CassiaSeriousTalk — Rogue Trader Dialogue Archive

Entry point 1 of 6

Cassia"What is it you wanted to talk about, Lord Captain? I have nothing to say to your unfounded accusations about my conflicts with the crew — I cannot recall my having a single quarrel with any of your people during my entire time aboard!"

YOU"You have been wilfully changing entries in the ship's logbook and forbidding officers from reporting it to Abelard."

Cassia"I beg to differ! I read numerous books on Astra Nataris and can swear on House Orsellio's honour that your officers are entering data in complete contravention of regulation! False terms, random distances between lines, spelling mistakes in even the simplest of words. I have spent the last few cycles correcting the latest log entries, and I thought it would please Master Abelard, as he is so fond of order."

Cassia"And yet the Seneschal did not appreciate my efforts and for some reason called them an outrage. Even though mere days before he had been swaddling me in warm yellow words — I noticed all your people do this when they are expressing sympathy. I merely wanted to repay the Seneschal with the same courtesy. Perhaps he finds my friendliness off-putting?"

YOU"You have been wilfully changing entries in the ship's logbook and forbidding officers from reporting it to Abelard."

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YOU"You must have had quite the falling-out with Jae if she is threatening to kill you."

CassiaCassia's ruby eyes become round and an unbidden flush suffuses her pale face with a rosy tint. "We didn't... I didn't... That is our private business — the issue was between me and Lady Jae. Lord Captain, please pay it no heed. We made our peace long ago. And I will have you know — no one threatened me. Your information is incorrect."

YOU"You have been wilfully changing entries in the ship's logbook and forbidding officers from reporting it to Abelard."

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YOU"You must have had quite the falling-out with Jae if she is threatening to kill you."

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YOU"The messenger you rebuked butchered his own family and then killed himself."

Cassia"I haven't rebuked a single errand boy on this ship." Cassia ponders this for a moment. "Ah, I think I remember! A kind young man with a shy smile and skilful fingers with too much rotten ochre on his shoulders. I grew tired of the disgusting colour and advised him to lighten his burden by casting the weight off his shoulders. He did not come the next day. Or ever again."

YOU"You have been wilfully changing entries in the ship's logbook and forbidding officers from reporting it to Abelard."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You must have had quite the falling-out with Jae if she is threatening to kill you."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"The messenger you rebuked butchered his own family and then killed himself."

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YOU"During the warp voyage you gave the wrong orders, which led to the vessel shifting off course and the service bay being destroyed."

Cassia"I saw something in the warp. Something... vast. Predatory. Shimmering with indescribable colours. It came from nowhere and stared at the ship with hundreds of hungry eyes, right there in our path. I decided to change the course while it was still possible but did not want to sow panic. Would it have been better to tell the crew we were heading straight into a monster's gaping maw?"

YOU"You have been wilfully changing entries in the ship's logbook and forbidding officers from reporting it to Abelard."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You must have had quite the falling-out with Jae if she is threatening to kill you."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"The messenger you rebuked butchered his own family and then killed himself."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"During the warp voyage you gave the wrong orders, which led to the vessel shifting off course and the service bay being destroyed."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"The officers are reluctant to be quartered next to your chambers because of the constant emotional outbursts it causes them. Some even maim themselves and others."

Cassia"I already told you I cannot control my abilities! What else do you want from me? Will I be assigned a Pariah chaperone? Or will you put me in suppressing shackles?"

YOU"You have been wilfully changing entries in the ship's logbook and forbidding officers from reporting it to Abelard."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You must have had quite the falling-out with Jae if she is threatening to kill you."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"The messenger you rebuked butchered his own family and then killed himself."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"During the warp voyage you gave the wrong orders, which led to the vessel shifting off course and the service bay being destroyed."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"The officers are reluctant to be quartered next to your chambers because of the constant emotional outbursts it causes them. Some even maim themselves and others."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Would you mind telling me why you needed one hundred species of bird and what you used them for?"

Cassia"Admittedly, I am at a loss myself. The day we arrived on Footfall I sent a request to the ship's quartermaster and asked him to get me a songbird. But he never asked for clarification, and shortly before we left I had a countless number of cages delivered to me, all wrapped in bright red panic with flickering tints of fear. There was a bird in every one!"

Cassia"I was so excited, I thought I would have a hundred friends instead of just one! They were squeaking so piteously I let the poor things out. I even fed them my breakfast and dinner... But the stupid birds would not stop chittering even after bedtime! They were dashing about the room, smacking me in the face with their wings... and defecating! I became angry, and suddenly they started pecking at each other's eyes and attacking me! Then I became afraid — and they fell over dead... I do not think I want to keep pets anymore."

