PRELUDE:
As you (Shiloh) enter the courtroom, it is hard not to notice that your hands are securely bound with rough and thick iron shackles. You are pretty confident that you could not break them and the chafing and slight bruises being formed are sign that you won’t be able to wriggle free.

You take your place in a small box with a podium that sits facing a raised seat with a larger podium. In that raised seat is the honorable Judge Vincent Avan, Senior Judge of Lictor Mary Cul Tricuspis and the appointed judge for this trial. He is weathered but not old, with a non-aggressive yet stern looking face and demeanor.

You look around the room and notice the jury, all 12 of them, sitting off to the side of the judge. You pick out representatives, two each, of the clans and colonies assembled. You are hoping that the mixture of ulven and colonist jury members gives you a fair verdict in the trial. The main person that sticks out to you, clad in armor and a wolf fur despite the heat, is Khulgar Graytide. The Warleader of Clan Grimward is in attendance, surely to report how the trial goes back to his Clanleader. The significance of this is not lost on you.

You take one last look behind you to see a courtroom packed completely full of onlookers. People came out to witness the trial and seem to hail from all corners of Mardrun. There are almost two hundred people backed into the courtroom pews or standing in the aisles. Almost a dozen fully armored Lions of Arnath stand resolute and vigilant, keeping security during the trial.

The judge’s voice grabs your attention as you face forward again.

“Shiloh Dal-Rashid, you are being charged with conducting undead research, collaborating with agents of corruption, and willingly being in possession of undead on Mardrun.” reads the judge from a scroll.

“The maximum punishment for crimes such as these are physical punishment, moderate imprisonment, runic carvings to curb magic potential, or indentured servitude. Do you intend to confess or state your defense? You may plead guilty to each charge or you may state not guilty to each charge and state your defense. This is also when you may provide evidence and proof for the court to consider. You may speak, but do not ramble on for too long.

The judge grabs a feather quill pen and waits for you to speak.

SHILOH:
“I plead NOT GUILTY to all of these charges. Brother Oliver already has my testimony. I was part of Bos Mezar. I knew about the Undead. I was involved in the research. Each of these actions was performed under duress, as I was reasonably afraid for my life if I would have chosen not to comply.

My gods-forsaken life has been one string of abusive relationship after abusive relationship. I was thirteen when I was stolen away from my parents. I was turned into a grotesque experiment for a psychotic Syndar who thought I could make him more powerful. Then I was given to Faelyn and Anya. I was taught to be pleasing in vulgar ways, in the hopes of earning them silver. When I escaped from them, I was captured by the Pirates of New Oarsmeet. I shouldn’t need to describe the horrors I saw in that town. I managed to get away and found my way to Newhope, where I was taken in by the Ravens, who sought to use my skills as a mage and companion to be their eyes and ears in less savory areas where they would not dare show their faces. When I first visited Serai, I was attacked and fled through the Mana Stream, only to find myself surrounded by the monsters within the archive. When I was finally allowed out, long after I had thought myself dead, I was given two options: Keep the secret of Bos Mezar, or return to the archives and meet my fate. Since the day I was stolen, I have been shown that no one wants Shiloh. No one cares about Shiloh. All they want is what Shiloh can for them, as if I were a hammer or nail, or some other tool to be used and discarded.

I’m not a warrior. I’m not a hero. I’m not ready to give my life, especially by being torn limb from limb, so I joined Bos Mezar. For a year, that threat was looming over my head as I was forced to join in the research of these abominations, that if I didn’t cooperate, I would not live to see the morning. Al Haddad sought to use my knowledge of stranger magic to his benefit in his research, and my experience as a Raven to deal with nobles and other political circles. I could not openly oppose him; he had many friends across the land: if I ran, I would not make it far before the decision caught up with me. So I was forced, under the threat of death, to continue my work. I did what I could to slow the research, trying to find weaknesses that could be exploited or mix up notes to delay the process. I actively tried to persuade Baroness Catherine from granting access to the Paladin Blade to Al Haddad, in which I was actually successful, because I did not trust him to be willing to use it if the need arose, and would prefer to see such an artifact in the hands of those who oppose the undead, rather than harbor them.

When the news of the Undead finally broke to Mardrun, I saw my chance to escape my captors once again. I fled. I did, however, write my account of the events that had transpired and sent two copies of that letter: one to Oberon of the Ravens, as I knew from working with him that he would be interested in such news, and one to Brother Oliver, as I have always looked to the Order as a bastion against these abominations. Vazra, who had suggested I write the letter, was implicated in it, and as such did not receive a copy, though agreed to defend my honor and intentions if I did reveal my experiences.”

JUDGE:
Shiloh Dal-Rashid, your defense has been noted to the court.

To clarify and summarize your charges:

Conducting undead research, having the knowledge of undead and research pertaining to them and their creation, and actively hiding it from the rest of Mardrun and specifically our Ulven hosts

Collaborating with agents of corruption, specifically undead vessels, the lich that was discovered and destroyed on Mardrun years ago, and the red eyed Syndar seen with and working alongside the Mordok.

Possession of undead, having them physically in your possession and actively hiding it from the rest of Mardrun and specifically our Ulven hosts.
Moving on to the testimonies, you may listen to them and then state a final defense at the end, which then the jury will decide your punishment.

TESTIMONIES SUBMITTED TO THE TRIAL:

Ofrik of the Phoenix, attending in person
“We of the Phoenix believe that Shiloh was coerced into helping at Bos Mezar under threat of death. We believe that Shiloh escaped as soon as it was possible and should not be held accountable for her actions during this time. We believe that with our help, Shiloh will be able to receive much needed care and rehabilitation. What better place to receive such care as with friends on an island where she will remain until such time as the Order may deem fit. If she leaves, the Order may find her and impose such punishment as needed. We of the Phoenix look forward to working closer with the Order of Arnath’s Fist and the Order of Arnath’s Light in the future.”

When asked why the Phoenix would help in Shiloh’s punishment, and to expand on the comment…

“I believe that we only would assist in punishing Shiloh in the fact that we would be willing to keep her on the Isle until such time the Order would let her leave. But – We believe that Shiloh was forced into assisting Bos Mezar against her will and at no time were the undead her responsibility or her having ownership of them. Therefore, she should be found innocent of all charges.”

Laertes of the Phoenix, attending in person
“On behalf of Shiloh from knowledge gained, Shiloh seems intent on escaping whatever she endured in Serai at the hands of Al-Haddad and Bos Mezar, and has even approached the Phoenix with joining our commune on the Fire Isle. This one wishes that others realize that something must be at hand for Shiloh to wish a relocation so far removed from Serai.”

Anariel of the Phoenix, attending in person
“Shiloh is my friend. She has come to the Fire Isle to get away from Al Haddad and the bad people. She didn’t want to be around them. She wanted to be free, so she came to my tree house and we have been friends. She is nice to Reggie and I don’t think she has done anything wrong.”

Artyom, of the New Aldorian Marines, attending in person
“Against the accused named thusly, Shiloh Dal-Rashid of Bos Mezar. The Marines have been informed by way of word or witness that this individual is liable to cause immense concern given their involvement with the Undead. It is in the interest of myself and several others that such adept men and women have their agendas controlled or if it is deemed ultimately necessary, ended.”

