Standing on the balcony as the mob turns into a riot, Stefan attempts to scare them some more. "Your actions are illegal! Go home!! Leave now of face my wrath!!"
Seeing little effect, he then leans over the railing and points at one of the instigators of the mob. "You there! You have been blind to justice... and now justice shall strike you blind!"
"Call off your mob and your sight shall be restored!"
Watching in dismay as the towns-person flees from the crowd, Tara feels a pang of guilt. Stepping in front of the doors, she clutches her dagger close, taking a defensive position in case the mob attempts to rush the doors again.
Dr. Von Herzog's impressive arcane skills frighten more of the mob and three more townfolk in the greater gathering flee the scene.
Sophie drops from the balcony and readies her longspear to knockout any townfolk that return.
Vivian makes some suggestions to Bert and Amaria, resulting in the fighter moving inside to guard the interior while the paladin returns to the balcony to fire arrows at any ringleaders that approach.
Dr. Von Herzog casts another spell, this time at one of the ringleaders, along with a stern warning. The man yelps, "I can't see, I can't see! Someone get me out of here."
The mob collectively gasps as the man is taken aside, but it still stays together when one of the other ringleaders points to the doctor and righteously declares, "You see, they are practioners of the dark arts! We must stop them from allowing their vicious monster to live!"
Tara moves to the door with her dagger, placing herself in a defensive posture.
Despite this turn of events, the mob begins to chant "Kill the Beast! Kill the Beast!" as it begins walking in a circle around the courthouse, while still giving its defenders a wide berth.
While moving, a contingent of 10 townfolk break free and move to the western entrance with their portable rams, while another group approaches the sides of the main entrance with ladders, apparently ready to scale up to the balcony. The 4 remaining ringleaders take up positions again in the bushes to cover the mob.
If those in the courthouse want to direct the guards, it's an Intimidation check. If you want to try to disperse the mob with Diplomacy or Intimidation check, you'll need to address from either the ground or the courthouse balcony or an open window. If you just want to attack or cast spells at them, then those rolls follow normal combat rules.
Sophie scowls. "I know how to shut you up." She murmurs a prayer, and suddenly the noise of two of the ring leaders becomes inaudible. To everyone.
She turns her back on them. "We need to do something about the ring leaders." She says to the party as she approaches the group on the east side, spear held ready.
Sophie casts a spell to prevent sound from the west side of the courthouse, effectively silencing the ringleaders on that side, then moves to the east and threatens physical attacks to those with ladders and the remaining ringleaders.
Tara lets out an aggravated sigh as the crowd rushes the side of the courthouse. Moving towards the group of woman attempting to climb the ladders to get onto the balcony, Tara looks flustered and winded by the time she reaches one of them.
Vivian tries, one last time, to reason the crowd
This has to stop right now! Go back to your houses, now, peacefully, like good and law abiding citizens
Hear ME talking about being a "good and law abiding Citizen, mother..I sure hear your laugh. What should I do now? I'm at wits ends, and I do'nt want to fight these people, they are innocent. You would know what to do, and how to be obeyed..
and we will never rise the subject again.Not much harm has been done yet. And don't forget the Beast has been arrested by many soldiers. Do you want to risk life and limb, just to satisfy the bloodlust of few? Do you think you can harm him with your household weapons? You're not in the army, you still can use your brain and say "No!"!
Oopps, I guess I'll have to buy a few rounds to the guards for that last line..
Tara moves to the west side of the courthouse in an attempt to thwart some of the townsfolk attempting access to the balcony.
Vivian cracks open the front door of the courthouse to make another attempt at convincing the mob to go home.
"We'll get inside this time, don't listen to their lies." One of the ringleaders calls out in response.
But, two of the townsfolk do listen to Vivian's wise words, and shamefully throw down their weapons and run away.
This appears to be the last crack in the dam, as the rest of the mob quickly breaks apart, first the people around the courthouse, then the small remainder circling the building. The ringleaders call out to them vainly in an attempt to keep them together, but the loss of the others is too much to bare. Quickly realizing the situation, the ringleaders disappear with the others into the night.
