Cornelius DrivestemYou see the flash of terror in Cornelius's eyes as he stares at your hand on your weapon. He speaks quietly and confusedly, without raising his head: "Forgive me, forgive me, Your Lordship/Ladyship... I... I... can't do it anymore."
Cornelius Drivestem"This lie has gone too far, and I can no longer control it... The truth is... is... that all of the logistical problems were caused by a single error in the numbers... My mistake."
Governor Urbend Drivestem"WHAT?" Urbend looks genuinely shocked — and enraged.
Cornelius Drivestem"When I discovered my mistake... it was almost impossible to restore the supply lines... then... I was approached... by someone who said they were... a friend. They did not give me their name and I never saw their face. They promised to fix the problem. All I had to do was pretend that the Werserians were responsible for the mistake. And as for the rest of the evidence, they promised to arrange it all. And... and..." Cornelius is suffocating with fear, unable to speak.
Governor Urbend DrivestemUrbend curls his hands into fists, the knuckles turning white. "What have you done... How could you... Your Lordship/Ladyship!" He suddenly turns to you, as if trying to shield his son. "This is my fault! I trusted my son and have failed you in doing so! I beg you, have mercy!"
YOU"What is this 'friend' that approached you, Cornelius? How did the two of you communicate?"
Cornelius Drivestem"By letter. I received a letter out of the blue one day — it was unsigned, but the person writing already knew about my erroneous calculations. They offered to help me cover up my misdeed... and in return, I would name the Werserians as the ones who had sabotaged the supply lines. All I had to do was gather together some documents and reports that were listed in one of the letters... that, and keep my mouth shut."
YOU"What is this 'friend' that approached you, Cornelius? How did the two of you communicate?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Urbend, your son has found the courage to admit his mistake. I will try and find some compassion for him in my heart."
Governor Urbend Drivestem"Thank you, Your Lordship/Ladyship!" The governor bows low, then gives his son a look full of bitterness and frustration. "And as for your position... I think you will be reassigned to a role requiring less responsibility."
YOU"I wish to hear your reasoning again. What makes you think the Werserians are behind the plot against me?"
Governor Urbend Drivestem"As soon as the logistical and economic problems gave rise to the initial rumours, we tried to find the person responsible for spreading the calls for Voigtvir's return. The investigation showed that some of the documents inside the Adeptus Administratum were forgeries. We can thank my son, Cornelius, for such astute observations."
Cornelius Drivestem"Your Lordship/Ladyship..." A slender young man bows to you awkwardly and nervously licks his dry lips. "I assure you that my humble person is undeserving of your attention..."
Governor Urbend Drivestem"Cornelius holds a prestigious position at the Administratum Palace and it was he who discovered the errors leading to the disrupted logistics. It is also thanks to him that we found the perpetrators of the forgeries, who admitted to acting on the orders of House Werserian."
YOU"I wish to hear your reasoning again. What makes you think the Werserians are behind the plot against me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you make of this letter? I found it on one of the assailants."
Governor Urbend DrivestemGovernor Drivestem peers closely at the blood-stained paper. "It looks like another piece of evidence incriminating House Werserian. Perhaps they truly did intend to kill you, or at least cause a stir to help them escape custody during the confusion that followed."
YOU"I wish to hear your reasoning again. What makes you think the Werserians are behind the plot against me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you make of this letter? I found it on one of the assailants."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All of the assailants were high-functioning servitors. Such servitors are only employed by families close to the Adeptus Mechanicus."
Governor Urbend Drivestem"High-functioning servitors?" Drivestem ponders this, rubbing his chin with his thumb. "Such servitors are indeed rare and the Gapraks do have them in their service, but this could have been done intentionally with an eye to confusing you. Anyone with the desire and sufficient funds can hire them."
YOU"I wish to hear your reasoning again. What makes you think the Werserians are behind the plot against me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you make of this letter? I found it on one of the assailants."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All of the assailants were high-functioning servitors. Such servitors are only employed by families close to the Adeptus Mechanicus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about your son, Drivestem."
Cornelius Drivestem"Thank you for your interest, Your Lordship/Ladyship, but I am not worthy of it..." The governor's son bows and stands still as he nervously stares down at the floor.
Governor Urbend Drivestem"Son, show due respect. Forgive him, Your Lordship/Ladyship. This is the first time he has had the honour of attracting the attention of the Rogue Trader."
YOU"Tell me more about your job, Cornelius. What do you do?"
