"Good plan," Darilan said, "but I see one potential flaw. The path from here to the entrance is clear, as far as we know. If those Bulblins are half as intelligent as we are, they will view your actions with suspicion. You - we could convince them that you are being chased into the room by monsters. I can speak Infernal, and I can imitate a monster's voice pretty well," he said, recalling the time he tricked the Iron Knuckle into attacking its ally. "I could tell them that you are extremely dangerous in order to ensure that all four archers leave their post, rather than one or two."

The fire burned even those who had been content to leave the fighting to others. Alpha's seared flesh was evidence enough of that.

With an annoyed sigh, the Sheikah dropped down from the remains of the cage that had housed the Madderpillers, his chosen place of hiding from the immense heat that had been generated. His body burned from the tongues of fire that had lashed out at him, but he paid his injuries no mind -- he had endured far worse.

No, his immediate reaction upon touching down on the ground once more was to inspect his cape. He liked heat quite a bit -- being burned wasn't that unpleasant. But loosing his favorite cape may very well have sent him on a rampage. And no one would like him in that condition.

'Thank the goddesses -- no more than that a few singed threads.'

By the time he looked back up, General Valens was returning and the others were starting to formulate plans to take out the Bulblins in the chamber beyond. His mind immediately kicked into gear, analyzing each suggestion and revision as it was made -- and he had to admit, he found the plan they were formulating so far to be rather solid. But that didn't make it perfect.

"Hold on for a second, Zora, Darilan," he interjected, putting as much authority into his voice as he could muster -- not something he was accustomed to doing. "Your idea has merit, but I think we could also make use of Saber's suggestion." He motioned to himself. "I can use my Shadowmeld to sneak out and find a place to hide myself. You two enact your plan, and try to get the four of them to cross the bridge.

"Once they're across, Zora, you fall back a bit to lead them a bit further in. When they're far enough in, we spring an ambush on them. You all charge from the front -- and then I'll appear to block their escape route." He glanced at Valens, smirking. "They try to cross the bridge again, and I'll peg them off one by one."

IC: Simon practically vomited himself right then and there. The stew was rotten, and it hardly rejuvinated him at all. He knew he should have just tapped into some magic to heal himself. He frowned at his inability to notice how useless the stew could have been before now. Simon now cast a life spell on himself, making sure to actually heal himself [Life L1].

Than he jogged over to his colleagues, to check to see if any others were seriously wounded. It did not appear so.Then Valen's shouts are heard, and the nature of the southern room is made apparent. What a well secured area. With such a narrow a bridge as well.

Simon chimed in to add to the group's ideas next. "Well, if any of you are having doubts about what lies at the end of this path, I say with confidence that something of relevance is just past the room to our south. To have placed four archers where they would only really need two, at the most, verifies that observation.

As for the plan, I would love to participate. I have ranged weaponry, and some spell power left, I do believe. However, I would like to make one tiny point. As I said before, whatever those archers are securing, must be extremely important. I can understand the mentality of being a bored soldier, and I've seen cases of people I know abusing and getting their laughs out of prisoners of war. But, what you're forgetting is that we are not engaged in a war of civilities. Even if the enemy often took prisoners, I have a very bad feeling that due to our proximity towards this location, that they will have very specific instructions to kill anything not operating with these Warlords. I like to think that soldiers can be dedicated, too. However, the ultimate choice is up to you, I'm not the one faking my surrender. Just know that if you do, I got your back."

Simon had known Taint for a while over the course of these Crusades, he didn't want to see the Zora dead, or even hurt. Yet, Simon also did see the possible validity of the plan. They would just have to be careful, if he made up his mind to surrender.

"I also think Alpha has a great point. We need to find a way to trap those four on the bridge, as so we might pick them off one by one. Taint's plan would definitely work to get them across, if he's right about his mindset, and I pray that he is. Alpha's idea of going down the bridge first, shadowmelded, as so he can then surprise the Bublins, and cut off their escape route." As far as to use melee vs. range vs. magic, the scribe did not no what to do from there, but he'd follow the rest.

