Vermundr steps into the cell and speaks with a calm but firm voice. "Bland, what happened here? Someone made a mess in your cell. Did someone hurt you?"
The massive creature sniffs loudly.
Vermundr-friend. it moans, lank hair hanging down over it's face. I had a bad dream.
It sits in a ball, knees tucked up and hugged to it's chest like a frightened child.
"I'm sorry to hear it Bland. We all have bad dreams", Vermundr offers. "Can you tell me about the dream? Have you had it before? Was there any monsters in it?"
Uh-huh... the golem nods dumbly.
Bland begins to rock back and forth like a child.
I don't dream like people dream. Like... My friend said she dreamed before the Dark With Eyes took her away.
Mostly I just sit and think because I don't go sleep like people. But sometimes I'm in the same place but a different place and when I'm there I hear things and see things which are not here but there. But I'm there when I'm here. Hrrrrnnn!
He scrunches up his face in a scowl of frustration and thumps the stone floor with big meaty hand. A spiderweb of cracks appears beneath his fist.
This time I went to the different place from here n' I saw something that made me ascared. he shakes his head. Awful scared. Like when the lights all go out.
You can see him mustering up courage as he swallows heavily.
It was like dark talking to me. But I couldn't hear it. Like it was talking real quiet. I know dark don't talk but there's things in the dark, I seen them. I seen a shadow in the dark place even though it was all black but then there was a bolt of lightning and I seen it proper.... It was a man all dressed up in black. I seen his face but I don't think it was his face but then I think deep down it was his real face. Except... It wasn't a face. It was a skull. And it couldn't have been talking to me cos it had a big black bit of cloth tied all tight over its mouth.
But I didn't like it none at all and I tried to get away and... I think... I hurt some bosses doing it. Ididntmeantoandimrealsorryandihopetheydontpunishmecosiwasonlyscared...
Vermundr sighs and shares a glance with Kazamir as construct's story seemed to support the investigator's theory. Lacking any better answers the big northerner simply nods in sympathy.
"That sounds very scary."
Bland nods vigorously, wide-eyed and open mouthed.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Blând," says Constantin, "It's all right. We're here for you now. We'll help."
He steps up and looks directly into Blând's eyes. "Please. Trust us. We want to make people stop hurting you. To do that we need to understand what happened."
He rummages in his bag and brings out a small vial of holy water.
"See how this sparkles?" he says. "It's full of blessed water. Water that has been made special, made holy."
He turns the vial slowly in his hands. Faceted like sparkles through it like a prism, sending colors across Blând's face.
"Do you like the light? Watch the light," he says softly.
"Look in the middle of the light. See how it becomes all fuzzy? So many colors... all blurring together." His voice slows, almost slurring.
"The colors are taking you back... carrying you softly back... to remember. To remember the voice. To remember what it said to you... tell us what it said."
Bland looks intently at the bottle of holy water, fixated on the soothing sound of Constantin's voice, the sparkle of the light that dances like sunlight dappling on the surface of the swamp water. His swamp. The place he called home.
Except it wasn't always home...
For a moment you think the Beast is going to talk but a long line of spittle hangs from his slack mouth and suddenly he begins to blink once, twice, thrice.
I'm sorry Mr Constantin-friend. I'm trying real hard to remember but I can't, I... I think I'm too worried about those bosses I hurt... he says with a pained expression.
Vala comes around the corner at this, a soft smile on her weary face. "Don't worry dear. I was able to patch most of them up good as new. A few will need a nice night's rest, but it's nothing a little ice and warm soup won't fix at this point."
She stops beside Vermundr and shoots the man an brief look, plainly revealing her own exhaustion. Turning back to their charge, she asks, "What about you? Are you ok?"
Constantin taps Blând's hand reassuringly. "That's all right, don't feel bad. You've been through a lot today. Just try to relax."
Vala comes around the corner at this, a soft smile on her weary face. "Don't worry dear. I was able to patch most of them up good as new. A few will need a nice night's rest, but it's nothing a little ice and warm soup won't fix at this point."
