"Perhaps this curious golem is a smokescreen. Construction of even a minor golem is beyond the ability of most magical practitioners. It would be interesting to speak with it, do you think that would be possible?" Gadren ponders but keeps some details to himself for now. Perhaps this is part of the machinations of the whispering way...
Maria nods in agreement. "Yes. We should meet and investigate this thing."
Phaedra tries to recall what she knows about flesh golems. "If this golem can actually speak, has anyone tried to question it? Does it appear to have any measure of intellect or reasoning capabilities?"
"Golems are usually mindless, aren't they?
"Does seem odd that one speaks."
Dr. Crowl blinks at bit at your questions. "Hmmm well. If you're that interested in this unusual case I suggest you speak with Judge Daramid, she will be one of the three Justices presiding over the trial after all.
"Perhaps we should. I'd like to return when things a less hectic, I wonder if you've had a chance to peruse Professor Grundil's work on the Ancient Cyclops Kingdoms. Some of his theories are outlandish but thought provoking!"
Maria stares hard at the professor. "Anything else you can tell us about this case?" If the professor is done being useful, she wants to go get more info from that secretive judge.
Cedric interjects finally.
sorry if I missed it. But, what will happen to the golem? Assuming it is convicted?
"I think I can guess, since there's a big pyre in town now."
Burning for a robbery? That seems fairly harsh.... I assume it being a talking flesh golem has nothing to do with that... Have you tried asking it about the item in question, this.... statuette? It may be able to help you find it, especially considering that, whether willingly or not, it seems to have been connected in the theft of the item. Cedric ponders for a bit.
Well, if we may have a chance to speak with it, perhaps we should at least head over to this Judge Daramid. If nothing else, I'm rather curious.
Dr. Crowl cannot tell you anything more of the Beast, he wasn't there when it was caught, and it was dragged away in chains before he was allowed into the auditorium to see what had been taken.
Returning to Judge Daramid is done quickly as you know her residence now. When you are shown back into her drawing room she has six small coin bags waiting for you.
Once you have taken your money the judge ask for you to stay and talk with her. "Petros placed a great deal of trust in you, and I see that it was not misplaced."
Once again tea and cakes are bought in and served, the judge waits patiently until her servants have left the room before she confides in you.
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.
What is your response?
Gadren strokes his mustache pondering. "Seems quite intriguing. I'm no stranger to legal codes though the intricacies of Ustalav's specific legal aren't something I am altogether familiar with. Perhaps you could recommend a specific book? As for the investigation itself that should prove rewarding. I have a spell in mind already that might bare consideration."
Maria looks suspicious. "A friendly neighborhood flesh golem? Doesn't sound right to me but I'll help check it out."
"The whole story does not make sense, there must surely be more to it. And I can't imagine destroying such a unique creature without the chance to learn more about it. I am more than willing to assist in this investigation."
"I suggest we start out by introducing ourselves to the defending barrister and finding out what he knows of the Beast and this whole situation."
It's not usually Lazar's assignment, but in this case it seems logical and right that he helps in the matter. "Yes, asking the barrister and the Beast seems the most logical step right now."
"Talking to the beast itself would be a good start.
"And unusual too, since they normally mindless."
Lepidstadt 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.
As you approach you see that there are two guards at the doors, which are firmly closed. "Whatta you want?" Is the inelegant question thrown at you when you reach the doors.
What now?
Maria steps forward, her broad shoulders square to the guards, her armor as clean as she can get it. "We want to talk to the beast. Figure out what we can. Make sure nothing like this ever happens again."
Lazar nods while Maria is talking. "Actually" he thinks, "this is no lie."
The guard gives you a dismissive look and sniggers, "You an every other 'hero' who crawled outta the woodwork once he was caught." He tries to look more official. "No visitors. By order of the poor sod who hasta defend him."
What now?
"I see, where we might find the fellow charged with that task then? The sooner we know the sooner we can leave you to finish your shift."
Cedric pauses for a moment. We are no heros, just simple folk doing what we can. Now, who is this person that would disallow visitors? And surely they would not disallow a man of the cloth? He says with a smile.
If you believe that you still must keep me from seeing this... beast. Then at least tell me who to speak with about seeing him?
"The guard said "no visitor's by order of the poor guy who has to defend him", which means the defender can choose to ban or allow visitors. So let us simply go and visit the defender first. We need to talk to him anyway and then we can ask him to grant us permission to talk to the golem. The Judge said that the barrister assigned to him was Gustav Kaple, so let us go find him."