When asked to clarify more specifically, this is in reply:

“Also, I have personally interacted with or been in the presence of Shiloh Del-Rashid. In my experiences with her, Shiloh has been known to be involved in less than civil dealings. Though I don’t know her as a friends nor have I spent significant time with her, I am less than certain of her character. However, I would like for the court to remember that like myself, individuals can be brought back to a path of virtue and be contributing members of society.”

These are the testimonies spoken to the court by witnesses or those willing to speak out in regards to your charges during the trial. You will be given one final chance to defend yourself and your actions against the charges and the testimonies levied against you. Be specific but be brief; this case will be taken to a jury and your punishment and fate decided.

SHILOH:
As the testimonies received will either state or imply, my actions within the walls of Serai were not of my own choosing, as the alternative was death. As soon as I was able to safely do so, I fled Serai and the dark magic within, opting for the friendship and safety of the fire isle, and sent letters carrying more information to those I trusted with the confession.

As to the charge of collaborating with the red-eyed Syndar, I can only point to the singular encounter I have ever had with the twisted individual: we (those currently inhabiting the Onsallas outpost by the generosity of pack Longfang) ventured out late in the spring of May in the year 264. While out, we came across the red-eyed Syndar and his Mordok companions. I threw a number of spells at him, though his defenses were enough to render those spells useless. That was the last I’ve seen of him, and if I never again lay eyes on that monster, it will be too soon.

JUDGE:
Your final statement is given and the judge and jury listen intently.

“The court will take a recess to give the jury time to decide your sentencing. The court is now in recess.” he says plainly as he bangs his gavel on the wooden pedestal.

The jury is out for several hours and the waiting is excruciating. Then suddenly the court herald announces that the judge has returned and then the court is back in session. The jury members return from the back room and hand a piece of paper to the judge. He takes a moment to read it, his face displaying no emotion… no hint of how your fate will be decided.

“Shiloh Dal-Rashid, you have had charges placed against you, a full investigation into your actions and your character, a chance to state your defense and a to hear out the testimonies of your peers and other free peoples of Mardrun.”

On the charges of Conducting Undead Research, the court finds you not guilty.

On the charges of Collaborating with Agents of Corruption, the court finds you not guilty.

On the charges of Possession of Undead, the court finds you guilty.

There is a moment of silence as the gravity of the charges and decisions made hits you like a hammer. The judge scribbles down some notes on a piece of parchment, reviews the paper that was handed to him by the jury, and says nothing else for a time; the void of silence seeming to last for an eternity, framed by the hushed murmurs of the audience in the court room. The Judge speaks, finally breaking the silence.

“Shiloh Dal-Rashid, the court acknowledges your willingness to cooperate in this investigation once brought in for questioning. You have made it clear that you feel yourself a victim of circumstance, and have expressed remorse and disgust at the actions to which you were an accomplice.

The court has heard your lament, and wishes you to be treated once and for all. You have made claims in the past to be reliant on mana potions to serve as a functioning member of society, a dependence that has led you to a series of poor decisions. It is the judgement of this court that you will undergo rehabilitation for this addiction while under the watchful eye of the Order of Arnath’s Fist. In time, may you find peace from your demons.

For the acts you have committed as a member of Bos Mezar, you have been sentenced to no less than one year of community service. The Phoenix of the Fire Isle have agreed to take you in and house you for this period, provided you follow the terms they set for you.

“Your trial is concluded,” ends the Judge as his gavel strikes down on the plate; the noise echoing through the courtroom.

As you (Haidere) enter the courtroom, you are very aware of the large man in heavy armor walking beside you. His face seems somber, though his pace remains steady as he walks with you up to the front of the courtroom.

You take your place in a small box with a podium that sits facing a raised seat with a larger podium. In that raised seat is the honorable Judge Vincent Avan, Senior Judge of Lictor Mary Cul Tricuspis and the appointed judge for this trial. He is weathered but not old, with a non-aggressive yet stern looking face and demeanor.

You look around the room and notice the jury, all 12 of them, sitting off to the side of the judge. You don’t know these people, and many of them seem to be angry or sad, though some just seem tired. Their attention is completely devoted to you as you wait for the trial to begin.

You take one last look behind you to see a courtroom packed completely full of onlookers. People came out to witness the trial and seem to hail from all corners of Mardrun. There are almost two hundred people backed into the courtroom pews or standing in the aisles. Almost a dozen fully armored Lions of Arnath stand resolute and vigilant, keeping security during the trial.

The judge’s voice grabs your attention as you face forward again.

“Haidere, you are the son of Al-Haddad, correct?”

“Yes, sir,” you quietly respond, not quite sure of where this is going.

“Do you know why you are here?”

“No, sir,” your manners seem to garner a smile or two from the jury assembled.

“Your father has done some very bad things, and is in a lot of trouble. I know you’re scared, and too young to understand, but we are going to have to take your father away. You will be sent to Newhope, where there is a home for children like you who can’t be with their parents. You’ll be happy, safe, and loved there, and you will be away from the past which will haunt your father. Do you understand?” Judge Avan’s compassion is clear as his stoic face softens. He is not happy that this is the outcome, but he feels it is the best course of action for you.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good,” Judge Avan says, banging his gavel on the podium. “Your trial has ended.”

PRELUDE:
As you (Sakura) enter the courtroom, it is hard not to notice that your hands are securely bound with rough and thick iron shackles. You are pretty confident that you could not break them and the chafing and slight bruises being formed are sign that you won’t be able to wriggle free.

You take your place in a small box with a podium that sits facing a raised seat with a larger podium. In that raised seat is the honorable Judge Vincent Avan, Senior Judge of Lictor Mary Cul Tricuspis and the appointed judge for this trial. He is weathered but not old, with a non-aggressive yet stern looking face and demeanor.

You look around the room and notice the jury, all 12 of them, sitting off to the side of the judge. You pick out representatives, two each, of the clans and colonies assembled. You are hoping that the mixture of ulven and colonist jury members gives you a fair verdict in the trial. The main person that sticks out to you, clad in armor and a wolf fur despite the heat, is Khulgar Graytide. The Warleader of Clan Grimward is in attendance, surely to report how the trial goes back to his Clanleader. The significance of this is not lost on you.

You take one last look behind you to see a courtroom packed completely full of onlookers. People came out to witness the trial and seem to hail from all corners of Mardrun. There are almost two hundred people backed into the courtroom pews or standing in the aisles. Almost a dozen fully armored Lions of Arnath stand resolute and vigilant, keeping security during the trial.

The judge’s voice grabs your attention as you face forward again.

“Sakura Sakai, you are being charged with the attempted murder of Vazra of the Spire,” reads the judge from a scroll.

“The maximum punishment for a crime such as this includes physical punishment, moderate imprisonment, or indentured servitude. Do you intend to confess or state your defense? You may plead guilty to this charge, or you may state not guilty and provide your defense. This is also when you may provide evidence and proof for the court to consider. You may speak, but do not ramble on for too long.”

