#rogue trader commoragh

[cawyden-gaming]

Rogue Trader - Act 3 - Heinrix, Yrilet and Marazhai versions (anat. opera)

I was playing through Commoragh again and noticed a change now after the recent patches compared to earlier.

They did correct the issue with having the companion selection popping up in the middle of Heinrix dialog

They also corrected the issue with missing portrait and wrong name for Heinrix that occured when you had both Yrilet and Marazhai present when he is freed

But, I am not sure if it is a bug or intended, there is dialog missing when you have both Yrilet and Marazhai present now.

I have put both the old and new version in a video, together with the current versions of only Marazhai or only Yrilet present.

The current versions for only Marazhai and only Yrilet present seem to be identical to the older versions, just with the bugs I mentioned above being fixed.

Here is the video - if you do not want to watch scroll further down, I have written a short summary below.

For those who do not want to watch:

The old version basically goes like this:

Heinrix being freed -> recognizes Marazhai

Rogue Trader can say something (e.g. "I can explain")

Heinrix response

Marazhai dialog ("Insult me again...")

Then came the companion selector

Heinrix "You got to be kidding me..."

Rogue Trader dialog options

Heinrix response + end

The new version goes like this:

Heinrix being freed -> Remark that he forces his gaze away from the Drukhari (Marazhai I suppose but without further information that he looked or recognized him to begin with) and notices Yrilet "You must be joking..."

Rogue trader dialog options (same as before for Yrilet)

Heinrix response + end

Only Marazhai:

Heinrix being freed -> recognizes Marazhai

Rogue Trader dialog options (like the old version e.g. "I can explain...")

Heinrix response

Marazhai ("Insult me again..."

Heinrix response + end

Only Yrilet:

Heinrix being freed -> recognizes Yrilet "Am I hallucinating...."

Rogue Trader dialog options (like before for Yrilet)

Heinrix response + end

So basically in the new version it seems he had recognized Marazhai but it isn't really mentioned and Marazhai has no dialog anymore.

I did have a look in toybox and they seem to check if Marazhai is present:

[nahoba]

something tells me they don't really like it here...

[dairine-bonnet]

On Dargonus:

Lynette's thought *after coming across Calcazar and his acolytes in her study*: Ok, it's weird. But at least that's nice they're not in my bedroom.

[gingerfan24]

Marazhai watching my RT and Heinrix do….you know….

[durgewyll]

jae's portrait changes when she doesn't have her throat device thingy :(

[mainalias]

theodora my evil grandmother how could you

[roguelioness]

I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND HEINRIX I'M LOSING MY SHIT

[achilleid]

God I forgot how much the Heinrix romance gets me kickin' my feet

[chronurgy]

Mmmm I think another factor in the act 4 Malakai/Heinrix mess is that it comes out near the end of the act that Malakai and Abelard had (at some point) put together a plan to kill calcazar should it become necessary and never told heinrix. Like they were fully preparing to kill calcazar if necessary (and were actively intending to kill him after Euphrates II) and never said a word. Because they didn't trust him. And of course at this point heinrix is also pretty fucking pissed at calcazar and has been for awhile, but they still never trusted him enough to include him in their plans. And for heinrix it's just another piece of evidence on the pile that Malakai will never, ever trust him

[cawyden-gaming]

I can shed some light on this. Sorry, longer text incoming...

The game answer this actually - at least partially. During the trap and later in dialog with Marazhai you can learn, that the psykers and Cassia were the payment for Tervantias for his services (the poison, the mind worm...).

Marazhai only wanted the RT for himself but got punished himself and lost RT - who was sent to Tervantias for disposal. At least as psyker Tervantias would surely love to put you into his torture device too, right between Cassia and Heinrix. But apparently because of this order, he had to dispose RT (after some torture - our character does wake up in rather bad shape with hundred cuts etc.).

Here it is then unclear - Tervantias claims he expected you to die when you went down his chute:

“Yes. Your body was given to me for disposal. It was thrown into the cesspit.” One of his limbs gesticulated towards the hole. He continued with thoughtful voice. “It is an anomaly that the specimen did not die. I must consider fitting the disposal chute with a shredding mechanism.”

