Orpheous
STR-3; DEF-5; AGI-3; INT-5; SPI-6; HP-46/56; SPL-48; WILL-9
DMG
Deku Staff: (base) 9 + (STR) 3 = 12
Spell Damage: (caster's level) (14) + (base class) 3 + (INT) 5 = 22
Deku Boomerang: (base) 4 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 8
Deku Slingshot: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 9
-Ember Seed Shot: (base and STR) 8 + (Ember Seed Bonus) 5 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 14 (fire-type damage)
Bomb: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 = 8
Equipment
Deku Staff
Deku Boomerang
Gerudo Training Gloves
L1 Tunic
Garlund Amulet
Bomb Bag
Ammo Bag
Ember Seed (Ammo)
Abilities
Leadership L1 - 2
Learn: Life L1 - 2
Train: Boomerang L1- 2
Learn: Elemental Burst L2 - 4
The Quill is Mightier than the Sword L1 - 2
Epic Poem L2 - 3
Master of Linguistics L1 - 1
Learn: Fire L1 - 2
Train: Slightshot L1 - 1
Defense Rating
(DEF) 5 + (L1 Tunic) 10 + (AGI) 3 = 18

Pepper Pinkerton
STR-2; DEF-1; AGI-9; INT-3; SPI-7; HP-67; SPL-65; WILL-9
DMG
Deku Dagger: (base) 5 + (STR) 2 = 7
Deku Boomerang: (base) 4 + (STR) 2 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 7
Bomb: (base) 5 + STR (2) = 7
Equipment
Deku Dagger
Deku Boomerang
Ocarina
L1 Jerkin
Garlund Amulet
Gerudo Training Gloves
Candle
Bomb Bag
Abilities
Train: Boomerang L1 - 1
Learn: Jump L1 - 1
Sprint L1 - 2
Play: Will of Farore L2 - 3
Play: Elegy of the Departed L1 - 3
Play: Sonata of Restoration L1 - 1
Play: Call of Din L1 - 1
Play: Spirit of Nayru L1 - 1
Defense Rating
(DEF) 1 + (L1 Jerkin) 12 + (AGI) 9 = 22

Pepper made a small frown as the Garo sidestepped her attack, but was soon beaming again after Orpheous defeated their collective opponent. "Thanks, Orph," she chirped as Regis vanquished his foe. "Excellent moves too!"

"Well, thanks Miss Pinkerton. You certainly know how to be inspiring." Pepper gave a curt nod and a ear-to-ear grin in affirmation. Then, taking on a new purpose, she walked over to the discarded Garo cloak. She examined it intently before stuffing it into her bag - all done very calmly. Then she bounced her way to Regis just in time to hear his impressions of the situation.

"You fought better than me or Orph - but that's not surprising, seeing as how you do this for a living!" she replied in a rather speedy tone. It would seem she was just bursting with energy.

When Regis went to the door, Orpheous followed him cautiously but better was so eager to see past Regis and into the newly opened pathway that she was nearly invading his personal space - nearly. She smelled like mint leaf and a hint of sugar.

They followed Regis through the door and looked about the room. "Talk about empty," she quipped.And then Regis asked for Orpheous' help in solving the puzzle.

"Actually, Miss Pinkerton, I don't think the room is empty at all. It could potentially be full of clues." Orpheous began looking around the room, though his expression looked relatively blank. The other adventurers he worked with before knew this expression well though. His mind was running at max capacity, trying to figure out what areas in the room to really scrutinize.

After a minute, he spoke. "I'm going to investigate the switches themselves to see which of them seem the most used. I'm hoping to glean other information there as well, but I don't know how much I'll be able to discern. Perhaps which of them might have been sitting stationary for some time or which ones have been greased recently.

"Pepper, if you would be so kind as to look around the walls, ceiling, and floor for any kind of markings that might indicate a way to solve this riddle. Surprisingly enough, I've heard some sects leave hints in situations like this for new recruits. Any kind of deliberately made markings might prove useful, so be sure to search thoroughly." He gave her a smile. "I'm sorry to ask so much of you, but you do seem the most robust of us. I'm sure it'll give you no trouble at all."

