Character Conversations

This page gathers all in-game character quotes which involve one or more Heroes. For convenience all names will be shortened to their initials (M for Markus, V for Victor, K for Kerillian, B for Bardin, S for Sienna).

See Franz Lohner and Nameless Voice for their quotes.

# Level-Based

## Keep Conversations

The distinction between "backstory" and "future" conversations come from the filenames of the audio files.

### Backstory Conversations

Only when Markus has the Huntsman career:

### Premium Career Conversations

Many new Keep conversations were added with the premium careers. They are presented here in game file order, as each conversation is labeled (e.g. the first conversation where Kerillian laughs at Kruber's accent is "fleur\_conversation\_one"). This is necessary as, despite the lines playing in random order in the Keep, they're clearly structured sequentially, making reference to previous conversations.

#### Outcast Engineer

 B: Lohner should keep his mouth shut!

 B: Aye, it is that. They mean well, but it's not the same.

 K: You're asking me if I understand pride, and shame? Hah.

 B: Aye, I do, and a canny lass she is too. Has forgotten more about engineering that I ever learned. Captains a monitor out of Barak Varr nowadays.

 B: Aye, I've noticed.

 B: I shan't dignify that with a response.

 B: Aye, but a large part of that is getting the complaining in upfront.

 B: It's a love of tradition, Azumgi. They don't like change.

 B: He thought that too. Can't say he was wholly right about it.

 B: I know. I find it liberating

## Missions

Some mission conversations are character-neutral, that is to say consist of two or more lines that can be shared between every Hero. For instance, the line Sienna uses to answer Markus's remark at the start of one specific level will be the same she uses when reacting to what Bardin says at the start at the same mission. Heroes usually share two lines of dialogue between each other, with sometimes the addition of a third line. Most lines are interchangeable, but some only appear in unique circumstances.

Other conversations are character-dependent, and can only happen between the same characters.

### Helmgart Act I

#### Convocation of Decay

Start of the level:

S: Non-violence isn't a shield, Markus.
M: I know, just don't sit right, that's all.
S: Don't worry, I have a feeling you'll have the opportunity to vent your anger before we're done.

K: Those without swords seldom do when war reaches their door.
V: These are the depths to which the Northlanders stoop.
K: And you're telling me you'd stay your blade, simply because your foe was unarmed?
V: Heresy is as potent a weapon as any sword.

V: Healing lore gathered from across centuries, no doubt.
M: Had a Shallyan priest attached to my regiment for a time. A wizard with an elixir, he was. And a bonesaw.

M: No need to take that tone, waywatcher.
K: What tone? I merely complimented this fine library.
M: Yeah, I heard the words, but I reckon you were being funny. Just because I don't read much.
K: (laugh) You really must learn to cultivate some self-esteem, Kruber.

S: Not all afflictions end in heresy, Saltzpyre.
V: I have been trained to always assume the worst, and by experience, learnt the value of those lessons. Compassion is too often repaid with betrayal.
S: I'll bear that in mind.

B: Lot of madness in the world these days. Didn't used to be this bad.
M: It'll get better, Goreksson.
B: Aye, maybe. But I can't help wondering...

K: I only repeat what I've seen in dreams. A gilded cage, and a cauldron. She weeps, and her tears fall upon this world like rain.
V: Nonsense. Pay her no heed.
S: What harm does it do to listen?
V: Such have been the last words of many a heretic.

M: She's the patron of healing, Bardin. What healer would smash in skulls?
B: One who wants to keep stitching folk up, rather than get stitched up themselves.
S: You have to admit, it's a practical suggestion.
B: ... at the very least, she could train that dove of hers to go for the eyes.

V: You should never grade evils, Kruber. For if one is the worst, then you might be tempted to kinship with the least.
M: Right you are, sir. (clears throat) This Nurgle. He's pretty bad, just like the rest of 'em.
V: Are you mocking me?
M: No sir. Perish the thought, sir.

K: As do I. They smell revolting.
S: Oh, it's not the smell I mind.
B: Really, Zharrinn? Then why the dislike? Beyond the obvious, I mean.
S: They're invariably so sodden with pus and festering fluids that the fires don't catch. Takes all the fun out of it.