Cornelius Drivestem"I manage the documents and records related to the economy of Dargonus. You probably know how scrupulous the workers of the Adeptus Administratum are. I am afraid that a more detailed explanation of my duties would mirror the administrative processes of the Administratum: too long and overly detailed." Cornelius tries to look you in the eye but it is clearly hard for him to do.
YOU"Tell me more about your job, Cornelius. What do you do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did you manage to find the forged documents in the bureaucratic hell that is the Administratum?"
Cornelius Drivestem"When compiling reports on last cycle's supply chain, I noticed inaccuracies and discrepancies in the figures. With the help of the other clerks, I managed to find several other documents..." Cornelius stammers and swallows noisily. "Comprehensive data analysis has shown that the discrepancies were caused by intentional tampering with the data, thus leading to some logistical problems that were practically unsolvable."
Cornelius Drivestem"Father and I have managed to single out the Administratum clerks responsible for tampering with the data. Following a... heated interrogation, they confessed that they were following the orders of someone from House Werserian. Everything was supposed to look as though they were the ones suffering losses from the logistical and economic problems..."
YOU"Tell me more about your job, Cornelius. What do you do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did you manage to find the forged documents in the bureaucratic hell that is the Administratum?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"But does House Werserian have access to the Adeptus Administratum? There is no conceivable way they could do all of this in a place where they do not hold any power."
Cornelius DrivestemBefore replying, the governor's son nervously adjusts his expensive frock coat. "I think... the right amount of money can open any door."
YOU"Tell me more about your job, Cornelius. What do you do?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did you manage to find the forged documents in the bureaucratic hell that is the Administratum?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"But does House Werserian have access to the Adeptus Administratum? There is no conceivable way they could do all of this in a place where they do not hold any power."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Cornelius, what is the true reason for your nervousness?"
Cornelius DrivestemThe young man's pupils suddenly dilate. He stands at attention and replies to you in one breath: "This is the first time I have spoken face to face with the Rogue Trader... I am afraid of saying something wrong or forgetting something important."
Drivestem(sequence)
Marazhai"He is afraid... Yes, there is enough fear in this runt to feed a small squad."
end of branch
Governor Urbend DrivestemThe governor closely watches his son. His tone changes, now sounding strict and curt: "Do you wish to tell the Lord Captain anything else?"
YOU[Place your hand on your weapon] "You are speaking to a Rogue Trader. And my patience is running out."
YOU"Are you afraid to talk to me? Perhaps you would be more comfortable speaking to an Interrogator of the Inquisition."
Heinrix"It would be my pleasure to speak to the esteemed Cornelius Drivestem. In private, for his father's peace of mind."
Cornelius Drivestem"No! No, please, not that! I... Yes, I have something to say that I omitted before..."
Cornelius Drivestem"This lie has gone too far, and I can no longer control it... The truth is... is... that all of the logistical problems were caused by a single error in the numbers... My mistake."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The poor soul is so frightened... perhaps I should leave and let Marazhai speak in my place. You are familiar with my Drukhari companion, aren't you?"
MarazhaiMarazhai rubs his hands together, producing a repulsive metallic grating sound. "We will become friends. I promise."
Cornelius Drivestem"No! No, please, not that! I... Yes, I have something to say that I omitted before..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I see you cannot contain your awe in the face of the grand persona of your lord/lady. I will not trouble you with any more questions."
Cornelius DrivestemCornelius bows and replies, visibly relieved, "Thank you, Your Lordship/Ladyship!"
YOU"I wish to hear your reasoning again. What makes you think the Werserians are behind the plot against me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you make of this letter? I found it on one of the assailants."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All of the assailants were high-functioning servitors. Such servitors are only employed by families close to the Adeptus Mechanicus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about your son, Drivestem."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am too busy to deal with this. I find the Werserians guilty."
Abelard"Indeed." Abelard looks into your face for just a few moments, then turns away. "As you wish, Lord Captain."
end of branch
YOU"I found a dead body in my palace. A member of House Gaprak was slain in front of an altar. Do you know anything about it?"
Governor Urbend Drivestem"A member of House Gaprak was killed in the palace?" The governor's eyes bulge in surprise. "And no one noticed? But how... there are wardens posted at every altar..."
YOU"There was no one near the deceased — the wardens had left their post. Did you order them to do so?"
Governor Urbend Drivestem"Emperor forbid, Your Lordship/Ladyship!" The governor helplessly throws his hands up in the air as if to signify his powerlessness.
Abelard"Your negligence is stunning, Urbend. An assassination attempt followed by a mysterious death, and yet, here you are, oblivious to everything. The Rogue Trader can justly accuse you of allowing a noble to be killed in the palace and of failing even to notice it."
