"I reckon that thing might. It death rolled im. He's still up.
He aint but one big scar anyhow..."
Then the three judges instruct the plate mail clad bailiff to go down and have a look at the leg. He approaches the beast slowly.
Nods his head "no."
The prosecutor objects, as this is all just some kinda conjecture, and is duly overruled........
Leik sits in the front row, and when members of the group go up to testify, he stands and places his child-sized hands on the railing while looking over it at the proceedings.
N´Kai sees a legal opening, so to speak, and tries to widen it...
"So, we know for a fact that whoever was responsible for the abductions that took place at Morast, should have been killed or at least have some clear signs of deep burns or alligator bite marks."
"I wonder, your honours, if we should start to take into account the possibility that Dobitoc was not, in fact, the monster that haunted Big Daddy´s village..."
With that, and pausing for a couple of seconds for dramatic effect, the magus heads back to his seat. Upon going past Edwin and Larissa, he tells them in a low voice:
"Maybe it would be a good idea to talk about the lack of language abilities of Dobitoc, at odds with the swearing bit. Then we go on to the detached human face, the knifes, empty graves, etc... then to the skin-stealer part."
http://paizo.com/campaigns/DungeonMasterHeathysCarrionCrown/gameplay&pa ge=113#5649
Edwin looks at the prosecutor as if he's grown a second head.
A dragon's head.
"Thank you Your Honor." Edwin bows slightly to the judge as he overrules the prosecutor's complaints.
"My good sir, Conjecture? Might I point out that I am agreeing with your witness. I find Goodman Big Daddy's character to be above reproach. I find his testimony to be both compelling and accurately detailed. It is those glorious details that lead me to believe we must consider Gentleman N'Kai's comment as a serious possibility."
"In my considerable travels, I have never once heard of a creature that can be bitten by a predator three times his size and show no signs of the struggle. Even creatures with the most amazing regenerative abilities still have scars from serious injuries, no matter how easily they heal from them."
"And regarding Dobitoc's supposed streak of creative cursing. Have you not noticed that his comments tend to run more towards single-syllable conversations? His typical response to irritation is a loud roar, not a string of curses inventive enough to cause an esteemed elder to blush."
"Big Daddy." Edwin says, turning back to the village elder, as if he hadn't just been talking to the prosecutor.
"After the alligator attack, we defended ourselves against another attack and made another discovery. Would you be so kind as to tell the court what happened, and what was found?"
[ooc]Getting the Prosecutor's witness to tell the story that might get the accused proven guilty,... PRICELESS! :) (Getting the jury/Judges the whole story, Manicore attack, nest, and boat w/ mask and special tools, which led us to the chymicule works. Which I presume will be their next witness. THEN we can prove the skinstealer was impersonating Dobitoc."
Dude, I don't remember.
The prosecutor stands up.
"Your honors,....I'd like to motion for a consult in private chambers with the detectives for the defense."
Then the judges confer for a second.
"Motion granted," says the ex military man amongst the judges.
"Court will now break for lunch."
The prosecutor says to the defense attorney
"We'll meet in private chambers in two hours."
Court is now adjourned. Everybody's filing out, and there's lots of furtive murmuring.
What do you do?
Rholf watches the folk file out of the courtroom, but he's specifically looking for the three stooges, hoping to see what, if anything out of the ordinary, they do as they leave (i.e. sneers, looks around, unspoken communication, etc.).
Perception:
Once everyone is out, he turns to the group. "Well-played thus far. I find our unplanned consult a smidge unsettling, though. What shall we do for the next two hours?"
They go out, acting like nothing is out of the ordinary.
"I'm gonna follow them" whispers Leik, in Alinya's ear, before crawling under his chair. He then uses his new toy to make himself look like a dirty Ustalavian rugrat (complete with newsboy hat) and tries to shuffle himself in the crowd and then tail the three stooges.
They head down the road and into a bar.
Of course. muses Leik, unhappy that he had chosen a child's guise instead of the half-sized humans that sometimes came and went.
The dirty rugrat will hang out in the vicinity of the bar, perhaps across the street or up to a block away (but close enough to see the barfront). He'll find a place to play where he isn't underfoot, then grab a stick, poke it in the dirt, and throw pebbles at the stick, trying to get them as close as possible. Then he will grab his pebbles and keep playing, every so often glancing at the barfront.
15 minutes goes by. They're still in there.
Leik will wait up to the entire lunchbreak, and if nothing eventful happens he will head back into the courtroom when people start milling back that way.
If the guys go out the back door to the bar and escape to some nefarious temple to swamp gods and Leik doesn't see it.... well, then, they're just too much for one bug to challenge.
Rholf watches the folk file out of the courtroom, but he's specifically looking for the three stooges, hoping to see what, if anything out of the ordinary, they do as they leave (i.e. sneers, looks around, unspoken communication, etc.).