"Aw', thanks Orph," Pepper replied, blushing a bit. "If there are hidden messages consider them found!" She began looking around the room, scanning the walls first in five meter strips from ceiling to floor [Awareness Check].

Orpheous then turned to Regis. "I'm not sure if you wanted a suggestion from me or not, but if you can't decide what to do and are willing to take the advice of a simple scribe, I would suggest inspecting the floor what what parts are most or least traveled - information to that regard might be useful."

With that, he turned away and began to inspect the switches. He decided to begin his investigation by trying to see the tracks and holders on which they were set, seeing which might be the most worn. If that didn't get definite leads, he decided to check which of the actual handles of the switches showed the most wear and tear [Insight Check].

Pepper thoroughly searches the room, but is unable to find any kind of markings or notes indicating what they should do. It would appear that the Pilpherer's Phalanx counts heavily on it's members being able to remember the "password" to get in. If there were any clues to be found here, they would have to be unintentionally left behind - and in this case, Orpheous' keen eyes serves him well.

As Orpheous approaches the levers on the wall, there are a few things he notices. The first is obvious - all the levers were pointing up. However, there was more detail to be observed here. Upon close inspection, it was easy to see that the two inside levers - the second and third, if you numbered them 1 to 4 from left to right - were very dusty, with cobwebs even forming between the heads of the levers and the wall. It was likely that their current position was the correct one, as it looked as though these two levers had not been touched in some time. The first and fourth levers were noticeably less dusty, as though they had frequently - and recently - been handled. The question remained, though - did they need to be switched in a certain order? If so, what was it?

"Wait a moment." Regis said as he was kneeling down to examine the ground. "I think I've got something here." He looked up at Orpheous. "If I'm seeing this correctly, it looks as though there is a slightly worn path here in the stone - a line that goes directly from the entrance here to that first lever. It seems to me that many years of walking straight to that lever, every time someone enters the hideout, wore down the stone a bit." He stood up.

"So I think it's safe to assume that this first lever is the first one that needs to be hit. Not sure how helpful that is, though - it doesn't tell us much about the other three... Have you found anything useful?"

Orpheous grins at his own findings. This will be quite simple. As Regis spoke, Orpheous looked back over to him. "Yes, I think it's safe to say that we could probably flip the leftmost switch now and risk no negative repercussion. But as far as a sort of order or pattern, I have no idea. The middle two switches are rather dusty, so I'm assuming they're not part of the equation at all." He looked over at Pepper, although perhaps we should get her findings before we jump to conclusions."

She was still scanning everything, doing her best to find anything that could help Orpheous formulate a decision. So, as to not get distracted, she replied with turning her attention away from the walls. "I'm so super sorry, Orph. But no clues here. I'm sure you'll figure it out without them though," she commented heartily. Deciding she was defeated, she walked over to them, giving a cheery smile as to ward away any sense of being disheartened the group might face.

"It's quite all right, Pepper," Orpheous replied, putting his hand on her shoulder and giving her the same smile right back. "You did a fabulous job. I think I have enough information anyways. I'm going to throw the leftmost switch now, assuming that's alright with Regis." Orpheous looked over at Regis for any sign of confirmation.

Regis nodded.

"Sure, that seems like the logical thing to do. Should I then flip the other switch after you flip yours?"









OoC: short post is short

Orpheous shook his head to indicate a negative answer. "I think we should just try flipping the first one for now. For all we know, flipping this one switch could open both doors. The switch on the left is the one I'm most confident in. There is a chance we may have to throw more of them later. And I think more research is required before we make any further decisions beyond this one - assuming we have the time and you grant your favor. This is all your call." As he finished, he walked to the switch on the left and tried to pull it into a down position [Operate Switch 1]. Pepper meanwhile was huddled upon herself in anticipation.