But Yrliet makes a comment that Nocturnes interferrence in the trial before already saved your life:

“The master of flesh is twisting the truth, elantach. Had the Arebennian not interfered in the Archons' trial... it is unlikely that anyone could have survived that questioning.”

We know Tervantias had spoken with the Harlequin - which is why after the first arena fight we are allowed to enter the opera - we had proved we are capable and skilled. Maybe Nocturne also convinced Tervantias to not keep a psyker RT for himself and/or to give RT a chance by not killing but keeping him/her only near death.

If Marazhai had been successful then the question is if he had really been allowed to keep a psyker RT and if yes - how that would have worked out. Because while Tervantias is able to handle psykers, I don't really think Marazhai is (at least without Tervantias help getting devices etc.).

Marazhai expected the other psykers to get lost somewhere in the opera instead of walking around with RT in Commoragh. He freaks out more over the farseers his sisters brought to the spire because they are far more powerful than our psykers.

When you ask Tervantias to release all your still captured companions before he flees, he will mention that they should not use their powers until he is gone. He doesn't care before (you could have released Cassia or Heinrix and Idira already and be a psyker yourself) so this always feels odd to me. He is described even by Marazhai as madman playing with fire, so if he doesn't care fine, but then why later? Maybe realizing that he isn't that invulnerable as he thought, seeing that he has to flee at this point.

Tervantias can already mention the psy-stiflers he has installed - in the arena and in the spire. It does not prevent warp powers from to be used (that would have been difficult and even more devastating for the player in Commoragh - actually I would love to have it as difficulty option in the game) but holds back the warp so nothing bad happens if you do use them. But they are not in the chasm for example and I don't think it is common knowledge for the other Drukhari.

I am not sure if and on which distance Drukhari would be able to feel/sense psyker power usage, but obvious usage (like lightning...) in the arena or in a crowded place in the chasm should normally get all Drukhari on you immediately to get rid of you asap.

But that would be a limitation for players, so just like the equipment being completely returned it is a gameplay choice and not what you would expect to happen.

Some Warhammer 40.000: Rogue Trader Act 3 hilarity:

I... Do not know just what Marazhai tried to accomplish when he dragged two Terminus-grade psykers and a navigator into Commorragh — but I'm sure it wasn't brutal incineration of several districts, death of an Archon and a high-ranking Haemunculus or what that flayed freak was called. Taking all of the Rogue Trader's gear was a rather thoughtful precaution, but... My guys, I don't need a gun to melt your faces off. Or a sword, for that matter

Frankly, my Rogue Trader wouldn't hold horrific torment against him, being sanctioned psyker and all that — Throne knows he's been through some shit. But no-one touches his spindly mutant wife and lives, which Tervanthias found out soon enough

So in a stroke of poetic justice, Marazhai was brought to the voidship, thoroughly questioned about his city, people, and technology — then promptly handed to Heinrix for an, ahem, 'undoubtedly pleasant tea party'. Pretty sure Pasqal also was there

[cawyden-gaming]

Rogue Trader - Act 4 - Heinrix romance dialog if he was not in Commoragh

If Heinrix is not taken with you to Commoragh in act 3 he will have a romance dialog with the RT at the start of Act 4.

First you have the briefing on the bridge of your ship.

After the briefing he wants to speak with you in private - the conversation will then happen in your quarters.

First three options to respond what happened to you:

Then further two options (unfortunately strange ones - you were tortured in Commoragh and can only say you are fine or feeling terrific?!?):

Heinrix will keep approaching until he is next to you/RT:

After the kiss:

Last option is either wait (he will leave) or you can have fun with him:

Here is the video:

[lizah-aart]

The fall after the Magnae Accessio was hard - but they underestimated how familiar the Rogue Trader was with despair. With a Crime Lord background Rogue Trader I liked to imagine that there was a sense of understanding in Commoragh. They had to steal, kill, lie, grovel, backstab and use any opportunity. There is no room for morals. There is only survival. Also Laika gets more grey hair with every torture session. Please stop hurting my little criminal. Yes Heinrix got broken out of his cage by an absolutely feral Rogue Trader and somehow that did it for him. How can you not love someone who crawled out of their grave to make it back to you.