Governor Urbend Drivestem"It may be so, but it is for the Rogue Trader to accuse me of negligence, not you." The governor addresses you once more. "Your Lordship/Ladyship, accept my deepest apologies for my imprudence. Nothing matters more to me than my honour. I shall send the servants to deal with all this immediately..."
YOU"I wish to hear your reasoning again. What makes you think the Werserians are behind the plot against me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you make of this letter? I found it on one of the assailants."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All of the assailants were high-functioning servitors. Such servitors are only employed by families close to the Adeptus Mechanicus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about your son, Drivestem."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am too busy to deal with this. I find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I found a dead body in my palace. A member of House Gaprak was slain in front of an altar. Do you know anything about it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you see Halen Gaprak today before I arrived?"
Governor Urbend Drivestem"Halen? I did not see him myself, but perhaps..." The governor turns around and asks his family, "Have any of you seen him today?"
Drivestem AristocratThe nobles talk quietly among themselves, and then a middle-aged woman with a tall, extravagant hairstyle replies to you, "I think my sister and I saw him sitting on the bench some distance away from the palace's entrance... We think he was accompanied by a gentleman, but, forgive us, Your Lordship/Ladyship, we could not make out his face."
YOU"Lead me to that place."
Drivestem Aristocrat"Of course! Consider it done."
end of branch
YOU"Thank you for the information."
Abelard"Lord Captain, I think we should go to that spot and have a look around. I am not sure what exactly we might find there, but today is a day full of surprises... mostly nasty ones."
YOU"I wish to hear your reasoning again. What makes you think the Werserians are behind the plot against me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you make of this letter? I found it on one of the assailants."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All of the assailants were high-functioning servitors. Such servitors are only employed by families close to the Adeptus Mechanicus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about your son, Drivestem."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am too busy to deal with this. I find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I found a dead body in my palace. A member of House Gaprak was slain in front of an altar. Do you know anything about it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you see Halen Gaprak today before I arrived?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Summon everyone. I am ready to pronounce my verdict."
Governor Urbend DrivestemGovernor Drivestem tensely bows and replies without hesitation, "Understood, Your Lordship/Ladyship. Allow me to prepare everything..."
end of branch
YOU"I shall return to you later."
end of branch
YOU"Summon everyone. I am ready to pronounce my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall return to you later."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you see Halen Gaprak today before I arrived?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Summon everyone. I am ready to pronounce my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall return to you later."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Cornelius, what is the true reason for your nervousness?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"But does House Werserian have access to the Adeptus Administratum? There is no conceivable way they could do all of this in a place where they do not hold any power."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Cornelius, what is the true reason for your nervousness?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"How did you manage to find the forged documents in the bureaucratic hell that is the Administratum?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"But does House Werserian have access to the Adeptus Administratum? There is no conceivable way they could do all of this in a place where they do not hold any power."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Cornelius, what is the true reason for your nervousness?"continues where this line first appears above
Drivestem(sequence)
HeinrixHeinrix narrows his eyes and, glancing at you, shakes his head.
end of branch
YOU"I am too busy to deal with this. I find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I found a dead body in my palace. A member of House Gaprak was slain in front of an altar. Do you know anything about it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you see Halen Gaprak today before I arrived?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Summon everyone. I am ready to pronounce my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall return to you later."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about your son, Drivestem."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am too busy to deal with this. I find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I found a dead body in my palace. A member of House Gaprak was slain in front of an altar. Do you know anything about it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you see Halen Gaprak today before I arrived?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Summon everyone. I am ready to pronounce my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall return to you later."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All of the assailants were high-functioning servitors. Such servitors are only employed by families close to the Adeptus Mechanicus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about your son, Drivestem."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am too busy to deal with this. I find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I found a dead body in my palace. A member of House Gaprak was slain in front of an altar. Do you know anything about it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you see Halen Gaprak today before I arrived?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Summon everyone. I am ready to pronounce my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall return to you later."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you make of this letter? I found it on one of the assailants."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All of the assailants were high-functioning servitors. Such servitors are only employed by families close to the Adeptus Mechanicus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about your son, Drivestem."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am too busy to deal with this. I find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I found a dead body in my palace. A member of House Gaprak was slain in front of an altar. Do you know anything about it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you see Halen Gaprak today before I arrived?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Summon everyone. I am ready to pronounce my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall return to you later."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Cornelius Drivestem, I hereby sentence you to death. Immediately."
