Maverick looked on as his Elemental Explosion followed the Garo around the bend and smiled as he heard it go off. The Garo made no more sounds. It perplexed him to no end seeing his spell home into a target and even follow it around a corner. He had never tried such a technique, but he was sure that he liked it.

Before he could even stop to rest after the strain of such a large attack, he found himself whisked into combat once more.

The mage had read all about the Garo in many texts and tomes throughout his studies. It was the first time he had ever encountered one, however, and so his excitement was unrivaled. To him, it was an expedition and a field study all in one. He was no stranger to Iron Knuckles, however. They had been used by his own countrymen in many foreign military campaigns in dire circumstances. The risks were many in those days - an Iron Knuckle is a monster, and could cause more trouble than good if used in war. Their power was colossal, and Maverick never enjoyed seeing them, much less battling them.

The Garo Master was incredible! Very little was known of them, even in Calatia's grandest library, and that was saying something. Maverick almost wished he did not have to fight this fight. It would not be an easy one.

Ah, well, life was never easy in Hyrule. He always expected this kind of mess. If he didn't, he was better off hiding in a hole underground... Not that he didn't know how that felt, of course.

Deciding through the failing actions of his fellows that attacking the ninja master was a mistake, he instead focused his energies on observation. Sometimes the smartest combatant was the one who could time time to survey his surroundings for useful environmental aids. He searched in the darkness for anything that could help to at least slow the pace of this ungodly quick specimen of a Garo.

[Awareness Check]

OOC: Now it is Darilan's turn to try something crazy.

IC: As he saw General Valens fall from the horse, an idea struck him. The adventurers' weapons were unable to to do any serious damage to the enemies, but what if they used the enemies' weapons against them? As soon as the thought came to him, he shouted out, "Everyone, keep your distance from them!"

He gave his companions several seconds to react, during which he recalled a language he had learned but never used, yet. Once he figured out what he wanted to say, he yelled out in the language of the damned [Speak Infernal], "Look out! Link, the Hero, on your left!" He threw his voice, doing his best monster impression, and a rather poor job it was. He hoped that at least one of the beasts would be stupid enough to swing its weapon blindly and hit one of its allies by accident. If that didn't happen, then they could hope that his attempt at trickery would at least distract the beasts for a moment and leave them open to attack.

Rosen felt the weight lift off his shoulders as the magic from Saber's incantations surrounded him in an awkward swirl of sensations that riddled his face as he swatted the streams of light like flies. He could feel his back return to a placid arch and his feet did not tremble with the weight of his stomach or the blood that had previously stained his person in velvet splotches.

With this new found energy and appreciation for his slowly diminishing but now quaintly powerful life, he reorganized his priorities noticing that his gait was far to slow and lethargic to match the speed and dexterity of the ninja whose legs seemed to flutter over invisible floors in the air.

His eyes darted towards the iron knuckle nearby-the bellicose sounds of armor clashing against the ground drew his blades towards it. If anything was certain it was that despite Rosen's age there were things that crawled a long this earth that were at least some what slower than he was.

And knowing Rosen, he was sure to take advantage of the articulate steps that collapsed plainly on the ground like a newborn animal hobbling on its bowlegged feet, oh yes, this iron knuckle was definitely not as flighty as his previous foe and beckoned the edge of his blades as the goron took flight, both swords casting silhouettes on the ground that resembled birds as he soared down onto the casted iron skeleton that stood before him.

OM NOM NOM NOM NOM!!!!

It has such good traction, Aria thought. If only this was the desert! But maybe we can make do with something here.

Simon seemed to be thinking along the same lines as the Gerudo was, so she made her way across the battlefield to him. Muttering so their foes could not hear, she said to him, "If you found something that might give the floor less traction, take advantage of it."

As Aria did not notice anything to help her take away the Garo Master's advantage, and as she still had no hope of striking it, she turned her attention to the three Iron Knuckles. And Darilan speaking a strange language. It was not one she recognized, so she disregarded whatever he was trying to attempt.

