I was thinking this earlier, playing Tales of Vesperia.
 
I came across a 2h sword and 2 capes, in chests, in a desert
 
WHO PUT THEM THERE?!
 
Discuss.

Communists?

I doubt there is a correct answer to this one... :P

I did, for tax-purposes.

The local nut, he raves about the zombie apocalypse and puts equipment into the desert to prepare for it

I think a wizard did it :(

Crab people
it's all part of the "master plan"

Captain Oblivious. 
 
I hate him.

" I think a wizard did it :( "

So...wait, it's a local nut of a Communist wizard named Captain Oblivious for tax purposes? 
 
.............................................................yep, works for me. 
 
Although I still say it's Colonel Mustard.  That muthafucker is sneaky as shit with a pipe.  Imagine what he can do with a chest!

I do when your all asleep.

Video game designers.
 
Never fear!
Captain Bubble Burster is here!

Who left those giant mounds of gold out in every strategy game? The world may never know.

Gandalf.

Who throws money away in Borderlands?  They citizens of Pandora complain complain of being impoverished but if they would just take the time to open some garbage cans and mailboxes they'd be eating well for weeks.

Pirates.

Jesus does.