Crim205-2

============================================= Docket Number: Crim205-2p - Rex vs. Kalim

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================================ Brief for the King, submitted by Skywarden

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Facts of the case:

On or around the 28th of Hoerfest, 204, the fighter Vardon was slain in the Tower of Alignment of Maelstrom's fortress. Said killing was witnessed by a cleric named Nyth and a reading of the dead was done by the cleric Torm.

This murder of Vardon was done by the cleric Kalim, the mage Cleisthenes, and the mage Lachdanan. A reading of the dead by Torm confirmed Lachdanan had been the wielder of the final stroke which killed Vardon. The cleric Nyth witnessed all three individuals attacking Vardon before his death.

Kalim, Cleisthenes, and Lachdanan all admit to the killing. Kalim in particular described the plot which led to Vardon being killed. Kalim and Cleisthenes did spit upon Vardon while he was sitting in the Green Griffon. They were at Maelstrom's fortress when the incident occurred. Vardon did go to Maelstrom's to avenge this dishonor and was set upon by Kalim, Cleisthenes, and Lachdanan.

Kalim purports this to be an honor killing as Vardon and another individual named Krogax finished off a drow elf which Kalim and Cleisthenes claimed to have wounded severely. Vardon per Kalim and Cleisthenes did call Cleithenes an insult to the gnomish race. Kalim and Cleithenes then set the plot in motion which was mentioned previously.

Rex vs. Delenn (Crim 184-1j) is clear that the "stealing" of another's kill is not a crime as the monster is not property until it is dead. At that time, the court declined to register an opinion on whether stealing a kill is worthy of an honor killing.

Recommendation:

It is recommended Kalim pay Vardon a fine to help alleviate the pain and suffering he felt as to their blows upon him. The question of whether this is an honor killing or not is a touchy one, so in this Justicar's opinion, the killing of Vardon by Kalim does not justify an outright death sentence.

No brief on record.

No judgment on record.