”So ye’re the one who called it out? Good eyes, lad.” Valghaz said, relieved to have found such a strong witness. ”Brawling is one thing. But murdering a lass and her child? Fookin’ wrong that be. Ubersreik is more dangerous that I imagine it to be...”
Landolf smirks wryly before he replies to Valghaz. "No, not always. I'm not from the city, but just arrived myself to look for work on the docks or...hopefully...on a ship. I've been to Ubersreik before with my brothers, but it was never like this. The Emperor just replaced the governor of this area and things have been all messy since. If you just got to the Empire, you sure put your foot in a hornet's nest."
Landolf extends a hand in greeting to Ruprecht when he approaches. "And you did well to call for help. Hard to say whether it's made our lot worse off than before, though. The guards weren't being too picky when they threw us all in here. Still, we did some good out there I think."
For hours, various cell mates are taken away in ones and twos. Rumour has it the legal apparatus of Ubersreik is rapidly throwing fines at everyone who participated in the brawl before letting them go. Finally, there’s only the six of you left.
In the late morning, you all hear a Watchman calling your names. It’s the first time a group of six has been called together. As you exit the cell, you are clad in manacles and find a sizable escort of soldiers awaiting them outside the barracks. All of the soldier keep a firm grip on their weapons as Valghaz is led out.
Low-lying fog drifts over the streets and slightly muffles sound as the party is marched through the Precinct and over Ubersreik Bridge. As you approach the Marktplatz, you can hear the murmurs of a crowd in the distance. Your escort steer you towards a daunting stone building on the east side of the market: Ubersreik’s Town Hall.
A jeering crowd awaits you, only parting reluctantly as soldiers force them back to create a corridor. The crowd is yelling all sorts of encouragement and accusations: ‘Those are the ones that killed my cow!’; ‘Jungfreud scum!’; ‘Give ’em what for!’; ‘Murderers!’; ‘Serves you right, Altdorfers are here to help us!’; ‘Best of luck!’; ‘Go home!’; ‘3 to 1 says the bloody dwarf gets off wiv murder!’
You are led into the once pristine Nobles’ Court from which House Jungfreuds’ representatives used to make their rulings. The court’s stone walls are scarred with the marks of recent conflict. Bloodstains still show in several places where Jungfreud supporters were killed. Altdorf-liveried soldiers line the walls and makeshift benches are installed on an upper balcony for spectators. An elaborately robed judge draped in black and red, wearing a long, white wig sits upon a high dais peering down. A small pair of spectacles sits upon a long beak-like nose. He leans forward to study the party with evident interest. This is the right honourable Judge Melierte, a hard man, but generally considered fair. For an Empire judge that is...
Judge Melierte looks at his clerks. ‘Are these the accused?’ A clerk your names off one by one, pausing to look up each time awaiting a nod or similar signal from the name he called. Satisfied, the clerk nods to the judge. ‘Very well, read the charges.’ The clerk clears his throat and then intones: ‘You stand accused of destruction of private property, disruption of commerce, inciting a riot, contributing to general lawlessness, and murder.’
The Judge looks down at the party and asks, ‘How do you plead?’
Before you can say anything, a voice rings out in the courtroom: ‘Don’t say a word!’ A black- robed woman in a wig storms into the courtroom. She flashes a smile at you all and then, slightly breathless, turns to address the judge. ‘Your pardon, your Honour, but I need a brief recess to consult with my clients before they say anything they’ll regret.’ Judge Melierte looks from the woman to you all and asks, ‘These, Osanna? Really?’ He snorts and shakes his head before pounding his gavel once. ‘We shall have a short recess. Hensil, fetch me a pie, preferably one that wasn’t involved in the market brawl?’
You are swiftly escorted into a nearby antechamber. One or two lingering guards are all but shoved out by the woman who firmly closes the door behind them, before turning to the party with a winning smile. ‘Well, it seems we’re in a spot of trouble, eh?’ Obviously, this is a massive understatement. The woman introduces herself as Barrister Osanna Winandus, ‘but, just call me Osanna, eh?’
Ruprecht was reduced to a sputtering denial as the charges were read out , only to be silenced by who now appears to be their barrister.
In the antechamber, he bows low to Osanna, "Ruprecht Scheinfelder, at your service, Ms ...Osanna, you say?"
