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15:29, 10th May 2024 (GMT+0)

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse.

Posted by Whispering TyrantFor group 0
Whispering Tyrant
GM, 22 posts
Awaits in Gallowspire
Thu 21 Oct 2021
at 15:17
  • msg #1

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

2:30 PM Moonday, 10th of Lamashtan, 4710

The Lepidstadt courthouse was a sturdy three-story building, it's front face dominated by an enormous clock.  It was built with security in mind: The doors were reinforced with iron, the exterior walls were thick stone, and the open windows dotting the structure less than a foot wide and protected with iron grates.  Two guards stood by at the main entrance, scale armor and halberds recently polished.  They seemed reasonably alert, though their attention was largely focused on the the town center where the nearly completed Punishing Man towered over most of the nearby buildings.

Inside, a third guard wrote down the name and address of each visitor before escorting the party to Gustav Kaple's office.  Their path took the party past a solid steel trapdoor, which clearly lead down into the town jail beneath the courthouse.

Gustav Kaple, duly appointed counsel for the defense, cut a striking figure at first glance.  He was a tall, broad shouldered man with a stern face, large expressive eyes, and thick dark hair that was clearly in the process of both going grey, and turning bald entirely.  Spread over his desk was a variety of legal documents, which he was searching through quickly and decisively.  This dignified impression lasted only as long as it took the man to notice the party standing in the doorway of his office.  Despite the group not being particularly quiet in their approach, he nearly fell out of his chair when he noticed them, then scrambled to his feet.

"Oh! Uh, hello.  I wasn't expecting any...wait, was I expecting you?"  He quickly checked a schedule on one end of his desk.  "No.  No, I don't have any appointments at all until..."  He trailed off, before apparently deciding to try again from the top.  "I'm Gustave Kaple, the public defender.  Um.  What can I do for you?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:33, Fri 22 Oct 2021.
Felix Axcici
player, 10 posts
Magus
Thu 21 Oct 2021
at 22:51
  • msg #2

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

"No, you were not expecting visitors, but I have a feeling that your client can use all the help it can get. It is never good for a barrister to see its client be the guest of honor, at an execution." Felix said.

"Something smells fishy with the whole thing and we would like your input."
Vrenna Charthagnion
player, 19 posts
Fri 22 Oct 2021
at 03:34
  • msg #3

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

  Vrenna lets Felix push Kaple even further off-balance while she settles into a terribly Professional bearing, then follows right on the scholar's heels.  "Good afternoon, Gustav.  After all I've heard, it's a pleasure to actually meet you.  Lady Vrenna Charthagnion, esquire, criminal defense—your new co-counsel.  I've brought along a small team of investigators who've agreed to payment arrangements that don't empty your purse at all."

  She turns as she mentions the others and sweeps an arm above the general congregation.  Her voice carries enough to catch attention from passing clerks, and the audience only makes her stand a little straighter and enunciate even more clearly.  "Your millstone of a case is about to make both our careers.  Are you ready to move fast?  I hear you know your way around a brief, and I'll need someone who knows local law top to bottom, to have any a chance before the justices."
Fala Lucalla
player, 10 posts
The Knight of Sorrows
+6/+3/+3 AC:21 HP:40/40
Fri 22 Oct 2021
at 23:08
  • msg #4

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

Fala stood by the group with her arms crossed in an attempt to strike an imposing figure, letting Vrenna apply her talents here where they were more suited. Fala decided not to muddy the waters of the investigation by bombarding the poor man with more questions than already presented.
Whispering Tyrant
GM, 25 posts
Awaits in Gallowspire
Sat 23 Oct 2021
at 13:21
  • msg #5

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

The barrister let out a short laugh in response to Felix's remark about dead clients not being good.  Well, it was probably a laugh, though it sounded almost like a cry of pain.  "Y-y-you don't need to tell me!  I've had a lot of clients--too many, really--meet the gallows lately, and I can't imagine being handed a hotter potato than the Beast of Lepidstadt.  I don't know why any of you would want to dirty up your reputations with something like this, but I'm not about to turn down help."

Turning to Vrenna, he raised an eyebrow in confusion.  "Co-counsel?  I hadn't heard any...Oh, you're the devil worship--that is, our v-visitor from Cheliax who came over to study at the University!  I don't know if the court would recognize you as a legal representative yet, it can be a bit of a long process... But I can sign you in as, let me think- A legal advisor and some volunteer investigators.  Give me just one second..."