As soon as Orpheous flipped the first switch, a faint ticking noise could be heard, coming from inside the walls. Apparently there was some sort of timer involved - the correct sequence had to be put in quickly, or it wouldn't be accepted. And if it wasn't put in correctly, or on time... who knows what might happen?

Unfortunately, nothing else seemed to happen - the bars on the doors failed to move. Regis glanced around nervously the room nervously as the ticking continued.

"Uh, Orpheous... what now?"

[2 rounds until switches reset]

Orpheous
STR-3; DEF-5; AGI-3; INT-5; SPI-6; HP-46/56; SPL-48; WILL-9
DMG
Deku Staff: (base) 9 + (STR) 3 = 12
Spell Damage: (caster's level) (14) + (base class) 3 + (INT) 5 = 22
Deku Boomerang: (base) 4 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 8
Deku Slingshot: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 9
-Ember Seed Shot: (base and STR) 8 + (Ember Seed Bonus) 5 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 14 (fire-type damage)
Bomb: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 = 8
Equipment
Deku Staff
Deku Boomerang
Gerudo Training Gloves
L1 Tunic
Garlund Amulet
Bomb Bag
Ammo Bag
Ember Seed (Ammo)
Abilities
Leadership L1 - 2
Learn: Life L1 - 2
Train: Boomerang L1- 2
Learn: Elemental Burst L2 - 4
The Quill is Mightier than the Sword L1 - 2
Epic Poem L2 - 3
Master of Linguistics L1 - 1
Learn: Fire L1 - 2
Train: Slightshot L1 - 1
Defense Rating
(DEF) 5 + (L1 Tunic) 10 + (AGI) 3 = 18

Pepper Pinkerton
STR-2; DEF-1; AGI-9; INT-3; SPI-7; HP-67; SPL-65; WILL-9
DMG
Deku Dagger: (base) 5 + (STR) 2 = 7
Deku Boomerang: (base) 4 + (STR) 2 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 7
Bomb: (base) 5 + STR (2) = 7
Equipment
Deku Dagger
Deku Boomerang
Ocarina
L1 Jerkin
Garlund Amulet
Gerudo Training Gloves
Candle
Bomb Bag
Abilities
Train: Boomerang L1 - 1
Learn: Jump L1 - 1
Sprint L1 - 2
Play: Will of Farore L2 - 3
Play: Elegy of the Departed L1 - 3
Play: Sonata of Restoration L1 - 1
Play: Call of Din L1 - 1
Play: Spirit of Nayru L1 - 1
Defense Rating
(DEF) 1 + (L1 Jerkin) 12 + (AGI) 9 = 22

"One. Two. Three. Four. Five." Orpheous was muttering under his breath. Like a clock, each number was said exactly one second after its predecessor. He was keeping an accurate count of the timer. If, for whatever reason, they failed the puzzle, it would be critical to know the exact length of time the timer was giving them. After all, Orpheous had know way of correlating the ticking sound with time allotted. Once he had the first five down, he kept track of the rest of the seconds in his head.

"I would prefer to gather more information before we make a decision," he replied to Regis' inquiry. "But the fact of the matter is, we don't know how much time we have. I suggest, if we can find another clear indicator to give us a more firm approach, we act upon it. Hopefully, that will alleviate our problem. Worst case scenario, we run out of time and some kind of alarm gets triggered. I would say that the worst case scenario would be that guards would be sent in to deal with us, but at least then we would have a way out of the room - presumably from wherever they entered from. And, obviously for them to send thugs to deal with us, an alarm would have to be triggered anyways.

"Odds are, those Garo Ninjas we saw earlier were simply stationed there, otherwise we probably would have run into other opposition by now. Unless, of course, this puzzle is a lethal trap as well, which would present its own problems. But I'm skeptical they'd build such a dangerous trap into this kind of test of proof of initiation. Mechanical failure is a guarantee when it comes to traps - after enough usage and time. Unless they had a death wish, any trap they would put here would be relatively harmless. Hypothetically. And I'm willing to wager my safety on that theory.

