"Thank you."
"Embreth, I was wondering if there was any chance we could see the beast before it is executed. I have a suspicion that it's an undead, and most undead have a person who created them. I would not like its creator to go free."
The woman looks old but is canny and shrewd. She licks her dry lips and is about to speak when a loud knock comes at the door.
Excuse me.she says. We will talk about that later.
She moves to answer the door and Professor Derlith is standing there with a warm smile and bright eyes. He is also carrying two bottles of wine, held deftly in one hand.
Good evening Judge, may I?
He enters and greets you all warmly.
Hello again everyone, have you had much of a chance to explore this fair city? Mmmmmm, something smells wonderful.
Running errands, Jon Kendra replies. My father's books are returned and my friends have fulfilled their obligations to him. I bet they can't wait to see the city proper, I know things seem to have changed a little since I was here last and of course whatever this Beast business seems to have taken over everything.
How trues those words are, my dear! Jon replies with a cryptic laugh.
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For a time the conversation moves to more light-hearted small talk before you are led through to the dining room where a long oak table is lain with a plain white tablecloth and decorative china.
Two helpers seat you and then begin serving the first course - chicken liver paté with thin toasts and an apple chutney.
Jon strikes up conversation first with Kazamir, seemingly transfixed by his tales of investigation but moreso anything he offers about his Vudrani teachings, before asking Zed and Hazel polite but informed questions about their faiths and tennets and even offering insights about the traditions of the Ulfen. Judge Darramid similarly engages Zed about his work, recognising an inquisitor, and Kazamir, respecting an investigator.
Judge Darramid is a wonderful host and Professor Derlith an interesting and polite guest.
At one point he tells an amusing anecdote about Dr Crowl getting lost in his own museum - a tale Vala knows only too well - and it produces in Kendra a fit of laughter stifled only by a series of quick, loud coughs that she covers in her handkerchief.
Excuse me! she splutters. That wine went down the wrong way!
After three courses of excellent food and interesting conversation, Judge Darramid sees to refilling your glasses as the other dinner things are cleared away.
I confess there is another reason I invited you here. I find myself in need of assistance, something that perhaps you all could provide. Mr Ulmin, earlier you asked about the Beast? Well I believe 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. I know for certain that that many of the stories are exaggerations or simply untrue. I have also heard stories of the kindness and humanity of this creature, of how it has rescued loved ones or helped those in distress.
Jon has switched from brandy to a strong black coffee and he sets his cup down and stares out of the window beside his chair, hands steeled in front of him. Without turning he says;
The Chief Justice himself asked me to look into this case, to lead the prosecution against the Beast. Among my interests and qualifications is the law and I have become something of an investigator myself over the years. I declined the invitation. I, like Embrith here; he indicates the Judge. have also heard the tales of kindness incongruent with the image of the rampaging Beast the public love to hate. And yet despite these kindnesses, no one has stood up to defend the Beast. Both of us feel like the creature will not be given a fair hearing, which is all anyone deserves. The case for the defence has been given to Gustav Kaple, a good man but one I fear does not have the skill to mount a defence of substance.
Kazamir, enjoying another cup of Professor Derlith's excellent coffee, sits back, straightening, and quirks his eyebrows up ever so slightly in surprise as his hosts talk about a defense for the Beast. He pauses a moment, gathering his thoughts, before beginning to ask questions.
"I know of the Beast only by faint rumor..I take it that it is not an uncommunicative, mindless monster, then?"
"I had my suspicions that there is more going on here than a savage beast."
"I gratefully accept this burden. I suppose first we must meet with Gustav Kaple and the beast itself. It would also be beneficial to be aware of any crime locations that still have evidence, as well as other peoples of interest who have seen the creature firsthand."
The judge stops to pinch the bridge of her nose before continuing the tale slowly.
It is not uncommunicative, whether it is mindless....I think that is probably to be determined. she lets that hang there cryptically.
I too fear 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, I have my doubts about the crime for which it was apprehended. 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?
Despite all this neither myself nor Jon are able to intervene publicly. I am one of the three justices presiding over the Beast’s trial and Jon's reputation would be in tatters if he chose to defend the creature, especially now that the public know he was the first choice prosecutor.
