"While I cannot speak for all in attendance, my lady, I am sure the good knight errant Sir Darren and myself have vested interest in seeing the due process is meted out to this...beast." Bowing his head Franc awaits the others' input.
"That is a generous offer, Judge. And my companion Franc speaks truly -- I will gladly assist you in guaranteeing the Beast a fair, unbiased trial. Indeed, I am afraid that we have heard some mention of this Beast around town, and the people seem incredibly anxious. All in all, we've only been hearing about the bad side of the Beast to such an extent that I'd never have guessed it could have goodness inside it."
"I do have a question, if you wouldn't mind. Doctor Crowl informed us earlier that the Beast is actually a sentient flesh golem -- does anyone know where its sentience came from, or perhaps know who could have created it?"
She nods as the members of the group begin agreeing to help.
As Darren mentions what Dr. Crowl said, she holds up her hand. "Please, hold your questions. I cannot provide the answers you seek. I do not give that replay to be difficult, but in asking you to investigate, I would like you to search for your own answers, and form your own opinions."
"And I shall provide you the name of the man who is currently assigned to defend the Beast in court. He will be able to give you more detailed information, as well as supply some details I do not yet have."
Judge Daramid rises from her seat, "Please, wait here a moment."
She leaves the room, then returns a few minutes later escorting a man. He is tall and lean, wearing comfortable robes that are more functional than stylish. His long hair is graying, and a bit unkempt, giving him a look very similar to many of the men you saw earlier at the University of Lepidstadt.
Daramid speaks, "Friends, this is Professor Faradir Rokannon. I had just started briefing him on the same offer I made you. I trust Faradir, and so did Petros Lorrimor. Perhaps you should introduce yourselves and see if all of you might be able to work together on this. I think you would find his talents useful for the task I'm asking you to undertake. I shall get some refreshments."
She looks at Professor Rokannon, "These people were some of Petros' favorite proteges, just like you." Patting him on the arm, she leaves the room.
Professor Rokannon nods briefly to each of you, then as Daramid leaves he starts and turns.
"Wait! You know very well I was never..." Daramid gives a brief grin as she shuts the door behind her. "...an apprentice of his!"
Frowning with irritation he fishes in his belt pouch until he finds a pipe, loads it and ignites it with a word and a burning fingertip.
He puffs on it and an aromatic smoke arises.
"Fool woman! You'd never guess she is arguably my best friend outside of the University. The only one left I suppose." His ire diminishes to somberness as he looks at you all keenly.
"I... heard that Petros had died. I received the invitation to the funeral, but there was no way I could break away from the examinations to attend. I hope that he was honored properly. You were his apprentices? Did you ever find out what happened? I cannot quite believe it was the accident the papers claimed it was."
"Some of us yes others no. I am Sir Franc DuMein, servant of his most honored five winged lord, Ragathiel. I once had the fortune to come upon the the professor in a time of need and saved his life. In turn he gave me far more knowledge than I had of catching the shambling dead unaware. I came to investigate the good man's death."
Roland looks quite surprised as Professor Rokannon is led into the room. After the judge leaves, he hesitantly steps forward and offers a hand.
"Professor, it is a pleasure to, ah, to meet you in person," Roland stammers. "I am Roland Savardson. I was one of Professor Lorrimor's, ah, students right here at the University. Your reputation precedes you, sir."
Whether or not Rokannon takes his hand, Roland carries on.
"We discovered that the Professor was murdered while investigating the ruins of Harrowstone prison..." He glances back at the others, trying to decide how much more he should say, then turns back and carries on in a lower tone. "We believe the, ah... Whispering Way may be involved."
Roland turns back to the rest of the group.
"It goes without saying that I am committed to finding out the truth of this, ah... matter. If there was a crime committed against the University, I should like to see the real culprit brought to justice."
And you have good reason to give a beast the benefit of the doubt, don't you?
Roland frowns and loudly clears his throat - a sign of sudden discomfort easily mistaken for impatience.
|
Shanoa extends her hand as well. "I wasn't formally apprenticed to the late professor, but he did teach me much. As Roland said, we discovered some disturbing information about his death and the group that caused it, and continue to investigate them where we can. Meanwhile, I would also see this matter of the beast dealt with properly - I would hate to see an innocent punished unjustly for the crimes of others."
