Nikarns Trial

June 21st, 2007

Players: Heather, Lachesis, Eochaid, Tanikas, Nikarn, Taharqa Synopsis: Nikarn has brought himself on charges of having a Pride unbecoming a warrior of his standing as well as a bloodlust or battle fervor. Taharqa is the priest of Evight that is handling the trial since Nikarn did not want to got to one of his own church. The rest of the players were there to testify for or against Nikarn. There was no verdict at the end because "no verdict was needed".

Heather comes in wearing formal robes of her own clerical order, in her left hand is a book that could pass off as a magic book and nothing in the right. She waits for the acloides of the temple to tell her where to sit and she does.

From the large marble halls of the Temple of Evighet can be heard the chanting of priests and as the finish blessing the room that sits off of the Vestibule. The large wooden doors are flanked by a pair of town guards while a priest just inside the doors directs everyone to thier seats. Thoes that have been summoned to bear witness ar placed on the left of the room in the front aisle. Taharqa stands on the other side os a small divider near the stand. A second stand next to the chair of the Justicar is meant for the witnesses.

Lachesis comes in with her breast plate on, weapons away and looking slightly confused. She goes to the side of the room that she's been asked to sit on and waits to see just exactly what she would be able to bring to such a hearing. The letter that she received via messenger in her hand as she seems to be rereading it again.

Eochaid comes walking into the temple with his hair pulled back into a single braid with a silver clasp at the end holding the braid together. Under his cloak the flamboyant colours of his silk clothing can be seen, the weapons that he carries with him can also be seen. As he walks his right hand rests on the hilt of the rapier to keep it from banging against the side of his leg. He walks in with a bit of a smile on his face as he is all for one of the all to good Paladins getting punished.

Tanikas steps into the vestibule, the last to arrive. She comes in with a smile on her face, though it seems to be weighted with some worry. Looking to the others, she seems to evaluate their intentions a moment, lingering over them longer than she otherwise might. She takes a seat, folding her hands on her lap carefully so that she can watch the proceedings. She says nothing, simply watching and listening intently.

"All rise," A young priest says entering the room from a side door in the back. Three older priests in grey roebs with white over cloaks enter and stand behind the Justicar's Table. "Clerics Galen Stongheart and Sanjuro Yo-dul supporting, Dolan Farkas presiding," The priest announces and the men sit. "Bring in the man, Nikarn of the Temple of Mod."

Tanikas stands easily, holding a fist over her heart in respect. She looks to the Elder Priests as they come in, her smile softening just a little, almost becoming a frown.

Lachesis stands as requested out of respect as she watches.

Heather stands when told and waits for the judges to take there seat before siting her self.

Eochaid has not yet found a place to sit so remains standing, once the judges take their seat he finds a seat off to one side of the room.

At the order for Nikarn to be brought in, two priests of Evighet open a set of doors in the side of the room. First through those doors walks another priest, but this one is slightly taller, and chorded around with more muscle than the priests who hold the doors.. a silver battle axe emrboidered on the Priest's robe shows him to be a follower of Mod. Then, behind the priest, walks Nikarn, followed closely by another man dressed in full plate and wielding a battle-axe... seemingly another Paladin of Mod.

Nikarn holds his head high, though his face is set more grim than usual. His hands are manacled in front of him, though the chains seem flimsy around his huge wrists. He is dressed in a simple white robe, obviously the largest the priests had to offer him, but still the sleeves only reach halfway down his wrists, and his bare feet and calves are plainly seen beneath. His eyes do not rove over those who are here, but instead fix on the priest residing over the hearing.

Tah motions with his hand to the stand,"Over here please." The black cloth hanging from his waist seems to swirl as he moves closer to Nikarn. The presiding clerc nods and speaks loudly, the voice strong for an old man, "Of those gathered, who is to here to bear witness to this man?"

Eochaid moves to get the Priest's attention and with a nod shows that his is indeed here to bear witness. he then leans back and waits for the trial to be finished so he can watch the punishment begin.

Lachesis looks a little confused "Well I was asked to come via messenger, but I am no friend to this man so I'm not sure why I was asked to come" she says to Taharqa.

Heather sits there all proper not saying thing untill she hears the charges, her face shows the expersion of profesionalism.

