Thod runs Carrion Crown - Trial of the Beast
Game Master Thod

Aldous spends his time trying to get to know the carnival performers, working on the not unreasonable assumption that when surrounded by folk such as them, other people will not give him a second glance...

Diplomacy(Gather Information): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30.

Wren continues to gossip as large.

"That one there..." Wren points discretely at someone, "...thinks that one there," Wren points again, "...is cute."

"I have not heard of this Beast of Lepidstadt. Can you tell me more about it?"

Galadan inquires carefully.

Diplomacy (10)
10 + 2 = 12

Upon their arrival in Lepidstadt, the PCs find an almost carnival atmosphere in the city. The trial of the Beast of Lepidstadt has already commenced, and things don't look good for the creature. A huge pyre in the shape of a man—Lepidstadt's famous Punishing Man—has been erected in the main circle outside the courthouse, and locals eagerly add fuel to the effigy in preparation for the Beast's execution. Lepidstadt is a small city on the banks of the Lesser Moutray River, most famous for its university and the strange standing stones outside the city called the Spiral Cromlech. Recently renovated, Lepidstadt is a bustling, lively city of students and academics, with newly bricked streets, wide plazas, and grandiose structures built from imported wood and stone. Away from the university and city center, however, the narrow, winding streets of Lepidstadt show the signs of its age, with dilapidated hovels, crumbling stone walls, and cramped courtyards.

Information Gathering results to follow

Unfinished jobs

When the PCs arrive in Lepidstadt, they have two tasks to complete to fulfill the final wishes of Professor Lorrimor—returning the tomes from Professor Lorrimor's chest to Dr. Montagnie Crowl at Lepidstadt University, and delivering the curious Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye to Judge Embreth Daramid at her townhouse in the city.

Information Gathering Results

"Perhaps we should head over to Dr Crowl's?"

Having studied at the university here would Nym know anything about Dr. Crowl?

Looking up at the future pyre Nym stops for a moment..."I understand the necessity of death. It's hard not to living the life that I do. The desire to inflict pain isn't precisely alien to me either, as I've known men whom I've wanted to hurt. But this, I do not understand. The spectacle of a painful death is...pointless. If this killer is a man, either let him die on his feet or take his head and be done with it. If he is a beast like they say, put a bolt into its skull and call it a day....Ghhaa, this place will reak when they do this!"

Kevin stares at the Punishing Man and takes a long drink from his flask before speaking to Nym. "It is not for the offender my friend. It is for those who watch the spectacle. Maybe the screams of the dying will bring comfort to the family he has wronged in taking the life of thier loved one, you know vengance and all." He shrugs and turns towards the elf, once again taking a sip of his well used flask. "Then again, the sight smell and sounds of the execution may be enough to stop one of the views from doing something dreadful in the future." The warrior begins to walk away as he places the flask into his jacket. "Or, it may just be a reason for a party."

Wren is happy to follow along with Aldous, she is somewhat taken aback by the inflamed passions of the people of Lepidstadt against the Beast.

Galadan nods to Kevin.

"I am almost certain that this method of punishment has more to do with vengeance and crime prevention than with justice, but I am not here to judge the proceedings."

His speech takes a neutral stance towards the end.

"I agree that the University might be a good place to begin, both to fulfill our obligations, and possibly learn more about this Beast and what it has done to warrant such an execution."

Andrea's mouth twists at the sight of the pyre..

"Poor Creature..why should anyone suffer just for the sake of revenge.." She turns to Galadan.."You might not see it as your place to criticise but I don't find myself bound by the rules that bind you my friend.This is wrong"

Her mind drifts back the years to her childhood and the cries of "Burn the Witch" and she shudders visibly.

She follows along to the university hoping to get this over with, collect her inheritance and depart from this city of revelling executioners as quickly as she may.

"Mistress Andrea, I do not pretend to know the reasons for this style of execution, but if it is a customary one, I do not think we have the right to interfere. I should, however, like to know if the Beast that is being punished thus has actually been through a legitimate court proceeding. And ensure that he has if necessary."

"It's been my experience the screams of those dying in pain do little to those they wronged but damage their hearing. I'll kill a man for wronging me, or if I think he's going to, but his pain does little to amend his offence." He says to Kevin.

"Interfere? Us? Never..." Nym winks at Galadan. "Paragons of societal conformity we are. Though I suppose if you're interested in making sure the powers that be here are playing by the letter of the law, I'd happily come with."

