Trip to Lepidstadt

[noozoo]

We will knock on the front entrance and hope the Judge invites us in.

[Anodyzed]

The Judge answers the door, and asks who you are.

[noozoo]

Chemistry will explain everything, how they were all friends of professor Lorrimor, and how they were dealing with his estate and such. And finally, she'll explain that he had bequeathed them some money and left it with her, the Judge.

[Anodyzed]

Need a sense motive check as she speaks to you.

[Demilich]

Cronus will listen to the woman's words, hoping she will speak truthfully

Sense Motive

Dice Roll:

1d20+14

(12)+14

Total = 26

[noozoo]

Chemistry

Dice Sense Motive:

1d20

4

[Anodyzed]

As she speaks, you get the distinct impression that Lorrimor’s death has affected her more than she lets show, hinting that perhaps their relationship was, at one time at least, more than professional. She graciously accepts the book left to her but she does not reveal anything other than confirming its title, if the PCs have translated that. She hands over 100 pieces of Platinum to each of you.

Once the business of Professor Lorrimor’s will is concluded, Judge Daramid asks the PCs to stay for moment, adding that she is in need of some assistance, and if Petros trusted them, then she might be inclined to trust them as well.

Judge Daramid explains that she believes there is a cancer in Lepidstadt, a darkness lurking behind the shadow of a scapegoat. For many years the people of Lepidstadt have laid all their ills at the door of a creature known as the Beast of Lepidstadt—murders, thefts, and terror have all been attributed to the Beast, but Judge Daramid knows that many stories are exaggerations or simply untrue. She also knows that some people have different stories to tell about the creature—about its kindness and humanity, of how it has rescued loved ones or helped those in distress. Now that the time has arrived for such kindness to be repaid, however, no one dares to step forward and challenge the Beast’s reputation.

As a judge, Daramid has a keen sense of justice, and she fears the Beast will not receive a fair trial. The people of Lepidstadt have blamed the Beast for too much and for too long, and they want it to pay for its crimes, whether those crimes are real or imagined. In addition, the judge has some concerns about the crime for which the Beast was finally apprehended—the break-in and theft at Lepidstadt University. She is also convinced that the Beast’s capture at the university was not all it appeared to be, for why would a creature that is intelligent knowingly enter the university, where it was certain to be trapped? However, to publicly announce her suspicions could put her at great risk, both professionally and politically. As one of the three justices presiding over the Beast’s trial, she is unable to openly intervene, other than insisting that the Beast be properly defended in court.

What Judge Daramid really needs is a group of people without local bias to uncover the real truth about the Beast and its alleged crimes. The Beast’s legally appointed advocate, a barrister named Gustav Kaple, is hopelessly over his head and needs help—ideally someone to gather evidence about the Beast’s alleged crimes and stand up in court to be questioned by the prosecution. Such speakers must have bravery in spades and silver tongues to match, to ensure that if there is more to the Beast’s story, justice will be done. If the Beast is indeed guilty, then Daramid can rest easier at night knowing that she gave it a fair trial.

Daramid bluntly offers to double the PCs’ bequest from Lorrimor’s will (100 platinum pieces each) if they investigate the Beast of Lepidstadt on her behalf while expressly keeping her out of the equation, as any hint of collaboration in their investigations would put her legal objectivity into question. She tells the PCs that she will deny any involvement in the matter if pressed, but that if they do get to the bottom of the matter, she will be very grateful indeed.

Do you accept this request?

[Demilich]

Kat cant help but smile and shake her head " I knew something was going to happen, my sincere apologies, I'm not making light of your words, not at all, please dont be offended, but, I, for one, am willing to try to find the truth in this matter. What say the rest of you?"

Cronus nods "I am with you, Kat, willing to look into this matter."

[noozoo]

Chemistry is both intrigued and disturbed by Judge Daramid's offer. On the one hand, she wishes to uncover the truth. On the other hand, she endeavors to circumvent the legal system to uncover what she already believes is the truth; and coming from a Judge, this speaks of an extreme lack of integrity on her part.

"Before we go further with this, would you tell us what manner of beast this Beast is? We've heard stories, but I don't know what to believe.

Also, as a judge in the case, are you not able to ensure he gets proper representation, and a proper investigation into his crimes? Or is the system here simply too far from the ideal to expect such things? I think it's admirable that you wish the truth to be discovered and known by all, but I am somewhat disturbed that a judge such as yourself would take such measures as clandestinely hiring foreigners to undertake such investigations.

Finally, could we see a list of the crimes he is being tried for? I would not agree to take on such a task without first knowing such information. Of course, I can't speak for my colleagues."

[Anodyzed]

She explains, Of course you can see the list of charges, when you register at the Court House. I am not in any way influencing what you discover. I fail to believe that his appointed counsel, a relatively untested barrister, can handle any investigation at all, let alone a competent one. Same for the trial...I will impartially judge the evidence, as it is properly presented. There will be a panel of three judges, and we do not attempt to influence each other, merely judge the evidence value as it is presented. Our city Prosecutor is trying to make a name for himself for better political office. He won't hesitate to take advantage of a rookie defense attorney.
The Beast, as he is called, is some kind of creature put together from pieces. Beyond that, I don't know how to describe him. If you're working with his attorney, you will be able to see him, and if he chooses, to talk to him. He won't speak to the jailers, but I suspect them of cruelty, so there is that too. His crimes? The burglary at the University, as well as several murders around the area.
Be clear on this, I am only paying you for an honest investigation. And even though that sounds biased on my part, I an assure you its not. I am just as willing to convict him if the evidence leads me there. But I don't want to see the Prosecutor put up an outrageous case with no real defense offered.
Does that answer your questions?

[Demilich]

Kat and Cronus turn to Chemistry awaiting her response while also looking at Kazgar

Kat "How about you? Kazgar?" she asks

[cybersavant]

Kazgar The Professor trusted you, so shall I. And i believe, if he were able, he'd ask us to do this; so, yes, count me in. Though i know little of legal, even urban matters."

[noozoo]

Chemistry nods. "Yes, I suppose it is for the best, and as you say, Kazgar, the professor trusted Judge Daramid and so should we. So, this Beast is some kind of Golem but with its own sentience and cognition, and we must give it a blank slate to fill up with our investigation. I'm fine with that.

I suppose we need to meet this barrister of the Beast, and register at the courthouse. But first, perhaps, we should find a place to stay, if you could recommend one Judge Daramid, and possibly a place to buy some arcane provisions. A few scrolls will help me in the investigation.

If questioned about who we are and what our motives are, should we just say we were hired by an unnamed philanthropist as independent agents to uncover the truth?"

[Anodyzed]

The Judge recommends a person she's familiar with who has homes to rent.

[Demilich]

Kat nods "Very kind of you, we will seek them out and begin our looksie into the Beast."