Perception
Survival plus two if versus humans. Plus one if to follow tracks.
Sense Motive
Shel looks around with wonder at the curiosities in the place. "I could spend a year in here without getting bored!" She is led over to the scene of the incident and looks around carefully.
"I've found something, I think." Shel fills the others in on what she sees.
"What does all this mean? Is there anyone in the town who specializes in beeswax?"
Once Shel is introduced to the Judge, she thanks her for the gold. "I'd been interested by in trial of the Beast anyway. I'd be happy to look into things for him. We've already found out some strange things at the break in site." Shel fills the Judge in on her findings.
I assume the beast does not where boots? Vachordi pipes in
SM
I think the professor would approve of your making sure the Beast gets its fair trial, he was not a man that would appreciate rash decisions like this.
"So, the thief forced the door open, took only the Effigy, and left via the window. I'm not certain how much those other things on the pedestal would be worth, but if they were just after money, wouldn't they take everything? And if they've got beeswax on their boots, then whoever did this spent plenty of time around apiaries. Are we looking for a beekeeper? Professor, did anyone hear the bell on the night of the robbery?"
As her friend discovers these things, Awnara looks where Shel cannot - she casts a spell to seek out magical auras.
After taking their leave of the college, she looks conflicted at the Judge's request. "I don't know, Your Honor. I've heard stories of the Beast - that it's strangled stout men to death, snapped the necks of children, curdled milk by its passing - and I would think it would be guilty of something. But Shel is right - there's something off about the burglary."
Beeswax: the highly polished woodwork has a layer of beeswax- and likely the scrape to the rail took off the layer of polish.
@Vachordi:
Knowledge Local: The Beast is a hulking construct, animated from once living flesh, and now living again with it's own mind. It is huge, and likely wears large iron shod boots.
@Awnara: your knowledge of magic allows you to recognize that those are the material components for an alarm spell. The aura would have faded shortly after the spell was discharged. You question the professor- and he gives you the rough timeline:
The alarm rang, and the guards estimate that it took them 6 minutes to get to the correct room. There they found the Beast standing, staring mindlessly at where the effigy once sat. The Beast put up no fight while they shackled and drug him to jail. What I can't say is where the Beast stashed the Effigy...
"So strange, If the beast was going to steal the effigy, why would he have just sat there after doing so? And where did it go? Maybe someone had some sort of mind control on the beast? So strange..."
"Tales of the beast's kindness? I do not believe we have anything pressing to address and have already fulfilled what the professor had asked of us, so I am willing to give my aid in this matter."
Hearing the others discuss, Garin gives his own opinion on the Beast's capture. "I agree it is strange and definitely something to look into. From what I can discern, the beast is intelligent. Can it speak? And does it have a name? I think it is best we meet it in person. We have clues but no solid leads. Perhaps the beast can shed some light for us, if it is willing. Surely the accused can offer some proof for his innocence, or at least help us find said proof."
Tibor offered the judge a small smile, "I'd be honored to help defend the beast. While I believe that should he pass the Lady will judge him correctly it should also receive fair judgement during it's life."
He listened carefully to what the other had to say before speaking about his own ideas on the matter. "I believe that at least for the theft the Beast was used and put there to take the blame. For starters I do not think that it would take only the effigy and leave the other objects around it perfectly in place. All the other stories paint it as a mindless brute who destroys all it comes into contact with. This simply does not fit his described character."
Tibor takes in some air before continuing, "What also seems curious is that there was one new, freshly sealed in window at the museum. The way I see it this points to others breaking the window, going in and then letting the beast in through the door once they had taken the effigy and replaced the window. That way they had all the time they needed to fix their crime before they rang the alarm on purpose as to alert to guards. After they put the beast in position."
"As for it's kindness, I think it's best to get to the bottom of those stories, find positive character witnesses. We also need to speak to it itself, like Garin suggested."
positive character witnesses? For the beast? .
Vachordi sighs knowing that will be almost inppssible
But he shrugs ready to do it
The judge smiles. Thank you. Here, take these papers- they deputize you as investigators for the court. You may speak to the beast- he is held at the nearby prison under tight guard. Be aware, he's rather simple minded- and hasn't been able to account for his actions thus far. He may, however, provide you with suitable names for character witnesses.
Vachordi collects the papers and passes them to the new priest who seems to be on top of this kind of investigation.
He offers the judge his hand then heads on out
"Is there any way to use magic to figure out whether the beast was being controlled or not? If he's slow, just talking to him might not be enough. But let's go see him already," Shel mutters practically bouncing up and down as she glances at Awnara, who Shel knew was as interested in seeing the Beast as she was.
Awnara's eyes grow wide as she realizes she's going to actually see this creature before the rest of Lepidstadt, and she conceals her excitement as well as to be expected.
"Thank you, Your Honor!!!", she squeals, turning to glance at Shel and positively vibrating with enthusiasm.
Garin bows respectfully to the judge before heading out with the others, but not before asking one more question. "Would you have any local smithies to recommend? I'd like to have some upkeep and work done on my lance when we have the time."
