Myrla finishes smearing mud onto her gear and glances at Milo. "You’re right," she says, her tone thoughtful but firm. "These creatures seem like the type to thrive in the dark. If we wait for nightfall, it might only put us at a disadvantage, especially since not all of us can see without light. Using a torch or any sort of illumination would make us stand out even more."

She adjusts her pack and looks toward the patrols again, her gaze narrowing. "If they can see well in the dark, then waiting doesn’t give us any real advantage. We’re better off moving in as soon as we feel ready, while we still have daylight to work with. It’s not perfect, but acting now gives us more control over the situation." Myrla looks around at the group, her resolve clear. "Let’s finalize our plan, get ourselves prepared, and move. We’ll also need to keep that in mind for the cave—if it’s dark in there, we need to figure out how we’re going to see without giving ourselves away. But for now, the sooner we get into position and obtain more information, the better."

The group makes their way slowly toward a closer to the river and cave mouth. The sky is turning a burnt orange as the group settles behind the protection of the butte. There, they can see more clearly. To the left of the cave mouth, about half a mile or so is a smaller cave mouth. This second entrance is tighter and smaller than the main one. While the main one can fit five people with their hands fully outstretched, this one can barely fit one standing with their hands fully tucked in close to their body. It is also clear to see that the patrol cycle is not every 1.5 hours as first guessed, but closer to around 30 minutes or so, alternating between three groups of three ghoulish creatures. 

The group holds its breath and quickly ducks back behind the butte when it notices one of the ghoulish creatures standing above the large cave mouth. Peeking around, it is quite visible from this distance that there is another entrance up there just as small as the one on the left. However, it is also noticeable that the creature guarding that entrance is stationary and unchanging even as the ground patrol restarts its cycle. This creature also appears more cognizant compared to the mechanical gait of the patrolling creatures. 

Observing the cliffside more closely, it is also easy to see that there is a rough path that can be climbed about 200 feet to the right of the main cave mouth. It is barely a path and more a series of evenly formed rocks jutting out of the cliff face, but one person at a time can climb it to reach the upper cave entrance. There are no creatures guarding this path apart from the one standing still at the top of the main cave mouth. 

{{I will try getting you an image, but I hope this description suffices.}}

Brix nods in agreement at the good points made all around. At the mention of a light source his eyes widen as he lets out a soft excited gasp while he pokes the air with his left index finger. He runs his right hand along his bandolier of vials. His fingers waggle in anticipation before choosing a slender tube. Thumbing open the top he pours out a few bugs into his left palm. He wrangles the extra insects back into their tiny storage container leaving one behind. Brix then raises the bug while leaning his head forward slightly. The alchemist gnome works his jaw in a chewing motion to stimulate saliva and gathers a wad a spit. He puckers his lips and deposits the spittle into the palm with the bug. Taking one of his throwing stones from the pouch at his hip he grinds the rock into the bug and spit. Mixing and grinding the carapace makes a paste that sticks to the rock and begins to glow. He smiles as he holds up the softly glowing orb which sheds light in about a 5ft radius.  (Magical Tinkering)

Once he and the rest reach the butte he reassess the situation facing them. 

"Let's make for the path. Perhaps we can overtake the single guard. I can possibly replace them with an illusion."  He suggests.

"I would rather fight one than three I agree. But we should time it so we don't end up drawing the attention of the patrolling ghouls"

Inge keeps quiet, not being much for infiltration tactics.

Her hunter's instincts do make her look to the "more aware" sentry near the upper entrance and how they appear to be surveying what is in front of them as she might when staking out her prey.  Based on line of sight, does it look like that sentry would notice if the party climbed (bouldered?) up the "path" leading to the upper entrance?  Or does it look like the sentry would notice if the party ambushed a group of three patrolling ghouls below?

Myrla crouches low behind the butte, her sharp eyes fixed on the sentry near the upper entrance. She studies its posture and line of sight carefully, noting the way it scans the area. After a moment of thought, she glances back at the group.

“I think I could sneak up on that lone guard,” she whispers. “If I can get close enough—say 150 feet—I might be able to take a good shot at it. If any of you have precise ranged attacks, we could coordinate and take it out together before it has the chance to alert anything else.”

Her voice is calm but purposeful as she adds, “The key is timing it with the patrols so we don’t draw their attention. If we move carefully and quietly, we might be able to neutralize it without stirring up the rest of them. What do you think?” Her hand hovers near her bow, ready for action as soon as the group decides.

(At 150ft, she can shoot with advantage - do we follow standard rules that adv/dis always neutralize, or do we allow them to stack? In the latter case she could shoot at 600ft with advantage. Anyway, with that attack she would have a 75% chance to do at least 14 damage if she hits. I don't remember their hit points, so I'm unsure if that would be enough to take it out. Someone has other ideas?)