I am Karl. The professor always gave me good counsel, and I tried to do what I could to aid him in turn. We did our best to see him properly buried, and to continue his work. As Roland says, we have strong evidence linking the death cult to Petros' death, and to other ill deeds in Ravengro. I myself grew up near here, and though I never encountered this beast, Lady be thanked, I did hear tales, mostly bad, though a few good, as the judge described.
Karl offers a boyish grin and extends his hand to Rokannon. Be welcome among us. I know that Professor Lorrimor would have counseled us to aid Judge Daramid and do what's right. I hope you'll bring your knowledge and insight to aid us.
"Darren Cayle is my name," Darren says, offering the Professor Rokannon his hand. "Dear Professor Lorrimor counseled me many years ago after I suffered a terrible tragedy in my home city of Karcau. He'd heard news of the incident, then helped me recover so that I could grow up and become a warrior and, eventually, a faithful servant and knight of Iomedae."
"And I'm afraid that my companions speak truly of the Whispering Way cult... when I was traveling to the funeral, I was captured and dragged into the Harrowstone and would have assuredly died in there had Roland, Shanoa, Karl, and Oorin not found me." "I am happy to have another qualified individual help us look into this Beast business. My skills are much more sword-focused, I'm afraid, so another having another intellectual around will I'm sure speed things along as begin our investigations."
Judge Daramid returns a few moments later, smiling thinly as she sees everyone introducing themselves.
She waits for a break in the conversation, then interjects, "Now that you all know one another, I would like to return to my previous inquiry. Some of you have agreed to help, while others have yet to give their answer. Are you willing to assist me in my efforts to make sure Lepidstadt remains a civilized city ruled by law and reason?"
Professor Rokannon returns the handshakes as they are offered and listens carefully to the statements and stories.
As Daramid makes her demands, Rokannon turns to her with a somewhat amused look.
"I seem to recall already saying yes. Do you need it written as a legal contract? Signed in blood? While dancing around the city commons throwing flowers and singing your praises?"
Rokannon draws on his pipe and blows a smoke ring into the air. Then wiggles his finger () to make it orbit over Daramid's head in an unlikely halo.
"Are you willing to assist me in my efforts to make sure Lepidstadt remains a civilized city ruled by law and reason?"
"Ah, yes," Roland nods. "As I was just saying to Professor Rokannon, I am definitely interested in finding the, ah, truth of the matter."
Daramid grimaces at the Professor and waves her hand through the halo. "Not today, but maybe later - I like the signed in blood offer." She says with her grimace turning to an amused smirk.
"Since people are agreeable, I shall make the proper introductions."
Judge Daramid procures several pieces of paper from her desk and hands them to Professor Rokannon.
"These are letters that appoint you as volunteers for the Court of Lepidstadt. In this position, you are able to assist in the defense of a witness against his or her accuser. The Beast's defense is currently led by Barrister Gustav Kaple. While I have nothing personally against the man, I shall just say that he was hand-picked to ensure a quick end to the trial... and not in the Beast's favor."
"It is late now, so the Courthouse is already closed for the day, but you should present yourselves in the morning to meet Mr. Kaple and find out how you can assist in the efforts to ensure a fair trial."
"If there is nothing else you need from me, I shall bid you all a good evening."
Professor Rokannon examines the letters closely before handing them out.
"Mmm. Officers of the Court". He looks at the now closed door. "And she would not just hand these out; she believes we will have need of the official status."
Professor Rokannon will shanghai as many of the companions as he can to question them about their investigations.
Who did what and when? Did you find any supporting evidence? Find any papers or books? etc. After which he will return to his rooms for the evening.
Roland is happy to talk to Professor Rokannon on any topic, whatsoever.
Expecting their might be more trouble during this investigation, he also makes a point to stop by the local armorers.
As Roland also lives at the University, he'll head to his rooms and sleep "at home" tonight - the first time in months. It gives him an opportunity to begin looking over some stuff he had to leave behind before the trip to Ravengro.
Before bed, he tries to brush up on his "Flesh Golem" lore.
The night passes uneventfully and the group meets again early the next morning in front of the Courthouse. Presenting your papers to the guards elicit bored responses and requests for signing a variety of documents, as well as instructions about conduct inside the Courthouse - namely, don't cast spells or draw your weapons.
Barrister Gustav Kaple occupies a small office on the top floor of the three-story building. His desk and floor are covered with stacks of paper and files. He is examining a thick sheaf of paper when you knock.
