Get Up! The Court is In Session! (c)

The trial of the main character is one of the key moments in the game. This part of the plot is quite trivial by itself: the hero is accused, he searches for evidence and questions witnesses, and then appears in court to defend his good name. But if you dig deeper, navigating this epic contains many minor but interesting branches, as well as intriguing nuances that, depending on the playthrough, virtually form an entirely different story.

Interestingly, the very first branch appears long before the accusation - right upon arriving in Neverwinter, when the hero must choose whose side to serve: the thieves or the guards. This distinction is felt not only in the different lines of the hero and during the proceedings, but also in its very atmosphere. I must say that defending a thief is much more fun and unexpected than defending a law enforcement officer.

So, let's consider this piece of history with all its nuances, including those influenced by the hero's skill points, his characteristics, and the outcomes of some quests preceding the trial.

Sand and Torio.

***Lord Nasher:** And you, Sand? Do you wish to add **anything else** to what you didn’t manage to say in the first three hours of your speech?*

Sand: Oh, no, nothing - perhaps just to say that the attire of the messenger is utterly vulgar - it clearly tries to distract the members of the session from carefully considering the case by any means possible. Such attire would suit a cheap dockside prostitute, but certainly not a member of a diplomatic mission. Thank you.

Warning: further text contains wild spoilers, therefore, those who have not completed the game at least once (or, even better, at least twice with different classes/sides) are strongly advised against reading the following.

Royal Guard: Lord Nasher Alagondar, protector of Neverwinter, and esteemed judge Olef Uskar, supreme judge of Tyr…

Lord Nasher Alagondar

So, after a brief introduction, our hero stands trial. In fact, the formation of the verdict begins right from the start: the sentence is passed not only based on the evidence presented and the testimonies of witnesses but also on how the accused conducts himself.

Introductory Part

After a brief description of the essence of the accusation to those present, our lawyer Sand will give the hero several useful pieces of advice regarding behavior during the hearing. Here the hero will have the opportunity to increase their influence on him by thanking him for his defense, or lose it by expressing dissatisfaction with it.


Sand gives advice to his client

Then the judge will inform that the evidence has been considered, and here the counter will start ticking, depending on how many points you have scored:

Points

Assessment

0-2

-1

3-4

0

5-6

+1

7

+3

The points for collected evidence are added and distributed as follows:

• Sample of poison from the corpse in Ember: 1 point
• Quartermaster's journal from Ember: 1 point
• Luskan ring found on goblins in the caves: 2 points
• Dryad's magical powder: 3 points

Depending on the assessment of the evidence, we will hear discontented or shocked exclamations from the crowd, as well as a corresponding comment from Sand.

They crave bread and circuses

Torio, however, will begin his criticism of the hero regardless of circumstances, and here we can start with the oratory skills. And here she is. I admit it took me a lot of effort to capture her in a screenshot with a closed mouth.

Luskan's messenger appears as the accuser

Next, we will consider those lines or special options that influence the formulation of the court's decision in one direction or another. Before the questioning of witnesses begins, the hero may respond to her accusations using the following response paths:

• Diplomacy. For a successful result (+1 point to the verdict), you must have this skill at least 8 ranks; in case of failure - you lose -1 point.
• Intimidation. Similar option, and this also requires a minimum of 8 ranks in the skill.
• Lines like "…the messenger’s statement is somewhat premature…" and "…messenger, you are guilty of what has happened…" give +1 point
• Lines like "…the Luskan dogs were not given permission to bark here…" and "Are you saying the credibility of this testimony is in question?" give -1 point.
• Just like, "I will not submit to any Luskan dog court. Deliver your verdict here and now!” - also -1 point, but the court will end there.

Note: from here on, in case of unsuccessful skill checks, by default, lose as many points as are gained in the case of success. In cases where this rule does not apply, it will be indicated how many points are lost if you fail.

If the hero is a cleric, they can gain an additional **+1 point** if they preface their statement with: "That which questions the truth of the evidence presented to the court in the presence of Tyr offends me as a priest, esteemed judge…"

Then we move on to the next logical stage.