Perception: 1d20+6
Once everyone is out, he turns to the group. "Well-played thus far. I find our unplanned consult a smidge unsettling, though. What shall we do for the next two hours?"
"I don´t know. I feel we must talk to the prosecutor, although I think we are doing well enough if Mr. Heiger want us to accept some kind of agreement. What do you think??"
Maybe we should track down those unsavoury types?
If the guys go out the back door to the bar and escape to some nefarious temple to swamp gods and Leik doesn't see it.... well, then, they're just too much for one bug to challenge.
15 more minutes and nothing.
at work atm; don't expect a bunch from me this afternoon.
Edwin nods respectfully to the judges as they rise to leave. He watches the others file out of the courtroom with a blank look upon his face.
He turns to the others and raises an eyebrow.
"Well. That was fun. I wonder whether or not the prosecutor was aware of our defense investigations. he seemed quite non-plussed that we had already met Big Daddy." Edwin says with only a hint of a smirk.
"This unscheduled meeting has ME non-plussed I confess. Either, they now realize they are not standing on quite do firm a foundation for conviction as they thought, and wish to negotiate how much they CAN convict Dobitoc on without undue deliberations,... or,..."
Edwin begins rubbing his chin, one of the sure signs he thinks he has hold of a clue, but is not sure where it fits yet.
"Or,... We are about to be told that our investigations were unofficial, and the resulting evidence is non-admissable in court. Which I suggest we argue against legally, vehemently and loudly." He adds with a pointed look.
"At this point, our most likely suspect for mastermind is the one who seems most determined for Dobitoc to take the blame for these crimes. I hesitate to use that as our ONLY source of believing them guilty of course. Our mastermind has proven quite clever in organizing all of this so far. I suspect he,... or she,... is quite capable of convincing another that Dobitoc must be found guilty at all costs, so they would be the most verbal proponent."
Edwin looks perturbed, then gives a sly grin.
"I must say. This IS the most fun I've had in ages. It has been so long since I've had case worthy of ALL my deductive powers."
"Gentlemen, Ladies, I need to take a walk. I need to ask a few questions. Let us meet back here in 1-1/2 hours, and prepare ourselves before our consultation."
Edwin (unless stopped for questions by his comrades) then walks out of the room, and begins listening and speaking to those in the hall of power, but who are usually unnoticed. Pages, squires, servants and the like. He asks innocent questions, using his keen observations to pick up the clues he's hoping for.
As he talks, jokes and most importantly listens to the people running to city's business, his mind races. WHO has the most to gain from the effects of all the recent events? WHAT changes have been implemented due to the so called attacks Dobitoc is suspected of? HOW have the recent events changed how the city and region conduct business? WHEN were the changes introduced? And WHY,...? WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY? He has all of the answers somewhere in his brain. He needs only tie them all together,...
Nothing in particular comes to mind.
The only......power grab in play is the mob. It is getting restless. The mob wants the Beast burned.
Edwin returns to his companions out side the courtroom. He looks concerned.
"I,... had a thought. But It seems I tried to fit the facts to my theories instead of the other way around." Is his halting explanation.
"But I have even graver news. It is worse than I feared. The crowd. The MOB is more like it. If this were a normal humanoid being framed for these things it would be difficult enough. Possible, but difficult. Unfortunately, Dobitoc may be many things, including innocent, but he is NOT a normal humanoid. The crowd thirsts for vengeance. They have already decided his fate. Even if we manage to convince the judges of Dobitoc's innocence, I fear that to placate the crowd they may sentence Dobitoc to the fire anyway. Else fear the mob's angry rebuttal."
Edwin furrows his brows. His eyes burn with the same intensity of the mob outside. "No amount of cajoling or charming wit or sweet-talking will satisfy this crowd I fear. To save Dobitoc, we must give them what they want. We MUST find and reveal the person, or persons, behind these events. Else all of this, will have been in vain."
Edwin straightens up, and straightens his cravat.
"I don't do 'In Vain'."
Huzzzah!
Larissa is a bit lost with what do with herself during the recess. She decides to remain with Father Kastigarr.
If the three amigos dont leave the bar before recess ends, Leik will go back to the courtroom.
They don't.
Anybody else want to do anything?
No plans myself. Will return to the courtroom and change back to my regular look.
They show you to a private meeting chamber.
The prosecutor is there, as well as the defense attorney.
He opens;
"You guys are doing an impressive job. At this point, I'd like to ask for a list of all of the evidence you've uncovered. It might be time to plea bargain here."