SAKURA:
Your grasp of the common language of Mardrun stands as a barrier between you and your testimony. Instead, you offer up a copy of the letter you made public in recent weeks, following the Order’s investigation in Serai. One of the Lions nearby takes the letter from you, and at Judge Avan’s direction, reads passages which you have noted.

“One of the very first people I met in Mardrun was a man named Vazra… To me, Vazra was an incomprehensible man whose behavior seemed at turns bizarre and menacing. However, he seemed willing to treat me well, and so I spent time with him, after a fashion.”
“I followed [a group of people from Mardrun] to a village wherein I found a group of mercenaries living… Through gestures and broken phrases, I discovered that these men were refugees of a sort, men cast out from their homes, working as mercenaries because they had nowhere else to turn.”

“Their leader was a man named Spinach, which was an odd sort of name for a man, but which has forever stuck out in my mind. Spinach… I thought to help him by giving him the token Vazra had given me – a sign of friendship. Vazra’s response was to throw a deathbolt at him.”

“In the battle that followed, the mercenaries were brutally maimed, beaten, and slaughtered. Vazra himself hunted down Spinach and mortally wounded him. Not contenting himself with that, he then slit Spinach’s throat while he lay helpless on the ground. He showed in this not an ounce of remorse.”

“After [the New Aldorian Campaign], I returned to find that a large group was going north to Al Haddad’s city of Serai to investigate something related to the undead.”

“When I arrived at the mustering point, I found Vazra and the Archons along with something called the Order… They spoke of not killing the people of Serai… Vazra would agree with them out loud, but in my hearing, and to his followers, he would discuss in lurid detail his intentions to destroy Serai and to kill Al Haddad.”

“The Order held back, not wanting to partake of Al Haddad’s hospitality, and Vazra did too… In spite of the Order’s strict orders against killing the citizens of Serai, and Al Haddad in particular, I noticed that as we approached the people of Serai, our negotiations not yet complete, Vazra was holding a deathbolt behind his back.”

“As it happened, Al Haddad was harboring undead in his city… They seemed fierce and hideous – wholly unnatural. And yet, they were also quite tame… In spite of my fear, the undead seemed quite harmless.”

“Even so, the Order decided that the undead had to be destroyed. Al Haddad decided he had to fight to protect them. It is not my purpose here to adjudicate that battle.”

“As the Order advanced to clash with the citizens of Serai and their undead, we were attacked from behind by the Mordok. I thought, in that moment, that we would band together… Instead, Vazra and other Archons cried out to the Order to let the Mordok through their lines to attack the people of Serai!”

“Before [the Mordok] could arrive, Vazra cornered his old friend Al Haddad and struck him with a deathbolt, mortally wounding him.”

“We fought against the Mordok, keeping them away from the children, but I worried for Al Haddad, so when a lull came in the fighting, I rushed back…That was when I saw Vazra scream at his mortally wounded friend, and then he did something particularly despicable – he looted his friend’s helpless body.”

“I was shocked when [Vazra] attacked not the Mordok, nor even the undead, but rather began stabbing the citizens of Serai in their backs while they fought the Mordok to protect their children. At that moment, I could stand no more.”

“He ran like a coward, and I gave chase, striking him so many times I couldn’t quite work out how he was still standing. But in the end, I succumbed to yet another of his deathbolts.”
“Vazra came by to gloat – and to loot my body too. As I lay bleeding to death, he coldly and callously searched every inch of my body.”

“I stayed with [the Order] throughout their fighting retreat, standing shoulder to shoulder with their warriors as we battled desperately to keep the citizens of Serai safe. Vazra was conspicuously absent.”

“Upon fighting our way clear of the Mordok, I voluntarily agreed to undergo a trial by the Order for whatever crimes I may have committed against them.
Sincerely,
Sakura Sakai”

JUDGE:
“Sakura Sakai, your defense has been noted to the court.

To clarify and summarize your charge:

Attempted Murder, by seeking to end the life of Vazra during the Order’s investigation into the settlement of Serai.

Moving on to the testimonies, you may listen to them and then state a final defense at the end, which then the jury will decide your punishment,” states the Judge.

TESTIMONIES SUPPLIED TO THE TRIAL:

Brother Ventaris, Order of Arnath’s Light, attending in person
Sakura tagged along with the investigation. She did not “help” despite being able to comprehend our words and feigning ignorance. She did attack Vazra against orders but she also helped protect the innocent and fought the mordok. She would not stand with us again Bos Mezar.

Anariel of the Phoenix, attending in person
“I can’t understand what she is saying; I keep telling her this and she doesn’t change how she talks. I think she wants to eat Reggie! Who would ever want to hurt him!? And if she hurt my friend Vazra then she is not a good person.”

Brother Oliver, Order of Arnath’s Light, attending in person
Sakura began attacking Vazra and was chasing him about. Later I found her mortally wounded and was going to let her die but spared her life as Aifrick of the Archons was pleading for her life. After this Sakura aided in our retreat.

Vazra of the Archons, attending in person
“This woman joined the investigation at Serai under the guise of an ally. When fighting broke out, she turned on us without warning and attempted to murder me. Fortunately the Order and myself were already suspicious of her treachery and her attempts to interfere with the investigation and to kill me failed. There were numerous witnesses to this event including members of the Order and Oberon. She’s a murderer and a jerk.

These are the testimonies spoken to the court by witnesses or those willing to speak out in regards to your charges during the trial. You will be given one final chance to defend yourself and your actions against the charges and the testimonies levied against you. Be specific but be brief; this case will be taken to a jury and your punishment and fate decided.

The Lion who read your letter looks back to you, as you mark the final two paragraphs of the same letter for him to read back as your final statement.

“In Nara Pentare society, we do not believe in judging a person by their words, but rather by their actions. Judge Al Haddad by his actions – a man who kept undead, yes, but who was so unflinchingly honest that he admitted as much to an Inquisition, knowing they might kill him for it…[W]hatever we think of Al Haddad’s methods, his motives were pure. He sought to protect his people with every means at his disposal…Compare that with Vazra, a man who murders those who cross him – and those who never did…A man who speaks out of both sides of his mouth, trumpeting peace, and holding deathbolts behind his back. He is a man far too eager to kill, far too eager to destroy, far too convinced of his own invincibility.

I hope that Mardrun and the Order will also judge me by my actions, because they have not, up till now, been capable of judging me by my words.”

JUDGE:
Your final statement is given and the judge and jury listen intently.

“The court will take a recess to give the jury time to decide your sentencing. The court is now in recess.” he says plainly as he bangs his gavel on the wooden pedestal.

The jury is out for several hours and the waiting is excruciating. Then suddenly the court herald announces that the judge has returned and then the court is back in session. The jury members return from the back room and hand a piece of paper to the judge. He takes a moment to read it, his face displaying no emotion… no hint of how your fate will be decided.

“Sakura Sakai, you have had charges placed against you, a full investigation into your actions and your character, a chance to state your defense and a to hear out the testimonies of your peers and other free peoples of Mardrun.”

On the charge of attempted murder, the court finds you guilty.

