NPCIt seems that the priest went into the woods with the Starborn's retinue and vanished along with them.
end of branch
Entry point 2 of 7
NPCAfter making sense of the elder's speech, you realise several important things: Calligos Winterscale did, in fact, make planetfall on Quetza Temer. It would seem that he lost a psyker in battles with xenos and replaced him with a priest possessing psychic powers. Then they ventured into the forest, which drove the local flora into a frenzy, and the priest could not calm it in the middle of the forest labyrinth because the ritual can only be conducted in the village.
end of branch
Entry point 3 of 7
NPC(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 4 of 7
NPCA group of lean young people surrounds you, shooting anxious glances between you and the grey-headed elder who has stepped forward. Unlike the rest, her skin is completely free of decoration, save for the two-headed eagle branded on her wrinkled forehead.
NPC"Speaks-With-Gods foresaw our meeting, Starborn." The woman's accent grates on the ears — her words sound like a fusion of High Gothic and the most vulgar tongue of the rabble. "Welcome to the heart of the forest, where Leads-Ahead and her tribe have dwelt ever since the rule of Quetza Temer himself. This ruler has ordered her tribe to prepare a feast and warm shelter for our Starborn guests. Please, make yourselves at home."
YOU"Who are you?"
NPC"We are the children of the fiery mother and the pale father who look after us by day and guard us by night. The faithful servants of the Two-Headed Eagle-God who shields our lands from misfortune with His wings. We are the ungone forest-dwelling children of the earth and the guardians of the Temple of Quetza Temer — the first Starborn to have ever set foot on the virgin soil of this land."
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Eagle-God, you say? Is it his brand that is burned on your forehead?"
NPC"Oh, yes." The elder nods respectfully. "Many seasons have changed since this ruler received the Eagle-God's blessing and became the leader of this tribe. Only those close to the gods are allowed to bear their brands, and this ruler is one of them."
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Eagle-God, you say? Is it his brand that is burned on your forehead?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I thought that Quetza Temer was the name of this place, but you speak of it as if it were a figure from the past."
NPC"The legends of this place claim that a long time ago, the first among the Starborn descended upon this world together with this ruler's ancestors, created the ancient cities and temples, and brought the blessing of the Eagle-God unto these forests and lands. The fast-flowing time has erased the Starborn's name from the minds of the people. Only his title remains — Quetza Temer, the First of the Chosen, the Sky-Herald of the Eagle-God, and the Father of Tribes."
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Eagle-God, you say? Is it his brand that is burned on your forehead?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I thought that Quetza Temer was the name of this place, but you speak of it as if it were a figure from the past."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why do you call me Starborn?"
NPC"Because you are the Sky-Herald of the Eagle-God, created by Him from the stars' glow and the night sky's darkness. The one who carries His seal in your image, clad in the armour of our ancestors' most ancient prophecies."
YOU"Who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Eagle-God, you say? Is it his brand that is burned on your forehead?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I thought that Quetza Temer was the name of this place, but you speak of it as if it were a figure from the past."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why do you call me Starborn?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Was my coming here foretold?"
NPC(sequence)
Idira"Like you've never heard that one before, Lord Captain."
end of branch
NPC"Oh yes, Speaks-With-Gods is the priest of this tribe and this ruler's half-brother. He listens to the forest and calls to the earth, wards off the punishing lashes of the skies, and speaks to the Eagle-God on behalf of our tribe. Before disappearing in the wandering forest, he told this ruler to prepare for your arrival."
YOU"What else did Speaks-With-Gods predict?"
NPCThe elder's gaze darkens. "Quetza Temer is enraged by the invasion of the spirits-from-the-darkness that have called a rain of fire and metal upon this world. He demands blood — and blood shall sate the soil! No matter the path chosen by the gods who have come to right the wrong."
YOU"What else did Speaks-With-Gods predict?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You think that several gods have set foot on Quetza Temer?"
NPC"This ruler has already had the honour to greet a Starborn: as strong as a sabre-tooth boar, as nimble as a forest jha-guar, and as wise as the three-tongued guardian snake. Like a whirlwind, he charged into Quetza Temer's forest, chasing the spirits-from-the-darkness that had descended upon the world three ten-day moons before."
