ObeliskYou have never seen a cryptographic machine as intricate and unorthodox as this one. The numerous sacred seals of algorithmic asceticism suggest that the spirit dwelling within is exceptionally cunning and powerful, privy to forbidden knowledge.
YOU[Examine the machine]
YOU[Confirm activation of the information panels]
ObeliskAn impulse of the Motive Force runs through the thick cables around the cogitator. "Data accepted. [Alg.84521-4521] Linguistic analysis complete. Initiate final cataloguing?"
YOU[Examine the machine]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Confirm activation of the information panels]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Initiate final cataloguing]
ObeliskThe vid-screen fills with the same symbols you saw on the surrounding buildings. You feel an inexplicable rush of disgust at the sight of them in place of familiar words and numbers. Almost identical geometric shapes combine into long chains and flash by too fast for you to take them in.
ObeliskA text in Low Gothic appears under the glyphs: "Shunning the imperfections of the flesh, its transience, and its finiteness, we have embarked on a new trajectory amid the stars, and have become immortal. We have become the New, preserving a bond with the Old through rhythm, images, and symbols. Before existence turns to darkness, it shall be conquered and it shall tremble in fear."
Obelisk"REPORT. [Ref. err.] [Alg. 7458-14] Cataloguing completed successfully. Active vocabulary of the xenos race compiled. [Alg. 7458-41] ATTENTION. Data transfer to the translation device is required to save the catalogue. Declining will result in catalogue deletion. Continue?"
YOU[Transfer the data to your Elucidator]
ObeliskNow connected to the cogitator, your Elucidator hums intensely. As it learns the meaning of the hitherto unfamiliar glyphs, it responds with rattles and metallic groans. The cogitator's vid-screen lights up: "Operation completed."
YOU[Examine the machine]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Confirm activation of the information panels]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Initiate final cataloguing]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Try to extract the data concerning the mechanism's masters]
ObeliskThe mechanism, having served the Inquisition so faithfully, is loath to part with its secrets. One after another, menacing scarlet dots light up on its casing.
YOU[Continue the attempt]
ObeliskYour ruthless intrusion into the cogitator's memory chambers yields the following message: "Prepare for the start of Operation Precious Sentinel. The Horrific Vision event may come to pass. Orders to abort the research mission and join the contingent on Epitaph. Codes for traversing the minefields are attached." The message has an attachment containing the astronomical coordinates of a planet along with some binharic code.
Obelisk"Priority zero: contact with barrier squadron lost during dimensional gate recharging. No confirmation received of gate being sealed. Stay on high alert!"
ObeliskThe cogitator shrieks indignantly, lighting up with blinding red indicators and letting out a high-frequency howl. A word appears across the entire width of the vid-screen: "[Alg. 00-02] INTRUSION!" When the ringing in your ears subsides, you realise you hear something else... someone's heavy footsteps. The vindictive machine spirit triumphantly displays a blinking prophetic message.
end of branch
YOU[Abort]
ObeliskThe lights smugly and maliciously blink at you one last time before going out.
YOU[Examine the machine]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Confirm activation of the information panels]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Initiate final cataloguing]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Try to extract the data concerning the mechanism's masters]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]
end of branch
Obelisk(sequence)
PasqalPasqal bows his head and mutters a prayer, then makes a quick motion with his fingers. Several lights on the cogitator go out as its defences crack. "Forgive me, ancient spirit. You must be pacified."
end of branch
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Delete all the data]
ObeliskA scrolling binharic code replaces the xenos symbols. The vid-screen displays the following message: "Linguistic analysis aborted. [Alg.13697512]."
YOU[Examine the machine]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Confirm activation of the information panels]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Initiate final cataloguing]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Try to extract the data concerning the mechanism's masters]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
Obelisk(sequence)
Pasqal"Now I see why they needed such an ancient and powerful machine spirit. To decipher a xenos language is practically to comprehend it. This archeotech is on the verge of turning into an Abominable Intelligence." Trepidation blends with horror in the Tech-Priest's voice. "It cannot be left here. I am sending an order to the ship to deploy a team of technomats to dismantle and extract the sacred machine."
Eogunn"I claim priority right to perform sacred diagnostics on the relic. My research of the xenos data will expedite understanding and the curing of the machine spirit's ailment." After exchanging a few sharp, prolonged binharic trills, the Tech-Priests seem to reach an agreement.
end of branch
EogunnEogunn reverently descends lower, almost touching the floor, and folds his hands in a gesture of respect. "This machine is the forebear of the Elucidator we employed on Amsanct. Had we possessed the full scope of knowledge that it comprehended, who knows, perhaps everything would have turned out differently. However, my sentimentality correlates poorly with statistical probabilities."
end of branch
YOU[Try to extract the data concerning the mechanism's masters]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
ObeliskThe hum of the servo-motors inside the cogitator grows louder as the machine processes information. "ATTENTION. Insufficient data for final cataloguing. [Alg.54782136-125] STATUS: Awaiting data input."
YOU[Examine the machine]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Confirm activation of the information panels]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Initiate final cataloguing]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Try to extract the data concerning the mechanism's masters]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Initiate final cataloguing]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Try to extract the data concerning the mechanism's masters]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
Obelisk(sequence)
PasqalPasqal bows reverently to the sacred machine and whispers, "This machine's spirit is wayward and apprehensive, for it is tormented. Its intricate mind carries many scars from pacifying binharic litanies." The Tech-Priest carefully removes the severed human finger from the input panel, whispers an apologetic prayer to the cogitator, and casually tosses the piece of flesh away.
end of branch
Entry point 2 of 4
ObeliskIf there is one thing you know for sure, it is that the machine is expensive, rare, and sacred enough for you to easily get a good price for it.
YOU[Examine the machine]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Confirm activation of the information panels]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Initiate final cataloguing]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Try to extract the data concerning the mechanism's masters]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
Obelisk(sequence)continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 4
ObeliskSeveral disfigured corpses in the uniforms of Inquisition soldiers have been tossed in a grotesque pile between the cogitator and the large obelisk-like statue. Their killers left no trace, but you have the nagging, oppressive feeling that the very walls are watching you. The air, thick with electricity and the heavy stench of rotting flesh, only makes that feeling worse.
Obelisk(sequence)
UlfarClosing his eyes and sniffing noisily, the Wolf snarls grimly, "What killed these mortals is still near. I can smell it... A lifeless stench. Not like a corpse, but like the iron teeth in Morkai's maw."
end of branch
Marazhai"Careful, Rogue Trader. The Oghyr are adept at springing traps."
end of branch
ObeliskA message is blinking impatiently on the cogitator's vid-screen: "PROCESS: Linguistic analysis [Alg.54782136] STATUS: Awaiting data cataloguing. Activate information panels."
YOU[Examine the machine]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Confirm activation of the information panels]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Initiate final cataloguing]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Try to extract the data concerning the mechanism's masters]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Leave]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 4
ObeliskA message is blinking impatiently on the cogitator's vid-screen: "PROCESS: Linguistic analysis [Alg.54782136] STATUS: Awaiting data cataloguing. Activate information panels."continues where this line first appears above