YrlietYrliet brushes a strand of fiery hair from her forehead and nods appreciatively: "I know how difficult it is to go against the will of your kin. And yet I cannot hide my joy that we both lived through this moment... and emerged with a tale to tell."
Crudarach"After all the suffering that the mon-keigh have inflicted upon the children of Crudarach. After all the punishment we have inflicted upon this world... My heart remains troubled, knowing that we have only tempered our grudges for a time and have parted without bloodshed today."
Crudarach"However, I dare not complain — for my kin, the hour of triumph has arrived at last. Once the master of flesh is no more, we can go to the edge of this stellar expanse, away from the gaze of mon-keigh. And peacefully await the arrival of our kin from distant stars."
Yrliet"What are you talking about, Shairenkhei?" Yrliet stares intently into the eyes of the Aeldari warrior, but his gaze remains steady and calm.
YOU"What kin from distant stars?"
Crudarach"Outcast Yrliet, I have some good news for you. Our Farseers managed to contact the children of Craftworld Alaitoc, and soon your fellow Outcasts will visit the part of the galaxy that the mon-keigh call the Expanse. They will take us away, give us a new home, and..." Shairenkhei pauses, his gaze on you, wondering if he should continue.
Yrliet"Is that what an adherent of the Path of the Warrior wishes to tell me? Were these words meant to comfort my heart?" Yrliet's words ring with contempt and desperation. "O Asuryan, your children once again seek to appease their pride by sending their kin to mon-keigh worlds — there to find nothing but blood and death!"
Yrliet"The Farseers' mistakes doomed Crudarach, Shairenkhei! And their excessive cruelty and thirst for vengeance almost doomed those of us who managed to survive against all odds in the void between foreign stars. You know it just as well as I do, but you continue to do their bidding. Oh, Shairenkhei, you could take the Webway Gate — and go away from the dangers and tribulations of the Expanse. But you have chosen to stay here instead. You are dying. You are feuding with the mon-keigh. Have not the Children of Asuryan spilt enough blood? Is it not enough that we have lost our home? Why do you wish to expose even more of your kin to mortal peril?"
CrudarachShairenkhei's iron will falters under Yrliet's relentless pressure. "It is... it is too late to change anything. The deed is done. Their will carried out. The Outcasts from Alaitoc will come to the local stars, and we will leave with them, sister."
YOU"I did not sign up for yet another war against the xenos in the Expanse. Call off your kin."
Crudarach"Our Farseers paid an insurmountable price to contact a craftworld located billions of stars away from here. Many of them perished to give the rest of us the chance to be rescued. And I will not jeopardise the lives of those who yet remain."
YOU"I did not sign up for yet another war against the xenos in the Expanse. Call off your kin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you saying there is another Aeldari craftworld heading for the Expanse?"
Crudarach"May Asuryan save us from this woe!" Shairenkhei folds his arms on his chest in a graceful gesture, but the horror is obvious on his face. "No. I will not allow another world to perish at the hands of the mon-keigh, even if this means forsaking my soul!"
Crudarach(sequence)
Marazhai"A bold statement from one who has not yet forsaken his soul even once."
end of branch
Crudarach"And I am not going to reveal all the secrets of my kind to you, mon— elantach. You may have helped us in our hour of need, but I trusted you at the Outcast's behest. But I will say this — the warriors of Alaitoc are coming here, to your stars. This is an unalterable truth."
YOU"I did not sign up for yet another war against the xenos in the Expanse. Call off your kin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you saying there is another Aeldari craftworld heading for the Expanse?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, are you going to leave me and escape with the rest of the Outcasts?"
Yrliet"Is that what worries you now, elantach?" Yrliet gives you a disapproving look. "I may leave the Expanse one day, but the only thing you should be concerned about now is how to quell the wrath of my people."
Yrliet"It will take the Warriors of Alaitoc many years to discover the Webway Gate capable of bringing their strike force to the Expanse. Perhaps you will be too old by then, and only on your deathbed will you hear the news — the Children of Asuryan have come to exact their vengeance."
