The Trial Of Luisiani

[*Xndar]

Alathusra would probe the family a little more insistently with regards to the accused's demand for payment. She explains that if she can show the court that Luisiani was behaving in a rational, if deplorable manner (ie making good on a threat based on a real slight/quarrel), the likelihood of a harsher punishment being handed down is significantly greater, as will her ability to prove his guilt if such a thing were to be drawn into question.

Alathusra would also follow up on each of the witnesses, questioning them at length as to the events they witnessed, and whether or not Luisiani seemed to be acting of his own free will.

[*MimiFearthegn]

Lady Alandris says she knows nothing about any real debts that Lord Alandris could have possibly had to this girl. The very idea is preposterous, and clearly a case of Luisiani trying to extort money from her dearly departed husband. . . who, though a wonderful person, did rather like to gamble. Maybe that was part of the trouble. Yes, it was probably a misunderstanding over a gambling debt. He went to the Fortune's Wheel every week, and he had had some bad luck three weeks before his untimely death.

But the debts had been paid, and it was hardly his fault if the woman's courier wasn't trustworthy.

If given some time, the Alandrises are able to produce a witness - one Sergio Natal - who will swear that he saw Luisiani playing a game of cards at the Fortune's Wheel with Lord Alandris three weeks previously.

* * * * * * * * * * *
Doctor Omartha is very interested in Hasclaan's theories about the Mnemur Scrolls, but sadly informs him that this long after the fact it is impossible to tell what caused a compulsion that is no longer present.

He also receives a reply back from the Sensates, in which Elena insists that this is rather irregular, but she has received several volunteer reports for the sake of dear Luisiani.

The reports describe the experience on the stone (described here), and complaints of nightmares akin to that on the sensory stone, along with voices urging them to harm seemingly random people in public places.

//I should have more time to post this week, so let me know when you're done gathering evidence and ready to proceed to trial.

[*Selebius]

Hasclaan is pleased with the results of his investigations, thanks those involved for their help politely then submits what he has to the Courts, signalling that he is ready for the Trial.

[*Xndar]

Alathusra would make one last inquiry at the Fortune's Wheel, meeting with the proprietor to get access to whatever records the gambling house might have regarding the winnings and losses of the victim and the accused. If the Fortune's Wheel is not the sort of establishment to keep records, she would seek further corroborating (written) accounts of Luisiani's and Lord Alandris' gambling patterns from the establishment's employees or regulars.

[*MimiFearthegn]

Simply everyone at the Fortune's Wheel has seen Lord Alandris here. He did love the games! He will be sorely missed.

The official records only count what he owed the Wheel itself - which was substantial, but regularly paid off.

Of course, the late lord played cards with a variety of other patrons, some of whom remember him fondly and others who have a very hard time looking upset at his misfortune. A few of them think they saw Alandris playing cards with someone who fit Luisiani's description, and are willing to give testimony.

[*Xndar]

Alathusra would collect said testimonies, pick out the ones she feels paint the picture she wishes to show to the Judge, before submitting her evidence to the Court and indicating her readiness for trial.

[*MimiFearthegn]

And so, the memorandum for the Trial of Luisiani read. . .

Judge: Caterina Arnders

Accused: Namer Luisiani of the Sensates
Defendant: A6 Hasclaan Guunt
Witness(es): Factotum Elena d'Isaur of the Sensates, Dr. Omartha of the Fraternity
Evidences: Sensate Reports

Prosecution: A10 Alathusra
Witness(es): Nicholai the Street Vendor, Candelaria Fortis, Hegmind Stinsel, and Kyle O'Velimond (witnesses to the murder), Sergio Natal (who saw them playing cards)
Evidences: Various testimonies placing Lord Alandris and Luisiani at the Fortune's Wheel

Charges: Murder of Lord Alandris

City Court Proceedings

1. Everyone takes their places.
2. Judge comes in, everyone rises.
3. Charges are read, judge will open the trials officially with slam of his hammer.
4. Opening speeches: First goes defendant that can make opening speech to introduce himself- the point of view of this case, after this the prosecution does the same (introduce the victim and then talk of the case), prosecution as right to do this later on also right before they call their witnesses.
5. Prosecutions' Witnesses: Now are called Prosecutions witnesses one by one, the Prosecution will question them first, after which defendant questions them. Evidences may be brought in middle of the witness questionings.
6. Defendants' Witnesses: First are called Defendants witnesses one by one, the Defendant will question them first after which prosecution questions them. Evidences may be brought in middle of the witness questionings.
7. Judges decision: Based on the trials proceedings, the Judge renders the verdict.
   
   

On the appointed day, everything was in order. Assuming nothing prevented the appointed lawyers and judge from attending, everyone duly took their places, ready for the trial to begin. . .

[*Midnight]

Before the date of the trial Caterina would send a memo to both the prosecution and the defence councils to register the witnesses they will call and the exhibits they will be submitting as evidence. Only witnesses and evidence submitted this way would be considered by the court.

((Just in case there is anything you guys want to add to what is listed above.

[*Selebius]

Hasclaan Guunt has nothing to add to this list of evidence and signals the Judge that he is ready to proceed.

[*Xndar]

Alathusra likewise indicates that the above list is sufficient and is ready to proceed.