HGA V. Bande Aparte was a trial between the Horizan Guild Association and its contracted prosecutor “The Gentle Prosecutor” versus Bande Aparte of the The Landcrab Plot. Bande Aparte was charged with the grand theft and smuggling of the famously missing Vestitur, which the prosecution claimed he had stolen back in Canath, smuggled to Friedport, and then sold to an unknown third party in the streets of Crabraven. The trial took place on a riverboat used as a courthouse.
Witnesses included a Jade the Just Impersonator, The Old Crone, Beau Gaux and Bugs the clowns, Krescha, and most importantly, Auldwell Fareawel.
The defence was organised by Gator Grippli, Ashur Holdok and Louen Leonceur. The judge overseeing the case was Titanaurk Kaesalver.
In the end, Auldwell Farewal was revealed to be a secret Crusader agent during the trial, and it was uncovered he was the real mastermind behind the theft and smuggling. He had also poisoned a halfling that had taken part in the illegal trade, as well as the Old Crone as she was on the witness stand. The judge initially declared Bande Aparte guilty, despite all the evidence to the contrary, which some attribute to the influence of the “Shadow over Friedport” - but he changed his verdict on the spot after the intervention of Dobi.
As Auldwell was being arrested, an explosive barrel that had been lured into the evidence went off - presumably to make an opportunity for Auldwell to escape. During the ensuing chaos in the river, Blackout Crusaders attacked. Auldwell did not survive the incident, however. Neither did The Gentle Prosecutor, whom was declared dead in the aftermath.