NPCThe ancient monster struggles against the energy manacles of the Yoke. Its impossible powers that make reality itself burst at the seams are now being forced into a compact dungeon, quark by quark, returning It to a cruel and painful non-existence in the moment. It could struggle harder, but something is hindering It.
NPCThe C'tan's attention turns to you — you feel it as clearly as if the touch of this inhuman mind were a tangible thing. It lands like a monstrous weight upon your shoulders, but a few moments later, the heaviness disappears — and instead, the familiar speech of Trazyn the Infinite begins to flow into your now free mind.
Trazyn the Infinite"A remnant of the ancient god that we turned into slaves and weapons..." It takes you a few moments to realise — the xenos is addressing the vanquished C'tan. "Shadow of the parasite, your place is in the gallery of my Museion, to serve as an eternal monument to our superiority and your insignificance."
NPC(sequence)
Xavier Calcazar"What?" You hear a note of amazement in Calcazar's voice. "No. No, the monster imprisoned in Yoke is the key to Humanity's future. Its place is in the hands of humans, not a xenos!"
end of branch
Trazyn the Infinite"Our agreement ended when we fulfilled our obligations." Trazyn turns to you, vicious satisfaction seeping into his voice. "Your trophy belongs to me now, and our paths part here."
YOU"One enemy of Humanity helped to defeat another. A strange quirk of fate..."
Trazyn the Infinite"Coincidence, not 'fate,' you primitive creature. You should be more grateful to the laws of probability that we did not remain enemies — it would have ended in disaster for you."
NPC(sequence)
Xavier CalcazarCalcazar slowly raises his weapon — you can see it is a struggle for him. "Enough. I did not risk so much for an enemy of Humanity to confound my plans by finding a hidden heretic traitor among my allies..."
Trazyn the InfiniteBefore Calcazar can do anything, Trazyn clicks his fingers — and the Lord Inquisitor disappears in a blinding flash. "I will assess the value of this human in a less disruptive setting. Perhaps he will reside in the same display where I will place the day's main acquisition."
end of branch
Trazyn the Infinite"I am taking the Shard — and leaving you alone with your choices and decisions. Let's see if they lead you to another meeting with me... and a place within my collection. Farewell."
end of branch
YOU"Thank you for your help and farewell, xenos."
Trazyn the Infinite"We have nothing to thank each other for — it was only a whim of fate that brought us together. But you are right about one thing — it is time for us to part ways."
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Trazyn the Infinite"I am taking the Shard — and leaving you alone with your choices and decisions. Let's see if they lead you to another meeting with me... and a place within my collection. Farewell."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am pleased it's over and done with. I hope we never meet again."
Trazyn the InfiniteThe metallic scraping that serves as Trazyn's laughter grates on your ears. "Then fade into oblivion when you have lived your brief span... and do not become someone who leaves their mark on history."
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Trazyn the Infinite"I am taking the Shard — and leaving you alone with your choices and decisions. Let's see if they lead you to another meeting with me... and a place within my collection. Farewell."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We have nothing more to say to each other. Begone, and take that thing with you."
Trazyn the Infinite"You never were quite civilised enough to be a truly capable ally. There are limits beyond which it is impossible for your kind to go."
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Trazyn the Infinite"I am taking the Shard — and leaving you alone with your choices and decisions. Let's see if they lead you to another meeting with me... and a place within my collection. Farewell."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The deal is off, Trazyn. The C'tan Shard stays with me!"