Nikarn takes goes to stand at the indicated place, now facing those who are gathered, yet he does not look at them, instead fixing his eyes at a point somewhere far beyond. He does not speak, as its not his place to do so yet.

Tanikas stands, nodding to the man. She is here to bear witness.

"Witness having been gathered we will now proceed. Taharqa Systomen," The Justicar says. Taharqa offers a reply of, "Sir?"

"Proceed." The black robed Cleric of Evighet removes his head dress and tucks it into his belt. He shakes his hair loose before speaking, "Nikarn, Paladin of Mod. You have come here to submit yourself to the Scales and be judged. You are accused of having a Pride unbecoming a warrior of your standing as well as a bloodlust or battle fervor. Having assembled your defense are you willing to accept the petience, if any, handed down to you?"

Heather hears the charges as she places her head in her hand and mentaly mumbles sometings about a prat but she straitens up and listens to the rest.

The is a loud knocking sound from the back of the temple. A figure, Standing roughly six feet tall speaks, Cutting through all noise that can be heard in the halls. "WHAT is the meaning of THIS." The voice, thunderous and soft at the same time has a chilly aspect to it.

Nikarn turns his attention to Taharqa as he speaks, and when the priest finishes, Nikarn remains silent a moment. Then he says, "I have come before the Scales to be Judged, and I willingly submit myself." He says no more, as the door opens and a cloaked figure enters the hall.

Eochaid sits up looking at the cloaked figure with intrest waiting to find out what it will say next.

Lachesis sits down and looks at the figure that just walked in. Not saying anything.

Tanikas blinks, furrowing her brow deeply. She bites her bottom lip intently, watching the goings-ons. Otherwise her face is calm as calm can be.

Heather looks to the cloaked man but doesnt move as its not her place to handle this.

Taharqa is about to continue but is stopped with his mouth half-open. The Three Clerics sitting at the head of the room glance between each other. Taharqa, standing next to Nikarn, replys, "This man is to be Judged of character. Pride and Bloodlust his sins."

"A paladin of Mod. Being judged in the temple of Evighet." The cloak figure seems skeptical at this. Instead of stopping his questioning though, He moves forward. "On what grounds does the Temple of Evighet have to Judge one of Mod's Hands." He questions, "Under what grounds...does the Temple of Evighet...Mistrust Mod's knowledge."

Eochaid is now actually paying attention to what is going on since it seems there is one here that is able to judge even those who are here to judge.

Tanikas cannot help but smile now, one side of her mouth curling up in a satisfied grin. However, it quickly disapears and she remains motionless, simply watching the situation.

Lachesis smirks and quirks an eyebrow as this farce of a trial seems to be getting interesting.

Nikarn watches the figure for a moment, and when the figure poses the questions he speaks. "This is a burden of my heart, and when I asked my bretheren at the temple, and when I asked them for opinion, they told me that Pride and a healthy need for competition were not uncommon, and yet I was still troubled. They told me to seek a priest of Evighet if I was not satisfied with their answers, as he is the Judge, and his priests righteous in their servitude."

"Mod is your God. Not Evighet. Your attonements are to him." The Cloaked figure snaps back. "Coming to another god Means the lack of faith, Faith wavers and so does your commitment." The voice booms through the hall and points to Taharqa, "Pride and blood lust are not sins when used to fight the Oppression of the weak. They are tools Unless you are a God...what judgement do you have of his sins." The figure turns back to Nikarn, "Attone for your sins at your own temple..."

"I too was skeptical," Taharqa admits. "This man came and we do as he asks. As you can see by the procedings here, we are taking this quite seriously." Taharqa crosses his arms, "Certainly both are traist requried by warriors, too much pride however may blind one to the valor of other and too much bloodlust may cause one to fight with out reason. Thoes gathered here to speak for this man are meant to bear witness his character. Should any flaw be found it will be found by Nikarn, not I."

Nikarn's face finally shows emotion, the cold and empty demeanor cracking. His brows furrow and his teeth grit, his eyes flashing with anger. "My faith in Mod does not waiver. He is my Strength, My Heart, and My Life. Why would I trouble my God with my burdens when I am but a lowly servitor, and he has a world of souls greater than I to care for? I asked Men to judge me, and so I found those who would."

