Judgment Day

17 SEPTEMBER 3460

They are awoken at 7.00a.m. by the sound of a key turning in a lock. However, it is only the viewing hatch in the door that is opened. A bucket is pushed through the hatch and the lilting voice of a young girl says:

'Here's your breakfast.'

Yaz goes up to the hatch in order to take the bucket. He looks at the girl and she looks back at him without emotion on her face. Yaz takes the bucket and the girl turns away. The hatch immediately closes.

Yaz takes the bucket and puts it down in front of the others. All that the bucket contains is a large amount of cold oatmeal porridge that has to be eaten with their hands. However, they are so hungry that they eat it anyway.

Having breakfasted, those of them with strong beliefs, particularly Jihan and Yaz, pray to their gods. Aside from their chanting, there is little conversation.

At 10.00 a.m., an orog appears at the door, which is opened by the goblin guards. The orog enters, accompanied by one of the guards, and points at Bennett, saying:

'You - time for Inquisition.'

The goblin releases Bennett from the chains and the orog leads Bennett away. Then the goblin re-locks the padlock, securing all of the others' chains and shuts and locks the door behind him.

Two hours later, the door is opened once more, and Bennett is lead back into the cell by the orog, and chained back to the ring in the center of the floor.

'What did you get?' Heimlin asks him as soon as the orog and goblin have left the room.

Bennett looks at them all without emotion as he replies:

'A hundred lashes and then press-ganged into a slave unit bound for the eastern front. The lashing will take place in a couple of days. Looks like the rest of you are up next.'

Bennett's words are true as, a couple of hours later, the orog comes back and the others in the cell have their chains released from the iron ring. Still chained together, the ten of them are led up the stone steps into the long corridor that they entered the building by.

They are halted next to some large double doors on their left, which are guarded by two more orogs. The orogs open the doors and they are led into a large room.

The room is completely paneled in oak that smells strongly of beeswax. In front of them on the far side of the room is a raised pedestal, on top of which is an ornately carved high-backed chair in behind a large imposing desk. Above it, they can see the two tailed lion symbol of Bohavia, the double headed eagle symbol of Nyemetzko and another symbol of a mailed fist holding a pair of scales. Above the symbols is the legend, 'In Sowsed We Trust.'

Rows of sturdy wooden benches behind low oak panels are situated around the other three sides of the room. They are led by the orog and made to sit on the benches immediately opposite the pedestal. As they sit down, they notice that there are two orogs guarding the double doors from the inside and another guarding a side door to the left. Sitting on the benches to the left are a number of goblins which are wearing civilian clothes.

To the right of the prisoners sit the familiar forms of the Witchfinder General, Sklad, his goblin sidekick, Skrin and some more goblins, two of which some of them recognize as the worgriders that Darius scared off at the start of the fight, the others they do not recognize. The Witchfinder General waves at them condescendingly. Sklad looks towards them sternly, while Skrin is simply grinning to himself as usual. For several minutes, nothing happens, adding to the air of tension hanging over the room.

Then, the orog that is guarding the side door starts to speak:

'Pray silence and all be upstanding for the Right Honorable, His Worshipful, Lord Protektor of Dvur Kralovye, Lord Rickard Malek.'

The orog sat next to them yanks on the chain in order that they all stand.

The side door opens and a powerfully built figure emerges. The man is in his early fifties, but is still in good shape. He is wearing long black velvet robes over which he wears a brown sash with the Nyemetz symbol on it. On his head, he wears a long gray wig. In his right hand he is carrying a small hammer and has a large book in his left. Without any more ceremony, he walks up to the desk and sits down behind it.

'Pray all be seated' says the Protektor, and knocks his hammer on the table.

The orog guarding them rattles their chain again so that they all sit down.

The Lord Protektor turns to the Witchfinder General.

'Witchfinder General, you may begin. The court is in session.'

Pavel, the Witchfinder, slowly stands up from his chair and, with as much decorum as he can muster, walks into the center of the courtroom - the heels of his shining black leather riding boots clicking on the cold stone floor as he walks. After a few seconds of silence, he starts his opening speech.