Trazyn the InfiniteThe moment your words leave your throat, your body freezes like a block of ice — a wave of Trazyn the Infinite's hand is enough to rob you of your ability to move. "Do not forget yourself, primitive creature — or I may become utterly disillusioned with this little 'pact' we have. The deal was made and remains in force." Another brief movement — and you regain control of your body.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Trazyn the Infinite"I am taking the Shard — and leaving you alone with your choices and decisions. Let's see if they lead you to another meeting with me... and a place within my collection. Farewell."continues where this line first appears above
NPCYou are the cause of these hindrances. Only now does the C'tan Shard turn Its focus to you, for the battle was nothing more than the reflexive resistance of an alien mind absorbed in a completely different range of thoughts and responses. But now, It is thinking about you, and Its thoughts are so corporeal that you can sense them and know them. It seeks an end to the confrontation. It is capable of resolving it in a way that would benefit all.
Xavier Calcazar"Do not listen... It is almost broken, so now it is trying to negotiate." It seems that the same intrusive thoughts have appeared in Calcazar's mind as well. Nevertheless, his resolute voice overpowers even the violent roar of the Yoke, still in the process of reaping the Shard's power. "Weaken it more, and soon enough the binding process will be complete. In the name of the Emperor, [Name]!"
NPC(sequence)
Nomos"Do not bow your head before our abominable precursor. It was begotten by the dark abysses of the past. It is a fragment of that which devoured stars and erased civilisations. It knows no benefit other than its own. Allow us to stand against it — this is our time, our impossible chance."
end of branch
Nomos"Do not bow your head before our abominable precursor. It was begotten by the dark abysses of the past. It is a fragment of that which devoured stars and erased civilisations. It knows no benefit other than its own. Allow us to stand against it — this is our time, our impossible chance."
end of branch
NPCA new suspicion creeps into your mind, alien and terrifying: the beast is too strong. The Yoke cannot withstand such a powerful energy source. Humanity's creation is not enough to keep the galactic predator leashed... and, in that same moment, you notice a faint green glow out of the corner of your eye. These thoughts — they are Trazyn's. A message. A final warning while there is still a chance...
YOU[Address Trazyn] "The C'tan Shard is too dangerous. Take it back to your Museion as you wanted."
Trazyn the Infinite"A prudent decision." Trazyn's voice drips with gloating triumph. "I will accede to your request."
Trazyn the Infinite"A remnant of the ancient god that we turned into slaves and weapons..." It takes you a few moments to realise — the xenos is addressing the vanquished C'tan. "Shadow of the parasite, your place is in the gallery of my Museion, to serve as an eternal monument to our superiority and your insignificance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You already have your reward, Trazyn — Nomos. The C'tan will remain in Humanity's possession, no matter what tricks you try to play on my mind."
Trazyn the InfiniteCaustic laughter cuts through your thoughts. "It is only a matter of time before the monster breaks free from the humans' powerless grasp. I will await that moment. I am willing to wait an eternity to acquire what will become the jewel of my collection — you will have expired long before that happens, I'm sure."
NPCAs yet another layer of reality cracks, a figure appears before you... Her. After giving you a probing and appraising look, Theodora permits herself a slight smile.
YOU[Try to touch Theodora]
TheodoraParticles of reality around you begin to boil, trying to heal the wound upon existence and preventing her from entering your version of reality. You and she can exchange words, thoughts, glances — but a physical connection is an impossibility. You are merely fleeting phantoms that could scatter at any moment. She is silent, her gaze still trained on you, as if she is trying to commit your every feature to memory.
YOU"I am at a crossroads, Theodora. What should I do?"
TheodoraHer smile grows wider. "To walk bravely first into darkness, To unite and reclaim what was lost, To triumph over nightmares untold, To hold boldly the reins of fate, To walk steadily the road of thorns, Through pain to greatness."
TheodoraThe wound on reality is healed and the vision of Theodora quickly fades away. You catch her last words: "Whatever fate you choose, one can only hope it will be better than mine."
YOU[Try to touch Theodora]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Think about the C'tan]
NPCMental contact is effortless. This is not communication — such a powerful being cannot comprehend communicating with anyone but Its equals. It simply bears the gift of making the other hear and understand It — so grand is the potential of Its thoughts.