"And as for the charges read...No..No..No..Definitely No...perhaps..and No! We were caught up in the riot that is for certain, but murder? We...well, they " he says indicating Landolf and Valghaz, "were merely defending the honor of a maid and her gram...threatened by three ruffians...the one slain was named Helmut..and one threatened Valghaz that he, the ruffian Helmut , was 'his nibs' favorite! Nothing to do with the riot at all! "
”This doesn’t make any sense!” Valghaz blurted out, feeling frustrated and anxious. ”If their clan, or family, wants restitution, why hasn’t anyone asked about me Clan? Surely this is a family matter for the elders to decide, aye?”
”And I’m not of this country. Isn’t there something in the law about that? They can’t make me take the oath, can they?”
"Thank you for your help, Ms Osanna. I'm not sure why you stepped in on our behalf, but anything is welcome at this point. And speaking of anything, could we arrange for some water? It can't be helping our case that we look like we crawled out of a pigsty. And smell like it."
Hopefully after wiping some of the muck off, Landolf thanks Osanna and continues. "Now, you said that we are in trouble, but what kind of trouble is this? No one has even questioned us or asked what part we each had in the riot. Are they just prosecuting us as a group? If we speak up, are they going to listen to what we say at all?"
IN THE STREETS
Talther calls after the ruffians:
"'His nibs' should not let his dogs go after children and the elderly!"
Then the guards arrive.
"Damnation."
**************
IN THE CELL
The man introduces himself, in a refined voice, offering a gloved handshake to any who will reciprocate.
"Talther. Talther Augenlos. Once I knew such villainy was afoot, I could not simply hang back. Though Valghaz here did the brunt of the work. Did anyone see what started that madhouse of a brawl in the first place?"
***************
IN THE COURTHOUSE
DAMNATION.
Talther looks about him, at the other five, trying to work out why he is in with them.
Well, besides the obvious.
Talther opens his mouth, about to deliver what he hopes is a sufficient speech to get himsel off the hook but likely not.
Then, an - ally appears?
****************
WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
"Miss Osanna, Talther Augenlos. Though I suspect that you already know that. While I thank you for your timely intervention, how do you plan to get us off the hook for these misdeeds that we are wrongly accused of? Mere talk of innocence seems insufficient."
The teeth of this gift horse shall remain unexamined. At least until afterwards, if there is one.
Ruprecht was reduced to a sputtering denial as the charges were read out , only to be silenced by who now appears to be their barrister.
In the antechamber, he bows low to Osanna, "Ruprecht Scheinfelder, at your service, Ms ...Osanna, you say?"
"And as for the charges read...No..No..No..Definitely No...perhaps..and No! We were caught up in the riot that is for certain, but murder? We...well, they " he says indicating Landolf and Valghaz, "were merely defending the honor of a maid and her gram...threatened by three ruffians...the one slain was named Helmut..and one threatened Valghaz that he, the ruffian Helmut , was 'his nibs' favorite! Nothing to do with the riot at all! "
"Osanna Winandus at your service Herr Scheinfelder. I regret that we are not meeting under my auspicious circumstances." Osanna is an attractive human female in her 30s, Osanna has ash blonde hair and grey eyes. She wears a sumptuous lawyer’s robe covered with intricately stitched owls sewn delicately in golden thread. She’s a quick-witted and clever speaker.
"I apologize Herr Scheinfelder but you seem to be suffering from a misconception about who you murdered, excuse me, are accused of murdering." She reads from a scroll she had claimed from one of the law clerks. She shakes her head as she reads it "They’re trying to lay the whole of the riot at your feet. Says here you started the brawl, attacked soldiers, near ransacked the town and… oh, dear, killed Fosten the Fiery. The children will never forgive you that one. He is a local entertainment legend after all."
”This doesn’t make any sense!” Valghaz blurted out, feeling frustrated and anxious. ”If their clan, or family, wants restitution, why hasn’t anyone asked about me Clan? Surely this is a family matter for the elders to decide, aye?”
[dice=Lore Local]1d100-31
”And I’m not of this country. Isn’t there something in the law about that? They can’t make me take the oath, can they?”
Osanna shakes her head slowly as Valghaz explains his point of view. "If only our human laws could be as logical as that of our noble dwarf allies. Unfortunately, many humans lack the honor of the dwarfs and reject the notion of clanship and shared responsibility. Because of that, the Empire has developed laws that constrain human activities and provide penalties for those that violate those constraints. The law itself does not differentiate between an honorable dwarf such as yourself and the meanest of the human beggar on the street."
Osanna is grim as she continues, "I am sorry but visitors to the Empire are held to the same laws as citizens and I am afraid that failing to make a plea would be considered the same as admitting guilt."