'M'Lud. During the time that I have had the honor of serving the fine town of Dvur Kralovye in the position of Witchfinder General, it has been my duty to uncover the presence of witches and traitors who have conspired against the Protektorate of Bohavia on many occasions. However, in all of that time, I have NEVER encountered such a coven of evil witchcraft and murderous treason as I encountered yesterday. The defendants sitting before you were only apprehended through the fine and loyal efforts of Sargeant Sklad and the goblins of 1st Platoon, 4th Company Dvur Kralovye Worgriders. Through Sargeant Sklad's testimony, plus a huge amount of corroborating evidence, I shall easily be able to prove their guilt, beyond all reasonable doubt.'

'What are the charges brought against them?' asks the Lord Protektor.

'M'Lud, such is the level of their criminal activities, each of the ten defendants is charged with a multitude of crimes, including the following:

 'Witchcraft'

'High Treason'

'Murdering Members of the Bohavia Defense Force'

'Possession of Illegal Witches' Items'

'Giving False Statement to an Officer of the Bohavia Defense Force'

'Association with Practicing Witches'

'Obstructing the Course of Justice'

'Theft of Witchfinders' Property'

'Theft of Property from the Bohavia Defense Force'

'Attempting To Bribe an Officer of the Bohavia Defense Force'

'Harboring Wanted Ethnic Minorities'

'Breach Of the Peace'

'Riding A Worg without Due Care and Attention'

'Possession of Illegal Narcotic Substances'

'Spitting In Public'

'How do the defendants plead?' asks the Lord Protektor. 'Guilty or not guilty as charged?'

Corrow replies that he is not guilty. The others are silent.

The Lord Protektor then tells the Witchfinder General to begin his case for the prosecution by calling his first witness.

'I call Sargeant Sklad of 4th Company Dvur Kralovye Worgriders'

Sargeant Sklad comes forward and stands in the witness box. He swears an oath on a symbol of Nyemetzko and begins to tell the story of his encounter with the party the previous day. On the whole, everything that Sklad says is true, with just a few additional embellishments to make his part in it seem more heroic. Once he has finished making his statement, the Witchfinder asks some more questions in order to make his statement even more incriminating.

Once he has finished with Sklad, he then calls Skrin to the witness box. The Witchfinder General starts to ask him the same questions as he did to Sklad, to which the goblin simply nods and grins in response. Then he calls the other goblins to the stand, one by one, to give their evidence. The first two do not have much extra to say, as they witnessed such a little part of the battle, but they assist in implicating most of the party. The other goblins state how they fought off the giant badgers guarding Granny's grotto and discovered Heimlin, Granny and Bekkah performing occult rituals inside the burrow.

All witnesses having been called, Pavel Reinburger then calls the exhibits to be shown. Two orogs enter the room through the side door carrying a heavy wooden chest. They open it and start to pull out every single magick item that the party possessed, plus several items from Granny's grotto, and place them on a long trestle table that has been set up. The orog's handle each of the items as if they are poisonous snakes.

The Witchfinder General takes his wand and runs it across each of the items in turn, while stating which items were in whose possession when they found them. The gem at the head of the wand glows brightly as it touches each of the items.

After going through each of the items in turn, which takes quite a while, the Witchfinder General sums up his case for the prosecution.

'M'Lud. You have heard all of the evidence in this case for yourself. I am sure that you will have to agree that the evidence, which has been presented here this afternoon, is totally damning and conclusive. I wholly recommend that these dangerous criminals and revolutionaries are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I hereby rest my case.'

The Lord Protektor is silent for a few moments before giving his opinion.

'Witchfinder General, the case that you have brought against the defendants does, indeed, seem to conclude that the defendants are guilty of the crimes as charged. However, I would now like to call upon the defense to give their account of the situation.'

Winnacer hears the full list of allegations and cannot restrain a laugh at the sillier ones.

"I guess that would make me guilty of some of the charges."

Winnacer pauses to look menacingly at the Witchfinder General.