There is a moment of silence as the gravity of the charge and decision made hits you like a hammer. The judge scribbles down some notes on a piece of parchment, reviews the paper that was handed to him by the jury, and says nothing else for a time; the void of silence seeming to last for an eternity, framed by the hushed murmurs of the audience in the court room. The Judge speaks, finally breaking the silence.

“Sakura Sakai, the court has heard your words and understands that in certain moments it can be hard to know what is the right course of action. It has been noted that you have struck out against Vazra in an attempt to save others, but in doing so you have stepped outside of the law. Had this been justifiable during the military campaign being commanded by the Order of Arnath’s Light, this action could be overlooked. However, the testimonies prove that this was an action of your own accord. As punishment for your actions, the jury has sentenced you to a period of indentured servitude to the colony of Newhope and Clan Nightriver for a period of no less than one year. You will not be held in prison, but you will have your retainers disbanded and your material wealth confiscated. Your retainers will be put to work in the colony of Newhope in separate districts for the duration of your punishment.”

“Your trial is concluded.” ends the Judge as his gavel strikes down on the plate; the noise echoing through the courtroom.

PRELUDE:
After a general introduction to all assembled and explanation of how the court proceedings will take place, you are brought in for your chance to stand trial.

As you (Oberon) enter the courtroom, it is hard not to notice that your hands are securely bound with rough and thick iron shackles. You are pretty confident that you could not break them and the chafing and slight bruises being formed are sign that you won’t be able to wriggle free.

You take your place in a small box with a podium that sits facing a raised seat with a larger podium. In that raised seat is the honorable Judge Vincent Avan, Senior Judge of Lictor Mary cul Tricuspis and the appointed judge for this trial. He is weathered but not old, with a non-aggressive yet stern looking face and demeanor.

You look around the room and notice the jury, all 12 of them, sitting off to the side of the judge. You pick out representatives, two each, of the clans and colonies assembled. You are hoping that the mixture of ulven and colonist jury members gives you a fair verdict in the trial. The main person that sticks out to you, clad in armor and a wolf fur despite the heat, is Khulgar Graytide. The Warleader of Clan Grimward is in attendance, surely to report how the trial goes back to his Clanleader. The significance of this is not lost on you.

You take one last look behind you to see a courtroom packed completely full of onlookers. People came out to witness the trial and seem to hail from all corners of Mardrun. There are almost two hundred people backed into the courtroom pews or standing in the aisles. Almost a dozen fully armored Lions of Arnath stand resolute and vigilant, keeping security during the trial.

The judge’s voice grabs your attention as you face forward again.

“Oberon of the Ravens. You are being charged with collaborating with agents of corruption and refusing the summons of the trial.” reads the judge from a scroll.
“The maximum punishment for crimes such as these are fines, indentured servitude, time in prison, and being indebted to repay the cost of your bounty. Do you intend to confess or state your defense? You may plead guilty to each charge or you may state not guilty to each charge and state your defense. This is also when you may provide evidence and proof for the court to consider. You may speak, but do not ramble on for too long.”

OBERON:
“For the charge of collaborating with agents of corruption, I plead not guilty. Although as I have yet to be informed as to the nature of this charge, I cannot, at this time, provided an applicable defense.

In the charge of refusing the summons of the trial, I plead not guilty. I willingly answered the summons upon appearing today. Upon receiving the summons at the fire isle last month, I spoke with the man the Order of Arnath’s Fist dispatched and he agreed to not take me into custody should I agree to appear at trial. If this man was not authorized to make such an agreement, it is frankly preposterous to charge me for his incompetence.

JUDGE:
Oberon, of the Ravens, your defense has been noted to the court.

To clarify and summarize your charges:

Collaborating with agents of corruption, the court has been made aware of your involvement in discussions with the red-eyed Syndar, the agent of corruption known to be aiding the mordok, and providing them knowledge that is damaging to the greater good of Mardrun.

Refusing the summons of the trial, a public decree was given and you were named and summoned, and your untimely presence was noted. It has been documented that you did not come willingly with the agents of the Order but instead were brought in by a bounty hunter.

Moving on to the testimonies, you may listen to them and then state a final defense at the end, which then the jury will decide your punishment.

TESTIMONIES GIVEN TO THE TRIAL:

Brother Ventaris, Order of Arnath’s Light, attending in person
“Oberon was helpful in the investigation of Serai and helped the Inquisition.”

Laertes of the Phoenix, attending in person
“This one would like to say in defense of Oberon that his character seems sound and that the accusation of conspiring with corruption seems dramatically out of place. Oberon has on numerous occasions dealt amicably with the Phoenix. Perhaps the resisting of being brought in is a misunderstanding of the official authority placed upon the Order of Arnath and their involvement in the trial, and this one requests that leniency be given in regards to this being a misunderstanding.”

Anariel of the Phoenix, attending in person
“Oberon is also my friend. He turns his attention to me when I call him friend, so that is how I know he’s my friend. He doesn’t talk to me much, but he has never been mean. He actually doesn’t do much at all, but that is ok. So, I don’t think he would do anything bad.”

Alestear of the Ravens, attending in person
“This one would like to give statements about many in this trial but we will see what time this one may be afforded. This one shall first speak of Oberon. This one wishes to address each charge individually with the first being the charge of failure to attend the trial. This one believes this charge to have been a jump past reality. The first any charges were heard of was on the Fire Isle at the market faire. The order had sent an inquisitor to ask question pertaining to certain individuals. Oberon and myself had requested a trial date in lieu of being carted off in chains. The Order’s inquisitor had asked for both Oberon and this one to give word that he would be in attendance of the trial, word was given and no other misgivings arose at that time. As you can see Oberon is in fact in attendance of the trial and this one believes those charges to be false. On the second charge of working with agents of corruption, this is the first this one has heard of any alleged correspondence and as such this one is not sure as to what this refers. This one will speak on the nature of Oberon. He has been loyal to all the people of Mardrun and has fought for the greater good. He was of great assistance to the Pack Longfang on their quest against the Mordok to find the answers to some artifact of theirs. He has been a great representative for The Ravens as well as Newhope while out in the field and has served this one as an exemplary Castellan.”

Shiloh, attending in person
“Dealing with agents of corruption is not the way of Oberon. He is a wonderful man with goodness in his heart, even if he has a weird way of showing it. I would trust him with my life and more, which is why he was one of two across Mardrun (the other being your own Brother Oliver) to receive my original testimonial letter. With all due respect, I almost fear that his presence in the trial is a flimsy disguise of the racism against the Syndar people known to be in the history of the Order. I pray it is not, though I fear this worry may prove justified if this clearly innocent man is found guilty.”

Vazra of the Archons, attending in person
“Let me tell you about Oberon…. Everything Oberon has done has been motivated by the greater good. This guy has been thanklessly looking out for us all for years. When it comes to the Undead, there is no room for indecision. A moment’s hesitation and the plague could have spread beyond our control. Who is to judge the gravity of his contributions? For all we know, if not for the actions of Oberon, the threat of those Undead abominations could still be growing. This was a flame that had to be extinguished, there was no time to pause and dawdle over methods.
Oberon is a hero who acted against the Undead threat as soon as anybody, with every resource he could muster. So, he had a chat with some Mordok preaching lunatic, big deal, so did everybody at Onsallas Outpost that day. Are we going to start throwing people in prison for conversations? Hear me out on this; if you accuse him of being in cahoots with corruption for speaking with an agent of corruption, doesn’t that make everybody in this room guilty of the same crime for speaking to him? No, of course not. That would be completely stupid. The only crime I have witnessed here, is that this man stands trial rather than receive our thanks.”