Seeing the somber looks on Valghaz's face, she does give him a small smile as she finishes, "but do not lose hope in the human justice system honorable dwarf because you have the best lawyer representing you that can be found outside Altdorf. By my ancestors, I swear that I will not let you be hung over a crime that you did not commit"
”This doesn’t make any sense!” Valghaz blurted out, feeling frustrated and anxious. ”If their clan, or family, wants restitution, why hasn’t anyone asked about me Clan? Surely this is a family matter for the elders to decide, aye?”
[dice=Lore Local]1d100-31
”And I’m not of this country. Isn’t there something in the law about that? They can’t make me take the oath, can they?”
"Thank you for your help, Ms Osanna. I'm not sure why you stepped in on our behalf, but anything is welcome at this point. And speaking of anything, could we arrange for some water? It can't be helping our case that we look like we crawled out of a pigsty. And smell like it."
Hopefully after wiping some of the muck off, Landolf thanks Osanna and continues. "Now, you said that we are in trouble, but what kind of trouble is this? No one has even questioned us or asked what part we each had in the riot. Are they just prosecuting us as a group? If we speak up, are they going to listen to what we say at all?"
Osanna nods along as Landolf explains his desire to clean up before appearing in front of the judge again. She raps on the door of the anteroom and shouts at the guard when he opens the door, "bring fresh water and clean rags for my clients immediately! Serr von Ubersreik wishes to make himself presentable." The alacrity by which the request is completed speaks to the respect that Osanna is held in by the court.
"They are indeed treating you as group. You are being treated differently than other defendants were earlier today who all received fines and were then released. You have been accused of these acts by everyone that was present at the riot. Everyone. And that is very suspicious in and of itself. In point of fact, I happen to know that one of the witnesses listed here is blind. You’ve been set up to take a fall, so we have to be very careful how we proceed. You have enemies, or maybe friends, in very high places."
IN THE STREETS
Talther calls after the ruffians:
"'His nibs' should not let his dogs go after children and the elderly!"
Then the guards arrive.
"Damnation."
**************
IN THE CELL
The man introduces himself, in a refined voice, offering a gloved handshake to any who will reciprocate.
"Talther. Talther Augenlos. Once I knew such villainy was afoot, I could not simply hang back. Though Valghaz here did the brunt of the work. Did anyone see what started that madhouse of a brawl in the first place?"
***************
IN THE COURTHOUSE
DAMNATION.
Talther looks about him, at the other five, trying to work out why he is in with them.
Well, besides the obvious.
Talther opens his mouth, about to deliver what he hopes is a sufficient speech to get himsel off the hook but likely not.
Then, an - ally appears?
****************
WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
"Miss Osanna, Talther Augenlos. Though I suspect that you already know that. While I thank you for your timely intervention, how do you plan to get us off the hook for these misdeeds that we are wrongly accused of? Mere talk of innocence seems insufficient."
The teeth of this gift horse shall remain unexamined. At least until afterwards, if there is one.
dice=Lore (Local) on the law and Osanna in particular 38]1d100
Talther has definitely heard of Osanna. She is a prominent barrister of the Reikland who typically handles the cases of the wealthiest merchants. She was partially trained by the Cult of Verena (which she shows by having owls stitched into her robes — a favoured symbol of Verena, Goddess of Justice, Law, and Knowledge). Typically, barristers only represent very wealthy clients, as they are the only lawyers allowed to address the higher appellate courts of the Empire.
Osanna nods along as you speak and then she addresses your question. "You have little hope of being found innocent if you plead not guilty, as you were involved in the riot. Rather, we will make a “no contest” plea, admitting neither guilt, nor claiming total innocence, though we will hotly deny killing Fosten." Osanna grins at this. "Generally heavy fees and hard labour in the Grey Mountains would be the minimum sentence with such a plea, but I have some sway with the court, and I know they have been requested to support the Watch in these trying times, as it is severely depleted…"
Ruprecht listens to Osanna's responses to each of the accused, trying hard not to get too distracted by her pretty grey eyes.
Nodding, he summarizes, "So it would appear that the riot was orchestrated by someone, or many someones, to get at this..Fosten the Fiery, you say? " he asks, and when she nods the affirmative, continues, "And now they have either paid or put the fear into all of the others to lay the blame on us newcomers...devious, and may I say, quite well done!" he says with a rueful smile.
He cocks his head at Osanna's last statement, "I think I gather your meaning, Osanna. In order to prevent us from joining the Jungfrued's hanging from the bridge, we may do our penance in the service of the City Watch?"
