MainEvent 1 — Rogue Trader Dialogue Archive

Entry point 1

VentYou spend a couple of hours in leisurely conversation with Heinrix van Calox. All the while, you cannot shake the feeling that the Interrogator's questions are in pursuit of some goal other than simply sustaining the genteel chitchat. When the general topics at last are exhausted, an awkward pause hangs in the air between you.

VentThe Interrogator glances at the desk piled high with papers. "I suppose the news of your inheritance of the Sacred Warrant came as a complete surprise to you. Abelard mentioned searching for heirs once... and how some of them felt about their lives changing forever. Not all of them fully understood the duty they were taking on." Van Calox says this in a deadpan voice, and you cannot tell if this apparent indifference is real or feigned.

YOU"You can relate, of course. Your life once changed beyond recognition as well."

VentThe Interrogator is silent for a few moments. "True. But that was a long time ago, and I was still a child. Children quickly adapt to new circumstances and environments."

YOU"New circumstances? Your family disowned you!"

Vent"It was their duty to do so. I was no longer suitable to become a pilot. I was a disgrace to my entire line. The way they treated me... I struggle to condemn them for it — they had spent years and years of rituals and training on me, burnishing a rotten apple."

VentHeinrix looks around the study. "I can judge a person based on their surroundings. But not here. The air is thick with the memory of Theodora. The decor, the trophies... There are only slight changes related to daily rituals..."

YOU"What you are saying is that this laboured conversation was a pretext for studying me?"

Vent"That... isn't what I said." Heinrix looks down with a laugh. "I'm not looking for heresy or deviations from the Imperial Creed. I'm... trying to have a conversation. To learn about your life and what interests you. You can judge how well it's going for yourself."

YOU"Really? In that case, I shall choose the next topic, if you don't mind."

VentHeinrix looks at you, intrigued. "Be my guest. And what do you want to talk about?"

YOU"What is your favourite colour?"

Vent"What? What kind of a question is that? I don't place any importance on such trivial things... Red? Yes, I suppose my favourite colour would be red."

YOU"What is your favourite colour?"

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YOU"Your favourite food?"

VentHeinrix looks at you in polite bewilderment. "I place no great importance on the minutiae of my daily life."

YOU[Smile] "I recall your colourful metaphor involving amasec and cheese."

Vent"Your memory is excellent... I suppose you've caught me there. Such extravagances are not always available when I travel to different worlds in the course of my duties, so I value the moments when I can enjoy them."

YOU"What is your favourite colour?"

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YOU"Your favourite food?"

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YOU"Let's talk about your romantic preferences. It's always a stimulating topic, don't you find?"

Vent"A long time ago, I once had a fleeting romance with a baroness on Narvellon 19 in the Calixis Sector. Raven hair, olive skin, and a fiery temperament. I suppose that's the combination I like." The Interrogator's eyes narrow ever so slightly, as though he is anticipating your reaction.

YOU[Return his look] "I am not talking about fleeting dalliances."

Vent"The nature of my duties does not permit me anything more than that." You can almost see the ice forming in his eyes at these words. "If we've exhausted this topic... let's return to my question."

YOU"What is your favourite colour?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Your favourite food?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about your romantic preferences. It's always a stimulating topic, don't you find?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Tell me a secret."

Vent"A secret?" Heinrix thinks. "Well... I was not completely candid with your earlier. About when my life changed... I wasn't so young that I wasn't troubled by thoughts of what could have been. Sometimes I dream about training on my family's Knight. Sometimes I miss my sisters. Sometimes I wish I had been spared the psyker's curse. Sometimes I try too hard to appear impervious to regret and pain."

VentHeinrix laughs a little, as though trying to hide behind humour. "Of all the secrets in my keeping, that is the least dangerous."

YOU"What is your favourite colour?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Your favourite food?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about your romantic preferences. It's always a stimulating topic, don't you find?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Tell me a secret."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why don't we discuss the Holy Inquisition's plans in the Koronus Expanse? That is a light, undemanding topic."

Vent"Forgive me, but it seems your talent for small talk is scarcely better than mine. And besides, you already know the Inquisition's plans where I am concerned — to accompany you."

YOU"What is your favourite colour?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Your favourite food?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about your romantic preferences. It's always a stimulating topic, don't you find?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Tell me a secret."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why don't we discuss the Holy Inquisition's plans in the Koronus Expanse? That is a light, undemanding topic."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about what interests you instead."

VentThe Interrogator's eyes narrow. "Me? Hmm. Well... there is one thing that interests me."

Vent"The Silvermark Flank Opening. Why use it in the middlegame?"

YOU"I'm sorry, what?"

Vent"The regicide game. As soon as we came in, I noticed the combination and I couldn't help wondering about the thinking behind white's strategy... But your face tells me this game is another thing left over from Lady Theodora's time."

