"True, Galadan. Very true. But there were eggs. Or at least Kevin mentioned such." Wren taps her finger against her chin as if it might aid her in deep thought.
"Come to think of it, Kevin never mentioned what he did with those eggs. Was it he who came asking about a egg-related hangover cure? I forget...but no matter. I will agree with you about the timing of the manticore."
Aldous arches an eyebrow.
"I understand that, but it is vital that we track the previous owner down, as they may be a witness in an ongoing criminal investigation. Nonetheless, I understand the need to make a living. How about if I purchase that?", Aldous says, indicating a vial of rare cologne.
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In regard to timings - I think I posted it - but not 100% sure.
The first crime Stiches is accused of - the missing people in Morast - happened 1 year ago.
The attack of the blood caiman was also approx. 1 year ago and this stopped any further people disappearing.
The nest of the Manticore - while old enough to bear eggs - was less than half a year old.
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I'm aware of the Cologne. It is a MW tool and as such wouldn't stack with the MW clothes. But I'm not that sure MW clothes should actually stack with extremly fashionable. It is a circumstance bonus and in effect while called a trait bonus you apply the same 'circumstances' aka fine clothes to gain a circumstance bonus on top.
With Cologne I feel much less of an issue and as GM would prefer it.
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The shopkeeper turns towards Aldous
"You do indeed have a fine nose. I would dare say that the customer of the tools would have benefitted from your good choice.
He was a striking fellow - very drapper in black from head to toe - not unlike a the gentleman you are. He said he owned a Chymic workshop nearby. Well - you could smell it I dare say.
If I remember rightly then his name was Master Vorkstag of Vorkstag and Grine's Chymic works."
"An alchemist..how fascinating" says Andrea..she waits until they leave the shop before expressing her thoughts to Aldous.
"The night-vision potion we found in the boneyard was alchemical in nature..I think we need to return to Galadan and the others and then get a nights sleep before we investigate further"
"Galadan, I'd like to go visit Stitches. Would you like to come with me? I think he probably misses us, his good friends. I'd like to give him this and remind him that he's not alone in all this," Wren smiles, showing her yellow-toothy smile.
* * *
Wren will attempt to gain audience with Stitches.
"Yes, of course. I have a few questions for Stitches as well. Perhaps he may yet shed light on a few subjects."
"I agree we should unite with the others, but should we not pursue this line of evidence tonight? The case against Stitches for what happened out in the swamp is being presented tomorrow; should we not collect all the evidence for that case before-hand...?"
"Very well but lets at least get a meal inside us before we do anything strenuous"
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I don't think there was a clear decision what's next - as timing runs on I would say we go forward to the court proceedings.
You should have time for some food and maybe 2-3 hours sleep. Actually timewise it is very, very early morning. Well - actually some of the shopkeepers unlikely wouldnt have been in shops yet but hey ...
Presenting Evidence
If the PCs have evidence to present, they may do so, likely after consultation with Gustav Kaple so they can agree on what questions he will ask based on their evidence. The trial process is steeped in the history and traditions of Ustalav, however, and any new evidence must be submitted to the Clerk of the Court before 10 a.m. of the day it is to be brought before the court. Extraordinary evidence (such as any findings in the chymic works) may also be submitted for consideration and inserted into the proceedings.
Once evidence has been submitted, the PCs are kept in the Defense Chamber until called to the stand, where they are questioned and subsequently dismissed. While multiple PCs can be called to the stand, only one PC can present each piece of evidence.
Gustav Kaple cautions you about any attempts to deceive the court through the use of subterfuge or spells, which are forbidden in the courtroom. Kaple never knowingly takes part in any such deception, and he refuses to cooperate if he becomes aware of such trickery.
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Members of the court
Notable people present in the court during the trial of the Beast are outlined below.
The Three Justices: The Justices are three judges who preside over the trial and decide the verdict. The decision need not be unanimous—a majority verdict is acceptable. They make imposing figures, dressed in voluminous black robes with starched ruffs, and wearing enormous powdered wigs that tower over their heads. The Justices for this trial are Chief Justice Khard, Justice Aldaar, and Justice Daramid.