These are the testimonies spoken to the court by witnesses or those willing to speak out in regards to your charges during the trial. You will be given one final chance to defend yourself and your actions against the charges and the testimonies levied against you. Be specific but be brief; this case will be taken to a jury and your punishment and fate decided.

OBERON:
In the charge of collaborating with agents of corruption, to the best of my knowledge I have never been in the same place at the same time as this Red-Eyed Syndar, much less had any interaction with said individual.

As far as the charges of failing to answer the summons of trial, as I have already stated, this charge is preposterous. As has been previously stated by Baron Alestear and myself, when asked to come into custody from the Fire Isle it was agreed upon by the man dispatched from Starkhaven that on the sworn word of Baron Alestear and myself that I would appear for this trial I would not need to be taken into custody, a man that I cannot help but notice the Order has not brought forth to testify today. When I, true to my word, came to Starkhaven of my own free will the so-called bounty hunter took me from the gate under the guise of the castle steward and delivered me to those within and collected the bounty that had been placed on me, a bounty which I would argue had been unlawfully issued. If anything, this charge seems to be based on the internal dissonance of the Order rather than on the facts involved and only serves to show how truly fractured the organization has become.

As there has been no evidence brought against me, I move that all charges against me be immediately dismissed so that I may excuse myself from this farce.

JUDGE:
Your final statement is given and the judge and jury listen intently.

“The court will now take a recess to give the jury time to decide your sentencing. The court is now in recess.” he says plainly as he bangs his gavel on the wooden pedestal.

The jury is out for several hours and the waiting is excruciating. Then suddenly the court herald announces that the judge has returned and then the court is back in session. The jury members return from the back room and hand a piece of paper to the judge. He takes a moment to read it, his face displaying no emotion… no hint of what your fate will be decided.

“Oberon of the Ravens, you have had charges placed against you, a full investigation into your actions and your character, a chance to state your defense and a to hear out the testimonies of your peers and other free peoples of Mardrun.

On the charge of collaborating with agents of corruption, the jury finds you not guilty.

On the charge of refusing the summons to trial, the jury finds you guilty.

There is a moment of silence as the gravity of the charges and decisions made sinks in. The judge scribbles down some notes on a piece of parchment, reviews the paper that was handed to him by the jury, and says nothing else for a time; the void of silence seeming to last for an eternity, framed by the hushed murmurs of the audience in the court room. The Judge speaks, finally breaking the silence.

“Oberon, the court recognizes that you are of sound character and the evidence proves that you were not involved with agents of corruption. However, the court has found enough evidence in your refusing the summons of the trial that punishment must be administered. Based on the severity of a charge lasting on your record within the colonial judicial system, the charge of refusing summons is being lessened. As you have stated, there was enough error in the system involving your bounty that the charge seems out of place.

However, due to your lack of respect and your ill-advised statements during your defense, you are found contempt of court and are legally required to pay back your bounty fee. The charge will be dropped upon payment.”

“Your trial is concluded” ends the Judge as his gavel strikes down on the plate; the noise echoing through the courtroom.

Following the completion of the trial, Judge Vincent Avan makes one final announcement to the gathered crowd.

“As set forth by the jury, the leadership of Bos Mezar and of the settlement of Serai are too dangerous to be left in power, though the innocence of the populace of Serai has been proven to the jury’s satisfaction. As such, the Order of Arnath shall take into their custody and their protection the settlement of Serai and those who remain within its territory. The people of Serai shall face no further consequence of the actions of Bos Mezar. However, the leadership of Bos Mezar has been detained, and those not otherwise sentenced shall be taken into custody by the Lord and Lady al-Azarma to serve as indentured servants until their debt to society has been repaid. In doing so, the Lord and Lady have offered their sincere hope that these men and women can be shown the error of their ways and be brought back into the light.”

There is a dull roar in the courtroom as the conversations begin. Many of the attendees express their anger, wishing for a stricter punishment. Khulgar Graytide, clad in his furs despite the heat, smiles to himself from his seat. The humans are calling for the blood of their own? His face seems to say. Savages.

Banging his gavel on the podium, Judge Avan calls order back to the courtroom. “The jury of the Free People of Mardrun has found this to be a fitting punishment. As this trial is now concluded, and by the authority provided to myself and this court willingly among the colonies and supporting Clans, it is our civil duty to accept this judgement as right and lawful.”

PRELUDE:

As you enter the courtroom, it is hard not to notice that your hands are securely bound with rough and thick iron shackles. You are pretty confident that you could not break them and the chafing and slight bruises being formed are sign that you won’t be able to wriggle free.

You take your place in a small box with a podium that sits facing a raised seat with a larger podium. In that raised seat is the honorable Judge Vincent Avan, Senior Judge of Lictor Mary Cul Tricuspis and the appointed judge for this trial. He is weathered but not old, with a non-aggressive yet stern looking face and demeanor.

You look around the room and notice the jury, all 12 of them, sitting off to the side of the judge. You pick out representatives, two each, of the clans and colonies assembled. You are hoping that the mixture of ulven and colonist jury members gives you a fair verdict in the trial. The main person that sticks out to you, clad in armor and a wolf fur despite the heat, is Khulgar Graytide. The Warleader of Clan Grimward is in attendance, surely to report how the trial goes back to his Clanleader. The significance of this is not lost on you.

You take one last look behind you to see a courtroom packed completely full of onlookers. People came out to witness the trial and seem to hail from all corners of Mardrun. There are almost two hundred people backed into the courtroom pews or standing in the aisles. Almost a dozen fully armored Lions of Arnath stand resolute and vigilant, keeping security during the trial.

The judge’s voice grabs your attention as you face forward again.

“Al-Haddad, full name Abu Haidar Faruk Ibn Faraj Al Haddad Al Saresh, of Serai. You are being charged with conducting undead research, collaborating with agents of corruption, possession of undead, murder of members of the Brotherhood of the Long Winter and others to use as undead vessels, organizing attacks on the people of the Spire resulting in deaths, and resisting arrest.” reads the judge from a scroll.

“The maximum punishment for crimes such as these are maiming, life in prison, hollowing of your magic, and/or execution. Do you intend to confess or state your defense? You may plead guilty to each charge or you may state not guilty to each charge and state your defense. This is also when you may provide evidence and proof for the court to consider. You may speak, but do not ramble on for too long.”

The judge grabs a feather quill pen and waits for you to speak.

AL HADDAD:

“Your honor Judge Vincent Avan, Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, and officers of the court, I am Abu Haidar Faruk Ibn Faraj Al Haddad Al Saresh Mayor of Serai. I have come before you of my own free will to answer the charges you have laid before me.

As to the charge of conducting undead research I plead no contest.