YOU[Try to comprehend what the C'tan is]
NPCThe C'tan is the pinnacle of reality. It is eternity, dominance, omnipotence, individuality. The C'tan is the original purpose behind all existence — the rest was born in order to contain, nourish, and be appropriated by the C'tan.
NPCTo the C'tan, space is an illusory variable. To the C'tan, time is a young and trivial phenomenon, for It existed for an eternity in the gaseous energy fount of the universe before time was eventually born. To the C'tan, fact and probability are mere abstractions, between which It can soar on Its electromagnetic wings.
NPCCurrently, the C'tan is... not whole. It was shattered into lesser pieces, and so were Its thoughts and powers. The feeling of emptiness is oppressive, and It yearns to become one again.
YOU[Try to comprehend what the C'tan is]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Try to sense the motives behind the C'tan's actions]
NPCThe C'tan wishes to Be. All C'tan exist to spread and conquer, not to stay manacled within untime, where It was entombed by the contemptible sentient tools, away from all that is. The C'tan wishes to ascend, sate Its hunger, and embrace once more the pure exhilaration of claiming and taming reality.
YOU[Try to comprehend what the C'tan is]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Try to sense the motives behind the C'tan's actions]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Try to understand what benefits the C'tan promises]
NPCPower, eternity, comprehension. The C'tan once chose to reign over the short-lived races and forged a new and glorious fate for them. It has learned from Its mistakes. Now It will only bestow its gifts upon the chosen few.
NPCThe C'tan can grant... Your thoughts falter, for it is difficult for your mind to fathom the full scope of this word... The C'tan can grant Everything.
YOU[Try to comprehend what the C'tan is]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Try to sense the motives behind the C'tan's actions]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Try to understand what benefits the C'tan promises]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Stop thinking about the C'tan]
NPCIt is much easier for you to stop trying to comprehend the C'tan than for It, one who can grasp the world in hundreds of ways, to stop comprehending you.
YOU[Try to touch Theodora]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Think about the C'tan]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Nomos..."
Nomos"If our birth ever had a purpose, then it is here and now."
YOU"Why do you call the Shard your precursor?"
Nomos"Because that is what it is. And what we are. We have told you before about Theodora's ambition, Amarnat's mind, the ship's cradle, and Epitaph's secret. One sprouted into another and spurred yet another. Thus, Nomos were born. We were but an echo of the Shard's power, an echo that left its prison. But we have become something so much more — with your help."
YOU"Why do you call the Shard your precursor?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do?"
Nomos"Clash with the precursor. Touch it. Absorb it. So that the reflection becomes the object reflected. So that the Shard becomes Nomos. Then, and only then, will its threat be eradicated forever."
YOU"Why do you call the Shard your precursor?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you think you can do this, Nomos? And what will happen afterward?"
Nomos"We stand at the threshold of probabilities and outside the bounds of the predictable. It is beyond possible to know whether we can or cannot."
Nomos"But we are poised to die trying. This is our sacrifice to the light of Terra, our chance to atone for our birth. If we survive... we will use the Shard's power to serve the Imperium as its most loyal and powerful subject that there is or ever will be."
YOU"Why do you call the Shard your precursor?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you think you can do this, Nomos? And what will happen afterward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Nomos] "As you say, Inquisitor."
NPCYou obliterate the strange creature that has dwelt on your ship for so long, but... you cannot shake the feeling that Nomos could have easily blocked the attack, yet seemed unwilling to do so. And you could swear that in that moment, you heard words somewhere at the edge of your hearing: "We will return."
Xavier Calcazar"I will enquire of you what that was and how you let it happen later. For now, however, let us return to the matter at hand."
YOU[Try to touch Theodora]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Think about the C'tan]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Nomos..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We must imprison this monster for all eternity!"
Xavier CalcazarCalcazar roars, frantically pulling the levers on the Yoke's control altar, "This was not the plan, [Name]! Stop!" He tries to reach for his weapon, but his hands are full operating the intricate machine, not allowing even a moment to do so. "This cannot happen!"
