((Yeah, I think we are at the point where you can move us forward JJ. Pick the easiest storyline for you to work with, but the group heading back with bountied heads seems the general plan...))

((yep yep. Duncan is ready to get back as well. Again, having told Socrates what will be coming, and ready to get paid and some rest.))

You take your leave of the philosophical ogre and the eccentric gnome, and you are soon clattering down the rut-ridden road with your cart loaded with corpses and goods. You pick up Ordan along the way, who is still tied fast to a tree. "You tie a fine knot." He mutters wearily to Elber. 

( Not sure what you do with the other three living bandits and the one dead bandit, I'll leave you to fill in the blank.)

The guards at the Thithladroth gate stare in amazement as you enter the city with the bodies of your vanquished enemies, and they doff their helmets in respect as you ride by. Captain Alais, as insufferable as ever, relieves you of the bodies and prisoners without comment. Ardidd herself rides out to meet you on a magnificent white stallion, accompanied by several senators. 

"Thithladroth thanks you." She declares, snapping her fingers for her butler, who presents you with a chest filled with gold coins. "700 gold coins for The Scorpion and the safe return of all Thithladroth's stolen goods." Ardidd recites. "In addition, there is a reward of 25 gold coins for each bandit you disposed of, 50 gold coins for the cleric, and 50 gold coins for the man Ordan. Are these terms acceptable to you?"

((160 each, plus however many bandits we tally up @25 ea... Not a bad haul))

"Lady Ardidd, those terms are indeed acceptable." The tone of Landrae's greeting to the noble is warmer that their first encounter, but her curtsey is executed with a due amount of formality and respect for the public eye. "We are glad to have resolved this matter in such a short time. Hopefully the commerce will pick back up in short order. Should you ever have need of our services in the future, we would be happy to do business with you again."

((Did we let the three bandits w Orlan go? Though that was the plan))

On the way back, I will ask Orlan and his henchmen about Elron’s robbery to see if we can gain anymore insight as what happened.

((Nah, if we tied them up for the entire night we might as well escort them safely to prison too.))

((I’m good w that, would have given me more time to question them in the cart about Elron))

Several hours previously...

"The boss handled the negotiations." Ordan replies, nonchalant and winning as ever. "And the man wore a dark cloak, concealing his face. Short fellow he was. That's about all I can tell you."

“What do you all say to a drink and a meal? And not at that hole in the wall we were at before. Let’s go somewhere nicer maybe somewhere that has rooms and is close to a bath house. I am feeling a bit ripe and Elber, no offense, but you are starting to attract flies.” Jack jokes as he gently elbows Elber in the ribs.

Jack will ask one of Lady Ardidd’s guards a good place that fits that description as they leave.

"If the Bloody Thorn ain't your mug of ale than there's Holfo's place, the Crimson Rose, down in the warehouse quarter." The guard answers doubtfully.

“What’s so bad about the Crimson Rose?” Jack asks in response 

((I don't believe we've received any experience for the last fights? Can't find anything for the Scorpion & co, or the nightly ambush.))

When presenting the bandits and the cart of goods, Elber would be visibly carrying the other greatsword too. Did anyone present state a claim for it?

(I changed to Milestone level advancement about halfway through the adventure.)

No one questions Elber's right to the sword.

"It ain't so much the Rose as the clientele, if you get my meaning." The guard says, scratching his chin. "Not a friendly lot."

"Surely there must be some suitable accommodation nearby to the Pavillion? I still have a hunger to go see a show there and see what the local thespians are like."

"Aye, let us head that way instead and ask around. After sharing the cave with an ogre even I be wanting to visit the bath houses of the soft cityfolk."

“Agreed, maybe Lan even has a song of our heroics ready that she will play for the masses.” ((No pressure))

((Sounds like an excellent idea... I'll try to plagiarize something suitable))

The guard nods vigorously. "There's a decent tavern just across from the Pavilion. No lodging available, but the bartender cooks a mean beef stew."

I guess we will head over that way and get some food and drink and listen to what is happening at the pavilion.

((JJ what time of day is it?))

It is early morning, the sun shines brightly, and the birds are singing.

The Pavilion is an impressive building of marble and stone, and the double doors, etched in gold, are flung open wide to accommodate the warm morning sun. The interior of the Pavilion is nearly deserted at this hour, and the next play will not be performed for several hours. Actors practice their parts on the wide wooden stage, musicians idly strum a variety of instruments, and a blindfolded man in a silk shirt throws knives at a target set up on one of the walls of the Pavilion.

To the right of the Pavilion is a timber building with a red tile roof. A wooden sign above the front door of the building identifies it as the Silver Thorn inn. A pleasant aroma emanates from within.