Annoyed to be delayed, Maria nods. "Yes let's find the barrister." Protocol is important for these matters...
The guard shrugs and leads you with the imposing courthouse building, taking you upstairs to the defense chamber. A21 On the map.
Barrister Gustav Kaple meets you in the Defense Chamber.
When wearing his huge court wig, Gustav cuts an impressive figure. Unfortunately, looks can be deceiving—Gustav has had several recent failures in the justice system and seen his last six clients hanged.
In truth, the downat-the-heels barrister was chosen to represent the Beast precisely because of his inability to defend anyone and for his stutter, which manifests itself when he is stressed.
Although Gustav has no doubt that the Beast is guilty, he plans to defend the creature to the best of his ability, but he is struggling to find any kind of evidence in support of the Beast’s innocence.
Looking you over dubiously he raises one eyebrow in a practiced motion. "How can I help you?" He asks the party.
What are you doing now?
Maria nods sharply to the barrister. "Yes. There are some strange things going on with the facts of this case. We're looking into it. Might be we'll find something that helps you out. I recommend you tell us what you know and let us talk to your client."
Lazar nods. "Yeah."
"Apologies for disturbing you, but we were referred to you by Judge Daramid. Like any judge, she wants to ensure a fair trial, but noted a lack of evidence on the matter of the Beast. Given our interest in this case and the accused, we thought that we might be able to assist in gathering evidence on your behalf and attempting to speak with the Beast."
Kaple looks relieved when you mention Judge Daramid. "Oh that is good to hear." He sighs, shoulders rising as if a weight has been lifted.
He informs you that the prosecution is using three recent crimes attributed to the Beast to convict the creature of murder:
1. The murder of 10 citizens of the village of Morast a year ago.
2. The slaying of six children in the farming community of Hergstag 7 months ago.
3. 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.
Gustav has interviewed the main witnesses from each of the three cases to be discussed at the trial and has found that their stories are very plausible.
He wishes to see justice done, however, and he is certain that without
evidence in its favor, the Beast will be convicted.
To that end, he is willing to assist you with your investigations (unless he is at court). His role in court is to present evidence, cross examine witnesses, and clear the Beast of any wrongdoing. Because of his stutter, however, he suggests that if you find any evidence
that can help the Beast, it might be better for one of you to present it.
Gustav is very concerned about time. He informs you that the trial has already commenced, and preliminary evidence has been presented to the three justices. The trial begins in earnest tomorrow, however, as the
majority of the evidence for the three crimes will be presented over the
next 3 days. You must act fast if you hope to find evidence in support of the Beast’s innocence. Gustav suggests that you investigate the
events in Morast first, as that evidence will be presented tomorrow.
They can then investigate the other two crimes over the following two nights. If you have no further questions for him, Gustav recommends that you go meet the Beast for yourselves.
Any other questions?
What are you doing now?
Maria listens intently. When Barrister Gustav is finished, she queries "How far away are these locations? What evidence was there that the beast was involved?" I despise that thing and it should be destroyed but if somebody else did this, I won't have them get away with it.
@Maria. Map up top showing the area around Lepidstadt.
@Lazar. Barrister Gustav Kaple is of NG alignment.
Kaple personally escorts you down to the cells under the courthouse. The Beast is currently held in cell A14.
A towering abomination sits in an iron chair, bound with no less than a dozen sets of manacles. Stitching holds together this grotesque patchwork of flesh and bone, beast and man, though the wires are so taut they look as though they may fly apart at any moment.
Its mouth is twisted in a permanent sneer, and a shock of lank, dark hair clings to its scalp. The creature slumps in its chair, a despondent expression upon its monstrous face.
What are you doing now?
Gadren clears his throat "Hello my name is Gadren. My companions and I would like to talk with you. Perhaps you could tell us about how you came to be here?"
Maria steps to within a foot of the bars. "From some we hear you are a monster that must be destroyed. From some we hear uncertainty. What's your story? Did you kill those people?"
Phaedra remains quiet for now. She doesn't want to confuse the Beast with too many questions and waits to see if he answers what has already been asked.
She will also cast Detect Thoughts and focus on the Beast.
@Lazar. The Beast is of N alignment.
@Phaedra. You get nothing.
@Maria The Beast growls at you hostilely but does not speak.
What are you doing now?