Dr. Montagnie Crowl
Lepidstadt University is quite easy to find, and PCs enquiring about Dr. Crowl are directed there. 

Dr. Montagnie Crowl is Professor of Antiquities at the university. An eccentric but likeable man, he is prone to waving his arms about enthusiastically. He meets the PCs in the department's combination library and workshop. The workshop is slowly being cleaned up, but it is still a mess. Dr. Crowl is saddened to learn of his old friend and colleague Lorrimor's death and accepts the bequeathed objects with sad gratitude. 

On the way to the University:

"I have heard that the Beast has done things both cruel, and kind. It seems that it is being charged with murdering those poor children in Hergstag, killing all those swampers in Morast, and burning down good Doctor Brada's hospice. It sounds like it is as good as dead, though, as the defense barrister, Gustav Kaple, is somewhat incompetent..."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31.

"Professor Crowl is considered to be an eccentric, and is well-known in town, due to the recent theft from his department that famously led to the capture of the dreaded Beast of Lepidstadt."

Upon meeting the Professor, Aldous bows.

"Would that we could meet under better circumstances."

Diplomacy
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

"If the Beast is responsible for bringing so many to Pharasma's throne ahead of their time, such a destructive death might be warranted. Still, I think the matter requires further investigation."

He nods in respect to Professor Crowl.

Galadan looks around at the Antiquities Department.

"Why would the Beast wish to steal something from the Antiquities Department? What specifically was stolen?"

Andrea shoots Galadan a look somewhere between Puzzlement and Frustration.

"Well if you are intent on seeing justice done..then I cannot argue with you"

Wren titters and listens to the gossips and others as she walks, momentarily silent as others opine.

I do love a good mystery.

"How did the Beast really do all the things it is supposed to have done? That's an awful lot of destruction in different locations. Most birds I know have territories that they protect. Seems odd that the Beast would travel all over for mayhem," Wren opines.

"I should like to learn more."

I do love a good story too.

Professor Crowl happily answers Galadan.

"It's curious that only one item was taken—a strange statuette called the Seasage Effigy. I'm frankly baffled by the events. The statuette was very singular, but it was hardly valuable. The stolen statue has not been recovered, but I'm pleased that the Beast was caught. The poor creature cannot explain its actions and is clearly mad."

Turning to Wren "Who knows what's going on in a head like his. They say there is evidence - what else do we need? Anyhow - it is up to the judges to decide. Not me."

"Professor, might you have any books or research on the Seasage Effigy? Why did you have it?" Wren asks.

Knowledge (Religion) on Seasage Effigy
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Knowledge (Local) on Seasage Effigy
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

"I have to admit that my curiosity is piqued as well. I have no personal experience or knowledge of the effigy."

 The Professor turns to Wren. "Oh my Dear - I'm afraid I'm unsure of where the statuette originally came from. It's been part of the department's collection for many years. Physically, the effigy is a murky green statuette depicting a grotesque creature writhing with tentacles. 
I found the effigy fascinating, as it appeared to be an anomaly, an idol of some sort that did not seem to correlate to the worship of any known divine being. Something unique like you seem to be in all your feather attire. I suspect that the statuette depicts something only whispered of in the ancient legends of Golarion—some sort of creature from the mysterious Dark Tapestry. Regardless of such idle speculation, however,  I believe the Seasage Effigy's distinct appearance will make it easy to recover, and I expects the statuette to be found soon."

Galadan - there is nothing you will be able to find out unless you actually get hold of the statue.

Aldous perks up when the Professor describes the effigy.

"Intriguing. Tell me, were any monographs produced regarding the effigy whilst it was in the care of the Department? I would definitely be interested in reading them..."

The Professor turns to Aldous

"I'm afraid nothing like this exists. It seemed an intriguing item but more a curiosity as anything else. I'm not sure what the beast found of interest in taking the statuette."

Aldous nods thoughtfully.

"Ah, well. 'Twas worth asking. I do, however, wonder why the Beast took it..."

He then turns to the others.

"Shall we move on? We still have one more item from the Professor's bequest to hand over..."

Could be a good idea to move on. Hint - there is always the option to come back here. It is easier for me - I know the solution and which questions / actions move you forward.
Waiting for at least one other character to want moving on.

"When did the Beast steal the effigy, before or after he committed all those murders?"

Galadan has already doffed his hat, he is ready to move on, but just wants the last question answered.

