The Trial of Kemnebi Shadeweaver

[Leaving Hope]

You stated that you can detect evil, but not design; therefore, you did not know the defendants intent, is this correct? Therefore, you do not know if the defendant intended to harm Tifton, is this correct?

Helm does not grant me the power to perceive intent. For that I rely on my twenty years experience as a Paladin. It is possible that the defendant didn't mean to kill Tifton, but did so with reckless magic use. However, given the unholy aura that emanated and the evil I perceived, I believe the act was premeditated.

Is it true that Tifton was laying on the ground between you and the defendant? If that is correct, then could the evil aura actually have been coming from Tifton as the dispels started to work, thus making it seem that the defendant's aura waxed and waned? Is it not more plausible that as the dispels were discharged into Tifton, the evil within Tifton would wax and wane, thus causing a fluctuating aura that could have been attributed to the defendant, since Tifton was in between you two?

I am completely positive the unholy aura came from the defendant.

You say you do not have a background in magic, yet you do have a background in divine magic, yes? Is it not true that different forms of magic, be it divine or other, have different motions and components? And, is it not true that priests worshiping different Gods may have different ways in which they cast spells, based on that God and not the priest? That the same spell cast by Cadmus may have different motions and components or auras than a spell cast by another priest who worships another God?

Therefore, is possible that you were mistaken on the intent of the divine magic cast by the defendant?

I remember perfectly the motions and verbal components of the spell, so I will be able to identify what spells the defendant cast should another wizard cast the same smell in my presence.

But you make a good point. We need only find out what God gives the defendant his power, and as I can recount the components we will be able to determine what he was casting. * looks to Cadmus *

[wangxiuming]

With resolve, Alyrian replies: " ... it would be a mistake for him to underestimate me. He seeks to attack me because of my magicks - and yet the one he defends gains power by following the teachings of a deity far more destructive, malicious and threatening than I could ever be."

[Cadmus Runesmith]

Cadmus rises from his seat to address the court.

Looking toward the Judge he speaks.

"I know the god Kemnebi Shadeweaver serves, as does Master Elric and many others gathered here this day."

"Elric Gallows seeks to use a glib tongue to paint the picture of impropriety upon the Church of Helm, or any other that seeks to testify on behalf on the fallen Paladin Tifton Holyguard."

"If the court would allow me the oppurtunity I shall reveal the God's name that Kemnebi Shadeweaver has chosen to follow."

Cadmus looks to the Judge awaiting a reply to his request.

[Leaving Hope]

* The judge nods to Cadmus *

That information has become relevant, Counselor; however, I would prefer that information comes from a witness, and not the prosecution, who can prove the defendant's faith. Mister Brightstone, you may step down for now, and the Defense may call you later.

Mister Runesmith, please call your next witness.

[ThePaganKing]

*Elric stands, looks at Cadmus, shakes his head, then addresses the court*

"Glib tongue? I am merely trying to get the facts out. I did not pick your witnesses Cadmus, so do not blame any fault of theirs at my feet!"

"I still find it very interesting that on the chaotic night that Tifton died, two witnesses were able to see everything the defendant did with such clarity, but cannot say what others were also doing?"

"And, everyone has the right to defense, do you not agree?"

*With that, Elric bows low to Cadmus, and sits*

[GRCrush]

As Elric and Cadmus banter back and forth Kemenbi stands up resting his shackled hands upon the desk.

Your honor if I may speak on my own behalf.

I tend to agree with Elric that this trial is set against me from the start.
So I would like to reenter my plea at this time to guilty.

Yes I did seek to taint the creation of the crytsal by Trifton as it was the means to an end. In killing him I only sealed that deal. So if you ask did I do it I say yes.

But I did not act alone. Two among you have aided me knowingly. Cadmus is about to reval to whom I serve my allegiance. He does that in hopes to strengthin the case and quicken my death perhaps to cover his own guilt in the matter. Cadmus knows and now so shall all of you that my allegiance was to Talos the lord of destruction. But Cadmus knew of this allegiance long before he was a member of Helms temple and kept it hidden from you all.

The second more untrusting then the first has been set upon me from the start seeking to put my life at an ened before I can reveal what i know. At this point I have little to loose. Alyrien has been serving the same dark master that have threatened you all and unlike myself who planted myself within your ranks to help my own destructive ends. he has been working with the one you call Landaran as a spy and a saboteer making sure he sews the seeds against me as a scapegoat for the crimes before their true source can be traced. You may not believe my words and that is your choosing. But perhaps him yourself under oath his ties to the arcane and why Landaran himself let him live to sneak back to your circle.

Again your honor I plead guilty to my involvement and leave myself at the will of the court. I denounce my further ties to Talos in the hopes that doing so will prove my sincerity. For in light of recent events my eyes have been opened to a clearer path.