Governor Urbend DrivestemThe governor stares at the lifeless body of his son for some time, barely moving a muscle. With trembling lips, he suddenly speaks in a surprisingly firm voice: "Thank you, Your Lordship/Ladyship. This is a disgrace to my family. I hope I can atone for it."
YOU"I wish to hear your reasoning again. What makes you think the Werserians are behind the plot against me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you make of this letter? I found it on one of the assailants."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All of the assailants were high-functioning servitors. Such servitors are only employed by families close to the Adeptus Mechanicus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about your son, Drivestem."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am too busy to deal with this. I find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I found a dead body in my palace. A member of House Gaprak was slain in front of an altar. Do you know anything about it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you see Halen Gaprak today before I arrived?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Summon everyone. I am ready to pronounce my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall return to you later."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Urbend, your son has found the courage to admit his mistake. I will try and find some compassion for him in my heart."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Cornelius Drivestem, I hereby sentence you to death. Immediately."continues where this line first appears above
Drivestem(sequence)
AbelardAbelard shakes his head. "And you called my family's honour into question, Urbend. Nevertheless, I harbour no desire to kick a man when he is down. Lord Captain, the confession you have obtained means that House Werserian can now be cleared of all charges."
end of branch
Abelard"But we still do not know who was behind the forgeries, the riots, the plot, and the assassination attempt. Someone is committing their foul deeds and sowing chaos right under your subjects' noses. To leave that stone unturned would be... dangerous."
end of branch
Entry point 23 of 42
Cornelius DrivestemCornelius's voice trembles, but he sounds confident: "I have nothing else to add, Your Lordship/Ladyship. If my nervousness upon our meeting is the reason for your anger... I humbly ask your forgiveness."
YOU"I wish to hear your reasoning again. What makes you think the Werserians are behind the plot against me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you make of this letter? I found it on one of the assailants."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All of the assailants were high-functioning servitors. Such servitors are only employed by families close to the Adeptus Mechanicus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about your son, Drivestem."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am too busy to deal with this. I find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I found a dead body in my palace. A member of House Gaprak was slain in front of an altar. Do you know anything about it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you see Halen Gaprak today before I arrived?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Summon everyone. I am ready to pronounce my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall return to you later."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 24 of 42
Drivestem(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 25 of 42
Governor Urbend Drivestem(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 26 of 42
Toriana Gaprak(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 27 of 42
Governor Urbend DrivestemThe governor closes his eyes, fear and shame getting the better of him. Some faces in the crowd look confused and surprised, but you see more wearing expressions of self-satisfied contempt.
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have exhibited inexcusable negligence by failing to question the possible involvement of any other family besides the Werserians. We have discovered that the attempt on my life was orchestrated by a member of House Gaprak."
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have accused House Werserian of violations that were in truth the result of a grave error committed by your son."
YOU"Toriana Gaprak, a member of your family orchestrated an assassination attempt against me — here, in my own palace. And though he has already been found dead, his act is reason enough to forever brand your house as traitors."
YOU"Macharius Sauerback, your overt contempt toward me is reason enough to implicate you in the conspiracy."
YOU"I know that House Sauerback offered their help to the Gapraks and the late Halen Gaprak seemed to have accepted the offer. I suspect that you are responsible for his death as well."
YOU"In the conspiracy against the Rogue Trader, I find..."
DrivestemThe air in the room is frozen with a tense, almost electrified silence. All the nobles — some with fear and others with reverent anticipation — await your verdict...
YOU"...House Sauerback guilty. Seneschal, you may take it from here."
AbelardAbelard steps forward and stares intently at House Sauerback's patriarch. "Macharius, I must admit I have always admired your bluntness. But just as I once had to say goodbye to a promotion because of my dislike for intrigue, you — and your family — might soon say goodbye to your heads. Tell me now in your blunt fashion: are you loyal to House von Valancius?"
Macharius SauerbackSauerback narrows his eyes, grimacing. "I am loyal, Werserian."
AbelardAbelard studies Sauerback, then suddenly nods. "You are not lying. But someone else is, someone who is poised to destroy both you and your family for her own gain."
DrivestemMacharius does not have time to respond — Regina, who is standing beside him, raises her arm as if to slap the elderly Seneschal. Abelard deftly catches her wrist, stopping her hand right in front of his face. Her dainty hand is adorned with a massive augmetic ring topped with a thin spike dripping with venom.
Macharius SauerbackSauerback shifts his confused gaze from his wife to Abelard, then back again. The stiff arrogance has vanished from his posture. "Regina... You?"
