Judgment in the matter of Earl Benkasifa Rapendour Options

[Christine]

This is my judgment in the appeal of Earl Benkasifa Rapendour against the sentence of outlawhood imposed upon him by the Imperial Seers for the killing of Crepitus of the 28^th legion on Sunsday 21^st Januar, in Scarlene. Although present for this incident, I have been asked by the Covenant to rule on it, as the Magistrate with jurisdiction.

I have received statements from all witnesses, who are all agreed that the killing took place whilst Earl Rapendour was under the effects of a Wild Frenzy potion, administered by means of an alchemical cache. Earl Rapendour also attempted to kill the other mercenaries present.

Others were also targeted by the potion, but by various means were able to avoid or negate its effects.

This would be a simple case, therefore, but for the fact that it appears Earl Rapendour may have been influenced slightly differently by the potion than would normally be the case. He was able to speak, though threateningly (when asked if he had been affected by the potion, replying “why don’t you come over here and find out”), but was sufficiently enraged to kill Crepitus whilst he was unconscious. It should be added that Earl Rapendour similarly killed other (non-mercenary) opponents having rendered them unconscious, but they had been involved in the conflict with him; Crepitus was unconscious throughout, until unfortunately Earl Rapendour was transported involuntarily next to his body.

I have sought the expert opinion of a noted potion-maker, Master Gully, to provide me with a description of the potion and its effects, namely : -

“This potion causes an awful stomach upset. The imbiber would be awfully angry and cross, but they certainly wouldn’t be so angry at an unconscious body on the floor. I don’t believe they could really answer questions calmly while under the influence of this potion - it’s incredibly dangerous and gives the user an almost insane attitude for violence. Very similar to those that hold berserker spirits within them to give a comparison. The drinker would lose control over their thoughts and actions and see nothing but violence.” (Gully)

Earl Rapendour’s reaction therefore seems extreme.

However, there is also the possibility that the transformation of the potion into a cache may have changed its properties to a minor degree – as no-one else was effected by this particular potion, it is not possible to say.

I have regard to Earl Rapendour’s good character, his surrender into custody, his stated regret and apologies, which I believe to be genuine, the forgiveness of his victim and the stated view of all witnesses that this was a killing caused by the potion. There has been no suggestion by any present that Earl Rapendour wished Crepitus harm prior or subsequent to the event in question.

I find that Earl Rapendour would not have killed Sergeant Crepitus had he been acting of his own free will, and although he reacted with more murderous enthusiasm than the situation arguably required, it cannot be known why this is the case. I find he did not act maliciously. I therefore remove the sentence of outlawhood imposed by the Imperial Seers. In keeping with the victim’s request for clemency, I will not impose any further legal penalty.

I understand from Earl Rapendour that he feels a moral responsibility for his actions and will be seeking to make reparations; this is commendable but not a matter for the law.

This judgment has been ratified by the Covenant.

Petulia Hylos
Magistrate of Scarlene