Governor Urbend Drivestem"Your Lordship/Ladyship! 'Tis an honour!" Governor Urbend Drivestem seems to materialise out of thin air, so suddenly does he emerge from the crowd. "I regret that such unfortunate circumstances have occasioned the Rogue Trader's visit to the capital."
Clementia WerserianClementia tries to take a step toward you, but the warden nearby stops her. Her face is veiled with fear and weariness. "Your Lordship/Ladyship! You are here. Please, you must hear us out."
Governor Urbend Drivestem"The Rogue Trader is undoubtedly here to listen to the testimony of each and every one of us — and to punish the traitors." The governor's words, directed at Clementia, are harsh. They are echoed by the scornful sneers and whispers of the assembled nobles.
YOU"What are the charges against House Werserian?"
Governor Urbend Drivestem"Disruption of logistical lines, bribery of Adeptus Administratum officials, document forgery, and organisation of heretical insurrections. On top of the evidently devastating economic impact this has had on your protectorate, these criminal acts have impeded the delivery of the Imperial Tithe, which, in turn, has drawn the Administratum's attention. Needless to say, the esteemed Adeptus Arbites cannot ignore this situation either, and before their representatives arrive at the palace, we are obligated to identify and punish those responsible."
YOU"What are the charges against House Werserian?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Clementia, I wish to hear your account."
Clementia Werserian"Your Lordship/Ladyship, House Werserian denies all charges laid against it." Clementia glances at the governor with defiance. "These last few months have indeed been trying for Dargonus, but we have done our best to remedy the situation. My family's every effort was focused on stabilising the capital's logistics and economy — so much so that we failed to notice the web of intrigue unfolding behind our backs."
YOU"What are the charges against House Werserian?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Clementia, I wish to hear your account."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened on Dargonus in my absence?"
Governor Urbend Drivestem"When we caught wind of the rumours of your disappearance, we patiently awaited news of your return, but then Dargonus was struck by a series of terrible events. The first was the sabotage of logistics that hampered shipments. Then mass unrest spread across the entire planet, and the minor noble houses began squabbling among themselves, trying to pin the blame on their rivals... We took great pains to calm them down and managed to quash the revolt, though not without some outside help, unfortunately."
Governor Urbend Drivestem"These events have also been overshadowed by the... I am ashamed to even say it aloud in front of you, Your Lordship/Ladyship... the rumours circulating among the higher houses..." The governor stammers, then takes a deep breath. "Some were calling for Theodora's true heir to be installed as head of your house... Kunrad Voigtvir. Not all of your subjects have forgotten his past efforts for the benefit of the trade protectorate." Drivestem stops talking, watching you with a tense expression. "When the investigation was launched... the evidence led us to the Werserians."
YOU"What are the charges against House Werserian?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Clementia, I wish to hear your account."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened on Dargonus in my absence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are there dead bodies at the entrance to my palace?"
Governor Urbend Drivestem"Your Lordship/Ladyship, I humbly beg your pardon..." Drivestem bows once again, trying to placate you. "You see, right before your arrival, the palace guard discovered a plot to assassinate you. Fortunately, the malefactors were disposed of before they could cause you any harm."
YOU"What are the charges against House Werserian?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Clementia, I wish to hear your account."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened on Dargonus in my absence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are there dead bodies at the entrance to my palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Drivestem, you aren't accusing one of Dargonus's leading noble houses of treason without airtight evidence, are you?"
Governor Urbend Drivestem"Of course I have evidence, Your Lordship/Ladyship. The investigation has established that members of the Werserian family, which is responsible for both Dargonus's fleet and its logistics, used their contacts and influence to forge a host of documents in order to undermine the planet's supply routes and economy, thus fomenting unrest among the inhabitants."