Hetka Sauerback"Mother..." Upon realising what has happened, Hetka recoils from his mother.
Abelard"Macharius, your bluntness makes you an open book. When I talked about helping the Gapraks, you had no idea what I was referring to. Your wife, on the other hand... her eyes started shifting like you would not believe. Regina Sauerback, you alone betrayed the Rogue Trader, jeopardising the prosperity of the von Valancius trade dynasty. And you alone are responsible for your unmasking."
YOU"Regina, why would you do this?'
Regina SauerbackLike the spike on her ring, Regina's words are dripping with poison and rage. "Because Dargonus is serving an impostor. The true heir of the protectorate bears a different name! When Kunrad appeared on Dargonus, he paid me a visit — and opened my eyes to the truth of the situation. Theodora was killed by the one whom she had so unwarily taken under her wing!"
Regina Sauerback"Macharius is too narrow-minded to even consider opposing the Rogue Trader, even an illegitimate one. So I had to wait for the right moment... and the disappearance of the Lord Captain could not have come at a better time. It was quite simple to trigger a chain of events on Dargonus so that the people remembered Master Voigtvir's past service — it seems that many of your subjects do not actually consider you a worthy successor."
YOU"Regina, why would you do this?'continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why the Werserians?"
Regina Sauerback"Because when stripped of the Seneschal's protection, this house is the weakest one on all of Dargonus. And they are also particularly disliked by the governor's family. It would have been easy to bury the Werserians under accusations of heresy."
YOU"Regina, why would you do this?'continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why the Werserians?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who aided you? There is no way you managed all this on your own."
Regina Sauerback"Oh, of course I didn't. I have too many helpers to list them all, but rest assured there are plenty of them, just as there are plenty of people who follow Master Voigtvir. My death will not change anything — the true Rogue Trader will come and take his rightful place when the time is right."
YOU"Regina, why would you do this?'continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why the Werserians?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who aided you? There is no way you managed all this on your own."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you kill Halen Gaprak?"
Regina Sauerback"Halen was a good agent, but he was also a coward. He came to me just before our formidable Rogue Trader arrived — he was ready to confess everything. I suggested that he plead for the Emperor's forgiveness first... and He did grant him mercy, did He not?"
YOU"Regina, why would you do this?'continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why the Werserians?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who aided you? There is no way you managed all this on your own."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you kill Halen Gaprak?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I thought there could have been something special between us."
Regina SauerbackRegina cocks her head and smiles at you, just as sweetly as before. "I admit I had my regrets about causing you such difficulties. But what was I to do? Duty calls for us to rein in our most genuine desires. Isn't that right, Rogue Trader?"
YOU"Regina, why would you do this?'continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why the Werserians?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who aided you? There is no way you managed all this on your own."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you kill Halen Gaprak?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I thought there could have been something special between us."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, the sentence has yet to be carried out. Finish this."
AbelardAbelard turns his gaze to you. "Does the Rogue Trader condemn only the rotten apple, or the entire barrel?"
YOU"The entire family. The foul blood will be wiped out."
Drivestem"It will be done, Your Lordship/Ladyship. Macharius Sauerback, Regina Sauerback, and Hetka Sauerback, as well as the rest of House Sauerback, have been found guilty of heresy. By the order of the Rogue Trader, the entire house is hereby sentenced to death. The sentence is to be carried out immediately."
DrivestemThe crowd of nobles meets the end of House Sauerback with cold sneers and reproaches.
end of branch
YOU"I will not exterminate an entire noble line that is loyal to me just because of one traitor."
Abelard"In that case, Regina Sauerback shall be subjected to intense interrogation followed by execution."
end of branch
YOU"Abelard, the sentence has yet to be carried out. Finish this."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I thought there could have been something special between us."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, the sentence has yet to be carried out. Finish this."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you kill Halen Gaprak?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I thought there could have been something special between us."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, the sentence has yet to be carried out. Finish this."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who aided you? There is no way you managed all this on your own."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you kill Halen Gaprak?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I thought there could have been something special between us."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, the sentence has yet to be carried out. Finish this."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why the Werserians?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Who aided you? There is no way you managed all this on your own."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Why did you kill Halen Gaprak?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I thought there could have been something special between us."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Abelard, the sentence has yet to be carried out. Finish this."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"...House Sauerback guilty. The head of your family has never tried to hide his attitude toward me. That is more than enough to convict him."
Macharius Sauerback"I will not go against your despicable verdict. I will accept it. House Sauerback has never given you any reason to doubt our loyalty and, thus, I will accept death with pride, for there is more honour in that than in serving the likes of you." He raises his chin defiantly, and it seems as if he is suddenly looking down on you from a great height.
