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You arrive in Lepidstadt in the morning. It's early enough that the courthouse wouldn't yet be open. But it's late enough in the day that most folks should be awake and starting their daily routines.
You decide to visit Judge Embreth Daramid first. When you arrive at her fine townhouse surrounded by art in the center of Lepidstadt, there is clearly activity inside. Through the windows, you can clearly see the judge cleaning up after breakfast. She is in her sixties, with gray hair pulled back tightly into a bun and icy blue eyes.
Presumably, you knock on her door. She answers quickly: "Good morning. May I help you?" She seems like a stereotypical stern, no- nonsense woman who's all business.
Sense Motive to know more about Judge Daramid.
"Good morning, judge. We are here to learn more about the trial that is about to take place."
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"You're Petros' friends? Why don't you come inside and refresh yourselves. It's a bit of a hike from Ravengro." She gestures towards a table, inviting you to sit. She places a pitcher of water and a putcher tea before you and fetches an assortment of cups and mugs. She also lays out a plate of bread and cheese.
As she moves, she asks: "What do you have for me? Some of Petros' effects?"
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The fourth, the rich purple book with the lock on it, has a note indicating it should be delivered to Embreth Daramid, a judge at the Lepidstadt Courthouse (although the note asks for this delivery in particular to be handled discreetly, and includes the address of Embreth's home so that the party can deliver it there).
"In his will, Petros requested that we return this book to you." Blackheath carefully passes the purple book to the judge, holding it by a plain-paper wrapping.
Then, if no one objects, Blackheath launches into an account of the last days of Doctor Lorrimor, and all that the party learned about his murder while fighting the haunts of Harrowstone.
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And so, over the course of my lifetime, I have seen fit to acquire a significant collection of valuable but dangerous tomes, any one of which in the wrong circumstances could have led to an awkward legal situation. While the majority of these tomes remain safe under lock and key at the Lepidstadt University, I fear that a few I have borrowed remain in a trunk in my Ravengro home.
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Sharien can tell that the Judge is putting on a stoic face. But she is troubled (1) very deeply by the loss of her longtime friend, Petros Lorrimor, and (2) she doesn't have the luxury of grieving right now because there's something more urgent happening in town--the trial of the Beast.
Sharien can also tell that the Judge wonders if she can trust you (the party). She wants to be able to trust you--Petros trusted you with a posthumous request after all! But the troubles in Lepidstadt weigh on her heavily...
"Judge, I can tell that you are upset. Rest assured, your friend Petros put his faith in us for good reason. We cleared the haunting from Harrowstone, which was no easy task. We only wish to help bring justice to the killer in this town."
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"You are a very perceptive elf!" the judge says with a sincere smile. The smile does little to hide the fatigue on her face though, at the mention of her mood.
"I admit, Petro's death has affected me deeply. I've known him for such a long time."
She tries to gather herself and resume her professional demeanor. "Hm." She looks at, then unwraps, around the book. The judge squints at the title and murmurs quietly: "Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye"
But current events still bother her. And you all seem so trustworthy!
"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 I know that many stories are exaggerations or simply untrue. I also know that some people have different stories to tell about the creature—about its kindness and sympathy, 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, I have a keen sense of justice, and I 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 some concerns about the crime for which the Beast was finally apprehended—the break-in and theft at Lepidstadt University. I am 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 my suspicions could put me at great risk, both professionally and politically. As one of the three justices presiding over the Beast's trial, I am unable to openly intervene, other than insisting that the Beast be properly defended in court."
"What the situation 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 [i]if[i] there is more to the Beast's story, justice will be done. If the Beast is indeed guilty, then I can rest easier at night knowing that I gave it a fair trial."
"Investigate the Beast of Lepidstadt while expressly keeping me out of the equation! Any hint of collaboration in your investigations would put my legal objectivity into question. I will deny any involvement in the matter if pressed, but that if you do get to the bottom of the matter, I will be very grateful indeed!"
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"I would be honored to help. After our experiences in Harrowstone Prison, I can't help but feel that when law is enforced cruelly, it leaves a shadow over the land." Blackheath absent-mindedly rubs the scar left on his arm by the prison brand.
"I, for my part, will do my best to make sure this Beast gets his best shot at justice -- however that may fall."
"Yes, we'd be glad to help. If there is any chance that this "beast" is innocent of the crimes against it, it deserves a look into the circumstances. We will leave post-haste."
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As you ask around about the trial, it's easy to get a bunch of opinions about what's been going on.
(1) The single most prevalent opinion is: "Burn the Beast!" A majority of folks with whom you chat have this simple, single-minded opinion.
(2) Eventually, you find others willing to share more nuanced information: "I hear the trial's first day detailed a long list of crimes against the Beast, three of which are to be used as the basis of its execution—burned alive in the Punishing Man, a giant pyre that is even now being raised outside the courthouse!"
