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Post by spike on Mar 1, 2014 22:45:01 GMT -8
Spike makes the trip to South fort with both Hellish and Oron, in hopes in meeting and surrendering himself to the duke. After several long days due to a slow walking Golem in Ackliem colors. They finally arrive at the City. When spike finally makes it to the front gate where Oron had lead him, he breathes in one final breath. As they enter the gates Spike yells his Announcment.
" I, Spike formerly Los Katan the wolf, Gobling King Juju's former general, Turn myself in for High treason."
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Post by Orin on Mar 3, 2014 18:49:20 GMT -8
Orin spends the two day march mostly in silence. This is not a happy task. It is sad to see a hero fall so far, though there is pride in escorting this man in doing the right thing. Though in his present metallic form it seemed harder and harder to feel anything with each passing hour. Orin could clearly recall a desire to kill Hellish for his hesitation to act. It was an uncomfortable and alien emotion to Orin, and he knows he should be ashamed to have felt so. A golem body has its uses, but the cost in ones humanity is great.
Orin hopes to see the Duke quickly. He will explain, not as an excuse, but as a matter of fact, how Spike spent hundreds of gold, most of his worldly effects, and gave his life no less than three times to remove the goblin influence from Shalowford. He will go on to explain however how he felt he had personally failed to end the threat altogether in his inability to hold the far side of the gate.
Orin will beg his leave as quickly as possible as to not waste his time in golem form. Should the Duke have a desire to make use of him he is of course more than ready to serve. But with no other orders Orin would seek to return to Shallowford as there are still monsters about. If he could get fast transport back that would be even better. Orin intents to spend every moment he can making the area around Shallowford as secure as inhumanly possible.
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Post by Soranal on Mar 8, 2014 11:42:00 GMT -8
As they trio enters the gates and the wolf scavenger calls out his announcement, the guards, who were already on edge after watching a golem slowly approach the city, quickly surround the group with weapons drawn. Many voices call out for the three new comers to drop their weapons. Moments later the sergeant recognizes Orin and Hellish and realizes that they were escorting the prisoner and are not a threat. Spike is bound and gagged before being taken away to the dungeon. Hellish and Orin are taken to the commander's office where they will be debriefed. If Orin mentions his need for haste, the commander will say that he will do what he can but that the Duke will likely need a day or two to prepare for the trial. He would stress that Orin will be needed for said trial, so he advises against leaving.
It will be 2 days later when the trial shall commence.
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Post by Hellish on Mar 20, 2014 21:56:45 GMT -8
::feels like it has been a LONG 2 days::
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Post by Orin on Mar 29, 2014 2:15:59 GMT -8
Orin would not want to shirk his duty and miss the trial; however, he would not want to waste the opportunity his form presented. If the military is unwilling or unable to expedite travel to and from Shalowford then perhaps the commander has a task to be done. Orin will do whatever he can to get as much done in the time allowed. Even if it's just forging and repairing weapons and armor non-stop. Not like Orin needs to eat or sleep at the moment.
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Post by Soranal on Mar 29, 2014 15:28:20 GMT -8
During the wait for the trial, Orin is put to work helping to construct siege weaponry, since his great strength allows him to lift and carry great weights. He is generally used for a number of manual labor positions around town since it would take too long to travel between a combat zone and the town in the time before the trial.
The two military men can see a lot of activity among the troops here. There is also a larger number present than usual. You would even spy the green and red of the regimental colors among the blue and red of the standard army. Something is definitely going on...
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Post by Soranal on Mar 29, 2014 15:52:51 GMT -8
After 2 days spent in the dark cells below the keep, Spike is brought forth to stand trial for his crimes. Several witnesses are brought forth against him, mostly military personnel that either saw him killing Akliceium troops or were killed by him and resurrected. Also, a man identified as a Lord's guard is brought forth who claims to have seen Spike use Necromancy. He is recognizable as the man who was alchemically enslaved to some goblins that the town had to fight. After the witnesses against Spike are finished with their testimonies, the following charges are brought against him. Assault, Contempt, Conspiracy, Murder, Necromancy, and High Treason. Spike is now given the opportunity to defend himself and to have witnesses testify on his behalf.