Governor Urbend Drivestem"Allow me to introduce my son, Cornelius." The governor points to the lanky young man standing beside him. He bows curtly but avoids meeting your eye. "Cornelius holds a prestigious position at the Administratum Palace and it is thanks to him that we managed to identify and trace the entire chain of forged documents. The investigation led us to the perpetrators, who admitted to acting on the orders of members of House Werserian. It was they who were intent on spreading the idea of restoring the title of Rogue Trader to the 'true' heir."
YOU"What are the charges against House Werserian?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Clementia, I wish to hear your account."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened on Dargonus in my absence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are there dead bodies at the entrance to my palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Drivestem, you aren't accusing one of Dargonus's leading noble houses of treason without airtight evidence, are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look closer at the governor's son]
YOU[Speak to the heads of houses present] "Do you support the governor's accusations?"
AristocratThe aristocrats in attendance exchange glances, the noble lords averting their gazes and the noble ladies hiding behind the fans — no one is willing to be the first to answer.
Macharius Sauerback"Over his many years of service, Governor Drivestem earned Theodora's trust, and he holds his high office for a reason." Sauerback's tone is stern and imperious. "On behalf of House Sauerback, I support his accusations."
Aristocrat(sequence)
Regina Sauerback"My apologies, Your Lordship/Ladyship, but I wish to speak too..." Regina looks into your eyes with a tender half-smile, then turns her gaze on her husband. "Of course, I agree with my husband. Governor Drivestem would not press charges against anyone if he were not absolutely certain of the authenticity of the evidence he had unearthed."
Regina Sauerback"I think anyone here would agree that anyone who ever doubts the authority of the true Rogue Trader should be prosecuted. I am sure, Your Lordship/Ladyship, that you will eradicate the scourge of heresy from your domain." Regina bows to you deferentially while maintaining eye contact with you.
end of branch
Toriana Gaprak"Your Lordship/Ladyship, Governor Drivestem has always faithfully served the Rogue Traders of House von Valancius and concerned himself with the future of your trade dynasty, and so... House Gaprak thinks his charges against House Werserian to be sound." The augmetics hide Toriana's emotion, but her voice sounds slightly timorous.
Clementia Werserian"I humbly ask you to allow me to speak in defence of my family's honour. The evidence provided by the governor is utterly false. I cannot refute it but I can say with confidence that no one from my family has ever tried to forge documents in the Adeptus Administratum, let alone undermine the economy of your capital."
YOU"What are the charges against House Werserian?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Clementia, I wish to hear your account."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened on Dargonus in my absence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are there dead bodies at the entrance to my palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Drivestem, you aren't accusing one of Dargonus's leading noble houses of treason without airtight evidence, are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look closer at the governor's son]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Speak to the heads of houses present] "Do you support the governor's accusations?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your words alone are not enough to make me doubt the loyalty of House Werserian. As the Rogue Trader, I order you to release them from custody at once."
Governor Urbend Drivestem"Under different circumstances, I would not have dared disobey your word, Your Lordship/Ladyship, but I am afraid that this situation demands that the guilty receive their due punishment. This sabotage of logistical chains perpetrated on the capital world of your dynasty has naturally had an effect on tithe collection. The Marshal himself is certain to arrive here sooner or later to investigate the matter. Alas, his attention puts both you personally and the entire protectorate at risk. However, we still have a chance to alleviate his displeasure by resolving this incident ourselves and punishing the culprits."
YOU"What are the charges against House Werserian?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Clementia, I wish to hear your account."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened on Dargonus in my absence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are there dead bodies at the entrance to my palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Drivestem, you aren't accusing one of Dargonus's leading noble houses of treason without airtight evidence, are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look closer at the governor's son]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Speak to the heads of houses present] "Do you support the governor's accusations?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your words alone are not enough to make me doubt the loyalty of House Werserian. As the Rogue Trader, I order you to release them from custody at once."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sabotaging logistics, riots, conspiracy... The case appears to be flimsy. I wish to learn more before I make my final decision."
Governor Urbend Drivestem"As you wish, Your Lordship/Ladyship..." The governor inclines his head in a stiff bow. "Speak to me when you are ready to announce your verdict."