OOC:

Stats (as boosted)
STR: 3
DEF (rating): 17
AGI: 2
INT: 5
SPI: 3
SPL: 42
HP: 33

Talents (Most recent update)
Goron Strength L2 (included in stats)
Deku Agility L1 (included in stats)
Hylian Intelligence L2 (included in stats)
Exceptional Health L1 (included in stats)
Train: 2H Sword L1
Train: Boomerang L2
Elemental Burst L2
Life L1
*Epic Poem L2
Shield L1
The Quill is Mightier than the Sword L1
*Speak: Gerudic L1
*Master of Linguistics L1

DMG (modified to fit stat boosters)
Deku Staff:12
Deku 2H Sword: 17
Deku Boomerang: 8 (+1chance to hit)
Bombs: 9
Magic: 21

CURRENT
HP: 8/33 (stat boosted max)
SPL: 13/42 (stat boosted max)
Will: 0/9
Bottle: EMPTY

Valens watches as Sabertache makes his plea to the Goddesses, and he closes his eyes half-expecting the curative powers of the divine to course over him. He lifts one eye-lid. He had also half-expected them to ignore the nomad, as was usual with the healing spell – about half the time. His skeptical side proves correct. “I suppose I ought never to take their names in vain, for my own sake, hm,” he muses ashamedly.

He is particularly grateful that the adventurers are coming forward with their own creative ideas on how to solve the problem at hand. His brow furrows as Taint unveils his plan, and he instantly shoots the idea into the ground, despite his respect for the thoughtful Zora. “As commander I am afraid I do not agree with you baiting them and appealing to their emotions and their cruelty.” The General steps closer into the torchlight and shows the nomad his shoulder wound. “This was the work of a moment. I find it very doubtful they are interested in taking prisoners or gaming with us, the dreadful curs. They must be smart enough to know what fate has befallen their friends above us.”

Realizing the Zora was likely crestfallen for his explosive mistake and having his idea rejected, the General gave a smart wink. “Not going to take the chance on losing a valuable soldier, you understand.”

As Alpha perks up and voices his thoughts on the matter, the General turns to look at the Sheikah with a surprised expression. With the way the caped one could cling to the shadows, Valens had almost forgotten there was another member of the shadow folk with them. Sabertache’s idea becomes much more appealing to him and he strokes his chin thoughtfully, also reconsidering what he had told Taint. “Well, I must say that I favor Darilan’s plan of deception, but you are suggesting we use all three ideas in junction? It’s... creative enough that it may well work!”

Not having the ability to meld with the darkness around them, Valens can do little for the time being. He salutes, and tells Alpha that if his mind is set he should use his innate ability to do as planned. Turning to the Zora, he says, “Well, sir Taint, do you still want to act as bait? You know what should happen if they prove to be the wilier of us... although with Darilan’s help I believe we can fool them into letting down their guard.

Taint nodded. "Of my few talents, acting is one that I've polished over the years." He stated as a matter of factly. He really hoped that the plan would work. Should arrows fly in his direction, he probably wouldn't be able to dodge all of them, if any of them at all. Suddenly, he found a bright light in his cornea. "HEY!! LOOK! FOR GOT SAKES TAINT, LISTEN!!" Lilly's constant background yapping had been sitting on Taint's ears the entire time, and he knew full well how she felt about the plan. "Lilly!" He stopped her chattering with that. "I know how you feel about this, but you have to believe in me!" She shook her head defiantly. "No. I won't allow it! What if I lose you? Do you even care how I feel about this?!" The Zora stared at her for a moment before speaking again.