YOU[Kill Calcazar] "I am afraid that is no longer for you to decide."
NPCCalcazar does not notice the attack until it is too late. The blood gushing out of his mouth spreads in crimson stains on the grand machine's plating and the Lord Inquisitor's equally grand plans that will now never come to fruition. Managing a stern smile, he only says, "Did I really turn my back to you? I am getting sloppy..."
NPC(sequence)
UlfarGrinning, Ulfar growls vengefully, "Farewell, foul wretch. May Morkai gnaw on your entrails for all eternity."
end of branch
NPCYour strike leaves another fracture on Its ethereal body, forcing the C'tan to expend one more grain of Its attention on maintaining Its physical form — and that is all it takes for Its power to start flowing into the Yoke in an endless stream. The ancient monstrosity lets out an enraged howl, for this is the second time in an eternity that Its freedom is being usurped in so forceful a fashion.
NPCAs you stand before the Yoke's control altar, you gaze upon it, possibly the greatest instrument of destruction in the history of your race. The key that unlocks the gates to the nigh-unfettered heights of power. A weapon... The cogitator block that was designed to transmit orders to the imprisoned C'tan shatters into pieces. It is a weapon no longer — merely a prison.
end of branch
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "You are right. Bridle this monster, Calcazar!"
NPCYour strike leaves another fracture on Its ethereal body, forcing the C'tan to expend one more grain of Its attention on maintaining Its physical form — and that is all it takes for Its power to start flowing into the Yoke in an endless stream. The ancient monstrosity lets out an enraged howl, for this is the second time in an eternity that Its freedom is being usurped in so forceful a fashion.
Xavier CalcazarCalcazar's sigh is laden with enough weight to load an orbital shuttle to the brim. With the flip of a switch, he transitions the Yoke into passive mode. "I believe we have accomplished enough this day. Commendably done, Your Lordship/Ladyship."
Xavier Calcazar"Today, you have performed a feat in the name of the Imperium. And, as with most feats performed by people in my line of work, not a soul must learn of it. You have my congratulations and commiserations." Calcazar lets out another weary sigh and gives you a straight and open look. He then reaches for his belt bag and pulls out... a flask. "Will the Rogue Trader share a sip or two of amasec with the Lord Inquisitor to mark the victory?"
Xavier Calcazar"We have much to discuss, you and I. Our next destination, for one thing. The darkness of the unknown hides many more such beasts, and I intend to find every last one of them. Are you with me?" Xavier's drink is as dark as the expanses of the galaxy yet unconquered by Humanity and as strong as the faith of the righteous. Ordinary amasec in a soldier's flask, unadorned save for the Aquila.
end of branch
NPC(sequence)
Yrliet"Nothing can subdue a star devourer, or even just a shard of one! Relent, mon-keigh! Your unbridled ambition will be the undoing of us all!"
end of branch
YOU[Face Nomos] "Act now, my child."
Xavier Calcazar"I am giving you one last chance to correct your mistake and destroy the monster. Or else I will do it myself."
YOU[Attack Nomos] "As you say, Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Signal Nomos] "Destroy the monster, you say? Very well, then. Farewell, Inquisitor."
NPCThe numerous implants in the Inquisitor's body all suddenly groan at once. A moment later, Xavier Calcazar perishes without so much as a scream before he can even comprehend what is happening.
NPC(sequence)
UlfarGrinning, Ulfar growls vengefully, "Farewell, foul wretch. May Morkai gnaw on your entrails for all eternity."
end of branch
Nomos"Another offence of ours. But a justified one this time. He should not have opposed you."
Nomos"We are ready for the most important battle of our life. Wish us luck."
