>>6175098You arrive at the spot in time!
You hide until near dawn and then you begin to advance towards the bandit hideout!
You know the general direction the bandits are coming, but there's not really a small choke point, if you concentrate your forces or make your presence obvious they will scatter.
You best bet is to wait behind the trees and hit them when they come running past you.
Up to three people can hide in each of these areas. The people hiding will get one surprise attack (with advantage) if one or more of the thieves pass through there, and one opportunity attack if the thieves don't stop running (which they likely won't unless you grapple them).
Just to recap, you have you (J), Dahlia (D), one guard (G) and 10 villagers (V).
After you decide where you will position your forces, I will roll 8d20 for the incoming bandits! (there were a few more than anticipated). The first dice is the bandit leader.