Session six

This was a heavy "talking" session with lots of discussions about what to do and some great in character role-play, both within the group and with NPCs.  In summary:

Hemlock and Lawrence spoke with Pufflenaff the Reeve who argued that without evidence all their arguments seemed to be faithful friends or retainers protecting their lady. He dismissed "Fairy tales" of psychic powers, bemoaning the fact that there was no longer an Inquisitor on site who might have helped identify such witchcraft.  He points out that Hasimir assaulted the one witness (in and of itself not an issue as he's a noble and Timmy is a serf) but he did it at night and in secret, Josay was condemned and killed by the Inquisition (who were opposed by Hemlock and a "mysterious assailant), and now they are bringing stories of magic powers and unprovable "gifts"; none of which looks good on Arcadis. He did however take on board Hemlocks lead of where did "Arcadia" go after walking behind the competitor's tents.

When they leave the evening "party" Beorn explains what he had previously privately told Lawrence; before arriving at the tourney he had been hired by Façade (who knew of his connection to Lawrence) to report on Arcadia's activities to her.  He has not shown Arcadia a picture of Façade (for fear of her reaction) but can confirm she is Marjorie. 

The party comes up with a plan to try to provoke a reaction in "Marjorie" or Sir Selwyn. Beorn drops her a note stating that Arcadia has had enough and will be "telling all" to the Reeve while Lawrence and Hemlock have a similar conversation at breakfast within earshot of Selwyn.

Following that Hemlock goes to keep watch on the Reeve for fear that Façade will attack but finds that he and the Baron are already with Arcadia conducting their interview.  He listens from outside to the interview which goes on for most of the morning.  While most of it seems like a reasoned discussion (he can't make out the details it ends with Arcadia raising her voice and the sounds of a scuffle.  The Reeve and Baron leave and Hemlock follows

Lawrence then takes the chance to speak to the Lady and finds that she has been shackled and has a growing bruise on her cheek after "resisting". She seems deflated and somewhat resigned to her fate.

At lunch the party happens to see Selwyn being waited upon by "Marjorie" and both Hasimir and Hemlock notice that while he hides it well he seems to be seething with anger towards them.

After lunch Hasimir then visits Arcadia. He tells her that they have seen Façade and that she is with Selwyn.  Arcadia is shocked and flabbergasted at the news (and that she is only just being told...) but warns that while Façade might be manipulating her brother he may well be a willing or equal party in this.

Hemlock maintains his watch on the Reeve as the criers and heralds announce that the Baron will be holding court shortly to hear the case of his brother's murder.

Hasimir goes to speaks with the Reeve & Baron to explain his actions regarding Timmy.  Such explanations are considered irrelevant but the Reeve points out how the weight of evidence is against Arcadia. There is no other suspect.  Hasimir says that he believes there is...