KharaelThe xenos in front of you exchange wary glances and curt remarks that your Elucidator cannot capture or comprehend. At last, one of the Drukhari steps forward and takes off his helmet. His hair is bone-white and his face is marked with tattoos not entirely dissimilar to Marazhai's.
KharaelThe negotiator bows deeply, not daring to look at your companion. "Greetings, Marazhai Aezyrraesh, Dracon of the Kabal of the Reaving Tempest, Eviscerator of Illiridos, Blaze of the Barkhag Kingdom, and Slayer of Carrocius the Pale."
MarazhaiA smug smile blossoms on Marazhai's face. "Kharael... Your sycophantic skills have not dulled since you lost your mistress. They will be of use to you yet. Speak."
Kharael"The Reaving Tempest is dying." The Drukhari speaks slowly, carefully choosing his words. "Since the death of Archon Yremeryss, our territories have been ravaged and our warriors openly attacked, mercenaries have turned their blades against our Kabalites, and the air is rife with rumours that our supreme patrons will soon allow our spire to be consigned to a bloody reaping..."
YOU[Say nothing]
Marazhai"So what do you want from me?" Marazhai speaks with feigned indolence. "From a Dracon cast down from his post and banished from the ranks of the Reaving Tempest? From a Drukhari banned from Commorragh itself?"
Kharael"We need a leader. We need a symbol of the power that led the Kabal to might and prosperity for centuries. The lineage of the Aezyrraesh has not yet faded, which means it is destined to return... The Reaving Tempest is calling out to you."
DrukhariKharael looks at Marazhai with distrust. "Despite being open to the lusts of Sai'lanthresh, not even realspace could break an Aezyrraesh... Your appearance suggests you have plenty of prey at your disposal."
MarazhaiMarazhai narrows his eyes. "Let us say I accept your offer. What use do I have for the handful of Drukhari huddling behind you, Kharael? Answer me — does the Reaving Tempest still live? Or is this the death rattle of the fallen?"
DrukhariKharael leans forward. "Two raids managed to hide in the tangle of the Webway and are awaiting the chosen hour. There are Kabal troops hiding in the bowels of Commorragh itself. We are biding our time. When these forces come together, they will be enough to take over another spire and absorb several smaller Kabals who will serve us..."
YOU"The decision is yours, Marazhai."
MarazhaiThe Drukhari stays silent. You see the jaw muscles working in his hollow cheeks. Finally, he speaks with reluctance: "I need time."
DrukhariKharael's gaze lingers on you, or more specifically, on the brand on your neck. Suddenly he snorts. "Did you get bored away from home, Marazhai? You found yourself a toy?"
MarazhaiMarazhai regards you with a look of smouldering hunger and replies to Kharael with contempt. "The mon-keigh is my property, Kharael. Be careful when you are looking at him/her, I may misinterpret your intentions."
YOU"Be careful, Kharael. Marazhai does not like it when others ogle what belongs to him."
DrukhariKharael smirks but does avert his gaze.
MarazhaiMarazhai snaps his fingers pensively. "Get back to your ships. I need time to contemplate my answer to the plea of the Reaving Tempest."
Kharael"We cannot wait long for your decision. Those who have found refuge in realspace have been here... too long." Kharael's voice rings with genuine fear. "We are forced to fight one another. Forced to seek torment in the blood of our kin. Do not tarry, find our base in a neighbouring star system where our raid is hiding from the scheming of other Kabals. You should hurry — the voice of Sai'lanthresh in the minds of our companions grows louder with every passing day."
MarazhaiMarazhai turns to you with an intrigued smile. "The Kabal wants me back? Hmm. How very curious..."
YOU"How did they find us here in the first place?"
MarazhaiThe xenos shrugs nonchalantly. "I think Kharael found a way to gain access to my spies, the ones left or abandoned as sleeper agents on your ship. My downfall was so sudden I never had the time to cover my tracks."
YOU"How did they find us here in the first place?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is a very obvious trap."
Marazhai"It is not. A trap is what I prepared for you, an unexpected and exquisite creation of a sophisticated mind. This is an invitation to a slaughter." Marazhai's lip curls in contempt. "Kharael did not even try to hide how much the Reaving Tempest hates me."