Rooting through the various drawers on his desk, Kaple produced a copy of Abadar's Order of Numbers, a small sheet of paper, and a faded bronze badge.
He placed the book on the desk in front of the party.  "You can swear on whatever you choose, of course.  Though it is, uh, customary to take oaths on the Lawgiver's sacred book.  Anyways, repeat after me."

After giving the party time to sort out whatever holy symbol or other object they wished to swear on, ("Um, just put your hand on your heart if you don't have anything to swear on,") he brought up the paper and read it's words in a rapid, practiced voice.

"Repeat after me:  I, (your name here), solemnly and sincerely swear that I will truly and faithfully and to the best of my skill and knowledge execute and perform the duties that devolve upon me as an Investigator of the High Court of Vieland, to follow all local, provincial and national laws, to speak only the truth on all official matters, and to never disclose or make known, without due authority in that behalf, any matter that comes to my knowledge by reason of my holding that office."
Liviana Preda
player, 7 posts
Sat 23 Oct 2021
at 17:24
  • msg #6

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

Livi had followed along to the courthouse. The building itself seemed impressive, although the shaman hadn't seen many to compare it to. It seemed more a prison than a courthouse with the windows being covered with iron. Perhaps another day she would get the chance to explore inside, but for now she and the others were directed to an office.

She let the others introduce the group and their reason for arriving. Like they had suspected it did not take much to convince him to let us help. In the back of the barrister's office she placed a hand over her heart and repeated the oath as requested. It seemed a needless formality but that sometimes happened when dealing with religious institutions. "Now. What can you tell us about the case so far Barrister Kaple?"
Kara Sweetwater
player, 5 posts
Sat 23 Oct 2021
at 23:11
  • msg #7

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

Kara repeated the oath, her hand held over her holy symbol of Shelyn. It seemed a practiced pose. Once it is complete, she smiles at the barrister gently. "We'll do our best to help your client. Trust me, we all have an interest in seeing justice properly done."
Vrenna Charthagnion
player, 20 posts
Sun 24 Oct 2021
at 01:33
  • msg #8

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

  Vrenna watches the proceedings with a hand on the icon at her breast, but when her turn comes, she reaches for the attorney's scripture.  "Severally, as my higher obligations permit, I so swear."  Her tail lazily turns in a loop to one side after the other.  Something moves beneath her cowl.
Maritine LeGrasse
player, 13 posts
Human Inspector
Sun 24 Oct 2021
at 02:53
  • msg #9

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

Maritine keeps a neutral expression as the group arrives at the courthouse with the others, keeping careful watch on Vrenna - the chelaxian was likely used to suspicion, but she would be vigilant all the same, even with the judge's trust in their favor.

She pushed her feelings aside on the matter as they are all lead inside to meet with Barrister Kaple, pulling her notebook from out of her many pockets in preparation of noting anything they might be able to pull from the man. Hand over her heart she repeated the oath almost from memory and once done snaps her book open, pen in hand to begin writing as her eyes practically glue themselves to Kaple.

"Tell us everything you can, Barrister. No detail is irrelevant."
Felix Axcici
player, 11 posts
Magus
Sun 24 Oct 2021
at 12:34
  • msg #10

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

Felix shrugged his shoulders when the group was asked to take an oath. "If it helps, it might improve my reputation but so be it." he said, placing his hand over his heart and repeating the oath. "I, Felix Axcici, solemnly and sincerely swear that I will truly and faithfully and to the best of my skill and knowledge execute and perform the duties that devolve upon me as an Investigator of the High Court of Vieland, to follow all local, provincial and national laws, to speak only the truth on all official matters, and to never disclose or make known, without due authority in that behalf, any matter that comes to my knowledge by reason of my holding that office." he said.
Whispering Tyrant
GM, 26 posts
Awaits in Gallowspire
Mon 25 Oct 2021
at 22:49
  • msg #11

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

Kaple nodded in acknowledgement as the party took their oaths.  If he noticed Vrenna's equivocation, he didn't show any sign of it.  Instead he held out the scuffed bronze badge for someone to take.  "By the power vested in me by the people and city of Lepidstadt, I deem you temporary agents of the courts.  I, uh, I only have the one badge.  It doesn't give you any real privileges, anyways.  But showing it to people usually makes them more understanding about having someone rooting though their backyard and asking strange questions."