Chief Justice Ambrose Khard: A dour man in his eighties, Chief Justice Khard speaks with a deep, commanding voice and suffers no nonsense in his court. The Chief Justice carries the court gavel—a mallet of black ebony the Justice uses to keep order—and wears a huge cartwheel ruff to make him look even more imposing. He has the power to have people removed from court, discount evidence, and issue punishments (up to hanging) for lying to the court. Any levity in the court is punished by a fine (up to 1,000 gp) or overnight imprisonment for those who take his court too lightly.
Judge Kasp Aldaar: Judge Aldaar is a figure of terror for criminals on trial. He is a hard-liner in the extreme, and his merciless justice is feared throughout Ustalav. A former military general, Aldaar is infamous for his impalement of four score deserters under his command who fled a battle.
Judge Embreth Daramid: Judge Daramid is a magistrate of Lepidstadt. Judge Daramid is already known to the PCs.
The Holy Sister of Justice: This gray-robed priestess seems to be here in an official role. You see her constantly scanning the court room.
The Herald of the Court: Clad in black half-plate armor with a full-face visor, the Herald keeps his identity secret. The Herald calls out official announcements with the striking of a great gong, calls witnesses, and keeps order in the court. He also acts as the justices' protector, and has a ceremonial masterwork greatsword at hand at all times.
The Clerks: Five elderly, pale, and bookish clerks with ink-stained fingers legally accept and record new evidence for the trial, document the proceedings, and ensure procedure is followed to the letter. They tend to speak in legal jargon, which in essence means that whenever they say anything, they use 10 times as many words as necessary.
The Prosecution: The appointed prosecutor for the Palatinate of Vieland is Otto Heiger . Together with his trio of legal advisers, he aims to see the Beast burn.
The Defense: Barrister Gustav Kaple has been appointed as the Beast's defender. Gustav believes the Beast is guilty as well, but he feels honor-bound to give the creature the fairest trial possible. Unfortunately, when standing in front of the full courtroom, Gustav's nervous stutter makes his speeches almost unintelligible.
The Accused: The Beast of Lepidstadt stands on trial for three specific crimes against the people of Vieland, but it is common knowledge that these offenses are just representative of the many crimes attributed to the Beast over the past 20 years.
In addition to the notables listed above, members of the public are permitted to watch the proceedings. The public gallery overlooking the courtroom is packed with spectators during every day of the trial. It is made up of locals of various backgrounds and skills. Three nervous courthouse guards are posted in the courtroom to keep the crowd in order and ensure the Beast does not escape.
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Time and day - early morning of day 1 of the trial (7:00)
Gustav Kaple is glad to hear you managed to get evidence. The trial will start at 10:00 but seeing you he advices some of you might try to get some food and sleep having worked throughout the night as long as one member is present to watch and inform the others.
You are expected to give evidence around lunch.
Andrea finds a bed and sleeps for as long as she can...a trick camp followers pick up easily.
Galadan sleeps (or rests) for two hours before dawn, but will waken to speak to Stitches.
Feeling tired, Wren drags herself to the courthouse (with Galadan) and tries to get in to see Stitches before the trial starts, using her credentials from Gustav Kaple, as necessary.
* * *
Wren will approach Stitches carefully.
"Stitches? My friend Stitches? Do you remember me, Wren, your friend?" Wren smiles her toothy smile.
"We haven't abandoned you, Stitches...we're here. My good friend Galadan is here too. We have been busy trying to help you, Stitches. Let me tell you all about it..."
Wren launches into a detailed description of the trip, including the meeting with the locals and their encounter with the Manticore.
"You see, Stitches...blah blah blah...traveling in bad weather...Kevin into muck up to his...blah blah...Andrea, like a Varisian princess, she insisted...blah blah blah...without her clothes! So Nym pointed out...blah blah blah...under-skeleton, picking a bone...blah blah blah..."Mr. Aldous, MR. ALDOUS!" I screeched...blah blah blah...bats! BATS! Stitches, saved by bats! Blah blah blah...Galadan farted...blah blah blah...and so here we are."
Wren pauses for a moment to catch her breath, digging through her pouch for the brooch.
"Stitches, I notice you have such pretty feathers...just like me." Wren swirls, highlighting her feathery 'armor'.
"I made this for you, Stitches...it's more feathers so that others can see you as I do. I want others to know that you have value. Would you accept it from me?"
