"I suggest we not take our spoils for granted as the good people of Thilandroth may yet claim them. But this be a fine sword, I be of a mind to challenge the rightful owner for it."

“Before I give up anything we find, I will expect a description of stolen items. They could just look at some of this and say ‘that was stolen from me’ and I expect it returned to my possession. I must say, some merchants are the biggest thieves I’ve met. And that is saying a lot.”

"Aye, your demand would not be dishonorable."

You continue south down the overgrown trail, deeper into the gloomy forest. The trail ends abruptly before a gaping cave mouth. A small fire burns in the opening of the cave, and an ogre sits next to the fire, reading an old leather-bound book intently.

((Did we decide cave first? And if so, can we get a short rest in before heading to the cave please))

((We didn't agree to go to the cave first...))

Duncan will take the gauntlet saying "This is interesting, and well made. I too would like to rest here and set up a trap for the incoming patrol. Perhaps our new gnome friend could help to lure them in for us. Assuming he doesn't want our displeasure of course." he'll say giving the gnome a small poke.

(Delay my previous message then. I thought you had settled upon the cave.)

((No worries JJ, looks like the gods just gave us a small premonition of what’s to come))

”During our short rest, Jack will ask the gnome which direction the group will come from, how many, weapons/spells etc and that he may be set free unharmed if he helps us subdue them without violence. “We do this the right way and you all won’t end up like your buddy Oren and his friends.”

I suggest getting the corpses and the gnome situated around the fire so it looks as it should be

((hehe, quite. I'm very curious now to talk to an Ogre named Socrates who reads books! ^^))

<<OCC: He reads, does that make his alignment good? >>

Jack extricates, from the gnome's terrified stuttering, that the patrol will arrive from the west or north (For reference, the cave is south and Thithladroth is east.) Among the bandits is a cleric of Mask whom the gnome, who addresses himself as "Poor Heobo," is clearly in awe of. He swallows nervously but agrees to aid you in capturing the remaining bandits. " All I wanted was a shiny gold coin." Heobo says miserably. "The boss promised he would give me a shiny gold coin."

Quote from Kasian_Armistus >>

<<OCC: He reads, does that make his alignment good? >>

(Lol, you bet. :P)

((Duncan's plan is to a) get a short rest, b) clean up the corpses, c) hide in the tents, while the gnome sits by the fire to act as 'look out'. d) when the bandits approach, he can give a signal and run into a tent to save himself. e) attack! f) ??? g) profit! ))

((What is the description of the Cleric? Duncan would probably want to take him out first))

((I’m good with Duncan’s plan.)) “The element of surprise is crucial. Lets agree on who makes the first attack, if needed! so that we are all on the same page this time.” says Jack while looking directly at Elber

"Those with ranged attacks should first shoot from within the tents. Surprise them with arrows. I'll then run out and try to take their eyes off the arrows." Duncan would reply.

Kia says, "From here, I can create a large fire in their midst."

Short rest hp recovered (used two d8s): 16

"You be giving this too much thought, they possess not the tactics of sellswords nor the cunning of thieves. Banditry be an act of desperation. Just like before, take out the leader and their will to die for a single gold coin breaks."

((Short rest: 13 hp recovered.))

"Often true friend Elber. Yet why not use what advantages we have? The fewer risks we take, the fewer mistakes are possible to be made no?" Duncan replies.

Elber shrugs and sits back to rest and listen.