220 / 09 / 21 - Demon Cult Stopped

Few if any of our readers living on the west side of Chirin can have missed the strange procession that passed from the west gate to what is now called Patrol headquarters. A tall, slender human dressed in robes walking along the streets declaring in a loud voice that he was the leader of a cult dedicated to Baphomet, a powerful demon. This strange dark haired figure was accompanied by several others bearing various injuries and carrying two large cloth shaped packages. Behind them marched the members of the Rainbow Crew, a mercenary group led by John Fennan, the self-styled Rainbow Bard.
The group was quickly intercepted by members of the Patrol and escorted back to Patrol headquarters. There, members of the Patrol, led by Sergeant Beatrix, were told of the crimes committed by the robed figure, Reben Butcher, and his associates. While Reben had been induced to declare his crimes by way of magic, there was more than enough evidence, along with statements from his associates to confirm that he should be arrested.
Reben had been leading a cult dedicated to the worship of a demon, and as part of that worship had arranged hunting parties that pursued people like halflings and gnomes rather than game. These atrocious hunts had resulted in numerous deaths, but unfortunately the laws of Chirin only apply within the city limits and Reben and his associates were careful not to commit any kidnappings or killings within Chirin itself. What they could be charged with was demon worship, and demon summoning as these acts are considered crimes wherever they are committed.
Reben and his associate Sellit were tried on Marday afternoon and found guilty of all charges. The evidence provided by the Rainbow Crew, including amulets and wall hangings bearing the symbol of a demon, left no room for doubt about the charge of demon worship. While no evidence was presented with regards to the charge of demon summoning, the statements provided by the Rainbow Crew painted a horrifying picture of what Reben had summoned from the abyss. Although a bard like John Fennan might be expected to exaggerate, or distort the truth in order to provide a better story, the descriptions provided by other members of the Rainbow Crew like Payle Vinlor, a priest of Seyr, and Varren Locke, a former member of the Chirin Guard, showed that in this case John had no need to embroider the story. The judges provided a quick a unanimous decision of guilty and sentenced REben and Sellit to death with the sentence to be carried out the next day.
Another two members of the hunting group organised by Reben were found to be innocent of the charges of demon worship and summoning. These two were issued a warning that any future crimes would see them found guilty of the charge of demon worship and executed.
Speaking after the trial Patrol Captain Vyken Guardian had this to say, "We are immensely grateful to the Rainbow Crew for their work in bringing these cultists to justice. Their brave actions helped to prevent further killings and stopped a demon from being unleashed on the area. However i would not encourage others to take matters into their own hands. The Rainbow Crew have worked with the Patrol before and took all the necessary steps to ensure they did not break the law themselves. I would encourage anyone who discovers something similar to report it to the guard rather than trying to intervene themselves."
Following the conviction and execution of Reben and Sellit this morning, the council has voted to reward the Rainbow Crew for their efforts with the Medal of The Valorous Citizen. The presentation is scheduled to take place during Bard's Due on Savday 5th Saum next week.