"Thank you, Ms Osanna. While I greatly appreciate your aid...I have little experience in matters such as this...I would like to ask why you have decided to assist us?"
At Osanna's mention of enemies, Landolf frowns. "That would be very strange. My family has been of no importance for generations. Even so, I could imagine malice being directed at us of which we were not aware. All the same..." Landolf looks around at his cellmates. "That would hardly explain the involvement of these fellows. I only arrived in town this morning, and I did not know any of them until the riot was well underway."
"We did attack a group of ruffians that were menacing an elderly woman who was protecting a well-dressed girl. That effort is perhaps the only thing that ties any of us together...perhaps this is some manner of revenge for our interference?"
"But in any case, you should know our stories. If all others have accused us of inciting the riot and murdering this Fosten fellow and you intend to provide a defense for us, you should know what it is that we saw."
Adelaida was brooding in the cell, keeping on herself. Sure, being a soldier prepares you to face Morr's embrace, and she had a few close calls earlier in her career. But she wasn't on a battlefield! The events on the Platz were as grim as they were stupid, but she would have prefered to get maimed or killed there instead of facing a tribunal.
Civilian's justice..hey, what did you expect? Martial law? You did your duty, and the brass did NOTHING to help you there. Nothing new, indeed. The grunts were always the casualties, not the higher up. And to say see ASKED to be integrated in that regiment, instead of staying in Altdorf, to be near her dying mom, to be able to buried her in Ubersreik's cemetery. Morr has already claimed one of her kind. Maybe it was only the beginning?
As the trial was about to begin, and a woman interupted it before things were serious Yeah, of course the jury is rigged, and the judge's bribed. Can't let an Altdorfer's soldier going back in her life if we can kill her legally, indeed!, she tried not to get her hopes stirred by miss Osanna's speech.
Nevertheless, the injustice and folly of all this was … it wasn't RIGHT. Going down without a fight? That wasn't her style, that wasn't how she lived her life so far, that wasn't what she learned in the file and ranks. You stand your ground, you do your bloody job, you hope the fellow by your side do the same thing instead of running away, and you do your best to cut down the opposition. They wanted to break her, with all their crooked laws? No one goes into war expecting a fair fight, anyway. Or they don't live long.
Anger builds up in Adelaida, as she rised from her seat, her eyes aflamed
Rise up, chin's up, chest out. I got nothing to fear if fear itself.You wanna pick a fight with me? I will make you my b*tch!
So tell us quickly how that work. What kind of strategy should we use? We don't know our foes, they have ambushed us, and may have the upper hand. But we can make this fight count. What do we have to lose, if not our lives?
Talther nods sagaciously, trying to work out who might have been responsible for this ploy to frame the group.
"Miss Osanna, your reasoning seems sound. Considering that we are being framed, can you offer any advice as to whom might be responsible? Or any potential course of action that may help us stave off further unwarranted punishment?"
Ruprecht listens to Osanna's responses to each of the accused, trying hard not to get too distracted by her pretty grey eyes.
Nodding, he summarizes, "So it would appear that the riot was orchestrated by someone, or many someones, to get at this..Fosten the Fiery, you say? " he asks, and when she nods the affirmative, continues, "And now they have either paid or put the fear into all of the others to lay the blame on us newcomers...devious, and may I say, quite well done!" he says with a rueful smile.
He cocks his head at Osanna's last statement, "I think I gather your meaning, Osanna. In order to prevent us from joining the Jungfrued's hanging from the bridge, we may do our penance in the service of the City Watch?"
Osanna let's you finish, nodding politely as you share your theory. "Herr Scheinfelder, you conjecture is most interesting and it fits the facts as they are known now. Irregardless of why this is happening, we must deal with the situation. And yes, the goal at this point must be to do what it takes to make sure that you're not soon swinging from the bridge and I believe that I may be able to convince the judge that service with the Watch would better serve Ubersreik than your executions."
Valghaz shrugged. ”Fine. I’m in. Can’t say I understand the logic, but ye know what? Fook it. Doesn’t matter to me whose strings are being pulled. Being in uniform is honorable work, even if it wasn’t what I expected to do.”
"Thank you, Ms Osanna. While I greatly appreciate your aid...I have little experience in matters such as this...I would like to ask why you have decided to assist us?"
At Osanna's mention of enemies, Landolf frowns. "That would be very strange. My family has been of no importance for generations. Even so, I could imagine malice being directed at us of which we were not aware. All the same..." Landolf looks around at his cellmates. "That would hardly explain the involvement of these fellows. I only arrived in town this morning, and I did not know any of them until the riot was well underway."
