Andrea has a whispered conversation with a guard and heads for a small door which will give her access to the roof of the building.
'Aldous' steps forward, looking as resolute as he can.
"I am sorry, but I cannot in good conscience stand aside. What you ask for is not justice, it is mob rule, pure and simple. If you truly want justice, you will allow the courts to decide the Beast's fate, after weighing-up all of the evidence.
Please, stand-down and go home."
"Yeah!"
Wren will echo Mr. Hastur's reply.
Diplomacy to aid.
Please. With a big reD cherry on top. Go. Home.
Aid Diplomacy:
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The group comes to a halt. Listening to Aldous and seemingly ignoring any additions from Wren some members in the mob seem to consider why they have gone with the group.
townsfolk slowly leave the place and disappear between allyways. The crowd as shrunk to less than 40.
One of the man next to the ram raises his voice
"Don't listen to them. Don't you see - that these are the foreigners who defend the beast. It's them, it's them. We should burn them with the Beast."
So far it is only bark - no bite. The crowd seems undecided - but there is still a large group outside.
"It is true that we are not from this fine city, but we are still proud sons and daughters of Ustalav! It was for those very qualities that we were sought-out to assist with this matter - for, by not being from here, we neither loved, nor hated, the Beast, and could thus be relied upon to take the even-handed road, pursuing the truth without fear or favour, to ensure that true justice be done! In fact, we have already contributed to the betterment of this city, by seeing to it that two foul fiends who sought to profit from a trade in the dead, were uncovered! Who knows how many sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers they have taken in the past? But now, they well never trouble the eternal rest of the honoured dead again!"
"Yeah," Wren adds helpfully.
Diplomacy to aid
Aldous remains stern-faced and looks out over the crowd. If he is experiencing any anger, he has yet to show it.
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Another 8 members of the crowd leave the yard outside. All in all around a third of the crowd has silently disappeared.
And with the number of people dwindling fast you suddenly see the mood in the crowd changing. The cohesion of the group crumbles. A few ringleaders try in vain to keep the group together but after Aldous words the masses seem not to be keen to listening to them any more.
Not wanting to be last - the ringleaders leave together with the last dozen people leaving the square. A batting ram left forlorn.
"Oh, look! I did it! They are leaving rather than disappoint me."
Wren preens her feathers.
"That is a relief, indeed. Now we just need to protect Stitches until morning."
Wren turns to go back in, but not before patting Mr. Hastur on the back.
"You did good there, too, Mr. Hastur. Your words are much appreciated, much like mine...I remember this one time, at EagleCamp....blah blah blah...two tubas, but only one stick,...blah blah blah...unhappy fat camper...blah blah blah...used 6 eggs for his...blah blah blah...and so the halfling danced half-naked...blah blah blah...until I was telling them that I could what I wanted with my body!"
'Aldous' breathes a sigh of relief.
"Well, I am glad that that is over. Let's move that ram out of the way, before anyone else gets any ideas, and then go check on Stitches. After that... *yawn*... I think we all deserve some sleep before the trial tomorrow..."
Galadan is eager to review and catalog evidence, and asks for Wren's assistance in that regard.
Wren is honored that Galadan would ask her for help and happily breaks out her pen and inks to catalog the evidence.
"Where did you want to start, Galadan?"
Andrea smiles from her vantage point glad that the confrontation has been defused with some ease by Aldous/Hastur. She makes her way back to the others and joins in the discussion on the evidence.
Kevin pats Aldous on the back as they move on. "Good job my friend. With your wonderful speaking voice, you can be my wingman in any pub across the land."
"Perhaps it is best to present the evidence in chronological order, piecing together the history of actual events. Of course, in the coming trial, we have the nature of the fire to discuss. I believe we were able to recognize that the instigation of the fire was chemical in nature, and also that the hospital's operator had an untoward relationship with... Gor-... the alchemist we captured. Questioning of that particular criminal might reveal more information."
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Day 3 of the trial - Sanctuary and the Verdict
Some members of the crowd still seem angry. But the crowd isn't barred from the proceedings - despite the lynch mob showing up the night before. The atmosphere is frenzied as the locals still want Stiches to burn.
The clerks arrive early, with other members of the court arriving as 10:00 A.M. approaches.