YrlietFor some reason, your words bring a faint smile to Yrliet's lips. "Worry not, elantach. It is my turn to rescue you and your people."
YOU"Rescue me? How?"
Nocturne of OblivionLike a forgotten shadow, the Solitaire steps into the light and leans forward with interest, a spectator watching the culmination of an exciting performance.
Yrliet"During my exile, I met many companions who temporarily joined me on my endless travels." Yrliet closes her eyes. "One such companion was a fellow Outcast who had already completed many Paths. It was he who told me about the ritual of unity — a great opportunity for one's spirit to reach out and touch the Infinity Circuit of the craftworld known to the Farseers who perform it. Shairenkhei said that the Crudarach Farseers have already contacted Alaitoc. This means... This means I can, too."
Crudarach"Did the darkness of space drive you mad during your exile, sister?" Shairenkhei recoils from Yrliet as if from a scorching flame. "Even those who walk the Path of the Seer baulk at joining souls with the ancestors inside the Circuit. They are wise and know that the ritual is perilous to the spirit. Your chances of success are... simply non-existent. You would die without achieving anything! And even if you did not die immediately, ask yourself honestly: why should the ancestors listen to a simple Outcast?"
Yrliet"As you said, Alaitoc is a world of my fellow Outcasts. They would not wish harm upon me, which gives wings to my hope. Look me in the eye, Shairenkhei. Do you wish to end the suffering of our kin? I can see the answer in your heart. You must accept it and help me." Though Yrliet's words are addressed to her kinsman, she is watching your reaction closely.
YOU"Yrliet, let your kin decide their own fate. You do not owe them anything."
Yrliet"I know my kin are to blame for their own troubles!" Yrliet's spirit stone glows brightly. "But what I have been fighting for my entire life is teetering on the brink of the abyss right now. Do you see, elantach? I must speak to the ancestors from the Infinity Circuit. That is my Path as an Outcast."
Crudarach"Unless the warriors of Alaitoc arrive in this part of the galaxy, the sons and daughters of Crudarach will perish among the worlds of the mon-keigh. Is that the fate you wish for us?"
Yrliet"We will have to find another way. I understand that it is not easy for those who have lived all their lives sheltered within a craftworld to accept that sometimes life leads us down different paths. But the path that you and the Farseers have chosen only leads to more pain."
YOU"Yrliet, I object to this ritual if it means your life will be at stake."
Yrliet"I am sorry, elantach, but it is not up to you to shape my destiny. Not this time."
Yrliet"I have done all I can, Shairenkhei. You know what you must do."
Nocturne of OblivionThe Solitaire does not intervene, but shifts his gaze to Shairenkhei as if expecting to hear the last line of a play before the curtain falls.
Crudarach"May Asuryan forgive his children." Shairenkhei sighs and gestures to a few of his warriors. "Fetch the Farseers. Tell them... the Outcast wishes to perform the ritual. We will wait for them here."
end of branch
Nocturne of Oblivion"With words alone fate cannot be constrained, But deeds add weight behind words' cutting edge. Behold, the cup of strife and vengeance drained, Its bitter wine of grief drunk to the dregs. The Outcast's cry is set to fly beyond The frozen light of clusters long forgot, And to her will in tribute might respond The Seers of the Path with bridge outwrought."
Crudarach"Not you too, Arebennian." Shairenkhei frowns and sighs loudly. "So be it. We will give the Outcast a chance, but I doubt she will survive even the beginning of the ritual."
Crudarach"May Asuryan forgive his children." Shairenkhei sighs and gestures to a few of his warriors. "Fetch the Farseers. Tell them... the Outcast wishes to perform the ritual. We will wait for them here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is your life and your people, Yrliet. I will stay by your side no matter what path you choose."
Yrliet"And I do appreciate it, elantach." Yrliet nods and underscores her words with the familiar gesture of gratitude.