The man looks up and peers at you through thick spectacles. You can see his hair has passed well beyond "gray" and is firmly in the "white" category. His voice cracks with age as he waves a gnarled hand at you, "Come in, come in, what can I do for you?"
Professor Rokannon draws on his pipe as he looks over the Barrister.
"I am Professor Rokannon. I and my associates here are Officers of the Court and instructed to assist the defense and ensure a fair trial for your client."
Karl accompanies Roland to the armorers and procures an enhanced chain shirt of his own.
He then drags the alchemist to the local apothecary where he purchases several strange concoctions, after Roland verifies that they are as the seller purports them to be.
He then releases Roland with promises to see him tomorrow and makes his way to a Bowyer, a Jeweler, and an Ostlery
He ends his shopping at the clothier where he buys clothing and accessories suitable for court, then a vintners, where he buys a bottle of fine wine.
He visits the grave of his mother, and toasts her with the wine. Later, he finds a room for himself and a stable for his new mount, and spends the evening sharpening arrows with his whetstone, then preparing the blanched arrows .
In the morning, Karl presents himself with the others at Kaple's office in his new court clothes. Karl, he says by way of introduction. I may be able to help find witnesses, procure evidence, that sort of thing.
Barrister Kaple sits back and scans through the papers provided by Judge Daramid. "Please, have a seat." he says while indicating several chairs scattered about his office.
He finally looks up and puts the papers on his desk, then looks at each of you in turn. "I'll take all the help I can get, but I can't imagine why you would volunteer for this assignment. The people all over town are going to be livid when they hear the Beast has strangers defending him."
"As for your questions... the Beast is charged with three crimes, each consisting of several murders and property destruction, though it's the killings that will see the creature locked in the Punishing Man - it's out back if you want to see it." he says with undisguised disdain.
He pulls a folder down from a large stack and begins thumbing through it. "Now let's see... Here we go. The first crime was the slaughter of 10 people in the village of Morast a year ago. The next, killing six children in the farming hamlet named Hergstag. Finally, the destruction of the Sanctuary on Karb Isle. It was a hospital for people who were sick in the mind. All of the patients and the chief administrator, Doctor Brada, were killed. The assistant administrator, Karm, was blinded."
"As for witnesses..." He pulls another folder down and leafs through it.
"From Morast we have Elder Lazne. He and the villagers actually caught the Beast, but it escaped. He led the group who went into the swamp to try and recapture the monster."
"The witness from Hergstag are three sisters; Garrow, Starle, and Flicht. The village is abandoned now, but they lived there during the murders. They saw the Beast killing one of the children, a girl named Ellsa."
Eyeing "Finally, we have Karm himself. He claims his last image was that of the Beast as it escaped from the burning asylum."
He closes the folders and looks at you. "I have also questioned the witnesses myself, and their stories ring true. I am not saying that I am infallible, so if you think it would help, feel free to verify the details of their accounts. Lazne still lives in Morast, while the sisters and Karl both live in Lepidstadt."
"The trial schedule is set as follows: We have two more days to prepare, then we have to defend against the Morast evidence the next day. The next day Hergstag, and the day after that, Karb Isle. Evidence is presented from eight in the morning until noon. As members of the defense team, you are welcome inside the rails to sit with me at the table. That said, no arms or armor are allowed inside the railing, so if you choose to join me, it must be unarmed."
"As for speaking to the Beast, you're welcome to try, but despite my best efforts, the creature appears unable to communicate. Or maybe it can, but chooses to remain silent. It's actions at the museum indicate some level of intelligence, so I know it can think and react, but it has so far chosen not to communicate. Regardless, I can take you to see the creature, and as members of the defense, you can simply head directly there after I introduce you to the guards."
Professor Rokannon nods; the task presented was fairly straightforward.
But... He frowned deeply as he smoked and considered what they had heard.
THREE mass murders? One of nothing but children? If anything, Judge Diarmuid underestimated the scope of the problem...
Karl shrugs and grins at the barrister. Strangers often draw ire from the locals. Have no fear, we can take care of ourselves.
He looks to the others, hoping for agreement. We're here to help, and will follow your lead, but have you no witnesses for the defense? I grew up west of here, and I remember tales of this creature, mostly foul, for certain, but some where it did good instead of ill. Is there no one to stand for this creature? Perhaps they could be found.