Jon came to me with his concerns and I agreed with them. All I can do is insist the Beast be defended properly. Barrister Kaple is hopelessly over his head she says rather less politely than the professor and needs help to uncover what really happened during these crimes — ideally someone to gather evidence about the Beast’s alleged crimes and stand up in court to be questioned by the prosecution. Such speakers would need bravery in spades and silver tongues to match, to ensure that if there is more to the Beast’s story, justice will be done. I see that you are a man who is keen to find the truth Mr Ulmin and if you and your friends help us, we will each give you another 75 platinum coins, matching the amount you just received. You must be absolutely sure to keep our names out of it entirely though. Any hint of collaboration between us would call my legal objectivity into question, and again damage Jon's reputation. I will deny asking you to do this if asked. she adds bluntly. However, if you can help me get to the bottom of the matter, I would be very grateful indeed.
The Judge sits back, observing how their offer is received.
Kendra sips at her wine, a serious look on her face.
You know Vermundr, I don't have that many boxes to unpack... Perhaps this is a task more suited to your expertise than sitting with me drinking tea and preparing lecture notes?
Vermundr furrows his brow as he considers Kendra's request. Navigating southern laws wasn't something he anticipated himself being good at but neither was preparing lecture notes. He wasn't really sure he even knew what 'lecture notes' were.
"If that's what you want Lady Lor- Kendra, I'll help defend this Beast in whatever way I can."
Constantin fiddles with his tableware after the meal, when the subject of the Beast comes up. He seems lost in thought for a few moments. He picks up his spoon idly and looks at it, as if looking at his reflection in the metal... as if he could bend it with his mind.
Then he says, "If it has a mind, if it can be understood and reasoned with... we should be sure. Especially if there's an actual trial going on. And we certainly wouldn't want to leave the city in the clutches of a real monster if this creature isn't the actual architect of the city's woes."
"I might... be able to sense it. Something about its motives or its feelings, whether it is a thinking being, what it may know. The Professor's teachings helped me to... unlock certain talents. If it has a mind... I may be able to reach it."
Really? Jon says with some surprise. What a rare talent, I'm sure such expertise will be invaluable, though proving anything you might glean from such a technique might be more of a challenge.
Of course you may have full access to the defendant. Embreth says. It is being held in custody at the courthouse. However you will need to move quickly. Opening statements will be heard tomorrow morning and evidence about the first crime in the afternoon. I appreciate this leaves you with little time at all and so you had best act with haste.
My advice would be to speak to Gustav Kaple at the courthouse and register yourselves as defenders in the case as soon as possible.
The Beast is facing trial for three crimes; the murder of 10 people in the village of Morast a year ago, the slaying of six children in the farming community of Hergstag 7 months ago and the arson attack at the sanctuary on Karb isle, which resulted in the deaths of Doctor Brada and his patients and the blinding of the doctors assistant Karl.
The break in at the university is not even one of the crimes for which it is being convicted, however both Jon and I agree that scenario is strange.
"We'll need a map of the area so we can visit Morast and Hergstag. When was the fire on Karb island and where is Karl now?" Vermundr asks. "It would be wise to visit the freshest scene first."
Embreth nods at the proposed course of action.
Mr Kaple should be able to furnish you with everything he has thus far.
Yes. The people like their justice to be swift and decisive. Jon agrees.
With a last sip of coffee, Kazamir sets own his cup and looks around at this friends. "It seems we have little time to lose, then. Your Honor, Professor, I trust you will not hold us as poor guests if we hasten our departure. Thank you for a wonderful meal and sterling company.
Friends, shall we go to meet Master Kaple?"
Vala sets her cup of tea down, the vessel still half full but no longer steaming. She takes a deep breath, sighs through her nose, then looks from Embreth and Jon to the others before at last nodding to Kazamir. "Yes, let's. We've not much time, it seems."
The courthouse is 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.
The Punishing Man is a gigantic, man-shaped conglomeration of cut timber standing over 30 feet tall. Convicted criminals are placed within the figure’s hollow chest cavity and the entire structure is then set on fire in a public ceremony. Eager workers pile more timber against the figure’s legs and oil its wooden limbs, while children play games at its side and throw grass, flowers, and rubbish onto it.
Two armed guards are stationed outside the doors to the courthouse, they examine the group suspiciously as they enter, but make no move to stop them.