Abelard"Thank you for your willingness to help, Lord Captain. I am certain that all the charges are false and I would be grateful for your help in exposing them as such. I think you should speak to everyone present... the noble lords and ladies."
end of branch
YOU"I do not have time to deal with this. Drivestem, I accept the findings of your investigation and find the Werserians guilty."
AristocratClementia opens her mouth as if trying to speak up in defence of her family but failing to find the right words. The young Astartia next to her visibly swoons, seemingly about to faint, but manages to steady herself.
Abelard"So this is how it is." Abelard stares at you for a few moments, then turns away and looks at Clementia's pale, exhausted face. The Seneschal tries to say something but only manages to cough out: "Pray, Clementia. Do not let them see you demeaned."
Governor Urbend Drivestem"Thank you for your trust, Your Lordship/Ladyship." The governor bows low to you. "The Werserian family is guilty of rebellion against His Lordship/Her Ladyship the Rogue Trader and is hereby sentenced to death. Immediately!"
end of branch
YOU"Sabotaging logistics, riots, conspiracy... The case appears to be flimsy. I wish to learn more before I make my final decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not have time to deal with this. Drivestem, I accept the findings of your investigation and find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
Aristocrat(sequence)
Hetka Sauerback"Kindly allow me to speak as well, Your Lordship/Ladyship!" Hetka Sauerback offers you an eager bow. "The opportunity to serve on your ship is a great honour for me and my family. These charges are grievous indeed and thus require the attention of the Rogue Trader. Should you decide to conduct an investigation, I would be happy to assist."
end of branch
Vicent Gaprak"Your Lordship/Ladyship, allow me to speak as well. I am grateful for the privilege of serving under you. The evidence against House Werserian is quite solid, but I... doubt their culpability. Should you decide to personally resolve this case, then I humbly ask you to speak to me. Perhaps I can be of use to you."
end of branch
YOU"Your words alone are not enough to make me doubt the loyalty of House Werserian. As the Rogue Trader, I order you to release them from custody at once."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sabotaging logistics, riots, conspiracy... The case appears to be flimsy. I wish to learn more before I make my final decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not have time to deal with this. Drivestem, I accept the findings of your investigation and find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
Aristocrat(sequence)
Cassia"This young man is shrouded in a mist of grey and blue. Sickly shadows of fear are fluttering around him." Cassia speaks so quietly that only you can hear her.
end of branch
Governor Urbend Drivestem"I remind you that House Werserian has hardly covered itself in glory in the past — it allowed xenos to attack the planet." Governor Drivestem throws a quick, arrogant glance at a red-faced Clementia.
end of branch
YOU[Look closer at the governor's son]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Speak to the heads of houses present] "Do you support the governor's accusations?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your words alone are not enough to make me doubt the loyalty of House Werserian. As the Rogue Trader, I order you to release them from custody at once."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sabotaging logistics, riots, conspiracy... The case appears to be flimsy. I wish to learn more before I make my final decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not have time to deal with this. Drivestem, I accept the findings of your investigation and find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Drivestem, you aren't accusing one of Dargonus's leading noble houses of treason without airtight evidence, are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look closer at the governor's son]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Speak to the heads of houses present] "Do you support the governor's accusations?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your words alone are not enough to make me doubt the loyalty of House Werserian. As the Rogue Trader, I order you to release them from custody at once."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sabotaging logistics, riots, conspiracy... The case appears to be flimsy. I wish to learn more before I make my final decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not have time to deal with this. Drivestem, I accept the findings of your investigation and find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are there dead bodies at the entrance to my palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Drivestem, you aren't accusing one of Dargonus's leading noble houses of treason without airtight evidence, are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look closer at the governor's son]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Speak to the heads of houses present] "Do you support the governor's accusations?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your words alone are not enough to make me doubt the loyalty of House Werserian. As the Rogue Trader, I order you to release them from custody at once."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sabotaging logistics, riots, conspiracy... The case appears to be flimsy. I wish to learn more before I make my final decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not have time to deal with this. Drivestem, I accept the findings of your investigation and find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened on Dargonus in my absence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are there dead bodies at the entrance to my palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Drivestem, you aren't accusing one of Dargonus's leading noble houses of treason without airtight evidence, are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look closer at the governor's son]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Speak to the heads of houses present] "Do you support the governor's accusations?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your words alone are not enough to make me doubt the loyalty of House Werserian. As the Rogue Trader, I order you to release them from custody at once."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sabotaging logistics, riots, conspiracy... The case appears to be flimsy. I wish to learn more before I make my final decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not have time to deal with this. Drivestem, I accept the findings of your investigation and find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
Aristocrat(sequence)
Solomorne"I am already here, which means the Adeptus Arbites has started its official enquiry. You may cool your enthusiasm, Governor — you are already too late to rectify your mistakes."