[gingerfan24]

Headcanon

Ana’s greatest shame springs from the time she pushed her abilities too hard and so ever since then she’s held back, still using them but never to their fullest extent. This will likely change after Commoragh…..

[redstairs]

Heinrix romance thoughts

I am at work and I can't work because I am currently hyperfocusing on the character so please bear with me. Apologies if all this is boringly obvious.

So, we know from his writer that he's not opposed to flings and short dalliances and he even mentions one of those himself. If you pick the closeness options while romancing him, you could say it's the more slow burn kind of romance, but even then: you're interested and he knows, but he doesn't act. And if you romance him with the forward options, throwing yourself at him in the most gremlin way, he still doesn't pick you up on your offer. He's not insensitive to your charms, spilling his proverbial spaghetti left and right, but you're the one who has to kiss him.

It's because he can't act on it that he catches feelings, and it's because he has feelings that he can't act on it.

Before the Magnae Accessio, you're still pretty much under investigation by Calcazar, through Heinrix. He's utterly devoted to his job and I don't think it's a big stretch to imagine he doesn't engage you because he knows it'll cloud his judgement.

He's also aware of the power dynamics and literally tells you so at some point. Given his position, it could look to outsiders like him trying to blackmail you or abuse the situation. Which, you know, fair enough. It's highly probably that whoever he had flings with was not the target of his investigation or interrogation before. Imagine if he was with you to investigate, let's say, Pasqal, it might have been more doable to have a fling with you in the meanwhile. But I think it's especially significant to him that you are not put off by him while he is supposed to be the one investigating you.

You, instead, are actively seeking him out, asking about his well-being, if he feels lonely, having games of regicide with him while being aware he's there to snitch on you. There's the pull of being considered like a human, the fact you seem to like him and also you go through quite some stuff together.

By the time you reach the Magnae Accessio, he's in too deep, and even if Calcazar leaves him with you and you are open about wanting to take the thing further, he can't, and that's where his entire battle between his duty for the inquisition and his feelings starts in earnest. Hence the sentence "when it comes to my own desires, I can afford myself very little". By that point, he wants more than a short dalliance, but he's already in too deep and switches to a more amour courtois kind of position. Which Commoragh will smash.

I also HC that Calcazar realises the attraction - and is all too happy to leave him with you. Part of his reasons for sending Heinrix away to Rykad Minoris in the first place is that he finds him too dogmatic to let in on his grand plan. Leaving Heinrix next to his love interest will at least keep said Acolyte a bit more distracted. Because let's be honest, there's plenty of dire stuff happening in the Koronus expanse that Heinrix could tackle, aside from being in a Rogue Trader's retinue.

[iloveoutlinesiswear]

This is a bit of fluff and angst between Karroleen von Valancius and Abelard. Features Marazhai and Heinrix also. I'm still climbing out of a writing funk so have mercy.

(Mentions of torture and stalking)

Intentions

Karroleen flinched as if struck. For a long moment, they all froze as Marazhai's words hung in the air. Abelard gripped his chainsword, ready to finally behead the xenos.

Just give me the word, ladyship. Please.

"Broodmale," Karroleen repeated, her voice high and thin.

Abelard's thirst for vengeance died in an instant, killed by her distress.

Shaking from some deep emotional wound reopened, she took a step back. Her golden earrings tinkled, discordant and harsh. Brown eyes wide, she looked around her as if expecting a rebuke. Then she spun around and fled.

"Karroleen, wait!" Heinrix called to her retreating back.

Marazhai seemed just as surprised by her reaction as any of them, though the expression on the vile creature's face most closely resembled intrigued triumph, his lips skinning back from his teeth in a vicious grin.

