While the group is initially looking through the dragon hoard and starting to group it, Alexis addresses the group.

“I’ve been thinking about how we can leave with the crown and hammer, and whatever other treasures we can carry out of here. Obviously I’m hoping that something in this hoard can help us, but barring that, we need to start thinking about a plan.”

“The simplest plan is to hide as much as we can and just walk out through the dwarf front door. They haven’t questioned us yet, and presumably will continue this trend. Of course, the problem is what happens when we leave the ‘shelter’ of the dwarves? We’ll have two kinds of orcs waiting for us as well as whatever Dark Hand have arrived. Bad. But even if we can somehow slip out the dwarf-front-door unnoticed, there will surely be Dark Hand outside the cave. Which leaves somehow trying to get through the whole of the orc stronghold to get out at the saddle of the mountain. Doesn’t seem likely.”

“Alternately, I feel pretty confident we can scout from this end under the water over to the dwarf cells. We can probably hold our breaths long enough with the fast-flowing water to get to the cells. We arrange a couple ‘ropes’ together to shuttle our gear and the treasure. Cold, dark, risky. But I think we can do it!”
“Of course we face the same challenges once we’re at the cells, but perhaps with some more breathing room… but perhaps the Dark Hand waiting for us.” Alexis gives a slight shrug combined with a nod to the side with his head. “Clearly a lot of factors.”

“Another idea. We could try and wait them out. Perhaps we can sustain ourselves here long enough for the Dark Hand to crush themselves against the dwarves and their maze, or at least greatly weaken themselves greatly. This is not my favorite plan, but if it works, the three of you might be able to get some rest down here” Alexis is addressing Mavon, Skelor, and Telosh. He then looks around the dark, damp cave. “Not that I would choose this over civilization for a true rest.”

“The last idea I’ve had so far is to see about solving the dwarf curse and seeing if that could lead us to that horrible room where Gus felt the grave. It still doesn’t get us out, but it would put us behind a secret door and uncovering more mysteries might uncover secret dwarven ways into, and out-of, the mountain. Putting that thing out of it’s misery would help me sleep more soundly… assuming it doesn’t get it’s hands on me and prevent me from ever sleeping again.” Alexis gives another slight shrug combined with a nod to the side with his head.

Alexis looks at the group, still understandably engrossed in the treasures. Alexis lets the silence let the group know he’s ready to hear their thoughts.