Orpheous
STR-3; DEF-5; AGI-3; INT-5; SPI-6; HP-42/56; 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-59/67; 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

Orpheous thought for a moment before speaking. "I suspect that the northern door leads into their treasure horde. The intricate lock convinces me that something important is behind it - something worth going the extra mile to keep it safeguarded. That being said, the key to such a door is probably only going to be held by a handful of people in this organization, if not just their leader. The bearer or bearers of the key or keys might very well not even be present. However, we can only hope that perhaps they left a backup key somewhere in their hideout in the off chance that the key keeper or keepers was captured or that they were slain and the group was unable to retrieve their body or bodies." Getting the complicated technicalities of their potentially being multiple key carriers out of the way, Orpheous turned his thoughts back to the matter at hand.

"Now, if I'm not mistaken, you suspect they've yet to discover the true nature of the artifact they took from you, correct?" Orpheous asked Regis. "Assuming that is the case, we should ask ourselves if it was made of precious materials at all. It could very well be that only items that are stolen and deemed to have incredible worth are kept behind that northern door. But, if your artifact appeared mundane, it could be that they are keeping it somewhere else. But, let's work while you divulge your details," he finished.

"Miss Pinkerton, if you might be so kind as to check the contents of those pots along the northern wall," Orpheous asked, turning to their companion. Pepper, who had performed a small victory jig after they had defeated the Keese, was now leaning against one of the tables, inspecting the craftsmanship of her wooden dagger. She seemed to be listening to a degree, but still, when Orpheous addressed her, she bolted up as though caught off guard.

"Absolutely, Orph! I'll get right to it," she exclaimed. She then proceed to cartwheel to the pots, burning up some of that inexhaustible energy she seemed to have. Reaching the pots, she peered inside each one, bouncing along the length of the wall as she went from jar to jar [Awareness Check].

Orpheous turned his attentions back to Regis. "I suspect that in your studies of these thieves that you've estimated a size at some point. There's nothing wrong with that, and I trust that whatever number you came up with was probably very accurate. But, if you wouldn't mind getting me a count of exactly how many people could sit at all these benches - specifically how many could fit if they were squished together with no room to move their arms. While that count might not be accurate, I suspect they will not likely have more people in their group than that. So from there, it'll just be a question of reducing the count to adjust for other factors - like arm space," Orpheous explained. "I myself intend to investigate the food situation."

The scribe wondered over to the food preparation part of the room and began peering about the cooking containers. He started with the cauldron, looking to see what was inside, before moving onto the hanging cast iron pot. He focused on trying to smell the remnants of usable food, if any, to see if any of it might still be good to eat. Then he turned his attention towards actually examining the food itself. If there were still dishes on the tables, they likely ate not too long before they started out for their raid. Any leftover food should still be usable, but Orpheous didn't want to bet his health on it. So he examined the potential food for any spoilage or swarm of insects around it [Awareness Check].

As Pepper peered into the pots placed parallel to the stony partition, she first observed, before even arriving at the clay decorations, that there were 6 of them - three on each side of the northern doorway. There was nothing in two of them, in two more there was the faint gleam of something shiny, and in the two others there was the soft red glow of something that she could only guess was the manifest healing energy commonly referred to as a heart. (More specifically, of the Medium variety.) Where they had originated from, how it got into the jar, or how one is even supposed to roleplay the use of this very video-gamey item drop in a much more realistic writing style of gameplay such as HA2, I have no idea, but there they were, and there were two of them hidden away in two of the pots. Surely they would be useful for repairing some of the damage that the group had sustained in their fighting thus far.

Regis had set about completing Orpheous' request, and after a few seconds of counting and doing math in his head, the mercenary turned to Orpheous and said, "By my best calculations, each of these benches could probably seat 6 or 7 people if they squeezed in very closely together. With two benches at each table, and 6 tables total, that gives us a range of 72 to 84 people - but that isn't accounting for elbow room to comfortably eat at the table, it's just the sardines count." He said with a raised eyebrow. "I must say that in my observations of the gang for the last week , I never saw a group larger than 30. I would guess we're dealing with 40 to 50 bandits at most, if I had to guess.

Orpheous, in the meantime, had been examining the kitchen and the food. The cauldron still had a small amount of stew still lingering at the bottom, but the cast iron pot and the plates had all pretty much been picked clean, save for a few scraps and bones. If there were anything edible left, it would be whatever was in the bottom of the cauldron, and if it wasn't cold already, it would be very soon.

Regis looked curiously at the scribe as he examined the plates, wondering what he had observed and what he had to say about his own observations - he was eager to get a move on and explore the rest of the hideout.