"Do you remember? About a year ago, when you were in peril, and I rescued you from your plight?" She nodded sheepishly. "Remember what I told you when you wanted to come with me?" Her eyes told him that she did. Her little quivering voice murmured the words, "Adventuring is dangerous... S-sometimes we find ourselves in life or death situations. When these times come, I expect you to do what we all do when we're faced with the possibility of demise..." She whimpered the last words: "...Have unwavering faith, and stand up to the challenge..." He smiled, and brought a hand up to hold her. "You remember the entire thing? Word for word?" She nodded, and fluttered over to Valens, landing on his cold armored shoulder. "Do what you must." She cried silently on the archer's soldier in fear of the worst. He nodded, and faced the entrance to the next room. "Whenever you're all ready..." He awaited the commander's mark before proceeding.

Darilan was pleased that Valens liked his idea and that the Zora was willing to act as bait. Alpha's idea to sneak across the bridge so the archers would be trapped on the other side was a good one. If they performed it as planned, they would be likely to succeed. Darilan spoke in a hushed tone, particularly to Taint but to the others as well, "Before you run in there, I am going to say 'Escaped prisoner! Extremely dangerous! Bring him to me alive.' Timing is very important, Taint. Be certain you don't enter their field of view until until I am finished speaking." He spoke the words again, this time in Infernal, so Taint would know when to run through the door when the moment came. "We need to make sure they know to capture you, not kill you. If you rush in there and get hit by a volley of arrows, this entire plan will to go to hell."

OOC: I might have asked this before, but does this event occur before or after we fought Bertram?

Well, I'm feeling useless again.

Something didn't sit right in Saber's gut as Taint dashed into the room. There had to be a different way, one that didn't involve placing a life on the line. This whole tunnel had been nerve-racking. First Gohma, where several casualties had been suffered. Then the caravan, where Rosen could have very easily been slaughtered on the spot. And now this.

He failed to heal Valens, and grit his teeth as he decided against trying again. He had been relying too much on the Goddesses lately. For someone who didn't even feel a special connection to them, exploiting their healing powers probably seemed selfish. It wouldn't surprise him if they were conciously ignoring him.

So, from his position, there was nothing else he could do but glance through the door as much as possible without being seen by the archers, taking in what he could of the room. [Awareness Check][Nomadic Awareness L2]

HP: 40/44
SPL: 14/14
Will: 9/9

OOC: I think we came in here before the Bertram topic started...so I'd guess before.

Valens is becoming increasingly interested in seeing if the collective plans of Sabertache, Taint, Darilan, and Alpha will come to fruition, and he suppresses his glee behind a tightly-veiled smile. He gives the command for the Zora to play his part, but holds up a hand as Darilan speaks his piece. It seems that the deal-breaker of the idea rests tricking the archers out onto the bridge without firing at Taint. When he is sure that the party members in question are ready, the General gives a salute and eases his command to the others.

In the meantime, Saber's head pokes out through the door frame into the next room. A grunt can be heard as one Bulblin alerts the others to the presence of a fresh bit of Hylian flesh entering the proximity of their firing range, however disguised by a mop of messy brown hair it may be. Four bowstrings go taut and a volley of pointed shafts let fly.

Thud. Thud. Thud-thud.

Four arrows collide with the wooden frame of the open door, in line with where Saber's head had been only a moment before. He has managed to escape his risky check unharmed, and with information to share. The room is nothing special, he finds, save for the massive chasm running from the east wall to the west wall. The long stone bridge connecting the north platform to the southern platform where the baddies stand waiting is only wide enough for one boot-width to stand on, as Valens mentioned. Apart from this old information, the nomad is able to catch the reflection of torchlight and his own face in what appears to be a thin puddle of some liquid, indicating that this room may be more similar to the adventurers current safe zone than they think.

Leth stepped forward and spoke. "I can shadowmeld, and I'm a pretty decent archer. I'm sure either or both of those skills could come in handy in this situation." Leth had remained quite for some time; thinking strategies was not a particular strong point of his. He was more comfortable simply doing what he was ordered. "I can go with alpha across the bridge, if needed."

His Hylian eyes scoped the room in a brief instant, registering everything as though in arrow-time. And arrow-time it was. He saw the shafts flying towards him, and he ducked his nimble head back into the room, just before the quartet of thuds sounded. The fact that the shots were off and hit the wall instead of the open space where his head actually was was completely irrelevant.