M: One the bringer of plagues, and one the curer of them.
V: Like Sigmar, Shallya cleanses corruption, though her methods are...
S: Kinder? Compassionate? Empathetic?
V: I was going to say 'less effective'. Look around you. We are surrounded by proof.

#### Halescourge

Start of the level:

B: Depends, Zharrinn. We favour steam, or water wheels, but there's no reason it couldn't be a treadmill or draught animals...
S: ...or slaves?
B: Aye, there is that possibility.

M: Not me. A simple, bluff soldier, me. I keep to the things I know.
K: Well, I'm sure it's not a long list.
M: Long enough. So many ways to kill a body, be they human, greenskin, ratman... or elf.

V: There are greater drives in life than comfort, Fuegonasus. Helmgart overlooks a vital pass.
S: Well you can't do much defending if you're out of puff from marching up and down hills.
V: The righteous always find a way.

V: Because they are degenerate to a man, born only so they may be scourged by the righteous.
M: Funny sort of life, that.

K: Well Sienna, you'll have to set it boiling, will you not?
S: Oh, I'll manage something... artistic... never fear.
K: Well I'm certainly looking forward to it.

K: It is the heart and soul of the world. Its suffering is ours also.
M: Funny. I've never noticed anything.
K: Or perhaps you merely missed the significance? Make no mistake, you are bound to its fate.

K: Of course not!
V: I am relieved to hear it...
K: The Weave transcends the divine. Your 'Sigmar' serves it. As do we all.

K: And when the stone stumbles, dwarf? When the metal rots? When there is no timber to fuel the forges?
B: I'll keep fighting, never you fear.
K: But will it be a world worth fighting for?

K: Every moment the blighted garden has purchase on our world, is a moment in which the Weave trembles.
S: Then why does this Weave of yours not defend itself?
K: It does, Sienna. What purpose do you think I serve?

S: There's no sense worrying, Markus. We've problems enough here and now.
M: Aye, you're right.
S: I'm always right. Have you not learned that yet?

V: I never thought to hear such sentiment from a dwarf.
B: Look around, Grimgi. Helmgart's gone. Poisoned. You can avenge it, but that's about the lot.
V: Never! The Empire does not concede its territory!

### Helmgart Act II

#### Athel Yenlui

Start of the level:

K: My people? These were not my people. They exiled us, cast us out. So certain of their path, with so little cause.
B: I'd leave it, Grimgi. Lot of bad blood between the elven realms.
V: So it would appear.

K: Only that it was raised by fools, who sought control over everything else.
S: Then these are not the work of your people?
K: *(bitter laugh)* They are not my people, wizard. Not any more. Ulthuan is a tomb, only no one there knows that they are already dead.

K: You're one to talk, Dwarf. One little earthquake, and your kind took to hiding amongst the rocks, instead of ruling from atop them.
B: Aye, well, we're just biding our time, aren't we?
K: Then take my advice: do not hide too long, lest the world also reclaim your lands as it has this place.

K: There's nothing more beautiful than nature unbound, sergeant. You should learn to appreciate it.
M: I might, if it weren't such hard-going underfoot. What's wrong with a good road, for Taal's sake?
K: (laugh) You're a refreshing soul, Kruber.
M: Thanks. Wait... That was an insult, wasn't it?

S: I'll do nothing to that tree, Bardin. Besides, who'd come to help us?
B: You have a point, I grant you.
M: Knowing our luck, it'd just attract a dragon. Gobble us all up, it would.

B: Yes, well. This is elgi territory, shoddy thought it is. Been a long time since a dawi was welcome here.
K: And, unless you show a little more respect, it will be a long time again.

M: I asked her. Didn't want to come and was very clear on the matter.
S: I know that tone. What did she do, Markus?
M: Nothing. But she made it very clear what she'd cut off if I didn't leave her be.
B: Oh-ho! The only thing worse than an evasive elgi is one who's ready to slice something off by way of clarity!

B: Put it this way. It's not so much the original betrayal that's the problem. Not that we'd forget it.
S: ...naturally...
B: ...but we could perhaps put it to one side, with the proper amount of grovelling from that Phoenix King of theirs.
S: *(snort)* Hah! You don't ask for much, do you?