He furrows his brow, deep in thought before turning back to Kaple. Or would we be better served to question the witnesses against the Beast? We could journey to Morast, and seek out the witnesses here in Lepidstadt as well. What would be most helpful to you?
"I understand the calls of vengeance, but how is it that this beast seems to be ranging so far? In my experience, predators of all sizes tend have a territory they most often adhere to. Crossing channels and vast expanses is not common, though it is not unheard of. I am unconvinced it could be operating alone. A much greater threat is pulling the strings here. Mark my words."
Roland listens to the staggering amount of evidence being leveled against the Beast quietly, but with obviously growing concern.
"Or would we be better served to question the witnesses against the Beast? We could journey to Morast, and seek out the witnesses here in Lepidstadt as well. What would be most helpful to you?"
Roland interjects. "I believe we should, ah, focus on the evidence from Morast first. That's the part of the trial that begins in two days. The Hergstag evidence should be the next priority, then, ah, Karb Isle."
Roland taps his chin with a finger. "It's possible we may even be able to buy some time if we can prove some of the first charges false." He sighs. "Assuming they are, of course, ah, false."
"A much greater threat is pulling the strings here. Mark my words."
"Normally that would certainly have to be the case, but the Beast is renowned for being a flesh golem of singular, ah, self-agency." He crosses his arms. "That said, it's very possible for even a free willed creature to fall prey to, ah, outside influence."
Free willed is not the same as strong willed, eh?
Roland loudly clears his throat.
"At any rate, I should relish an opportunity to see the Beast first hand at some point."
"You no doubt correct in your observations,Brother Roland, but Does this not seem above even his free will? Has any one laid out a map marking the alleged attacks? There may be a clue which we have overlooked."
The rest of the day after leaving Judge Daramid's Darren also goes shopping around town. He spends a lot of time with an Armorer inspecting the light steel shields, and asks if one of the finest ones could be outfitted with some steel spikes . He also picks up a couple of spiked gauntlets to wear with his battered scale mail
Then he meets up with Karl at the stables and procures for himself a mount as well, vividly remembering the painfully long trek from Ravengro as he does so .
This bit of shopping out of the way, Darren then begins looking to see if there is a shrine or temple to Iomedae in town. If there is, he pays it a visit and introduces himself to the locals belonging to his faith, and spends several hours there praying before retiring for a few drinks at the bar and then, finally, renting a bed in town for the evening.
---------
Darren listens closely to Kaple's outline of the case before them. "Those are some severe accusations. True atrocities such as these must be investigated to bring their perpetrator or perpetrators to justice. I agree with my comrades, that we should proceed with the Morast evidence first. If this Elder Lazne still lives there, then I guess we should go see him: I daresay we shouldn't wait to question him until the actual court date!"
Kaple shakes his head at Karl's suggestion. "I've asked and nobody is willing to speak on behalf of the creature. Honestly, I can't blame them. The town is full of people ready to see the monster burned for its crimes. If somebody stepped forward to defend it, they would find their own lives on the line if the mob turned on them. I could use the power of the Court to compel people to testify, but they're scared so it wouldn't do any good, even if I could find a good witness."
"As for your second question, my focus has been on trying to place the prosecution's case in jeopardy - the easiest way to accomplish that is to try and pick apart the witnesses they have. But to that point, I don't have any physical evidence to challenge them with, only questions. If I had something, a footprint, for example, that I could show them and ask them to explain, that would be much better for the case than simply saying Are you sure that's what you saw?! six different ways."
Looking at Franc, "From what we can tell, the Beast stayed to the swamps north and north east of Lepidstadt, but that covers several hundred miles. As for an accomplice, nothing I've seen indicates that, but I agree with your wisdom. Perhaps that is something you can uncover in your investigation."
Kaple pulls a map out and shows the group where the attacks occurred.
-----
Seems like the consensus is to investigate Morast first, so that's what I'll plan after you're done in the Courthouse.
Any more questions for the Barrister? If not, he'll take you down to see the Beast.
-----
When Darren wakes up in the morning, he hears a woman's voice singing a song in a soft but clear voice. Surprised, he glances around the room to find a wispy form of a female hovering nearby. She bows her head, then speaks in a familiar voice, "My hero, you chose to release my soul from that cage, even though you could have kept me trapped and used my power for your own benefit. Such a decision is one made from a pure heart and noble purpose. Please, accept this as a token of my thanks."