What had just happened to Sabertache was badass. For a fleeting moment, he was the Sylvester Stallone of Hyrule. That was a pretty risky move that paid off incredibly without any injury. Now if only something exploded.

Not only was he action hero of the moment, he was also the super spy. His observational prowess had hit gold. Black gold. He may as well pack up and move to Beverly. Hills, that is.

"Taint, stand down!" He cried in his manliest, most noble voice.

"Leth, shoot a fire arrow to the other side of the chasm! Quickly!"

Taint tore his attention from the plan as Saber's command met his ears. For some reason, the Zora obeyed, and stepped away from the opening. He didn't know why he was taking orders from the mercenary, but he didn't question it further. Lilly who was still seated on Vallens' shoulder, lifted her head out of her hands and watched as a new plan was being set into motion. One that didn't involve swiss cheesing her best friend.

OOC: Jeez, I hope this works.

Darilan trusted that Saber had a good reason for telling Leth to shoot a fire arrow into the next room. The foolish monsters must have placed oil on the floor as they had in the previous room. Why risk losing a capable fighter such as Taint when they could just burn the archer to a crisp? Then he remembered that he had ember seeds with him. They would be much less obvious than a flaming arrow. He could shoot one of those into the room. Unless it ignited the liquid that he supposed was on the floor, the monsters likely wouldn't notice it. He stood a good distance from the doorway, armed his slingshot with an ember seed, and fired it toward the other side of the chasm.

OoC: Thanks to continuity, Darilan saves the day.

From the safety of the room with four torches, where the adventurers currently stand, Darilan is able to sling an Ember Seed across the chasm. The four Bulblin archers don't even comprehend what is happening, but they do realize that only a split second after the mystical projectile hits the floor of their platform their toes are burning, their rough boots smoking. Chaos follows as they throw down their marksman weaponry and do what their commander had told them to do in the event of catching fire.

"STOP DROP ROLL!" is what Darilan can understand the horrible screeching in their tongue to mean. Not surprisingly, the cruel but brainless rabble fall to their knees and roll around, only soaking themselves in the lit oil that Sabertache's keen eyes had seen spread across the entire room. In only a moment's time the entire room is one large carpet of flames with an empty chasm running across it, furnished with a narrow bridge that is likewise lost in the blaze. Madly the Bulblins fling their burning bodies into the chasm; they are gone.

A bit of oil had trickled into the torch room through the now open door. As it lights up, Valens jumps back with a shout of surprise, completely stunned by what has happened. He looks to Saber and Darilan beaming, openly impressed by their cunning. The fire dies down after about half a minute, leaving the room before the adventurers bare and unoccupied.

A warm and fuzzy feeling crept over Darilan, and it wasn't because of the fire. He just brought death to four of his enemies. Exploiting their foolish mistake of standing over a flammable liquid was a brilliant tactic. If only it was his own idea. The situation called for a melodramatic MWWWWWAAHAHAHAHAHAHA, but he opted against it. He found it satisfying to see creatures that were made to harm the people of Hyrule suffer.

"Let's go," Darilan said after the fire died down. "If you don't have thick soles on your shoes, you might want to wait a bit." It was probably going to take a few minutes for that rock to cool off.

Leth was about to comply with Sabers wish when he suddenly noticed he couldn't. Looking down at his bow, he realized that the arrows that Saber had so nicely dodged had somehow managed to slice right through the string of his bow, which he had been holding at his side for some time now.
Why is it always me who ends up holding up the group? Leth thought sourly as he fished around in his pouch for a spare string. Fortunately he always carried a few of them handy, so he was able to remedy the problem. As he was doing so, he looked up to explain himself, but Darilan had already shot an ember seed to the other side.
Maybe I'll just shut up from now on... thought Leth. It'd save us all a lot of trouble.
Leth fell in behind the group and waited to see what they would do next.