As to the charge of collaborating with agents of corruption I plead not guilty. I request to know who has leveled this accusation against me, as well as the specific nature of the accusation and any testimony against me relating to this charge.

As to the charge of possession of undead I plead no contest. Although I must state that while my people have been in control of the Transcended that I do not claim to have possessed or owned these sentient beings. Furthermore I wish to make the distinction between the undead which can no doubt still be found on Faedrun and the Transcended, which had retained a significant portion of their previous personality.

As to the charge of murder of members of the Brotherhood of the Long Winter and others to use as undead vessels I plead not guilty. I wish it to be entered into the record that I have never personally killed a Human, Syndar, or Ulven. While it is true that we acted in defense of our settlement when the brotherhood attacked us, I will have it be known that we rendered aid after the brotherhood was defeated and even welcomed those who wished to join with us in the battle’s aftermath. I request to know who has leveled this accusation against me, as well as the specific nature of the accusation and any testimony against me relating to this charge.

As to the charge of organizing attacks on the people of the Spire resulting in deaths I plead not guilty. As evidence of my innocence in this matter I present an agreement signed by Vazra, Reyna, and myself. Furthermore, I wish to state for the record that Vazra’s orders to have civilians take up arms and form ranks against my troops actively violates their neutrality as non-combatants, and that I hold Vazra personally responsible for all deaths at the spire on that day.

As to the charge of resisting arrest I plead not guilty. After falling to a death bolt of magic thrown by Vazra, I was given first aid by a member of The Order and placed into Archon custody. After being forced to listen to Vazra’s rant centering on “this is what happens when you attack my spire”, the two Archons controlling my person fled a charging Mordok leaving me defenseless in it’s path. Being unarmed and only lightly armored I fled the battlefield only to be pursued by Vazra who was intent on striking me down and did in fact land a blow upon me, I am guilty only of being the faster runner. After seeing to the safety of my village I remanded myself to Order custody of my own free will.

In regards to the two charges I do not contest, that of conducting undead research and of possession of undead, I offer as my only defense accounts of my character and service to the peoples of Mardrun so that my actions may be seen in their full context as a defense against the Mordok. I have made no secret of my childhood in Saresh, nor that many of those that call Serai their home have similar backgrounds. My people have always concentrated on the healing and defensive arts. We are champions of life and peace and have no qualms about going to extreme measures to achieve these goals. How many times have I put myself in harm’s way to protect and heal those near me, more than I can remember. I lead a small group to free Tobias and a former Brotherhood member from the Mordok after the Archons had left them for dead while ranging north from Serai in April. It was myself and my Citizens who carried the near lifeless body of Tobias from the overrun command post at the battle of Pyre Hills and through the swamp to safety despite the fact that his own people were there and left him in order to find their own way. My first time in Onsallas I was one of three who went willingly into a Mordok ambush to save the life of a Vandregonian who had been left behind at Stanrick’s order while searching for The Orb. I personally mentored the junior Nightriver Chieftain and guided him through the negotiations with Haygreth which ended the Ulven Civil War, and it was my force of will that ensured terms which stood a chance of lasting. I say these things not to boast of my own importance or to illustrate how others would suffer in my absence, but to show that I deeply care for the wellbeing of others and hold sacred their lives (often placing the lives of others before my own). It is in the light of these actions that I ask you to view the extraordinary measures we have taken to safeguard ourselves (and indeed the rest of Mardrun) from those who would violate all we hold dear.”

Along with the verbal defense given by Al-Haddad, evidence is submitted in the form of a contract. In it, it details out that the Archons and/or Vazra be extension did willingly harm property of Bos Mezar and default on agreed upon contracts that were already paid for by Bos Mezar. The military action taken against the Spire was a result of escalation as units sent to collect on damages encountered a populace ordered to defend against them and also to fill crates with feces. The contract shows that a mediation with Tobias of Crow’s Landing was offered but did not happen, and that the other details show that the forces involved would stand down should several terms be agreed upon. The terms state forces of both Bos Mezar and the Archons moving to Onsallas Outpost to help defend against the mordok and that all members of both factions and their followers must agree to a stance of “non-lethal” confrontation in all regards. This contract was signed by Al-Haddad, Reyna Longfang, and Vazra.

JUDGE:

“Al-Haddad of Bos Mezar, your defense and evidence has been noted to the court.
To clarify and summarize your charges:
Conducting undead research, having the knowledge of undead and research pertaining to them and their creation, and actively hiding it from the rest of Mardrun and specifically our Ulven hosts
Collaborating with agents of corruption, specifically undead vessels, the lich that was discovered and destroyed on Mardrun years ago, and the red eyed Syndar seen with and working alongside the Mordok.
Possession of undead, having them physically in your possession and actively hiding it from the rest of Mardrun and specifically our Ulven hosts.
Murder, specifically of members of the Brotherhood of the Long Winter and others to use as undead vessels, and others to expand necromantic research.
Organizing attacks on the people of the Spire resulting in deaths, through unlawful means and bypassing modern/common law in order to further violence against other peoples on Mardrun, resulting in the deaths of innocents.
Resisting arrest, during the Inquisition to Serai, after being summoned for questioning, detained, and then actively escaping Order custody.

Moving on to the testimonies, you may listen to them and then state a final defense at the end, which then the jury will decide your punishment,” states the Judge.

TESTIMONIES SUBMITTED TO THE TRIAL:

SuuNalla, Order of Arnath’s Light, attending in person
As for Al Haddad, he openly and admittedly confirmed he had undead, that he had research on them, and ran away while bound after being in Order custody.

Sakura Sakai, attending in person, translated
In Nara Pentare society, we do not believe in judging a person by their words, but rather by their actions. Judge Al Haddad by his actions – a man who kept undead, yes, but who was so unflinchingly honest that he admitted as much to an Inquisition, knowing they might kill him for it. Al Haddad could have hidden the undead where no-one would find them. He could have disposed of them by killing them himself, only to raise more once the eyes of the Order were elsewhere. Instead, he stuck to his principles and he paid a heavy price.As I said, I cannot tell you whether the threat of the Mordok merits the raising of the dead. It is not my place to make such judgments. What I can say is that, whatever we think of Al Haddad’s methods, his motives were pure. He sought to protect his people with every means at his disposal. And while I found the undead repellant, there can be no doubt that a strong Serai, even one possessing undead, made all of Mardrun safer than it is today.Citizens of Mardun, ask yourselves – are you safer today than you were yesterday? Yesterday, Serai served as a bulwark against the Mordok. Its secrets were carefully guarded. Its walls were stout and secure. Its people were alive and well.

When asked to clarify and expand on the statement of the safety of Mardrun, this was in response, translated…

Today, Serai has been sacked and pillaged by humans and Mordoks alike. The tenuous barrier between the Dirge Swamp and the rest of Mardrun is gone. Worse, the secrets that Bos Mezar kept, for good or ill, have been lost to the Mordok. Today, the Mordok possess the secrets of the undead and much of the lands surrounding Serai, to say nothing of the half-ruined city itself.This because Vazra decided with a stroke of the pen to incite a war between Bos Mezar and the Order. This because Vazra chose to murder his friends rather than fight the threat posed by the Mordok. This because Vazra preferred killing the defenders of helpless children over those who sought to harm them.

