In a world of magic and questionable physics, it can be hard sometimes to separate which kinds of stupid actually happen.

  "Hmm, mostly intangible entities tend to be a real headache." That's because you don't have convenient AoE or radiant spam, Joe.

Callie says, "Maybe... but there is no proof the merchant was using any magic, is there? At least now we know Chestnut will soon be exonerated. Unless the guards are actually involved."

"Part of why I came to you first.  I'm wondering if some clever plan could be cooked up.  Unfortunately, my cleverness ends at being able to sneak about, so I don't know how to draw out the villain."

  "The fact they are willing to be obvious to the point of idiocy just to screw with Chesdnut? He's locked in a holding cell, they still planted stuff on him anyways.  When the guards will know even if Chessnut did escape and came back when they weren't looking, he can't have stolen that much stuff in thirty seconds."

Callie says, "Joe has a point. Whoever is doing this, whether it is the merchant or not, seems to be pretty obsessive with it. If Chestnut is set free, the person trying to frame him might try something desperate."

"Very well.  Let's go to the mayor with our plan so he can make it look like Chestnut was released for political reasons so the guards won't have any reason to check his bags on the way out.  That'll really infuriate the scoundrel!"

  "Well, if the stuff is actually stolen goods then they may not let us just walk off with them.  Even if we intend on giving them back when this is sorted. I'm all for plans based around annoying the enemy, though"

When the group checks in with the guards, they inform the group that, as predicted, the stolen goods had been planted in Chestnut's stuff. "So we were going to release Chestnut anyway. But yeah. We can make like we released him without checking his stuff."

Chestnut waves at his buddies with a bright smile. "You should've seen how upset the merchant was when I smiled. I think the guy just doesn't believe in being happy."

Grabthar nods and lets the guards know about the shadow creature thing.  To Chestnut he chuckles.

"More likely that his last experience with a Kender left him hating all Kender.  I'm quite sure there are still plenty of things that would make him happy.  Just not your happiness."

 "True, I am expecting a too little too late sympathetic sob story that really did suck for whoever is dealing with the shadow thing."  Knowing their luck, it could just as likely be the cranky merchant unknowingly manifesting a shadow that reinforces his prejudices so he gets to believe he's right.

Chestnut nods to Joe. Callie interjects, "Sob story or not, it is wrong to frame innocent people for crimes they didn't commit. I will feel sympathy and pity for a villain with a sob story, but only when it is shown they are repentant for hurting others who didn't deserve to be hurt. I've little patience for people who believe the universe revolves around only them."

Chestnut shrugs. "We don't know who is doing this or why. Whoever it is, if they apologize, I'll forgive 'em. If they don't apologize, I'll be disappointed, but still willing to forgive... if they stop."

Grabthar adjusts his monocle.  "Quite.  Now shall we be going, then?"

  "Might as well, it would be pointless to stop partway."

Chestnut says, "Sure! So... where are we going?"

Callie says, "We never did figure out exactly what to bait the enemy with. Or for that matter, how to stop a person made entirely of shadow."

"I'll leave the shadow fighting to the moon cleric," Grabthar says, "But after a quick boast at the tavern, if our quarry leaves us alone, I was pretty sure we were wanting to track down an evil witch of some kind."

  "Getting paid and thanked for the bandits all on it's own might set them off, at least.  Oh no, He must have made those bandits turn to crime in the first place by stealing their stuff!"

Chestnut says, "So back to my favorite place? Sweet!"

The group gets to the tavern and are served as usual. People are surprised to see Chestnut, as the word had already spread that the thief was caught and it was the kender. But Callie and Chestnut both have good charisma, so between the two of them, they easily explain that Chestnut was found innocent without giving away the detail about the stuff.

Grabthar is keeping a sharp eye out for anyone... or anything suspicious.

  Joe keeps in mind that he's also trained in thievery, for the option of stealing the stolen goods from chesstnut so accusations look stupid with the kendar's pockets/boots/pants/etc empty when they look.

Nobody present seems suspicious. And nobody made of shadow appears.

"Well now that we've properly relayed the news that Chestnut was not the culprit, shall we be on our way?"

  "Seems so, honestly we should probably start thinking about that sorceress again." Oh yeah, people being frozen is probably more inconvenient than petty theft.

Callie and John are, of course, relieved that the no more time has to pass before worrying about the sorceress. It is another long trek and night falls long before they arrive at the destination, so camp is set up.

Grabthar's mood improved the more distance he put between himself and that town.  He inhales deeply of the fresh air.  "Ah.  Open country!  I wonder if I ever succeed at my goals if I'll even be able to settle down having tasted of the freedom of travel."

Goose down pillows.  Servants cooking your meals.  Tea and other luxuries...  I'm sure you'll manage.

  Joe has long since learned to accept that sometimes sidequests need to be put to the side.

  "I suppose that's what getting extra rich and living on a fancy airship is for."