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Aphonion Tales: The Archducal Council -- Unedited notes; later posts are edited transcripts (posts MWF, update 3/1/23)
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<blockquote data-quote="CPaladin" data-source="post: 8928798" data-attributes="member: 7030144"><p>[Session 148, cont'd]</p><p>The trial is held in the Count’s main receiving room. They shuffle up a chain of 14 men and boys, from a youth of 11 to an oldster sufficiently old that his mind probably isn’t all there. The justicar is in his formal robe, as are the advocates. There is a large crowd, largely curious.</p><p></p><p>"Prosecutor Lord Maxim Sedgedge, you may begin," says the justicar as he brings the court to order.</p><p></p><p>"I have examined this situation thoroughly, and I've come to the conclusion that it is fair to charge these four" -- he indicates four middle-aged men -- "with capital murder. They organize the mob, directed the mob, and intended from the beginning to send a message to future refugees by killing at least some of this group." He goes into a list of particulars-- how they were armed, how they had talked to their wives and to the older people in the village, and how they determined that the village just couldn't put up with more refugees.</p><p></p><p>Dame Brionna notes a certain amount of resentment when his title came out among some of the people. Some even seem to harbor resentment towards their own count.</p><p></p><p>After the prosecutor reaches his conclusion, Dunstan the Advocate stands and gives an impassioned, thorough explanation of the situation and the conditions in the village. He doesn't make much effort to deny the facts of the crime, but focuses on the extenuating circumstances of the failure of the crop. He explains that the men were attempting to protect their families from potentially themselves becoming refugees or starving. He then gives a more impassioned defense of the younger defendants, explaining that they were acting under the influence of the older men and that they had no intrinsic intension of killing anyone but were simply trying to drive out the refugees. After he finishes presenting his arguments and evidence, he rests.</p><p></p><p>Under Canberry law, cases like this are tried without a jury, with the justicar making both rulings of law and findings of fact.</p><p></p><p>"The facts are clear in this case--largely uncontested, even. Only one possible verdict exists. This is a nation of laws. We cannot permit people to simply be slaughtered in our lands. There may be nations where killing outsiders for the needs of the locals might be considered appropriate. This is not one, however. Understanding the extenuating circumstances, and the pressure the families were experiencing, I'm going to recommend for the younger defendants that they be remanded to the care of their families in their parish, with the understanding that if they re-offend with any serious crime within a period of 5 years, I give the let of the Imperial court system, with the permission of his Majesty the Emperor, to the local count directly to apply in their particular case the right of high justice. As for the adult members of this mob, who the prosecutor has clearly proven their responsibility, they cannot go unpunished, and the punishment has to sufficiently fit the crime. However, while they are to be put to death, a life for a life, blood for blood, I will permit them last rites from the parish priest, from whom I understand from private conversation that several of them were faithful congregants. As for the oldest man," he gestures to a really old man who is slightly drooling, "I understand that his long-time wife has recently been returned from captivity by a foul creature. Considering that she's in ill health, due to the actions of this foul creature, and under the care of a member of the Parish Council, I will permit him to remain with his wife, until their passing, Your Majesty."</p><p></p><p>Alistair takes over the proceedings at this point. "Advocate Dunstan, are there any parts of the justicar's judgment that you wish to appeal?"</p><p></p><p>He looks truly sad and finally shakes his head "no." "There's no more evidence I can present."</p><p></p><p>Kit sends via the mindlink, which she has been using to monitor the proceedings, <<The old man was married to the woman who was replaced by the red cap? There may have been psionic or magical influence at work...>></p><p></p><p>Alistair turns to the elven Redactor, who has accompanied them to the court. "My lord, can you determine whether any of those four adults or the elder were under magical or mental influence?"</p><p></p><p>He descends to the dock and places his hands gently on each of their heads. <<The old man has been dosed with the same material that struck the Dame. It was not a heavy dose like she received, but was administered in very small doses over time. The red cap probably used it to deliberately drive him out out of his mind. This man>>--he gestures at one of the four leading figures--<<was their grandson. He was mentally Coerced and overpowered into taking these actions. The other three, however, acted entirely of their own volition after he influenced and persuaded them through purely mundane means.>></p><p></p><p><<Would he have taken these actions without the Coercion?>></p><p></p><p><<The old tor lord was considered a Grandmaster verging on Paragon Coercer. I do not know if he has other abilities, for I did not know that tor well, or whether it's been eroded by his change. Still, the grandson could not have resisted successfully, especially with extended close proximity. The others... they made their own decisions. The words were not his, but the actions were theirs.>></p><p></p><p>Alistair pronounces his decision. "Having consulted with an expert in the enchantments and mental coercions the demons can exercise, we conclude that the old man was directly poisoned by the demon and was rendered unable to distinguish right from wrong, and thus can bear no criminal guilt. That one was also under the direct control of this red cap-- the demon-- and thus will be remanded for proper treatment, that his free will may be restored. The remaining three who the justicar sentenced to death are to hang by the neck until dead, sentence to be carried out immediately following the opportunity to receive appropriate rites. The justicar's recommendation is adopted for all of the young men and boys who participated, except that they cannot go through this without some direct punishment in addition to the probation they are being placed under, and so they will each be flogged for 30 lashes, and be fined 10 silver. The fines and all of the property of the three to be hanged are to be transferred to the survivors of the victims."