"We did attack a group of ruffians that were menacing an elderly woman who was protecting a well-dressed girl. That effort is perhaps the only thing that ties any of us together...perhaps this is some manner of revenge for our interference?"
"But in any case, you should know our stories. If all others have accused us of inciting the riot and murdering this Fosten fellow and you intend to provide a defense for us, you should know what it is that we saw."
Osanna give you a cheerful grin and says, "your efforts protecting the girl and her governess, Serr Landolf are indeed the reason I am here. The Karstadts care very much about their family and they remember their friends. Young Jocelin’s mother thanks you with all her heart… and my humble services."
"I do need to understand what you saw and what you did during the riot. Just to confirm, none of you own a crossbow, correct? At least none was confiscated when you were imprisoned after the riot."
Adelaida was brooding in the cell, keeping on herself. Sure, being a soldier prepares you to face Morr's embrace, and she had a few close calls earlier in her career. But she wasn't on a battlefield! The events on the Platz were as grim as they were stupid, but she would have prefered to get maimed or killed there instead of facing a tribunal.
Civilian's justice..hey, what did you expect? Martial law? You did your duty, and the brass did NOTHING to help you there. Nothing new, indeed. The grunts were always the casualties, not the higher up. And to say see ASKED to be integrated in that regiment, instead of staying in Altdorf, to be near her dying mom, to be able to buried her in Ubersreik's cemetery. Morr has already claimed one of her kind. Maybe it was only the beginning?
As the trial was about to begin, and a woman interupted it before things were serious Yeah, of course the jury is rigged, and the judge's bribed. Can't let an Altdorfer's soldier going back in her life if we can kill her legally, indeed!, she tried not to get her hopes stirred by miss Osanna's speech.
Nevertheless, the injustice and folly of all this was … it wasn't RIGHT. Going down without a fight? That wasn't her style, that wasn't how she lived her life so far, that wasn't what she learned in the file and ranks. You stand your ground, you do your bloody job, you hope the fellow by your side do the same thing instead of running away, and you do your best to cut down the opposition. They wanted to break her, with all their crooked laws? No one goes into war expecting a fair fight, anyway. Or they don't live long.
Anger builds up in Adelaida, as she rised from her seat, her eyes aflamed
Rise up, chin's up, chest out. I got nothing to fear if fear itself.You wanna pick a fight with me? I will make you my b*tch!
So tell us quickly how that work. What kind of strategy should we use? We don't know our foes, they have ambushed us, and may have the upper hand. But we can make this fight count....
"I admire you honest and straight forward approach to life, soldier. Too often I must deal with a battlefield where it is not possible to tell your enemies from your friends. Indeed you are in a fight to the death and my suggestion for a strategy is to do something that your foe may not expect and not play their game. Instead of attacking head-on, we will attack from the flanks by providing the no contest plea and agreeing to provide protection to the people of Ubersreik. Your training and experiences on the battlefield would be invaluable to the Watch and I think will go quite a distance towards convincing the judge that service in the city will be more valuable than hard labor in some remote mine in the Grey Mountains."
Talther nods sagaciously, trying to work out who might have been responsible for this ploy to frame the group.
[dice=Local Lore 38]1d100
"Miss Osanna, your reasoning seems sound. Considering that we are being framed, can you offer any advice as to whom might be responsible? Or any potential course of action that may help us stave off further unwarranted punishment?"
[dice=Charm 40]1d100
Osanna pats Talther on the hand,"Herr Augenlos, I wish I could tell you who might be behind this but I currently do not even have the beginning of a theory."
"You are limited to three courses of action. Plead guilty and swing. Plead innocent and take your chances with the 'mercy of the court’ if you wish. If you plead innocent and are held responsible for the death of Fosten the Fiery, you will be executed. If you somehow manage to talk your way out of that — not that the court will even bother to listen or give you a chance to explain yourselves — but are still found guilty of the other charges, at the very least, you’ll see several years of hard labour at Ubersreik’s penal quarry in the foothills of the Grey Mountains. It’s not a nice place. Prisoners there are frequently killed by raiding greenskins before their sentences are finished. Or, plead no contest and rely on my skill to get you a sentence doing time on the Watch."
Talther nods.
"I understand completely, Miss Osana. I indeed do not possess any crossbow. An irony does come to mind. This morning, myself and my former employer parted ways. I have experience in watching over and guarding nobility, while dealing with guards and commoners. So joining the Watch may not be such an ill fit for me. I will follow your recommendation."