"As for the case...well, there's not much either way."  He handed over a thin sheaf of papers, labelled "Summary of Accusations".  "All three cases are based entirely off of witness testimony.  It doesn't seem like there was any kind of motive for the Beast's crimes; it just showed up, took a bunch of people, and left.  Almost no bodies to speak of, either.  I think the only victim that was even recovered was Ellsa Meyer, and she was buried the next day.  S-still, the witness testimony is hard to get past: There are a lot of witnesses, none of whom have any reason to lie that I can see.  I interviewed them myself, and they all describe the beast in detail: A large, grey humanoid with mismatched body parts, some of which look like they might have come from animals. "

"The Beast itself is down in the courthouse jail, but it doesn't have much to say in it's defense." The Barrister sighed hopelessly.  "Basically all I could get out of the d-damned thing was "I didn't do it."  I don't know if it even understands what's happening.  I mean...it's smart enough to talk, but I don't know how much...you know, reason it has to it."

"I haven't been able to get anybody to visit the crime scenes.  I doubt there's anything left to see there after all this time, but...I don't know.  It could be worth a shot."  The Barrister's tone was resigned.  Clearly, he considered the whole case to be hopeless and his client obviously guilty.  One could only hope he would be less obvious about it during the trial itself.

Summary of Accusations:
Morast, Hamlet, 8 miles East of Lepidstadt.

From Rova 10 to Rova 25 of 4709, the Beast of Lepidstadt is accused of abducting and murdering Dowd Pescar, Aran Cohn, Alexandra Cohn, Bogdan Balan, Jacob Pescar, Adam Ionescu, Maria Ionescu, Laurent Pescar, Olga Pescar, and Camille Pescar.  It started by attacked lone travelers on the outskirts of town, and later moved on to attacking people in the street at night and eventually invading a family home.

On Rova 30, the people of Morast laid an ambush organized by the village elder Lazlo Pescar.  The beast was wounded and pursued to a cemetery 1km north of Morast, where it was attacked by blood caiman.  The people of Morast previously believed the beast had been killed by the caiman until it's recent capture.  Lazlo Pescar and three other citizens involved are scheduled to testify on Toilday, Lamashtan 11.

Hergstag, Village, 10 miles NW of Lepidstadt.

From Pharast 15 to Pharast 29 of 4710, the Beast of Lepidstadt is accused of abducting and murdering Allen Jager, Gaard Bruin, Karin Stonebrau , Maarten Kanwald, Rachel Kanwald, and Ellsa Meyer.  The victims were all children between the ages of 7 and 13, and are believed to have been lured or abducted from their homes at night.  The morning after the disappearance of Ellsa Meyer, the Beast approached Hergstag in broad daylight, carrying the child's corpse and roaring with laughter.  The villagers were able to drive it away, after which it did not return.

Hergstag has since been abandoned, and is allegedly haunted by the spirits of the murdered children.  Witness testimony will be delivered by Garrow Torwald, Starle Torwald, and Flicht Torwald (currently residing in Lepidstadt) on Wealday, Lamashtan 12.

Karb Isle Sanctuary, located on an isthmus 2 miles North of Lepidstadt.

On Sarenith 2, 4710, the Beast of Lepidstadt is accused of killing Dr Sebastian Brada and six patients in an arson attack.  The Doctor's assistant, Karl Eisen, witnessed the Beast of Lepidstadt fleeing the scene.  Karl Eisen, who was permanently blinded by his injuries, is scheduled to testify on Oathday, Lamashtan 13.


OOC: You have enough information to find Morast, Hergstag, and Karb isle.  The Morast witnesses should be easy to find in a tiny village, but locating Karl Eisen or the Torwald sisters will require a Diplomacy check to gather information.  Gathering information typically takes 1-4 hours.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:13, Fri 29 Oct 2021.
Felix Axcici
player, 12 posts
Magus
Mon 25 Oct 2021
at 23:29
  • msg #12

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

"That is strange." Felix said at the mention of the Beast being able to talk. "From my studies at the academy, flesh golems tend to not be able to speak. Something about the nerves in the voice box just giving them a grunt or roar at best." he mentioned.