Approximately 5 minutes later, 49 members of the Lepidstadt militia appear with a female sergeant-at-arms at its head. She looks around the area with an ambivalent expression then calls out, "Everything okay?"
Sophie nods. "Yes, everything is fine *now*, child. I am glad you are here now. There was a mob here trying to get in and execute the beast themselves, but we saw it coming and ran them off. I think we even managed not to seriously hurt anyone."
"Well, that's certainly good to hear, but on the route here, someone was claiming that your group blinded someone with magic. Is that a true statement?" The sergeant-at-arms says in reply.
Sophie chuckles. "I certainly did not blind anyone with magic."
Watching as the last of the crowd breaks apart, Tara lets out a sigh of relief, approaching the others. "I also did not blind anyone, however if they come to see me tomorrow I can help remove that from them." Tara offers the sergeant a tired smile, shaking slightly due to exhaustion.
They were already blinded by their own hate. This kind of magic isn't in my power.
With the mob dispersed, Stefan comes down from the balcony to take stock of the situation, and to give a statement to the guards.
When asked about blinding someone, Stefan purses his lips. "Ah, yes. That would have been me. I didn't want to hurt anyone, but I thought a show of magical force might dissipate the crowd. It was a desperate move, but the mob was about to storm the courthouse, and I fear to think what would have transpired had they succeeded. I fully intend to undo that curse... I just need to find the fellow."
"Well, let's just say that if you can reverse whatever magical thing you did to him, the city militia won't have any grounds to bring up charges. But. Don't leave town until you correct your mistake. Are we clear?" The sergeant-at-arms sternly advises Dr. Von Herzog.
With that bit of business out of the way, the sergeant makes her way to speak with the courthouse guards, while the remaining militia clean up the small mess made by the mob.
As the party leaves the courthouse, Stefan asks, "Friends, while I have not met him personally, I belive that the man I cursed with blindness might just be my solicitor's brother-in-law. If so, I know where he lives. I would like to break the curse, but to do so, I need to see him. Would some of you accompany me, in case the meeting either turns violent or he simply refuses to meet?"
Regardless of whether any join him, he heads over to the man's house and knocks on the door.
"Mr. Andretti? It is Dr. Von Herzog. I sincerely apologize for what happened earlier tonight, and I wish to make amends to you. I can lift the curse immediately, and also offer you compensation."
Sophie snorts at the mention of pressing charges, and mumbles under her breath to the party after the guardsmen leave. "Phaw; press charges my wrinkled arse. They were assaulting public property. Serves them right."
As the others retire after a long day, Dr. Von Herzog uses context clues to ascertain the identity of the mob ringleader whom he blinded with magic. Making his way to the man's residence, the Doctor knocks on the door and a middled-aged woman answers. Instead of being fearful, she immediately begins berating Dr. Von Herzog for ruining her family, but through her recriminations she gives the Doctor a good enough view inside of the house to see the man he blinded and lift the spell.
"I can see again! I can see again!" The former ringleader cries out in amazement, which lessens the woman's venom towards Von Herzog, but doesn't end it. Not wanting his 'charity', she throws the platinum back into the Doctor's face and slams the door.
After everyone gets some sleep, you all wake up the next day to defend the Beast for the last time and learn his fate. As you all make her way to the courthouse, you discover a less organized crowd of spectators milling about the grounds. Despite the events of last night and a lingering feeling of anger, the Justices still allow spectators in to watch the trial.
As the trial begins, Chief Justice Khard reminds the crowd of the penalties of violence, and tells them that he will clear the entire court if they do not behave. He also warns them that mobs do not rule Lepidstadt, and that should anyone threaten violence to any of the defense, he will have the person whipped out of town or hanged. He then requests the prosecution to describe the alleged events at Sanctuary.
The Prosecutor Otto Heiger then takes the reins as he details the arson attack on the hospital of Sanctuary on Karb Isle 4 months ago. The Prosecutor alleges that the Beast set fire to the building, murdering Doctor Brada and his patients in the process, and states that only Brada’s loyal assistant Karl survived. Otto then calls Karl to the stand to give his evidence. Karl tells the court the same information as he gave you all, minus any doubts to his recollection.