"Which brings us back to our strategy. If we don't have an obvious solution when we're about to run out of time, we let the time expire. Odds are, it's just a potentially dangerous as pulling the wrong switch, so why take additional risks. I am exceptionally confidant that this far-right switch is pivotal in the solution of this test, but I want to be more sure.

"Regis, if you would kindly investigate the ground again for some kind of markings to indicate that foot-traffic has shown a tendency to travel immediately from the leftmost switch to the right one," he concluded, hoping he was following the correct path of action.

He turned to Pepper. "Miss Pinkerton, please look for the source of the ticking sound. If we can find the heart of the timer mechanism, or at least divine where it is located, it may clue us in on finding the solution.

Pepper gave a chipper solute before her eyes began to follow the indicator already burrowing into her ear. Her red, Sheikahn eyes drifted to where she believed the sound to be originating [Awareness Check].

"I will attempt to notice any strange shaping or forms in the walls to indicate where the inner workings of this system might lie. Now that we know this switch activated that ticking sound, maybe we might see bulges from where the machinations lay." And without further word, he began looking at the area surrounding the left-most switch for any indicator of such bulging or shaping in the structure of the wall, ready to follow such oddities to the next clue [Awareness Check].

Regis tried not to look uncomfortable as Orpheous, unfazed, calmly began analyzing the situation and laying out his theories - all with the constant, dreadful ticking noise in the background, reminding them that they had a limited amount of time to figure this out.

I'm skeptical they'd build such a dangerous trap into this kind of test of proof of initiation. Mechanical failure is a guarantee when it comes to traps - after enough usage and time. Unless they had a death wish, any trap they would put here would be relatively harmless. Hypothetically. And I'm willing to wager my safety on that theory.

"Well... Let's hope you're right." Regis said, shaking his head at Orpheous' unflappable demeanor in the face of the tense situation.

"Regis, if you would kindly investigate the ground again for some kind of markings to indicate that foot-traffic has shown a tendency to travel immediately from the leftmost switch to the right one," he concluded, hoping he was following the correct path of action."

"Aye aye, Captain." Regis said with a quick salute before turning to inspect the ground once more. As each of the three of them set about examining the ground, the ticking sound suddenly and noticeably increased - it was now ticking at double time. They clearly did not have much time left.

Pepper's search was relatively successful; however it did not present her with any information that seemed useful. As her ears honed in on the origin of the ticking sound, it appeared to be coming from within the wall on the lefthand side of the north door - a logical place assuming all the levers were somehow connected to the door. Whether or not she or Orpheous would find this information useful in deciphering the correct order in which to flip the switches was another matter.

Orpheous had less success; though that may be simply because what he was looking for didn't exist rather than a lack of observation on his part. As closely as he examined the wall within which the levers were set, there didn't seem to be any abnormal formations or unusual placements - aside from the levers themselves, it appeared to be a normal stone wall in every regard.

"Okay." Regis announced. "Now that I'm taking a second look at this, I'm noticing a couple of things." He stood up.
"First of all, the "path" to the first switch isn't the only path in this room- just the most worn. There is another path here that's slightly less well-worn, but this one goes from the entrance to the fourth switch. And as for any wear and tear between the switches, there's a lot of scuff along the way between all of them, with slightly more between the door and the fourth switch... Which I suppose is to be expected if someone had to walk from the first switch all the way to the last switch, and then back to the door again."

[1 round until switches reset]

Orpheous
STR-3; DEF-5; AGI-3; INT-5; SPI-6; HP-46/56; SPL-48; WILL-9
DMG
Deku Staff: (base) 9 + (STR) 3 = 12
Spell Damage: (caster's level) (14) + (base class) 3 + (INT) 5 = 22
Deku Boomerang: (base) 4 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 8
Deku Slingshot: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 9
-Ember Seed Shot: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 9 (fire-type damage)
Bomb: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 = 8
Equipment
Deku Staff
Deku Boomerang
Gerudo Training Gloves
L1 Tunic
Garlund Amulet
Bomb Bag
Ammo Bag
Ember Seed (Ammo)
Abilities
Leadership L1 - 2
Learn: Life L1 - 2
Train: Boomerang L1- 2
Learn: Elemental Burst L2 - 4
The Quill is Mightier than the Sword L1 - 2
Epic Poem L2 - 3
Master of Linguistics L1 - 1
Learn: Fire L1 - 2
Train: Slightshot L1 - 1
Defense Rating
(DEF) 5 + (L1 Tunic) 10 + (AGI) 3 = 18

