After the road journey, the party reaches Bamberg’s cathedral precinct beneath a pale afternoon sky. Clerks, porters, and church officials watch the sealed packet pass through the arched gate.
Brother Konrad carries the evidence under his Inquisitorial seal. Frieda keeps the Imperial summons and certified copies, while Sir Eleutherius rides beside the covered cart bearing the Witness.
Elias and the armed guards follow close behind. The checkpoint captain’s written concession travels with the inventory, while the clerk keeps every document dry beneath his cloak.
Rather than summon a full hearing, cathedral officials guide them into a side court lined with carved pillars. A senior Imperial officer waits there with two recorders and an empty table.
Imperial Officer
Brother Konrad, confirm the chain of custody from the tollhouse to this court. Chaplain, identify the witnesses and state who has guarded them.
The officer gestures toward the sealed packet but does not touch it. His recorders ready their pens, and the surrounding officials fall silent beneath the cathedral bells.
Brother Konrad
We will answer in order. The seals remain unbroken, the inventory travels with the exhibits, and every transfer has been witnessed and recorded.
✓ Quest Accepted
Identify the witnesses and their protection before the Imperial officer
“"I am Frieda, a chaplain of the Templar order. I was charged with investigating the death of a priest in the village of Waldhof, observed certain crimes there, and collected evidence, and am prepared to give testimony. I have in my care Elias, a citizen of Waldhof, who also observed the commission of crimes and is prepared to testify. Sir Eluetherius joined our party in Schweinfurt and can testify as to the efforts of Bishop Eisenfaust's men to waylay us in attempt to obstruct justice. I bring with me physical and written evidence which has remained in my custody since Waldhof. It has already been examined by Brother Konrad and the magistrate of Schweinfurt, and testimony recorded."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled -1)
Frieda
I am Frieda, chaplain of the Templar Order, charged with investigating the death of a priest at Waldhof. I observed crimes there, gathered evidence, and am prepared to testify.
Frieda
Elias, a citizen of Waldhof, is in my care and witnessed crimes there. He is prepared to give testimony. Sir Eleutherius can testify to the Bishop’s men attempting to waylay us and obstruct justice.
Frieda lays the Imperial summons and certified copies upon the empty table. Brother Konrad sets the sealed packet beside them, its Inquisitorial mark unbroken beneath the cathedral light.
Frieda
The physical and written evidence has remained in my custody since Waldhof. Brother Konrad and the magistrate of Schweinfurt examined it, and the testimony was recorded.
Elias steps forward from the covered cart, while Sir Eleutherius stands beside him. The recorders write their names, roles, and relation to the investigation without interruption.
Imperial Officer
Your identities, witnesses, custody, and prior examination are entered. The seals and certified record establish a continuous chain before this court.
Brother Konrad
Let the packet be opened only under the Imperial record. Chaplain Frieda has presented the case plainly, and these witnesses shall now be heard in proper order.
Quest Complete
Present the evidence before the appointed authority in Bamberg
Skill Upgrade: Diplomacy Fair→Good
Quest Complete
Identify the witnesses and their protection before the Imperial officer