Yrliet"I have done all I can, Shairenkhei. You know what you must do."continues where this line first appears above
Nocturne of Oblivion"With words alone fate cannot be constrained, But deeds add weight behind words' cutting edge. Behold, the cup of strife and vengeance drained, Its bitter wine of grief drunk to the dregs. The Outcast's cry is set to fly beyond The frozen light of clusters long forgot, And to her will in tribute might respond The Seers of the Path with bridge outwrought."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Let Yrliet handle it on her own]
Nocturne of Oblivion"With words alone fate cannot be constrained, But deeds add weight behind words' cutting edge. Behold, the cup of strife and vengeance drained, Its bitter wine of grief drunk to the dregs. The Outcast's cry is set to fly beyond The frozen light of clusters long forgot, And to her will in tribute might respond The Seers of the Path with bridge outwrought."continues where this line first appears above
Yrliet"I have done all I can, Shairenkhei. You know what you must do."continues where this line first appears above
Crudarach(sequence)
Crudarach"More pain? Did you manage to prevent the death of our kin and Muaran on the Lilaethan? The Arebennian told me everything that happened."
end of branch
Crudarach"Did you prevent the death of Eklendyl, follower of the Path of the Seer, one of the Crudarach Farseers tormented by the master of flesh in the Dark City along with the rest of our kin? Yes, I am aware of his fate."
end of branch
Crudarach"Before you chide me for my decisions, consider how many of our kin you managed to save in the void between the local stars. And how many more you could have saved."
end of branch
Yrliet"Have you already forgotten who is responsible for Crudarach's demise, elantach?" Yrliet's spirit stone glows brightly, but the disapproval in her eyes is even brighter. "The only thing my kin are guilty of is getting too close to the stars of the mon-keigh. They... We... lost our home. We were hounded by your people. We were tormented by dark ones. No... None of Crudarach's children deserve such a fate. And I will not let those who yet remain perish in darkness."
Crudarach"What do you mean to do, sister?"
Yrliet"We will have to find another way. I understand that it is not easy for those who have lived all their lives sheltered within a craftworld to accept that sometimes life leads us down different paths. But the path that you and the Farseers have chosen only leads to more pain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Expanse has been through hard times of late. We do not need trouble with the Aeldari, now or in the future."
Crudarach"Unless the warriors of Alaitoc arrive in this part of the galaxy, the sons and daughters of Crudarach will perish among the worlds of the mon-keigh. Is that the fate you wish for us?"continues where this line first appears above
Yrliet"Have you already forgotten who is responsible for Crudarach's demise, elantach?" Yrliet's spirit stone glows brightly, but the disapproval in her eyes is even brighter. "The only thing my kin are guilty of is getting too close to the stars of the mon-keigh. They... We... lost our home. We were hounded by your people. We were tormented by dark ones. No... None of Crudarach's children deserve such a fate. And I will not let those who yet remain perish in darkness."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are you so certain the Aeldari are going to attack our worlds?"
Yrliet"Because they are driven by grief. Sometimes pain and loss blinds even the best of us."
Crudarach"Unless the warriors of Alaitoc arrive in this part of the galaxy, the sons and daughters of Crudarach will perish among the worlds of the mon-keigh. Is that the fate you wish for us?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Let Yrliet handle it on her own]
Crudarach"Unless the warriors of Alaitoc arrive in this part of the galaxy, the sons and daughters of Crudarach will perish among the worlds of the mon-keigh. Is that the fate you wish for us?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I stood up for your kin, and guess what happened next?"
Yrliet"Elantach, your anger is like the raging winds of desert worlds — restrain it, and listen."
Nocturne of OblivionLike a forgotten shadow, the Solitaire steps into the light and leans forward with interest, a spectator watching the culmination of an exciting performance.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you think I require your protection?"
Yrliet"Elantach, your anger is like the raging winds of desert worlds — restrain it, and listen."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, your kin's plan is insane! Convince them to relent before it is too late."