Witness Testimonies

Now it's time for questioning witnesses: first from the accuser’s side, then - on the accused’s side. Depending on whether they are "for" or "against" our hero, witnesses may testify, called by Torio or Sand.

Venton Orli

Venton Orli, sent by the head of the thieves' guild

If the hero chose the thieves' side, this witness appears in court completely voluntarily and unexpectedly. If allowed to speak, he will tell that the hero could not have possibly slaughtered the village, because at that time he was drinking with him in the "Sunk Flagon." Torio will, of course, ask questions, but this rogue will skillfully win the sympathy of the audience, granting the hero +2 points to the verdict. One way or another (even if the hero asked him to leave), the con artist will also recall the recent war with Luskan, and this will bring the hero another +2 points.

Elgun

A boastful liar from Port-Llast

This Elgun comes to testify if you did not expose him as a liar in Port-Llast and did not force him to silence. In this case, he continues to spin the same tales to the court as he did in the tavern in Port-Llast: how he saw the hero with his friends and demons, and how they slaughtered the whole village, while he miraculously survived. If the hero did not deal with the liar in the village, he will have a hard time turning this to his advantage.

• Mockery. A successful check requires at least 15 ranks in the skill. +1 point
• Diplomacy. Success at no less than 8 ranks. +2 points (if you push this path to the end).
• Intimidation. Requires a minimum of 7 ranks. +2 points (if you push to the end).
• Deception. If the skill is at least 10 ranks, then +2 points. Failure: -1 point.
• Detection. +2 points
• Phrases like "Did you see the criminal leader?" and "What were you doing there?" yield -1 point. If the hero is a ranger or druid, they can earn +1 point and thus nullify the second phrase.
• "Let her present her witnesses - that’s just what I need." -2 points

Niya

Healer from Port-Llast

The next witness is healer Niya, who asked the hero to help lay the corpses to rest in Ember. If the hero did not help her, Torio will call her as a witness on his side, and Niya will tell the court how bad and wicked the hero was, who let the dead down. In this case, we have the following options to influence the court's decision:

• For refusing to fulfill her request, we automatically receive -2 points
• Intimidation -2 points
• "What? That proves nothing." -> "On the grounds that I did not assist you, do you consider it reasonable to conclude that I am a murderer?" -1 point
• "Why would a real murderer bother going to Port-Llast at all? On the contrary, he would have been better off fleeing as quickly as possible - wouldn’t you agree?" -> "Why don’t you name a few?" -2 points
• "If you had seen as many corpses in your life as I have, you would realize that Ember is simply nothing." -1 point

If the hero helped Niya, she will be called later by Sand as a witness for the defense, and she will tell how noble and good the hero was, who agreed to lay the bodies and souls to rest.

• For assistance, you automatically receive +2 points
• Diplomacy. For success, you need at least 15 ranks. +1 point
• Mockery. Skill level at least 13. +1 point
• If the Intelligence score is 15 or higher, you can use a special option and receive +1 point
• Speech. At least 15 ranks. +1 point.
• If the hero is a cleric or paladin, they can say: "This comment is insulting to my faith and the memory of the dead." +1 point
• Lines like "That was the least I could do to help you…" and "Sometimes it is necessary to make sacrifices for the good of others" +2 points
• [Deception/Lie] "Sometimes it is necessary to make sacrifices…" +1 point

Raylin

Merchant from Neverwinter

This gnome merchant is met by the hero in the first act in the Docks area, where he can protect her (or not protect her) from racketeers if the hero is a guard, or extort money from her "for coverage" if the hero is a thief. Depending on these options, the dialogue may change. In her testimony, Raylin will tell what the hero did to her. Strangely enough, if the hero is a thief, the characteristic will be quite positive. If everything doesn’t get ruined, of course.