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10:00 a.m.: The final day of the Trial of the Beast begins. Chief Justice Khard reminds the crowd of the penalties of violence, and tells them that he will clear the entire court if they do not behave. He also warns them that mobs do not rule Lepidstadt, and that should anyone threaten violence to any of the defense, he will have the person whipped out of town or hanged. He then requests the prosecution to describe the alleged events at Sanctuary.
10:30 a.m.: Witnesses for the Prosecution. The prosecution details the arson attack on the hospital of Sanctuary on Karb Isle 4 months ago. Otto alleges that the Beast set fire to the building, murdering Doctor Brada and his patients in the process, and states that only Brada's loyal assistant Karl survived. Otto calls Karl to the stand to give his evidence.
12:30 p.m.: Witnesses for the Defense. Gustav calls the PCs to present any evidence they found at Sanctuary
Galadan brings forward the broken bottles they had discovered, clearly marked with the alchemists labels. He looks toward Aldous, the voice of reason, to explain their findings.
Nodding to Galadan, Aldous rises to address the courtroom.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Court, yesterday we established that there was a connection between Vorgstag and Grine's Chymic Works and Doctor Brada of Karb Isle. Today, we have additional evidence which confirms this link."
He motions for Galadan to raises the bottle of bleach.
"This vial of bleach was discovered amongst the ruins of Barb Isle. Please note that the label reads: 'Vorgstag and Grine, Chymickal Bleach'."
"Additionally, Karl, the poor man who survived the conflagration, confirms that his Master, Doctor Brada had dealings with the Alchemists."
"Further searching of the ruins turned-up a lock-box. Inside was a series of papers, badly damaged, but fortunately preservable with the aid of magic. It is a collection of blackmail material against Vorgstag and Grine. It seems that Doctor Brada and the alchemists had... dealings with each other; Doctor Brada was supplying bodies and specimens to them. However, it seems they had fallen out over money..."
"Finally, if the court will recall the description of the 'Beast' that was seen at Karb Isle, as given by Karl, they will note that it perfectly matches that of the skin-suit used by Vorgstag to impersonate the Beast in Morast."
"Thus, in summary, I tender the following reconstruction of events, based on the evidence at hand: Doctor Brada and the Alchemists had 'business dealings' when it came to the body trade. However, Doctor Brada wanted more money, and decided to try to blackmail them. Unwilling to let that happen, the Alchemists decided to deal with the problem by killing him, and blaming the attack on the Beast."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Court, I move that the charges against the Beast be dropped, immediately!"
Wren resists the urge to stand up and aid Mr. Aldous with a "yeah!".
Kevin grins and holds his flask out towards Aldous in a silent salute before taking a long drink.
Andrea's hand intercepts Kevin's before he can drink "Not in court please" she whispers
Kevin grins at Andrea and gives her a wink as he puts his flask away. "I was only going to show my thanks to Cayden for his blessings on this endeavor my dear, but if you would like me to risk a god's wrath, then I will put my flask away. Since you asked so nicely."
Andrea cannot help but smile "I'm sure he will forgive you if you forgo his worship for a few minutes..I'm sure he would not wish you to become..dependant on it..would he?"
Although he agrees with the argument completely, Galadan shows a little start of surprise at Aldous's motion to dismiss the charges. But he says nothing, and leans back in his chair to recover his normal stern expression.
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2:30 p.m.: Closing Statements. The prosecution asserts that the Beast is guilty of the murders in Morast, Hergstag, and Sanctuary. Otto claims that the Beast is a danger to society, and is a monster that should be destroyed. He recommends punishment in accordance with traditional law—execution by burning in the Punishing Man.
My dear court. My dear people of Lipidstadt cheers from the benches we have heart some interesting stories over the last few days from these strangers who felt responsible to make a travesty of justice here.
Please - just have a single look at the Beast, this abomination. Do I really have to say anything else. Upright citizen have dies at its hand, poor children, the infirm, the old. These are crimes of the worst and you will have to agree that there can be only a single option - the Ounishing Man - and even this is too lenient a punishment for such heinous crimes. a lot of cheering from the benches.
Gustav asserts that the prosecution's evidence is not enough to prove the Beast guilty of any of the crimes in Morast, Hergstag, or Sanctuary. He recommends the Beast be freed immediately.
I'm the first to agree that someone needs to be punished for crimes done. But look at the evidence presented by this group of honest upright adventurers boos from the benches and a shout of order, order there is no evidence at all that links the Beast to any of the three charges levelled against it. This is a court house - we pride ourselves on justice. We don't follow the mob rule or prejudice.