Wren offers to 'pin' the brooch to Stitches if he accepts.
Wren turns to face Galadan.
"Galadan, I believe you had questions?"
Kevin will crash as soon as posible. Usually having drank himself to sleep by this time.
"Stitches, I hope you will not mind if I ask a question which might be considered personal. Do you know who your creator is? And where he is currently?"
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Stiches turns to Galadan.
"I've brought shame upon my master and don't like to talk about him."
He then turns towards Wren - seemingly feeling awkward
"Not even to you my feathered friend. Maybe one day when I have redeemed myself."
You have the strong feeling this is final and Stiches won't tell you more about his master.
"Awhh...that's okay Stitches." Wren smiles. "Because we're good friends, that doesn't matter much to me. We all make mistakes."
Wren tries to help Stitches attach the brooch his chest.
"There you go...you look lovely, just like me, Stitches."
"Unless Galadan has more questions, we'll see you at today's events. We'll be around watching you Stitches. You're not alone."
My flock is never alone and I keep talking to remind them of that.
Wren walks to the door, pausing for Galadan in case he has other questions.
If not, Wren will go find the rest of the party and then prepare to enjoin the trial, still mentally prepare her speech should no one else volunteer to defend her friend.
As tired as she is, she can't imagine it going badly.
Everyone loves me.
Galadan stands still for a moment, as though computing something in his mind. He finally nods and turns away, following Wren.
"I hope that our friends have acquired something a little sturdier than what we have currently."
Wren nods at Galadan.
"Certainly, the pieces have yet to come together in a good way."
Wren will contemplate our evidence moreso.
Intelligence check to put together the evidence to help form a story to help Stitches' defense.
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You spot several members of the court arrive as the time approaches 10:00 a.m. The three justices arrive in black coaches with several guards in attendance.
10:00 a.m.: The Trial of the Beast begins. A trio of guards leads the Beast into the court and shackles it to the large iron chair in the center of the courtroom to the jeers of the crowd.
10:10 a.m.:Opening of the Trial. Chief Justice Ambrose Khard commences proceedings by laying out the rules of the court in a lengthy speech, interspersed with gong-strikes by the Herald. Khard concludes his speech by announcing that the good people of Lepidstadt have suffered many acts of terror and barbarity at the hands of the Beast of Lepidstadt for many years, and that while the Beast is doubtless responsible for numerous murders, the prosecution will focus on three recent cases to prove the Beast's guilt during this trial. The cheers now get quite loud. You hear someone shouting burn now.
10:30 a.m.: Opening Statements. Prosecutor Otto Heiger outlines his case. He alleges that the Beast is responsible for the murder of 10 people in the village of Morast a year ago, in addition to two other horrendous crimes that will be described as the trial continues. Barrister Gustav Kaple then makes his case for the Beast's innocence, a half-hearted attempt full of stutters and awkward pauses, all the while being jeered and booed by the baying mob in the gallery.
11:00 a.m.: Witnesses for the Prosecution. Otto first brings three locals from Morast, two young women and a man, to the stand. The trio describes events as they saw them happen—that over a series of nights, the Beast came to the village and took people away; that a trap was finally laid for the Beast; that the Beast was driven into the swamp, and, they assumed, killed. Otto then calls the village elder, Lazne, who led the mob that drove the Beast off. He confirms the events related by the other three villagers.
12:30 p.m.: Witnesses for the Defense. Gustav calls the PCs to present any evidence they found in Morast.
Galadan leans over and taps Aldous on the shoulder, waking him from his midmorning nap.
Shouldn't have stayed out all night, good man. We're called to present.
Andrea takes the stand with somme nervousness
"Your honour..we have found compelling evidence that suggests that the Creature known as "The Beast of Lepistadt ..is not responsible for the foul acts committed around the village of Morast. To begin with we found indications that these raids on the village by the so called Beast were in fact nothing more than a cover for the heinous crime of graverobbing."
"To begin with I wish to offer this" she holds up the vial "A potion vial, discovered in the area in which the Beast was suppossed to have made his lair, which contains the residue of a Potion of Darkvision..an item the Beast would not require as he along with other Flesh Golems can see in the dark as well as you or I could at noon"
Diplomacy add 1 if any off the Judges would be sexually attracted to her
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Justice Embreth Daramith nods friendly towards you. Justice Ambroth Khard seems to take a little bit longer. You seem him contemplating the evidence. But it seems your looks and knowledge of alchemy sways him in your favour.