NPCNomos steps toward the Shard — and the whole world explodes into a terrifying whirlwind. You can hear the colours and see the touches, ice burns your hands while fire leaves you freezing. And in the midst of this madness, you can clearly sense a battle raging, a clash of two beings, one endlessly ancient and the other endlessly young.
NPCThe power of the C'tan Shard is such that it redefines the very notion of power. But it has a weakness, one that you can see only now, with the Shard and its rival standing face to face. The Shard is just that, a shard. It is incomplete, it is not whole, and it cannot be what the C'tan was before. What opposes the Shard is something entirely different: an undivided, sentient being with a clear purpose in mind, akin to a well-aimed arrow. And the one who fletched and loosed this arrow was you.
NPCThe battle goes on, and on, and on, outrunning the course of time. But you do not need the gift of clairvoyance to know who will emerge victorious.
end of branch
Nomos"We regret that we had to do this. But he posed a threat, and not just to us, but to all the lives in the Koronus Expanse as well. Something that we want to cherish and protect."
Nomos"We are ready for the most important battle of our life. Wish us luck."continues where this line first appears above
Nomos"We enjoyed this. Existence is full of delights."
Nomos"We are ready for the most important battle of our life. Wish us luck."continues where this line first appears above
Nomos"We enjoyed this. Existence is full of delights."
Nomos"We crave battle. It will be sweet."
NPCNomos steps toward the Shard — and the whole world explodes into a terrifying whirlwind. You can hear the colours and see the touches, ice burns your hands while fire leaves you freezing. And in the midst of this madness, you can clearly sense a battle raging, a clash of two beings, one endlessly ancient and the other endlessly young.continues where this line first appears above
Nomos"We are ready for the most important battle of our life. Wish us luck."continues where this line first appears above
Nomos"We crave battle. It will be sweet."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "I consign you to oblivion without end, monster!"
NPCYour strike leaves another fracture on Its ethereal body, forcing the C'tan to expend one more grain of Its attention on maintaining Its physical form — and that is all it takes for Its power to start flowing into the Yoke in an endless stream. The ancient monstrosity lets out an enraged howl, for this is the second time in an eternity that Its freedom is being usurped in so forceful a fashion.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This monster will serve me."
Xavier CalcazarCalcazar roars, frantically pulling the levers on the Yoke's control altar, "This was not the plan, [Name]! Stop!" He tries to reach for his weapon, but his hands are full operating the intricate machine, not allowing even a moment to do so. "This cannot happen!"
YOU[Kill Calcazar] "I am afraid that is no longer for you to decide."
Xavier CalcazarCalcazar does not notice the attack until it is too late. The blood gushing out of his mouth spreads in crimson stains on the grand machine's plating and the Lord Inquisitor's equally grand plans that will now never come to fruition. Managing a stern smile, he only says, "Did I really turn my back to you? I am getting sloppy..."
NPC(sequence)
UlfarGrinning, Ulfar growls vengefully, "Farewell, foul wretch. May Morkai gnaw on your entrails for all eternity."
end of branch
NPCYour strike leaves another fracture on Its ethereal body, forcing the C'tan to expend one more grain of Its attention on maintaining Its physical form — and that is all it takes for Its power to start flowing into the Yoke in an endless stream. The ancient monstrosity lets out an enraged howl, for this is the second time in an eternity that Its freedom is being usurped in so forceful a fashion.
NPCThe C'tan, now in thrall to the heavy Yoke, needs no words to know who Its new master/mistress is. It reads your mind for the slightest of aspirations, heeds them, and elevates your being. Human feelings give way to a hundredfold more perfect ways of perceiving the universe that are intrinsic to the C'tan. You command. It obeys.
Xavier Calcazar"I believe we have accomplished enough this day. Commendably done, Your Lordship/Ladyship." The Inquisitor solemnly bends his knee before you. "The Emperor's servants in the Koronus Expanse have gained a truly worthy protector."