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Post by spike on Mar 30, 2014 20:48:33 GMT -8
When spike is allowed to speak, he stands up and begins his testimony. "Let me first adress the charges. Murder, not guilty. I have killed in the heat of battle. But never did I murder. Necormancy, guilty and I admit I tried to use it to fight. No excuse. Assault, not guilty. The man who claims I assaulted him also believe goblins we his family and attack my town. You can not use a testimony from some one under the influence. Conspiracy, I was never a planning member of the war council. My job was to recruit. High treason... guilty as charged. I turned my back on this land for a promise of equality and the end of species ism. I was wrong. I joined hoping to turn people's thoughts to a differentstandard. But I was misled. I didn't realize what I was doing till he asked me to do something wrong and evil. So as I said guilty. How ever I will choose to call witnesses. I wish to hear testimony from the following people. Oron, Helish, I would like birds sent to wolf spirit and caroo. On my final note, I would like to point out that I gave myself up willing ly. I chose to come here and turn my self in instead of having you hunt me. I also used up every asset known to me to take juju out. I also fought openly against him and died 3 times. So I ask the court to hear these testimony s and any other towns member s testimony of they all choose.
Spike sits down
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Post by Orin on Mar 31, 2014 0:47:15 GMT -8
I believe that the accused is not guilty of assault. Although the accused did admit to attacking Akliceium soldiers, as those men died and resurrected Spike is not guilty of assault but rather Murder.
I have not witnessed the accused, nor have heard any testimony to the effect, of him expressing willful disrespect to a noble or public official and believe him not guilty of Contempt.
I have personally observed the accused aiding the monster Juju, if that thing counts as a person then the accused is guilty of conspiracy. Aid to a person in the commission of a crime, wether planed in advance or with the accusers input or not, is conspiracy to a crime; however, the beast Juju is not a citizen of the kingdom nor in my estimation is it a person. As such Juju is incapable of committing a crime and does not meet the strict scrutiny of the law for conspiracy. It should be noted that aiding a monster is not specifically against the law as it is assumed that anyone with any sense would slay a monster or flee, not render aid.
I believe the accused is guilty of murder by the strict definition of Akliceium law. The law broadly states Murder to be taking another persons life without quantification or qualification. Killing in self defense could technically be murder as the law is written. Killing in the heat of battle, especially against ones own, is no defense of the act.
I have personally witnessed, and to my shame allowed, the accused to use Necromancy.
To the charge of High Treason, again I have personally witnessed the accused acting is accordance with the monster Juju in an effort to overthrow the monarchy. This is the very definition of High Treason.
To that end however it should be noted that the accused has already suffered the penalty for said crimes while acting in defense of the kingdom. He has paid a huge sum to outfit myself as a golem to assault Juju, he has paid a large sum to obtain magic weapons used by the citizens in said assault, and he has suffered no less than three deaths (the same as obliteration as defined by law) during said assault. Unless this court decides the accused should also be banished I believe justice has been largely served here. In defense of the accused I would ask the court to consider the aid given, and the fact that he turned himself in immediately afterward, as a cause to levy some minor leniency here. Were I charged with a verdict here I would strip the accused of any remaining possessions and release him under condition that any crime committed by him may be cause for exile hereafter. If the court will excuse my boldness in saying so.
It is my belief that Spike is a good being whose idealism was turned against him. Having spoken to Juju personally I can attest to its ability to make the unreasonable and unconscionable sound justifiable. Seeing Spike is a Sarr it would be no great leap to assume that Spike was subject to spiciest remarks and witness, if not subject to, slavery. It was easy for Juju to turn that against us all in this case by forcing the conclusion that it was for a greater good. I can only hope Spike realized the huge cost in life, and pain, he has caused by not evaluating the actions of Juju over it's honeyed words.
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Post by coaroo on Apr 1, 2014 19:16:51 GMT -8
*A Sarr slowly plods through the doors, showed the way by the seventh or eighth set of guards he spoke to and showed the letter he now clings to as he looks around*
"I was told that this was the room to speak on... ah," he stops, spotting Spike. "I see I have finally found the correct place. As I understand, the accused has many charges against him, and has plead guilty. If the court would hear me, I would speak on his behalf."