She stops beside Vermundr and shoots the man an brief look, plainly revealing her own exhaustion. Turning back to their charge, she asks, "What about you? Are you ok?"
Bland doesn't reply, he just looks glumly at the floor. Which, in many ways, is answer in itself.
I want to go home. he grumbles, tucking his knees in tighter. I miss my Dad.
"That's only natural. Sometimes, when we can't go home, it helps to think about home and family, or talk about them." Speaking gently, Kazmair settles, cross-legged, on to the floor in front of the cage.
"My father was a dock worker. He spent all of his days moving crates and barrels, and came home every night smelling of salt and tar. Now, he mostly gardens and fishes. I have not seen him for months now - I miss my father, too.
What is your father's name?"
Vala offers softly, "Dear, the final day of the trial is tomorrow and given what we learned today, there isn't a doubt in my mind that you'll be freed once it's done. If you like, I'll go with you afterward and we can visit your dad together." Inwardly, she hopes the offer is enough to coax him from his dour mood and get him to engage with Kazamir.
Bland's lip trembles as Kazamir reflects on his own family situation.
You must miss your Dad an awful lot too, huh? he muses.
As the subject of his own parentage comes up, Bland begins to look confused, and then embarrassed.
Ummm... his name is 'Dad.' I suppose. he continues quickly. It was just him and me and Mum for a long time. We lived in a castle in the clouds and I really liked it there. he begins to laugh as he remembers, his eyes sparkling as he looks off in the distance, imagining who knows what. I used to play in the waterfall and Dad would shout at me in case I fell, but I never did. he adds with a grin. Cos I'm strong so the water never bothered me none but then I'd come in and Mum would have a fire and she'd dry me off and sing to me or sometimes Dad would sit in his armchair and read me from his Book of Words. And one time he wanted me to help with his work cos he had this big machine and his... umm... wheel-thing... broke so he couldn't lift it but I could lift it and I didn't drop it once, not even when I had to hold it a long time while he did some screws and he was scared I'd get tired, but I don't get tired so it was fine and..... his big, toothy grin begins to fade then, as suddenly as it had spread across his ugly, patchwork face.
But then Mum got sick. And Dad never had time for me then. He always told me to leave him alone because he was working and trying to make Mum better. But he couldn't and she left us. he sighs.
The Castle in the clouds got quiet and sometimes I'd try to sing like Mum used to but I could just hear myself and it sounded kind of scary. We never really had a fire after that and that was kind of the best part about playing in the waterfall anyway.
I think Dad must have been real lonely then. Because he turned mean more often and then one day he said "Get out of here! I don't want you around any more!"
I don't know why he hated me but I didn't want to make him sad and angry any more so I went to the swamp. He snorts a bray that sounds so like laughter but you know by now is a tearless sob.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Zed looms in silence as the others engage with Bland. If he doesn't have the mind of a child, than this is the most convincing con I have ever seen. He gives a short exhales of humorless amusement. I wonder if they would be enthralled with stories of MY father.
After a bit Zed looms forward. "Where do you grow up? Do you know if your dad is still there?"
The Beast of Lepsitadt, killer of children, destroyer of Sanctuary, child-like and simple; recoils from Zed's stern gaze.
I.. yes... he is... I hope. I don't know. he stutters, frightened.
His demeanour changes then and his mouth becomes taut line.
I'm not to talk about it. Dad said if I was ever asked then I was not to talk about Home.Not even with friends, I guess. he adds, clamming up suddenly on the subject.
Zed shrinks back. Stop. You're not helping. Zed does his best to relax his posture and come off more empathetic. "You might need to. Your dad could prove your innocence."
At this suggestion, Bland shakes his head vigorously.
Uh-uh. It don't matter how mean Dad was to me, I know it's a cos he's sad really, like Miss Hazel said. An' I won't get him in trouble, they might think he done what they said I done. Or that he helped me do what they say I done..... whatever that is...