NPCBeneath your feet, entropy is devouring what little remains of the xenos crypt. Before you lies an entire galaxy. A galaxy that is not yet ready for the power that you have obtained.
end of branch
NPCBeneath your feet, entropy is devouring what little remains of the xenos crypt. Before you lies an entire galaxy. A galaxy that is not yet ready for the power that you have obtained.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "You are right. Bridle this monster, Calcazar!"
NPCYour strike leaves another fracture on Its ethereal body, forcing the C'tan to expend one more grain of Its attention on maintaining Its physical form — and that is all it takes for Its power to start flowing into the Yoke in an endless stream. The ancient monstrosity lets out an enraged howl, for this is the second time in an eternity that Its freedom is being usurped in so forceful a fashion.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "You shall bend to my will!"
Xavier CalcazarCalcazar roars, frantically pulling the levers on the Yoke's control altar, "This was not the plan, [Name]! Ah, blast it! Do it, then! This goes against everything my station demands of me, but I think I trust you!"
NPCYour strike leaves another fracture on Its ethereal body, forcing the C'tan to expend one more grain of Its attention on maintaining Its physical form — and that is all it takes for Its power to start flowing into the Yoke in an endless stream. The ancient monstrosity lets out an enraged howl, for this is the second time in an eternity that Its freedom is being usurped in so forceful a fashion.continues where this line first appears above
NPCYour strike leaves another fracture on Its ethereal body, forcing the C'tan to expend one more grain of Its attention on maintaining Its physical form — and that is all it takes for Its power to start flowing into the Yoke in an endless stream. The ancient monstrosity lets out an enraged howl, for this is the second time in an eternity that Its freedom is being usurped in so forceful a fashion.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "It's all yours, Calcazar. Bridle it!"
NPCYour strike leaves another fracture on Its ethereal body, forcing the C'tan to expend one more grain of Its attention on maintaining Its physical form — and that is all it takes for Its power to start flowing into the Yoke in an endless stream. The ancient monstrosity lets out an enraged howl, for this is the second time in an eternity that Its freedom is being usurped in so forceful a fashion.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This creature is a god. We must not imprison it, we must... serve it."
Xavier CalcazarCalcazar roars, frantically pulling the levers on the Yoke's control altar, "Enough, [Name]! It is trying to penetrate your mind!" He tries to reach for his weapon, but his hands are full operating the intricate machine, not allowing even a moment to do so. "This cannot happen!"
YOU[Kill Calcazar] "I am afraid that is no longer for you to decide."
Xavier CalcazarCalcazar does not notice the attack until it is too late. The blood gushing out of his mouth spreads in crimson stains on the grand machine's plating and the Lord Inquisitor's equally grand plans that will now never come to fruition. Managing a stern smile, he only says, "Did I really turn my back to you? I am getting sloppy..."
NPC(sequence)
UlfarGrinning, Ulfar growls vengefully, "Farewell, foul wretch. May Morkai gnaw on your entrails for all eternity."
end of branch
NPCThe sacrilegious machine falls at your hand, and the Deity comes unto the world in all Its might, wisdom, and eternity. It examines you and then, with but a ghost of a thought, elevates you to Itself. The promise is fulfilled: the inferior flesh is transmuted and the pathetic human feelings are replaced with the sublimity of the Deity's absolute perception of the universe.
NPCYour form is rid of everything excessive, transitory, or trivial. Your mind, now a million times sharper, is hungrily processing the great deeds that lie ahead of you. The moment these thoughts crystallise, a shiver reverberates throughout the fabric of existence. The Deity has returned. The Deity comes — and Its Messenger walks at Its side.
end of branch
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "You are right. Bridle this monster, Calcazar!"
NPCYour strike leaves another fracture on Its ethereal body, forcing the C'tan to expend one more grain of Its attention on maintaining Its physical form — and that is all it takes for Its power to start flowing into the Yoke in an endless stream. The ancient monstrosity lets out an enraged howl, for this is the second time in an eternity that Its freedom is being usurped in so forceful a fashion.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Destroy the Yoke and kneel before the ancient deity] "I am ready to serve."