Maria looks at the beast sternly. "From what I've heard, you may be no beast. You may be an innocent and helpful creature. This is your chance to show that and keep helping people. Or be silent and let the public see you as a monster."
"This creature bears no cruelty" Lazar whispers, to whoever is beside him. "Wanton destruction and carnage don't belong in its usual behaviour."
The Beast looks back at you, rage flickering in it's eyes. "Lie!" It finally growls. "Not there. Never did what liars say." Its voice is rough but understandable.
Further questioning finally gets the beast to tell you it has never been to Morast or Karb isle. What he says about the murder of the children of Hergstag is hard to decipher.
He says he was there, he had made friends with a local child. Then a 'Shadow man' came to Hergstag and started killing the children, after which they would rise as 'Little shadows' and lure more children to the shadow man.
It sounds something like a Wraith, especially with it spawning more from the children.
The Beast claims he tried to kill the Shadow man, but his blows just passed through it. When his friend was killed he tried to return her body to her family but was blamed for the deaths and attacked, so he left rather than kill anybody.
If questioned about the theft at the university the Beast is visibly angry about this. Growling that he was alone in his shack in the Dippelmere swamp. Then he was standing in the Department of antiquities with no idea how he got there, or how long it had been?
Any other questions?
"This... seems familiar to me" Lazar starts. "Sounds like a specific kind of undead called Wraith."
He thinks for a second. "Wraiths absorb the energy of the victim. Or, better said, they contamine their life energy with Negative energy. If the victim fell upon a wraith's touch, the wounds, if any, should be clearly different than those caused by this creature's fists."
Gadren listens carefully to the 'Beast' and then Lazar explaination of the Wraith. "I'll have to make an acquisition, some minor divination magic might prove insightful. But these Wraiths will have to be dealt with as well, if there numbers are allowed grow many people could suffer the consequences."
"Good- hmm- Mister Golem, is it alright to call you Mister Golem, calling you the Beast sounds rude. Is there a name we can address you by? Is there are specific street or house in Herstag that these shadows are haunting?"
Maria nods. "Good ideas. We should also check out his hut since it is probably the closest. There may be something there."
Phaedra casts detect and just studies the Beast for a minute.
"A quick run by the hut on the way to Morast Isle should be ok if we can make it in time. We do need to be back with any evidence before the trial begins though."
Mishtes finally speaks up and asks the Beast some questions:
"Do you have a name? My name is Mishtes.
"Do you know how we can find the Ghost Man to kill him?
"Can you tell us how you got to Hergstag?
"Anything you tell us we can use to help you."
Phaedra. It does look as if other creature were used to make the Beast. The Beast.
Gadren. It has been just over a week since the Beast was caught.
Misthes. Asked for a name The Beast just shakes his head in confusion, he was never given a name and doesn't really understand why he would need one?
He's told you all he knows regarding the Shadowman. Dark with red eyes and he couldn't hit it.
He walked to Hergstag, keeping to the back country. He sounds as though he knows humans will react badly to him, but you can hear loneliness when he talks of watching people from out of sight.
He really can't tell you anything more, he was only ever at Hergstag and has no idea how he came to be at the University?
what now?
Maria nods with a grunt. "Figures it wouldn't get any easier. I say we check Morast now." She looks to the others for confirmation.
The Swampers of Morast
The first crime the Beast is charged with is the killing of 10 people in Morast, a small hamlet in the Dippelmere Swamp about 8 miles east of Lepidstadt.
A narrow trail leads from Lepidstadt to the village. Morast is a miserable collection of 20 or so wattle-and-daub hovels built on stilts above the swamp and connected by soggy wooden boardwalks.
The villagers make their livings fishing and occasionally bringing in a blood caiman (a variety of crocodilian with a red-scaled head that is native to the north) to eat or sell.
Morast
N hamlet
Corruption –1; Crime –2; Economy –
2; Law –3; Lore –2;
Society +2
Qualities insular
Danger –5; Disadvantages impoverished
Demographics
Government council
Population 62 (60 humans, 2 other)
Notable NPCs
Old Mother Corl (LN old female human witch 2)
Village Elder Lazne (N male middle-aged human commoner 4)
Marketplace
Base Value 100 gp; Purchase Limit 500 gp; Spellcasting 2nd
Minor Items potion of protection from evil, ring of swimming
Due to the time taken to reach Morast it is heading to evening by the time you arrive.
What are you doing when you arrive?