Yrliet"It will take the Warriors of Alaitoc many years to discover the Webway Gate capable of bringing their strike force to the Expanse. Perhaps you will be too old by then, and only on your deathbed will you hear the news — the Children of Asuryan have come to exact their vengeance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. The more xenos in the Expanse, the merrier!"
Crudarach"How can you describe the inevitable demise of your and my own kind so nonchalantly? If you let this happen and leave things as they stand, rivers of blood will flood your demesne. Not only will the Children of Asuryan die, your subjects will also meet a terrible end. So will your worlds and your entire protectorate. And I... cannot allow this. It is my turn to rescue you and your people."
YOU"Rescue me? How?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I stood up for your kin, and guess what happened next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you think I require your protection?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Draw your weapon] "It was naive of me to hope that your intentions were free of trickery."
Yrliet"No! Do this, elantach, and your entire demesne will be drowned in blood. Not only the blood of my kind, but your subjects will also meet a terrible end. And I... I can prevent it. It is my turn to rescue you and your people."
YOU"Rescue me? How?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I stood up for your kin, and guess what happened next?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you think I require your protection?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, are you going to leave me and escape with the rest of the Outcasts?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, your kin's plan is insane! Convince them to relent before it is too late."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. The more xenos in the Expanse, the merrier!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Draw your weapon] "It was naive of me to hope that your intentions were free of trickery."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you saying there is another Aeldari craftworld heading for the Expanse?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, are you going to leave me and escape with the rest of the Outcasts?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, your kin's plan is insane! Convince them to relent before it is too late."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well. The more xenos in the Expanse, the merrier!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Draw your weapon] "It was naive of me to hope that your intentions were free of trickery."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not like the sound of this, Aeldari."
Crudarach"Outcast Yrliet, I have some good news for you. Our Farseers managed to contact the children of Craftworld Alaitoc, and soon your fellow Outcasts will visit the part of the galaxy that the mon-keigh call the Expanse. They will take us away, give us a new home, and..." Shairenkhei pauses, his gaze on you, wondering if he should continue.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Do not interrupt the conversation]
Crudarach"Outcast Yrliet, I have some good news for you. Our Farseers managed to contact the children of Craftworld Alaitoc, and soon your fellow Outcasts will visit the part of the galaxy that the mon-keigh call the Expanse. They will take us away, give us a new home, and..." Shairenkhei pauses, his gaze on you, wondering if he should continue.continues where this line first appears above
Crudarach"You always come to the rescue of my people, elantach. I wish I could grasp your true motives — perhaps it is the impulsiveness of your species? Or is it a personal anomaly that has affected your agile mind?"
Crudarach"However, I dare not complain — for my kin, the hour of triumph has arrived at last. Once the master of flesh is no more, we can go to the edge of this stellar expanse, away from the gaze of mon-keigh. And peacefully await the arrival of our kin from distant stars."continues where this line first appears above
Crudarach"I do not know how a mon-keigh would benefit from betraying one of his/her own, but our temporary alliance has fostered a fragile peace... Let it remain for now."
Crudarach"However, I dare not complain — for my kin, the hour of triumph has arrived at last. Once the master of flesh is no more, we can go to the edge of this stellar expanse, away from the gaze of mon-keigh. And peacefully await the arrival of our kin from distant stars."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 2 of 8
Crudarach"After all the suffering that the mon-keigh have inflicted upon the children of Crudarach. After all the punishment we have inflicted upon this world... My heart remains troubled, knowing that we have only tempered our grudges for a time and have parted without bloodshed today."
YOU"No need to thank me."
CrudarachThe Aeldari pays no heed to your words... though he may be just pretending.
YOU"It is time we talk about the Haemonculus."
CrudarachThe Aeldari produces an unknown xenodevice. "The Farseers could not divine where the master of flesh makes his lair, for an unknown force is hiding him from the penetrating gaze of the wise ones. The Children of Asuryan... have never encountered anything like this before. Having circled the world several times and failed in our search, we ventured to unleash our pent-up fury on the planet in the hope that we would be graced with a fortunate accident."