V: Only that they are degenerates, who bicker amongst themselves instead of opposing the true foe.
M: As with the mortals, so with the gods, is that it?
V: Indeed. Would that Sigmar could return and show them the error of their ways.

V: All the more reason for us to put an end to it.
S: Couldn't agree more... And how do we do that, exactly?
V: A way will present itself. Sigmar favours those who trust to his guidance.

K: Those who remain would as gladly skewer a dwarf as a Skaven.
B: There's no need for that.
K: And how would your vaunted Grimnir look upon my kind?
B: With mercy, if you showed deference.
K: Deference? (laugh) To a bearded lunatic?
B: (growl) On second thoughts, maybe it's best to leave ancestors and gods out of this.
K: Aye, indeed.

S: You need to open your eyes, Markus. Many feet walked these forests before our kind. Just as many will after.
M: Maybe. Way things are going, I'm not sure how much 'after' there's likely to be.
S: There's always something 'after'. We may not live to see it, but life will continue.

#### Fort Brachsenbrücke

B: More than I can count. It's a rare hold that isn't constantly embattled.
S: I see. Any tips for survival?
B: Keep your head down, watch your back, and have a strong drink close at hand.

B: I wouldn't worry, wutelgi. It'll be over when we get there, one way or another.
K: Aye, but in whose favour?
B: Well, I'm here. So ours, of course!

K: Hmph. The ratmen will have sniffed it out by now.
V: You may be right, for once.
K: *(imitating Saltzpyre)* 'For once'? One-Eye, you child ape, sometimes you actually do amuse me.

M: Neither have I, but with Helmgart lost and the Reikland on the brink...
S: ...even places like that become important.
M: That's the army all over, making do with what comes to hand.

B: It's worked so far, hasn't it?
K: I'd still like to drag him out into the real world. Preferably by that ridiculous moustache.
B: You're in a fine mood today, wutelgi. Jealous you can't grow your own?

V: You think me a repository of knowledge on this corner of the Empire, Bardin?
B: Aye, why not?
V: I'm afraid I know little enough. There are thousands of such keeps in Sigmar's realm. I cannot be expected to know them all.

V: Then you misjudge them, Kruber. The ratmen are fearsome in sieges - most often clawing their way in from below.
M: Aye, always with that damn digging... I hate sieges. Bloody bother.
V: I prefer to judge them as crucibles, in which the righteous are forged.
M: Of course you do sir.

K: Not as you'd understand them. The living world is our fortress, and we shape it to our need.
M: So we're talking trees?
K: Not only trees, but rivers, mountains and the wings of the storms. Nothing forged by men can compare.

S: If the fort falls, there's no place for the refugees of Reikland to go... unless you'd prefer we invite them all to our Keep?
K: Make haste to the fort mayflies! By the gods of star and shadow, it must hold!

Upon reaching the river:

B: Of course, if the need is there. No sense getting too friendly with water.
S: Actually there is, in some cases.
B: Aye? Like... when?
S: Fine. You need a bath, Bardin. You still stink of troll guts. Not tomorrow, but tonight. Please.

### Helmgart Act III

#### Against the Grain

Start of the level:

K: A fine upbringing. Close to the land is close to the Weave. Who knows, Kruber. Perhaps you're marked by it?
M: What does that mean? ...Hey, I asked you a question.
S: (laugh) Give it up, she'll not answer.

K: Let me guess. They raised you as one of their own?
B: That's... *(laughs)* that's why we never see him when the moons are full! He's out mooing for his lost kin!
K: *(laughs)*
M: *(grumbles)* Last time I tell the two of you anything.
K: Why of course, your bovine majesty.

V: They fight and die elsewhere.
S: Most likely for some elector count's wounded pride.
K: If you don't mind me saying so Sienna, you're taking this all rather personally.

B: No safe lands these days, Azumgi.
S: Doubt there ever were.
B: Well, aren't you a little thundercloud today?

B: What are you talking about, Azumgi? I'm worth at least a hundred manlings!
V: He was talking of war, Goreksson, not a drinking contest.

K: Ha! The scourge of heretics lectures me on compassion?
V: Someone should.
K: So you'd fight for my kind, if they needed you?
S: If I judged their cause righteous? Yes.
K: Then it's well they should never have need of you, isn't it?