Brother Ventaris, Order of Arnath’s Light, attending in person
Despite faith taking him to dark ways of heresy, Al-Haddad stands by his belief. Although I can relate, the blind eye turned to how this could hurt the people of Mardrun is inexcusable. All attempts at reason were refused and Al-Haddad openly admitted to researching the undead and keeping them… but I do not believe him to be a murderer and I do believe that he is an honorable man.

When asked to further expand on his comments, this was in reply:

I believe Al-Haddad to be devote in his faith; I believe him to be convicted in his cause and to truly believe in what he was doing. As a Cleric of Arnath, I can respect that dedication to faith. When given a chance to poison the entire inquisition as we accepted his drink and hospitality or to lie to us or hide the undead before we arrived… he did none of those things. He is not ashamed of his actions and instead stands behind them, wholeheartedly. If any faith believes in the use, spread, or acceptance of undead then there will be those that oppose it. We let faith run unchecked and the undead uncontested on Faedrun and millions of people died because of it. Where Vazra is dangerous because he is unstable, violent, and justifies all the terrible things he does, Al-Haddad is also dangerous because his unwavering faith may not be something that can be tempered or corrected.

Reyna Longfang, of Pack Longfang, attending in person
In regards to Al Haddad of Bos Mezar, he sought peace, fighting to defend Mardrun and Onsallas from the Mordok forces. When directly asked he did not deny his possession of the undead.

When asked to expand on the statement, this was in reply:

Al Haddad has been, in all our dealings with him, upright and honest. Neither he, nor Al Maffajar, hid in any way the choices that they had made concerning the undead. Al Haddad specifically made claims that he did what he had done to save “what he could” of Ivar.

Thrand Stormjarl and Fritha Stormjarl, testimony given via delivered letter
In regards to Al-Haddad, we believe him to be of sound honor but of sharp, silvery tongue and selfish intent. Based on our experiences with him namely as he hosted our expeditionary force that was going to explore the swamp in June 264, Al-Haddad appears to be money and power hungry. Although he allowed us rest at his outpost, he was very eager to find ways to profit from it. At the recent reparations dinner, Al-Haddad was quite boastful of his deeds to all assembled, some of it was earned honor and some we feel were inflated to suit the opportunity. He has visited Onsallas Outpost of Pack Longfang several times and has always been respectful, so although self-serving we do not see Al-Haddad as a danger to the lives of others. He has admitted the presence and keeping undead despite the clear rules and warnings set forth by the Watchwolf Declaration.
We both believe that Al-Haddad to be honorable in his own way, but wrong in his execution of it.

Valdus, Archons, testimony given via delivered letter
Dear order of Arnath, My name is Valdus I was one of the archons Al-hadadd revealed his undead research to. I apologize for my absence from this trial but I feel combating the mordok and their corruption takes priority, so I will be joining the Dirge swamp campaign. I am not going spend a lot time on Al-hadadd’s necromancy you already have enough evidence anything I would say would be redundant.

Brother Oliver, Order of Arnath’s Light, attending in person
Upon meeting Al Haddad we were greeted as a host greets his guests with offering of food and drink. When asked to see the undead he had at Serai, Al Haddad without hesitation brought one forth for us to see with our eyes. I told him that we must destroy every last one that was in his settlement. His reply was calm and he didn’t wish for battle but would defend his settlement if it came to that.

Al-Maffajar, Bos Mezar, attending in person In Al Haddad’s defense, I may only say this. Look to his great stabilizing influence on the continent of Mardrun as a whole. Al Haddad emphasized the importance of diplomacy and nonviolence. His skill and dedication manifested themselves foremost in the peace treaty which ended the long civil war which had so plagued the continent. It is directly as a result of his presence and long experience which he put to use guiding the Nightriver representative in the negotiation that this treaty became something which was acceptable to all of its parties and which began the process of bridging the great rift which divided us. If not for Al Haddad, that treaty would most certainly have broken down and we would still be at war, unprepared for the radical new attacks and corruption of the Mordok. Al Haddad has never wished for confrontation. The Order’s investigative team at Serai was greeted with kindness and hospitality under Al Haddad’s direct orders, and all requests for information were complied with completely by Al Haddad himself. Al Haddad has also a history against the corruption and the Mordok. When Pack Longfang needed troops desperately and requested aid, Al Haddad ordered the Bos Mezar to respond. That point speaks for itself in that the welfare of those in great danger was of foremost importance to him. I say then that such a man who has been concerned with the wellbeing of others and the greater peace and good should nevermore be condemned for working toward those large, noble goals.

Double, Newhope citizen, attending in person, submitting evidence
A statement was not given, but evidence was turned into the court. The evidence is a 3 page letter that appears to be a copy of a letter written by Al-Haddad. These were letters between Al-Haddad and Tobias of the Rangers of Crow’s Landing. In it, is written evidence detailing a lot of interactions and words strongly suggesting that the Archons had no previous dealings with the undead research.

Shiloh, attending in person
Al Haddad is a master of words. He refuses to tell a lie, though he bends and stretches and dances around the truth so thoroughly that each statement should be listened to very carefully. He is a monster, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and a danger to Mardrun as long as his ability to interact with the undead remains.
Al Mafajjar is Al Haddad’s lap dog. The two are never far apart, and the man is loyal to a fault. His testimony regarding Al Haddad should be considered suspect.

Vazra of the Archons, attending in person
Al-Haddad allowed the Undead threat to propagate here on Mardrun, he did this knowingly and in secret. He is a proven and admitted necromancer. He has a history of violence, murder, and lies. He killed members of the Brotherhood of Long Winter and reanimated their corpses. Several of my fellow Archons also witnessed this and listened as he confessed to their killing and reanimation. I saw the abomination that was once Ivar in his Archives with my own eyes. When I went public with the information, Al-Haddad murdered four civilians at the Spire out of spite. He has lied to, deceived, and attempted to manipulate us all. I take no pleasure in giving this testimony, for I once considered Al-Haddad a brother, but that was before I witnessed his many crimes. I have seen his terrible deeds, and I tell you with certainty that this man is guilty of all charges. Perhaps in another life, the gods will give him a chance at redemption, but he cannot be allowed to continue endangering us all.

Artyom, of the New Aldorian Marines, attending in person
Against the accused named thusly. Al-Haddad. The Marines have been informed by way of word or witness that this individual is liable to cause immense concern given their involvement with the Undead. It is in the interest of myself and several others that such adept men and women have their agendas controlled or if it is deemed ultimately necessary, ended.

When asked to clarify more specifically, this is in reply

My own personal beliefs do not necessarily reflect those who I am a subsequent representative of. I find it incomprehensible as to why any group or individual would want any involvement with the undead unless it was in the terms of their extermination from the face of this earth. I hope to gain an understanding of the reasoning behind the actions of the accused while at the same time voicing my own personal concerns and if this tribunal will accept it, my personal vote for the punishment of the accused.