Crudarach"Alas, the fate of the master of flesh remained unchanged — the Farseers could feel the beating of his black heart but were powerless to do anything. That was when our rangers began to deduce the coordinates of his lair based on the readings of the wise ones and the lands untouched by the fired weapons. And they would have succeeded had the mon-keigh not attacked our fleet."
CrudarachThe Aeldari device thrums and a holographic projection of the world with several marked coordinates appears in his palm. "I will share the information I have gathered, for I hope that even a master of flesh will not be able to elude two pursuers at once."
YOU"It is time we talk about the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will destroy the Haemonculus and avenge us both."
Crudarach"Your eagerness is commendable, but we will not abandon our search until the flesh sculptor is destroyed... or until we are presented with proof of his demise. Let us pursue him separately. If you reach the Haemonculus first and cut his life short, our Farseers will feel it and we will vacate this world."
YOU"It is time we talk about the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will destroy the Haemonculus and avenge us both."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do now?"
Crudarach"After the master of flesh has been dealt with?" Shairenkhei sighs tiredly, a faint shadow of a smile gracing his face. "We will go home... Not to Crudarach, no, but to our kin from the other craftworlds. The Farseers have already contacted our allies, and they are already on the way to the system."
YOU"It is time we talk about the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will destroy the Haemonculus and avenge us both."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not attack Humanity's worlds ever again."
Crudarach"Once the master of flesh is defeated, we will be relieved to depart this exhausted world... and the Expanse. Is this not what you call this region of space?"
YOU"It is time we talk about the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will destroy the Haemonculus and avenge us both."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not attack Humanity's worlds ever again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."
Crudarach"If our paths cross again one day, we will begin our conversation by greeting one another and not unsheathing our blades." Shairenkhei ponders something. "Your time in this world is too short to hope for it, but I will remember our promise, elantach."
YOU"It is time we talk about the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will destroy the Haemonculus and avenge us both."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not attack Humanity's worlds ever again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I hope your coordinates are correct. The time has come to corner the Haemonculus."
Crudarach"We will search the part of the world where the local star sets. You should go where the star awakens. Good hunting to you."
end of branch
Crudarach"I do not think this is possible, mon-keigh. Our temporary alliance will run its course as soon as the ships of my kin leave the Expanse, for I hope never to return here."
YOU"It is time we talk about the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will destroy the Haemonculus and avenge us both."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not attack Humanity's worlds ever again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I hope your coordinates are correct. The time has come to corner the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I hope your coordinates are correct. The time has come to corner the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I hope your coordinates are correct. The time has come to corner the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not attack Humanity's worlds ever again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I hope your coordinates are correct. The time has come to corner the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not attack Humanity's worlds ever again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I hope your coordinates are correct. The time has come to corner the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will destroy the Haemonculus and avenge us both."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not attack Humanity's worlds ever again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I hope your coordinates are correct. The time has come to corner the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Trust me, you would not want to face Calligos in battle."
Nocturne of Oblivion"The beast in human guise is tamed, and yet There does exist no throttling chain to quell That thirst for blood that slumbers in his veins. Comes now the hour when rattling links protest, And, with a grisly roar, he turns once more."
YOU"It is time we talk about the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will destroy the Haemonculus and avenge us both."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not attack Humanity's worlds ever again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I hope your coordinates are correct. The time has come to corner the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I trust you understand I did not help you out of the goodness of my heart?"
Crudarach"I would expect nothing else from a mon-keigh. But one good turn deserves another." Shairenkhei produces an unknown xenodevice and scrutinises it. "The Farseers could not divine where the master of flesh makes his lair, for an unknown force is hiding him from the penetrating gaze of the wise ones. The Children of Asuryan... have never encountered anything like this before. Having circled the world several times and failed in our search, we ventured to unleash our pent-up fury on the planet in the hope that we would be graced with a fortunate accident."
