After Corsica started to take care of Alicia, the construct didn’t know what to do. His mission was accomplished, maybe not the way he expected, and he had nothing in his planned future. The search for the necklace was a failure, Scamp coming back to his shoulder hooting in disappointment. The entire evening seemed like a failure for Sand. True, they had saved people, stopped the drow assault, but if they somehow managed to still get what they wanted, could it be called a success? Sand didn’t know.

Trying to feel useful, he asked Thorin where he would want the bodies to be disposed of, the harried dwarf curtly answering to do whatever he wanted to them, as long as they were not in the city anymore. Securing the two corpses on Clacker’s back, he used magic and his decanter to wash off the blood on the floor, transforming the blood soiled water into easily carried out blocks of ice.

This task done, he walked out of the inn, Clacker in tow, Scamp taking flight the moment he escaped the confine of the cave. Looking up at the looming mountain overhead for a moment, he spotted Andraste coming out of the smitty’s shop and waved at her. The palladin did come over and offered to help bury the body, after she could speak to Thorin. Sand nodded and waited for her to come back from the inn
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Wed 15 July 2020.

I arrived at the smithy just as the drow was stirring, which was fortunate timing on my behalf. The drow did not seem to notice me, but I was able to clearly understand the conversation he was having with Andraste. It seemed though, she was not having much luck trying to persuade him to give her the answers that she was seeking. I sent both Andraste and Thorn a message stating I had arrived and could tell the interrogation did not seem to be going well. I wanted to remain hidden from him, but I would attempt to charm him and he might give us the answers should the spell work.

Conditional action: Charm Person on the drow Wis save DC 13
Condition to be met: Thorn and Andraste agree it is necessary
Move: to see drow if condition is met.

It is very strange to suddenly hear voices in your head. I would be concerned if I did not recognize Althaea's voice. She must be nearby but I do not want to tip off her presence to the prisoner. As I leave the smithy I see Althaea standing near the smithy door and Sand and Clacker carrying out the dead bodies. I turn to Althaea and speak quietly, "If you think you can get something out of him you are welcome to try. I only ask you refrain from their methods to get answers. It is not worth the weight on your soul."

I continue over to Sand. "Thank you both for your help." I say inclining my head towards them both. "If you need a hand burning the bodies I can help you in a minute. I have to find the town leader to determine what they want done with the captive. Do you know who that is?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Wed 15 July 2020.

Thorin. The dwarf sitting by Sebastian. Sebastian is the Half-elf I held the dagger to. He was still in the tavern when I left. He shouldn’t be hard to find. If he’s not there I’m sure someone will know where he went.

As I reenter the cave complex I see the Dwarf from earlier, Thorin I take it, just outside the tavern directing frantic people as they scramble to secure the town. It will be awhile before anyone feels safe here again. I walk towards him and wait for him to notice me. I smile at him and bow slightly, "Good evening neighbour, I am looking for Thorin. Is that you?"

The Dwarf looks at me warily for a moment but nods. "I have secured the captive in the smithy. Sadly I have had no luck getting any information from him. As such, I am returning him to your custody to face justice."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:39, Sun 19 July 2020.

With the go ahead from Andraste, I walk into the smithy so I can see the drow. I play the melody needed from my pan flute before speaking introductions to the drow.

Hello, again. I do not believe we have had the pleasure of introductions. My name is Althaea Sylvaranth. And what is your name?

Action: Charm Person on the drow.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:46, Wed 15 July 2020.

Hello Althaea.  I am Raznul.

I would say it is a pleasure to meet you, but these have been less than ideal circumstances, wouldn't you say? However, I am willing to let bygones be bygones should you cooperate with me. First, I would like to know where the amulet was hidden or if a spell sent it away and who received it. Secondly, I would like to know why you were sent here to retrieve it. Do you think you can answer these for me Raznul?

As I was talking to Razul, I sat down in front of him so make myself seem less intimidating and more like the friendly acquaintance the spell made me seem to be.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:08, Thu 16 July 2020.

So, when you mean bygones be bygones, I will be released and sent on my way, should I provide you with the information I know?