Orpheous
STR-3; DEF-5; AGI-3; INT-5; SPI-6; HP-42/56; 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-59/67; 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 intensely studied the shiny unknown objects she could see while peering into the pots. Likely, they were rupees. Seeing as how they were in a din of thieves, shouldn't all the money they find be redistributed back to whom it was stolen from? But what if some of the wealth stolen had already been spent? How should returning the stolen rupees work then? Then again, what if the pots didn't contain rupees at all? Better to find out before spending too much time speculating on them.

Still, she then moved on to the other pots. The remaining two, as the first two contained nothing, held medium hearts. The red, heart-shaped relics could be found out in the world since time immemorial. They could be consumed by those injured, and in turn they would restore health. Technically, the restoratives were shaped like hearts as they appeared in culture - they did not resemble biologically accurate hearts. They were likely named by the ancients as hearts because they resembled the cultural normative for what a heart looked like. Or perhaps the symbolic heart was named after the healing items. Since consumption of the red substance restored one's health, it was like having additional "hearts" - in that it made one harder to kill. Actually, Pepper was pretty convinced now the symbolic hearts only existed in their current shape, as opposed to being biologically accurate, because they were modeled after the very substance that she was currently observing. Still, perhaps she was thinking too much.

From her own memories on learning about hearts, the manner of consumption and apparently even the texture and shape varied by the consumer or sometimes even the hearts. Pepper herself had physical eaten a heart before that tasted very similar to tough meat. And she had once simply touched a heart - and in doing so the heart phased out of existence and her health was restored. Utilizing a heart was complex, but the function was always the same - healing.

While she only spent less than a minute thinking all of this, Pepper still realized it was best to give her report sooner than later. She was too late however, as Regis was already giving his findings. She let the mercenary finishing speaking before she spoke. "Forty to fifty? Yikes! I'm glad we broke in while most of them were out. Also, about these pots, I suspect two of them contain rupees, although I'm not certain. Two are empty; the remaining two hold medium hearts. I would break upon those pots to gather the hearts, but I'm worried that once the hearts have been touched, they'll be immediately used and depleted. Thoughts, Regis? Oh, and I almost forgot, did you guys want to return all the stolen items, because that'll be a determining factor in if we pocket these possible rupees or not."

Not wanting to wait any longer to find out, she kicked a pot holding the possible rupee firmly with her boot, hoping to bust it open and behold what lay inside [Break Pot]. "Relax!" she said to her comrades. "I mean, why worry about the redistribution thing unless its even rupees to begin with." She looked back down, ready to see just what had been in the pot.

Orpheous listened intently to information provided by both Pepper and Regis. Not wanting to interrupt Pepper, he waited until she was done speaking. He hadn't been watching her, so he nearly jumped when he was surprised by the loud sound of her boot connecting with the pot. "Careful, Miss Pinkerton. I've heard tell of pots that seemed to behold treasure, but in fact held only ruin. Many a foe can be hiding in pots. I've heard of Bokoblins being able to fit in larger ones, although I bet those pots would be about the right size for holding Ropes - you know, those serpent looking monsters." He continued his speech, still not turning from the cauldron before him.

"Although, I guess ideally, we'd want to return any stolen goods that these robbers took. Technically though, since Regis is the one who brought us here, I plan to divert the decision making of that particular issue to him," he turned his head for moment to look at Mr. Turniver. "Sorry, sir, but I wouldn't have even known about this hideout if it wasn't for you. Also, my knowledge on hearts is kind of lacking. Would it be safe for us to touch them without using them or should we keep them in the pots until we for sure need them? Also, excellent job with the count. I'd say we just assume a count of fifty. Any clue how many of them left for the raid? Did you physically witness them departing whilst under the cover of night?"

He was listening for a reply, but he had gone back to studying the cauldron. Sure, the leftover stew might have gone cold, or could go cold in the very near future, but that didn't mean it couldn't be reheated. Orpheous did some math in his head to figure out how long the stew would be good for if they left it out before it spoiled. If worse came to worse, they could could come back here to heal if necessary later, especially if this stew wasn't going to go bad i the near future [Insight Check].

OoC: Okay, so, to catch up on the missing posts:

Pepper found two blue rupees

Orph decided the stew would last for at least a few more hours, but would be more potent warmed up

The party moved through the west door and found it was a sort of kitchen pantry - produce and kitchen-ware were all over the place, as well as a cabinet that looked like it had been specifically positioned to hide something. Orph and Pepper moved the cabinet aside and discovered that the wall behind it sounded hollow when tapped on, and upon closer inspection actually appeared to be cracked in places, like it had been put together as a faux wall after the initial wall had been built.