"But strangely, I feel no guilt."

'I would expect little else from a coldhearted killer who is the leader of this band of evil villains,' responds Pavel.

Jihan listens to Pavel's rambling diatribe with little interest, knowing that, no matter what is said, they will be accused as the Nyemetz see fit, not as the truth of their evidence demands. Eventually, he stops his wandering eyes and looks straight at the judge, saying:

"Anything that I plead will be in agreement of or against laws I do not accept under a state whose rule is unjust by its supplanting nature. I would be no more or less guilty if prosecuted against by a panel that has contrived laws stating that all of my actions were not in abeyance thereof. As a citizen of Bohavia, I acted in the best interests of the preservation of my country as a state free for the people. A state safe for innocents to grow and thrive, unafraid of being dragged off to break themselves in slavery. A state where each lives with rights; to have a family, to be able to live undisturbed, to pursue one's endeavors with the expectation of happiness..."

Glancing over at Sklad in particular this time, he continues: "The Nyemetz are strong, and at the moment stronger. But just because they may hold those weaker in their dominion does not justify their actions. We are rational beings who have advanced too far from our brothers in the fields to claim that might makes right. As thinking creatures, as individuals, we are all equal in the right to exist. Intelligence, more so than strength, will determine the outcome of countless conflicts. It is with intelligence that I ask this court to act today, though I know that intimidation will play more of a factor than this ever will. Laws that are made to keep people disempowered and useless are a travesty of what truth and justice stand for. I know this court will find me guilty, regardless of what I say, but think on these words, my brothers. What are you condemning? A wayward elf, or the ideals that led to my actions. Indeed, you will find, both. And you will also find that these ideals cannot be dealt with so easily as sentencing one elf to die, nor any of my companions."

"I know what I have said means nothing to anyone here, and that my fate was decided long before I walked into this court, so I will resign myself to it, and say no more."

With that, the elf crosses his arms and stands back from the point where he advanced to speak, awaiting any more responses from his companions.

'It was your actions that will determine your fate' replies the Lord Protektor, who has been listening to the elf's speech without showing any emotion. 'It is easy for anyone to try and justify their actions in hindsight, but your actions have shown that you are a coldblooded killer who serves those who would use witchcraft to try and bring down the Protektors of this land.'

Xavier then raises himself to his full height, adjusting the tattered remains of his blood soaked clothing. He stares forcefully at the Judge. With effort he replies:

'My Lord Protektor, as the wielder of the sword of justice upon me I vish to know if you have heard of the Treaty of "Brest Livotsky" signed between my people's government of Saxony and yours? As a client state of the Nyemetz Empire, those of my rank and station are guaranteed certain rights under Nyemetz Law. The most important of these is the right to trial by combat. I, Sir Xavier Von Trauloft, wish to claim that right, granted to my people by your emperor. Upon this shall my guilt or innocence be judged"

The Lord Protektor is silent at Xavier's words and then looks through the large book that he brought with him and reads through a page.

'It seems that you are right, Saxon,' the Lord Protektor answers finally. 'Although you are guilty of any crimes committed upon Nyemetz territory, Saxons may choose their traditional right to trial by combat, should they wish. However, it is up to us to choose a suitable opponent.'

A snigger crosses the Lord Protektor's face.

'It shall be arranged.'

Winnacer looks the Lord Protektor and Pavel straight in the eye, an ironic smile lighting his grey eyes with sarcastic fire.

"This Nyemetz idea of 'justice' is certainly something to marvel at. A whole village of innocent gnomes has been slaughtered by your hands, and it is I who am defending my actions."

'The gnomes have no value in this society. They are nothing but a burden to the community and are fit only to work in the mines. Those that are unfit have no value and should thus be eradicated in order to waste not valuable resources,' the Lord Protektor replies, as if he has read it straight off an official mandate.

"To resisting your despicable and horrific acts, I am guilty," continues Winnacer. "To praying for the return of Yiri and the execution of all of those who judge me, I am guilty. To defending of those who are too weak to stand against true crimes, I am guilty. To witchcraft, I have not the skill. But if I did, it is certain that I would turn it against each one of your deplorable souls. I will accept any charges you wish to level against me, for each one is a badge of honor in my mind."