The sun is setting behind the group. The glare of the setting sun would probably add an additional layer of cover, but it is unclear just how aware the lone guard is. The guard does appear different from the other patrolling creatures, carrying itself differently and wearing what appears to be a bony layer of armour. A blade is sheathed by its side, strangely well-ornamented akin to a noble's weapon. It never takes its eyes off the horizon, caring not for what the creatures below it do, but keeping watch all the same. 

{{Advantage cancels disadvantage. If you have another advantage on top of that, the second advantage stands.}}

"I am much more suited to fighting up close. I can fire my light crossbow, but even so, I will need to get considerably closer than you, and I am worried it will annoy them more than hurt them significantly."

Brix stops his head rubbing custom and chimes in, "I just remembered I have a climbing potion that could allow one of us to get close without having to use the path. But I'm not sure how to disable that guard once we get there."

Brix starts rubbing head head again in search of answers.

Myrla watches the lone guard carefully, her mind racing to weigh their options. She glances back at the group and speaks in a hushed voice. “I can stay back and keep my longbow ready. If Milo uses the climbing potion to get close and they spot him, I’ll take the first shot to try and put the guard down before it raises an alarm. It’s not a perfect plan, but it gives us a chance to react quickly if things go wrong.” She hesitates briefly before adding, “Alternatively, I can sneak up with Milo and whoever else wants to try. But if I’m up there with you, I won’t be as quick to react if something goes sideways. The choice is yours—I can work either way, but I’d rather not leave us without a backup plan.” Her fingers lightly graze the bowstring as she settles into position, ready for the group’s decision.

(I'm sorry, but could someone do a recap; I'm lost - THANK YOU!)

"I'm not as sneaky quiet as you, Myrla, but I do ok.  And I've got a longbow too.  Maybe increase the chances of one of us hitting..."

Inge taps the little-used bow and quiver slung at her back.  "Or do you need me charging up the hill with my glaive and Brixie's little climbing drink?"

She flips her braid over her shoulder unconsciously and stands ready to follow suggestions.

"Inge, I've got your back so we can go together." Wadi says 

Just before they move out, Wadi casts Shillelagh on his staff. 

Myrla considers Inge and Wadi’s offers, her sharp gaze shifting to the stationary guard above the main cave entrance. She nods thoughtfully, formulating the plan in her head.

“Inge, Wadi, and Milo—if you three feel confident sneaking up, I think that’s our best bet,” she says, her voice steady but quiet. “I’ll stay back with Brix, and we’ll both be on the lookout for trouble and be ready to take a shot if anything goes wrong. If you’re spotted, we can fall back to attack ranged and if we're quick enough, perhaps, we can take the guard down before it can alert the others.”

She glances at the sun’s fading light, the glow casting long shadows across the terrain. “With the glare working in our favor, you might have the cover you need to get close. Just move carefully and stay low. If you can take it out quietly, we’ll have one less problem to deal with.” Myrla unslings her bow and nocks an arrow, keeping her stance loose but ready. “We’ll be watching your backs. Let’s make it count.”

"I'm ready. Just to reiterate the plan. Inge, Milo and I sneak up and take the guard out. Right?" Wadi asks.

While the others were discussing some of the final details Brix was hard at work getting the device ready that would provide the illusionary replacement for the guard. Once finished he demonstrated the device before handing over the components to those that would be making the climb.

Inge moves quietly for a tall, well-muscled woman carrying a heavy weapon.  But not that quietly.

Stealth:  13

Being small, Milo finds that the angle of the sun reflects from the sandy floor and into his eyes more than the others, meaning he struggles to see and keeps stumbling.

Stealth: 8

Wadi Stealth: NAT 20

Leaving behind two members of their group, Inge, Wadi, and Milo veer off and circle the river toward the cliffside. There is a moment when they freeze right at the deepest part of the river when Milo's feet slip, and a loud splash surrounds them, but thankfully, the patrol peels away from the vicinity and cannot hear the noise.

Drenched from the waist down, the group of three makes their way up the face of the cliff. The water appears to make the climb easier. As they reach the midpoint of the climb, a pebble falls down from above by happenstance. Once again, the group of three freezes in place. A long moment passes, but thankfully there appears to be no sign of movement from the guard above them. 

The group continues their climb for a few more moments before arriving at the cliff's lip. There, standing about 40 feet away from them, looking toward the horizon, is a lone guard. This close to it, the group can see the more sophisticated armour cladding its body. Its face is gaunt and skull-like with skin a pale grey as the moon. There is a tell-tale of a bone-like crown around its head, jutting out from underneath its skin. A long blade with a pommel and guard of gleaming silver is sheathed on its left hip. A shorter blade with tarnished gold pommel and blackened guard is sheathed on its other hip. A tattered green cloak covers parts of its body, previously unseen from the distance. Everything about it speaks of fortitude and a fading glorious past.