When the Prosecution finishes, Gustav Kaple stammers his way for the Defense, calling up his first witness...
Standing nervously in front of the justices, Tara takes a deep breath gathering her courage. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I think we have allowed some misinformation to spread. While I truly believe that been bamboozled. As you may recall, yesterday we heard testimony that the defendant was allegedly bitten by a crocodile. As was stated, the defendant does not carry such a scar. I am here to present that we have found out that someone in town is in possession said scar. Please show the court your injury, Mr. Vorkstag." Turning to the chymic, Tara nervously awaits to see how the crowd reacts.
Upon seeing the scar on Vorkstag, the crowd hisses and grumbles but doesn't yet make a scene. Perhaps they are still cowed by the events of last night and/or the words of the Chief Justice.
The Justices seemed intrigued by Tara's testimony, but something tells her they don't buy the connection.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the court, let us now turn our attention back to the night of the tragic fire on Karb Isle. While Mr. Heiger would have you believe that the defendant is responsible for setting the place ablaze, we have evidence to show that the defendant was merely a convenient scapegoat, and that the real perpetrators were a pair of murderous grave-robbers masquerading as legitimate local businessmen.
"Let us present to you a different narrative... one backed with hard evidence that our investigation has uncovered. I will lay out the story of what truly happened that night, and then my colleagues can present the various pieces of evidence that will prove the truth: The defendant is innocent of anything having to do with the fire that fateful night.
"Many of us who live in Lepidstadt know of the alchemists Vorstag and Grine. Indeed, Mr. Vorstag is here in the courtroom today, and not of his own volition. In addition to their legitimate business, they had another, grislier, source of income: They supplied corpses to doctors and necromancers, many of whom needed intact bodies and body parts for their scientific and arcane arts. The pair would procure corpses from morgues, and would also dig up the recently interred to sell to their buyers. Of course, such transactions are strictly illegal, anathema to the Church of Pharasma, and morally reprehensible. Still, there was much profit to be made in the trade, especially as corpses are a limited commodity... and demand was outstripping the supply. As evidence to the facts that Vorstag and Grine effectively were ghouls in all-but-undeath, I present to the court this ledger, taken from their office.
"Now, to connect the fact of this grisly enterprise to the night of the fire on Karb Isle, I would draw the court's attention to the list of customers in the ledger. Please note the repeated appearance of the name of Dr. Brada, founder of the Sanctuary on Karb Isle, as a regular customer.
"Oh, and on a personal aside... Many of you know me from my own medical practice here in town. As a University-trained physician and surgeon, and also as a practitioner of the arcane arts, I must express my dismay and disgust at those so-called colleagues of mine who would deign to sully the reputation of our esteemed profession by engaging in such abominable trade!"
"I shall now turn the narrative over to one of my colleagues to present evidence uncovered at the site of the fire itself... evidence that links Vorstag and Grine to the Sanctuary, and to what truly transpired there on that last night."
Exchanging nods with the doctor, Amaria rises and steps forward, as Dr. Van Herzog takes his seat. Amaria's golden holy symbol of Erastil hangs just below her throat.
"Thank, you Dr. Von Herzog. Ladies and gentlemen of the court, let me continue our story. Yesterday, we traveled to Karb Isle to check out what was was left of the hospital. There wasn't much left: The fire pretty much destroyed the main structure, and all that was left was a pile of burnt timbers. We poked around anyway, and found that the hospital's cellar was pretty much intact, all things considering. We then poked around the cellar, and found a few things that are relevant to the case. First of all, we found several vials of alchemical reagents that were labeled with 'Vorkstag and Grine Chymic Works,' which establishes that those grave-robbing alchemists had regular dealings with the hospital. Second, and more interesting... we found the decapitated head of Dr. Brada himself!"
Amaria then presents several bottles labeled with Vorkstag & Grine's buisiness, and, in a large bell jar, Dr. Brada's head.