Osanna greets Xavier warmly. "Hail Initiate of Verena. Some of the happiest memories of my life were spent in learning from the Priests of Verena. What small success I have as a barrister I owe to the Temple of Verena.
Her countenance becomes grave, "It is indeed unfortunate that you are caught up in this. If you can avow to the court that none of your group slew Fosten the Fiery it would go far towards getting the murder charge set aside. However, I must speak bluntly to you that there are entirely too many witnesses that state you were a participant in the riot to expect to have the other charges against you dropped."
Valghaz shrugged. ”Fine. I’m in. Can’t say I understand the logic, but ye know what? Fook it. Doesn’t matter to me whose strings are being pulled. Being in uniform is honorable work, even if it wasn’t what I expected to do.”
"Service with the watch is, or at least should be, honorable work. Have you met our current Watch? It’s mostly comprised of the very worst soldiers from the Altdorf State Army, aided by idiots and fools. Given your martial skills you should be able to quickly make your mark. Besides, it would help smooth matters in town if we had some more folk on the Watch who cared about Ubersreik and the people here."
At least I'll still be in an unifrom, kind of…
grumbles Adelaida
Valghaz just nodded. Was this like their version of the slayer’s oath? A tour of duty for the good of the town? He figured it was like like umgi to do everything halfassed. Regardless though, it was working out in his favor. He’d have a job and his pride. All in all, things could have ended up worse.
"By the Law and Order of my goddess, I took NO part in the death of this 'Fiery' person, and will take the Trial of Truth to prove it so, regardless of what this common rabble would say! The words of the goddess mean more than any mortal's mumblings. However, I could not honestly plead the same for these others, as I know them not."
He thinks about the possibility of the outcome of such a trial, and while he is sure he could indeed be vindicated, the others here would most likely hang...and that was no form of justice.
"My life is in the hands of the church...but I would not see the innocent punished if I can do something to protect them. I admit NO guilt for this riot, but I will give a plea of 'No Contest' and take the same punishment the others have been offered if my temple will allow it."
Osanna calls for a clerk of the court and orders him to carry your message to Temple of Verena immediately. "I completely understand and agree with you that given the circumstances you can not speak to the innocence of the others accused. I think you will have you answer from the temple soon. The clerk is a fast runner and I tip him a bit to never dawdle when he is performing a task for me."
Osanna chats with you about the Goddess Verena and the magnificent temple in Altdorf where she learned so much about the law. In less time than you would have expected the red-faced and panting clerk is back with a note for you sealed with wax impression of an owl. "This note comes from the hand of Heinrich Gutenberg himself, the high priest of the temple," the clerk gasps out to you as he hand you the note.
Talther nods.
"I understand completely, Miss Osana. I indeed do not possess any crossbow. An irony does come to mind. This morning, myself and my former employer parted ways. I have experience in watching over and guarding nobility, while dealing with guards and commoners. So joining the Watch may not be such an ill fit for me. I will follow your recommendation."
"It does seem as if Sigmar enjoys sending us ironic tests, does it not?"
Talther gives a thin smile.
"That He does. But this is one that I will make the best of. I will put my fate in your capable hands, Miss Osanna."
"Well, if divine providence has placed Herr March here, I believe it has done so for all of us! " Ruprecht exclaims, taking up one of Osanna's hands and clasping it in his own, meeting her eyes with his , their colors matching, "We are in you hands, Osanna!"
Osanna gives everyone time to ask any other questions that they might have and then stands and straightening her robe says "when we return to the courtroom let me do the talking unless the judge asks you a direct question. Do not lie, the court has ways of detecting lies. But be of good cheer, this unpleasantness will soon be concluded."
Osanna knocks on the door and tells one of the guards, "my clients are ready, please inform the judge.".
A few minutes pass and then the guards are back and proceed to escort you back into the courtroom. You once again stand in front of the judge.
Osanna declares to the judge that the party is not directly contesting the charges, but notes that you all certainly didn’t start the fight. She then claims the party only acted in self-defense, and unquestionably did not kill Fosten the Fiery. To reinforce this, she notes that none of the party owns a crossbow, the weapon by which the fire breather was killed.
Once Osanna finishes the judge call on each of you in turn.
"So, Serr von Ubersreik, whatever will your lord father say when he finds out what his son considers good use of his time? Do you not believe that a nobleman has to hold himself to a higher standard of conduct"
"Herr Ironhammer, you claim not to have killed Fosten, but I’ve seen a report that says you did kill others. Is it true that you cut off someone's arm with a shovel in the Marketplatz?"
