The Trial of the Century

Judge Daramid explained her need for 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 agreed 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.  

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Barrister Gustav Kaple informed the PCs that the prosecution is using three recent crimes attributed to the Beast to convict the creature of murder:

1. The murder of 10 citizens of the village of Morast a year ago

2. The slaying of six children in the farming community of Hergstag 7 months ago

3. The arson attack 4 months ago at the Sanctuary on Karb Isle, which resulted in the deaths of Doctor Brada and his patients and the blinding of the doctor’s assistant, Karl.

The Barrister has interviewed the main witnesses from each of the three cases to be discussed at the trial and has found that their stories are very plausible. He wishes to see justice done, however, and he is certain that without evidence in its favor, the Beast will be convicted.

Gustav is very concerned about time. He informed the party that the trial has already commenced, and preliminary evidence has been presented to the three justices. The trial begins in earnest tomorrow, however, as the majority of the evidence for the three crimes will be presented over the next 3 days.

The PCs must act fast if they hope to find evidence in support of the Beast’s innocence. Gustav suggested that the investigation starts in Morast first, as that evidence will be presented tomorrow. You can then investigate the other two crimes over the following two nights.