</p><p></p><p><<Alistair! One of the offenders was only an eleven year old boy.>></p><p></p><p>"The eleven year-old will, instead of being flogged, be caned for ten strokes. Let this decision be carried out."</p><p></p><p>After a minute or two, the people bow to Alistair and the count, and the detachment of Lord Brightmount's troops begin assembling a scaffold for the punishment. The parish priest ministers personally to each of the condemned.</p><p></p><p>"Young man," says the elven Redactor, "we will need to take care of the man who was affected by the... demon. You know that it is not properly a demon?"</p><p></p><p>"Yes, the red cap. We understand, but simplifying it made it easier for the locals to understand."</p><p></p><p>"Hmm."</p><p></p><p>Dame Brionna says, "And the red cap, who caused this, and who directly attempted to murder the Emperor, must be dealt with."</p><p></p><p>"But if he is on the upper end of Grandmaster-level Coercion ability plus his other characteristics, then at a minimum, it must be the tor that hunts him, not us, and perhaps even more than that."</p><p></p><p>"We should consult with Lord Davion about it. Is it permissible for me to offer healing to the child after his caning?"</p><p></p><p>"Oh, certainly, you can heal any of them after."</p><p></p><p>Dame Brionna waits out there, witnessing and praying during the flogging and caning, and then she and her teams offer healing, starting with the youngest. He accepts it, as do most of the adults. They're not unfaithful to the Church. "My lord, before we leave do you wish to make any announcement about or to the refugees?"</p><p></p><p>Alistair has the refugees gathered before him. "Like any in Canberry, you are under the protection of the laws of Archduchy, and you will be treated fairly and appropriately. You must also respect the people in the lands you are traveling into and through, and understand that there are hardships involved. While we welcome you, and we'll see you settled here and protected, we also need to ask you to be on your best and most careful behavior with the people of these areas. We'll be sending food to supply both you and the people who have had their resources stretched trying to provide for you, and we will then find it a place for you to settle permanently to the southwest of here. We are arranging the details of that. But we encourage you to continue moving on carefully and to coordinate with the legions to the extent that you need assistance or protection, so that you may minimize future friction with the locals."</p><p></p><p>[Because Alistair gave the Redactor permission to improve things while he was in there, he added 11 years to Alistair's life expectancy by clearing up his arteries and removing early precancerous growths over the two days.]</p><p>[End session 138]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="CPaladin, post: 8928798, member: 7030144"] [Session 148, cont'd] The trial is held in the Count’s main receiving room. They shuffle up a chain of 14 men and boys, from a youth of 11 to an oldster sufficiently old that his mind probably isn’t all there. The justicar is in his formal robe, as are the advocates. There is a large crowd, largely curious. "Prosecutor Lord Maxim Sedgedge, you may begin," says the justicar as he brings the court to order. "I have examined this situation thoroughly, and I've come to the conclusion that it is fair to charge these four" -- he indicates four middle-aged men -- "with capital murder. They organize the mob, directed the mob, and intended from the beginning to send a message to future refugees by killing at least some of this group." He goes into a list of particulars-- how they were armed, how they had talked to their wives and to the older people in the village, and how they determined that the village just couldn't put up with more refugees. Dame Brionna notes a certain amount of resentment when his title came out among some of the people. Some even seem to harbor resentment towards their own count. After the prosecutor reaches his conclusion, Dunstan the Advocate stands and gives an impassioned, thorough explanation of the situation and the conditions in the village. He doesn't make much effort to deny the facts of the crime, but focuses on the extenuating circumstances of the failure of the crop. He explains that the men were attempting to protect their families from potentially themselves becoming refugees or starving. He then gives a more impassioned defense of the younger defendants, explaining that they were acting under the influence of the older men and that they had no intrinsic intension of killing anyone but were simply trying to drive out the refugees. After he finishes presenting his arguments and evidence, he rests. Under Canberry law, cases like this are tried without a jury, with the justicar making both rulings of law and findings of fact. "The facts are clear in this case--largely uncontested, even. Only one possible verdict exists. This is a nation of laws. We cannot permit people to simply be slaughtered in our lands. There may be nations where killing outsiders for the needs of the locals might be considered appropriate. This is not one, however. Understanding the extenuating circumstances, and the pressure the families were experiencing, I'm going to recommend for the younger defendants that they be remanded to the care of their families in their parish, with the understanding that if they re-offend with any serious crime within a period of 5 years, I give the let of the Imperial court system, with the permission of his Majesty the Emperor, to the local count directly to apply in their particular case the right of high justice. As for the adult members of this mob, who the prosecutor has clearly proven their responsibility, they