Trial log in Gmail drafts. Posted just for awesome
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The Seventeeth Hour of the Day.
Trial of Dungrim Ogrefists
Accused of the Murder of Tagnar ReinAdept Joseph Hess, Examining Officer
Swordcaptain Morich Leonson, Representing the Crown.
Crown Officials Present: Alarphon Wellington, Pathfinder Sendt.
Court Witness: Dagnar Battleforged
On the charge of Murder, plea of Not Guilty entered by Dungrim Ogrefists.
Testimony of Dagnar Battleforged (Witness)
Hess: Please share the events that unfolded prior to Dungrim's arrest.
"Well, it all started in front of the Pride (of Arabel. Inn, Central Plaza). I'm be fixing to go hunt some undead with some Green Dragons(Adventuring Company, House DeSchurr Affiliate), when Tagnar showed up and asked to go with us.
We was getting ready to leave when Krimly and Dungrin showed up in responce to a sending, that be when I learned that Tagnar carried the Taint.
After informing…
[at this point of time, Alarphon Lilyis teleported into the room]…I'll never be getting used to that.(After being informed) I then informed the Dragons that I couldn't go with them. This made Tagnar quite upset and the two started throwing insults.
Tag called for a duel and a(n) official was called. While the [pause] terms [pause] were being discussed more insults were thrown. One thing led to another and the two started fighting. Dun killed Tag in fair one on one combat.
That be my recollection."
Hess: One thing led to another? Elaborate.
"Aye, there were insults thrown back and forth. Dun told Tag they were to fight to the death and the time for words were done."
Hess: Thank you, Mister Battleforged, you may be seated.
Testimony of Dungrim Ogrefists (Accused)
Hess: Mister Ogrefists, please step up to the stand.
"What yer fer?"
Hess: Mister Ogrefists, does that account of the events seem accurate to you?
"Something like that."
Hess: SOmething like that? r is that how it played out, this is your chance to share your side of the story.
"Well, you be missing the finer points. It be going back long before that day."
Hess: Than please, share.
"Well, me and tag go way back. [Accused looks quite uncomfortable] I'd even say was a time we was friends. But we all be noticing a downward spiral. He's been more bloody, profane, for brawling as time went on. There was one day I have you know of. We be going off to te Haunted Halls (abandoned mines, near Eveningstar) for some adventure an had a paladin in my charge.
I told Tag he couldn't come because he couldn't be following orders. He and the paladin had their words. Tag be saying paladins be pussies and making a real stink. Then the paladin be looking into his heart and see a deep evil in it. It confirmed my fears.
Well that was the day Tag be ostracized from the Anvil on account on mine and his own actions. On the way, I waited for the paladin, thinking he was close behind our group. But I found that he beat him to near death. He served his time, but he lost his chance to be in the Anvil.
He threathened my life for it but then it was only words. Than be the day Dag spoke on."
Hess: So, what you are saying is, you had some motive for killing him prior to the duel?
"Aye, I did. You have to understand dwarven, lad. When we die, that ain't for us. Moradin be reforging us and we be made anew. Tag be for leading our beards astray, killing the good folk of these lands.
I ain't for it. Mark ye this, in yer book there. It ain't be my idea to fight him. In my mind, I thought he could be lead back to us. It be only when he challenged me to a duel that I had me mind set on sending him back to oradin's forge.
So, to continue."
Hess: Hold. What ideas did he have concerning the duel? Did he intend to fight you to the death?
"In the beginning when he made the challenge, it be sounding like it."
[Dagnar Battleforged clearly agrees]
Hess: Sounding, or did he clearly express it?
"He be saying he would kill me before, plain as day. This time I think he said to Krim 'I gonna put them down' or 'put him to sleep.' Dag was there too.
Hess: What did he say whilst discussing the terms? I don't care about previous threats.
"Thats when I found out it was not on his mind to fight to the death, he made that clear. But can I say one thing? I need to make one thing very clear to you.
Hess: Speak.
"When he challenged me, I thought he meant to the death. I don't think anyone would think otherwise based on his words. You know how many warriors be keeping leather or cloth arond their weapons? (reference to padding)
So if they have to draw in down it ain't be to kill?"
