CH. 03 - Fraud Wars

[Daos]

With that decided, the party returns once again to the Trade Dispute Council to speak with Oko.  "Ah, you've returned.  Again.  Any better luck this time?" the dwarf asks.

[sarcastiksh0rtee37]

"Well we have come to a conclusion, or at least multiple conclusions. We are submitting to you conflicting reports regarding the evidence to let you decide what to do. After combing through the evidence available, I don't believe there exists enough evidence in this case alone to prove beyond doubt that either party is culpable. You would know whether either company has a history of fraud, and if so that could influence decisions regarding this case, however I assume that neither company has a history of fraud since we were not informed of any. That said as we cannot know who is culpable, my suggestion is to prosecute neither company. Instead occasionally monitor them for a time, doing things like checking if customers are satisfied with their products. If neither company shows evidence of fraud again then you will know you made the correct decision. If one or both of the companies is charged with fraud again then you will have both new evidence to consider as well as showing a pattern of fraud. At that time you should be able to know the offending party or parties and will be able to successfully prosecute. This is my conclusion, I am unaware if any of my fellow investigators came to the same conclusion, but I understand that Ha Yun has a different opinion and will allow her to explain it."

[Daos]

"The problem with doing nothing is that leaves everyone unhappy," Oko points out.  "Both companies are accusing the other of fraud.  Unless both agree to drop the charges against each other, we are compelled to do something.  But wait, you are saying there isn't enough evidence to be sure, as opposed to there is no evidence at all?  If there is some evidence, I'd at least like to hear it," they say.  "That's still better than nothing."  They turn to Ha-Yun in interest.

[HorizonsDream]

"My conclusion, to put simply, is that they both are guilty of fraud," Ha Yun says. "While I'm not exactly sure what the motive behind such an action, but the fact that the trade went off without a problem, we couldn't find evidence of foul play other than the faulty merchandise, and they are both extremely adamant that one another committed fraud. They aren't willing to listen to any other explanation, so that suggests to me that they are trying too hard to prove that they aren't guilty which is suspious."

[Daos]

Oko diligently writes down everything Ha-Yun says, then says, "I see.  Well, I will turn over all of this to the council, and they will make their judgment then.  I thank you all for your efforts; here is the payment you were promised."  They hand over 50 gold pieces to each of the party.

[sarcastiksh0rtee37]

Mar 18, 2024 19:57:29 GMT -8 Daos said:

"The problem with doing nothing is that leaves everyone unhappy," Oko points out.  "Both companies are accusing the other of fraud.  Unless both agree to drop the charges against each other, we are compelled to do something.  But wait, you are saying there isn't enough evidence to be sure, as opposed to there is no evidence at all?  If there is some evidence, I'd at least like to hear it," they say.  "That's still better than nothing."  They turn to Ha-Yun in interest.

If you are concerned about making at least one of them happy, then why not ask them which they would prefer: both they and the other company are prosecuted for fraud, or neither is prosecuted for fraud but is then carefully observed for any future fraud. If they provide different answers then you can decide then which course is better, but if they both provide the same answer you will know which option makes them both happiest. I would be surprised if prosecuting everyone is the choice that makes them happier, no one likes to be prosecuted even if it means their enemies are too.

[Daos]

"I will pass that along, but both seemed pretty stubborn on the matter, so we'll see how it all shakes out," Oko admits.

[HorizonsDream]

"I could maybe recommend a lighter punishment for the two businesses since no solid evidence was found," Ha Yun says.

[Bishgada]

"Ahmm.." Chispa adds and speaks to Oko,  "I think we didn't mention the actual evidence that was found. The pottery that was presented to us, that supposed to be the high quality of the Earth Molders, had the initials of the local grocery store , Happy Hippo something, and the remains of simple cantrip to make it glow. The potion that was presented to us was indeed a diluted healing potion. Not clear if it was diluted in water. More likely with some other potions." She stop for a moment. "If anything, it may point to the fact that the party responsible for this had access to some magic..."

[Daos]

"Or to a great deal of potions?" asks Oko to Chispa.  They add, "Based on the evidence you've submitted, it sounds like Suwan tried to pass off a cheap imitation for the real thing, while Minhas watered down their potions with different potions.  But that will be up to the council to decide, as will any punishment, if applicable.  I'll report everything to them accurately, I can assure you of that."

[sarcastiksh0rtee37]

Also blah blah blah any other evidence we found about the situation but didn't mention because we are players with faulty memories over weeks instead of in game day.

[Daos]

After delivering their findings and collecting their payment, the party resumes their patrol, although it's far less notable after that.  Eventually they retire for the night, learning that they are set to begin their second off-world mission on the morrow.

===========

End of Chapter 3.