Pepper Pinkerton
STR-2; DEF-1; AGI-9; INT-3; SPI-7; HP-67; SPL-65; WILL-9
DMG
Deku Dagger: (base) 5 + (STR) 2 = 7
Deku Boomerang: (base) 4 + (STR) 2 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 7
Bomb: (base) 5 + STR (2) = 7
Equipment
Deku Dagger
Deku Boomerang
Ocarina
L1 Jerkin
Garlund Amulet
Gerudo Training Gloves
Candle
Bomb Bag
Abilities
Train: Boomerang L1 - 1
Learn: Jump L1 - 1
Sprint L1 - 2
Play: Will of Farore L2 - 3
Play: Elegy of the Departed L1 - 3
Play: Sonata of Restoration L1 - 1
Play: Call of Din L1 - 1
Play: Spirit of Nayru L1 - 1
Defense Rating
(DEF) 1 + (L1 Jerkin) 12 + (AGI) 9 = 22

"Curses," he muttered under his breath. Orpheous' search had not yielded results to suit his needs. He soaked in Regis' report though, taking it all in. A smile started to form on his face. He turned back to Regis. "Yes, it would seem that I wasn't mistaken - that right switch is going to have to be flipped. Thanks for the keen eyes."

The bard spoke next. "Hey there, Orph. The sound seems to be coming from this little spot." She pointed to where she believed the sound was originating from - just left of the north door. "I hope it can help!"

"Great, it may just prove useful." Orpheous walked up to the rightmost switch. "Regis, I'm going to pull this switch. It seems like with have enough information to make an informed decision. But, should the door not respond, I'd like you to pull the switch just to the left of this one - the one just right of the door. Can you do that for me?" He looked to Regis for confirmation, but he kept speaking.

His words were directed at Pepper. "Pepper, listen very carefully. Take that Garo robe out of your bag. Put it on; we don't have much time left. Be ready to stand over us, as though we've been defeated - whether I decide to play dead or just surrendered is still up in the air. I think we probably wouldn't look like convincing corpses on such short notice though. Perhaps Regis and I will just look defeated. Obviously, this disguise will not fool any guards for long, but it might just confuse them enough to give us the edge we need - even if just for a second. Here's to hoping nobody comes, though." Pepper already beginning to put the robe on before he was done speaking [Innate Check - At Least I'm Guessing That's What I Should Use To Disguise Her].

"Now!" Orpheous' voice carried with it stern conviction. If he allowed them to know of the doubts dwelling within him, it could cloud their minds and dull their focus which he desperately needed. His hand reached out and grabbed the switch, moving to change its position [Operate Switch 4].

"Regis, I'm going to pull this switch. It seems like with have enough information to make an informed decision. But, should the door not respond, I'd like you to pull the switch just to the left of this one - the one just right of the door. Can you do that for me?"

"Sure thing." Regis said. He wasn't sure what path of logic Orpheous was following, but he seeemed pretty confident in his assessment of the situation, so Regis didn't question him. He got ready to throw the lever if necessary.

Pepper threw on the Garo robe, but it wasn't a perfect disguise - her figure wasn't exactly built like a Garo, and the trademark glowing green eyes were markedly absent from underneath the hood. It was unlikely to fool anyone if they gave her any more than a passing glance, but it could prove to provide at least a temporary distraction should they encounter anyone.

As Orpheous threw the lever, Regis tensed up, one hand on his sword hilt, the other on the third lever, ready to either throw the switch or spring into action if the door opened and they were swarmed with bandits - but neither happened. Instead, there was a faint ding as the ticking stopped, and the bars covering both the north door and west door raised into the ceiling with a click. The doors did not open on their own - but the party's way forward was no longer blocked.