Judge Aldaar looks non-convinced. "That vial could have been dropped by anyone." He seems especially not pleased feeling overruled by the two other judges.
Galadan stands, holding his tall hat with the silver spiral of Pharasma prominently displayed.
"Indeed, your Honor. There was great evidence for the heinous crime of Graverobbery, though not at the hands of the Beast. Strange forces were at work, as it seemed the land above six graves were sunken in, rather than dug through. I was reluctant to tamper with hallowed ground, but it seems that indeed these graves were robbed of the deceased that rested there. I do not think the Beast has need of these six bodies, nor should he have the capability to remove them without digging through the earth as most do."
Wren asks to speak as well.
Wren fluffs her brightly colored feathers before she speaks, trilling a few times to achieve the right tone and pitch to speak to such an esteemed crowd.
"Friend Ustalavians!" Wren smiles from one side of the room to the next, clearly unaware that, as an elf, she's not really truly Ustalavian.
"I would speak to you about Stitches himself. Though Stitches is an amalgamation of body parts of various human and monstrous origins, his creation was far different than most necromatic and pseudo-lich-esque turpitude that is usually associated with unrepentant evil."
Wren smiles at Stitches.
"Having known Stitches for about 30 hours now, I can say that Stitches is a wonderful, nice, and dear friend...who, when treated nicely, responds with kindness. He is not evil. And he is not mean."
Wren stops to smack her lips, pausing for effect.
"You see, gentle courtroom, Stitches, as a creation of alchemical and magical residue is no more evil than the sword or spear: it is the intent of the wielder as to whether it strikes innocent or guilty. No, to blame Stitches for the crimes he didn't commit or is accused of committing is like blaming the poison for being deadly or the dagger for being sharp. Stitches is just a tool. And tools, like swords and spears, can be used for good or evil."
"Stitches is not likely to fly into a berserk rage and murder the whole courtroom unless unnecessarily provoked to do so. Or commanded to do so by his creator...who remains at large and unknown, with malignant motives neither understood nor rational, who might at any moment decide to once again exert control over Stitches for his own evil purposes. And that is whom we should be seeking. That controller is whom is truly guilty today. Not Stitches. Not my dear friend, Stitches."
Wren stops and breathes to let her words sink in.
"You see, Stitches is not the problem here, he is the victim. Thank you."
Diplomacy
Nailed it.
Seeing Wren itching to present evidence, and remembering what happened last time she spoke at a public gathering, Aldous blanches, and hurriedly intervenes.
The last thing we need is for her to make the entire bench hostile!
"Your Honor, it is highly likely that the villagers were unaware of it; their village is small, and the old graveyard was relatively isolated, so it is unlikely that they would have had much cause to visit it frequently. Moreover, they had abandoned their graveyard after 'The Beast' was attacked there, in favor of a new site.
As far as we were able to determine, six of the graves there had been disturbed, and the bodies removed. Despite The Beast's formidable appearance, he has the mind of a child; I cannot fathom a reason why he would have been responsible for it."
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Judge Ambroth Khard turns towards Galadan and Aldous
"I will take a note about the grave robbers. It will be easy enough to verify. The village elder is still in the waiting room."
With this words he asks for one of the scribes and scribbles a note
Bring this to the Village elder please.
Turning to Wren
"But I would ask if you" he takes a short pause and turns to the other members of the group "or maybe better one of your comrades has any further evidence of slighly more substance.
A discarded potion vial and maybe grave robbing doesn't proof the innocence of the Beast."
At this stage Judge Aldar steps in with a sneering voice that is taken up with laughter from the podium
"So - you call him your friend. Surely he must have told you that he was seen by the villagers and driven into the river or did he forgot. We have multiple eye witnesses who might have a better memory as THAT"
Kevin smirks at the judge as he puts away his flask. "No your honorshipedness, Stitches, or the one you call "The Beast" did not tell us that, becuase he was not there. We were told that by one of your eyewitness though, one of your same eyewitnesses said the beast was killed by a blood camen. So I move that charges be droped since that beast was clearly killed, or could your eye witnesses be mistaken about somethings?
