PRELUDE:
There is 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.
Around the room is the jury, all 12 of them, sitting off to the side of the judge. There are representatives, two each, of the clans and colonies assembled. Many are hoping that the mixture of ulven and colonist jury members gives everyone a fair verdict in the trial. The main person that sticks out to many, 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 those assembled.
Behind the small podium is the 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 small box, where those charged with crimes awaiting to give their defenses and hear judgement, sits empty.
JUDGE:
The judge’s voice grabs everyone’s attention.
“Ren-La of Bos Mezar, absent from this courtroom, is being charged with conducting undead research, collaborating with agents of corruption, and possession of undead, the maximum punishment being hallowing or execution.” reads the judge from a scroll.
“By failing to appear in court, Ren-La is unable to provide any kind of statement in his defense. This has been noted by the court. Several testimonies have been submitted to the court for review. To clarify the charges against him…
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 all may listen to them and then the jury will decide Ren-La’s punishment.
TESTIMONIES SUBMITTED TO THE TRIAL:
Vazra of the Archons, attending in person
“I’ve seen this guy like twice and I didn’t even know he was with Bos Mezar. He doesn’t appear to be a spell caster and probably wouldn’t be capable of any sort of necromancy. I’m pretty sure he’s just some May’Kar chump who stumbled into Serai without any idea what was going on. A real wagon wheel if you know what I mean. Send him to New Hope and let the Lord and Lady Al-Azarma show him how to serve the blue and white colors more constructively.”
Artyom, of the New Aldorian Marines, attending in person
Against the accused named thusly, RenLa 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.
These are the testimonies spoken to the court by witnesses or those willing to speak out in regards to Ren-La’s charges during the trial.
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.
JUDGE:
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 Ren-La’s fate will be.
“Ren‑La of Bos Mezar has had charges placed against him, a full investigation into his actions and his character, a chance to state his defense and to hear out the testimonies of his peers and other free peoples of Mardrun.”
On the charges conducting undead research, the jury finds Ren-La guilty.
On the charges of collaborating with agents of corruption, the jury finds Ren-La guilty.
On the charges of possession of undead, the jury finds Ren-La guilty.”
There is a moment of silence as the gravity of the charges and decisions made hits the audience 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.
“Ren-La was involved in a scandal involving the undead and was given every chance to appear in court today and state his case. The other leaders of Bos Mezar willingly turned themselves in or were apprehended, stating their defenses and attending the trial. Without any defense on record and without any strong testimonies on behalf of Ren-La, this court is forced to assume that Ren-La is guilty of the most grievous of the charged crimes, involved in the worst of the scandal involving the undead, and is withholding information and chose to remain at large because of considerable cause of concern. This court sentences Ren-La to execution or hollowing, should he be found and returned to Starkhaven for judgement. A bounty will be placed on Ren-La’s head for a total of 35 silver for his retrieval, dead or alive. Ren-La is to be considered a dangerous fugitive and all colonies should be made aware of his situation so that he may be brought to justice. Harboring or aiding Ren-La is a crime; any who do so will be charged appropriately.
Ren-La’s trial is concluded.” ends the Judge as his gavel strikes down on the plate; the noise echoing through the courtroom.