IMPERIAL FORUM, Alleria Prime -- After a brief pre-trial period, the much-delayed public trial of former regent Lord Alexander Nighthawk began as the winter grew harsher in Alleria Prime, with Justicar Juliara presiding over the case, and the large gathering of citizens and adventurers were stunned when the Inquisitor, Mistress Voluria, demanded that the court impose the harshest penalty under the law, execution.
Invoking Article 155 of the Articles of Imperium, Inquisitor Voluria indicated that because the charges against former Imperial Regent Alexander Nighthawk included, "one count of public disorder, one count of disruption of an official gathering of the Allerian State, three hundred and seventy-nine counts of attempted murder, one count of graft in office, and Conspiracy against the Sacred Three," that, because in the Pre-Trial Hearing, sufficient evidence was found to ensure that Nighthawk's innocence could not be proven, he should be executed. Article 155 of the Articles of Imperium reads: "In all cases of murder, attempted murder, treason, rape, attempted rape, terror, robbery, or conspiracy to commit any said crimes, the magistrate shall impose a punishment of execution, swiftly, upon the criminal."
Alexander Nighthawk was the last of three Imperial Regents that served following the presumed death of Emperor Valerian Constantius, though his relatively long reign was brought to an abrupt halt when a mage riot turned bloody and he attacked and otherwise peaceful gathering of spellcasters. That very riot turned into a bona fide coup which established the Rakrya magocracy which now controls the Imperial Government. Julos, the leader of the Rakrya, was later proclaimed Emperor during unclear circumstances, though it is believed that his immediate power is only recognized within Alleria Prime.
Rumors coming out of the Anna the Strict Fortress in Alleria Prime indicated that a last-minute offer of clemency was granted by Emperor Julos to Alexander Nighthawk, however, the former regent quickly turned down the offer saying that he was "ready to die for this empire." He was meeting with Governor Elanara Al'lende, a candidate for the office of Praesul in the now-suspended Imperial Senate, when a representative of the Rakrya allegedly offered him clemency "the likes of which the Justicar's court cannot offer [him]." As if knowing this, Justicar Juliara asked whether or not the accused wished to reverse his plea of "not guilty" and beg the court for clemency, a highly irregular move in Allerian jurisprudence.
"Trials in the Allerian Empire are typically for public," said Lord Petrus, the Rakrya's Imperial Chronicler, "with most of the decisions on the culpability of the criminal being decided in a pre-trial phase. Even so, one who admits culpability rather than attempts to defend his innocence in vain can typically receive a slightly reduced sentence." It remains unclear how Alexander Nighthawk might receive a reduced sentence given that the Articles of Imperium prescribe execution for persons found guilty of attempted murder, of which he is accused in 379 counts.
The Herald is currently conducting an opinion poll throughout the Empire to determine public thought on the regent's trial; citizens and adventurers are encouraged to respond to petitioners throughout the land. We will continue to bring you the latest news from Alleria Prime as it happens.
Inquisitor seeks Death Penalty for Nighthawk
The Empire is slowly setting the stage in a civil war, and they're putting the Regent on trial?
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