VentHeinrix lapses into silence as he intently studies the pieces on the board. You see his jaw relax, and a spark of life kindles in his eyes.

YOU[Observe]

VentHeinrix bites his nail in thought, his eyes not leaving the board. Then he reaches out and cautiously moves a piece. Then another two pieces. And another two. All of his attention is absorbed in rearranging the pieces on the board.

Vent"I've got it. The Calixian Prong with a diversionary sacrifice, drawing the opponent into zugzwang. Elegant, very elegant." Pleased to have unravelled the mystery, the smiling Interrogator looks up at you and, upon seeing your expression, coughs and looks away. "Apologies. I got carried away."

YOU"Why are you apologising? For the first time in this entire conversation, you did something you actually wanted to do."

VentHeinrix shifts awkwardly. "I did? Hmm. Interesting observation."

VentHeinrix runs a hand through his hair. "You're right. I haven't been able to break out of my usual role — asking targeted questions and then just sitting back and listening. My work leaves no room for personal desires, and I rarely even ask myself what I want. This game, it distracted me from... me."

YOU"Perhaps it would be easier to find common ground over a game of regicide."

VentHeinrix looks at you. "Perhaps? If you're offering..."

YOU"I don't know how to play regicide. But I'm confident that you will make a fine teacher."

VentHeinrix's face brightens. "It would be my great pleasure, [Name]. I may not know as many tricks and combinations as the person who once taught me, but I can introduce you to the basics—"

VentThe vox on your desk buzzes to life and you both jump. Heinrix inclines his head. "You are wanted. And I have taken up enough of your time..."

YOU"I suppose it really is time to end our conversation."

Vent"In that case, I must leave you to your duties."

VentHeinrix hesitates for a few moments, then he steps toward you and takes your hand in his. "Thank you for this conversation. You ask very interesting questions — not the ones I am used to." He brings your hand to his lips and gently releases it. "I hope we will find another opportunity to talk."

VentWhen the Interrogator straightens and looks at you, you notice an unusual detail for the first time — his eyes are different colours. With a nod, he steps away and heads for the door.

end of branch

VentHeinrix hesitates. Then he leans slightly toward you and says in a low voice, "You seem to always say what you are thinking, no matter how inappropriate or risky it may be to do so. No one else is so reckless as to act like that in my presence. Talking to you, [Name], is like a breath of fresh air."

VentWhen the Interrogator straightens and looks at you, you notice an unusual detail for the first time — his eyes are different colours. With a nod, he steps away and heads for the door.continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Running away, are you?"

Vent"No. Just deferring to your duty, Lord Captain."

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YOU"You have, and I do not wish to waste any more of it on you."

Vent"You have made yourself quite clear, Lord Captain. Thank you for the conversation."

end of branch

YOU"I know how to play regicide. Perhaps we could talk over a game from time to time."

VentHeinrix's face brightens. "I will gladly join you in a game. Back when I had an opponent, I spent all my free time at the board and—"

VentThe vox on your desk buzzes to life and you both jump. Heinrix inclines his head. "You are wanted. And I have taken up enough of your time..."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I have much more exciting ideas about how we can spend our time together. But regicide sounds good as well."

VentHeinrix's lips tremble, from suppressing either a smile or a grimace. "I would gladly join you in a game—"

VentThe vox on your desk buzzes to life and you both jump. Heinrix inclines his head. "You are wanted. And I have taken up enough of your time..."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Never mind."

VentThe vox on your desk buzzes to life and you both jump. Heinrix inclines his head. "You are wanted. And I have taken up enough of your time..."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I'm enjoying just sitting with you."

Vent"Your politeness conceals the truth, [Name]. But thank you for trying to spare my—"

VentThe vox on your desk buzzes to life and you both jump. Heinrix inclines his head. "You are wanted. And I have taken up enough of your time..."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You are boring me, Master van Calox. Let's end our conversation here."

VentHeinrix inclines his head. "Very well. I will not detain you any longer. Thank you for your time, and I apologise if you found my company tedious."

end of branch

YOU"I am pleased to see at least a hint of passion in you at last."

Vent"What?" Heinrix stares at you in alarm. You feel the room grow colder, but perhaps your mind is playing tricks on you.

YOU"You are boring me, Master van Calox. Let's end our conversation here."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Do you play regicide?"

Vent"Oh, yes." Heinrix smiles wistfully. "Or rather, I used to play back when I had an opponent. I usually lost, but regicide is one of the few domains where failure carries no consequences, except the chance to get better. And it was a very, very long time ago. If you'll permit me..."

YOU"I have never understood this strange pastime."

Vent"Really? That's a pity..." Heinrix makes a pensive "hmm" sound as he studies the positions on the board.