She extends her ghostly hand and holds forth a shimmering white ribbon. "Darren, accept this as a token of my honor. Bear it as my champion, and know that it shall protect you from harm, should the need arise."
She smiles as her form begins fading, "My savior, know that I shall continue to watch over you as your life unfolds. Fare thee well, Darren Cayle."
When she is gone, Darren slowly gets out of bed and ruminates over the whole thing, turning the ribbon over and over in his hands. Eventually he wraps his forearm in the wispy thing and then emerges from his room for the day's duties.
Darren will hope to hear from the priest in the coming days, but is careful not to let these thoughts preoccupy his mind while they investigate. Someone especially perceptive would notice a new, glistening-white ribbon wrapped around his sword arm's wrist.
----
"Let's go see this Beast, then."
Professor Rokannon nods.
"Nothing for it but to begin." He lights his pipe, thinking.
He turns to the others with a worried look.
"Ah, I hope that one of you has some skill at ... ah, talking to people. Putting them at ease; that kind of thing. I fear I don't have the knack for it."
Seeing you have no other questions at this time, Barrister Kaple stands up and asks you to follow him. He leads you to a staircase and proceeds to the very bottom level. You can tell from the reinforced walls and doors that prisoners are likely kept on this level until their trials.
He leads you through one of the doors into a large room. Several men stand guard here. Kaple speaks to them for a minute, then ushers you into another door. "They'll let you down here without me in the future, just remember to keep your weapons sheathed. The guards here hit first and ask questions later, if you take my meaning."
Through the second door you enter a square room with an iron cage in the center. Chains run from the walls into the cage to restrain a massive humanoid creature seated in a metal chair. The Beast of Lepidstadt must be at least ten feet tall, and almost as wide. It's skin is a mottled gray color and is covered in wire stitches. The monster's arms are covered in feathers and fur and end in large clawed hands. A thick mat of dark hair hangs about its head, and its mouth is pulled up into what seems to be a permanent sneer.
The creature stares down at the ground as you enter.
Kaple stands to the side, "He's been like this ever since the guards brought him in. He won't react to anybody, and won't answer questions. I'm not even sure he understands where he is, or what we're saying. I've got a meeting in a little bit so I'm heading back up to my office, stay here as long as you want, and let me know if you discover anything that might help the case."
He exits the room and heads back through the checkpoint toward the stairs.
Before you sits the chained form of the Beast, what would you like to do?
"Amazing."
Curious, Professor Rokannon casts Detect Magic and examines the creature closely.
"Tell me, friend, what is your name? I am sure it is not beast. I can tell by the slump of your great shoulders you are not what they say you are.", Franc says in a amiable tone.
Karl nods to the guards and turns to Roland, pitching his voice low so that his whispers will not carry.
What do you know of these flesh golems, my friend? Would those crossbows even harm it? I mean, it's not really alive, is it?
Franc speaks to the creature, but it does not respond. In fact, it is so still, you would almost mistake it for a statue.
"Astonishing..." Professor Rokannon spoke while intently examining the creature. Pipe smoke wreathing about his head.
"A Flesh Golem it is certain. But... understand that Golems are mindless; capable only of preset actions programmed by their creators.
"This one... this "Beast" as they say seems to have a much greater degree of freedom of thought and action than I have ever seen, or even heard of was possible! Surely he is unique in his existance."
"Not at all,indeed.....
Karl hangs back and says little, unsure of how to converse with a beast, but doing his best not to make any threatening gestures or get in the way of the others.
The creature doesn't look at you, but it speaks in a soft voice, "Leave me to my fate, you cannot help me now. I tire of the chase. They have caught the Beast, let justice be done."
Karl tries to pick his jaw up off the floor. Is it truly justice though? he murmurs. Did you commit these crimes? Did you do it of your own will?
The Beast turns its head toward you, giving you the first full view of it's face. Metal stitches run up and down the sides of its face, with another across the bridge of its nose and under its right eye. Its mouth is pulled back into a frown from the scars and skin pulled tight around its jaw.
"If the real murderers are still out there, perhaps they will kill those that condemn me. I have been hounded for as long as I can remember. My good deeds have gone unnoticed, and the very sight of me causes men and women to take up arms."
"Just leave."
Startled, Professor Rokannon backs up a step.
"Ah. Sapience and sentience much higher than I estimated previously. Yes, I should say it is definately unique.
If there are real murderers out there, why should you take the blame? For gods sake, help us to help you!