Shouts of burn, burn, - burn him and the adventurers as well echo in the court room. It takes a while to restore order.
3:00 p.m.: Close of the Trial. When both prosecution and defense have made their closing statements, Chief Justice Khard announces that the trial is over, and he and the other justices depart to deliberate.
Kevin smiles at Andrea and chuckles. "Followers of Cayden do not become dependant sweet girl, we become devout.
"I just want you thinking straight, we may end up having to fight our way out off here"
"My dear, that is when I am at my best.
Galadan waits quietly next to the defense barrister. He eyes those who speak out violently with an angry and intimidating glare.
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The verdict
An hour after the justices leave to deliberate, they return looking grim. The time waiting feels a lot longer. The Herald calls for order, and the crowd immediately hushes. Chief Justice Khard stands and announces the verdict.
“We have heard the evidence presented before us, and thank Pharasma that we did so, for without this trial there would have been a most terrible miscarriage of justice. There are many cruelties in the world, but to lie and blame another for one's crimes is the most terrible of sins. We have asked ourselves a question—who is the monster here? Is it this creature before us, with its broken body and terrible form, or is it we, the people of Lepidstadt, with our bigotry and lies? The Beast is innocent!”
The crowd screams its anger at the verdict, and the guards must draw weapons to keep them at bay. Within minutes, a mob forms outside the courthouse, chanting, “Burn the Beast! Burn the Beast!”
Kevin looks out the window at the growing mob before turning to Adrea. "Can I have a drink now?"
Wren looks concerned when she hears the cries of the mob.
"I should just take Stitches out of here." Wren's mind begins to formulate a plan. "The only question is *where* to take Stitches that he will be safe. I think we can count on my good friends in the Kin to look out for Stitches and get him someplace, but where would he be safe?"
"I can grant him wings...and myself as well...we can fly away from the crowds and people and be long gone from his unhappy mob. Where would we go?"
Wren leaves to go ask Stitches what he wants to do with his freedom.
"Stitches, it's me...your good friend, Wren. We've worked hard to find proof of your innocence. Where did you want to go now, Stitches? Is there a place where you'll be safe?"
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Stiches gives Wren a huge hug.
Damage non lethal. "You are the best friends in all the world. I will go and visit my father. But please come along. He doesn't normally like visitors. But I will tell him how you rescued me. He lives at Castle Caromac."
With these words more guards appear. You learn Stiches is escorted to the edge of the city to be released into the Dipplemere swamp.
Aldous breathes a sigh of relief when the 'Not-Guilty' verdict is passed, and Stitches is escorted to the edge of the city.
"Shall we go call upon Judge Daramid, now?"
Wren receives the hug with a smile.
My friends just can't help themselves.
Wren's smile vanishes as she ponders Stitches latest revelation.
"What do you mean, 'your father'? He is the one who created you?"
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Judge Daramid requests that you meet her early next morning.
"Thanks for ensuring that the beast got a fair trial. Here is your reward."
She hands over a bag of gold to each of you.
"I couldn't miss to overhear the words that Stiches as it seems you call him said to Wren.
I'm interested in the Beast's history, and think the Beast might still be dangerous. If you can find its creator, perhaps you can learn how to control the Beast, or convince its creator to keep a tighter rein on Stiches. But I need to warn you. I heard rumors that the townsfolk are planning to track down the Beast and overturn the court's verdict on their own. If the PCs want to protect the creature, you should hurry. The townsfolk likely dont know yet where he went. But he is large and all it takes is a single member skilled in tracking and they might work out where it went."
You think about the words from the judge while you are shopping whip hen you notice a large number of people gathering on the streets with torches and various weapons and farm tools. If asked, the townsfolk tell of their plan to go into the swamp, find the Beast, and “give it the justice it deserves, once and for all.”
Wren thanks the judge for the reward.
"Our true reward is seeing justice done and our good friend, Stitches, able to go home safely."
Wren ponders the judge's warning about Stitch's safety.
"I can think of several ways to protect Stitches..."
...but perhaps the most gratifying one will be to protect him from fire and let him slaughter those who are pursuing him in the woods.
Wren smiles sweetly, a yellow toothed grin.
Wren prattles on with what she knows about Castle Caromac.
Knowledge: Local
Knowledge: Nobility
"Castle, huh? Like a big one, Stitches?"