The Trial at Skullport
Skullport Trial
The Skullport Trial was a highly publicized legal proceeding held in Skullport, an underground city beneath Waterdeep known for its lawlessness and criminal enterprises. The trial revolved around the charges levied against Jember, a halfling adventurer accused of serious crimes that threatened his freedom and reputation. The case, presided over by the infamous Xanathar, quickly evolved into an extraordinary legal battle between Gregory, serving as Jember’s defense attorney, and his own alternate self, referred to as Evil Gregory, the lead prosecutor.
Background
The trial took place following a series of events that left Skullport in turmoil. Jember, a known adventurer, was accused of several crimes linked to smuggling, inciting unrest, and interfering with Xanathar Guild operations. With factions vying for power and looking for a scapegoat, Jember found himself at the center of a politically charged case. The trial was not only a matter of law but also a spectacle of influence, manipulation, and supernatural intervention.
Parties Involved
Defendant
- Jember – The primary accused, charged with numerous offenses that carried severe penalties.
Prosecution
- Evil Gregory – A version of Gregory from another plane, serving as the lead prosecutor. Known for his ruthless intellect and grasp of legal strategy, he sought to convict Jember using fabricated evidence and manipulated testimonies.
- Xanathar’s Representative – Acting as both an arbiter and secondary prosecutor, ensuring the trial remained both entertaining and politically useful.
- Various Criminal Factions – Several groups, including Skullport’s smuggling rings and former associates of the Xanathar Guild, backed the prosecution in an attempt to eliminate Jember as a perceived threat.
Defense
- Gregory – Acting as Jember’s defense attorney, he demonstrated unparalleled knowledge of Fey law and court manipulation, crafting a case that turned the prosecution’s own strategy against them.
- The Adventuring Party – While not formally on trial, Jember’s allies played crucial roles as witnesses and investigators, presenting key evidence to disprove the prosecution’s claims.
Charges
The prosecution’s case aimed to establish Jember as a criminal element disrupting Skullport’s balance. The primary charges included:
- Theft and Smuggling – Accused of smuggling illicit goods through Skullport’s trade routes and stealing from prominent figures in the underground economy.
- Incitement of Violence – Alleged to have orchestrated conflicts between rival factions, leading to riots and widespread chaos.
- Interference with the Xanathar Guild – The most severe charge, as tampering with Xanathar operations was punishable by execution.
Defense Strategy
Gregory’s defense was based on meticulous cross-examination and counter-evidence that dismantled the prosecution’s case:
- Lack of Concrete Evidence – Many of the prosecution’s claims relied on falsified documents and testimonies, which Gregory exposed as fraudulent.
- Political Framing – The defense argued that Jember was being used as a scapegoat by rival factions, who had more to gain from his conviction than from actual justice.
- Juridical Irregularities – Gregory invoked the Fey Court Laws, arguing that Skullport’s system had no legitimate jurisdiction over Jember’s alleged crimes.
Key Testimonies
- Zeromas – Presented expert analysis proving that the documents submitted as evidence contained arcane inconsistencies, indicating forgery.
- Olaf – Gave a compelling character defense, testifying to Jember’s honorable nature and dispelling notions of criminal intent.
- Fjord – Having only known Jember for a few days and referring to him as “GemBear,” Fjord provided an unconventional testimony. During cross-examination, when Evil Gregory accused him of being part of a “band of thieves,” Fjord misunderstood and loudly called for a mistrial, claiming that their group “couldn’t play musical instruments” and therefore could not be a band at all.” This caused widespread laughter in the courtroom, amusing Xanathar himself, who entertained the objection.
- A Rival Gang Leader – Under coercion, a former Skullport gang leader admitted that the entire case against Jember was fabricated to serve criminal interests.
- Evil Gregory (Cross-Examined) – Gregory, in a display of legal brilliance, trapped his alternate self in a logical paradox, forcing him to contradict his own case and damaging the prosecution’s credibility.
Notable Incidents During the Trial
- Supernatural Influence – Throughout the trial, both Gregory and Evil Gregory subtly used magical manipulation, turning the proceedings into a battle of wits, law, and sorcery.
- Assassination Attempt – During a key moment, an unknown assassin attempted to kill Jember in the middle of court, forcing his allies to defend him in a chaotic skirmish before the judge.
- Xanathar’s Entertainment Requirement – As the trial progressed, it became increasingly evident that Xanathar was more interested in entertainment than justice, favoring whichever side proved to be the most engaging.
Verdict
After an intense and theatrical courtroom battle, Xanathar personally issued the verdict, declaring:
“This was the most fun I’ve had in years. Jember, you live. Gregory, I like you. Evil Gregory, you bore me—leave my sight.”
With Jember’s charges dismissed, the adventurers quickly left Skullport, seeking to avoid any retaliation from their new enemies. However, the political implications of the case continued to ripple through Skullport’s underworld, and the unresolved tension between Gregory and his darker counterpart hinted that their battle was far from over.
Legacy and Impact
The Skullport Trial remains one of the most unusual legal cases in Skullport’s history, marked by its blend of legal manipulation, magic, and absurd theatrics. It solidified Gregory’s reputation as a masterful orator and defender, while cementing new rivalries that would have lasting consequences for Jember and his allies.
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