The game begins in New Farrun with a trial. Mai asks the only one schooled in the laws of Farrun, besides the King himself, to represent them -- Prince Echinar. The Prince explains that the accused have the right to petition the crown for the trial of their choice: by ordeal, by combat, by inquisition or by jury. A jury trial will be the most popular with the people of Farrun. A trial by inquisition will please the King. A trial by ordeal or combat will likely be most favorable to the party.
Patrick is still missing in action and none have seen him since his arrival.
Mourning Elk takes stock of the people of New Farrun and notes that their farming skills are not very good. The town seems unable to raise a decent crop and are living hand to mouth from what they can draw from the Sea. He rides up and down the coast with a young Farruner named Joniab who explains in halting common what the people are doing to survive. He also comes to wonder what right these people have to settle here and set up their own kingdom in the vacuum left by the zombie attacks in Menea.
Meanwhile, Budokai has begun to notice the preponderance of marriageable young women in New Farrun and sets about with a Provincial named Ilario to meet as many of them as he can. It isn't long before he settles on a mildly comely lass and makes a proposal to her father. The father is put off by Budokai's advanced age and his apparent wanderlust, but makes the bride deal when Budokai promises to keep his household in New Farrun for the space of 10 years, or to give 10 children to be raised in New Farrun, whichever comes first.
Beleg is put off by what he sees as the airs and pretenses of the King of New Farrun. He and Oghren, along with Oghren's companion -- the dwarves in the party -- spend the next few days drinking and feasting under the hospitality of the people of the town, figuring it is the least they have coming. They are heard conspiratorially speaking and occasionally arguing about lost thrones, forgotten kingdoms, men, dwarves, and adamantite. For his part, Sabertooth, spends the next few days in his cups and platters, not at all concerned with the party or its developments.
For a few days, the town is gripped in the preparations for both a wedding and trial. The wedding comes first and is a big to do. The King himself is pleased with Budokai's agreement to marry the Farrunish yeoman's daughter. He gives a land grant for the raising of children of an abandoned farm, located some miles distant, but still along the coast.
Mai and Quin opt for a trial by ordeal, but their request is rebuffed. So, the Prince rises with a glowing defense of those who brought the Fire Newts and his rhetoric manages to save the day. The King decides that they are not guilty but straightaway reminds them of the losses incurred by the widows and orphans of those killed. Mai is singularly unmoved, but Quin pledges an amount equal to 30,000 crowns to compensate the townspeople's losses. His generosity is well received by both the King and the People.
*edited to replace Samantha with Patrick 2/18
*edited to replace Sabertooth with Sabretooth 2/27
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