Orpheous
STR-3; DEF-5; AGI-3; INT-5; SPI-6; HP-46/56; SPL-48; WILL-9
DMG
Deku Staff: (base) 9 + (STR) 3 = 12
Spell Damage: (caster's level) (14) + (base class) 3 + (INT) 5 = 22
Deku Boomerang: (base) 4 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 8
Deku Slingshot: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 9
-Ember Seed Shot: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 9 (fire-type damage)
Bomb: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 = 8
Equipment
Deku Staff
Deku Boomerang
Gerudo Training Gloves
L1 Tunic
Garlund Amulet
Bomb Bag
Ammo Bag
Ember Seed (Ammo)
Abilities
Leadership L1 - 2
Learn: Life L1 - 2
Train: Boomerang L1- 2
Learn: Elemental Burst L2 - 4
The Quill is Mightier than the Sword L1 - 2
Epic Poem L2 - 3
Master of Linguistics L1 - 1
Learn: Fire L1 - 2
Train: Slightshot L1 - 1
Defense Rating
(DEF) 5 + (L1 Tunic) 10 + (AGI) 3 = 18

Pepper Pinkerton
STR-2; DEF-1; AGI-9; INT-3; SPI-7; HP-67; SPL-65; WILL-9
DMG
Deku Dagger: (base) 5 + (STR) 2 = 7
Deku Boomerang: (base) 4 + (STR) 2 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 7
Bomb: (base) 5 + STR (2) = 7
Equipment
Deku Dagger
Deku Boomerang
Ocarina
L1 Jerkin
Garlund Amulet
Gerudo Training Gloves
Candle
Bomb Bag
Abilities
Train: Boomerang L1 - 1
Learn: Jump L1 - 1
Sprint L1 - 2
Play: Will of Farore L2 - 3
Play: Elegy of the Departed L1 - 3
Play: Sonata of Restoration L1 - 1
Play: Call of Din L1 - 1
Play: Spirit of Nayru L1 - 1
Defense Rating
(DEF) 1 + (L1 Jerkin) 12 + (AGI) 9 = 22

"You'll have to forgive me for being cautious," Orpheous stated, feeling rather embarrassed. He turned to Regis, trying to give a 'knew-it-all-along' smile. "I would have figured that both sets of bars would have had different solutions. In hindsight though, this does make more sense. And it's far more convenient for us. But, if you don't mind me playing cautious for a bit longer..." he walked over to the northern door.

"I think we should listen for what's on the other sides of these doors first. For all we know, there is a living quarters behind one of these doors, and I'm skeptical that all of their personnel are out tonight. Even sick or injured bandits can pose a threat, it would help to know what we might be getting into before we open a door. Would you mind checking that other door, Regis?" he asked, pointing to the west door.

"What can I do?" Pepper asked, rather patient all things considered. She stretched, making sure she was ready for what was still ahead. She gave Orpheous a quizzical look, hoping she'd have some use to them now.

Originally thinking it might be rather crowded to have two people on one door, Orpheous was pretty intelligent when it came to interpersonal skills. "Hey, Pepper, why don't you come help me with this door, if you don't mind being all up in my space? Two ears pressed to a door are better than one." She gave a slight nod and slipped out of the robe of the fallen enemy.

Orpheous dropped to the floor and pressed his ear half on the ground and half on the door, motioning for her to come over and take all the remaining space above him [Awareness Check].

Pepper stepped towards the door carefully and gave him as much space as she could. She was also mindful of her skirt. While she was grateful she wasn't laying on the uncomfortable floor, he should have at least realized she was wearing a skirt. She looked down only to realize his eyes were already shut. Of course, that might have been so to tune out sight to hear better. She thought she'd give it a try as well. Closing her eyes, she rested an ear against the door - seeking with all her might to find a sound behind the door [Awareness Check].