• The appearance of Raylin automatically gives +1 point
• "Oh gods, anything but this idiotic gnome from the shop." -1 point
• [Diplomacy] "I believe the word 'honored' speaks for itself, messenger." +1 point, if the hero is a thief, -1 point, if a guard.
• "Come on, Raylin, tell her the circumstances under which you were 'threatened'." -1 point, if a thief, -2 points, if a guard.
• [Diplomacy] "I beg your pardon, messenger, but I've been given no chance to speak to my girlfriend…" +1 point, if the diplomacy skill is at least 10.
• [Diplomacy] "Raylin, if you want to talk about your shop…" +1 point. If the hero's appraisal skill is 12 or more, a special option can be used to gain an additional +2 points.
• [Deception] "I have connections in the guard…" +1 point, if Bluff is 15 or more, -2 points in case of failure.
• [Deception/Lie]. A successful check requires a skill level of at least 14. +1 point
• "How's life? How are your affairs?" +1 point
• "That proves nothing." -2 points

Alain

Alain, surviving resident of Ember

The witness appearing on Torio's side is the very acquaintance of Shandra, whom the hero first meets while chasing the gitiyanka, and later at Harrowmont in Port-Llast, provided, of course, that he convinced that one to allow conversation with Alain. The available lines and the witness's reaction depend on how the hero behaved during their first encounter with her. Moreover, if Shandra has enough influence (from 6 to 15 in particularly challenging cases), she can assist the hero with questioning this witness.

• Request to arrange a cross-examination. Requires Diplomacy of at least 5 ranks. +1 point.
• Request permission to prove the witness's testimony is invalid. Diplomacy 13 ranks. +1 point.
• Intimidation. Requires at least 13 ranks for success. +1 point. In case of failure -3 points.
• Lines such as "What, she cried so much that tears clouded her eyes?..", "This woman survived the slaughter at Ember?..", "But you were calmly standing and watching…", "How, in that case, did you manage to reach Port-Llast?" and "Let her speak out…" give -1 point
• If Shandra said she knew her. "Alain, do you know this woman, Shandra?" -> "Do you know she traveled with me?" +1 point. "Was Shandra with me when Ember was attacked? Why did your friend act that way?" +1 point
• Ask if Alain is sure she saw the hero in Ember, not someone in his guise. +1 point, if the hero made a good impression on Alain, -2 points - if a bad one.
• "What did you see when you approached Ember?" +1 point, if you managed to instill doubts about what was witnessed. -1 point in case of failure.
• If Intelligence is 15 or higher, a special option can be used. +2 points.
• Request her to recount the attack. -1 point, if Strength is 16 or more. +1 point, if Intelligence is more than 12, and Strength is less than 16. If you say "…just as easily, through magic, someone could intentionally take my form?" +1 point.

Shandra

Farm girl (c) Bishop

First, Shandra is called by Torio and is questioned roughly and cynically, not allowing her to speak and taking her words out of context. Here, we cannot influence anything, at least for now. If the influence on Shandra is more than 5 and the hero has a good or lawful alignment, Shandra will defend the hero, and this will grant him +1 point. If the conditions are not met, Shandra will still defend, but rather weakly, which Torio will not hesitate to exploit. -1 point.

The second time, Shandra will request Sand to speak. The hero can allow or forbid her to speak. In any case, she will testify in your favor, but it will not significantly influence the outcome.

The Main Hero

Each player has their own hero, and he is the main character for them.

The main hero is called as a witness by Torio and is immediately hit with the question: "Why did you kill the residents of Ember?" No matter how much we would like to clean her clock, it is better to hold back and behave with dignity. And the hero has something to respond with.