Inside ornate pillars support a balcony 15 feet above. Beneath the balcony, wide steps lead up to a huge, ironbound door. Printed public notices are posted on a wooden board next to the door. Presently, these notices detail the upcoming trial in long-winded legal language.
A clerk directs the heroes upstairs to the defense chamber. This small, simple office is for the use of the defense and the door stands ajar as you approach.
As the group heads to the courthouse, Constantin muses, "It's likely that the townspeople are expecting a big show trial of the Beast, too. If strangers suddenly show up and a guilty verdict isn't handed down, things could get ugly in the crowd."
"Undoubtedly, we will be vilified, at least for a time. That is why I am urgently hoping that there is a greater villain behind this all that we might ever so dramatically expose..." Kazamir says with a wry grin.
"Well, no one ever said doing the right thing was either safe or would lead to popularity, I'm afraid," Vala offers sagely as the group presses into the building.
H...H-Hello..? comes a somewhat nervous voice form within the defense chambers.
Barrister Gustav Kaple is in the Defense Chamber. Wearing his huge court wig, Gustav cuts an impressive figure. On second glance however he seems to be very stressed.
His face is covered in beads of sweat, despite the room's cool temperature. He looks up upon hearing the group enter and says;
H...h....h...hello. W-w-w-w what c-c-an I do f...f...for you.
The man's stutter is instantly noticeable and debilitating. Every time he stutters he tilts his head to the side and closes both eyes tight like he is about to sneeze.
"Good Evening, Herr Kaple. It came to our recent attention that you have been assigned to the defense of the infamous Beast of Lepisdadt. It has also come to our attention that the charges may not be so cut-and-dried as may appear. Having just resolved a rather tricky bit of unusual business in Ravengro, we have come, as my colleague Ms. Stokes has said, to offer our services as Investigators for the Defense. I would guess, meaning no offense, that you could use all the help that you can get.
May I take a moment to introduce my colleagues and speak of thier qualifications?"
if needed:
Y-y-you want t...t to h-h-help me? W... Why? Are you... l-lawmen? he asks with a spluttering stutter, seemingly both surprised and confused. You n-n-know we can't w... w.... win, right?
As they continue their walk, she glances at Vermundr and coughs. "Um, so I guess we're all going to be paling around together for longer than we thought. What's your take on this?"
The big northerner glances at Hazel, surprised that she would seek his council. "It is a strange tale to say the least. In the north we have all manner of horrors to guard against in the night; ice trolls and giants terrorize, razing villages and devouring man's flesh; the jadwiga and the fey steal from the unwary and bewitch the young. Rarely do the two dangers cross. Maybe the Beast is guilty of some of the crimes it's accused of but I don't know if I believe all of them."
Kazamir smiles as comfortingly as he can. "None of us are, professionally, lawmen any longer. But given our recent experiences, and the intervention of benefactors who wish to remain nameless, we do indeed wish to help. And, begging your pardon, let us hold judgement on whther or not we can win.
Professor Cross, here, hails from Lepisdadt, and has a breadth and depth of knowledge that will serve a defense very well.
Lady Stokes is a priestess of Desna, far wandering and broadly experienced, with a passion for seeing right done and a compassion for those who need it.
Master Vermundr is a guardian and tracker, who we met in pursuit of protecting the innocent.
Master Constantin is a seeker of mysteries, wise in the ways of the minds of men...and others.
Master Zed is an Inquisitor of the Church of Pharasma, whose purpose is to root out wrongdoers and enemies of the Faith...to uncover truth.
Myself, I was a Constable, and later Inspector with the Caliphas Watch. In recent years, I have used my talents independently for patrons.
Were there time, I would advise you to write to the Council of Ravengro for a reference, but, as I understand, time is of the essence. Will you accept our help? Swear us in for the Defense?"
After introductions he says;
H....help well yes! D-d-delighted! I'll take a...a...all the h...help I can g...get!
Gustav explains that he has spent most of his career as a court scribe and clerk. When the Beast was captured no-one stepped up to defend the creature so, feeling that everyone should at least have a representative, took it on himself. He has been regretting the decision as it has turned him into both a figure of ridicule and hate in some quarters.
Gustav has no doubt that the Beast is guilty, but despite that 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.
He informs you that the prosecution is using three recent crimes attributed to the Beast to convict the creature of murder: the murder of 10 citizens of the village of Morast a year ago; the slaying of six children in the farming community of Hergstag 7 months ago; and 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.