Regis had to really control himself from bursting out into loud laughter when the bars went up. So much tension, so much frantic maneuvering, so much preparation - and when the moment of truth came, there were no traps going off, no bandits leaping down on them from the other rooms - nothing but the doors being unlocked. It was comical, and a small chuckle escaped his mouth before he could catch it.

"Sorry. That was funny." He said, grinning.

Would you mind checking that other door, Regis?

He nodded, sheathing his weapons and moving towards the western door. There was a few moments of dead silence as they all pressed their ears against the doors, listening in for any clue as to what they should expect, and they all heard the same thing - silence.

Another moment. Silence.

...And more silence.

Just as they were all about to pull away from the doors and reconvene, however, Pepper was just able to make out a faint, animalistic squeak coming from the other side of her door - and that was it. Regis stepped away from his door.

"I didn't hear anything over on my end. So either there's nothing out there... or is something out there, and it knows we're coming."

Orpheous
STR-3; DEF-5; AGI-3; INT-5; SPI-6; HP-46/56; SPL-48; WILL-9
DMG
Deku Staff: (base) 9 + (STR) 3 = 12
Spell Damage: (caster's level) (14) + (base class) 3 + (INT) 5 = 22
Deku Boomerang: (base) 4 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 8
Deku Slingshot: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 9
-Ember Seed Shot: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 9 (fire-type damage)
Bomb: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 = 8
Equipment
Deku Staff
Deku Boomerang
Gerudo Training Gloves
L1 Tunic
Garlund Amulet
Bomb Bag
Ammo Bag
Ember Seed (Ammo)
Abilities
Leadership L1 - 2
Learn: Life L1 - 2
Train: Boomerang L1- 2
Learn: Elemental Burst L2 - 4
The Quill is Mightier than the Sword L1 - 2
Epic Poem L2 - 3
Master of Linguistics L1 - 1
Learn: Fire L1 - 2
Train: Slightshot L1 - 1
Defense Rating
(DEF) 5 + (L1 Tunic) 10 + (AGI) 3 = 18

Pepper Pinkerton
STR-2; DEF-1; AGI-9; INT-3; SPI-7; HP-67; SPL-65; WILL-9
DMG
Deku Dagger: (base) 5 + (STR) 2 = 7
Deku Boomerang: (base) 4 + (STR) 2 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 7
Bomb: (base) 5 + STR (2) = 7
Equipment
Deku Dagger
Deku Boomerang
Ocarina
L1 Jerkin
Garlund Amulet
Gerudo Training Gloves
Candle
Bomb Bag
Abilities
Train: Boomerang L1 - 1
Learn: Jump L1 - 1
Sprint L1 - 2
Play: Will of Farore L2 - 3
Play: Elegy of the Departed L1 - 3
Play: Sonata of Restoration L1 - 1
Play: Call of Din L1 - 1
Play: Spirit of Nayru L1 - 1
Defense Rating
(DEF) 1 + (L1 Jerkin) 12 + (AGI) 9 = 22

As Orpheous rolled out from underneath her and stood up, Pepper chuckled a bit. "You're right, Regis! I can't believe that we spent so much time worrying about getting beyond this room, and now I'm cautious with going forward." She gave a strong, hearty laugh.

Orpheous cocked his eyebrow, indicating he was seeking clarity as to what she meant. "Guess you didnt hear it then, Orph? I heard a squeak beyond the door. It might be nothing, but I'm feeling a little nervous about it - perhaps a bit excited as well!"

Orpheous thought about it for a moment. "Any information we could gleam may be crutial how we handle the situation. I think we'll take one more listen. But I also realize we might get delayed again - so I think after this it'll be best to not waste more time in this room. If you two don't mind, we should all give this door a try. Odds are, if Miss Pinkerton only heard a squeak, whatever is in there will be hard to hear."

Pepper nodded, "That does sound best. I'll take the ground - as you took it last time, Orph!" The Sheikahn bard slipped towards the ground in a fluid movement, finding a nook to fit her body in as she listen to where the door met the ground [Awareness Check].