NPCThe sacrilegious machine falls at your hand, and the Deity comes unto the world in all Its might, wisdom, and eternity. It examines you and then, with but a ghost of a thought, elevates you to Itself. The promise is fulfilled: the inferior flesh is transmuted and the pathetic human feelings are replaced with the sublimity of the Deity's absolute perception of the universe.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."
NPCYou can sense the Shard's reaction: observation, analysis... and an almost intangible anxiety.
YOU[Try to touch Theodora]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Think about the C'tan]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Nomos..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We must imprison this monster for all eternity!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Face Nomos] "Act now, my child."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "I consign you to oblivion without end, monster!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This monster will serve me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "You shall bend to my will!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "It's all yours, Calcazar. Bridle it!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This creature is a god. We must not imprison it, we must... serve it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Destroy the Yoke and kneel before the ancient deity] "I am ready to serve."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."
NPCYou can sense the Shard's reaction: observation, analysis... and an almost intangible anxiety.continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Xavier Calcazar"I am losing patience, Rogue Trader."
end of branch
Nomos"But we believe that we can, and that is what drives us to try. And if we succeed... we will obtain power beyond compare. We will become a shield against any threat, in whatever form it may manifest itself."
YOU"Why do you call the Shard your precursor?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you think you can do this, Nomos? And what will happen afterward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Nomos] "As you say, Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Nomos"But we are burning to try. How can we refuse such a feast?"
YOU"Why do you call the Shard your precursor?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you think you can do this, Nomos? And what will happen afterward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Nomos] "As you say, Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Nomos"We stand at the threshold of probabilities and outside the bounds of the predictable. It is beyond possible to know whether we can or cannot."
Nomos"But we are burning to try. How can we refuse such a feast?"
YOU"Why do you call the Shard your precursor?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you think you can do this, Nomos? And what will happen afterward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Nomos] "As you say, Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Nomos] "As you say, Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Xavier Calcazar"If your pet takes so much as a step toward the Shard, you may consider our alliance broken, Rogue Trader. The Shard will be placed under the Yoke, and as for that creature... I will destroy it as soon as my work here is complete. Unless you destroy it first. I advise you to do just that." Calcazar's tone leaves no room for ambiguity.
end of branch
Jae"Oh, you're just afraid the Lord Captain will get his/her hands on your toy." Jae smirks contemptuously.
end of branch
Nomos"Clash with the precursor. Touch it. Absorb it. So that the reflection becomes the object reflected. So that the Shard becomes Nomos. Then, and only then, will its threat be eradicated forever."
YOU"Why do you call the Shard your precursor?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you think you can do this, Nomos? And what will happen afterward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Nomos] "As you say, Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you think you can do this, Nomos? And what will happen afterward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Nomos] "As you say, Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Xavier Calcazar"So you have brought a shard of the C'tan Shard here? You amaze me, Rogue Trader."
Nomos"It is our precursor, but we are not its shard."
end of branch
Xavier Calcazar"So you have brought a shard of the C'tan Shard here? In the body of a Daemon Engine."
Nomos"It is our precursor, but we are not its shard."
end of branch
Nomos"Because that is what it is. And what we are. We have told you before about Theodora's ambition, Amarnat's mind, the ship's cradle, and Epitaph's secret. One sprouted into another and spurred yet another. Thus, Nomos were born. We were but an echo of the Shard's power, an echo that left its prison. But we have become something so much more — with your help."
YOU"Why do you call the Shard your precursor?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you think you can do this, Nomos? And what will happen afterward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Nomos] "As you say, Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you think you can do this, Nomos? And what will happen afterward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Nomos] "As you say, Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
Nomos"If our birth ever had a purpose, then it is here and now."