Instead, she took advantage of Valens latest attack to dash towards the unarmored Iron Knuckle. With a stabbing and slashing motion, the ranger attacked with her spear.

HP: 30/41
SPL: 12/12
Will: 6/6

~Pyralin had always worked for himself, but this time, he out did any of previous opportunistic ventures. When a small army of Garo's appeared, and then a more powerful one appeared, the ranger sat inert on the wagon, and let the others do the work. The other adventures jumped into action, casting spells, and wielding weapons, and before you know it, most of the Garo had been slain. Perfect.

In the meantime, Pyre saw a sudden and disturbing new development. Several Iron Knuckle, who are considerably more powerful, joined the fray, and started causing chaos. At this point, the hylian saw no chance but to fight himself. That didn't mean he was about to risk his neck. From the careful vantage point of the wagon, he pulled out his fire scroll, and spoke the incantation, while aiming at the unarmoured Knuckle.

A fire ball shot through the air, straight at its target, probably in tandem with other attacks, and hopefully about to do some serious damage.~

Too many of them...confusion...chaos...

Sakiko pressed her thumb against her temple, struggling against the shocks of pain that traveled through her head. She had not yet thrown herself in the battle, as she felt nauseous and out of control. And she hated that.

The Mage tried to grab hold of something - was it a part of the wagon? An arm, perhaps? She didn't know and she didn't care. Her head felt like mush and trying to process any battle plans at the moment was...impossible. If it had been another occasion, she would've watched the movements and the tactics of the other adventurers, matching hers to theirs. However, all the fighting was a blur to her - random movements.

She took a deep breath, her silvery eyes half closed. Elemental Explosion. Just say it. Just say it and maybe it'll do something...just say it...

Sakiko's knee gave out, her head screaming in pain. What is this? I feel like a weakling. I haven't even got attacked...why the hell does my head hurt...?! She clenched her teeth, determined, angry almost, and drew her hand towards the direction of the heavens. Snapping her arm back towards the battle, she yelled,

"Elemental Explosion!"

IC: Simon frowned. Hardly anybody had taken his advice. However, noticing something, he choose to not yell at his comrades. Running water. Behind one of the walls in the cavern. Then, Aria made her suggestion. Indeed, he realized that that he might be able to reduce the traction the Garo Master had. A grin formed across his face. His comrades would have to wait.

He grabbed a bomb, remembering that most walls were unstable enough that they could be blow apart. Simon struck a match, lit the fuse, and tossed the explosive at the wall [Bomb Check?]. He yelled in common to his comrades , "Beware before!" Hopefully, they would recognize the term popularized during the time of cannons and the Great Sea. The term was a warning for battery fired behind friendly troops.

OOC:

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

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

CURRENT
HP:22/33
SPL:36/42
Will:9/9

The arrow flew from Leth's bow, straight and true. It seemed as if it might hit the Garo, but just when it was about to make contact, it moved so fast it seemed to dissappear, and re-appear... right next to him?

Leth lets out a small expletive as he feels the blades slice into him. He falls back and clutches his wound. "Great Din, that thing is fast!" He muttered to himself. He now knew he was practically worthless in this battle, unless one of the Iron knuckles looses it's- HEY ONE OF THE KNUCKLE THINGS LOST THEIR ARMOR TIME TO BE USEFUL! Leth ignores his pain and puts an arrow to the string on his bow. He aims it at the armorless Iron Knuckle, and lets it loose.

Time slowed for an instant as pain was sent coursing through his body, a bit of his blood spilling onto the ground next to where he stood. He cried out in pain, as he gripped his side. "Bastard!" He called after the Garo. He's way too fast. I can't hit him... possibly no matter how hard I try, I can't catch that thing... I've got to do what I can. He then turned his attention the Iron Knuckles. He'd made up his mind as soon as he'd seen them. "Alright." He said to himself, starting in a jog in their direction. Turning it into a sprint, he aimed to remove the weapon from the currently disarmored Iron Knuckle. He brought his sword down on the forte of the monster's sword as hard as he could, in attempts of loosening the beasts grip on it's weapon.