NPC"The Starborn had lost his priest in battle, so he ordered this ruler's brother to help him trace the spirits' footsteps and cleanse Quetza Temer of their filth. But when Speaks-With-Gods left his home, something enraged the forest. Thus both the Starborn and this ruler's brother were trapped by the ever-changing paths and lurking evil spirits."
YOU"What else did Speaks-With-Gods predict?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You think that several gods have set foot on Quetza Temer?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know where your brother and the other Starborn are now?"
NPCThe woman shakes her head. "The Eagle-God's Sky-Herald wanted to find the den of the spirits-from-the-darkness and destroy it. But the forest of Quetza Temer is as endless as the skies above. Where the sky touches the forest's edge, the Deadlands begin — the realm of the dead whence there is no return."
YOU"What else did Speaks-With-Gods predict?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You think that several gods have set foot on Quetza Temer?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know where your brother and the other Starborn are now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you even survive in these forests?"
NPC"Speaks-With-Gods hears the whispers of the leaves and can commune with the tree spirits. The entire tribe participates in his soothing rituals, and that allows this ruler and her people to tread on safe paths."
YOU"What else did Speaks-With-Gods predict?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You think that several gods have set foot on Quetza Temer?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know where your brother and the other Starborn are now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you even survive in these forests?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And how exactly do we conduct the soothing ritual?"
NPC"The ritual requires a site imbued with the powers of Quetza Temer — the heart of our village — and a priest to perform it. Alas, the fire-rain claimed many of this ruler's priests. And thus this ruler's tribe can only pray for the mercy of the Eagle-God and His Starborn Sky-Heralds."
NPC(sequence)
Idira"Don't look at me, Lord Captain, I don't know the first thing about this priestly groxwash. It doesn't take a diviner to realise that I'd fry my brains if I tried to mess with some weird ritual... and that's if we were lucky. If we weren't so lucky, I'd end up frying everybody else's brains. Doesn't sound too promising, does it?"
end of branch
NPC"Nevertheless... This ruler knows that you will bring Speaks-With-Gods home and soothe the forest of Quetza Temer. The prophecies of the priests have never betrayed our tribe before, and thus this ruler asks you to forget about your worries and rest here, in the heart of the forest."
YOU"What else did Speaks-With-Gods predict?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You think that several gods have set foot on Quetza Temer?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know where your brother and the other Starborn are now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you even survive in these forests?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And how exactly do we conduct the soothing ritual?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then I wish to rest."
NPC"It is an honour for this ruler's tribe to serve you, O Starborn. Follow the path of lights, and you will find your shelter, food, and water. When you decide that it is time to follow the priest and your Starborn kin, this tribe will pray to the Eagle-God Himself for your success."
end of branch
YOU"No time for rest. I shall set out immediately."
NPC"Then this ruler and her tribe will pray for your success to the Eagle-God Himself, O Starborn."
end of branch
YOU"Then I wish to rest."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"No time for rest. I shall set out immediately."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
UlfarIn a stern, brusque manner, Ulfar asks with interest, "Offerings of game? Protective amulets on the trails?" After receiving an affirmative answer, he gives a firm and satisfied nod.
end of branch
YOU"And how exactly do we conduct the soothing ritual?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then I wish to rest."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"No time for rest. I shall set out immediately."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Idira"Something's calling, it's calling, and calling..." Idira covers her ears with her palms and forces her eyes shut. "There, in the place of no return, sits the shadow of one who is both alive and dead at once... The voices are calling me there, calling so desperately, but why? WHY?"
NPCThe elder looks at Idira with genuine reverence, nodding slightly after every word, her mouth half-open. "This ruler's brother did warn that a priestess-from-the-stars would descend upon this ruler's land in her search for answers. Just as he said, she would wish to head down the path of death to find reincarnation."
end of branch
YOU"How do you even survive in these forests?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And how exactly do we conduct the soothing ritual?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then I wish to rest."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"No time for rest. I shall set out immediately."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Pasqal"The collected data partially matches and completes the data received from the Emperor's Vow. Calligos Winterscale descended upon this world, lost a psyker in battles with xenos, and found a replacement in the village at the current coordinates."
end of branch
Yrliet"The powers of my kin may have disturbed the wild flora of this world, which then concealed the remnants of the children of Crudarach from the wrath of your rival. That means that they are somewhere in the forest. Surviving. Hiding. Preying on one another."
end of branch
YOU"Do you know where your brother and the other Starborn are now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you even survive in these forests?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And how exactly do we conduct the soothing ritual?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then I wish to rest."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"No time for rest. I shall set out immediately."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Yrliet"The spirits from the darkness... So that is how the mon-keigh of this world see my kin. As invaders. A calamity." Yrliet lets out a strained sigh. "But these mon-keigh have neither teeth nor claws. They are not even aware of the most basic technologies that your kind uses. So then why do my kin burn their world so fiercely?"