end of branch
YOU"Clementia, I wish to hear your account."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened on Dargonus in my absence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are there dead bodies at the entrance to my palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Drivestem, you aren't accusing one of Dargonus's leading noble houses of treason without airtight evidence, are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look closer at the governor's son]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Speak to the heads of houses present] "Do you support the governor's accusations?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your words alone are not enough to make me doubt the loyalty of House Werserian. As the Rogue Trader, I order you to release them from custody at once."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sabotaging logistics, riots, conspiracy... The case appears to be flimsy. I wish to learn more before I make my final decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not have time to deal with this. Drivestem, I accept the findings of your investigation and find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
Aristocrat(sequence)
Abelard"We have known each other for many decades now and we have had our fair share of disagreements, but... do you really think my flesh and blood would trample upon the very definition of honour and loyalty?" Abelard's voice is quivering with rage.
Governor Urbend DrivestemThe governor sweeps his gaze over Abelard, then replies, a faint shadow of a doubt in his voice: "We have evidence implicating them, Abelard... I am sure that His Lordship/Her Ladyship will arrive at a fair ruling."
end of branch
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Abelard(no text)
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Governor Urbend Drivestem(no text)
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Abelard(no text)
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Governor Urbend Drivestem(no text)
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Abelard(no text)
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Aristocrat(no text)
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Abelard(no text)
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Aristocrat(no text)
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Entry point 10 of 11
Cornelius DrivestemNoticing the close attention of the Rogue Trader, the young man averts his gaze. His long face is sweating and he presses his dry lips together tightly into a thin line. He seems to be afraid of something.
YOU"What are the charges against House Werserian?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Clementia, I wish to hear your account."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened on Dargonus in my absence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are there dead bodies at the entrance to my palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Drivestem, you aren't accusing one of Dargonus's leading noble houses of treason without airtight evidence, are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look closer at the governor's son]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Speak to the heads of houses present] "Do you support the governor's accusations?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your words alone are not enough to make me doubt the loyalty of House Werserian. As the Rogue Trader, I order you to release them from custody at once."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sabotaging logistics, riots, conspiracy... The case appears to be flimsy. I wish to learn more before I make my final decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not have time to deal with this. Drivestem, I accept the findings of your investigation and find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 11 of 11
Cornelius DrivestemNoticing the close attention of the Rogue Trader, the young man averts his gaze.
YOU"What are the charges against House Werserian?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Clementia, I wish to hear your account."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What happened on Dargonus in my absence?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why are there dead bodies at the entrance to my palace?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Drivestem, you aren't accusing one of Dargonus's leading noble houses of treason without airtight evidence, are you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look closer at the governor's son]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Speak to the heads of houses present] "Do you support the governor's accusations?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your words alone are not enough to make me doubt the loyalty of House Werserian. As the Rogue Trader, I order you to release them from custody at once."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Sabotaging logistics, riots, conspiracy... The case appears to be flimsy. I wish to learn more before I make my final decision."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not have time to deal with this. Drivestem, I accept the findings of your investigation and find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above