"Because he is your GOD, He is the source of your power." The figure booms to Nikarn, "IF you wish for a character analasys then do not chain yourself as a condemed man, Do not sumbit your self to the temple of the all father but test yourself in the circle at your own temple." And now the figure turns to Taharqa, "You make a mockery of this process with this." he states, "The gods watch over, If he is found guilty. HE could fall."

There is a blinding light suddenly from the figure, and in a moment...its gone.

Lachesis turns to Eochaid "I believe we were just visited by a God" she whispers to him, but in the quiet room it can be heard by others nearby.

Tanikas stands, looking to where the man used to be. Then looking to Nikarn, she pads over to him softly and places a hand on his chest easily, and smiles to him brightly, her eyes glimmering. She leans in and speaks to him softly a moment and then moves back. She then looks over toward Taharqa, "Is this settled?" She asks, smiling to him without worry now.

Eochaid nods to Lachesis with a look of awe at the thought of being in the same room with a god, upon hearing Tanikas' words he say "One would think this is far from settled. There is a Paladin here that not only admits to being pridefull and having a great amount of bloodlust, he also just admitted to feeling that /Man/ can judge him better than his own /GOD/!"

Eochaid nods to Lachesis with a look of awe at the thought of being in the same room with a god, upon hearing Tanikas' words he say "One would think this is far from settled. There is a Paladin here that not only admits to being prideful and having a great amount of bloodlust, he also just admitted to feeling that /Man/ can judge him better than his own /GOD/!"

The Cleric shakes his head, "No, we should see this through in the hopes of strenthing the resolve of all. Any who wish not to participate however may be excused." Taharqa gives a moment of pause in his speech, listening to Eochaid's words. "Otherwise I will have Nikarn call upon the first who wuold speak for him."

Nikarn frowns, his brows still furrowed. "I am not but a glint on the edge of Mod's Axe, and yet it takes all to form the blade that he wields against Evil." He looks at the others here, watches Taharqa intently. "I will not further this, if it is not my place to question. My fervor for Battle and my strength in Pride are Tools of the Battleaxe, as that one had stated. If we do further this, than is this not an act against my God? No, I will not call any forward to speak. When I feel Mod's strength leave me, I will know that I am wrong."

Lachesis sits and seems to be studying all in the room, watching their reactions to what has just happened, being quiet and staying seated. She seems to smirk for but a mere moment.

Tanikas smiles to Nikarn, her smiles getting bigger, if that were possible. She nods easily, agreeing. Needing no more words, she turns and pads back to her seat, and crosses her arms over her chest. She patiently awaits Nikarn, that ever-present smile of hers on her face.

Eochaid stands with a glare at Nikarn pauses for a moment to gather his thoughts. "One would say that by starting this farce of a trial, calling those that are here to bear witness, then at the first chance of things not going your way, deciding that there is no longer a need for a trial, is a mockery of not only /Your/ god but also of the /All Father/ and his priests. One would still like to say One's piece in regards to your suitability to continue as one of the Hands of Mod." with that said he sits back down

Tanikas looks over at Eochaid, the smile on her face wavering for just the smallest of moments. However, she recovers easily, looking to Nikarn with the sort of unworried gaze one would give an attack dog that is being attacked by a field mouse.

Nikarn glares right back at Eochaid, but after a moment nods. "Speak if it pleases you, it is your right having been brought here to do so. But know that my heart is unburdened, and what you say will no longer hold sway, for it was your words in the first that brought me to do this." He seems as if there is a foul taste in his mouth.

"If it's-" The man stops himself as one of the crowd begins to speak aloud. "It seems this man has something that must be said." Taharqa looks to the Justicar and then back to Eochaid. "Step forward and state your name and relation to this man, then speak as you will."

Eochaid smiles at Nikarn as he moves forward to speak, "This man does not control his actions but lets his lust for battle control him. He has on many times attacked first and did not even wait around after to question the corpses. For instance there were these two perfectly nice Ettins that were wanting to come into the town, Lady Heather over there" he turns to point at Heather "tried to talk to the ettins to get them to understand why it would be a bad thing to enter the town. Lady Tanikas even tried to trick them into leaving. /Nikarn/ first threatened then attacked for no other reason then that they were evil in his mind. There are other occurances as well One would think that a Paladin, being too good for their own good, would have wanted a peaceful outcome where the least blood would be shed. Instead /Nikarn/ endangered himself and the rest of the group that was there simply because he wanted to kill something!" with that said he turns and returns to his seat, granting Nikarn another smirk as he sits. After sitting he states "Oh, One's name is Eochaid, and my only relationship to this man is to almost be killed due to his recklessness on a few occasions."