Regina SauerbackRegina takes a breath to say something, but stops at the last moment. Her beautiful face does not express anything but frosty resignation.
AbelardA shadow falls across Abelard's face. His tone is unwavering, but you hear the soft ring of regret in it. "The noble dynasty and all its branches have been found guilty of heresy. By the order of the Rogue Trader, the entire house will be executed. The sentence is to be carried out immediately."
end of branch
YOU"...House Gaprak guilty. You have lost my trust since the incident on Kiava Gamma."
Toriana GaprakA shiver ripples through Toriana's body and she looks on the verge of fainting but manages to stay on her feet. The augmetics on her face emit an unpleasant click before she starts talking. "As you wish, Your Lordship/Ladyship. House Gaprak has been loyal to you in life, and will remain loyal... in death."
Drivestem(sequence)
Vicent Gaprak" Your Lordship/Ladyship... You have done me a great honour by allowing me to serve you..." Vicent's voice is noticeably quivering but his bearing his upright and unwavering.
end of branch
AbelardA shadow falls across Abelard's face. His tone is unwavering, but you hear the soft ring of regret in it. "The noble dynasty and all its branches have been found guilty of heresy. By the order of the Rogue Trader, the entire house will be executed. The sentence is to be carried out immediately."
end of branch
YOU"...House Gaprak guilty. One of your members orchestrated an attack on the Rogue Trader — treason by anyone's reckoning."
Toriana GaprakA shiver ripples through Toriana's body and she looks on the verge of fainting but manages to stay on her feet. The augmetics on her face emit an unpleasant click before she starts talking. "As you wish, Your Lordship/Ladyship. House Gaprak has been loyal to you in life, and will remain loyal... in death."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"...House Drivestem guilty. I shall not forgive your negligence and the false accusations you cast against House Werserian."
Governor Urbend DrivestemUrbend Drivestem's face grows paler by the second. A woman's sobs can be heard from behind him, and they soon turn into desperate wails. "Your Lordship/Ladyship... I accept your decision... with dignity."
AbelardA shadow falls across Abelard's face. His tone is unwavering, but you hear the soft ring of regret in it. "The noble dynasty and all its branches have been found guilty of heresy. By the order of the Rogue Trader, the entire house will be executed. The sentence is to be carried out immediately."
end of branch
AbelardAbelard looks from the governor to you and subtly shakes his head, as if to say, "No, it is not Drivestem pulling the strings here."
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have exhibited inexcusable negligence by failing to question the possible involvement of any other family besides the Werserians. We have discovered that the attempt on my life was orchestrated by a member of House Gaprak."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have accused House Werserian of violations that were in truth the result of a grave error committed by your son."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Toriana Gaprak, a member of your family orchestrated an assassination attempt against me — here, in my own palace. And though he has already been found dead, his act is reason enough to forever brand your house as traitors."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Macharius Sauerback, your overt contempt toward me is reason enough to implicate you in the conspiracy."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I know that House Sauerback offered their help to the Gapraks and the late Halen Gaprak seemed to have accepted the offer. I suspect that you are responsible for his death as well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"In the conspiracy against the Rogue Trader, I find..."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 28 of 42
DrivestemMocking whispers creep through the crowd. Toriana is trembling faintly. She still does not raise her head — perhaps out of fear of meeting her fate face to face.
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have exhibited inexcusable negligence by failing to question the possible involvement of any other family besides the Werserians. We have discovered that the attempt on my life was orchestrated by a member of House Gaprak."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have accused House Werserian of violations that were in truth the result of a grave error committed by your son."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Toriana Gaprak, a member of your family orchestrated an assassination attempt against me — here, in my own palace. And though he has already been found dead, his act is reason enough to forever brand your house as traitors."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Macharius Sauerback, your overt contempt toward me is reason enough to implicate you in the conspiracy."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I know that House Sauerback offered their help to the Gapraks and the late Halen Gaprak seemed to have accepted the offer. I suspect that you are responsible for his death as well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"In the conspiracy against the Rogue Trader, I find..."continues where this line first appears above
AbelardThe Seneschal's hard gaze softens. An elusive gesture, visible only to you, conveys the message: "Toriana Gaprak is guilty only of her own poor judgement."