"That was just a few days ago. He was caught red handed rampaging through the museum. You can still see all the damage he caught. We are just cleaning everything up. Luckily the watchmen were able to overcome him and send him to the prison."

Galadan nods in gratitude, and starts to head towards the door.

Turning to Wren "Who knows what's going on in a head like his. They say there is evidence - what else do we need? Anyhow - it is up to the judges to decide. Not me."

Wren looks taken aback by the Professor's answer...and apparent lack of interest.

"Truly, Professor, who *would* want to know why a Beast would act the way they do...certainly not someone who studies and teaches, say? One would think someone at a University might have a sense of curiosity about them. Or someone might want to document the Beast for a book of history." Wren waves her feathery arm at the nearby books. "Much like one of these."

"Thank you for your time, Professor. You have been helpful. If I learn more, I shall share it with you."

Your next stop is Judge Embreth Daramid

 Judge Daramid lives in a fine townhouse surrounded by art in the center of Lepidstadt. 

Judge Daramid invites the PCs into her home when you arrive. She is in her sixties, with gray hair pulled back tightly into a bun and icy blue eyes. She is a stern, no-nonsense woman who appears to be all business.

She asks the PCs if they have completed the tasks in Lorrimor's will, and graciously accepts the book left to her. She then hands over the agreed upon sum of 100 platinum pieces to each of you. Once the business of Professor Lorrimor's will is concluded, Judge Daramid asks you to stay for moment, adding that she is in need of some assistance, and if Petros trusted them, then she might be inclined to trust you as well. 
Judge Daramid explains that she believes there is a cancer in Lepidstadt, a darkness lurking behind the shadow of a scapegoat. For many years the people of Lepidstadt have laid all their ills at the door of a creature known as the Beast of Lepidstadt—murders, thefts, and terror have all been attributed to the Beast, but Judge Daramid knows that many stories are exaggerations or simply untrue. She also knows that some people have different stories to tell about the creature—about its kindness and humanity, of how it has rescued loved ones or helped those in distress. Now that the time has arrived for such kindness to be repaid, however, no one dares to step forward and challenge the Beast's reputation. As a judge, Daramid has a keen sense of justice, and she fears the Beast will not receive a fair trial. The people of Lepidstadt have blamed the Beast for too much and for too long, and they want it to pay for its crimes, whether those crimes are real or imagined. In addition, the judge has some concerns about the crime for which the Beast was finally apprehended—the break-in and theft at Lepidstadt University. She is also convinced that the Beast's capture at the university was not all it appeared to be, for why would a creature that is intelligent knowingly enter the university, where it was certain to be trapped? However, to publicly announce her suspicions could put her at great risk, both professionally and politically. As one of the three justices presiding over the Beast's trial, she is unable to openly intervene, other than insisting that the Beast be properly defended in court. What Judge Daramid really needs is a group of people without local bias to uncover the real truth about the Beast and its alleged crimes. The Beast's legally appointed advocate, a barrister named Gustav Kaple, is hopelessly over his head and needs help—ideally someone to gather evidence about the Beast's alleged crimes and stand up in court to be questioned by the prosecution. Such speakers must have bravery in spades and silver tongues to match, to ensure that if there is more to the Beast's story, justice will be done. If the Beast is indeed guilty, then Daramid can rest easier at night knowing that she gave it a fair trial. 

"I can offer to double your bequest from Lorrimor's will (100 platinum pieces each) if you investigate the Beast of Lepidstadt on my behalf while expressly keeping me out of the equation, as any hint of collaboration in your investigations would put my legal objectivity into question. I will deny any involvement in the matter if pressed, but that if you do get to the bottom of the matter, I will be very grateful indeed. 

Wren readily accepts the invitation, chittering excitedly.

"Oooh! This will be fun. I do love a good mystery! Like that time...blahblah...untold cavity searches...blahblah...the butler in the library with a shoanti bola wrapped...blahblahblah...left organ, untouched, while the right was colorfully bound....blahblahblah...and so, it was him all along!"

"We'll do this, won't we?" Wren looks excited and gossipy, as if ready to gather 'information' on the streets to 'help' the case.

Andrea clutches her bag of Platinum as if it might break free and run away if she did not..she blanches slightly when the Judge asks if they will investigate the crimes of this so called 'Beast' but chides herself for that after all she does believe in Justice for the wicked as well as for the innocent.

The mention of a further 1000 Platinum makes her brain race with the thought of how comfortably she could live with that money.