"Initiate March, did you really dig around in the mud looking for money during the riot? How does that fit with the tenants of Verena?"
"Herr Scheinfelder, however did someone as educated as yourself get involved in this awful situation? It seems hardy likely you are involved by your own desire."
"Frau Lehner, why were you not with your unit in the barracks during this riot? Do you routinely ignore orders?"
"Herr Augenlos, how in the world do you expect to gain another position after this?"
Landolf looks to Osanna, wondering if this is a time he should respond to the judge.
Landolf looks to Osanna, wondering if this is a time he should respond to the judge.
Osanna nudges you forward to answer and tells everyone that the judge wants to hear them answer the questions he asked each of you.
Landolf winces as the judge mentions his parents. He thought he'd gotten over that with his abrupt departure from home, but apparently cutting his ties wasn't going to be that easy after all. Just because home didn't leave him with any better options than to leave didn't mean that he didn't have a good family.
Be careful. Don't say anything about being innocent right now. You can't mess up the plea we're making and there's no telling whether he'd think I was trying to take it back.
Landolf looked at the judge steadily. "I'm already a disappointment to my father, sir, although I'm sure that this won't improve matters at all. I can't change that now. What matters now is how I live my life from this moment on."
”Herr Ironhammer, you claim not to have killed Fosten, but I’ve seen a report that says you did kill others. Is it true that you cut off someone's arm with a shovel in the Marketplatz?"
”Aye. That I did. Only killed one man, and he had a knife pulled on a woman with her child. I’ll nay let anyone do that. Or are ye saying that it was wrong of me to defend a defenseless woman?”
With cold eyes glaring with a fiery anger, Adelaida answers
I was on a leave to bury my dead mother, judge, and today was my first day back on my unit. I'm sure my superiors will corroborate this fact. Hence my longer hair than authorised by the army's rule. It is the custom of my mother's people, back in Brittania, to let you hair grow while you mourn, and to cut them short when they die. So I was going back to my barracks, slowly, wandering a little in my ol" mom favorites streets. I knew she loved the joyous MarkPlatz, so that's why I was there. She took all the risks to bring me into the Empire, when I was just a baby, to assure I could do whatever I wanted to, instead of being a subservient citizen for all my life. I couldn't have become a soldier in Brittania, judge, just because I am a woman. And because I am a soldier, because I'm proud to wear the Altdorf uniform, because I swore to protect the lands, people WHATEVER THEIR POLITICAL OPINIONS MAY BE OR HOW STUPID THEY MIGHT BE, and the buildings, belongings and properties of the Empire, I joined the fight to protect my fellows soldiers, and I used reasonable force against those who attacked me, never drawing my sword.
"Your honour, I thank you for your concern about my career prospects. Whatever the punishment that you deem appropriate for these charges, I will strive to face with character and an eye to make the most of my situation. I will earn position, if position can be earned at all."
Landolf winces as the judge mentions his parents. He thought he'd gotten over that with his abrupt departure from home, but apparently cutting his ties wasn't going to be that easy after all. Just because home didn't leave him with any better options than to leave didn't mean that he didn't have a good family.
Be careful. Don't say anything about being innocent right now. You can't mess up the plea we're making and there's no telling whether he'd think I was trying to take it back.
Landolf looked at the judge steadily. "I'm already a disappointment to my father, sir, although I'm sure that this won't improve matters at all. I can't change that now. What matters now is how I live my life from this moment on."
"At least try to stay away from riots, Lord von Ubersreik. You should expect to hear from your Lord Father soon as he will be sent a copy of the final judgement."
When the judge finishes speaking with you Osanna pulls you over to the side a bit so that the next accused may speak.
”Herr Ironhammer, you claim not to have killed Fosten, but I’ve seen a report that says you did kill others. Is it true that you cut off someone's arm with a shovel in the Marketplatz?"”Aye. That I did. Only killed one man, and he had a knife pulled on a woman with her child. I’ll nay let anyone do that. Or are ye saying that it was wrong of me to defend a defenseless woman?”
"If the court thought you were in the wrong defending the defenseless we would be having a very different discussion. You did well aiding those in need. Now stand aside."
Osanna motions for Valghaz to stand with Landolf.
Stepping forward to answer the question when his time comes, Xavier looks to the judge and speaks.
