Trial by Judge

In some societies, a noble, elder,
magistrate, etc. unilaterally decides
guilt or innocence. The GM deter-
mines the judge’s reaction toward the
accused by making a reaction roll, and
bases the judge’s decision entirely the
result.
In some trials, an Influence roll
against the appropriate Law specialty,
by the accused or his lawyer, can
replace this reaction roll; see Influence
Rolls (p. 359). In other trials, the
accused might not be allowed to have
a lawyer, or even speak!
If two parties ask a judge to settle a
dispute, make a reaction roll for both.
The judge will find in favor of the
party that gets the best reaction.
Somebody’s going to emergency,
Somebody’s going to jail.
– Don Henley, “New York Minute”
Modifiers: +1 to +3 for evidence or
testimony that favors the accused, or
-1 to -3 for evidence or testimony
against him, if the judge is inclined to
listen; reaction modifiers for the
Reputation, Social Regard, Social
Stigma, and Status of the accused;
other reaction modifiers that the GM
feels apply with this judge.