"Interesting, apparently, you hurt her more than I ever could," Marazhai hissed at Heinrix. "Isn't that typical for you?"

Abelard watched the color drain from the Interrogator's face.

"Bastard!" Heinrix spat with all the venom he could summon.

Anyone else would have been groveling in terror but the xenos simply cocked his head and inhaled as if savoring the scent of some fine drink.

"Enough, viper!" Abelard barked.

Marazhai shied but the smirk remained on his pale face. After a mocking bow, the xenos meandered from the chamber, chuckling evilly to himself.

As soon as the beast was gone, Heinrix slumped, seemingly exhausted. Rubbing his mustache, Abelard regarded him.

Karroleen awakened the father in him, being a shy and proper young lady of a noble house, even if her lineage was dubious. Theodora had been hard on her, mistaking her reserved nature for weakness. Abelard knew better.

Then Heinrix had arrived on the ship and Abelard had distrusted him to the utmost. Somehow, the Interrogator had weaseled his way into her confidence and her chambers. Indeed, she took him everywhere, consulting him on things she really ought not to.

Abelard still didn't trust him. Not completely. Even after Commoragh. Especially after Commoragh. There was something of the seducer about Heinrix and having a Rogue Trader in their pocket was too advantageous to the Inquisition. It would be something they would do. Had done in fact.

And Karroleen being of a certain age and temperament was vulnerable to that approach.

"I should talk to her," Heinrix said, almost to himself.

Abelard coughed, broken out of his reverie.

"No," Abelard said firmly, "I will."

A flicker of anger flickered over Heinrix's face but then he bowed. As always, Heinrix turned inscrutable on a geld piece. Another reason that Abelard suspected him.

"As you wish," the man said curtly.

Without pausing, Abelard strode back through the bridge to his mistress's chambers. Cassia hovered near the elevator, wringing her clawed hands. Thick as thieves, those two were, similar in many ways but different than others.

"What happened?" She asked. "Did the beast hurt someone? Why did Karroleen...?"

"Yes, it's a mess down there," he said. "But in her ladyship's case, it's cutting words." He paused, gripping the handle of his chain-axe. "God-Emperor I hate that creature."

Without explaing further, he descended on the elevator. Walking past the trophies that lined her foyer, he caught sight of the Drukhari war engine suspended from the ceiling. A gift from somewhere. He suspect the Kasballicans. The sight of it made his soul ache.

He continued on.

A sniffle came from Karroleen's office.

Her office, not Theodora's. Slowly but surely they had become her chambers. Blue carpeting covered the floor. The ork skull was gone, replaced by an ornate brass music box. Pleasant sea scapes and romantic scenes dominated, the martial paintings quietly disappeared into storage. Slowly, the books changed out from treatise on astro-phenomenon and void warfare to poetry and trade strategy.

He paused outside the entrance and coughed. The girl gasped and her skirts rustled. Knowing how she prized decorum far more than her predecessor, a warning of his presence was warranted.

"Mistress?" he said as he walked in. "Are you well?"

She stood, shivering like some prey animal, her exquisite make up streaked from tears. Even her hair was mussed, usually piled up in perfect curls and decorated with jewels, now loose and lopsided.

"Forgive me, I should be...I should have better control of myself," she said, smoothing her skirts.

"Mistress," he said. "That...thing knows how to get at anyone. You should not take its words seriously."

"I know," she said. "I just can't help but wonder if...."

She swallowed what she was about to say like it was poison, bitter and glutinous.

"Young mistress," he said, softly as he had to his own children and grand children. "I am your Seneschal. I do not manage just your ship and your staff but also your secrets."

With a choked gasp, she sat back into the couch. She wrung her gloved hands, the kid leather rubbing together. Then a shuddering breath escaped her.

"I suppose you think less of me now," she said. "I'm guessing the entire crew knows. And-" she sucked in a breath "they talk."

"I've never heard any of them breathe a word," he said, sitting down on the couch next to her. "I might not be a master of whispers, but I do know that they adore you. Besides, you've been nothing less than discrete, though you don't need to be."