"It rather odd for it to make its way to the places in such a short area and different directions near Lepidstadt. Has there been any reports of the Beast making his way to the various locations?"
Whispering Tyrant
GM, 27 posts
Awaits in Gallowspire
Tue 26 Oct 2021
at 01:17
  • msg #13

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

The barrister responded to Felix's questions with a weak shrug.  "People report seeing the Beast around Lepidstadt all the time, and there's no real way to tell which sightings are real and which aren't.  Nobody's come forward to say they saw the beast heading towards the crime scenes, as far as I know.  Nobody's come forward saying it was somewhere else while the murders happened either."

"And as for the voice box, I'm sure you know more than me.  You, uh, you can talk to it if you want.  It's just downstairs in the jail, maybe you'll have better luck then me.  I mean, you sorta look like a..."  Kaple trailed off, belatedly realizing that he probably shouldn't finish that particular sentence.  "Look like...um...an educated sort?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:31, Tue 26 Oct 2021.
Liviana Preda
player, 8 posts
Thu 28 Oct 2021
at 00:37
  • msg #14

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

As the accusations were passed around Livi examined the documents. True to its word it was a summation and seemed to not give much detail. The dates of the testimonies also drove home just how little time they had to investigate. "I believe we will need to focus completely on the Morsat incident today since they are testifying tomorrow. Any evidence presented after the testimony will have less impact, if they will even accept it." She suggested. Honestly she didn't have much understanding of the courts but she knew that the people of Ustalav could be stubborn once they had come to a decision. It didn't help that any one of these incidents might be enough to condemn the beast to execution.

"It's possible to get to the village in an hour if we hurry, even quicker if we can arrange for some horses. We should head there today to see what we can learn." She paused to turn to Kaple, "You said you've interviewed the witnesses barrister? Can you give us more detail about what they saw? For example the witnesses from Morsat, were these people the monster attacked personally or were they merely in the mob that hunted the beast? Did they wound it or was it wounded beforehand?"

She paused again to let the barrister gather his thoughts. Once he had replied she nodded at Felix. "I agree. I've always heard golems are mindless. If this one can speak then we should definitely attempt to communicate. What languages have you tried barrister? Perhaps it's lack of a response is simply that it doesn't know much common? I'm not a skilled interrogator but I know a spell that should allow someone to speak any language."
Vrenna Charthagnion
player, 21 posts
Thu 28 Oct 2021
at 03:42
  • msg #15

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

  "Entirely correct, Ms. Preda.  These are highly accelerated proceedings by a hostile court.  We shall be lucky to be admitted at all.  In light of the time already gone by, we'll have to structure the case after gathering exhibits.  Oh, that's always troubled..."  Vrenna retreats to take hasty notes with Kaple's pen while he responds to all the other questions.
Whispering Tyrant
GM, 29 posts
Awaits in Gallowspire
Fri 29 Oct 2021
at 18:41
  • msg #16

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

Kaple rubbed his chin as Liviana pressed him for more details.  "I, uh, didn't really find out much more from the witnesses than is there in the summary...The Morast witnesses were all part of the posse that caught it, though.  I don't think any of it's earlier victims survived meeting it.  The mob put a few crossbow bolts into it when they caught it, and I think they mentioned tracking it down by following the trail of blood or ichor or, uh...whatever comes out of a flesh golem when you shoot it."
Vrenna Charthagnion
player, 23 posts
Fri 29 Oct 2021
at 20:09
  • msg #17

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

  "We'll find out, if we don't hurry."  Vrenna turns to the others, lips drawn in pensively.  "I consider my own skills best applied to amicable questioning, and I doubt a monster-hunting posse will be inclined to answer me.  The accused, however, may be more open, if they are able to be.  Locating the other witnesses for tomorrow shouldn't take much trouble, either.  Would you have us travel together, or ought we divide our efforts?"