Diplomacy:
Intelligence Check
If it's the giant crocodile or alligator, Wren sure remembers that and will deliver a long and overly detailed speech to that effect, pointing out the voracious nature of such beasts, what they like to eat, and other pointed and gruesome facts she can recall about them.
Knowledge Nature
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Judge Aldar turns towards Aldous
"So you call yourself an adventurer - well - maybe then you have heard that it isn't easy to kill a Flesh Golem. The villagers never said he truly was killed. They only saw him going under water - having received deadly wounds.
And actually this is proof that indeed it was the Beast. What other creature but a Golem would survive the mauling of a blood caiman and is able to survive without any air under water. It could have easily fooled the villagers that he was dead while he just stayed under water.
Don't try to fool me - it was the Beast. It can't have been anyone else.."
Just read a little bit - I have heard already several good pieces of evidence being discussed. I'm giving hints like above - but I'm not repeating what one of you already has written a while ago,
Someone already spelled out why it can't have been Stiches who got attacked by the blood caiman. Something in the story of the villagers was a clear clue it wasn't Stiches. But if you haven't noticed it - the judges seem to have missed it as well.
Ps: Post 564 by Wren might be of interest. It is the post when I posted as Wren. Seems I answered your question already once. What a shame that Wren never says something short and succinct - would be soooo much easier to distill the important bit out of it.
Aldous bows.
"I agree, a flesh golem has no need to breath, but such a devastating attack as a mauling by a blood caiman should have left grevious injuries... injuries which The Beast shows no evidence of."
He pauses, trying to pick his words delicately.
"The village elder described the attacker as being a huge, hulking brute about seven feet tall, which admittedly roughly matches The Beast's description. However, he also said that creature they drove off bled profusely when it was attacked by the Caiman, and that is the reason they abandoned their burial ground. As a flesh golem, The Beast cannot bleed, and therefore, ipso facto, the creature the villagers saw cannot have been him."
Aldous lets that sink in, before continuing.
"Moreover, we found evidence of a campsite at the graveyard; a coracle with dried blood on the floor, some old clothes, and a detached human face... Whatever Evil was lurking in that swamp, it was not The Beast who caused the villagers' problems."
"The Elder will swear to the veracity of our statements Your honours.."
"Also, your Honors. I do not consider myself an 'adventurer'. I serve Pharasma in routing out Evils. The horrors of undeath and necromancy. I do not do this out of boredom or a desire for wealth and glory, but simply because it is something that must be done. I have trained my eyes and my intuitive senses to find evil in all its forms. And I do not think you will find anywhere else a better judge of character than myself. In my dealings with the Beast, I have seen no deeds or thoughts of evil. And any periods of destructiveness are associated only with it's self defense."
He pauses for a moment.
"I cannot say for certainty that the Beast did not commit any of the things it is accused of, but as for the particular murders that are being tried on this day, I do not believe there is enough evidence to convict the Beast, and a significant amount of evidence to indicate that someone else performed these murders. As his Honor, Judge Aldar, has determined, this evidence does little to paint a complete story as to the events that transpired there. I think little can without bringing the true villain to justice. We are following this trail of evidence to the best of our abilities, but more time to acquire evidence is needed to determine the Beast's true blamelessness in these acts."
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Judge Embreth Daramid smiles at Aldous
"This is indeed interesting evidence you bring here. You are right that there are no signs on the body of The Beast that he got mauled by a caiman.
This on it's own might not be enough to convince everyone - after all - a flesh golem could be stiched up again - but for this he would need help. And this would lead the issue with the blood - the Elder was very certain in this respect.
You mention something about a detached human face - is there a chance that you have it with you if you found it. Seeing it makes it easier to believe it.
You don't have any clues who the owner might be?"
Kevin smiles as his hand moves towards his flask. "I would think the owner would be easy enough to spot."
"The unfortunate woman in question was named Nan Klebem..the Elder was able to identify her but we left her remains with him for decent burial your honour..as I said the Elder should be able to confirm this."
Andreas hand clamps down on Kevins wrist as he begins to reach for his flask..
Wren nods along with Galadan, but realizes that she doesn't know the answer to the last question from the judge. She wasn't there at the group's most recent questionings.
Wren elbows Mr. Aldous.
"Do we have any leads?"