NPCThe elder recoils in fear after making out Yrliet's true face with her half-blind eyes. "Th-the Starborn will be accompanied by a spirit to put an end to the misfortunes of this world — thus spoke the priest. Seeing a spirit among the living is... wrong. Spirits should stay in the spirit realm, and humans in the realm of the living."
end of branch
Jae"If only you knew, my honourable damaar, how I agree with your every word." Jae casts a knowing glance at Yrliet, but says nothing more.
end of branch
YOU"You think that several gods have set foot on Quetza Temer?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you know where your brother and the other Starborn are now?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How do you even survive in these forests?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"And how exactly do we conduct the soothing ritual?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Then I wish to rest."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"No time for rest. I shall set out immediately."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Heinrix"I presume this 'priest' is another unsanctioned psyker with the gift of divination." Heinrix tiredly pinches the bridge of his nose.
end of branch
YOU"Was my coming here foretold?"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Cassia"The flow of time is truly merciless to the meagre memory of peasants." Cassia lets out a weary sigh and slightly rolls her eyes. "According to the works of the archivist Zacchary Fein III, Sebastian Winterscale was the first to discover this world for the Imperium's subjects. And half a century after, an ark descended to the planet's surface — the Quetza Temer."
Cassia"Over hundreds of years, the limited minds of the rabble have invented their own twisted history, one that the colonists' descendants still believe to this day."
end of branch
YOU"Why do you call me Starborn?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Was my coming here foretold?"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Argenta"These lost souls have forgotten the true image of the God-Emperor! The only reminder they have is the sacred Aquila." Argenta shakes her head sadly. "Calligos Winterscale should concern himself with educating his worlds instead of indulging his craving for the hunt."
end of branch
YOU"I thought that Quetza Temer was the name of this place, but you speak of it as if it were a figure from the past."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why do you call me Starborn?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Was my coming here foretold?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Eagle-God, you say? Is it his brand that is burned on your forehead?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I thought that Quetza Temer was the name of this place, but you speak of it as if it were a figure from the past."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why do you call me Starborn?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Was my coming here foretold?"continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
NPCThe elder shifts her gaze to Ulfar. "Great spirit of the Eagle-God, we are glad to see you. This ruler will have the joints of your iron skin anointed with the oil of dire oak acorns so that they never corrode. And she will have sacred symbols drawn on your precious skin so that the spirits of this place may have no fear of you."
UlfarUlfar grunts in approval. "Hospitality is the banner of a worthy tribe. Respect for the spirits is the banner of a wise one. A fine planet."
end of branch
Jae"Food and shelter?" Jae's eyes light up. "So long to our worn-out boots and sodden cape, shereen! My homeworld has a wise rule — never dismiss the hospitality of those who consider you their overlord!"
end of branch
NPCA group of lean young people surrounds you, shooting anxious glances between you and the grey-headed elder who has stepped forward. Unlike the rest, her skin is completely free of decoration, save for the two-headed eagle branded on her wrinkled forehead.continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 7
NPCA group of lean young people surrounds you, shooting anxious glances between you, Calligos, the priest, and the grey-headed elder who has stepped forward. Unlike the rest, her skin is completely free of decoration, save for the two-headed eagle branded on her wrinkled forehead.
NPC"Our meeting occurred just as Speaks-With-Gods foresaw." The woman's accent grates on your ears — her words sound like a fusion of High Gothic and the most vulgar tongue of the rabble. "Welcome to the heart of the forest, Starborn. This ruler—"
Calligos Winterscale"Enough of your bleating, old hag! I already told you your speech offends me so — it makes me want to cut out your tongue. Not even a Chorda preacher would have the patience to listen to you blather on about your stars, gods, spirits, and other nonsense."
Calligos WinterscaleCalligos waves the woman away and turns his flinty gaze on Speaks-With-Gods. "I am sick and tired of aimlessly trudging through the woods, old man. I am a hunter. And without a quarry, I turn into quite the beast."