Crudarach"Alas, the fate of the master of flesh remained unchanged — the Farseers could feel the beating of his black heart but were powerless to do anything. That was when our rangers began to deduce the coordinates of his lair based on the readings of the wise ones and the lands untouched by the fired weapons. And they would have succeeded had the mon-keigh not attacked our fleet."
CrudarachThe Aeldari device thrums and a holographic projection of the world with several marked coordinates appears in his palm. "I will share the information I have gathered, for I hope that even a master of flesh will not be able to elude two pursuers at once."
YOU"It is time we talk about the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will destroy the Haemonculus and avenge us both."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not attack Humanity's worlds ever again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I hope your coordinates are correct. The time has come to corner the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Humans are better than you give them credit for."
Crudarach"I usually do not think about your kind at all." The Aeldari shrugs softly. "But I am prepared to admit that there are... certain worthy specimens among the millions of your kind."
YOU"It is time we talk about the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will destroy the Haemonculus and avenge us both."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not attack Humanity's worlds ever again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I hope your coordinates are correct. The time has come to corner the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Winterscale was a great man, once. I regret his inglorious end."
Crudarach"No matter how fair the starlight, the star is destined to fade some day. Your fellow mon-keigh was not of the light, for there was darkness clouding his heart. You need not grieve his loss."
YOU"It is time we talk about the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will destroy the Haemonculus and avenge us both."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not attack Humanity's worlds ever again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I hope your coordinates are correct. The time has come to corner the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I simply used you to get rid of a rival."
Crudarach"It would be humiliating to end up as a game piece in the hands of a mon-keigh... had we been interested in the internecine strife among the lesser species."
YOU"It is time we talk about the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will destroy the Haemonculus and avenge us both."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not attack Humanity's worlds ever again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I hope your coordinates are correct. The time has come to corner the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
CrudarachThe xenos hesitates and adds with slight embarrassment: "Lesser... allied species."
YOU"It is time we talk about the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will destroy the Haemonculus and avenge us both."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you planning to do now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do not attack Humanity's worlds ever again."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "I hope your coordinates are correct. The time has come to corner the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
Crudarach(sequence)
Idira"Oh, yeah. That's much better, thank you!"
end of branch
Entry point 3 of 8
Crudarach"You always come to the rescue of my people, elantach. I wish I could grasp your true motives — perhaps it is the impulsiveness of your species? Or is it a personal anomaly that has affected your agile mind?"
YOU"No need to thank me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Trust me, you would not want to face Calligos in battle."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I trust you understand I did not help you out of the goodness of my heart?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Humans are better than you give them credit for."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Winterscale was a great man, once. I regret his inglorious end."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I simply used you to get rid of a rival."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 8
Crudarach"I do not know how a mon-keigh would benefit from betraying one of his/her own, but our temporary alliance has fostered a fragile peace... Let it remain for now."
YOU"No need to thank me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Trust me, you would not want to face Calligos in battle."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I trust you understand I did not help you out of the goodness of my heart?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Humans are better than you give them credit for."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Winterscale was a great man, once. I regret his inglorious end."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I simply used you to get rid of a rival."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 8
CrudarachThe strange energy that permeated the clearing where the paths of humans and Aeldari happened to cross is gradually dissipating. All eyes turn to Yrliet, the Aeldari who managed to survive the deadly ritual, and who awoke looking pensive and enlightened.
Crudarach"You... survived? Asuryan showed you mercy, Outcast, and so did our ancestors from the Alaitoc Infinity Circuit. Tell me, sister, what was their answer?"
Yrliet"I am tired of the Farseers' blindness and my kin's hatred, Shairenkhei. All of the choices of our people led only to suffering and the loss of our loved ones. I no longer wish to be an accomplice to another's hatred and pay for the mistakes of those who were supposed to guide us toward the light but who led us into oblivion." Yrliet glares at the nearby Farseers.