"Ms. Elaide, who has already addressed the court this morning, is a priestess of Our Lady of Graves. Using the holy power of Pharasma, Tara questioned the head of Dr. Brada, and we learned some very interesting information concerning himself and Mr. Vorkstag. I have here a transcript of the information told to us by Dr. Brada's head, which I submit as evidence. However, I believe it would be best to hear this story straight from the horse's mouth. I call to the witness stand the alchemist Vorkstag. And, my lords, I ask that I be allowed to treat this witness as hostile to our case. I will be asking Mr. Vorkstag the same questions, and the court can use the transcript of Dr. Brada's head as corroboration of the testimony of this witness."
With guards escorting him, Vorkstag takes the stand. Amaria asks him a few brief questions establishing his identity.
"Mr. Vorkstag, We have evidence to show that you were at the Sanctuary on the night of the fire. Under penalty of perjury, were you indeed there?
"Dr. Brada owed you a great deal of money, did he not?
"For what did Dr. Brada owe you this considerable sum?
"So, you were at the Sanctuary to collect on this debt, correct?
"But Dr. Brada had no intention of paying you, did he?
"And the two of you argued, yes?
"And the argument turned physical?
"And in your struggle, you knocked over a pair of oil lamps?
"And the resulting fire is what consumed the hospital?
"And you fled the scene, did you not?
"But you were not dressed as yourself, were you?
"You donned a disguise, correct?
"And this disguise... was that of the Beast of Lepidstadt, was it not?
"So, when the caretaker testified that he saw the Beast flee the burning hospital... it was really you, correct?
"So the Beast had nothing to do with the fire at all. He wasn't even there, is that not the case?
"No further questions, my lords."
Amaria nods to Bert and takes her seat.
Honorables judges... We found other evidence of Vorkstag and Grine fouls deeds. As you probably all know, The Beast of Lepidstadt was accused of Killing several people in Morstag, a small village not that far from the city. PLease remember that the Beast is a powerful fighter, able to defend himself from the trained guards of your town with his bare hands. He didn't need weapons, even when attacked with Swords. He leaves a path of destruction, and doesn't do in subtility or precise attacks. Why would he, when he can kill a man in one blow from his massive, oversized hands?
Vivian points to the Beasts hands
People in Mostag believed he was behind the Strange disappearances of townfolks and wanderers. We found a place, on a small island among the mash, where the bodies of the missing persons were buried. And on this island, we found Something else. Chirurgical Tools. THe same kind of chirurgical Tools the Beast would have no need, the same kind he might not even be able to use, with his massive and oversized hands.
Vivian let the point sink in
But why am I talkink about these chirurgical Tools? Because they were magnificent Tools, made by a skillfull artisan of Lepidstadt, bearing his mark of excellence. This same artisan found out who bought the precious item: Grine and Vorkstadt. THese Tools, I'm sorry to say this grime information, were used to skin the victim of this Deadly duo, so they can use them later as a cover for more murders...
Bert returns the nod from Amaria and approaches the judges carrying a large outfit of some sort. "Your honors while following up on the lead that my esteemed colleague just presented, we stumbled upon something eerie. If the court would recall, Karl testified to seeing a creature that looked out of the ordinary. We would like to present to you, ladies and gentlemen, this outfit" Flourishing the shambling man skin, Bert presents it to the court. "As you can see, anyone who would wear this outfit, would fit the general look of the beast, especially when seen in less than ideal conditions, such as a smoky, fiery hallway."
Turning back to the group, Bert flashes a thumbs up to Sophie before taking his spot back with the others.
Frustrated with Vorkstag's lack of cooperation with her line of questioning, Amaria stands.
"My lords, as my hostile witness refused to cooperate, I would like to draw the court's attention back to the transcript of our our interrogation of the head of Dr. Brada, via the holy power of Pharasma.
"Let me summarize the transcript: According to the spirit of Dr. Brada, Vorkstag came to the Sanctuary on the night of the fire, demanding payment of Brada's outstanding debts. The two men argued, and the dispute turned physical. In the resulting fight, Vorkstag knocked over an oil lamp, which caused the building to catch fire. Rather than help the striken Dr. Brada—or anyone else in the hospital, for that matter—Vorkstag donned the disguse that my colleage just presented to the court, and fled the scene.
"Clearly, to the eyes of the caretaker, Vorkstag disguised in that oversized mongrelman skin would certainly look like how the defendant is generally described by the public, and why he claimed that he saw the Beast of Lepidstadt running from the fire.
