I'd rather everyone go after the thief, so that we can advance things, tbh. Since he's tied to the main plot (in some weird way, it'll makes sense later) xD Besides, we'll see the hooded guy again xD
Sorry we've been kinda absent on the pad. We actually sorta expected everyone to go along with Joshua after the thief. But if you want you can stay behind and interact with the hooded guy. Whatever works for you!