YOU"How did they find us here in the first place?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is a very obvious trap."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you going to do?"
Marazhai"Answer the summons. Attend the meeting, look at the faces of those who have gathered there. And start rebuilding the Kabal. The Reaving Tempest is not dead while I still breathe, and I will make the Dark City tremble when we return there in full force."
YOU"How did they find us here in the first place?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is a very obvious trap."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you going to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well, let us talk to your kin."
MarazhaiMarazhai nods. "Excellent. We have the coordinates. We know what to expect. I will sharpen my blades — they will obviously be needed when I reunite with my kin. At least, I hope so."
end of branch
YOU"I am not going to waste my time on your games or walk headlong into a trap."
MarazhaiMarazhai looks at you askance, then shakes himself and turns away. "Then this conversation is over."
end of branch
MarazhaiMarazhai sneers. "Have some fun. The Drukhari forced to hide in realspace? I suppose it will be an amusing sight. We will get there, find out what ridiculous ambush they have set up for me, and then we will cut them down. To the last warrior. If the Reaving Tempest has truly fallen... so be it. By my right as an Aezyrraesh, I will end it."
YOU"How did they find us here in the first place?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is a very obvious trap."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you going to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well, let us talk to your kin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am not going to waste my time on your games or walk headlong into a trap."continues where this line first appears above
MarazhaiMarazhai's eyes narrow as a smile spreads across his lips. "We will go there and get what we want. You will acquire trophies and new playthings, and I will derive pleasure from trampling all over those who turned their backs on me... Power over my Kabal, too, if I manage to make them bow down before me."
YOU"How did they find us here in the first place?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is a very obvious trap."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you going to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well, let us talk to your kin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am not going to waste my time on your games or walk headlong into a trap."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well, let us talk to your kin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am not going to waste my time on your games or walk headlong into a trap."continues where this line first appears above
Marazhai"No, no... Did you not see how Kharael spoke to me? The incline of his head, the tone... He yearns for my return. Perhaps the Reaving Tempest... can still be reborn." Marazhai stares off to the side, immersed in thought.
YOU"How did they find us here in the first place?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is a very obvious trap."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you going to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well, let us talk to your kin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am not going to waste my time on your games or walk headlong into a trap."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you going to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well, let us talk to your kin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am not going to waste my time on your games or walk headlong into a trap."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This is a very obvious trap."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What are you going to do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Very well, let us talk to your kin."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am not going to waste my time on your games or walk headlong into a trap."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Property? Far from it. Our little games do not make me your property."
MarazhaiMarazhai gives you another look, this time one of disappointment.
MarazhaiMarazhai snaps his fingers pensively. "Get back to your ships. I need time to contemplate my answer to the plea of the Reaving Tempest."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Say nothing]
MarazhaiMarazhai gives you another look, this time one of disappointment.continues where this line first appears above
DrukhariMarazhai turns toward you, and Kharael flinches, noticing the brand on his neck. The Drukhari's voice becomes a hiss: "You... let yourself be branded with a mark other than the tattoos of the Reaving Tempest?" Kharael's gaze swings toward you. "Who does it belong to? This mon-keigh here?"
MarazhaiMarazhai gives you a look of smouldering hunger and nonchalantly replies to Kharael over his shoulder. "You mean this burn? It is but a mark from a mon-keigh laser charge."
YOU"No need to be shy in front of your friend, Marazhai. Tell him the truth — you belong to me."
DrukhariKharael appears to be choking with rage. "What? You... you've become the plaything of a mon-keigh? How far you have fall—"
Marazhai"Careful, Kharael." Marazhai's voice drops to a rumbling purr. "You are about to insult the Kabal of the Reaving Tempest by claiming that the Drukhari whose aid you begged on bended knee is unworthy of such a request. Are you sure you wish to do that?"
DrukhariKharael takes a few moments to catch his breath, choking on his own rage. At last, he manages to get his emotions under control and whispers, "I will remain silent, Aezyrraesh."