YOU"Are you talking about the regicide board? The game on the board isn't mine."

Vent"Ah! That's a shame. I noticed the combination as soon as we came in, and I've been eager to ask about the thinking behind white's strategy..."

VentHeinrix lapses into silence as he intently studies the pieces on the board. You see his jaw relax, and a spark of life kindles in his eyes.continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Don't talk in riddles."

YOU"Let's talk about what interests you instead."continues where this line first appears above

Vent"That is a very strange question, don't you think? A secret... You already know more than enough about me, [Name]."

YOU"What is your favourite colour?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Your favourite food?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about your romantic preferences. It's always a stimulating topic, don't you find?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Tell me a secret."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why don't we discuss the Holy Inquisition's plans in the Koronus Expanse? That is a light, undemanding topic."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about what interests you instead."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why don't we discuss the Holy Inquisition's plans in the Koronus Expanse? That is a light, undemanding topic."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about what interests you instead."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"You dare praise the qualities of other women in my presence?"

VentHeinrix's face breaks into a feigned sad smile without an iota of genuine compassion. "I'm sorry if my unseemly anecdotes upset you, Your Ladyship. Shall we talk about something else?"

YOU"What is your favourite colour?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Your favourite food?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about your romantic preferences. It's always a stimulating topic, don't you find?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Tell me a secret."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why don't we discuss the Holy Inquisition's plans in the Koronus Expanse? That is a light, undemanding topic."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about what interests you instead."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I did not expect that answer."

VentHeinrix's face breaks into a feigned sad smile without an iota of genuine compassion. "I'm sorry if my unseemly anecdotes upset you, Your Ladyship. Shall we talk about something else?"continues where this line first appears above

Vent"Now I feel as if I am being interrogated. Asking about how you are dealing with your radically altered circumstances is far less invasive than this question."

YOU"What is your favourite colour?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Your favourite food?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about your romantic preferences. It's always a stimulating topic, don't you find?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Tell me a secret."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why don't we discuss the Holy Inquisition's plans in the Koronus Expanse? That is a light, undemanding topic."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about what interests you instead."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Tell me a secret."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why don't we discuss the Holy Inquisition's plans in the Koronus Expanse? That is a light, undemanding topic."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about what interests you instead."continues where this line first appears above

YOU[Say nothing]

Vent"Is there anything else?"

YOU"What is your favourite colour?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Your favourite food?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about your romantic preferences. It's always a stimulating topic, don't you find?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Tell me a secret."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why don't we discuss the Holy Inquisition's plans in the Koronus Expanse? That is a light, undemanding topic."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about what interests you instead."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"What is your favourite colour?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Your favourite food?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about your romantic preferences. It's always a stimulating topic, don't you find?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Tell me a secret."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why don't we discuss the Holy Inquisition's plans in the Koronus Expanse? That is a light, undemanding topic."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about what interests you instead."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about your romantic preferences. It's always a stimulating topic, don't you find?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Tell me a secret."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why don't we discuss the Holy Inquisition's plans in the Koronus Expanse? That is a light, undemanding topic."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about what interests you instead."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Your favourite food?"

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about your romantic preferences. It's always a stimulating topic, don't you find?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Tell me a secret."

continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Why don't we discuss the Holy Inquisition's plans in the Koronus Expanse? That is a light, undemanding topic."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about what interests you instead."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"This has felt like an interrogation rather than a conversation for a while now."

VentDiscomfited, Heinrix clears his throat. "I am just trying to make conversation, [Name]. To find out what interests you and what your life is like. Nothing more."

YOU"Really? In that case, I shall choose the next topic, if you don't mind."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"Let's talk about what interests you instead."continues where this line first appears above

YOU"All in good time."

VentHeinrix says nothing for a moment, then: "Speaking of surroundings, I would like to ask you about something that caught my attention."

Vent"The Silvermark Flank Opening. Why use it in the middlegame?"continues where this line first appears above

YOU"I do not think a Black Ship is an acceptable environment for a child."

Vent"It is an acceptable environment for a psyker who cannot control his powers."

YOU[Nod wordlessly]

YOU"Sometimes I miss my old life."

Vent"If you gained satisfaction in serving the God-Emperor in your former position, then now you merely have greater opportunities to demonstrate your potential."

YOU"To be honest, I am thrilled with my new life."

Vent"Driven, inquisitive people rejoice when they are given the chance to reach their full potential in service to the God-Emperor."

YOU"Being Rogue Trader has its advantages. For instance, I can torment a servant of the Holy Inquisition with impunity."

VentHeinrix stares at you with narrowed eyes. "A portion of impudence must be inherited along with the Sacred Warrant, I see. You are very sure of your untouchability, [Name], aren't you?"