The Lord Protektor remains calm in the face of Winnacer's words:

'I am pleased that you do not try to hide from your crimes and that you accept your forthcoming punishments. It would be tiresome to argue your guilt throughout the rest of the day.'

"I accept the fate that my actions have led me to," says Winnacer. "It is a cruel pity that my fate is to be decided in a cruel mockery of Spravedelna's wisdom. For my guilt, I implore you to strike me down and set my head up on your highest tower to be an example to the people of Bohavia. They need a reminder that such evil that you rodents represent is worth paying a blood price. By Spravedelna's will, I shall receive justice."

'To set your head upon the highest tower of Dvur Kralovye,' considers the Lord Protektor, rubbing his chin. 'I like that one. Clerk of the Court, write that down. Ensure that all of these villains' heads are displayed upon the highest tower as a permanent warning to those who would be foolish enough to question the Nyemetz rule.'

A goblin on the left side of the room starts scribbling in a large ledger.

Yaz declines to comment, realizing that anything that he said would be in vain, as is the case with Darius and Faewen'il.

Finally it is Corrow's time to speak. He stands hunched at the back of the group. His eyes are red and swollen and his face looks pale. It seems he didn't sleep much last night. He pushes his way roughly past the others, then falls to his knees.

"My Lord, I have given a full explanation of my dire circumstances already, when I was rescued, but I will repeat it for your convenience. I was waylaid by these scoundrels while travelling between Hradetz Kralovye and Dvur Kralovye. They seemed to think I was some kind of witch and insisted I help them overthrow the government.

"I was forced to watch the slaughter. Perhaps I am guilty of not trying harder to dissuade them from their crimes, but I feared for my life. I plead not guilty to the charges, and throw myself upon your mercy."

With that, his head falls forward into his hands, and he stays kneeling on the ground, his shoulders quivering slightly.

Once Corrow has said his piece, the Lord Protektor studies him carefully and is silent for a while.

'Well,' says the Lord Protektor, 'You certainly don't have the look of a rebel or a troublemaker about you and none of the witnesses said anything about your involvement in the treasonous acts. Nor were you found in possession of any witches' items. I really don't know. What say you, Witchfinder General?'

Pavel Reinburger is also unsure:

'He has protested his innocence throughout, and some of the rebels have shown that he is not one of their treacherous gang. It is also true that he was not seen to be participating actively in the combat, nor was he in possession of any of the items. However, he could just as easily be a very intelligent coward working together with the others. It is up to you to decide with your infinite wisdom, M'Lud,'

'The statute book is clear on the solution to questions where there is no collaborating evidence either on behalf of, or against, the defendant, replies the Lord Protektor. 'He must be subjected to the test of …The Disk of Sowsed.'

Corrow swallows audibly at the mention of The Disk of Sowsed. He has visions of being strapped to a huge wheel and subjected to any number of extreme tortures as he is turned around and around in an attempt to torture him into confessing to his crimes.

While Corrow is imagining his fate, the Lord Protektor reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small disc. He quickly tosses it into the air and slaps it against the top of his right hand.

'Heads or tails?' the Lord Protektor asks him.

'Errm…sorry?' answers Corrow, confused.

'Call either heads or tails to decide your guilt or innocence,' explains the Lord Protektor.

'Errm…heads?' mumbles Corrow.

'So, heads you're innocent, tails you're guilty?' confirms the Lord Protektor.

'Errm…O.K.'

The Lord Protektor brings his hand up to his face, and peeps at the facing of the disc.

'Sowsed has decided your guilt or innocence. The disc says….heads. You are innocent. You may go.'

Corrow stays put, not sure whether the Lord Protektor is playing a sick joke on him.

'Guard,' the Lord Protektor says to the orog seated next to the party. 'Release him from his bonds and escort him to the door.'

The orog removes the chains from around Corrow and takes him to the door. The others see Corrow depart.