MarazhaiMarazhai snaps his fingers pensively. "Get back to your ships. I need time to contemplate my answer to the plea of the Reaving Tempest."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Aren't you forgetting your place, xenos?"
Drukhari"Forgetting your place?" Kharael's voice is ringing with scorn. "This mon-keigh has the nerve to talk to you like that? How low you must have fallen to—"
Marazhai"Careful, Kharael." Marazhai's voice drops to a rumbling purr. "You are about to insult the Kabal of the Reaving Tempest by claiming that the Drukhari whose aid you begged on bended knee is unworthy of such a request. Are you sure you wish to do that?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Yes indeed. Just a mark... nothing more."
MarazhaiMarazhai gives you another look, this time one of disappointment.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Say nothing]
MarazhaiMarazhai gives you another look, this time one of disappointment.continues where this line first appears above
Kharael"We cannot wait long for your decision. Those who have found refuge in realspace have been here... too long." Kharael's voice rings with genuine fear. "We are forced to fight one another. Forced to seek torment in the blood of our kin. Do not tarry, find our base in a neighbouring star system where our raid is hiding from the scheming of other Kabals. You should hurry — the voice of Sai'lanthresh in the minds of our companions grows louder with every passing day."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will help, but my assistance does not come free of charge."
MarazhaiMarazhai snorts. "None of us are going to bend our backs out of compassion for the weak, [Name]."
DrukhariKharael's gaze lingers on you, or more specifically, on the brand on your neck. Suddenly he snorts. "Did you get bored away from home, Marazhai? You found yourself a toy?"continues where this line first appears above
Kharael"We cannot wait long for your decision. Those who have found refuge in realspace have been here... too long." Kharael's voice rings with genuine fear. "We are forced to fight one another. Forced to seek torment in the blood of our kin. Do not tarry, find our base in a neighbouring star system where our raid is hiding from the scheming of other Kabals. You should hurry — the voice of Sai'lanthresh in the minds of our companions grows louder with every passing day."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This looks too much like a trap."
Marazhai"But of course. What else could such a gracious invitation to rule be?" Marazhai stares into Kharael's eyes intently. He does not look away.
DrukhariKharael's gaze lingers on you, or more specifically, on the brand on your neck. Suddenly he snorts. "Did you get bored away from home, Marazhai? You found yourself a toy?"continues where this line first appears above
Kharael"We cannot wait long for your decision. Those who have found refuge in realspace have been here... too long." Kharael's voice rings with genuine fear. "We are forced to fight one another. Forced to seek torment in the blood of our kin. Do not tarry, find our base in a neighbouring star system where our raid is hiding from the scheming of other Kabals. You should hurry — the voice of Sai'lanthresh in the minds of our companions grows louder with every passing day."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have had enough of Drukhari scheming and feuding. I want no part in this."
MarazhaiMarazhai makes a warning gesture. "I have not yet decided, [Name]."
DrukhariKharael's gaze lingers on you, or more specifically, on the brand on your neck. Suddenly he snorts. "Did you get bored away from home, Marazhai? You found yourself a toy?"continues where this line first appears above
Kharael"We cannot wait long for your decision. Those who have found refuge in realspace have been here... too long." Kharael's voice rings with genuine fear. "We are forced to fight one another. Forced to seek torment in the blood of our kin. Do not tarry, find our base in a neighbouring star system where our raid is hiding from the scheming of other Kabals. You should hurry — the voice of Sai'lanthresh in the minds of our companions grows louder with every passing day."continues where this line first appears above
MarazhaiMarazhai is silent for a few moments. "I do not like your tone, Kharael. You are too insolent. You are forgetting your place if you truly are going to serve me as the new Archon."
DrukhariKharael cocks his head slightly. "Ever since you were deposed... there has been a lot of talk about you. Much of it... casts shade even on the scions of the Aezyrraesh. Not all Kabalites are convinced that serving you is a worthy future for the Reaving Tempest."
YOU"The decision is yours, Marazhai."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will help, but my assistance does not come free of charge."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This looks too much like a trap."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have had enough of Drukhari scheming and feuding. I want no part in this."continues where this line first appears above
MarazhaiMarazhai laughs. "You must think very poorly of me if you expect me to believe a single word you said about my 'long-awaited' return to the Kabal... But I will indulge you. Let us pretend I am blind and deaf, and therefore will consider your offer."