B: I don't. I blame the Northlanders. They all shall burn!
M: Too good for 'em, if you ask me.

V: These are dark times, sergeant. Perhaps the darkest.
M: You don't believe Kerillian's nonsense about dreams?
V: Of course not. But Lohner's contacts bring reports from all over. They are worrisome.

V: Certainty begets firm action.
K: Indeed, but firm action slithers a brood all of its own. Only a fool could claim to know their ambitions.
V: Speaking in riddles again, elf.
K: Then ignore me. It's better for us both.

K: How so?
S: When we arrived, you couldn't wait to abandon the farmers to their fates. What changed?
K: I don't like slavers.
S: But surely there's more to it.
K: Is that not reason enough?

V: In blood and fire. The Empire will be reforged, as so many times before.
S: Or it'll fail.
V: Not while I have my strength.
S: *(sigh)* Nor mine, I suppose. But just once I'd like numbers to be on our side, not theirs.
V: Let the Northlanders bring their legions - they cannot prevail for Sigmar is with us!

K: Worse than you thought, perhaps. I have no such illusions.
B: Allow me a little hope, wutelgi.
K: *(sigh)* What's the point? The Dark Gods have come. Hope is a poor shield against such fortune.

V: I... there is some truth in what you say, I suspect.
K: Is that a concession, One-Eye?
V: I have never claimed that riches and righteousness go hand-in-hand. Indeed, the two seldom shelter one soul.

V: I... there is some truth in what you say, I suspect.
K: Is that a concession, One-Eye?
V: I have never claimed that riches and righteousness go hand-in-hand. Indeed, the two seldom shelter one soul.

M: I see. Well you don't need to worry about me. I'm in this to the end.
V: Good, Kruber, good. You restore my faith. As long as there are men like you and I, the Empire will never fall.

V: I... there is some truth in what you say, I suspect.
K: Is that a concession, One-Eye?
V: I have never claimed that riches and righteousness go hand-in-hand. Indeed, the two seldom shelter one soul.

#### Empire in Flames

Start of the level:

K: Famous? Not to speak ill of the dead, but it's a nothing town in a backwater realm.
B: Everything's famous for something, wutelgi. You should show more -
M: Cheese.
K: I should show more cheese? Has all that ale finally rotted your brain, Kruber?
M: Ussingen's famous for its cheese. Or was, anyway. Had a beautiful red colour.

V: Some years ago. An accusation of witchcraft.
M: Suppose that makes sense.
S: Let me guess, you burned the poor soul.
V: Not at all. Baron Francke levelled the accusation to cover up his adulteries. It was a poor deception.

K: And I doubt you’ll recognize it now.
M: That’s a real nice sentiment that, real nice.
K: What? I meant it as reassurance.
M: It’s your tone, hard to read.
K: At least I don't speak as if I've a mouth full of pebbles.
M: Is that supposed to be reassuring too?!

M: I will be, once I get my hands on the bastards that did this.
B: Aye, wrath's boiling in your veins.
M: Hundreds died here. Cut down like wheat. Tortured.
B: Well, can't beat a good bakrazroth to even the odds. Do what you must, Azumgi, I'll watch your back!

K: And you as vocal as ever. What would you have me say?
V: A guilty expression haunts your eyes. Perhaps a confession would ease your burden?
K: I have nothing to confess to you.
V: But something to confess, all the same?
K: Regrets are for mayflies, and my penance is my own.

B: This is only a foretaste of what the Northlanders intend for the Empire.
S: Part of me wishes I could have set these fires. To see it all burn.
B: But you control that part, do you not zharrin?
S: With a fist of iron. But sometimes iron melts.

V: Oh? So the tales I hear of the elven realms at daggers drawn, of bloodlines sundered by unspeakably cruel deeds? Mere stories?
K: That's different. It's family. It's always different with family.
V: Yes. Isn't it so?

B: You know me, Azumgi. I'm always ready for a fight.
K: Didn't seem that way at Morgensloft.
B: Took me by surprise, didn't it? Don't fret, dawri. They'd never have gotten me in one of them cages.
K: They'd never have fitted you in one of those cages. Never was the phrase 'stout fellow' so apt.

B: Bribery, you reckon?
V: Yes. That or worse.
M: You don't sound surprised.
V: I'd fulfill my duties poorly if surprised by common venality.

