AtD 007 Murder, Most Foul

Before the party returned to the woods, the heroes urged Kildak to apologise to Mari Parvianien for his attempted assault of her in the marketplace. The dwarf had been slightly drunk and smacked the alleged witch hard. He couldn’t understand why so many of the townsfolk made such a big deal of his actions but agreed to apologise nevertheless.

However, sadly, the dwarf couldn’t help himself. At sight of Mari, a fit of murderous rage came over the warrior, and he became certain Mari was a witch and must die.

Acting quickly, he ripped out his battleaxe and—in front of a marketplace of horrified witnesses—chopped at Mari. Ozloc tried to stop him with a sleep spell, but it failed to pacify the enraged dwarf, although—sadly—it did affect Mari. As Kildak hacked at the sleeping woman, a cowled figure emerged from the crowd. Ripping off his cloak, the figure—now revealed to be a noble-looking man clad in plate armour—shouted for Kildak to stop. The dwarf—in a bloodlust beyond all reason—declined, and the warrior leapt into action. A brief melee ensued before Kildak was knocked unconscious.

After the battle had concluded, both Balasar and Bodrum tried to save Mari, but she was dead. It was now the situation went from bad to worse. It turned out that the warrior who had fought Kildak was none other than Aavo Oksanen, grandson of Benjam Oksanen, lord of Dunstone. It further transpired that Mari was his childhood friend, and that the wildly angry noble was eager for revenge.

Kildak was bundled off to Castle Dunstone, to stand trial the next day for murder. Confused, but keen to help their friend, the remaining heroes searched the town for evidence that Mari was a witch. Sadly, it seemed there was no such evidence, and even a thorough search of her home revealed nothing suspicious or out of place.

Kildak seemed doomed. When it started early the following morning the trial—presided over by Lord Benjam Oksanen, his grandson Aavo (who was clearly spoiling for revenge) and High Priest Joonas Mattila—went badly. Many had witnessed Kildak’s brutal crime, and the dwarf’s only defence seemed to be that he had been possessed. One after another, his companions were called attest to his character—most could (or would) only say he was a mighty warrior needed for the defence of the town. As the day, wore on Kildak himself was given a chance to justify his actions...