Snippet #1808325

Tribune followed the werewolf's introduction with a slight nod. "I'm afraid you're mistaken on at least two points, Convel. Allow me to explain." He smiled politely, sitting down in a chair behind his desk. "First of all, my name is Tribune, not Tribunal. That was your first mistake. Your second mistake was presuming that you're being accused of murder. While some may have their 'personal' accusations against you, their concerns are not necessary shared with the court. Right now, you're a suspect. A prime suspect, mind you."

Tribune lowered his eyes, then raised them again, this time gazing lazily at the wall behind Convel. "Many of Lindeville's laws were derived from the collapsed Common Law system. Murder was defined as the unlawful killing of a human being with malicious intent. This, of course, has been modified to include werewolves, vampires, and archangels; we're also willing to accommodate other intelligent humanoids that might happen upon our little city." Tribune made a stale noise that resembled a chuckle but that carried little suggestion of amusement. "As for your rights, any humanoid within the boundaries of Lindeville is protected by the provisions in our criminal law system. Essentially, you're safe from physical harm and exploitation - you'll also get a fair trial. Unfortunately, you're not subject to our civil, constitutional, property or labour laws. But this shouldn't matter since your primary concern right now is not whether you can buy a house and run for a political position."

"Of course you'll be wanting to know your rights. Under usual procedure you would make a meeting with one of my assistants and they would go over the Survival Bargain with you - our code of basic liberties and strictest doctrines. However, given the pressing circumstances, I will answer any pressing questions you have right now. But be quick, please. I'm a very busy entity."