Kemnebi gives a smile to Cadmus and Alyrien**

in a low voice " I will not burn alone"

Kemnebi takes his seat

[Peridan]

*Samael scratches his nose in amusement* I know....Alyrian...better than that....You need...to work...on your lying....Kemnebi....

[Gamling]

Nulinus closes his eyes for a long time, then stands up."I too knew that Kemnebi was aligned with talos, but i did not think he would end up doing this.Cadmus told me of his diety, so it is I who should be guilty and not Cadmus, for It should have been my responsibility to tell you."He sits back down and awaits what the judge has to say.

He looks at Alyrian then turns back..

[Leaving Hope]

* Bedlam takes over the court with Kemnebi's confession. It takes Judge Nemits 10 minutes to quiet the court. *

* Jonas Londew stands and addresses the court *

Your Honor, the prosecution extended an offer to the defendant: life in prison in exchange for his confession and a guilty plea. We believe that the defendant's actions are inexcusable, but we wish to see no further loss of life in this matter. We will accept his guilty plea and confession in exchange for life in prison with no chance of parole.

* Judge Nemits looks surprised by the latest developments, but nods his head. *

Very well. Given this confession and the brokered deal, this trial is over.

Kemnebi Shadeweaver is hereby guilty, by self proclaimation, of egregious behavior within a city temple, premeditated murder of a city officer, and endangering the peace. He is to serve life in prison, with no chance of parole, starting immediately.

The court thanks the jury. We are adjourned.

* A stunned court is left to discuss the trial *

[ThePaganKing]

*Elric jumps to his feet and shouts out in a strong voice*

"Wait, wait, wait.........I did not do this all for nothing! There are allegations that have been placed before this court concerning Cadmus and Alyrian that must be addressed! Kemnebi has renounced his God so that he could serve justice, but also to let the others involved in this matter be served with justice also!"

*Elric pauses, looks at everyone in the courtroom, then looks at Cadmus, then the judge*

"I call on the right of trial by combat for the defendant! Let those that were also involved fight for their honor and freedom and let the Gods sort it out!"

[Cadmus Runesmith]

Cadmus stands after much of the confusion has died down and looks to the remainder of those gathered within the court.

He holds his head high, no hint of shame or denial marks his face.


"Kemnebi has spoken the truth this night." "I was aware of his association with Talos, well before my conversion to a Priest of Helm."

"I had trusted Kemnebi, regardless of his faith, of that I am guilty."
"I had hoped that we could put aside our differences and work toward the common goal of driving back the forces of the Ill'Koresh......I see now that I was a fool in assuming so much."


"I stand here tonight as much to blame for the death of my friend Tifton Holyguard as Kemnebi himself."
"Tifton no longer walks amongst us, no longer shares his voice, his wisdom, due to my negligence."

"I stand here now and proclaim my guilt...my regret at having stood by as I allowed the machinations of Talos and his followers to destroy what Abbot Proskus, Tifton Holyguard, and the Temple of Helm itself had worked so hard to secure."


"If the court itself shall not find me at fault for my actions, then I shall turn myself over to the Temple."

Cadmus stands tall his face a mask of stoicism and duty.

[wangxiuming]

Alyrian seems utterly shocked for a moment, eyes flashing crimson fire, before regaining composure. A grim, humorless smile spreads across his face, as he turns to face Kemnebi.

"What twisted lies you spin, Kemnebi. But your accusations can be refuted easily - any paladin or cleric capable of discerning the veracity of our words will know that you speak falsely. I believe we have many of them among us today. Shall we reveal once and for all, who truly was in league with the dread knight Landaren? Shall this be your final, futile attempt to tear this land apart?"

"Even so, I must respect the influence you have gained ... even when you admit to having murdered a paladin, your friends remain loyal." His gaze flashes to Elric before returning to rest on Kemnebi.

[Cadmus Runesmith]

Cadmus looks over to Elric, sadness filling his eyes.

"Have all of us not lost enough this night Elric?"

"You treat this trial as a grand stage, a medium for you to perform your craft." "The lives of many have been changed, some forever........."

"This is not an arena, nor a carnival, it is not simply some fairy tale to be told around a campfire in the coming years."

"You have lived your life devoid of attachments to anything of substance, merely allowing the winds to carry you where they may."

"You stand here still, outraged at the turn of events that have transpired." "This trial was never about you, or what you stood to gain from taking part in its unfolding drama."

"A dangerous threat yet remains on the horizon...Landaren, the Ill'Koresh, the gathering darkness which seeks to engulf these lands, cutting off the light forever in its wake."

"Have you stood by blinded by your own self righteousness, unable to see the events which twist and shape this land?

"The time has come to choose your alliances, and pray that we are not already too late."

[dieOrg]

*Calandra sits speechless as the case unfolds infront of her, not quite certain what to make of it.*

[joker]

*Upon hearing of what has transpired, Calowyn smiles.*

At least now, I will not have testify.

*He wonders off and finds himself stalking an adventuring party in the Sharahan Hills.*