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have exhibited inexcusable negligence by failing to question the possible involvement of any other family besides the Werserians. We have discovered that the attempt on my life was orchestrated by a member of House Gaprak."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have accused House Werserian of violations that were in truth the result of a grave error committed by your son."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Toriana Gaprak, a member of your family orchestrated an assassination attempt against me — here, in my own palace. And though he has already been found dead, his act is reason enough to forever brand your house as traitors."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Macharius Sauerback, your overt contempt toward me is reason enough to implicate you in the conspiracy."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I know that House Sauerback offered their help to the Gapraks and the late Halen Gaprak seemed to have accepted the offer. I suspect that you are responsible for his death as well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"In the conspiracy against the Rogue Trader, I find..."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 29 of 42
DrivestemThe crowd remains silent, with only their tense, anxious gazes darting back and forth between you and Macharius. Sauerback's brows rise higher and you notice his jaw working nervously.
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have exhibited inexcusable negligence by failing to question the possible involvement of any other family besides the Werserians. We have discovered that the attempt on my life was orchestrated by a member of House Gaprak."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have accused House Werserian of violations that were in truth the result of a grave error committed by your son."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Toriana Gaprak, a member of your family orchestrated an assassination attempt against me — here, in my own palace. And though he has already been found dead, his act is reason enough to forever brand your house as traitors."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Macharius Sauerback, your overt contempt toward me is reason enough to implicate you in the conspiracy."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I know that House Sauerback offered their help to the Gapraks and the late Halen Gaprak seemed to have accepted the offer. I suspect that you are responsible for his death as well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"In the conspiracy against the Rogue Trader, I find..."continues where this line first appears above
AbelardAbelard narrows his eyes and scrutinises Macharius Sauerback and his retinue standing behind him. For a second, his sharp eyes seem to have caught sight of something, only to lose track of it the next moment. A disappointed sigh tells you, "It could be a Sauerback... but is he really the one behind all this?"
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have exhibited inexcusable negligence by failing to question the possible involvement of any other family besides the Werserians. We have discovered that the attempt on my life was orchestrated by a member of House Gaprak."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have accused House Werserian of violations that were in truth the result of a grave error committed by your son."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Toriana Gaprak, a member of your family orchestrated an assassination attempt against me — here, in my own palace. And though he has already been found dead, his act is reason enough to forever brand your house as traitors."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Macharius Sauerback, your overt contempt toward me is reason enough to implicate you in the conspiracy."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I know that House Sauerback offered their help to the Gapraks and the late Halen Gaprak seemed to have accepted the offer. I suspect that you are responsible for his death as well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"In the conspiracy against the Rogue Trader, I find..."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 30 of 42
Drivestem(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 31 of 42
DrivestemSauerback furrows his brows and slightly cocks his head — he averts his gaze for the first time, as if trying to remember or make sense of something. You notice some restless movements behind him.
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have exhibited inexcusable negligence by failing to question the possible involvement of any other family besides the Werserians. We have discovered that the attempt on my life was orchestrated by a member of House Gaprak."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have accused House Werserian of violations that were in truth the result of a grave error committed by your son."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Toriana Gaprak, a member of your family orchestrated an assassination attempt against me — here, in my own palace. And though he has already been found dead, his act is reason enough to forever brand your house as traitors."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Macharius Sauerback, your overt contempt toward me is reason enough to implicate you in the conspiracy."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I know that House Sauerback offered their help to the Gapraks and the late Halen Gaprak seemed to have accepted the offer. I suspect that you are responsible for his death as well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"In the conspiracy against the Rogue Trader, I find..."continues where this line first appears above
AbelardAbelard narrows his eyes and scrutinises Macharius Sauerback and his retinue standing behind him. His sharp eyes light up when he catches sight of something important and hidden in the crowd. The Seneschal looks at you and nods, as if to say: "The puppeteer has given themselves away. Pronounce the verdict."
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have exhibited inexcusable negligence by failing to question the possible involvement of any other family besides the Werserians. We have discovered that the attempt on my life was orchestrated by a member of House Gaprak."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have accused House Werserian of violations that were in truth the result of a grave error committed by your son."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Toriana Gaprak, a member of your family orchestrated an assassination attempt against me — here, in my own palace. And though he has already been found dead, his act is reason enough to forever brand your house as traitors."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Macharius Sauerback, your overt contempt toward me is reason enough to implicate you in the conspiracy."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I know that House Sauerback offered their help to the Gapraks and the late Halen Gaprak seemed to have accepted the offer. I suspect that you are responsible for his death as well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"In the conspiracy against the Rogue Trader, I find..."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 32 of 42
Drivestem(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 33 of 42
Drivestem(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 34 of 42
Cornelius Drivestem(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 35 of 42
Cornelius Drivestem(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 36 of 42
Cornelius Drivestem(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 37 of 42
Governor Urbend Drivestem(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 38 of 42
Regina Sauerback(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 39 of 42
DrivestemGovernor Drivestem is surrounded by his retinue, who are all dressed in expensive gowns and finery. The matching colour scheme of their outfits and the striking physical resemblance among them suggest that they all come from one family.
