her body!"
Axiomantha"No corruption... only damage." The woman's whisper is barely audible, but the weak voice that is coming from her pale lips still sounds more alive than the mechanical hiss of a vox.continues where this line first appears above
AxiomanthaSuddenly, you hear a click inside one of the Tech-Priests' bodies, and her eyes open wide. A spasm shakes her gaunt limbs, making Thorbald clutch his weapon. Her lips twist into a crooked line, forcing out two words: "The Yoke!"
YOU"She is still alive! Call the medicae!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Hmm. Curious."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did you come back to life? It cannot be that corruption is in control of your body now, can it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do it, Thorbald! The heretics' corruption must have tainted her body!"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 2 of 6
NPCSomething strange has occurred to the two women's augmetics — it is as if they have begun to grow inside their flesh, spreading webs of metal around them.
NPCAfter taking a closer look, you realise that every augment seems to have begun... mutating, developing new forms and functions not envisioned by their creators. It seems probable that this is what caused their demise.
AxiomanthaSuddenly something clicks inside the body of one of the Omnissiah's servants. Her eyes open wide. A cramp runs through her thin lips. Her lips twist in an arch. A single word escapes them: "Yoke!"continues where this line first appears above
AxiomanthaSuddenly, you hear a click inside one of the Tech-Priests' bodies, and her eyes open wide. A spasm shakes her gaunt limbs, making Thorbald clutch his weapon. Her lips twist into a crooked line, forcing out two words: "The Yoke!"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 6
NPCThere is not a single wound upon her white skin, but there is no doubt that she will soon perish. Her augmetics are failing as if they have been sabotaged by some entropic influence. For a moment you consider it a sign of tech-blight, but then you refute the thought — what you are witnessing is not decay, but transformation of the matter from which the Tech-Priest's True Flesh is made.
YOU[Inspect the Tech-Priest's wounds]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are in need of help."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 6
NPCThere is not a single wound upon her white skin. You cannot understand the reason, but she is most certainly dying, like a wilting metal flower.
YOU[Inspect the Tech-Priest's wounds]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened to you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are in need of help."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 6
NPC"Let them celebrate their trifling victory. Little do they know that the Truth has already triumphed, in bringing forth a mighty champion." Unseen to anyone but you, Uralon's image surveys the bodies of two lean, scarlet-robed women lying on the floor. "The lot of the weak is to lay down their worthless lives to pave the way for the strong to ascend their thrones."
YOU"Tell me: was Kunrad destined to be sacrificed all along?"
Uralon the Cruel"His petty desires and ridiculous thirst for revenge obscured the Truth from his eyes. He chose his sacrificial destiny himself when he strayed from the path charted for him and allowed his failures to make way for you, champion."
YOU"Tell me: was Kunrad destined to be sacrificed all along?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do next?"
Uralon the Cruel"Wait. The manufactorum's dungeons are vast. I will lie low in them and bide my time until the moment comes for me to appear before you in the flesh again. And while I wait, I will work on this world from the inside to prepare it to accept the Truth when the time is due. One does not need armies to open the world's eyes: all it takes is to sow the seeds of corruption and wait for them to sprout of their own accord."
YOU"Tell me: was Kunrad destined to be sacrificed all along?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So what is the treasure you were looking for here?"
Uralon the CruelUralon chuckles. "The Inquisitor's servants are raising it to the surface as we speak. The full extent of its might is unknown even to me. In the right hands, it will lay the foundation of a new era in which the Great Four will reign in the Expanse as their champion's effort bears fruit. Your effort." Uralon nods toward the two corpses. "These priestesses knew about the weapon but perished before I was able to get the truth about its nature out of them."
NPCYou see no signs of violence on the two women's bodies, but their porcelain-white skin proves without a doubt that they are dead. Their hands are clutched together in a death grip.
YOU"Tell me: was Kunrad destined to be sacrificed all along?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So what is the treasure you were looking for here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the Tech-Priests' bodies]
YOU[Examine the Tech-Priests' bodies]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So what is the treasure you were looking for here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the Tech-Priests' bodies]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So what is the treasure you were looking for here?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the Tech-Priests' bodies]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Uralon the CruelUralon bares his teeth. "How I long to see the moment when you cast off your mask as a 'hero of the Imperium' and let your true power show. Your redoubtable reputation will make your betrayal all the more bitter and unexpected to the corpse emperor's servants. Do not lament the loss of your former renown, for a different kind will take its place, one more befitting a champion."
end of branch
Entry point 6 of 6
Thorbald Ironhide"A fine victory, [Name]! They will tell sagas about the day the contemptible Uralon fell! The cog-priests should offer you a fine cup of mjod for saving their prayer world." Thorbald nods at the two gaunt bodies in crimson robes lying on the floor. "If you hadn't, Uralon would have bathed them in a hundredfold more blood."