Besides, Ms Vala said it would be alright. Didn't you..? he asks, looking up at the old woman with his mis-matched eyes.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Vala spins on Zed at this, her eyes wide with shock and anger. "Zed! How dare you try to manipulate him like that! You know full well what we've found and how strong the evidence against that murderous pair is." She looks as if she might say more, but after a moment's pause she opts to swallow the words in a stiff sigh instead.
Turning her attention to the rest of the group, she states in a crisp, teacherly tone, "We've had enough excitement and conversation for one night. Let's go and prepare for the final morning of the trial." She looks back at the Beast and offers a little more warmly, "Yes, dear. I've no doubt the judges will rule in your favor tomorrow. You needn't worry about that any longer. Now, are you alright on your own in here for one last night? Do you need us to bring in more lights for you before we go?"
Bland pulls himself up, towering over the group as he does so and lifts the giant iron chair with one hand, setting it right again. Once again you are reminded of the incredible, raw power possessed in those stitched, salvaged muscles.
Just the ones that got knocked over, please. he says, sitting heavily in the chair. beyond the bars between you. That would be ok. If it's just for one moe night, I mean.
"I won't argue with that. I need to check on Kendra anyway. I've been avoiding the trial but I think I'll attend tomorrow - just in case."
Zed doesn't wither under Vala's gaze like others do, but he does stop. She had been one of her race that has proven nearly as wise as Petros.
The skull and black gag motif that Bland was describing in his dream is a Whispering Way sigil. The gagged skull is an important symbol in their cult.
Exhausted and full of questions that only breed more questions, the party finally makes it back to the Inn and once more beds down for the remainder of the night.
Eventually, the morning comes and each of you gets up later than usual, only leaving yourselves a couple of hours before the final day of the Trial.
After making what preparations they can, the party is ready to face the justices for the final time.
The talk of the city is last night's events. The ringleaders have all been locked up, although in a location separate from the Beast.
Making their way into the court, you can see the mood of the onlookers hasn't improved any despite the arrests and the vitriol and open hostility from most of them toward you is clear.
Eventually the Beast and the justices enter and after a final few words of good luck from Kendra and Professor Derlith who has decided to stay for the outcome, the trial begins.
Prosecutor Kaple outlines his case that the Beast did indeed burn down the Sanctuary at Karb Isle and that the witness, Karl, saw a huge shambling Beast resembling Bland fleeing from the blaze.
He also adds that the events of last night demonstrate that even whilst locked up the Beast is dangerous and putting him down is nothing short of a public service.
Then it is up to you to put across your case.
1 The witness to the fire was disoriented when he saw the beast. Could he be certian this was the same creature?
2 the tools found in Hergstag near the disturbed graves pointed to Vorkstag and Grines.
3 There were invoices etc in the ruins of the sanctuary again pointing to V &G.
4 One was a skinstealer with a beast sized skin suit.
5 The skin stealer had a jagged scar on his shoulder consistent with a Cayman bite.
6 Anything else?
We should definitely point out the bodies in the chymic works. In fact, as much hideousness as the judges will let us squeeze in...
[dice=Kn. Religion]1d20 + 8
"Ugh...I'm so nervous, I think I'm going to be sick,"
As you take your seats on the defence benches, Professor Derlith leans forward. A few people mutter behind him disapprovingly.
I could care less about what they think any more. he says, fixing Hazel with a smile, his clear blue eyes locked on hers. He reaches across and gives her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. You could do great things Hazel, you just need to believe in yourself. Look at what you've done here already. Whatever the result, no one will forget how hard you fought for this creature, to give it a chance.. You've been remarkable, all of you.
Kendra, dressed for the occasion in a plain white dress with simple blue belt, agrees;
He's right Hazel. Now all you have to do is tell the truth of what you found and Bland will walk free!
A ripple of tension runs through the gathered audience as the defence shuffles their papers and prepare to take the floor.