• [Diplomacy] "I believe that the facts,.." +1 point, if the skill is at least 15.
• [Speech] "Lord Derassiss…". Requires Speech of at least 15. +1 point
• [Mockery] "Should we confuse the case,.." +2 points, if the skill is at least 15. -1 point in case of failure
• Knowledge of history. Requires the Knowledge skill to be at least 15 ranks. +2 points.
• [Mockery] "Do you mean why the Luskan people killed the residents of Ember?..." +1 point. Requires skill 15 or more ranks.
• [Diplomacy] "That doesn’t make me a murderer…" -3 points, if Diplomacy or Speech is less than 15. Otherwise, the verdict remains unchanged. However, with successful Diplomacy usage, gain an influence point with Sand.
• [Speech] "The story of Ember…" and then develop this topic. Requires skill Mockery of at least 15 ranks. +2 points.
• [Intimidation] "You are lying here,.." and "That's it, my patience has run out…" -1 point.
• "I have nothing to say." -1 point
• [Intimidation] "And what - do you already have a conflict with Ruafim…" +1 point, if the skill is 15 or more.
• [Diplomacy] "I think you are confusing stubbornness with determination…" +1 point, if Diplomacy 15 or more.
• [Mockery] "I think you are confusing stubbornness with determination…". If the rank for Mockery is 15 or more, +1 point. In case of failure, nothing is lost.
• [Deception/Lie]. Successful check at Bluff 15 ranks. +1 point.

Note: if you pay attention to the skill development level for successful checks, then this questioning is the most challenging. If the hero does not have at least one well-developed skill, preferably two, do not engage in disputes. Or choose neutral lines that do not involve skill checks.

Note 2: if at the start of the trial the hero had a hat, shield, or sword, they will automatically be removed. So, do not rely on them if these items boost necessary skills during the trial.

Lord Collum

Lord Collum, member of the Nine of Neverwinter

Sand will suggest calling Collum from the Old Filin Spring. The same one to which our hero was sent to save the messenger from Waterdeep. There will be no particular difficulties with this witness, even if the hero is a thief. Collum saw what our hero is worth, and whether he is trustworthy.

• If the hero is on good terms with Collum, automatically receive +2 points.

If the hero is a thief, Torio will inquire what he left in the Old Filin Spring.

• Diplomacy/Speech/Intimidation/Deception – any option. Successful check with the appropriate skill - no less than 13 ranks. +1 point

After Torio states that Sand is from Luskan.

• Diplomacy/Intimidation. Successful check requires 8 ranks. +1 point

Marcus

A little scared boy. Better to give him a knife.

The last and pivotal witness is the boy Marcus. The hero meets him during their first visit to Ember while chasing the gitiyanka, and the boy predicts the village's demise. During the search for evidence, Marcus can be found in a well in the village, and he will tell that he saw the true form of the killer, which he will also tell the court. If Torio is forced to check Marcus, it will turn out that he is indeed clairvoyant, and his testimony will clearly speak in favor of the hero.

• Bluff/Diplomacy/Mockery. Successful check at the corresponding skill rank 6 or higher. +1 point.
• "Messenger, Mark has the gift of true vision..." -1 point.

Delivering the Verdict

At this point, the hearing comes to an end, and Lord Nasher delivers his verdict depending on how many points our hero has scored. There are three possible endings:

• Loss (5 or fewer points). We receive nothing, the hero is declared guilty, and Sand demands trial by combat.
• Victory (from 6 to 13 points). The hero’s reputation with Nasher: +10. Experience +250. Feats: Unjustly Accused. Torio demands trial by combat.
• Brilliant victory (more than 13 points). The hero’s reputation with Nasher: +12. Experience +1000. Feats: Unjustly Accused, Master Orator. Torio demands trial by combat.

Feats:

Added to the hero's personal stash

In any case, it all comes down to a duel, the only difference being in the reputation gained. If conversational skills are developed, it will not be difficult to achieve even a brilliant victory. But knowing how various responses are rated, you can experiment with those that definitely will not yield a negative assessment - revealing many interesting or just amusing moments, and the player will derive immense pleasure from the trial.

This bruiser is whom the hero will have to fight.

Influence on Companions

Moreover, during the hearing, you can increase or decrease your reputation with Sand and Shandra. To impress Sand, praise him and put Torio in awkward positions with your replies, for which it is best to use diplomacy or mockery, if they are adequately developed. To appeal to Shandra, be delicate with her and Alain, and also insist that all this is conducted for the sake of the Ember residents.