YOU"If Opticon-22 were here, he would say that this victory has brought him pleasure, along with three scores of synonyms for it."
Thorbald Ironhide"And that it has unlocked his jubilation functionality. He was a fine priest, and it's a shame to lose a comrade like him. He was a warrior at heart, so the Allfather granted him the highest warrior's honour — a glorious death in battle. We will drink to his memory at the feast so that the Iron Wolf may be merciful to his binharic spirit."
YOU"If Opticon-22 were here, he would say that this victory has brought him pleasure, along with three scores of synonyms for it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How is your pack, Thorbald? What are your losses?"
Thorbald Ironhide"Several of my brothers will carry on fighting their battles in the Allfather's host. The rest have survived. We've shed much of our blood, but a Wolf's hide is tough and his spirit is stubborn — when you take us down, you had better finish us off. The Stormbiters live on this day, and the next!"
YOU"If Opticon-22 were here, he would say that this victory has brought him pleasure, along with three scores of synonyms for it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How is your pack, Thorbald? What are your losses?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you and Ulfar have worked through your quarrels."
Thorbald Ironhide"It doesn't become a noble warrior to bark at his battle-comrade after a good fight. Ulfar Thunderlung has proven that the spirit of the Baleful Howl is alive and strong. So let ravens fly where he has walked, and let them tear at the bloody harvest left in his wake!"
Ulfar"May Blackmane guide you through the black of night, Ironhide. Know that if your pack calls, the Baleful Howl will always answer!"
YOU"If Opticon-22 were here, he would say that this victory has brought him pleasure, along with three scores of synonyms for it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How is your pack, Thorbald? What are your losses?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you and Ulfar have worked through your quarrels."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What was hidden down there? What was the treasure that Uralon was after?"
Thorbald Ironhide"I know not. Calcazar's kaerls did not allow anyone into the hidden arsenals. All we could see was them dragging crates up to the surface. 'Tis the age-old way — we fight, they sweep up the spoils." Thorbald grimly nods at the pair of corpses. "We brought these from below. For all I know, it was his kaerls that killed them to seal their lips."
NPCYou see no signs of violence on the two women's bodies, but their porcelain-white skin proves without a doubt that they are dead. Their hands are clutched together in a death grip.
YOU"If Opticon-22 were here, he would say that this victory has brought him pleasure, along with three scores of synonyms for it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How is your pack, Thorbald? What are your losses?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you and Ulfar have worked through your quarrels."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What was hidden down there? What was the treasure that Uralon was after?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the Tech-Priests' bodies]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Ulfar"The sweet scent of rotten meat prickles my nostrils. But it is not the fallen bodies I smell, it's the hands of the Inquisitor's minions."
Thorbald Ironhide"'Tis what my instinct tells me too. My heart never had a strong faith in Calcazar's words before, but now whatever phantom trust I had is scattering into smoke. We must ask questions and get the answers. By force, if that is the way it has to be." Both Wolves affirm the last words with fervent and murderous nods.
HeinrixHeinrix casts a grim glance at the mighty warriors, but does not contradict them, either out of agreement, or doubt about his survival were he to raise an objection.
end of branch
YOU[Examine the Tech-Priests' bodies]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What was hidden down there? What was the treasure that Uralon was after?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the Tech-Priests' bodies]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you and Ulfar have worked through your quarrels."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What was hidden down there? What was the treasure that Uralon was after?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the Tech-Priests' bodies]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Pasqal"Unit Opticon-22 was a worthy representative of the Explorators. On a conceptual level, he perceived martyrdom as equivalent to a definitive success in performing his function of serving the Omnissiah. Expressions of regret are inappropriate, for I estimate that in his final functional moments, he experienced the highest form of pious exultation."
end of branch
Eogunn"The termination of Opticon-22's life cycle was executed in a most dignified manner, I cannot deny it." The Manipulus gives a slight nod. "Nevertheless, death, however noble, carries grief in its wake. Let us honour the memory of the fallen with a galvanic hymn." Eogunn's vox emits a solemn, mournful binharic chime.
end of branch
YOU"How is your pack, Thorbald? What are your losses?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you and Ulfar have worked through your quarrels."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What was hidden down there? What was the treasure that Uralon was after?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Examine the Tech-Priests' bodies]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Thorbald Ironhide"As for you, Ever— Ulfar Thunderlung, you have proven yourself. The Stormbiters will tell all about your feat and your roaring song."
Ulfar"I thank you, Thorbald. You and your brothers fought well, you did the Wolves proud. It will be my joy to share a cup with you at the victory feast, Ironhide."