YOU"The decision is yours, Marazhai."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will help, but my assistance does not come free of charge."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This looks too much like a trap."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I have had enough of Drukhari scheming and feuding. I want no part in this."continues where this line first appears above
DrukhariKharael looks over Marazhai appraisingly, not even hiding the disgust in his gaze and the falsity in his voice. "Though the surviving scion reeks of desperation and thirst... We are denied the luxury of a choice."
MarazhaiMarazhai narrows his eyes. "Let us say I accept your offer. What use do I have for the handful of Drukhari huddling behind you, Kharael? Answer me — does the Reaving Tempest still live? Or is this the death rattle of the fallen?"continues where this line first appears above
MarazhaiMarazhai is silent for a few moments. "I do not like your tone, Kharael. You are too insolent. You are forgetting your place if you truly are going to serve me as the new Archon."continues where this line first appears above
MarazhaiMarazhai laughs. "You must think very poorly of me if you expect me to believe a single word you said about my 'long-awaited' return to the Kabal... But I will indulge you. Let us pretend I am blind and deaf, and therefore will consider your offer."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It sounds like the Kabal is as good as dead."
KharaelKharael casts an appraising glance at you, but his response is addressed to Marazhai. "The Kabal is on the verge of destruction. We require assistance."
Marazhai"So what do you want from me?" Marazhai speaks with feigned indolence. "From a Dracon cast down from his post and banished from the ranks of the Reaving Tempest? From a Drukhari banned from Commorragh itself?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I trust the destruction of the psy-stifler did not do your fortress any favours."
KharaelThe Drukhari hisses furiously. "You dare speak of this to me, mon-keigh?"
Marazhai"Enough. Get to the point."
Kharael"We need a leader. We need a symbol of the power that led the Kabal to might and prosperity for centuries. The lineage of the Aezyrraesh has not yet faded, which means it is destined to return... The Reaving Tempest is calling out to you."continues where this line first appears above
Drukhari(sequence)
Kharael"...and that's not to mention the fact that our shelter has become a new dysjunction point." Kharael literally spits the words. "The warp rages in the spire, flooding the city with daemon hordes. It is no secret how the rift came to appear in the very abode of the Reaving Tempest..."
Marazhai"...and that is punishment enough for my kin who broke the laws of Commorragh." Marazhai's voice oozes lazy malevolence. "Was it not my sister who flouted the ban by gathering Farseers with the gift of sorcery in our abode? Was it not she who patronised the Haemonculus who was experimenting on creatures with psyker powers? What does that have to do with me, Kharael? Fling your accusations at a different target if you want them to stick."
end of branch
KharaelThe negotiator bows his head slightly, his eyes not leaving Marazhai's. "Greetings, Marazhai Aezyrraesh, Dracon of the Kabal of the Reaving Tempest."
MarazhaiYour companion nods back at the Drukhari. "Kharael. My deceased sister's chief envoy. Tell me why you have sought me out."
Kharael"The Reaving Tempest is dying." The Drukhari speaks slowly, carefully choosing his words. "Since the death of Archon Yremeryss, our territories have been ravaged and our warriors openly attacked, mercenaries have turned their blades against our Kabalites, and the air is rife with rumours that our supreme patrons will soon allow our spire to be consigned to a bloody reaping..."continues where this line first appears above
KharaelThe glares the negotiator casts at the Dracon of the Reaving Tempest can hardly be called respectful, they are practically oozing contempt. "Marazhai."
MarazhaiYour companion responds to the stranger with a wry smile. "Kharael... But of course. I am not surprised that it was you, my sister's envoy, who managed to survive the death of his mistress. Why are you here?"
Kharael"The Reaving Tempest is dying." The Drukhari speaks slowly, carefully choosing his words. "Since the death of Archon Yremeryss, our territories have been ravaged and our warriors openly attacked, mercenaries have turned their blades against our Kabalites, and the air is rife with rumours that our supreme patrons will soon allow our spire to be consigned to a bloody reaping..."continues where this line first appears above