"But I have even graver news. It is worse than I feared. The crowd. The MOB is more like it. If this were a normal humanoid being framed for these things it would be difficult enough. Possible, but difficult. Unfortunately, Dobitoc may be many things, including innocent, but he is NOT a normal humanoid. The crowd thirsts for vengeance. They have already decided his fate. Even if we manage to convince the judges of Dobitoc's innocence, I fear that to placate the crowd they may sentence Dobitoc to the fire anyway. Else fear the mob's angry rebuttal."
Worry about the mob later - by all accounts and from what I have seen he is an alchemical creature or such... if we can win him clear he can out run any mob... and be away long enough for sense to take hold.
Rholf remains quiet most of the recess, and listens intently as Edwin talks about their lamentable situation. As they make their way towards the chamber in which they're to meet with the lawyers, Rholf walks beside Edwin. Speaking in low whispers, he says "We may have another option. Normally, I wouldn't ever consider such a course of action, however..."
"Suppose it was somehow possible to create a look-alike construct, make a swap, and smuggle Dobitoc out of town. It'd be a tremendous risk, and about as long a shot as is conceivable..."
Larissa frowns at the prosecutor's suggestion. She looks at Edwin, "What does he mean by that?"
Worry about the mob later - by all accounts and from what I have seen he is an alchemical creature or such... if we can win him clear he can out run any mob... and be away long enough for sense to take hold.
"Yes, but in that case I would certainly worry more about the Justices if they acquit the golem, the city watch tasked to protect them and, even more importantly,... ourselves" the elf replies with a grim expression.
"A list of evidence?? Wouldn´t that show our hand prematurely??" he tells Kaple. "In any case, I say we don´t settle for less than Dobitoc walking free and clear of any guilt. But of course, my opinion in not the only one that matters. And not the most important, either."
Edwin smiles.
"Gentlemen, And Ladies." He adds with a tip of an imaginary hat to the female justice.
"I believe the good prosecutor has misunderstood the situation. We have uncovered evidence that does more than cast mere doubt upon the veracity of the claims that Dobitoc committed these crimes. We have definitive proof that Dobitoc not only did NOT do what he is accused of, but that in fact, some one went to a great deal of effort to ensure that he was blamed for them. In short, he was framed."
"Plea bargain? I'm sorry sir. I cannot in good conscience negotiate a reduction in punishment for crimes which our client did not commit. We will however most gratefully accept your movement to drop all charges and clear Dobitoc's good name."
"It's not that simple. If we let him go, there'll be hell to pay. There's a mob brewing, a mob that wants his hide.
Plus, he is dangerous. It would be the same as letting a rabid bear go in the wilds hereabouts. Be realistic."
The girl crosses her arms and locks eyes with the prosecutor, looking much like a child that's been given an answer she doesn't approve of.
"Anyone or anything locked in shackles like he is would respond angrily. He is not a creature of the city any more than a bear. Let him go - let him out of the shackles - to leave the city, and you'd never have reason to hear of him again. As for the mob," she sniffs, "Perhaps it's time to find out who is whipping them into such a frenzy. Maybe then you'll find your burning man."
"That's just not possible. You're making a mistake. He.....looks....sort of human.....and you're attributing human characteristics to him. It's a dangerous mistake."
"I am concerned about an injustice. How do you propose to see justice done?"
"Injustice? To who? I don't understand what you're talking about. See, I'm not sure that you realize this but.....the Beast of Lepidstadt is a "thing" and not a "person."
"I understand your reticence. Truly." Edwin says with total sincerity. (Perhaps playing 'good detective' to Larissa's 'tough detective'?)
"And I am not naive. I do not pretend that Dobitoc is a completely harmless individual. He is certainly as capable of murder and mayhem as any civilized person I know. And he has good reason to be angry, being accused of crimes he did not commit. But all he wants is to live his life in peace. He does not seek revenge for being locked up and accused. But if you know that he is innocent, and condemn him to death simply to appease an angry mob seeking revenge,... That makes you far more dangerous."
"As far as the mob goes. I say give them exactly what they want." He adds casually.
"Not who they THINK they want. Who they really want. Give them the one behind these terrible crimes. Give them the true monster."
Motive:.....he's trying to plea bargain.
"You guys really live in a fantasy world. Okay, I can see we're through here."
"Injustice? To who? I don't understand what you're talking about. See, I'm not sure that you realize this but.....the Beast of Lepidstadt is a "thing" and not a "person."
Edwin's lip turns up ever so slightly in what might be a smile of challenge accepted.
"If we are going to engage in THAT particularly lengthy and dangerous debate, we are going to need refreshments." He says coyly.
"Let us cut to the chase then shall we? I shall leave whether or not Dobitoc actually has a soul to those with far more experience in such matters than I." He nods towards the others, Father Castigar in particular.