Governor Urbend Drivestem"Your Lordship/Ladyship! Thank you for giving this case your undivided attention." The governor bows and the rest hasten to follow suit.
YOU"I wish to hear your reasoning again. What makes you think the Werserians are behind the plot against me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you make of this letter? I found it on one of the assailants."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All of the assailants were high-functioning servitors. Such servitors are only employed by families close to the Adeptus Mechanicus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about your son, Drivestem."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am too busy to deal with this. I find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I found a dead body in my palace. A member of House Gaprak was slain in front of an altar. Do you know anything about it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you see Halen Gaprak today before I arrived?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Summon everyone. I am ready to pronounce my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall return to you later."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 40 of 42
Governor Urbend DrivestemWhen you approach them, the conversations die down. The governor bows his head in deference. "How may I serve you, Your Lordship/Ladyship? Are you ready to pronounce your verdict yet?"
YOU"I wish to hear your reasoning again. What makes you think the Werserians are behind the plot against me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you make of this letter? I found it on one of the assailants."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All of the assailants were high-functioning servitors. Such servitors are only employed by families close to the Adeptus Mechanicus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about your son, Drivestem."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am too busy to deal with this. I find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I found a dead body in my palace. A member of House Gaprak was slain in front of an altar. Do you know anything about it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you see Halen Gaprak today before I arrived?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Summon everyone. I am ready to pronounce my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall return to you later."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 41 of 42
DrivestemThe governor stares at you blankly, trying not to look at his son's lifeless body lying nearby. "Your Lordship/Ladyship."
YOU"I wish to hear your reasoning again. What makes you think the Werserians are behind the plot against me?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you make of this letter? I found it on one of the assailants."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"All of the assailants were high-functioning servitors. Such servitors are only employed by families close to the Adeptus Mechanicus."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Tell me more about your son, Drivestem."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I am too busy to deal with this. I find the Werserians guilty."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I found a dead body in my palace. A member of House Gaprak was slain in front of an altar. Do you know anything about it?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Did you see Halen Gaprak today before I arrived?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Summon everyone. I am ready to pronounce my verdict."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I shall return to you later."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 42 of 42
DrivestemMany faces are watching you: each and every one awaiting the Rogue Trader's verdict with bated breath.
YOU"The charges brought by Governor Drivestem were fabricated. House Werserian had nothing to do with the orchestration of the riots or the plot targeting the Rogue Trader. And yet this matter is far from concluded..."
DrivestemA wave of shocked murmuring sweeps through the gathered nobles, then quickly gives way to oppressive silence. Not so much as a whisper interrupts your speech.
YOU"...House Sauerback guilty. Seneschal, you may take it from here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"...House Sauerback guilty. The head of your family has never tried to hide his attitude toward me. That is more than enough to convict him."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"...House Gaprak guilty. You have lost my trust since the incident on Kiava Gamma."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"...House Gaprak guilty. One of your members orchestrated an attack on the Rogue Trader — treason by anyone's reckoning."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"...House Drivestem guilty. I shall not forgive your negligence and the false accusations you cast against House Werserian."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"The charges brought by Governor Drivestem were fabricated. House Werserian had nothing to do with the orchestration of the riots or the plot targeting the Rogue Trader. However, the real perpetrators are here in this very room..."
AbelardThe Seneschal nods to you as if urging you to continue, then shifts his piercing gaze to the crowd before you.
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have exhibited inexcusable negligence by failing to question the possible involvement of any other family besides the Werserians. We have discovered that the attempt on my life was orchestrated by a member of House Gaprak."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Urbend Drivestem, you have accused House Werserian of violations that were in truth the result of a grave error committed by your son."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Toriana Gaprak, a member of your family orchestrated an assassination attempt against me — here, in my own palace. And though he has already been found dead, his act is reason enough to forever brand your house as traitors."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Macharius Sauerback, your overt contempt toward me is reason enough to implicate you in the conspiracy."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I know that House Sauerback offered their help to the Gapraks and the late Halen Gaprak seemed to have accepted the offer. I suspect that you are responsible for his death as well."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"In the conspiracy against the Rogue Trader, I find..."continues where this line first appears above