Speaks-With-GodsHumbly covering his eyes, the priest nods slightly. "Speaks-With-Gods is ready to conduct the ritual, O Starborn. The heart of the forest is calling out to me. So let this priest serve his gods not in word, but in deed."
Calligos Winterscale"It is done. This good-for-nothing psyker has finally proved himself useful." Winterscale looks around the settlement with a bored expression. "I intend to have a good night's sleep and enjoy the local delicacies. One good thing about Quetza Temer is that the fruit here is sweeter than Calixian honey and more tender than the meat of a young grox."
Calligos Winterscale"You should get some rest as well, [Name]. And remember, it is better to go hunting when you are full of vigour, but slightly hungry. The hunger... adds acuity. Makes the kill more intoxicating, you know?"
Calligos Winterscale"Let me know when you are ready to depart. Or if you decide to share a few stories, then come to the bonfire. It's not often that two Rogue Traders can indulge in confidences away from prying ears." Winterscale sardonically clicks his tongue and nonchalantly salutes you in farewell.
end of branch
Entry point 6 of 7
NPC"Everything happened just as Speaks-With-Gods foresaw. The Starborn are back, and with them our—"
Calligos Winterscale"Enough of your bleating, old hag! I already told you your speech offends me so — it makes me want to cut out your tongue."
Calligos WinterscaleCalligos waves the woman away and turns his flinty gaze on Speaks-With-Gods. "I am sick and tired of aimlessly trudging through the woods, old man. I am a hunter. And without a quarry, I turn into quite the beast."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 7 of 7
NPCYou hear the elder whisper some sort of prayer as you approach: "...shelter your herd under your wing from the spirits-from-the-darkness. O Eagle-God, dispel the darkness, and show us the way on our arduous path, and bless your Starborn scions..."
YOU"So, who are you?"
NPC"The name of this ruler is Leads-Ahead, O Starborn. And all of us..." The elder looks at the settlement. "...are the children of the fiery mother and the pale father who look after us by day and guard us by night. The faithful servants of the Two-Headed Eagle-God who shields our lands from misfortune with His wings. We are the ungone forest-dwelling children of the earth and the guardians of the Temple of Quetza Temer — the first Starborn to have ever set foot on the virgin soil of this land."
YOU"So, who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Remind me, who are you?"
NPC"The name of this ruler is Leads-Ahead, O Starborn. And all of us..." The elder looks at the settlement. "...are the children of the fiery mother and the pale father who look after us by day and guard us by night. The faithful servants of the Two-Headed Eagle-God who shields our lands from misfortune with His wings. We are the ungone forest-dwelling children of the earth and the guardians of the Temple of Quetza Temer — the first Starborn to have ever set foot on the virgin soil of this land."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Eagle-God, you say? Is it his brand that is burned on your forehead?"
NPC"Oh, yes." The elder nods respectfully. "Many seasons have changed since this ruler received the Eagle-God's blessing and became the leader of this tribe. Only those close to the gods are allowed to bear their brands, and this ruler is one of them."
YOU"So, who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Remind me, who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Eagle-God, you say? Is it his brand that is burned on your forehead?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have questions for you."
NPC"This ruler has lived many of Quetza Temer's seasons for this moment. Please, ask away, Starborn."
YOU"I thought that Quetza Temer was the name of this place, but you speak of it as if it were a figure from the past."
NPC"The legends of this place claim that a long time ago, the first among the Starborn descended upon this world together with this ruler's ancestors, created the ancient cities and temples, and brought the blessing of the Eagle-God unto these forests and lands. The fast-flowing time has erased the Starborn's name from the minds of the people. Only his title remains — Quetza Temer, the First of the Chosen, the Sky-Herald of the Eagle-God, and the Father of Tribes."
YOU"I thought that Quetza Temer was the name of this place, but you speak of it as if it were a figure from the past."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about Speaks-With-Gods."
NPC"Speaks-With-Gods is the priest of this tribe and this ruler's half-brother. He listens to the forest and calls to the earth, wards off the punishing lashes of the skies and speaks to the Eagle-God on behalf of our tribe. Before disappearing in the wandering forest, he told this ruler to prepare for your arrival."
YOU"I thought that Quetza Temer was the name of this place, but you speak of it as if it were a figure from the past."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about Speaks-With-Gods."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else did Speaks-With-Gods predict?"