YOU"You have been wilfully changing entries in the ship's logbook and forbidding officers from reporting it to Abelard."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You must have had quite the falling-out with Jae if she is threatening to kill you."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"The messenger you rebuked butchered his own family and then killed himself."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"During the warp voyage you gave the wrong orders, which led to the vessel shifting off course and the service bay being destroyed."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"The officers are reluctant to be quartered next to your chambers because of the constant emotional outbursts it causes them. Some even maim themselves and others."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Would you mind telling me why you needed one hundred species of bird and what you used them for?"

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YOU"I think I have heard enough."

Cassia"Will you share your thoughts with me?"

YOU"My crew has good reason to fear you — you truly are a monster. From now on I forbid you to leave your chambers unless absolutely necessary."

CassiaCassia purses her lips. "So this is what you've decided."

Cassia"Very well. Since we are done with this... misunderstanding, I would like to change the subject. It would only be fair for me to ask you a few questions now, wouldn't it?" Cassia hesitates and continues in a less confident tone. "Do not mistake me, I am not going to accuse you of anything! It's just that... you are the most worthy interlocutor on the entire ship. And you are always so busy..."

YOU"What would you like to ask?"

Cassia"I read a treatise by Paisius de Mobbius very recently, who claimed that subjects would never believe their new ruler was better than the old one unless the old one had been a tyrant. No matter the circumstances, the lowborn rabble become deluded about their prospects and rebel in favour of their base desires. What do you make of that?"

YOU"Your interpretation of this classical text is not entirely correct. If the subjects have grown accustomed to the ruling house, all the sovereign must do is refrain from breaching longstanding traditions. Adjust unwanted laws as gradually as you would shift the bed of a flooded river, and no one will ever take your power from you."

CassiaCassia thinks for a moment and then smiles. "Indeed. I was not wrong about your merits, or your ability to hold a conversation. I hope my second question does not confound you either."

Cassia"According to the twenty tomes penned by the preacher Oystach-Istafan the Forgotten, mercy and cruelty go through the world hand in hand, but people flock only to one pan of the scales. Would you rather inspire fear in your followers, or be magnanimous and choose awe?"

YOU"I am not afraid of acquiring a reputation for ruthlessness. I would rather crush a rebellion than condone one — is that not the greater mercy, in the end?"

YOU"I will exercise restraint and lenience in my actions. Excessive suspicion and mistrust harden the hearts of the people and turn them against each other."

YOU"One must be a tyrant, a friend, and a jester to one's subjects. What matters is that to clearly discern which role is required at a given moment."

YOU"I beg your pardon, Oystach who? Is reading your only pastime?"

CassiaCassia regards you with an icy glare. "I also enjoy art. Painting. Singing. Writing poetry. But I fear those subjects would equally alien to you."

Cassia"Thank you for the conversation, Lord Captain. It was... fascinating."

end of branch

YOU"I never promised I would give you an answer. Let's end it at that."

Cassia"This lack of manners is unbecoming of a Rogue Trader. And yet you are the master of this ship, and I am but a humble guest who abides by your rules."

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YOU"On the contrary, the loyalty of subjects can be bought at a pittance — lower a tax, throw them a festival, or feed the needy — a gracious gesture once every cycle will exalt you in the eyes of the rabble as if it were His own blessing."

CassiaCassia thinks for a moment and then smiles. "Indeed. I was not wrong about your merits, or your ability to hold a conversation. I hope my second question does not confound you either."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Oh, it has always been my opinion that subjects expect two things from their sovereign — to abuse power and to bless their babies. Succeed at both, and boring essays become unnecessary."

YOU"Forgive my temerity, Lady Cassia. I was looking into your eyes and completely forgot your question."

Cassia"Lord... Lord Captain! I presume that you haven't yet read the book that I recommended to you. Or perhaps you already have and are simply ridiculing me?" Your heart grows hotter in your chest, you lose your breath, and warmth rushes to your cheeks. Cassia, her face flush with colour, cannot bring herself to raise her snow-white eyelashes. "Just this once, I shall forgive you your... absent-mindedness. Please do try to concentrate when I ask you this next question."

Cassia"My ey—" Cassia's cheeks flush. "Lord Captain, we do not know each other well enough for such talk. I forgive you... this time. Please try to listen to my second question."

YOU"I am afraid I do not have an answer — I am not familiar with the works of this... scholar."

Cassia"Perhaps I was mistaken about the vastness of your knowledge. I hope you will be able to answer my other question with more grace."

YOU"I never promised I would give you an answer. Let's end it at that."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You have a kind soul but have difficulty reaching out to people. I could teach you the art of communication, if you like."

Cassia"That... would be wonderful! My education on Eurac V was cut short, but I had realised by then that the wisdom of books is a poor substitute for the wisdom of experience."