  She bites her tongue for a few seconds, but can't retain the poise not to add a defense.  "I have not worked this closely with an investigation before."
Fala Lucalla
player, 11 posts
The Knight of Sorrows
+6/+3/+3 AC:21 HP:40/40
Sun 31 Oct 2021
at 22:40
  • msg #18

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

"I am sure if not our fellow investigators here, Lady Charthagnion, but I think I can make a monster-hunting posse be included to talk to you." Fala smiled under the helmet while giving a nod of her head. "But do you truly think that abomination would be receptive to anything of use?" She said with heavy skepticism. Nothing but blasphemy could come out of it's mouth.
Liviana Preda
player, 10 posts
Mon 1 Nov 2021
at 22:01
  • msg #19

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

A small frown appeared on Livi's face as she listened to the barrister. "So all they know is that he was near the town? I presume the attacks stopped after the mob attacked, we should confirm that's the case." When the others started to speak up the shaman listened attentively. Livi considered Vrenna's proposal, she had a point that the townsfolk might not be receptive. "I still think it would be beneficial for you to come Lady Charthagnion. No doubt you have experience in knowing what questions to ask. Obviously you are free to pursue whatever method you think is correct. If you wish to remain I can cast the spell before we leave, you will have plenty of time to interview the creature."

Fala's question caused the shaman to note her, specifically the armor the knight wore. Perhaps her travel estimates had been a tad generous. "Frankly Ms. Lucalla I don't know. However, I think it's worth trying. We were hired to find the truth about these events. Hearing all sides of the story seems critical if we are to find out what happened. Even learning that the creature is lying could help us discern if it is responsible"

"Although I'd like to amend that the travel might take longer. We might get to the town exhausted but I believe we can make it in 2 hours, a little healing can typically cure the fatigue."
Kara Sweetwater
player, 6 posts
Mon 1 Nov 2021
at 22:47
  • msg #20

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

"Let us set out then, and investigate the town. This sounds very strange to me, and I would like to have as much time as possible once there to find out the truth of the matter." Kara fidgets anxiously, clearly wanting to be doing something - she is the sort who always needs to be doing. When she isn't, she is alone with her thoughts, and they are not good company.
Felix Axcici
player, 13 posts
Magus
Tue 2 Nov 2021
at 00:46
  • msg #21

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

"Since we are here, it will not hurt to spend a few minutes trying to see what the beast has to say, if any. For all we know it might be able give us a place to start. I am not much into Medicine but I understand that stitches can be unique to the surgeon that does them.." Felix said.
Vrenna Charthagnion
player, 26 posts
Tue 2 Nov 2021
at 00:53
  • msg #22

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

  "Would you like to stay and work on forensics, then, Mister Axcici?  That seems reasonable to me.  But oh, before anyone goes anywhere, I'll need a book, Gustav.  One with the laws that apply to this case.  And a minute which whichever of you—"  Vrenna's eyes sweep over the other investigators.  "—has the sharpest eyes and ears."
Maritine LeGrasse
player, 16 posts
Human Inspector
Tue 2 Nov 2021
at 01:29
  • msg #23

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

Taking several fastidious notes and putting together an impromptu timetable of assumed movements of the Beast, Maritine continuously scribbles until she's aware her fellow investigators are making plans to possibly divide and conquor, Vrenna asking Gustav for a book of laws and one of their time.

Carefully regarding the others with her, Maritine regardless takes a small step forward and meets Vrenna's gaze. "I like to think I'm good at my job; what exactly do you have in mind?"
Felix Axcici
player, 15 posts
Magus
Tue 2 Nov 2021
at 01:35
  • msg #24

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

"Well, I am not much of an investigator or such. I think we might want to stick together so out skills will complement each others and not leave any stone uncovered." Felix said.
Whispering Tyrant
GM, 32 posts
Awaits in Gallowspire
Tue 2 Nov 2021
at 02:39
  • msg #25

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

After a brief period of rummaging through his desk, Gustav produced a hefty, leather-bound tome. "The Vieland Book of Law."  He announced, handing it over to Vrenna.  "It's mostly based off of the Abadaran Code, like most legal systems in Avistan.  At least, y'know, where murder is concerned.  It should all be pretty familiar to most lawyers, even from your...uh, background."

OOC: Is there anything in specific Vrenna wants to find in the book?
Vrenna Charthagnion
player, 27 posts
Tue 2 Nov 2021
at 19:21
  • msg #26

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

  Vrenna laughs brightly at her, uh, colleague's ongoing nervousness while she slips her pendant off and lays it on the volume.  "As though we aren't the model for half of Avistan and Garund!  Really, Gustav, Abadar's church is one of the largest in Eragon.  Now, a moment."  Covering the pentacle with her left hand, she closes her eyes.