Yrliet"I convinced my kin to divert the river of their anger. The ranks of Outcasts will arrive in the Expanse, unseen and unheard. But not for the sake of war — they will find and take away those who remain. The last sons and daughters of Crudarach. And then they will depart the mon-keigh stars without a trace. Forever."
CrudarachThe angry Farseers try to object, but Shairenkhei gently interrupts them: "Your brothers and sisters would not dare ask you for more, Yrliet. I understand your choice... even if my spirit cannot fully accept it."
YOU"Yrliet, are you all right? That Aeldari sorcery looked dangerous."
Yrliet"I am fine, elantach." A gracious look and a slight smile underscore Yrliet's words. "Thanks to you, I have finally reached the end of my Path. This Path. And I am grateful I had you to walk alongside me."
YOU"Yrliet, are you all right? That Aeldari sorcery looked dangerous."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So what now?"
Crudarach"After the master of flesh has been dealt with?" Shairenkhei sighs tiredly, a faint shadow of a smile gracing his face. "We will go home... as soon as possible."
YOU"Do you still hope to find the Haemonculus?"
CrudarachThe Aeldari produces an unknown xenodevice. "The Farseers could not divine where the master of flesh makes his lair, for an unknown force is hiding him from the penetrating gaze of the wise ones. The Children of Asuryan... have never encountered anything like this before. Having circled the world several times and failed in our search, we ventured to unleash our pent-up fury on the planet in the hope that we would be graced with a fortunate accident."
Crudarach"Alas, the fate of the master of flesh remained unchanged — the Farseers could feel the beating of his black heart but were powerless to do anything. That was when our rangers began to deduce the coordinates of his lair based on the readings of the wise ones and the lands untouched by the fired weapons. And they would have succeeded had the mon-keigh not attacked our fleet."
CrudarachThe Aeldari device thrums and a holographic projection of the world with several marked coordinates appears in his palm. "I will share the information I have gathered, for I hope that even a master of flesh will not be able to elude two pursuers at once."
YOU"Do you still hope to find the Haemonculus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I rid you of Calligos and brought back Yrliet. Do such acts not merit a reward?"
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."
Crudarach"If our paths cross again one day, we will begin our conversation by greeting one another and not unsheathing our blades." Shairenkhei ponders something. "Your time in this world is too short to hope for it, but I will remember our promise, elantach."
YOU"Do you still hope to find the Haemonculus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I rid you of Calligos and brought back Yrliet. Do such acts not merit a reward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, will you not stay with your kin?"
Yrliet"I am an Outcast, elantach. My place is among the stars."
YOU"Do you still hope to find the Haemonculus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I rid you of Calligos and brought back Yrliet. Do such acts not merit a reward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, will you not stay with your kin?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "It is time to track down the Haemonculus."
Crudarach"We will search the part of the world where the local star sets. You should go where the star awakens. Good hunting to you."
Yrliet"Wait, elantach!" Yrliet breaks away from her kin and hands you a small amulet. "Human memories are as fleeting as the span of your lives. But I would like you to have something to remind you of our journey together. Think of it as a symbol of gratitude for all you have done for me." Yrliet bids you farewell with a warm smile and disappears into the woods with the other Aeldari.
end of branch
Yrliet"I would be lying if I said I had not thought about it. But you have helped me and my kin all this time to the best of your ability. Should I not repay you in kind, elantach?"
YOU"I would be glad if you stayed."
Yrliet"Then so be it." Yrliet folds her fingers in a familiar gesture of trust and accord.
YOU"Do you still hope to find the Haemonculus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I rid you of Calligos and brought back Yrliet. Do such acts not merit a reward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, will you not stay with your kin?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "It is time to track down the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Indeed, you do owe me. And you have not worked off your debt just yet."
YrlietYrliet's lips twist and she nods silently.
YOU"Do you still hope to find the Haemonculus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I rid you of Calligos and brought back Yrliet. Do such acts not merit a reward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, will you not stay with your kin?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "It is time to track down the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will not stand in your way if you genuinely wish to stay with your kin."