YOU"You have done terrible things, but I would not presume to lecture a person of noble blood."

CassiaCassia purses her lips. "So this is what you've decided."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Woes dog your steps, but we will find a way to defeat them. I promise."

Cassia"Your kindness knows no bounds, [Name]." Cassia lowers her silver eyelashes. "I will endeavour not to cause you any more trouble..."

YOU"Everyone who has dared to slander you will be punished. There is nothing reprehensible about your actions."

Cassia"Thank you, Lord Captain. I hope your people won't soon forget the coming lesson in humility — their stinging backs will help to remind them."

YOU"I think I have heard enough."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Would you mind telling me why you needed one hundred species of bird and what you used them for?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I think I have heard enough."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"The officers are reluctant to be quartered next to your chambers because of the constant emotional outbursts it causes them. Some even maim themselves and others."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Would you mind telling me why you needed one hundred species of bird and what you used them for?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I think I have heard enough."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"During the warp voyage you gave the wrong orders, which led to the vessel shifting off course and the service bay being destroyed."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"The officers are reluctant to be quartered next to your chambers because of the constant emotional outbursts it causes them. Some even maim themselves and others."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Would you mind telling me why you needed one hundred species of bird and what you used them for?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I think I have heard enough."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"The messenger you rebuked butchered his own family and then killed himself."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"During the warp voyage you gave the wrong orders, which led to the vessel shifting off course and the service bay being destroyed."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"The officers are reluctant to be quartered next to your chambers because of the constant emotional outbursts it causes them. Some even maim themselves and others."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Would you mind telling me why you needed one hundred species of bird and what you used them for?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I think I have heard enough."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You must have had quite the falling-out with Jae if she is threatening to kill you."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"The messenger you rebuked butchered his own family and then killed himself."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"During the warp voyage you gave the wrong orders, which led to the vessel shifting off course and the service bay being destroyed."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"The officers are reluctant to be quartered next to your chambers because of the constant emotional outbursts it causes them. Some even maim themselves and others."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Would you mind telling me why you needed one hundred species of bird and what you used them for?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I think I have heard enough."

continues where this line first appears above

Entry point 2 of 6

Cassia"There is so much power in your words — power that makes me want to join you. I understand now why your subjects are eager to follow you."

Cassia"I admit I was afraid we were too different. And yet... You helped me realise that I can be candid with you."

YOU"Please, do continue."

Cassia"I must confess that sometimes I can hardly bear the burden the House has placed upon me. I feel I am not doing my best... Tell me how you, heir to a protectorate, can bear the responsibility for billions of lives day after day and not stoop under all the weight?"

YOU"It is not always easy, but I try to lead the dynasty toward prosperity by worthy means."

Cassia"Thank you for your patience, [Name]. You are helping me to see the world in different colours... a novel experience for me. Our conversations hold a special place in my heart. Allow me to bid you farewell for now. I am heading back to my chambers to consider today's conversation."

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YOU"It is my duty whether I like it or not."

YOU"This inner turmoil is clouding your mind. My protectorate, my subjects, my title are mere resources that I am using solely for my own ends."

YOU"Enough talk, Lady Cassia! You have pushed me to my limit. Dismissed."

Cassia"You are sending me away? Now?" Cassia's look makes you wince as though you've just tasted sour citrus. "Although... Never mind. I dare not take up any more of your time, Lord Captain."

end of branch

Cassia"We may not think alike, and I do not always understand your motives, and yet... May I be candid with you?"

YOU"Please, do continue."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Enough talk, Lady Cassia! You have pushed me to my limit. Dismissed."continues where this line first appears above

Cassia"Thank you for the conversation, Lord Captain. It was... fascinating."continues where this line first appears above

Entry point 3 of 6

CassiaCassia cannot help but smile a little. "Please don't, Lord Captain. I was expecting a serious conversation, but you are joking. I hope you will give a proper answer to my second question."

Entry point 4 of 6

Cassia"You... are saying strange things. I do not understand how you can even... A jester? Stuff and nonsense!"

Cassia"We may not think alike, and I do not always understand your motives, and yet... May I be candid with you?"

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Cassia"Thank you for the conversation, Lord Captain. It was... fascinating."continues where this line first appears above

Entry point 5 of 6

CassiaCassia shakes her head in disapproval. "I was expecting a serious conversation, but you are laughing in my face? I do hope you will give a proper answer to my second question."

Entry point 6 of 6

Cassia"You may be right..." It seems that Cassia did not appreciate your words.

Cassia"We may not think alike, and I do not always understand your motives, and yet... May I be candid with you?"

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Cassia"Thank you for the conversation, Lord Captain. It was... fascinating."continues where this line first appears above