[EdTheKet]

I had heard of a procedure called a 'hearing' which was going to be conducted regarding, if I understood it well, a woman calledÂSelian,Âkilling a group of people after they had killed her sister. I had assumed this hearing would give me some more insight into the surface dwellers.ÂIf this had happened in the Underdark, she probably would not even have been charged but rather applauded for avenging the death of her sister (in her own home no less!).ÂAlthough it could have been done more subtle... The hearing was in the Hlint courthouse, there were 3 persons, 2 females and 1 male sitting facing the crowd. For some obscure reason, the male was sitting in the center, on the biggest throne, flanked by the two females.
What followed was a desription of what happened recounted by the various 'victims' and in the end the three people wanted to know if the 'victims' wanted to charge Selian with murder or not.
Strange thing was, that during the proceeding, matters not related to it were brought in. Apparently, there is a council who is involved with seven sisters who seem to be rather important for some reason. It was pointed out that these seven sisters might not want to give their help if one of theirs was chraged wiht murder. Arestes pointed out that that may be a moot point since one of the sisters was already killed, but that point was dismissed.
So in the end, the elvish male who had started the entire issue, did not appear to be strong willed and dropped his charges for the sake of 'the greater good'. Also, the halfling female, who first defiantly claimed she would press her charge, now, for reasons utterly unclear to me, first wanted to consult with her husband?!?
It seems that things on the surface are not as different as those in Underdark. People of power, influence or importance seem to be able to get away with more than others.
I do not doubt, however, that if it had been me being charged, things would have turned out differently.