"But as to whether or not he is a person? His birth may have been unorthodox,... But he has a physical body, a mind of his own,... He's no genius I'll admit, but at least he makes no pretense otherwise unlike the majority of many townsfolk,... He feels pain, reasons for himself, has emotions,... exactly what would you call that if not a person? What else do you require? If we of the supposedly civilized and educated world are not willing to extend the same basic rights we demand for ourselves to all beings, no matter their unfortunate pedigree, then how can we expect others to do the same for us?"
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Motive:.....he's trying to plea bargain.
"You guys really live in a fantasy world. Okay, I can see we're through here."
"Injustice? To who? I don't understand what you're talking about. See, I'm not sure that you realize this but.....the Beast of Lepidstadt is a "thing" and not a "person."Edwin's lip turns up ever so slightly in what might be a smile of challenge accepted.
"If we are going to engage in THAT particularly lengthy and dangerous debate, we are going to need refreshments." He says coyly.
"Let us cut to the chase then shall we? I shall leave whether or not Dobitoc actually has a soul to those with far more experience in such matters than I." He nods towards the others, Father Castigar in particular.
"But as to whether or not he is a person? His birth may have been unorthodox,... But he has a physical body, a mind of his own,... He's no genius I'll admit, but at least he makes no pretense otherwise unlike the majority of many townsfolk,... He feels pain, reasons for himself, has emotions,... exactly what would you call that if not a person? What else do you require? If we of the supposedly civilized and educated world are not willing to extend the same basic rights we demand for ourselves to all beings, no matter their unfortunate pedigree, then how can we expect others to do the same for us?"
"Here's my offer. Guilty of all charges. He'll be drawn and quartered, which.....since he is not human but a golem made out of corpses, he will survive. Then he'll be immersed in concrete and dumped in a lake. You can serreptitiously rescue your "friend" at some later date. The crowd will get their morbid show. He won't even feel any pain.
Everybody wins. It's like I do this for a living or something."
"Here's my offer. Guilty of all charges. He'll be drawn and quartered, which.....since he is not human but a golem made out of corpses, he will survive. Then he'll be immersed in concrete and dumped in a lake. You can serreptitiously rescue your "friend" at some later date. The crowd will get their morbid show. He won't even feel any pain.Everybody wins. It's like I do this for a living or something."
"If I may suggest a counter-offer," Rholf interjects. "You know that Dobitoc is innocent. We know that he has an essence that makes him alive, even if his body is not alive as we normally define it. To do as you suggest would be utterly unacceptable, even evil. My suggestion is this." The priest takes a deep breath, then continues. "Create a look-alike in secret, and destroy that one. Charge us with delivering Dobitoc to an isolated place far away from here, where he will not cross paths with your city ever again. There is risk, but I believe it can be minimized. If you are open to pursuing this, I will lay out the details. If not, then we proceed with the trial without a deal of any kind."
Motive:.....he's trying to plea bargain.
"You guys really live in a fantasy world. Okay, I can see we're through here."
"If I may suggest a counter-offer," Rholf interjects. "You know that Dobitoc is innocent. We know that he has an essence that makes him alive, even if his body is not alive as we normally define it. To do as you suggest would be utterly unacceptable, even evil. My suggestion is this." The priest takes a deep breath, then continues. "Create a look-alike in secret, and destroy that one. Charge us with delivering Dobitoc to an isolated place far away from here, where he will not cross paths with your city ever again. There is risk, but I believe it can be minimized. If you are open to pursuing this, I will lay out the details. If not, then we proceed with the trial without a deal of any kind."
"Here's my offer. Guilty of all charges. He'll be drawn and quartered, which.....since he is not human but a golem made out of corpses, he will survive. Then he'll be immersed in concrete and dumped in a lake. You can serreptitiously rescue your "friend" at some later date. The crowd will get their morbid show. He won't even feel any pain.Everybody wins. It's like I do this for a living or something."
"I'm game. If there was a way to do that, hell; we could even do the burning thing. Do you have any idea how to pull that off?..."
Edwin grins.
"Actually. I do."
With a look to the others to make certain they are in agreement, (or at least not against it) he smiles charmingly.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the court. May I present Article of Evidence number four,... or is it six? Obtained from the golemworks factory, specifically from an individual we have taken to calling 'The Skinstealer'. This is the suit the 'Skinstealer' used to impersonate Dobitoc and commit the crimes. For example, attacking the swamp village. Which explains Big Daddy's witness of hearing the 'beast' 'Curse up a storm'. As I recall, the skinstealer did quite a bit of cursing while resisting arrest. Big Daddy was accurate in that regard. The Skinstealer had an impressive collection of swear words. Certainly far and beyond Dobitoc's vocabulary."
"Speaking of, if we do this, we shall have to explain to Dobitoc what is going to happen. The last thing we want is Dobitoc getting angry and putting up a fight while we are trying to release him."
"Good luck with that, Sir."
says the prosecuter snidely...