Anything I'm missing? (Other than precious post EXP )

Orpheous
STR-3; DEF-5; AGI-3; INT-5; SPI-6; HP-42/56; 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-59/67; 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

OOC: No, I think you got everything. Sorry about the long delay.

IC: It was as though a crack had occurred in the universe, sucking up a whole portion of time. Orpheous was left at one end of this gap, as was Pepper and Regis. But it felt that the last couple of minutes hadn’t really occurred or happened. At least, they felt like a distant portion of time, as though they couldn’t be remembered fully. The memories over that span of time were foggier, and harder to place. Of course, as he looked at the crack in the wall, and remembered why they were there, it was obvious that he knew they needed to place and explosive there and continue to move on. The mystery of the minutes time forgot would have to explored later, yet, as he reached into his bomb bag, it seemed Pepper was already a step ahead.

Not being able to remember if she had said anything recently about the wall, she decided to make a comment even if somebody had already said it. “Seems like this wall’s got something to hide. Confess, you deceiving barrier!� She already had a bomb in her hand and lobbed it against the wall, taking a few steps back. As Orpheous looked over at it, he realized the fuse was already lit. Orpheous then just remembered they happened to be in a cave. He simply hoped the rest of the room could survive the explosion intact. Moving his way against the wall and looking away, he prayed that the blast would be contained to a small enough area to leave them unscathed.

Fortunately for the three of them, bombs have a reputation of releasing very small explosions - unlike their cousins, the powder keg or super bomb. As the bomb detonated, the only objects affected was anything within it's immediate vicinity - which in this case was the faux wall. The sound of the explosion, however, was cause for concern; It's possible that if there were others still in other areas of the hideout, they may have heard the detonation.

When the smoke cleared, there was a gaping hole in the wall right behind where the dresser had been, giving way to a very small room. It looked as though this room had not seen use in many years, as cobwebs and dust lay in every corner and crevice. The only object of note in the room was a small chest right in the center, cobwebs running up to it from the floor. There was nothing in the room, not even a torch sconce; it was small enough that the light filtering in from the storeroom behind the three adventurers was enough to fully illuminate it.

"Certainly doesn't look like anyone's been in here in a long time..." Regis commented, glancing around the room. "Wonder what they'd keep hidden away in an old chest in a secret room?"

Orpheous
STR-3; DEF-5; AGI-3; INT-5; SPI-6; HP-42/56; 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-59/67; 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

“Indeed,� muttered Orpheous. He glanced around, studying the small alcove. What was this chest doing here? And how long had the room been sealed? Before touching anything, the scribe made full note of the space, taking picture of it in his mind’s eye before sliding into it. He peered down at the chest, trying to see of what material it may have been made from or what design it might have been inspired by. Maybe if he could date the chest, he would at least know that the chest was of a certain age and at least not any younger. He also gathered up the build of dust and cobwebs, referencing them against his previous journeys to try to calculate how fast they could form. Perhaps this wasn’t something the thieves had left at all – maybe it predated them. Of course, it wouldn’t be surprising for a group of thieves to have an emergency wealth depository apart from their main one, in case they were compromised. Still, Orpheous couldn’t help but wonder to how long the room was sealed [Perception Check].

Pepper, meanwhile, bounced into the small side-room as well. While she was curious about how the room got to the state it was in, she was more curious as to what was in that chest. Without bending over, she moved mid-bounce and simply kicked her foot up, pushing at the top of the lid to flip it open. “Looks like we get a peek at what they’re keepin’ in here!� [Open Chest].

As far as Orpheous could tell, this room was as only as old as the rest of the hideout. And assuming the hideout had been built specifically for the Thieves' use, it stood to reason that nothing they were looking at was ancient or even secret to the thieves themselves - just unattended.

As Pepper opened up the lid of the chest, Regis stepped up alongside her to peer in as well.

"A key." Regis says simply as she pulls it out. "Of course. A spare key, hidden away somewhere that only the thieves themselves would know about, to deter intruders." He looked at Orpheous and Pepper. "Fortunately, we're smarter than your average intruder, eh?" He said, grinning.

"Anyway, it looks like a simple key, made for a simple lock - so far the only locked door we've seen that this might fit was on the other side of the mess hall." He suggested, thinking through what they'd seen so far of the hideout.

