Kai shakes his head, "And what praytell are 'particles' and 'physics'?"

Jack is stunned by the non-chalant ogre. He whispers to Hoebo, “Is this some kind of trick? Is the ogre going to attack or are there traps in the cave?”

"It's really quite fascinating." Socrates replies. "Physics is one of the fundamental scientific disciplines, and is comprised of the study of the universe and the process of drawing conclusions from subsuquent observations. Particle physics is one of the many branches of this field of study, and this excellent book delves into the inter-dimensional aspects of it." He carries on in this manner until he is interrupted.

Heobo chuckles at Jack's comment. "You have nothing to fear from Socrates. He's more interested in his books than combat."

((Duncan didn't see anything? Also... someone with more INT than Duncan please talk with him. I'm super curious about such a smart Ogre chilling out here 'protecting' treasure ^^))

Duncan notices nothing out of the ordinary... that is, besides an ogre interested in particle physics.

Jack will step forward, “Socrates, you are unlike any ogre I have heard of. How did you become so...well read? And more importantly at the moment, how did you become associated with this group of bandits?”

Socrates blinks. "Bandits? No, these are not bandits. This is my book club." 

The two bandits begin to look uncomfortable.

"Did they find these books for you Socrates? If you don't mind, then we will check over the things that have been stored in your cave, and should be able to bring a cart to clear them out for you"

Kai looks perplexed, "Science?  Is it the study of the natural or the unnatural?"

Socrates nods distractedly to Landrae as he answers Kai. "Why, natural of course. I've never had much patience for this 'magic' nonsense. It's more trouble than it's worth, as far as I'm concerned."

Jack will enter the cave. As he passes the ogre, “Thank you Socrates. You are a wonder indeed.” He looks back, “Anyone want to join?”

Kai smiles, "But magic is a part of the fabric of nature.  But we should all strive to understand nature as best we might.  Please carry-on with your studies."

Map of Atlas: https://m.imgur.com/rNf0YsE (Sorry you can't view the individual settlements, but you get the idea. Thithladroth and the surrounding territories are situated off of the map, to the west.)

Landrae wanders by Socrates, drawing her lute and strumming chords absentmindedly. She looks around the cave, casting Light on the lute, and starts to take stock of the goods within.

"There once lived an ogre who read, about physics and science he said, adventurers brave, he let enter his cave, and around them the treasures were spread..."

Investigation: 20 to check for anything of Lady Ardidd's or the fat Elf's.

Jack is helping Landrae take inventory (was going to help w investigation, but doubt it will be higher).

Investigation: 9 ((that’s a big nope))

Kai will help Landrae investigate

18

Duncan, feeling a bit bashful of an ogre seemingly more intelligent then he, will just be standing guard at the front of the cave.

Hundreds of barrels, sacks, and crates are cluttered about the cave, and weapons, produce, and various other goods are crammed into every crevice in the stone. Ardidd is not a merchant herself, so she has no stolen goods, and as for Elron, his potions are nowhere to be found.

((How many wagons of ours would it take to carry all this stuff?))

Jack will do a once over to see if he can spot anything of significant value (magicical items, coins/gems, high quality weapons/armor. ((Will our investigation roll work or do you want another check?))

While looking at the hoard of goods, Jack will hell for Hoebo to come in. “What were you all going to do with all of this? Was it being sold to someone else? Were you going to transport all of this somewhere? It doesn’t make sense just to keep all of it. Did the Scorpion work for or with someone else?”