YrlietYrliet cocks her head pensively. "I think I will return to them some day. But our paths are too tightly interwoven to end them here."
YOU"Do you still hope to find the Haemonculus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I rid you of Calligos and brought back Yrliet. Do such acts not merit a reward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, will you not stay with your kin?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "It is time to track down the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I think it is time for us to part ways."
Yrliet"I did not think you would let me go so easily, elantach." Yrliet looks at you in surprise, as if expecting a catch. "But if it really is the pure desire of your soul... so be it."
Crudarach"An Outcast returning home? Truly a joyous occasion, considering how many of our kin have been lost. We are glad to welcome you back, Yrliet."
YOU"Do you still hope to find the Haemonculus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I rid you of Calligos and brought back Yrliet. Do such acts not merit a reward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, will you not stay with your kin?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "It is time to track down the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "It is time to track down the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
Crudarach"I do not think this is possible, mon-keigh. Our temporary alliance will run its course as soon as the ships of my kin leave the Expanse, for I hope never to return here."
YOU"Do you still hope to find the Haemonculus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I rid you of Calligos and brought back Yrliet. Do such acts not merit a reward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, will you not stay with your kin?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "It is time to track down the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, will you not stay with your kin?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "It is time to track down the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I rid you of Calligos and brought back Yrliet. Do such acts not merit a reward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, will you not stay with your kin?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "It is time to track down the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"So what now?"continues where this line first appears above
Yrliet"I hoped to find understanding among those who share my Path." Yrliet's voice trembles with weariness and anger. "But even the ancestors from Alaitoc, despite all their wisdom and supple intellect, could not reject their hatred of the mon-keigh who doomed thousands of innocent souls of the Children of Asuryan. I tried to appeal to the light in their souls, but all my arguments broke on the rocks of their intransigence like waves of sea-foam."
YrlietYrliet glares accusingly at Shairenkhei and the Farseers. "You chose this path. Not only did you invite doom upon Crudarach, you have also condemned our kin on Alaitoc. You have repeated the same mistakes over and over, guided by fear, stupidity, or pride. And even after losing everything, after losing... our home, you keep following the same thorny path, unwilling to change. No. I have had enough. My duty as an Outcast is fulfilled. From now on, your fate lies in your hands."
CrudarachThe angry Farseers try to object, but Shairenkhei gently interrupts them: "Your brothers and sisters would not dare ask you for more, Yrliet. I understand your choice... even if my spirit cannot fully accept it."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 6 of 8
CrudarachThe strange energy that permeated the clearing where the paths of humans and Aeldari happened to cross is gradually dissipating. All eyes turn to Yrliet, the Aeldari who managed to survive the deadly ritual, but who awoke looking angry and dejected.
Crudarach"You... survived? Asuryan showed you mercy, Outcast, and so did our ancestors from the Alaitoc Infinity Circuit. Tell me, sister, what was their answer?"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 7 of 8
Crudarach"The gratitude of the Children of Asuryan to your kind is already a precious reward, elantach. Accept it as a rare gift."
YOU"Do you still hope to find the Haemonculus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I rid you of Calligos and brought back Yrliet. Do such acts not merit a reward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, will you not stay with your kin?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "It is time to track down the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 8 of 8
CrudarachShairenkhei gives you a long and penetrating look. "The gratitude of the Children of Asuryan to your kind is a precious reward in itself, elantach. But I have been observing your kind for a while now. As a gesture of goodwill, I suppose I should reward your labours in a fashion more... customary among the mon-keigh."
CrudarachHe makes an elaborate gesture, and one of the Aeldari hands you a parcel. "This is my first and probably last gift to one of you, elantach. May it serve you faithfully as it has served the Children of Asuryan."
YOU"Do you still hope to find the Haemonculus?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I rid you of Calligos and brought back Yrliet. Do such acts not merit a reward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I would not be opposed to cooperating in the future."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yrliet, will you not stay with your kin?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave] "It is time to track down the Haemonculus."continues where this line first appears above