1 The witness to the fire was disoriented when he saw the beast. Could he be certian this was the same creature?
2 the tools found in Hergstag near the disturbed graves pointed to Vorkstag and Grines.
3 There were invoices etc in the ruins of the sanctuary again pointing to V &G.
4 One was a skinstealer with a beast sized skin suit.
5 The skin stealer had a jagged scar on his shoulder consistent with a Cayman bite.
6 Anything else?
So, lets start with a recount of the burned-down sanctuary, including the dead guy's testimony, and the pointers to V&G's. Cover the uncertainty about what the witness saw. (Vala, do you want to take this?)
Then lets revisit the Herstag testimony - cover the caiman bite and lack of mark on Bland, the tools we found, and the fact that we tracked them back to V&G. (Hazel?)
Then lets cover the visit to the Chymic Works in gruesome detail, with the body tank, the fact that they were Norbergers - Grimes even being a priest thereof (Neg energy channel) and the fact that Vrokstag was a SkinStealer, had a bite on his shoulder, and had a big ugly skin with the caiman bite. (Zed, I think you'd be the one for this.)
Constantin, maybe cover the odd episodes with Bland, establishing that he may be externally controlled. Establish that someone has a motive for using him, and seeing him disposed of afterwards. V&G may just be using the opportunity to wreak their own mischief, but they MAY be in league with whatever is using Bland - somehow tied to the theft at the University (FOR WHICH HE IS NOT ON TRIAL - probably because it would be unlikely to lead to his execution?) Include the episode that 'panicked' the guards and nearly got Bland lynched - conveniently after some unexpected wackjobs showed up and actually offered a vigorous defense...
If the GM, the court, and my esteemed colleagues permit, I'd like to close - tie everything together, lay the blame at V&G and a mysterious actor.
Maybe that name we couldn't track down?
As always, just my suggestions. Thoughts? Anything I've missed?
Vala rises from her seat for the third time in as many days before the gathered crowd and justices. She doesn't speak at first, instead letting her gaze quietly drift from justice to justice, holding each set of eyes for a moment before turning her face to the crowd and their charge, caged amongst them. Pyth flits by to land on the Beast's shoulder and offers his mistress a simple nod of encouragement.
"Today, the defendant is being tried for the fire at Karb Isle. Karl did see a large, ponderous creature but it was not the defendant. At the site of the fire, we found one basement room that had remained untouched by the flames, and within that chamber a number of documents and other grisly artifacts from the blaze. Among that detritus were the remains of Doctor Brada, who we were able to question as we had done with victims at Morast. Brada's own testimony was that the fire began due to an argument with Vorkstag and Grine. The doctor grew afraid when Vorkstag threatened him and as Grine transformed, and in his fear he tried to flee - knocking over a lantern which inadvertently started the destructive blaze."
She pauses, letting the sequence of events settle before offering more. "Karl is right in that he witness a hulking creature lumbering away from the fire - but he is wrong to assume it was the defendant."
The crowd murmurs their discontent at the mention of speaking with the late Dr Brada, almost regardless of the message he may have conveyed.
A few people shift uncomfortably in their seats and one whispers; .....necromancy... to a lady sitting net to her.
As she concludes her defense, Vala turns to return to her seat, looking more like a haggard, exhausted senior than a respected member of the university staff. As she steps away from the podium, her eyes stay fixed on her feet as the whispers and murmurs chase after her. She doesn't even look toward her cherished niece as she hurries away from the focus of the crowd and judges.
The crowd seem to b getting somewhat restless at this line of evidence. The murmurs begin to grow louder to the point of Justice Darramid brings her hammer down sharply and calls for silence.
But Prosecutor Heigl picks up on it and he stands, leaning dramatically forward on his desk;
Your honours, what is the point of this? Are the defence merely employing delaying tactics?
The Justices whisper among themselves for a moment before the Chief Justice says;
We will hear it, for now. he says, looking pointedly at the defence.