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 the you to present it.
Gustav is very concerned about time. He informs you that the trial Will commence tomorrow (it is currently about 7pm) 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. You can then investigate the other two crimes over the following two nights.
"One last thing before we depart, Herr Kaple. Is it possible to meet the Beast? We should at least have a first-hand description."
"We will have to wait and see", Vermundr says in agreement with Hazel's assessment, causing Zelda to dip in the air as if she were nodding as well.
***
"Do you know when the fire was? And where we can find this blind assistant?"
Gustav consults his notes, sifting through piles of papers, knocking some on the floor, cursing and then looking awkward as he tries to avoid the gaze of the womenfolk among the group.
Ummm.... F-f...F-f-f....Four months ago. he spits out. And Karl, the a-a-a...assistant still lives in L...L...L-L... the city. On the o..o...outskirts.
"Do you have an address?"
Vermundr looks to the party. "We should visit the assistant today if there's time."
"Do you have an address?"
Vermundr looks to the party. "We should visit the assistant today if there's time."
"It is not about winning or losing, it is about seeing that justice is done. Not vengeance or punitive punishment, but the proper and lawful justice for the beasts crimes. If it turns out that losing is what is right, then so be it."
As he is introduced, Zed inclines his head. He decides to keep his hood up; his personal heritage might further unsettle the already skittish man.
"You are a brave and righteous man to take on this endeavor. The masses may frown on you, but Pharasma will look favorably on a man who stuck to his moral grounds to give everybody equal representation." Despite how the man appeared to be kind of skittish, he has earned Zed's respect, at least from a moral perspective.
Zed listens carefully to the notes about the trial, and takes some paper notes. At the end he nods and underlines a few key points. "Thank you, this has been very helpful. In fact it seems you've done most of the hard work already, we just need to do some footwork and ask some questions. So the village of Morast is our first goal."
Zed cocks his head at Vermundr. "I agree, but let us prioritize visiting Morast first. Let's make sure we get ready for tomorrow before we get that done."
"Thank you again for your help. Unless my companions have anything else, I believe we will be heading out to Morast."
"One last thing before we depart, Herr Kaple. Is it possible to meet the Beast? We should at least have a first-hand description."
10am Trial begins
10:10am Chief Justice Ambrose Khard commences proceedings
10:30am Opening statement by prosecution
10:45am Opening statement by defence
11:00am Witnesses/evidence for prosecution
12:30pm Witnesses/evidence for the defence
2:00pm Court recess
The trial follows the same pattern for the subsequent two days.
A light horse moves at 5 miles an hour.
Morast is an 1.5 hours away by horse and is presented on day 1. Hergstag is about 3 hours away by horse and is presented on day 2. Karb isle is an 1.5 hours away by horse and presented on day 3
Yes indeed! If you have no questions for me, I s...s...s...suggest you go and see the b...b...b....Beast for yourself. Kaple says with an involuntary shudder.
Kaple leads the group into the courthouse’s cellar jail to meet the Beast of Lepidstadt. The offices upstairs are manned by half a dozen well-armed guards.
Kaple engages in conversation with one of them for a few moments before beckoning you forward.
The guardsmen look at you with thinly veiled suspicion.
One of them takes a large ring of keys and unlocks a thick steel door that swings open to reveal a screen of bars behind. He unlocks that also and slides it into a recess in the wall.
A set of stone steps leads downwards to the cellblock beneath and reaching you, now that the door is open, is a cacophonous bellowing roar so loud it jars your teeth in your jaw.
G..g...g...good luck. Kaple says before nodding to you all to proceed.
"Oh, my..." Kaz mutters, slightly paler than usual, as he descends into the cell block.
As soon as you reach the bottom of the steps you lay eyes on the notorious Beast of Lepistadt.
The thing is a towering abomination. It 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. It is filthy, and flies swarm over it, crawling in its eyes and mouth while it vainly twitches trying to drive them away, bellowing in frustration every now and then. It looks up as you enter and upon seeing you, begins heaving and straining against it's bonds. It's grey skin ripples with muscle, tendons in it's neck look fit to burst and it roars against it's perdition.
Zed takes point, walking in and taking a cold look at the beast. He casts detect undead on it, then steps closer. "Can you speak?"