M: Not me. A tussle on the Averland-Stirland border. Militant halflings. The shorties don't fight so well when they're hungry.
B: What about you, wutelgi?
K: No. No granaries. More supply wagons than I can count. But I prefer a moving target.

B: Shame you couldn't set them burning by yourself, zharrin.
S: Do you want to see me explode, Bardin? I had a gaggle of enemies to fight.
B: No, not at all. So if you wouldn't mind calming down - your hair's burning awful bright again.

M: The trees? The trees?! ...Hundreds dead, and you're happy for the trees?
V: Careful, Kruber. There's no victory in this for you.
M: The trees? (mutter) Every time I think she might have a blessed heart...

M: Right, the rich and the beautiful.
V: Not so rich now. I offered him a choice: half of his fortune to the Church of Sigmar for abusing his mistress, or taking her seat on a witch's pyre. He chose wisely.
M: Thought I knew a bit about Witch Hunters, but... you can really do that?
V: Strangely enough, no one questioned me.

M: Yeah. Thanks.
B: Ha! We're drengbarazi, you and I. Brothers in battle, if not blood. Your grudge is mine also.

#### The War Camp

Start of the level:

K: Do you want rid of me, master dwarf?
B: Just thought you'd like some peace and quiet, that's all. Spare us your singing too.
K: And what's wrong with my singing?
B: Well..., it lacks body... too thin... and reedy.

M: Reminds 'em of home, perhaps.
V: Tis more than that. I suspect it lies at the root of their heresy.
M: How'd you mean?
V: There lies only a short step between venerating the swamp, and worshipping cursed deities.

K: In my experience, scunners and even you mayflies will worship anything. Even a patch of filthy water.
S: Not all of us.
K: Please. You call upon past wizards as your touchstone. Wizards you know nothing about save their names.

M: I take the risk willingly, Bardin. Someone needs to strike a blow for Ussingen.
B: Thinking on your folks, Azumgi?
M: No. I avenged them back in Ubersreik. But what about the dead who have no one to fight for 'em?
B: They have us, Azumgi. They have us.

S: Oh they're practiced in rot and decay, but they'll burn just the same.
M: Warms my heart to hear you say so.
S: Oh I warm everything, Markus... and then I set it on fire.

M: I did. Poor sods strung up from that tree. It ain't right.
K: I'm not talking about the mayflies.
M: Then what?
K: The tree! Poor thing, twisted and knocked out by dark magic.
M: Some days you're... you're a struggle, elf.

S: You should try Tilea. One big swamp.
B: The whole country?
S: All of it. The land, the people, the food. I've never bathed so much in my life. And still the stink of it lingered for weeks.

K: You call this a swamp? You should see the Mires of Modryn, back in Athel Loren.
M: Deep, are they?
K: Not so much 'deep' as 'hungry'.
M: Think I might give that a miss, if it's all the same to you.

B: Didn't think we could be lucky enough for it to be otherwise. Might be the largest though.
V: Yes, and not only does it house the accursed Champion, it's also the closest to Helmgart. If we are to meet with success, we must thin that town's defenders.
B: Aye, that sounds about right. Better get on with the killing. Eh, Grimgi?

M: Afraid of a little mud, Bardin?
B: I'm not as tall as the rest of you, Azumgi. One false step and I'll be in over my head. It's not dignified.
M: [laughs]

### Shadows Over Bögenhafen

#### The Blightreaper

M: Really? Why'd he give it up, sir?
V: Some notion of raising folk up to be better, I understand. Too many of my kind grow soft in old age. We templars are hard, but with reason. It is a hard world.

K: Is that a note of concern I hear, Saltzpyre?
V: Of pragmatism, elf. There are too few righteous souls in the world. Their efforts should not be wasted.
K: We'll do what we can. But there are no guarantees.

V: Seven is the rumoured number, but the truth is unverified. The only other seen in the Empire - at least to my knowledge - was borne by the necromancer Helsnicht.
M: Blimey. Rotbloods and ratmen were bad enough. Don't want to fret about undead as well.

V: No, master dwarf, you shall not.
B: No appreciation for music, Saltzpyre. You have a tin ear.
K: And a heart of stone. But just this once, I agree with him.