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Vachordi collects the papers and passes them to the new priest who seems to be on top of this kind of investigation.
He offers the judge his hand then heads on out
[The Courthouse]
A large, squat building dominated by an enormous clock
overlooks the town square. A huge figure of wood, roughly
man-shaped, stands in the square in front of the building.
The building is 3 stories, and has narrow windows.
The wooden figure is known as the "Punishing man" the city's traditional manner of punishing capital crimes. It's about 30ft tall, and there's a hollow chest- the convicted are placed inside and the whole thing is lit on fire.
Six guards patrol the courthouse and grounds, led by Acting Captain Sergeant Dun.
The only other permanent resident is the Beast's lawyer: Barrister Gustav Kaple.
Before leading you down into the cells to meet with the Beast himself, Sergeant Dun asks you to check in with the Barrister.
The barrister is a tall, impossibly gaunt man with a pale complexion and a large adam's apple on his long neck. He is summoned from his tiny, cramped chambers- leaving behind his official wig and robe for court. Instead, he meets with you in the defense room (adjacent to the courtroom on the second floor) wearing a finely tailored suit.
During his initial speech you can easily surmise the reason for his assignment to defend the beast: his voice cracks, and he stutters (particularly when he's nervous):
<cough> Um. Greetings. You were sent by Judge Daramid, yes? Um. The Beast, as the creature is called, is charged with 3 crimes:
the murder of 10 citizens of the village of Morast a year ago;
the slaying of six children in the farming community of Hergstag
7 months ago;
and the arson attack 4 months ago at the
Sanctuary on Karb Isle, which resulted in the deaths of
Doctor Brada and his patients and the blinding of the
doctor’s assistant, Karl.
Unfortunately, I have questioned witnesses, and found no evidence to support the Beast's innocence. Perhaps you can do better? If you can present evidence at trial that these crimes were not committed by him, he may stand a chance.
Unfortunately, the trial has already begun- the judges will rule in 3 days. So you have until that last day to show up with your evidence. Needless to say, I won't be holding my breath.
Questions? I can tell you about his arrest and the trial- but beyond that... he shrugs sheepishly. It looks like Ole Gustav is going to lose another one...
Perhaps you could tell us who, and where we can find the witnesses? That is after we see the Beast. And do you think the beast is capable of this?
Tibor nodded as the barrister spoke, "Do tell me, why wasn't he charged with the theft of the idol, the crime at which scene he was arrested?" They had given the Beast the worst defense they could find. Typical. They had assumed the beast to be guilty by default simply because, no matter what it was exactly, it wasn't like them. It was common behavior in Ustalav and it served a purpose but often it did more harm than good.
"Has motive been established and is there any condemning proof?" That was an important thing. The people here probably didn't need any proof to condemn it but knowing what was there would help their own case.
Barrister Kaple answers the questions:
The prosecution has witnesses for each of the crimes- nnnnot that they need much to convince the crowd. Perhaps, though, there are still some witnesses that will be willing to come forward to speak on the Beast's behalf. Morast's murders were only a year ago- the town is 6 miles north, north east of the city. Hergstag is 10 miles north, northwest of the city. The crime was 7 months ago- and the witnesses will attest to the Beast killing children there. The Sanctuary is a few miles north, on an island in the river. A blinded assistant from the burned down building is on the witness listed. Perhaps there is some physical evidence?
The crime of theft is a minor infraction, as is breaking an entering. I believe the prosecution is going straight for the capital crimes to seek out the highest, ultimate judgment- punishment in the Punishing Man.
More questions, or he'll lead you to the Beast
"Haven't they brought in the witnesses yet? I suspect they will need to testify here in three days and we would not want them to vanish, would we? As for the physical evidence, isn't it your job to know what evidence there is against your client?" This man was a failure.
Awnara grows a bit suspicious a the Barrister's last remark. "What's a Punishing Man, sir?"
The Barrister turns to Tibor and tightens his tie, frustrated. Ssssir. I may not be cut out for sleuthing and exploring as some..such.. can. But I have gone to these places and questioned witnesses. The prosecution will send for them the night before their testimony, and bring them to the courthouse. They are motivated to see the Beast burn- I fear the whole town is. He composes himself a bit.
The village of Morast is not for civilized folk- Lazne, the village elder, nearly ruined my fine shoes with swamp-weed spit. He'll be testifying for the prosecution that they ran the Beast out of town after he murdered 10 of their fellow villagers. He and I had a bit of a communication problem air quotes so you may get more out of him than I. I shan't bring myself to tell you the names that he called me. Mayhaps there's even some evidence I couldn't find amid the swampers.
The village of Hergstag is deserted. The villagers attempted to trap the beast- and believed him dead, until he showed up again to commit more crimes. Still, the scene may be of some value. I believe three sisters are in this area, planning to testify for the prosecution. Residing, in ahhh, a mill outside of town? I will have to consult my notes.