"I would also draw the court's attention to the ledger presented earlier by Dr. von Herzog, which shows the considerable debt that Dr. Brada owed Vorkstag and Grine for the purchse of human cadavers.
"Thank you."
Sophie lugs the considerable cabinet onto the evidence stand. "This cabinet belonged to the miserable Vorkstag, who has been mentioned before. His possession of this horrifying cabinet," Sophie pauses to open the cabinet and reveal its contents "in combination with what Bert so euphemistically described as a 'costume' should persuade you that Vorkstag is in fact a skin-stealer. The 'costume' previously presented was in fact the skin of one of Vorkstag's deceased workers. This cabinet contains the other 'costumes' that he used to perform his various sick tasks."
After Tara's testimony, Dr. Von Herzog takes the stand and presents the narrative that Vorkstag and Grine were the culprits in deadly Sanctuary fire. His ledger evidence linking the pair with Brada and other noteworthy personages gets some raised eyebrows from the Justices, while the crowd throws out quiet insults.
Amaria continues the narrative and attempts to question Vorkstag, but the Skin Stealer refuses to take the stand. His skinless appearance does seem to get quite a negative reaction from the crowd and justices. The paladin then instead submits the words of Doctor Brada, which appears to further submit doubt in the Justices minds about the Beast's role, while the angry energy of the crowd begins to grow hotter.
Vivian comes up next, and attempts to further cement Vorkstag and Grine's guilt by explaining their connection to the surgeon's tools found in Morast. An audible gasp erupts from the crowd as evidence of the Beast's innocence continues to mount, while the Justices now seem more stoic.
Moving on to Bert, he presents the Mongrelman skin and the courtroom turns even quieter, until a young man yells, "You lie!". After that man is taken away from the guards, the crowd's energy returns and seems close to a frenzy.
Finally, Sophie presents the cabinet the skin came from and puts together it together with Vorkstag's fey nature. A few more townspeople are ejected as they hurl insults and cast aspersions on the evidence, while the Justices are still stone-faced, with the exception of a small, wry smile on Daramid's face.
With a surprised and quite pleased look on his face, Defense Lawyer Gustav announces without a stutter that he has no more witnesses. The trial then moves to Closing Statements. The prosecution asserts that the Beast is guilty of the murders in Morast, Hergstag, and Sanctuary. He claims that the Beast is a danger to society, and is a monster that should be destroyed. He recommends punishment in accordance with traditional law—execution by burning in the Punishing Man. Gustav then asserts that the prosecution’s evidence is not enough to prove the Beast guilty of any of the crimes in Morast, Hergstag, or Sanctuary. He recommends the Beast be freed immediately.
Afterwards, Chief Justice Khard announces that the trial is over, and he and the other justices depart to deliberate.
An hour after the Justices leave, they return looking grim. The Herald calls for order, and the crowd immediately hushes. Chief Justice Khard stands and announces the verdict, "We have heard the evidence presented before us, and thank Pharasma that we did so, for without this trial there would have been a most terrible miscarriage of justice. There are many cruelties in the world, but to lie and blame another for one’s crimes is the most terrible of sins. We have asked ourselves a question—who is the monster here? Is it this creature before us, with its broken body and terrible form, or is it we, the people of Lepidstadt, with our bigotry and lies? The Beast is innocent!"
Immediately, the crowd screams its anger at the verdict, and the guards are force to draw weapons to keep them at bay as they direct them out of the building. Nevertheless, within minutes, a mob forms outside the courthouse, chanting, "Burn the Beast! Burn the Beast!"
Looking uncertain, the guards around the Beast unlock his shackles and the creature bounds over to you all with a happy grin, "You are my best friends in all the world. I'm going to go see my Father now, he lives at Schloss Caromarc. He usually doesn't like visitors, but after what you've done for me I think he'd be fine with you staying a few days."
Before the Beast can say anymore or answer questions, he's pushed out by the guards, nervous to get him safely past the angry mob. They do manage this task safely, getting the Beast to the edge of the city and ultimately to Dippelmere Swamp.