[Disarm L1]

HP: 59/74 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
SPL:5/15 IIIIIIIIIIIIIII
WILL: 9/9 IIIIIIIII

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Strength- 3(base+Goron StrengthLv3[=6])=................................................. 6
Defense- 3(base[3]+human defense Lv2[=5]+L1 Jerkin[=18]+Deku Shield[2])=....... 20
Agility- 2(base+Deku Agility Lv2[=4])=....................................................... 4
Intelligence- 1(base)=........................................................................... 1
Spirit-1(base+Racial bonus[=2]+Zora Spirit Lv3[=3])=..................................... 5
Spell- 10(base+Spirit[5]=...................................................................... 15
Will Power- 9...................................................................................... 9
Health Points- 40(base+Spirit[44]+Exceptional Health Lv2[74])=....................... 74

Physical attack: (STR[6] + Weapon Base[12]) 18 dmg
Magical attack: (Level + base class + INT) 12 dmg


Abilities
Find Sustenance Lv1
Shield Lv3
Disarm Lv1
Elemental Burst Lv1

Maverick's Awareness Check succeeds, and he becomes alerted to the fact that the Garo Master relies very much on the ground and walls to maneuver. If the Mage could mess with this strategy, the Garo would need to spend vital time adapting to a new strategy. There were doubts as to how workable the ground may be at the moment, though...

As Darilan's hastily said words echo through the chamber, one of the Iron Knuckles takes notice, spinning about surprisingly fast for such a large creature, and swinging its axe menacingly. The blade lodges into the unarmored Knuckle, causing it to cry out in pain. (-19 HP Iron Knuckle 1)

As Ganon's minion struggled to remove the axe from its powerful muscles, Rosen added another wound to its collection, his blades carving a neat pattern down the creature's side. (-25 HP to Iron Knuckle 1)

Not missing a beat, Aria's naginata also lodged into the enemy fiercely, bringing it near death. (-14 HP to Iron Knuckle 1)

Pyre's ball of fire then shot into the Knuckle's chest, knocking it backwards with a loud thud, dead. (Iron Knuckle 1 Defeated)

Sakiko's Elemental Explosion, however, had terrible luck. The spell simply glanced off of both of the Knuckles, and the Garo Master appeared behind the Mage, slicing her for 15 DMG.

Simon's Bomb Check passes (Rolled a 17) and chunks of rock scattered everywhere as his explosive detonated. A little trickle of water appeared in the wall, slowly widening, and then suddenly burst forth in a torrent of scalding hot water that rushed across the floor, soaking into the ground and traveling down both passageways at about ankle level.

Leth's arrow soon attests to the effect of this maneuver--the Iron Knuckle perished already, he instead aims towards the Garo Master, which eyes the shaft and dodges it easily, launching itself at the archer. However, landing beside Leth, the ninja slips, unable to slash his target.

Taint strikes at one of the Iron Knuckles, and though he fails to break its armor, he does manage to knock the sword out of the imposing foe's hand. Of course, it doesn't go much of anywhere, but when you move as slow as an Iron Knuckle it still takes a while to bend over and retrieve your weapon, leaving it open for attack.

Its still armed companion swung at the irritating Zora, the flat of its blade catching Taint and knocking him away. (-19 HP to Taint)

The Garo, getting up from the ground, launches itself straight at Maverick, ramming into the introspective Mage. (-15 HP to Maverick)

Valens strikes at the disarmed Iron Knuckle, hoping to knock off the heavy armor. Unfortunately, he fails.

Iron Knuckle 1: DEAD
Iron Knuckle 2: 65/65 HP (Disarmed)
Iron Knuckle 3: 65/65 HP
Garo Master: 80/80 HP
Richard Valens: 7/41 HP

The rushing sound of water penetrated the ears of Rosen, cascades of sound traveling down the channels that nurtured tufts of salt and pepper gray hair. It was an awful sound to hear as the crashing waves lapped against his toes, rooted to the ground to keep traction so that he might concentrate on his next attack because despite the slipperiness of the earth surrounding him, the mist was cool and a relief to the claustrophic air that muted the passing wind.