  "Prince of Law, author of the contract of creation, favor me with insight on this lesser design."  Vrenna's eyes can be seen flicking rapidly behind her lids for a few seconds before she takes a sudden breath and straightens up, retrieving her holy symbol in the process.  With a sharp nod, she steps aside to face both the lawyer and the inspector, eventually extending a hand to the latter..  "All right.  I know the parts I'll need to read in more depth by tomorrow.  Thank you, Mister Kaple.  Ms. LeGrasse, I would like you to review the scuttlebutt and passing news from the last week in this city.  We have witnesses to find, and you may well hear their names.  Are you ready?"



Casting Kreighton's Perusal for the equivalent of an hour skimming the text for differences in the legal systems—she has no intention of letting Gustav do more of the talking than legally required.  For Maritine, Ears of the City will let her make a gather information check every round for the next four rounds, using the better of Perception or Diplomacy.  Clerics are so ridiculous with a little idea what to expect.
Maritine LeGrasse
player, 18 posts
Human Inspector
Wed 3 Nov 2021
at 17:21
  • msg #27

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

Maritine puts her book and inkpen away and takes out a small flask as she hesitates a second before taking Vrenna's extended hand.

"As ready as I'll ever be." She says as she gulps back the contents of the flask with a grimace - the tincture needed more mulberries. Next time.

Pupils becoming pinpoints Maritine makes sure she has a firm grip on Vrenna's hand as she exhales slowly and turns to Vrenna. "I am ready. Be gentle with me." Her tone again making it hard to tell if it's a proper joke or not.


Heightened Awareness; +2 to Perception and all trained Knowledge skills 40mins
Vrenna Charthagnion
player, 31 posts
Wed 3 Nov 2021
at 18:58
  • msg #28

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

  "Let us start with the nicer parts of town, then," coos Vrenna through a broad smile before praying.  "There is nothing that passes that is not within Your plan.  Let her witness the records."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:58, Wed 03 Nov 2021.
Whispering Tyrant
GM, 35 posts
Awaits in Gallowspire
Wed 3 Nov 2021
at 21:06
  • msg #29

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

As Vrenna prayed, Maritine's senses were overwhelmed by a stream of sights and sounds. Flashes of people and places, snippets of conversation and rumour flowed over her like waves in the ocean.  The sensation was overwhelming, but she quickly found she could piece together a narrative by concentration on specific people or places.

OOC: Maritine, give me four subjects to gather information about during the spell.  You can either roll perception for each check or take 10.
Maritine LeGrasse
player, 20 posts
Human Inspector
Thu 4 Nov 2021
at 18:21
  • msg #30

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

The rush of information was intense; like being caught unaware by a river and just as much a shock to the system. Maritine clings to Vrenna's hand as it take her a moment to adjust and start filtering through the noise of people. She just had to...

There. Here.

The aftertaste of her tincture helped ground her slightly against the sea of voices, head tilting upwards as she's guided around the city and snags something...

Beast

The Beast was everywhere, its shadow looming impossibly over everything. But the thing about shadows, Maritine had learned long ago, is that they weren't the perfect way to hide things. You just had to look past them, and then...

Then...

OOC: Maritines' four subjects are going to be:

The Karb Isle Fire, the assistant specifically, but I don't think we got their name.

Doctor Crowl.

Hergstag.

And the Beast itself.

Maritine has a perception of 10, Heightened Awareness gives a +2 for 12, and taking 10 gives a total of 22 perception for gathering information as granted by Ears of the City. Should get some solid information.
Whispering Tyrant
GM, 37 posts
Awaits in Gallowspire
Thu 4 Nov 2021
at 21:05
  • msg #31

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

The Karb Isle sanctuary was set up by Doctor Sebastian Brada to treat patients with "physical or mental deformities too great to participate in society."  His assistant, Karl Eisen, was apparently the sole beneficiary in Brada's will.  He now lives in a small house near the river in Lepidstadt.

As Lepdistadt's leading scholar of antiquities, Dr Crowl often meets with investigators and adventurers to identify and purchase any historical finds.  While a respected academic and a fairly skilled wizard, he's far from an intimidating battlemage:  Instead, he's a short, soft, excitable man with a tendency to wave his arms around wildly when he talks.  The going rumour is that he somehow managed to seize control of the Beast with magic, holding it in place until help arrived.  He can be commonly found at the university, and lives on campus.