Meanwhile, a messenger from Justice Daramid (who asked you to act as defense) gives you all a note asking to meet her tomorrow at her Office. Undoubtedly your payment awaits.
Sophie smiles. "We did it! To justice!" she says, raising her arm. "Or perhaps, to *the* justice." She amends as the invitation arrives
Clutching her holy symbol as the justices appear for the verdict, Tara lets out a cry of joy at the declaration of innocence. "Of course we will come and visit!" Tara replies, unable to keep the glee from her voice.
As the crowd continues to rev itself up, Tara offers a small wave goodbye as Saban is ushered out of the courthouse. "I suppose we should heed the Justice's request. Hopefully the guards are able to keep the crowd contained until everyone calms down."
Yes, lets hope there is no more troubles. I don't want to get the blood of innocent but stupid men on my sword.
The doctor shakes the Beast's hand vigorously, and says, "Justice is served indeed, my friend! And thank you for the invitation on behalf of your father! He—"
At that, Saban is whisked away under heavy guard, and the good doctor is unable to finish his sentence.
He turns to his friends, "I certainly hope that we can take Saban up on his offer to visit Schloss Caromarc. While I have never had the opportunity to exchange more than a few pleasantries with Professor Caromarc over the years, our fields of arcane research overlapped in some regards. I would very much like to have an opportunity to sit with him and exchange scholarly ideas!"
The next morning, the group meets at the townhome of Justice Embreth Daramid once again to receive your payment. Sitting with her is a tall human man with shoulder-length graying blond hair and a beard.
"I'm glad you all could make it. Let me get your reward, I have to say you definitely earned it. I don't think anyone else would have shown that creature the same diligence as you all did." The older woman says as she distributes 100 platinum pieces each to Amara, Bert, Tara, Sophie, Stefan, and Vivian.
"Before we go any further, you're probably wondering who this Ulfen gentleman is. His name is Silas Womarsh and I asked him to assist me with a favor. I was hoping the rest of you would be willing to help too, as it relates to the Beast."
"I happened to overhear what the Beast said to you at the end of the trial about Schloss Caromarc and his creator. I have to admit, I'm quite curious about the creature's background and I fear that he might be dangerous. Could you travel to the location and meet with the creator? Perhaps you can learn how to help the creature control its temper, or convince his creator to put tighter controls on him?"
"Moreover, I have also overheard a rumor that that the townsfolk are planning to track down the Beast and overturn the court’s verdict on their own. If you wish to still protect the Beast, you ought to hurry."
Amaria speaks up first, "I believe my calling is elsewhere for now, but I have absolute confidence in the abilities of my allies."
Bert then adds, "I think I'm done now. I need a break from all this craziness."
Silas rises as the other ladies enter the room. He then bows to each as introductions are made and shakes the gentlemen's hands. He is wearing a heavily washed tunic and breeches. His thick arms are covered with numerous small scars - it's obvious that he makes his living with a blade.
"Glad to meet you all," he says in a deep baritone. "Judge Daramid has told me a small amount regarding your effort to vindicate the Beast. I've also heard stories of your defense of the courthouse. That was very brave. Not many would put their lives on the line like that to defend something ... someone."
As the payment is passed around, Tara takes a few moments to double count the amount with practiced ease. Finding everything to be in order, the young cleric listens intently to Justice Daramid, nodding along in agreement with what is being said. When Silas is introduced, she offers the grizzled fighter a polite smile. "Well met Mr. Womarsh, I am Tara Eliade. I hope that we will be able to ensure that Saban gets the peace that he deserves."
As Justice Daramid mentions Scholoss Caromarc, a faint scowl crosses Tara's features. "I have a few things that I would like to discuss with Saban's creator as well. I will join Mr. Womarsh to Scholoss Camorac."
"Miss Eliade," Silas responds with a nod.
"Saban? Is that the beast's name?" Silas asks curiously. "Curious name. I had always heard it referred to simply as The Beast."
"I am looking forward to meeting Saban's creator, if for no other reason than Saban is excited for us to do so. Is there anything else you can tell us about him before we leave to protect Saban?"
"I may have overheard some scuttlebutt about Professor Caromac..."