Orpheous
STR-3; DEF-5; AGI-3; INT-5; SPI-6; HP-42/56; 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-59/67; 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

“We’re the best at intruding, I’d say,“ Pepper replied cheerfully. She nodded in conclusion to Regis’ other sentiment – that lock seemed fit for the door on the eastern wall. She stepped back out of the alcove and struck a pose pointing in the direction of the far room that they could unlock now. “Let’s go find your artifact, Regis!�

Orpheous smiled a little at her enthusiasm, and was therefore, slow to raise his objection. “Well, Miss Pinkerton, might I suggest we double back to the switch-room. There was that path we didn’t take back there, and I just feel it would serve us strategically to take that room next. Perhaps there’s nothing of value there, but it would definitely ease my nerves to know that no enemies can sneak up from us because we hadn’t dealt with them first.�

Pepper gave the scribe an apprehensive look before shrugging. “I suppose I don’t have any objections, but what do you think, Regis?� Not wanting to waste time, Orpheous and Pepper started moving back to the mess hall – a location they’d have to return to regardless of where they went next. Orpheous grabbed one of the make-shift torches from earlier and lit it; he then promptly gave it to Pepper to take. He followed up by re-lighting a torch for himself and for Regis. As he handed the able warrior a torch, he gave the man a hopeful look. “So, which way do you think we should head?�

OOC: I know that you prefer for me to make the decisions, but Orpheous wouldn’t not ask Regis, who he believes to be more of an expert on him than the Pilferer’s Phalanx and the party-leader for organizing the party.

Regis accepted the torch gratefully. "Well..." He thought for a moment. "To be honest, I don't really know anything about the layout of this hideout. This is the first time I've set foot inside, just as you. But it would make sense to go out and make sure areas behind us are clear... the problem is that now, no matter which room we visit first, there will be unexplored rooms at our backs. However..." He mused for a moment.

"Just given the layout of the hideout so far, I'd say we're in the deep part of it now. The door closer to the entrance probably doesn't lead to much, so it wouldn't take much time to explore. Also, the locked room is exactly that - locked. And thus less likely to present us with much danger until we open it ourselves."

Regis looks back at Orpheous and shrugs. "Or I could be completely wrong on all counts. But that's just what comes to mind."

Orpheous
STR-3; DEF-5; AGI-3; INT-5; SPI-6; HP-42/56; 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-59/67; 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

Regis logic made sense. There was not likely to be danger behind the locked door. Which would mean that the locked door would be relatively safe to pass through – and that was always inviting. But, according to Orpheous logic, the most practical thing to do would be to deal with any outlying trouble spots. They might need a safe path of retreat if the situation got out of hand. Orpheous gave a nod to Regis’ comment and replied immediately. “Well, the closer door just might lead us further in. While I agree that it probably doesn’t hold anything too threatening behind us, I would have to say I’d rather find out if maybe there’s something that we’re missing back up front first. Additionally, if the thieves somehow return early, the more empty rooms we can hide in, the better, I’d think. So, if you’re letting me decide, let’s check out that further room, shall we?�

Orpheous tried to crack a warm smile, because he still felt that at the heart of Regis’ argument, the warrior favored exploring the closer room first. But, the language the man had used had been kind of vague. It was difficult to tell what he favored. When Regis had described the features of both choices, he listed them as attributes rather than pros and cons. Perhaps Orpheous just had a different perspective of the situation. Feeling like he had pressured the rest of the party into taking the further path, he decided he would at least lead the group and take responsibility by physically putting himself in the front lines.

Pepper hummed a tune as they walked, but even she thought that maybe Orpheous should had gotten Regis to clarify what he had meant. It seemed Turniver hadn’t really specified what path to take. She followed behind Orpheous as he lead them back into the switch room, and waited patiently as the scribe opened the west-facing door [Open Door].

OOC: Looking back at it, Regis' first paragraph makes it seem like he can't pick a clear choice. But then he says "however" literally meaning that there is another line of thinking to be explored. And he does talk about attributes of both possible paths, but he doesn't necessarily present them in a negative or positive light, he just kind of mentions some things about them that could be either be beneficial or harmful to the group. For example, the path closer to the door wasn't going to take them further into the hideout, where the treasure horde was likely to be. But, if the other path did take them further into the hideout, then what if they left some crucial behind they needed to advance with in the unexplored room, for example, another key. Then, any progress they made would to be retraced because they'd have to double back. Or the fact that danger might lurk behind the locked door, but that presumably whatever was behind it would wait for them to unlock the door. One line of thought would say that because the lock presents elements of timing control to the adventure party, they should save that situation until all other possibilities are explored. And yet, because there is more of an element of control, I think it could also be argued that the room should explored first because there's more potential for the players to find ways to capitalize on a properly prepared breach. Since there's more control, the party would likely excel there, and it's better to take care of the easier challenges first to build up momentum, experience, possible equipment. I mean, I know that we're probably not going to level up or get new equipment in this dungeon, I just meant from like a traditional view of dungeon crawling in role-playing games. But, momentum might still be a factor, and dealing with the easier challenges first means you know how many resources you have at your disposal when you deal with the harder challenges. My point is, the duality of this choice made my head hurt!