If I am satisfied with the answers I am given, yes. However, I cannot condone thievery, so you will have to be punished for that before you are allowed to leave. Do you accept my terms?

What we sought was stolen as well, so will the human woman receive the same sentence?

I didn't think so.

If I am not released unharmed with my possessions, we have nothing else to discuss.

The woman stole the amulet from your people then, I presume. I did not say she would not be punished, she admitted to taking the amulet from a deceased wizard when I questioned her about the item. However, your companions did not give us much for way of diplomacy before attacking us. I do know where your belongings are being kept and they will be returned to you provided you do not attack us further upon your departure. You will not be harmed further while inside the confines of Vertigo. Now, if you let me confer with the leader of the settlement, I can find out the punishment he wishes to enact on the two of you for the thievery committed by both parties.

Insight: 18
This message was last edited by the player at 02:47, Thu 16 July 2020.

We both know she will not be punished.  If she is to be punished, I would expect since her transgression happened first, she should receive her punishment first.  I would enjoy watching that.

You are willing to punish me for stealing, but yet the amulet was stolen from us and you don't expect us to punish the one who stole it?  Our punish for stealing is death and we were about to enact said punishment before you people intervened.  No one was harmed until we were attacked by our Elvish cousin behind me.

We both know not everything you're telling me is the truth.  I can pick through the inflections in your words.

Feel free to confer with your leader.  I'm not going anywhere in the foreseeable future.

Yes, I am Thorin.  I appreciate your help, Andraste was it?

Listen, I have a lot I am trying to coordinate at the moment, in bolstering our defenses.  I leave the decision of the prisoner in your hands and will accept whatever path you take.  I know you, if anyone, would make the best choice for us as a community.

You and your friends stood up when no one else did and for that, you are already one of us, no matter what Sebastian may think.  Your worst judgement is better than Sebastian's on just about any day.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:35, Sun 01 Aug 2021.

I play the melody on my pan flute to send a message, first to Thorn, who has been looking at me questioningly since I told the drow I would allow him to leave.

Well, the drow noticed I was not being fully truthful. I was going to allow him to leave only to be ambushed by you and anyone else who cared to.

I played the melody again, to send a message to Thorin.

Raznul tells me the amulet was stolen from his people by Alicia. They came here to enact their punishment on her and reclaim it. However, the drows punishment is death. Currently, he is considered an accessory to the crime since his only actions were casting web and fleeing. What is your current punishment for theft?

"I see. Thank you for your time."

Well Sugar. That is not a decision that I should make. That is why there are laws! Is there a town charter I can check. No, everyone is to busy to bother with something like that. This does not give me a good feeling about the future of this community! Okay in... and out... in... and out.

Alright, maybe I just need to talk this out with someone and they can help come up with a fair ruling. Althaea...Maybe not she seems inclined to lash out when stressed. Thorn...I am pretty sure I know what she wants to do to him. Sand...He could be good, he seems pretty smart despite a difficulty communicating. Plus I said I would help him with the bodies.

Mind made up, I head back outside to rejoin Sand.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:45, Sun 19 July 2020.

Thorin, in response says:

I've left the decision of the prisoner in Andraste's hands, as I continue guiding our people, many of which who are scared and need something to keep them busy, if only to not think about what may be coming through that tunnel in the future.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:36, Sun 01 Aug 2021.

In reply to Althaea Sylvaranth (msg # 119):

Thorn refused to allow herself to stiffen at the intrusion of another's voice into her mind. She studied Althaea. How could she get her to depart?

Insight Check: 17
This message was last edited by the player at 03:35, Thu 16 July 2020.

I send another message back to Thorin.

I will help her come to a decision on the matter should she ask for one, but that still does not answer my question. If he were a member of your community, what would his punishment be?

Upon hearing Thorn's response, I reply with another message to her as well.

Thorin has left Raznul's punishment up to Andraste. I laughed at the end to let Thorn know my thoughts on Andraste's idea of his punishment

Turning back to Raznul, I say, The leader of the settlement tells me your punishment has been left to Andraste, the Paladin you spoke to before me. He has since moved too far away for me to get an answer as to what his usual punishment for theft is. You may yet live through this day.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:47, Thu 16 July 2020.