Ohh she is a mercenary little Madam sometimes

Galadan nods to Judge Daramid and removes his hat in respect for her position. He weighs her words carefully before responding.

Sense Motive
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

"As you may already know, Madam. I am primarily a Servant of Pharasma. I seek truth and the destruction of necromancers, who interfere blatantly with the natural order of things. None of these personal involvements seem to be of use to myself, but if I can bring forward truth, particularly about death and horror, I endeavor to do so."

"I believe that the account that is playing out for us in the town's judicial system is one that future generations will want to hear, particularly so that unfair trial proceedings do not regularly occur. Darkness of this type cannot be allowed to propagate, and I do not say that lightly. I will investigate the Beast thoroughly, for the agreed upon sum, if you might agree that our findings can be published. The truth benefits no one in particular, but it does benefit society as a whole. If you desire, madam, your involvement will be left entirely out of publication."

Aldous bows.

"I would be happy to help with this undertaking. If the Beast is indeed innocent, I would be loathe to allow it to suffer for the crimes of another..."

He pauses thoughtfully, before continuing.

"We should head off as soon as we can."

I am all for registering ourselves ASAP, so that we can begin our 'investigation' as soon as we can.

Thod, I asked a question in the OOC. Wren would like to do some shopping now that she has yet more coin in her purse. What is available here? Any wands or 1/2 wands available? Definitely looking for a Pearl 1. Aldous, do you have your sheet updated for the orc attack and/or the spider goods?

Wren looks at Aldous and smiles.

"I, too, am anxious to start...and there are many things to do. We need lodging as well. And I think I could learn a bit from visiting the markets here. It's been a while since I've been in a town this size."

Wren turns to Judge Daramid.

"Do you have any suggestions for lodging while we conduct our investigation?"

The sheet has been updated, but for the Orc and Spider goods, you need to look at the 'AP2' sheet; I thought that I would create a new sheet for each book :-)

Opening the bag but refraining from counting it, Nym grins to himself. "And a second for investigating the crimes of this beast? My services are yours. I do feel compeled to ask though, are you sure you're willing to deal with the consiquences of this trial? Are you, as a judge, willing to enforce a ruling that may piss a lot of this city's populace off?"

I'm down for registering and talking to the defence baristor

Embreth Daramid looks sternly at Nym

"I've become a judge to ensure justice is done - not to follow the rule of the mob. If I wouldn't follow whatever evidence is presented then I wouldn't any longer qualify as judge."

She then turns to the whole group

"Thanks for taking on the investigation. I will ask the servant to find accomodation for you. Just be aware - there isn't much time.

Galadan nods.

"Then we must do what we can to delay the proceedings. Does the court here recognize the authority of the Church of Pharasma?"

"Yes - Pharasma is well respected but I'm afraid you won't find it easy to delay the proceedings. They are starting tomorrow and are scheduled over the next three days. If you follow the mob, then the beast would burn today.
But it might be a good idea if you act as the contact and face of your group. You have an aura of respectability which will help."

Kevin smiles with a twinkle in his eye as he takes the pouch. "You had me at double my lady Judge. Rest asured shall leave no stone unturned in the persuit of justice. Now, is there a tailor in town? It would not do to be unpresentable."

"I am a being of logic and fearful countenance and not honeyed words. But with my friends here, perhaps one of them will be able to make an effective closing statement to the court."

Wren smiles as Galadan speaks. Her head perks up as he says 'friends'.

That can only mean me. He truly likes and respects me.

"Why, of course Dearie, I'll be happy to speak to the town again. Don't you worry. I'll do a good job like last time."

Wren seems to be 'forgetting' what happened last time.

Last time was a doozy.

"Of course, I might not even need to speak to the court. If we can delay the proceedings to allow for the investigation, we would be much better off."

He nods in respect to the judge.

"Thank you, your honor, for your words of wisdom and for the service to truth you perform."

Before he leaves, he asks for the details regarding the court proceedings, who is to be judge, prosecutor, and when such proceedings might be taking place.

The judge looks down at them

"You also will have the solicitor who will help you. But more important will be any evidence. The most honey-tongued arguments won't sway the judges if they can't be backed up with some evidence.
And right now it seems there is nothing apart of rumours and inconsistencies that just make no sense. But the mob will ignore any doubts if they don't get something more factual.
So I would suggest you get on your way to either the university or the court house to get registered and to meet the beast."

Nym visibly blanches at the thought of Wren speaking at the courtroom, but has little in the way of an argument against it just yet...