NPCThe elder's gaze darkens. "Quetza Temer is enraged by the invasion of the spirits-from-the-darkness that have called a rain of fire and metal upon this world. He demands blood — and blood shall sate the soil! No matter the path chosen by the gods who have come to right the wrong."
YOU"I thought that Quetza Temer was the name of this place, but you speak of it as if it were a figure from the past."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about Speaks-With-Gods."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else did Speaks-With-Gods predict?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Speaks-With-Gods also calls Calligos and me 'Starborn.' Why?"
NPC"Because you are the Sky-Heralds of the Eagle-God, created by Him from the stars' glow and the night sky's darkness. The ones who carry His seal in your image, clad in the armour of our ancestors' most ancient prophecies."
YOU"I thought that Quetza Temer was the name of this place, but you speak of it as if it were a figure from the past."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about Speaks-With-Gods."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else did Speaks-With-Gods predict?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Speaks-With-Gods also calls Calligos and me 'Starborn.' Why?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How does your tribe manage to survive in these forests?"
NPC"Speaks-With-Gods hears the whispers of the leaves and can commune with the tree spirits. Speaks-With-Gods performs soothing rituals when Quetza Temer needs them, just like today, and that allows this ruler and her people to tread on safe paths."
YOU"I thought that Quetza Temer was the name of this place, but you speak of it as if it were a figure from the past."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me about Speaks-With-Gods."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else did Speaks-With-Gods predict?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Speaks-With-Gods also calls Calligos and me 'Starborn.' Why?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How does your tribe manage to survive in these forests?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough questions."
NPC"This ruler wishes not to lose her tongue for wearying the Starborn."
YOU"So, who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Remind me, who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Eagle-God, you say? Is it his brand that is burned on your forehead?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have questions for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave without saying anything]
NPC"May the Eagle-God shelter you under His wing, Starborn."
end of branch
NPC(sequence)
UlfarIn a stern, brusque manner, Ulfar asks with interest, "Offerings of game? Protective amulets on the trails?" After receiving an affirmative answer, he gives a firm and satisfied nod.
end of branch
YOU"Enough questions."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How does your tribe manage to survive in these forests?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough questions."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Yrliet"The spirits from the darkness... So that is how the mon-keigh of this world see my kin. As invaders. A calamity." Yrliet lets out a strained sigh. "But these mon-keigh have neither teeth nor claws. They are not even aware of the most basic technologies that your kind uses. So then why do my kin burn their world so fiercely?"
NPCThe elder recoils in fear after making out Yrliet's true face with her half-blind eyes. "Th-the Starborn will be accompanied by a spirit to put an end to the misfortunes of this world — thus spoke the priest. Seeing a spirit among the living is... wrong. Spirits should stay in the spirit realm, and humans in the realm of the living."
end of branch
Jae"If only you knew, my honourable damaar, how I agree with your every word." Jae casts a knowing glance at Yrliet, but says nothing more.
end of branch
YOU"Speaks-With-Gods also calls Calligos and me 'Starborn.' Why?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How does your tribe manage to survive in these forests?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough questions."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else did Speaks-With-Gods predict?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Speaks-With-Gods also calls Calligos and me 'Starborn.' Why?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How does your tribe manage to survive in these forests?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough questions."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Cassia"The flow of time is truly merciless to the meagre memory of peasants." Cassia lets out a weary sigh and slightly rolls her eyes. "According to the works of the archivist Zacchary Fein III, Sebastian Winterscale was the first to discover this world for the Imperium's subjects. And half a century after, an ark descended to the planet's surface — the Quetza Temer."
end of branch
YOU"Tell me about Speaks-With-Gods."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What else did Speaks-With-Gods predict?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Speaks-With-Gods also calls Calligos and me 'Starborn.' Why?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How does your tribe manage to survive in these forests?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Enough questions."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave without saying anything]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Argenta"These lost souls have forgotten the true image of the God-Emperor! The only reminder they have is the sacred Aquila." Argenta shakes her head sadly. "Calligos Winterscale should concern himself with educating his worlds instead of indulging his craving for the hunt."
end of branch
YOU"I have questions for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave without saying anything]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Remind me, who are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The Eagle-God, you say? Is it his brand that is burned on your forehead?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have questions for you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave without saying anything]continues where this line first appears above