*After a nod from the noble that looks to be in charge, the Sarr continues*
"I have fought alongside this man many times. I have seen him die time and again in defense of this nation, and I believe that he is good at heart. He made ill choices, and fell under the command of false-king Ju ju, being transformed in the process. I believe many of his choices from that day forth have not been his to make, but were forced by the transform within him. Having said that, his mistakes should not go unpunished. He died once in defense of the town of Shallowford, having come to his senses, and was touched by Death itself, causing a great loss of his capability. He then became a goblin... the transform that i believe had poisoned his spirit from Ju ju, and died again in that form. Admittedly, this was not a death of him, but of a transformed state.
However, in the final assaults that closed the rift from Shallowford, he again died in defense of his nation, resurrecting with a weakened spirit, and sacrificing all but a few coins to the cause. Therefore, even if the death in his transformed state is not to be called a death, I have personally witnessed no less then two deaths and a loss of all, or nearly all, of his assets in defense of Shallowford since coming to his senses, and seeing his mistakes."
*After a short pause, I continue*
"I beg the court to spare this man, who has done much in his time in your service- the defeat of Janorba, the falling of the armies of void from the pyramids, the brood uprising, and countless other times. If your laws require blood for that which he spilt, I refer back to previous cases of Whitestone and Lockling, where mercy was shown due to service. In that same spirit, I recommend one of two penalties:
First, to take the third death, having taken at least two in defense of the nation after his decision, or second, as had been ordered before during times of war, constriction into the army for a period of one year."
*After a few moments of looking from one noble to another in consult, the Sarr bows his head*
"Thank you for your time"
*He turns as if to leave, only to find a seat nearby, and guards at the door, and sits heavily instead*
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Post by Soranal on Apr 3, 2014 21:20:57 GMT -8
After the testimonies are heard, the nobles have a brief conference, after which the Duke speaks.
"Thank you for your testimonies, one and all. A fair trial can only be had if the one who sits in judgement can hear all sides of the story. While there are those who would strictly follow the letter of the law, I believe the spirit of the law is more important. With that being said, I must remind you all that the accused has already plead guilty to the most serious charges brought against him. Necromancy and High Treason. As for the other charges, I shall drop the charge of contempt but the others will be properly addressed. Conspiracy with a monster or invader is still conspiracy. While such individuals do not receive the protection of our laws, they do have to face the punishment for breaking them. So it is that I find the defendant guilty of the crime of Conspiracy. Not all of the soldiers, loyal men and women all, who you and your accomplice attacked were killed in that battle though plenty of them were. So it is that I find the defendant guilty of the crimes of Assault and Murder."
The Duke pauses at this point to let it all sink in and to gather his thoughts for the next statement.
"Your companions, Orin and Coaroo, have testified on your behalf that you are a good man who has done much for this Kingdom in the past. They have also begged for leniency. Considering that these men were the first to feel the sting of your betrayal, that speaks volumes. They have also presented evidence of your final actions before turning yourself in to face justice. These are actions that cannot be ignored, for while nothing can erase the misdeeds you have done, you have gone a long way in repairing the damage you've caused. It would appear that you truly do wish to repent. Unfortunately, you must still face the punishment for your crimes. So it is that I pronounce my sentence upon you."
At this point two regimental guards come over and make Spike stand to hear the sentencing.
"I, Ginar Polinar Deralba, Duke of the Western Province, on behalf of His Majesty, King Arios Cromwell, do sentence the accused, Spike, to suffer one death till resurrection. In addition, should Spike successfully resurrect, he will then be conscripted into the service of the Akliceium Royal Army for a period equaling no less than one year. In the interest of the defendant's safety, he will be placed under the direct command of *Corporal Orin Neville-Smyth who will be responsible for the continued training and rehabilitation of the defendant. After you have served for a full year, we shall review your case to determine if your time of penance will need to be extended or not. That is all, let the sentence be carried out immediately. I declare these proceedings as ended."
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