(3) You also glean information about the Beast's legal defender: "Ha! That fool barrister Gustav Kaple is defending the creature--he can't even get a whole sentence out without stuttering! The Beast is as good as dead! I've heard that the prosecution's case is watertight--murdering those poor children in Hergstag, killing all those swampers in Morast, and burning down good Doctor Brada's hospice. Hurrah for Prosecutor Otto Heiger!"
(4) In the extreme minority, you find a handful of folks who've acknowledge a gentler side to the beast. But, even they don't view him/it favorably: "Yes, I've heard stories that the Beast has done some kind things too, but it's plagued Lepidstadt for far too long. Even if it did do those things, that's just proof that the creature is mad and deserves to be burned!"
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The party makes their way to the courthouse. It 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.
Designed primarily as a fortification, the Lepidstadt Courthouse is built of dark stone, with walls of reinforced masonry. The building is three stories high, with narrow, open windows only a foot wide. All exterior doors are strong wooden doors with good locks.
In the square immediately outside the courthouse stands the Punishing Man, Lepidstadt's traditional method of executing murderers and other criminals guilty of capital crimes. 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.
As you arrive, 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.
You can see six guards around the courthouse. They seem to enjoy their newfound fame as the jailers of the infamous Beast of Lepidstadt.
Barrister Gustav Kaple, who has been charged with defending the Beast during the upcoming trial, has pretty much taken up residence in the courthouse--the work surrounding the trial keeps him busy night and day.
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There's a line around the block for the public to ogle the spectacle that is this trial. If you just force/cajole/whatever your way into the courthouse, you might upset the mob.
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One of the ladies near the front of the line says: "You can help me out anytime, officer!" as she blows him a kiss. The crowd immediately around her cheers with approval.
The guard smiles and puffs up his posture a bit. "Ahem. Now, now citizens. You know the rule: first-come, first served. Unless you have business with the court, you'll have to wait your turn in line."
He turns his attention back to the party: "Now, what was it you were saying?"
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"Very impressive!" says the clown to the guards. "I expected high standards from men of your position of course, but this is very admirable. I admire the way you've got the crowd under control here! An amazing show of authority. If you ever tire of your duties here, contact me. We are professional monster slayers -- I could tell you how many we've slain but you wouldn't believe it."
Blackheath drops his voice: "That's why we are here, actually, to see how we can help with this beastly situation. And I bet you have some stories to tell about your experiences with it -- how about if you tell us all about it over drinks after work? One professional to another. Right now, though, we had better slip in and offer our assistance in an official capacity. Don't worry about an escort, you can just point the way with that amazingly muscled arm... Do you work out? Let us discuss it over protein shakes later! You know how it is: business first!"
Blackheath continues to smile at the guards while he attempts to usher his companions past them.
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The guard flexes his arm mightily as he gestures to the door: "Well, if you have official business, you'd better get inside citizens!"
One of the ladies near the front of the line yells at the guard: "Hey! Wanna have some official business with me, big boy?" The crowd cheers again.
The party may enter the courthouse. Once you're inside, it's pretty easy to find Barrister Gustav Kaple's office.
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Blackheath shrugs his shoulders at the others and enters the room.
"Barrister Kaple?"
Should it be the barrister himself, Blackheath adds the following:
"I'm sure you've had just about enough of curious onlookers, cranks and threats lately, but If you will let us intrude on your time for a moment, we want to help. We are interested in getting to the truth of this matter and making sure justice -- real justice-- is done. We are not inexperienced in these matters. We just solved the mysteries of Harrowstone Prison and delived the town of Ravengro from the influence of evil. We are students of the late Petros Lorrimor -- perhaps you recognize the name -- and we are at your disposal. If you find yourself short-staffed or in need of a crew to do the legwork of the investigation, call upon us. Time is short for your defendant. Will you accept our help?"
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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 down- at-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.
Gustav looks up at you. In the moment of silence before he speaks, he truly looks impressive and competent. Then:
"Y-y-you wish to h-h-help?"
"I've no doubt that the Beast is guilty. But, it's my job to defend it to the best of my ability! I have been struggling horribly to find any evidence in support of the Beast's innocence. I could use some help..."
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 the party 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 the party finds any evidence that can help the Beast, it might be better for one of the party to present it.
The Beast is being tried for three crimes:
- murdering children in Hergstag
- killing swampers in Morast
- burning down Doctor Brada’s hospice
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. The party 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.
The prosecutor is Otto Heiger.
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"It sounds like you have your hands full. Perhaps we can start with Morast then... determine if the evidence that the swampers were in fact killed by the Beast is sound. Just.. out of curiosity. What exactly IS the beast?"
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Gustav Kaple escorts the party into the courthouse's cellar jail to meet the Beast of Lepidstadt.
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.