cannot go unpunished, and the punishment has to sufficiently fit the crime. However, while they are to be put to death, a life for a life, blood for blood, I will permit them last rites from the parish priest, from whom I understand from private conversation that several of them were faithful congregants. As for the oldest man," he gestures to a really old man who is slightly drooling, "I understand that his long-time wife has recently been returned from captivity by a foul creature. Considering that she's in ill health, due to the actions of this foul creature, and under the care of a member of the Parish Council, I will permit him to remain with his wife, until their passing, Your Majesty." Alistair takes over the proceedings at this point. "Advocate Dunstan, are there any parts of the justicar's judgment that you wish to appeal?" He looks truly sad and finally shakes his head "no." "There's no more evidence I can present." Kit sends via the mindlink, which she has been using to monitor the proceedings, <<The old man was married to the woman who was replaced by the red cap? There may have been psionic or magical influence at work...>> Alistair turns to the elven Redactor, who has accompanied them to the court. "My lord, can you determine whether any of those four adults or the elder were under magical or mental influence?" He descends to the dock and places his hands gently on each of their heads. <<The old man has been dosed with the same material that struck the Dame. It was not a heavy dose like she received, but was administered in very small doses over time. The red cap probably used it to deliberately drive him out out of his mind. This man>>--he gestures at one of the four leading figures--<<was their grandson. He was mentally Coerced and overpowered into taking these actions. The other three, however, acted entirely of their own volition after he influenced and persuaded them through purely mundane means.>> <<Would he have taken these actions without the Coercion?>> <<The old tor lord was considered a Grandmaster verging on Paragon Coercer. I do not know if he has other abilities, for I did not know that tor well, or whether it's been eroded by his change. Still, the grandson could not have resisted successfully, especially with extended close proximity. The others... they made their own decisions. The words were not his, but the actions were theirs.>> Alistair pronounces his decision. "Having consulted with an expert in the enchantments and mental coercions the demons can exercise, we conclude that the old man was directly poisoned by the demon and was rendered unable to distinguish right from wrong, and thus can bear no criminal guilt. That one was also under the direct control of this red cap-- the demon-- and thus will be remanded for proper treatment, that his free will may be restored. The remaining three who the justicar sentenced to death are to hang by the neck until dead, sentence to be carried out immediately following the opportunity to receive appropriate rites. The justicar's recommendation is adopted for all of the young men and boys who participated, except that they cannot go through this without some direct punishment in addition to the probation they are being placed under, and so they will each be flogged for 30 lashes, and be fined 10 silver. The fines and all of the property of the three to be hanged are to be transferred to the survivors of the victims." <<Alistair! One of the offenders was only an eleven year old boy.>> "The eleven year-old will, instead of being flogged, be caned for ten strokes. Let this decision be carried out." After a minute or two, the people bow to Alistair and the count, and the detachment of Lord Brightmount's troops begin assembling a scaffold for the punishment. The parish priest ministers personally to each of the condemned. "Young man," says the elven Redactor, "we will need to take care of the man who was affected by the... demon. You know that it is not properly a demon?" "Yes, the red cap. We understand, but simplifying it made it easier for the locals to understand." "Hmm." Dame Brionna says, "And the red cap, who caused this, and who directly attempted to murder the Emperor, must be dealt with." "But if he is on the upper end of Grandmaster-level Coercion ability plus his other characteristics, then at a minimum, it must be the tor that hunts him, not us, and perhaps even more than that." "We should consult with Lord Davion about it. Is it permissible for me to offer healing to the child after his caning?" "Oh, certainly, you can heal any of them after." Dame Brionna waits out there, witnessing and praying during the flogging and caning, and then she and her teams offer healing, starting with the youngest. He accepts it, as do most of the adults. They're not unfaithful to the Church. "My lord, before we leave do you wish to make any announcement about or to the refugees?" Alistair has the refugees gathered before him. "Like any in Canberry, you are under the protection of the laws of Archduchy, and you will be treated fairly and appropriately. You must also respect the people in the lands you are traveling into and through, and understand that there are hardships involved. While we welcome you, and we'll see you settled here and protected, we also need to ask you to be on your best and most careful behavior with the people of these areas. We'll be sending food to supply both you and the people who have had their resources stretched trying to provide for you, and we will then find it a place for you to settle permanently to the southwest of here. We are arranging the details of that. But we encourage you to continue moving on carefully and to coordinate with the legions to the extent that you need assistance or protection, so that you may minimize future friction with the locals." [Because Alistair gave the Redactor permission to improve things while he was in there, he added 11 years to Alistair's life expectancy by clearing up his arteries and removing early precancerous growths over the two days.] [End session 138] [/QUOTE]
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Aphonion Tales: The Archducal Council -- Unedited notes; later posts are edited transcripts (posts MWF, update 3/1/23)
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