The Sanctuary on Karb Isle was burnt to the ground, and I wasn't about to dig my way through ashes, but perhaps you'd have more luck than I finding something. The blind survivor Karl will be testifying for the prosecution- he now lives here near the river in the city.
To Anwara: Surely you saw the big wooden man with the hollow chest cavity when you entered? What other purpose could such kindling have? They've built this one to magnificent proportions- to fit the Beast, of course.
"What is their distance of Morast from here? We may have to leave that last and approach the sisters and the blind man first."
Garin ponders on which witness to approach. They were both for the prosecution, however, but information would always be useful.
"The distance of Hergstag and Karb Isle as well, if those are feasible. Additionally, we will be meeting the Beast after here. Is there anything you can say about his demeanor? We're hoping we can convince him to provide character witnesses on his behalf. And if not that, then at least anything that might be useful."
All three locations are near the city- north, northeast, and northwest. At most, 10 miles, and the closest is five. If you are to visit them and bring back evidence, or a witness, you must have them to the courthouse by 10am of the day of that portion of the trial- otherwise they'll be all but inadmissible.
"What days do the various witnesses testify? That will give us a tactical plan of when we need to be back with the evidence by."
The trial is 3 days: first day is Morast, second day is Herstag, and the last day is Sanctuary and the verdict.
When ready, the beast:
Down into the cells, past a few guards armed with glowing pole arms, you are presented to the Beast.
Shel walks up toward the restrained creature. []"Hello there. I'm Shel, and we are here to help you with this trial. Did you hurt those people? If you didn't, do you know who did? Was anyone with you when the statue was taken? Have to been to Morast, Herstag, or Sanctuary? Do you know anyone there?"[/b]
Tibor is momentarily shocked when he sees the beast. This wasn't right, this creature should not have been. Yet, there were many humans for which one could say the same and it wasn't it's fault that it existed.
When Shel started pelting it with questions he stepped in and placed a hand on the small woman's shoulder, "Lets take it one question at a time shall we?" He offered the woman a smile before turning that same smile to the chained beast before him, "Good, now what is your name?"
Vachordi begins to sing one of his tribes songs, something more like a lullaby, to help soothe the beast.
@Shel: please make a diplomacy check, modified by +2 from Vachordi's aid.
Diplomacy
The Beast turns it's head toward you and speaks in a raspy voice. I didn't do it. His face contorts into a hideous grin, and he appears to shudder with laughter.
I am the Beast. he says slowly. Hergstag.
he is laughing to cover his pain
"It's all right, I believe you. We all do." At his last comment he threw a stern look at his fellows, lingering longer on the barrister. "Could you help us show the court you did not do it? Is there a way to prove it?" He offered the big brute a sincere smile, "We would like to help you but we need your help in doing so."
"Maybe not all of us," Awnara says under her breath, a disapproving frown marring her face at the Beast's silent mocking laughter. "What were you doing in Hergstag, then?"
1d20+10
he is laughing to cover his pain
He's not laughing- it just looks that way- he's actually crying, but can't make tears and move his mouth into that emotion.
Hergstag. Child. Ellsha. Friend. Dead! the last word comes out as a howl, and his face contorts again into the hideous crying that looks like laughing.
Awnara goes pale. The things she'd seen beneath Harrowstone were horrifying enough - spirits that threatened to sever the sanity of her friends, unrepentant souls that refused to move on for judgement, and worse. Somehow, this...blasphemy was worse than all of them. "How can you laugh at this, monster? You murdered a child. A child! And you laugh like one who would do so again! Vachordi says it is to 'cover your pain'; I hope it is double that what you visited upon Ellsha!"
"Now Awnara, the others are saying he isn't really laughing, but it's more of a cry. Don't judge him completely yet," Shel whispers.
"Who was Ellsha?"
If looks could kill Awnara would have died instantly there in that cell. "Perhaps it would be best if you leave us be for a moment Awnara, maybe you can figure out what real evidence there actually is against our friend here."
He sighed before turning back to the beast, "Could you tell us what happened with Ellsha?"
Vachordi escorts Awnara out.
I too have moments of rage, but my mission is to gain wisdom and the wiser thing to do is for you to wait here while we speak with the beast. If he is guilty he will die, no need to assault him now.
Awnara's face is flushed red as she leaves with Vachordi. "That thing is evil, Vachordi. I've heard the stories of what it can do. What it has done. I'll help you find the evidence on the Beast - and when it shows that the creature is guilty, a great threat to Ustalav can finally be destroyed."
Perhaps it is, perhaps it isn't. That is not for you to decide. What I do know is that it is weeping not laughing. So if you can make that mistake perhaps others have been as well. If there is no evidence it dies in three days.
Ellsha.. friend. No hurt. No hurt. Ellsha dead. I ..didn't do it... the beast breaks off into a wail of anguish, struggling with his immense shackles.
Which of the three would you like to investigate first? Go in linear order, or order of closeness?
Farthest and make or way to closest
"Morast first. If there is any evidence to be found we need to go there first, as their witnesses will be up first. Then to Herstag and finally to Sanctuary."