'Now, as for the rest of you,' continues the Lord Protektor. 'Your guilt of the crimes that you are charged with is obvious for all to see. My only remaining task is to find a suitable punishment for you. Let me check on what the punishment should be.'

He flips through the large book that he brought with him to find the official punishment for each of your crimes.

'Witchcraft - burning at the stake.'

'High Treason - hanging, drawing and quartering'

'Murdering Members Of The Bohavia Defense Force - beheading'

'Possession of Illegal Witches' Items - drowning'

'Giving False Statement to an Officer of The Bohavia Defense Force - cutting out of the tongue'

'Association with Practicing Witches - blinding'

'Obstructing the Course of Justice - 100 lashes'

'Theft of Witchfinders' Property - cutting off one hand'

'Theft of Property from the Bohavia Defense Force - cutting off one hand'

'Attempting To Bribe an Officer of the Bohavia Defense Force - confiscation of all wealth'

'Harboring Wanted Ethnic Minorities - slavery'

'Breach Of the Peace - 20 lashes'

'Riding A Worg without Due Care and Attention - forced to take extra lessons in worgriding'

'Possession of Illegal Narcotic Substances - 10 hours community service'

'Spitting in Public - fined 1 silver piece'

As the Lord Protektor reads out the last charge, they hear the grating of Yaz's sinuses. When Yaz is looked to for his reply, he smirks, then spits a sizable looger at Pavel.

Everyone watch eson as the ball of mucous flies through the air seemingly in slow motion. The Witchfinder General turns round to see the ball of snot rapidly approaching, but is powerless to move. The snotball hits the Witchfinder straight in the eye and then begins to dribble down his cheek, leaving a yellowish green trail as if left by a demonic snail.

Pavel brings a handkerchief from his pocket and wipes the debris from his face. All can tell that he is fuming with pent up anger, having to restrain himself from taking his revenge on the half elf.

'Oh, shall I enjoy seeing you burn for your crimes,' he asks, rhetorically. 'Shall I enjoy it.'

'So that's Contempt of Court' and 'Spitting In The Eye of a Nyemetz Official'', says the Lord Protektor calmly, writing on a list in front of him with a quill.

'Hmmm,' says the Lord Protektor, closing the book. 'Now how are we going to be able to manage all of those punishments?'

The Witchfinder General and the Lord Protektor try and come up with a solution as to how they can inflict as many of the punishments as possible upon them. It takes around thirty minutes for them to decide, and then they come to the solution.

'Right then,' starts the Lord Protektor in summary. 'We'll ignore the minor offenses, which will leave us with the following punishment. Firstly, you will all receive 120 lashes. Then we'll cut off both of your hands, poke out your eyes, cut out your tongues, give you a severe dunking in the Labe, follow it with a jolly good toasting at the stake, then hang, draw and quarter you, and then mounting your heads upon the highest tower in this fair town. I think that's about as good as we're going to get it.'

'What do you think we should add for the half-elf's actions?' asks the Lord Protektor of the Witchfinder.

Pavel is silent for a moment, then replies:

'Well, seeing as he is so enamored of basic bodily functions,' he says with a sneer on his face. 'Perhaps we should dunk him in a mixture of vomit, excrement and urine rather than pure water.'

'Very creative, Witchfinder General,' replies the Lord Protektor. 'It shall be done.'

'That's going to take quite a bit of organizing,' he continues. 'Mind you, it should give a good afternoon of entertainment for the townsfolk. Clerk of the Court, start making the preparations for the punishment. How long is it going to take?'

'Two days, M'Lud,' squeaks one of the goblins to the left of the accused.

'Fine,' replies the Lord Protektor. We'll start the show at high noon on the 19th, two days hence. Court is adjourned.'

With that he rises from his desk, picking up his book.

'All rise' says the orog and the guard sat next to them rattles their chains again, forcing them to stand.

The Lord Protektor then walks through the side door that he came in through and the orog closes it behind him.

The guard drags them out of the courtroom, back down the corridor and the stairs and they are once more secured to the iron ring in the center of the cell.