In reply to Andraste Giltris (msg # 120):

Together, Sand and Andraste left the settlement to find a good spot to bury the bodies. About two hundred yards out, they found soil that had not been cultivated and Andraste wanted to use her shovel before Sand stopped her. Calling upon his magic, earth started to move by itself creating  a 10 foot long, 5 foot wide and 5 feet deep trench. Dropping the blood stained ice in it, he removed the corpses from Clackers back and examined them. Maybe he could find a clue as to what to do next? (Investigation on both corpse, 9 and 19)

As he was kneeling beside the corpses, he said.

Sand is wondering. Maybe Andraste knows. Why was there water coming from Alicia’s eyes?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:46, Thu 16 July 2020.

Now that is useful. I could have used that while travelling; it would have made making those ovens way easier. Alright now we need wood and stone.

Sand is wondering. Maybe Andraste knows. Why was there water coming from Alicia’s eyes?

Great, I have to explain tears to the constructs. Makes sense he does not know. "It is a sign of strong pain, either physical or emotional. There is so much pain inside us that our body has to get it out and so we cry. I would guess she was very upset by what happened tonight." I shrug my shoulders, looking over at Sand to see if he is following my explanation.

"Alright we are going to need some stone and wood..." Andraste outlines how to setup a crude oven we can use to cremate the bodies.

In reply to Althaea Sylvaranth (msg # 123):

Thorn listened as Althaea spoke to the Drow. Since she didn't seem to care much about his fate, Thorn thought she would be willing to leave, even on a weak pretext. "Then you should go speak to her," she replied to the message.

I stood up as I received Thorn's response to my message.

Unfortunately, Andraste is also too far away to message her directly. Thorn, I will leave you to guard Raznul while I go speak to her.

I made my way outside Vertigo, where I hoped to find Sand and Andraste burying the other drow. Once I found them, I saw they were building a fire to cremate their bodies.

I received a message from Thorin that he put you in charge of Raznul's punishment, so I felt I should tell you what information I uncovered before you come to your decision. The amulet Alicia was wearing was stolen from his people. They were sent here to enact their punishment on her. While I do not agree that her punishment should be death, this information should be kept in mind for yours. I, however, was not able to uncover the current location of the amulet. Since the amulet was not originally hers, I am okay with not recovering it.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:14, Thu 16 July 2020.

Great pain. Yes, Sand thinks that Sand understand. Sand did tell her that short hairy friends dead by dead things.

As Andraste was directing the building of a oven to burn the bodies, Althaea showed up and said something about the necklace never having belonged to Alicia in the first place. And that Andraste should choose the punishment of the other drow.

Sand has something to show Andraste and Althaea. Look, maybe other dark skinned one has the same?

On the forearm of both drows was a exquisitely drawn tattoo of two elvish scripted letters, DQ.

Sand can read but Sand does not know what it means.

"We can check when we go back. Good work Sand."

I keep going over the problem in my head while I work with Sand and Clacker to build the oven.

1. The Drow did not initiate the violence in the tavern Thorn did. But they did present a clear threat and the reputation of the Drow for brutal raids is well known. And they did not even attempt to calm things down.

2. The ones we fought never showed any hesitation and seemed excited to attack even those who had not already engaged them. They even shot the bartender.

3. The Drow in our custody was not directly involved in the fighting. In fact, the only thing he did was cast a non-damaging spell and attempt to flee. With someone else's property. Have to find out more about that. So does that limit him to an accessory?

4. Speaking with him in the room he showed no remorse for their actions nor was he willing to consider my request that he agree not to raid the surface further if I let him go.

I want to believe if I let him go, even with some form of punishment, that he may make better choices in the future but I cannot believe it. His feet are set far along a path of darkness and I see no signs that he wishes to change that.

First I want to know what Sand thinks.

"Sand, Clacker... What do you think we should do with the prisoner. Know that no matter what you say or what actions follow the responsibility lies solely with me."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:48, Thu 16 July 2020.