Hergstag was a small Erastilite community, based around farming and hunting.  The village was abandoned shortly after driving the Beast off, due to frequent appearances of the murdered children's ghosts.  The Prosecution's witnesses are three middle aged sisters, who own and operate a grain mill on the outskirts of Lepidstadt.

Of the beast itself, there is little of use.  There are countless rumours of violence and depravity, but no credible trends to the rumours.  There are a few other tales, of the beast saving travellers from a monster attack, of leading a lost child out of the swamp, or simply portraying it as a kind-hearted hermit.  None of the stories seem verifiable, or relevant to the cases at hand.
Felix Axcici
player, 16 posts
Magus
Thu 4 Nov 2021
at 22:44
  • msg #32

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

"Since it appears that we might need to split up to quickly cover ground, I would like to stay in town and speak to the Beast if possible with two others, maybe Maritine and Kara. We could also speak with Dr. Crowl to get his version of the incident. Once we finish up, our group will head to Karb Isle Sanctuary to meet with Karl Eisen. The others can visit Morsat and then we can both meet at Hergstag since we do not know what is going on with the place since it was abandoned, other than the reports of the children's ghosts." Felix suggested
Vrenna Charthagnion
player, 32 posts
Thu 4 Nov 2021
at 23:12
  • msg #33

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

  "If you have a reason, Mister Axcici, that my suggestion be reversed, please tell me as we walk, and not milling about Mister Kaple's office." Vrenna could do the one eyebrow thing, it turned out. She took steps towards the door.

"Thank you again, Gustav. We'll see you again by dawn."
Liviana Preda
player, 14 posts
Sat 6 Nov 2021
at 00:11
  • msg #34

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

Livi watched with interest as Lady Charthagion started to work magic upon the book provided by Gustav. It was always interesting to see magic that worked differently than the one the shaman had studied. Once the ritual had been completed it seemed the group decided to split up. Before the others got too far Livi spoke up. "Lady Charthagion. Before I leave I would like to cast the spell that might help you communicate with the creature. It should last a decent time if you are heading there now." If the Lady accepted Livi chanted her spell before she joined the others to set out to Morsat.

OOC: Assuming Vrenna agrees Livi casts "Tongues" on her. Allows her to speak and understand any language.
Maritine LeGrasse
player, 21 posts
Human Inspector
Sat 6 Nov 2021
at 20:29
  • msg #35

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

The amount of information rushes past Maritine and even as she snags what she thinks is useful, there's some ruefulnes as words and phrases pass her by. If there was more time, perhaps this could be done again, but alas...

Once the spell wears off Maritine wobbles a little but keeps her footing, but does not let go of Vrenna until she's certain that she won't lose her balance.

"Well. That was certainly something..." She says, her voice a little shaky as she fiddles with her coat and turns to Vrenna and anyone else with them.

"Karl Essen, he is close to Lepidstadt, by the river. Blind or not he should be spoken to, and it bothers me that it seems no-one has yet."

"Hergstag is abandoned, but the witnesses - sisters - they still live. They own a grain mill not far from here."

"Doctor Crowl will be on campus somewhere, either in his office or his lodgings. If the Beast is in fact a flesh golem, then his capture of such a thing has unanswered questions. He might be difficult, if the University protects him."
Vrenna Charthagnion
player, 34 posts
Sat 6 Nov 2021
at 22:33
  • msg #36

[1.01] The Lepidstadt Courthouse

  With an encouraging squeeze for Maritine before letting go, Vrenna leads the way out, becoming considerably more candid in the halls.  "Crowl is also the key witness for the prosecution.  It is deplorable that Kaple has not so much as attempted an interview.  That hack has gotten every single defendant he has ever been assigned to killed, and this time he isn't even attempting to fill his duty."  Her eyes flash, and her nostrils flare in what has the feel of real anger about the subject.

  "I am sorry, Miss Lucalla, but I must insist on meeting the prisoner.  I cannot escape the sense that someone's sins are being covered up by this effigy trial, and I won't leave the job half done by not discovering whose." With a little huff, the "legal advisor" shakes the thought away and reaches out for Fala's shoulder.

  "I will send a representative, however, to pay attention to the things I would and report back. Cinnabar!" A small green head, blunt and round with bright yellow eyes, peeks out from under her sleeve. The especially thin body that emerges behind it is just over a foot long and drapes neatly over the crusader's shoulder.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:22, Thu 11 Nov 2021.
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