The Devonshire Problem - Part 4

Session 17 Recap

General Summary

After a long week of waiting, the court date for the party to meet with the local magistrate finally arrives. After a tense wait in the halls of the capital building, the party is escorted into Magistrate Balus's chambers, where they square off with Orryn and Badelyn Devonshire. Each side is given the chance to present their case; and while Bara and Qas make good arguments about the Trouble in Miller's Bend, Orryn and Badelyn are able to weasel out a solid case against them thanks in no small part to Rayne losing her temper during questioning. Ultimately, Magistrate Balus rules against the party, but defers his sentencing for two days at the party's request so they can receive the character references they had sent for, placing Rayne in probation and forbidding her from leaving town. Orryn is displeased at the delay, hoping for an immediate judgement against the party, but takes his victory and leaves the chambers with a smug sneer. Disheartened by the loss in court, and the impending judgement, the party is spurred to action. They start planning to raid Malorek's hideout, if not to prove any ties between the thug and the shady Devonshire family, then to at least take out one of their immediate adversaries and (hopefully) endear themselves further to the law enforcement of Nettle Lake, in hopes of a lighter sentencing against them. Finally agreeing to make a night raid against the gang the following evening, the party heads to their abodes to prepare for the battle that likely lies ahead.