"This riot was not of my creation and I attempted to retreat from the combat as swiftly as I could. Damage to many stalls had been perpetrated, and goods, broken and otherwise, were strewn about the place. The money was obviously belonging to one of these merchants and thus needed to be safeguarded for the inevitable return to its owner. I was attempting to gather this precious coinage for this purpose, but understand that I was not given the opportunity to return said wealth to the proper authorities as I was run over by a pig, then arrested and placed in a cell. All my goods are now gone, but if Your Honour has access to it, then I would ask it be returned to the proper owners, or given over to my temple for them to decide its bests disbursement.
Xavier steps back after this lengthy explanation and stands quietly as the others answer their own accusations.
"The money will be distributed as restitution to those merchants that suffered damages. I will not even deign to ask how you managed to be run over by a pig. Hopefully you will learn to keep you feet under you. Now stand aside."
Osanna gestures for Xavier to join Landolf and Valghaz.
With cold eyes glaring with a fiery anger, Adelaida answers
I was on a leave to bury my dead mother, judge, and today was my first day back on my unit. I'm sure my superiors will corroborate this fact. Hence my longer hair than authorised by the army's rule. It is the custom of my mother's people, back in Brittania, to let you hair grow while you mourn, and to cut them short when they die. So I was going back to my barracks, slowly, wandering a little in my ol" mom favorites streets. I knew she loved the joyous MarkPlatz, so that's why I was there. She took all the risks to bring me into the Empire, when I was just a baby, to assure I could do whatever I wanted to, instead of being a subservient citizen for all my life. I couldn't have become a soldier in Brittania, judge, just because I am a woman. And because I am a soldier, because I'm proud to wear the Altdorf uniform, because I swore to protect the lands, people WHATEVER THEIR POLITICAL OPINIONS MAY BE OR HOW STUPID THEY MIGHT BE, and the buildings, belongings and properties of the Empire, I joined the fight to protect my fellows soldiers, and I used reasonable force against those who attacked me, never drawing my sword.
[Fellowship test?(40)]1d100
"Extenuating circumstances or not soldier, you should have waited until an officer arrived on scene as your fellow soldiers were involved in a brawl and in no danger from unarmed civilians. However, your sword can still serve the Empire perhaps even in a role better suited for someone with your initiative."
He shoos you aside with a wave of his gavel and moves to the next defendant. Osanna gestures to where the others are gathering.
"Your honour, I thank you for your concern about my career prospects. Whatever the punishment that you deem appropriate for these charges, I will strive to face with character and an eye to make the most of my situation. I will earn position, if position can be earned at all."
[dice=Charm 39]1d100
"Well spoken young man, well spoken. Your attitude does you credit. Now join the other members of your merry band of misfits."
After Judge Melierte has finished with the questions and answers, he waves the barrister forward and briefly confers with her quietly.
Finally, he addresses the whole court:
"It seems fairly unlikely that these gathered here managed to assault the entire Marktplatz on their own. We also commend them on not bothering to waste the Court’s time on frivolous protestations of innocence. Thus we are inclined to be merciful."
"After careful review of the evidence and circumstances surrounding this case, it is my view that those who had a hand in disrupting the peace of our fair town should also have a hand in restoring it. I sentence you all to supervised duty on the Watch in order that you may work off your debt to Ubersreik. This duty will commence tomorrow for a period not to exceed three years. Failure to carry out your new duties shall be looked at as treason to the Empire and is punishable by death. In Verena’s name, I so rule. Your case is concluded. Hensil, bring me a glass of Bordeleaux."
Osanna grins at the Characters and makes a slight bow. "That went well didn't it? Three years of supervised duty is immensely preferable to an immediate noose. Besides, give me time, I may be able to work an alternative to this at a later date. Personally, I’m delighted with this outcome."
When it is Ruprecht's turn before the Bench, he stands and makes his way before the Judges with as much dignity as his soiled clothes allow.
Clearing he throat he begins, "Your Honors, I as with the other accused, was thrust into the riot unawares. I was confronted with a young man and managed to convince him to pantomime a fight in order both impress his lass, but also to allow us both to escape unharmed. I then took refuge with Father Xavier among the ruined stalls, and that is where I saw the Karstadts being threatened. Being in truth an educated man and a gentleman, I sought out those more suited to the cut and thrust of true combat. Luckily, the honorable Dawi, Valghaz and Herr Landolf were close enough to heed my call to arms. "
Here he pauses, then continues, "Your Honors, our Empire's courts are not known for mercy, so I will not beg for any. Our barrister has suggested service in the Watch as penance for being caught up in this disagreeable business. This seems a much less bleak outcome than many I can imagine. Any service I can provide the Empire, I will do so to the utmost of my abilities and character."
Then with a bow to the Bench, he retreats back to stand with the others.