"It's different when you're a bastard," she said.

He stayed silent. He couldn't argue with that. Being on a Rogue Trader ship, he'd long had his fill of noble intrigue. Bastards were fodder for the gossip circles, whether they were dissolute wastrels or paragons of virtue.

For a few long moments, she kept silent. Until he thought that she might not elaborate. Then in a quiet voice, she started.

"When I was younger, I was caught alone with a boy," she said, pulling her knees up under her skirts. "My step-mother was furious and cruel, she never had any affection for me. She threatened me with a convent but I managed to convince her otherwise. Then the boy bragged that he had taken my virtue to his friends. Which was a lie but that did not matter. And I became a pariah. And worse, prey."

She smiled then and it was the most caustic smile he had ever seen. It distorted her face into a hideous mask, pale and bitter as ash. With a deep breath, she pulled one of the jeweled combs from her hair.

Holding out his hand, he listened in silence.

She placed the comb in his palm. Butterflies in sapphire and purple initrian glittered at him.

"Men propositioned me for liaisons," she said, pulling free the other comb and placing it with its twin. "Married men. Older men. Mothers condemned me as a whore, even as their sons hunted me through the corridors of the palace. eager to take what I would not give freely. The convent would not take me since it was assumed I was no longer virtuous. And marriage became impossible for the same reason."

As she talked, she unwound the great mass of brown curls, plucking out hair pins with expert grace. These too she placed in his hand, as if each one were weighted with a small measure of the hate she received.

Abelard said nothing and she continued, staring into the middle distance.

"What friends I had deserted me and worse added more lurid tales about my alleged appetites to the mills. People believed them, thinking they had my confidence. In reaction, my governess became cruel to me also and watched me day and night, blaming me for the attention I received."

"When Theodora's missive arrived, it was like the God-Emperor himself reaching down to me. As horrible as everything I have seen since is, it's nothing compared to that hell. I know that seems strange. I've fought literal deamons, chaos space marines, the most vile creatures. But I'm no longer alone when I do so."

She let out a deep breath and leaned against his heavy shoulder.

"That was the worst thing about Commoragh," she said. "It was not the torture. It was the loneliness that followed."

"You found us all," Abelard said. "None of us walked away without scars. But we did walk away." He sucked in a breath. "Even that creature, because of you. There is more to you, and always was than simple romantic inexperience."

She pulled away from him, and for a heart stopping moment he thought that he had mortally offended her. Turning to apologize, he stopped once he saw the look of confusion on her face.

"Inexperience?" she said, tasting the word. "I've never heard it framed in such a detached way. Not that I am any more."

She blushed, pink dusting her pale cheeks.

"Madam, you are a Rogue Trader," he said with a twisted smile. "Your social mores are what you make them, nothing more, nothing less. Believe me, the tales I could tell you of Theodora are both lurid and plentiful. I mean, to put it another way. Why do you think your...bath attendants are all men of a certain age?"

Her delicate blush intensified. "Oh," she squeaked. "I, um. Oh."

"Though even she might have stopped short of Master van Calox," he said.

It was a soft probe, just to see. Just to sense how she felt about the man. Van Calox was a hard man to read, stony and dutiful. And not likely to reveal anything about himself. Though his behavior seemed obvious enough, he also had incentive to lie, to obfuscate.

She coughed with finality, her face turning crimson. A smile tugged at her lips, a soft look he knew well from decades of herding young people to their proper places. Then remembering herself, she stood and took the plie of pins and combs from his palm.

"Thank you for listening to me ramble," she said. "But speaking of baths, I really must clean the filth off."

"Of course," he said, even as his attention turned elsewhere.

She disappeared deeper into her chambers and he sat for a long moment, looking around at the office. One of the pins remained in his hand and he rolled it between his finger tips. He licked his lips, tapping a hard heel on the floor.

It was time to find out precisely what Heinrix van Calox's intentions really were.

[roguelioness]

do I... do I want to give Xinara additional augments post-Commoragh...