Hess: Some do, not many.
"Well, I did. When he said his words of challenge, I immediately took my leather off. That be important to know. I know for sure Krim saw me.
Hess: And did he? (reference to Tagnar)
"I didn't notice"
[Dagnar Battleforged raises his head]
Hess: Speak, Battleforged.
Battleforged: I be kowing he did have them on in the duel"
Hess: I have here the arresting officer's report. He says he told you to stop, and that Krimley even cast a holding spell on you.
"Aye, he did."
Hess: He also believed that Tagnar expressed a duel for money, not death.
"I'd spit at mention of that. Abbathor's cur. As if gold be meaning shit to me.
Did he also note I gave Tagnar many other options?"
Hess: It also says, as well as Battleforged's own testimony, that you charged while the terms were being offered.
"It be true at the duel had not been officially started."
Hess: That is all, please be seated.
Commentary of Alarphon Lilyis
"It is common knowledge the ettiquette of a duel. A person issues a challenge, the challenged accepts and is permitted to name terms.
Reviewing the incident report. Tagnar challenged Dungrim, Dungrim accepted and stated terms to be to the death.
Further review states that Tagnar continued to goad Dungrim, which may also have been considered an acceptance of the duel. Through continuing to badger Dungrim, it caused the dwarf to react.
Intention or not, Tagnar provoked the assault. Death occured."
Hess: Death can only be legally provoked through a clear indication to conduct a duel to the death, or self defense. What needs to be decided is if a legally binding duel was established.
"With continued provocation on Tagnar's part, it would seem to be assumed so."
Hess: And ettiquette is not law. So the terms must be decided by both parties ad agreed upon.
Hess: Can we assume? In a question of life and death, one does not assume and take such impetuous actions. At least, that seems logical and reasonable to myself.
"Can you assume otherwise? Can you assume that the dwarf in front of you is guilty of murder, when he was also assualted?"
Hess: My report suggusts that Ogrefists swung first, unless I missed something.
Ending Discussions
Hess: [In response to a raised hand] Adromos, speak.
Adromos: Your Honor, is taunting an accepted practice for initiating combat?
Hess: Taunting is not. However, it is up to an individual judges descretion to determine such.
Dungrim: Please, sir. Can I speak?
Hess: Very well.
Dungrim: I gave clear terms it be to teh death. And when he didn't like that I told him he could just drop the challenge. He refused to drop it!
Hess: Battleforged, is this true?
Dagnar: Aye.
Hess: Why did you continue to assault, after the Private and Krimley told you to cease?
Dungrim: I didn't hear anything but Tagnar calling me Dungbeetle. It wasn't till after I realised my mistake.
Hess: Battleforged?
Dagnar: Its dwarven training to focus on your target and nothing else. It is what I train the youngsters to do.
Hess: So then, you were not aware, very well.
Dungrim: Aye, plus he was wailing on me with his axe.
Commentary of Alarphon Lilyis II
Hess: I am sorry, you may continue, if you have more to add.
"Mhh, I do.
Since the official filing the trial request didn't se fit to include pertinent histories of the involved parties. The dwarf on trial has no criminal record save this account, nor has anything but the utmost standing in Cormyr."
Hess: Scribe, note that. Such will be taken into consideration, Alarphon.
"The other - Tagnar, however has a colorful history of assault, armed assault, and slander of peace officials. HIs conduct within established buildings of the crown is by best horrible - and should be pleased I was feeling nice the day I witnessed it."
Hess: Also, noted. I also believe I am ready to pass judgement.
Dungrim: [interrupt] He had the heart of a Duergar (underdark dwarf, evil), sure as I ain't a bearded gnome.
Passing of Sentence
"The Defendant was challenged to a duel and clearly expressed his intent for it to be to the death.
The Challenger was also offered to drop the duel if he was not content with the terms, yet continued to taunt.Therefore, Dungrim Ogrefists, I find you, not guilty."
[cheering]
"However, and let me make this clear. Make sure you establish any future duels beyond a shadow of a doubt as to their terms.
I do not want to see you in my courtroom again.
Dungrim: I ain't be fer dueling. And I thank you.