"Alright, if you insist," Orpheous commented. The Human in turn brought his ear to the door, leaving plenty of room for Regis [Awareness Check]. He made a motion for the mercenary to join him.

Regis shrugged and tried squeezing into an open space next to the two of them, and pressed his ear against the door, trying hard to hear anything at all that might be on the other side of the door. Try as they might, the three of them were unable to make out anything in the deafening silence.

After several moments, Regis collected himself and stood up straight, away from the door.

"Well, I don't think we're likely to hear anything else aside from Pepper's single mysterious squeak." He said, folding his arms. "So. We've got two choices here. The western door, or the northern door... and I haven't the faintest idea what might be beyond either." He gave a bemused half-smile. "Too bad I wasn't able to snag a map of this place before we started this little endeavor... ah well. What'll it be, boss?"


OoC: Pepper only heard anything the first time around because she rolled a 20 hahaha really you shouldn't be able to hear anything... but I went ahead and gave her the critical success for funsies. That's what the d20's for, right?

Orpheous
STR-3; DEF-5; AGI-3; INT-5; SPI-6; HP-46/56; SPL-48; WILL-9
DMG
Deku Staff: (base) 9 + (STR) 3 = 12
Spell Damage: (caster's level) (14) + (base class) 3 + (INT) 5 = 22
Deku Boomerang: (base) 4 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 8
Deku Slingshot: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 9
-Ember Seed Shot: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 9 (fire-type damage)
Bomb: (base) 5 + (STR) 3 = 8
Equipment
Deku Staff
Deku Boomerang
Gerudo Training Gloves
L1 Tunic
Garlund Amulet
Bomb Bag
Ammo Bag
Ember Seed (Ammo)
Abilities
Leadership L1 - 2
Learn: Life L1 - 2
Train: Boomerang L1- 2
Learn: Elemental Burst L2 - 4
The Quill is Mightier than the Sword L1 - 2
Epic Poem L2 - 3
Master of Linguistics L1 - 1
Learn: Fire L1 - 2
Train: Slightshot L1 - 1
Defense Rating
(DEF) 5 + (L1 Tunic) 10 + (AGI) 3 = 18

Pepper Pinkerton
STR-2; DEF-1; AGI-9; INT-3; SPI-7; HP-67; SPL-65; WILL-9
DMG
Deku Dagger: (base) 5 + (STR) 2 = 7
Deku Boomerang: (base) 4 + (STR) 2 + (Gerudo Training Gloves) 1 = 7
Bomb: (base) 5 + STR (2) = 7
Equipment
Deku Dagger
Deku Boomerang
Ocarina
L1 Jerkin
Garlund Amulet
Gerudo Training Gloves
Candle
Bomb Bag
Abilities
Train: Boomerang L1 - 1
Learn: Jump L1 - 1
Sprint L1 - 2
Play: Will of Farore L2 - 3
Play: Elegy of the Departed L1 - 3
Play: Sonata of Restoration L1 - 1
Play: Call of Din L1 - 1
Play: Spirit of Nayru L1 - 1
Defense Rating
(DEF) 1 + (L1 Jerkin) 12 + (AGI) 9 = 22

"Huh I'm sorry," Pepper frowned, realizing she probably just wasted everybody's time. Orpheous simply gave her a reassuring smile. He moved out of the way, and then helped her up. As she dusted herself off, Orpheous sized up both doors again.

"Seeing as how Pepper heard the squeak coming from the northern passage, I believe there is a stronger chance of more combatants being behind that door. Ideally, I'd like to attack enemies whose location I know versus enemies whose location has yet to be determined. What if after we wander through one of these doors, a group on patrol comes through the opposite side and stations themselves in rooms we've already cleared? Not a position I'd like to be in."

Saying nothing else, Orpheous attempted to open the door, ready to gaze into the space. This was the moment of truth [Open Northern Door].

OOC: While short, I wanted the last paragraph to be one of those quick and to the punch poignant points. In turn, it became short. Also, what kind of doors are they? Are they vertically opening doors? How would the mechanics of those doors even work?