Manetho, testimony delivered via letter
I who write am Manetho, a traveling healer who was for a short time student to Al Mafajjar. I have served the wounded and sick of Hazemane, Onsallas, Serai, and many others, and worked in the field alongside Al Haddad of Bos Mezar.

Mardrun suffers. The war took a great toll. Now a makeshift cure for the corruption spreads, but we still know little about this monstrous disease, and there have been too many deaths already. New victims still appear daily. Should this man be found guilty, I humbly ask the court consider offering them a chance to earn clemency in the same way they erred—by seeking knowledge. Put him to work on the secrets of the corruption.

These are the testimonies spoken to the court by witnesses or those willing to speak out in regards to your charges during the trial. You will be given one final chance to defend yourself and your actions against the charges and the testimonies levied against you. Be specific but be brief; this case will be taken to a jury and your punishment and fate decided.

AL HADDAD:

In closing I would like to talk briefly about my childhood, my learnings as a newly converted disciple of Arnath, and the changes to my pleas. I grew up in Saresh and was still a boy when our king rose and opened the gate to the undead and the penitent. My wife tells a story that best sums up life under those conditions. She was witness to an argument between a innkeeper and one of the penitent. The penitent was upset that the innkeeper refused to let him stay for free and he struck her. A passing undead walked over, ripped the arm off the penitent, and beat him to death with it. The friends of the fallen penitent came back in the night, murdered the innkeeper and then arranged pieces of her corpse to resemble tears on the place where the penitent had fallen. For much of my life the undead have been the embodiment of protection for myself and my people against the real monsters who stalk the land. I assisted in attempting to save the personalities of those who were undergoing the transition between life and undeath in an effort to save what I could and to protect others from the grave. Note, that I have never had the ability to raise the dead, nor do I have that ability now. I maintain that there was never any danger of an undead plague such as took Faedrun spawning from the transcended under my control, but through the teachings of Arnath I now understand why others would believe this to be true. In learning of Arnath and taking him as my prime deity I can now see that my actions were misguided and informed through my own ignorance of a better way. I stand humbly before this court now ready to accept it’s judgement of my own free will with hope for a just penance so that I may stand as Arnath’s shield for the people in this life, or serve him in the next.

JUDGE:

Your final statement is given and the judge and jury listen intently.

“The court will take a recess to give the jury time to decide your sentencing. The court is now in recess.” he says plainly as he bangs his gavel on the wooden pedestal.

The jury is out for several hours and the waiting is excruciating. Then suddenly the court herald announces that the judge has returned and then the court is back in session. The jury members return from the back room and hand a piece of paper to the judge. He takes a moment to read it, his face displaying no emotion… no hint of how your fate will be decided.

“Al-Haddad of Bos Mezar, you have had charges placed against you, a full investigation into your actions and your character, a chance to state your defense and a to hear out the testimonies of your peers and other free peoples of Mardrun.”

On the charges of conducting undead research, the jury finds you guilty.

On the charges of collaborating with agents of corruption, the jury finds you not guilty.

On the charges of possession of undead, the jury finds you guilty.

On the charges of murder of members of the Brotherhood of the Long Winter and others to use as undead vessels, the jury finds you not guilty.

On the charges of organizing attacks on the people of the Spire resulting in deaths, the jury finds you not guilty.

On the charges of resisting arrest, the jury finds you guilty.

There is a moment of silence as the gravity of the charges and decisions made hits you like a hammer. The judge scribbles down some notes on a piece of parchment, reviews the paper that was handed to him by the jury, and says nothing else for a time; the void of silence seeming to last for an eternity, framed by the hushed murmurs of the audience in the court room. The Judge speaks, finally breaking the silence.

“Al-Haddad of Bos Mezar, your childhood within Saresh is a moving tale and may explain why you saw fit to perform the acts of which you have been convicted. The testimonies provided have painted you in an honorable light, and your closing words do lend themselves well to some form of reformation. However, such a willingness to forego your long-held beliefs at a time such as this strikes us as a convenient escape from relinquishing yourself to your deeds.

Considering the nature and extent of your crimes, this court has reached a verdict. In order to dissuade others who might choose to follow the example which you have set and to punish you for your deeds, the court has issued a sentence of death by hanging, after which your body will be cleansed and disposed of in the manner of our Ulven hosts.”

A murmur permeates the room with some attendees surprised by the ruling, others celebrating the justice to be done. Soon, however, a middle-aged man clad in chainmail and a crimson tabard strides confidently to Judge Avan, handing him a sheet of paper. The judge scans the page quickly, exchanges curt nods with the messenger, and calls order to the courtroom once more. Two Lions, clad in their traditional armor, carry an anvil over to Al-Haddad, placing it heavily by the prisoner’s side. One of the pair lifts his hammer from his belt and stands patiently, eyes locked on the Judge.

“Al-Haddad of Bos Mezar, by virtue of the Hand of Arnath, you are to be offered an alternative punishment to prove your devotion to Arnath and his Path of Light. The Hand has offered a number of terms to this alternative. By accepting this offer, you agree to abide by each and every term given to the Hand of Arnath’s satisfaction; failure to do so will result in the recension of this offer and the original sentence of death by hanging will be carried out.

First, to teach you the price of your actions, and to limit your ability to cause physical harm to those who would oppose you, your left hand will be removed forcibly. In its place will be affixed a metal gauntlet closed into a fist, to remind you of to whom you have sworn your loyalty. The image of Arnath’s Fist has long been used to battle against the undead, and as such you will now carry this symbol for the rest of your days.

Next, as punishment for the research and rituals performed by you and under your supervision, your access to the mana stream will be substantially reduced. Runes will be ritualistically carved upon your flesh to halt the flow of mana into your body. The Hand has recognized your considerable talent in harnessing Divine magic, and feels that your potential in this regard should not be wasted permanently. This punishment, however, will force you to justify your actions and your need for magic not to yourself, but to those around you. You will need the approval in the form of raw mana from another, likely through a transfer of energy, to cast your spells once more. You will do this in the hopes of learning that as a faithful of Arnath, it is the people around you whom you serve and protect.

To ensure your adherence to the tenets of Arnath, you will be placed in an atonement program, carefully overseen by the Order of Arnath’s Fist. You will remain in their care and custody until such a time as you have proven yourself faithful. During this time you will be taught the full extent of Arnath’s Path, and expected to follow His teachings. Failure to do so will be considered a failure to uphold the offer.

As evidenced by the many testimonies, one of your many dangerous talents is your ability to influence those around you. The Hand seeks to limit your ability to command or direct others as much as possible. In accepting this offer, you will be stripped of all lands, titles, and stations of leadership, including your position of Mayor of Serai. You will also have your wealth confiscated, so as to prevent such tools of persuasion from being used further.

Al-Haddad of Bos Mezar, do you accept these terms from the Hand of Arnath”

The silence is deafening as Al-Haddad considers the terms. Slowly, he lowers himself to a knee and raises his chin to meet the gaze of Judge Avan. There is a small clink as the shackles connect with the steel anvil as Al-Haddad places his left hand upon it.

“Your trial is concluded.” ends the Judge as his gavel strikes down on the plate; the noise echoing through the courtroom.