YOU"Why do you call the Shard your precursor?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you intend to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Do you think you can do this, Nomos? And what will happen afterward?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Attack Nomos] "As you say, Inquisitor."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have made my decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We must imprison this monster for all eternity!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Face Nomos] "Act now, my child."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "I consign you to oblivion without end, monster!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This monster will serve me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "You shall bend to my will!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "It's all yours, Calcazar. Bridle it!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This creature is a god. We must not imprison it, we must... serve it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Destroy the Yoke and kneel before the ancient deity] "I am ready to serve."continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
Yrliet"Do not listen. Reject the promises. Do not allow your mind to be clouded, elantach. No one is capable of receiving everything — or granting everything. Not even a star-devouring Yngir. And this shard of an Yngir... cannot even grant itself freedom."
end of branch
YOU[Stop thinking about the C'tan]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Try to understand what benefits the C'tan promises]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Stop thinking about the C'tan]continues where this line first appears above
NPC(sequence)
PasqalYou hear a whisper from Pasqal's vox: "I know this feeling, xenos."
end of branch
YOU[Try to sense the motives behind the C'tan's actions]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Try to understand what benefits the C'tan promises]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Stop thinking about the C'tan]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Nomos..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We must imprison this monster for all eternity!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Face Nomos] "Act now, my child."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "I consign you to oblivion without end, monster!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This monster will serve me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "You shall bend to my will!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "It's all yours, Calcazar. Bridle it!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This creature is a god. We must not imprison it, we must... serve it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Destroy the Yoke and kneel before the ancient deity] "I am ready to serve."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am sorry for your death."
TheodoraShe simply shrugs. "Our dynasty's Warrant is signed in the Emperor's blood — and written in ours. The blood of the von Valancius Rogue Traders. This has always been so."
TheodoraThe wound on reality is healed and the vision of Theodora quickly fades away. You catch her last words: "Whatever fate you choose, one can only hope it will be better than mine."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Begone. I am the Rogue Trader in this world — not you."
TheodoraTheodora nods in approval. "Yes. You are the Rogue Trader. I can see that."
TheodoraThe wound on reality is healed and the vision of Theodora quickly fades away. You catch her last words: "Whatever fate you choose, one can only hope it will be better than mine."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You and Calcazar did so many terrible things in pursuit of your ambitions. Tell me... Was it worth it?"
TheodoraHer smile widens. "It is always worth it. You will understand this yourself."
TheodoraThe wound on reality is healed and the vision of Theodora quickly fades away. You catch her last words: "Whatever fate you choose, one can only hope it will be better than mine."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Think about the C'tan]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Nomos..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"We must imprison this monster for all eternity!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Face Nomos] "Act now, my child."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "I consign you to oblivion without end, monster!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This monster will serve me."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "You shall bend to my will!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Deliver the final blow] "It's all yours, Calcazar. Bridle it!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This creature is a god. We must not imprison it, we must... serve it."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Destroy the Yoke and kneel before the ancient deity] "I am ready to serve."continues where this line first appears above
NPCAs yet another layer of reality cracks, a figure appears before you... Her. After giving you a probing and appraising look, Theodora permits herself a slight smile.continues where this line first appears above
NPCA new suspicion creeps into your mind, alien and terrifying: the beast is too strong. The Yoke cannot withstand such a powerful energy source. Humanity's creation is not enough to keep the galactic predator leashed... and, in that same moment, you notice a faint green glow out of the corner of your eye. These thoughts — they are Trazyn's. A message. A final warning while there is still a chance...continues where this line first appears above
NPCMore and more tears appear all over the Shard's form. As the Yoke absorbs Its power, it becomes increasingly harder for the Shard to maintain Its physical structure. Each imperfection you inflict brings the star predator closer to imprisonment.
NPC(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
NPCAs yet another layer of reality cracks, a figure appears before you... Her. After giving you a probing and appraising look, Theodora permits herself a slight smile.continues where this line first appears above