"Hrm," Tah says bringing a hand to his chin,"Is the Lady Tanikas here to provide an account of that encounter?"

Tanikas looks to Taharqa, and smiles to him pleasantly. She uncrosses her arms, straightening her toga a moment before she answers. Finally, she clears her throat softly, "As a follower of Mod, I feel that Nikarn has already seen a judgement beyond that which any of us can ascertain." She says, and looks to the room, "He was chosen to serve as a Fist of Mod for a reason, and he continues to serve as a Fist of Mod because Mod wills it. I shan't think myself great enough to count my opinion among those of the Gods." She looks to Nikarn and smiles, "However, the Hearing aside; I have never seen Nikarn display an action beyond those of his calling. As his friend and consort, I can say that he does have a lust for battle born from the desire for Good. In combat alongside me I have seen him battle time-and-time-again, and never has he displayed an eagerness for battle that was unchecked or anything less than the Battleaxe has ever asked of him. When he must dispatch a foe, he dispatched that foe with clean, accurate blows. He ends life without suffering, and does not end the life of an opponent who has fallen without due necessity." She breaths, looking once again to those present. "He is in every way a shining beacon of Goodness and Strength and Bravery. I make it no secret that I follow him, and will continue to follow him, should his path take him to the Hells or places worse. He is a shining star in my night sky, and I can say with honesty and forthrightness that I see no fault in him or his deeds." She says, finishing. With that, she nods to Taharqa and simply smiles.

Eochaid Stands again at Tanikas' word "Why is it that he first threatens then attacks any that happen to stand in his way, One can almost understand his actions with the /Evil/ Ettins, but to threaten then charge a Treant who only wanted to speak with those going to rescue the king. One would believe that they were not evil, even so he did not wait to find out he just attacked with no cause." Before sitting Eochaid is heard to say under his breath "One wonders at the safety of children in line for sweet cakes if /HE/ decides he wants one"

Lachesis snickers at Eochaids comment before he sits down and continues to watch in amusement the proceedings.

Taharqa raises a hand, "This is /not/ going to become an argument. Sir, have you any other grievences you wish to communicate before other speak thier piece?" The priest's face and usually warm voice gain a certain sterness to them as he addresses the man. He glance to the others assembled, a gesture meant to keep them quite for the time being.

Eochaid looks to Taharqa then says "One is sorry, One thought this trial was to judge a man on his moral standing and when One hears the man's concubine spouting of partial truths to make him look better One will have to speak up to correct the situation. One is only truing to /show Nikarn/ as he truly is. A man who would kick a puppy for pissing on his door mat because the poor thing was happy to see him!" Then with a snear he continues "You Priest of the All Father should be gratefull that One is hear to give you a balanced Oppinion of the man standing infront of you. However you scold This One for speaking out of turn to clairify the truth as if you had decided the outcome before the trial began" with that he stands and goes to leave.

Tanikas laughs out loud, and simply smiles to Eochaid and then to the rest of the room; The smile of somehow who knows her side has won, and is free of worry. "Mod has made his decision. There is nothing else to be discussed." She says, and looks to Taharqa and then to Nikarn, "When Mod decides a Mountain has fallen, only then has it fallen. Until then, he is a Fist of Mod and beyond the reckoning of you and yours." She looks to the others, "I shall not be any further part of this. I, for one, will never question the Gods or their machinations." She says in finality, with the sort of resolve in her voice that means she won't even hear what more is to be said. She simply looks to Nikarn, "Only You and Mod know your dedication to Mod, my Mountain." With that, she turns and pads out of the room quietly, still in bare feet.

Lachesis stands and shakes her head as she gets to the door one word is heard as its muttered "Weak" as she disappears out the door.

Eochaid continues to walk towards the exit of the Temple as he walks he says "One would say that having a /trial/ would mean actually following through to the end. For a priest, no a total of 4 priests, of the All Father to sit through this without ever attempting to pass judgement is a mockery of the All Father and his institutions. One would not wonder why he made his displeasure know if it were to happen." With that he leaves the vestibule shaking his head at the though of mortal playing gods.