In fact, the only wind that could be of any notice was the small echoes that past through the stone rafters but that was besides the point.

Rosen, now energized with the smell of piping water and cloaked under a veil of mist charged towards the garo ninja-both blades sweating beads of water and carving clouds in its wake as he darted towards his foe, slightly more agile as he let the smoothness of the ground beneath him carry him towards his enemy.

"Third time's the chaaaaarrrrmmmmmm!!!"

OOC: I'd just like to say that Darilan's attack was the most ridiculous tactic I've seen yet. Really....ventriloquism!?

Anyway. Dragonsbane!! PLEEEAAASSEE!!!!!

As the water flowed around the Gerudo's feet, Aria could feel the heat through her boots. It didn't bother her much; she had been subjected to higher tempatures and were used to them.

Her plan did seem to work; she would have to thank Simon for his help later. Right now, she had to think. With the help of her companions, one of three Iron Knuckles had fell. That left two of them, one of them now disarmed, and the ninja, who now had less traction to deal with. The latter was probably still the most dangerous enemy left, so it was the Garo Master Aria targeted with her spear, going for a simple stab as a test to see if the water slowed it down any.

HP: 30/41
SPL: 12/12
Will: 6/6

WinterSink wrote: OOC: I'd just like to say that Darilan's attack was the most ridiculous tactic I've seen yet. Really....ventriloquism!?

OOC: Yes, ridiculously awesome. XD

IC: Darilan knew he had a better chance of hurting his opponents by creating confusion than by attacking them with his own weapon, but he didn't think it would actually work. He smiled a little on the inside, then remembered where he was.

The Garo may have lost traction, but he was still moving too fast for him to hit. General Valens knew what he was doing, and they couldn't let him die. Using the last of his magic energy, Darilan cast a healing spell [L1 Life on General Valens].

OOC: You've got to admit it was pretty kickass, Julian. Man, I wish I was a Scribe now. Though I could still learn languages...gah, knew I should have held on to my TP just a bit longer.

IC: Well that was just irritating. Now the dirt and dust between his toes and in his shoes was mud and grime. Who knows how much scrubbing that would take to clean out. He might even have to splurge on new shoes altogether. Ugh. But wait, apparently this was part of a strategy. Yeah, much more valid than my strategy. Scald my exposed toes, that'll kill the enemies.

Highly irritated, Saber looked around the battlefield, seeking someone to heal. Sakiko had just taken a hit; that wasn't a good thing for Sakiko to take. Deciding on the mage as the recipient, he closed his eyes and began to prayer. [Favor of the Goddesses on Sakiko]

HP: 30/41
SPL: 6/11
Will:9/9

Success! That word rang out in his head as the beasts weapon fell beneath the now ankle-deep water. It was hot, but to the Zora, it was energy. He felt nearly regenerated, until he was caught by the Knuckle's giant sweeping blade. A surge of pain took Taint by surprise, as he was flung across the room, and slammed into a nearby wall. Upon striking the wall, he coughed up a bit of blood after making a sickening sound from the collision, and even hung there on the wall for a moment, before landing in the water with a small splash.

He lay motionless for a moment, before slowly rising to his knees. If there was one thing he had- it was stamina. The Zora never knew when to quit, and his mother had always told him that it'd be the death of him someday. Checking the spot of impact, he realized that there were no lacerations, but rather, a large blue bruise already forming. It was at this moment that the nomad realized that he'd dropped his sword somewhere during the impact. Placing his hands in the water, he felt carefully for disturbances in current beneath the water, and quickly found his rusted weapon.

The steam that was forming in the room was also giving him newfound strength. He didn't question where the liquid came from; he was only thankful that it had come. Holding his weapon, he rose to his feet, and decided he wasn't finished with the Iron Knuckle. Racing towards the same disarmed Knuckle, he decided to give it even more trouble by removing it's armor. Aiming carefully, he struck with full intention of exposing the monster's tender flesh.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
HP: 40/74 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
SPL:5/15 IIIIIIIIIIIIIII
WILL: 9/9 IIIIIIIII