Truth be told, Regis didn't really seem to care which direction they took, so long as they kept moving. The unexplored door at the front wasn't likely to contain anything important, but in all likelihood it wouldn't take long to check out, and once they had, they could check it off the things-that-are-probably-not-dangerous-but-better-safe-than-sorry list. Orpheous was smart to want to clear out every area before moving too deep into the hideout. As they headed south towards the entrance, Regis cast a quick glance back at the locked door, and was satisfied to see it still shut and locked up tight. With a soft "hmph" he turned back to Orpheous and Pepper and followed them back towards the unchecked door to the south.

When Orpheous opened the door, he was simply met with a staircase leading down, a single torch in it's sconce illuminating the small area. The stairs spiraled down in a 180 degree turn so that when they bottomed out, they met with a single door that faced east, presumably leading right underneath the room they had just left. There doesn't appear to be any light coming from underneath the door.

Regis approached the door quietly and put his ear up to the wood, listening for a few moments before pulling back. "I didn't hear anything..." He said quietly. "Do we proceed?"

Orpheous
STR-3; DEF-5; AGI-3; INT-5; SPI-6; HP-42/56; 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-59/67; 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

Orpheous looked thoughtful for a moment before giving an approving nod. “Our best bet will be to explore this lower area, at least as well as we can until we come across more locked doors,� suggested the scribe. He was happy that they hadn’t run into enemies yet, but he was a little frustrated by the unexpected lower level of the hideout. Though hopefully there might not be too much to explore down in the lower reaches. As he walked a little further down the stairs to approach the door, he held his before him to illuminate the darkness of the next room once he worked up the nerve to open the door.

Pepper was right behind him and she too seemed to be shivering in anticipation. The genuine grin on her face made it clear that she wasn’t really scared so much as she was apprehensive and maybe a little excited. Crowded Orpheous in the narrow passage, she carefully made sure her torch didn’t set the scribe on fire as he finally pushed the door open [Open Door].

The door creaked as it slowly swung open, casting a dim light into the room. Regis had removed the torch from it's sconce in the hallway and carried it into the newly discovered room, glancing around for another torch to light. He did not have to look long; on the wall next to the door was another unlit torch. He used the torch in his hand to light it, finally casting enough light into the room to be able to see what was inside.

It was a small room, about half the size of the room on the floor above it. There were no other doors or adornments in this room - which would be cause for relief to Orpheous, who had been worried about a new floor to explore - except for one feature. Surrounding the door they just entered from in about a 25 square foot area was a set of iron bars, much like that of a prison or gate, that extended from the floor to the ceiling. In front of them was a metal gated door, presumably used to access the barred-off area. Within the room itself, on the other side of the bars, sixteen beady eyes blinked back at the three of them, adjusting to the new light brought by these intruders to their home.

Regis regarded the two large skulltulas - for that is what they were - for a moment, before looking at Orpheous.

"Well... There really doesn't appear to be anything down here in this room except for the spiders - and they can't get at us as long as this gate is closed. Do you want to open the gate and brave the spiders to investigate the room a little more or just head back upstairs?"

"Personally," He says with a shudder as he looks at the giant spiders. "I've never been a fan of the creepy-crawleys... but I don't think they pose too much of a threat to veterans like us."

Skulltula x2
HP: 25 SPL: 15
6 STR, 8 DEF, 4 AGI, 2 INT, 6 SPI
Spider Web: A sticky silken web is sprayed all over one enemy, slowing them down and halving their AGI for 3 turns. 5 SPL
Poison Fang: Skulltula has a 50% chance to poison it's foe when it lands a hit with its fangs. Poison deals 2 damage at the end of each turn for 5 turns; can be cured with a potion or healing spell.
Frontal defense: Skulltula can only be damaged with attacks to their abdomen or underbelly; it may require teamwork or a special item/spell to damage them.

OoC: I just made up all those stats and stuff for the skulltula on the spot; it may be really underpowered or really overpowered, idk. If you choose to fight them, depending on how it goes, I may end up tweaking them for future battles

Orpheous
STR-3; DEF-5; AGI-3; INT-5; SPI-6; HP-42/56; 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-59/67; 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

Orpheous peered back at the sixteen eyes that seemed to be trained on the group of adventurers. His facial reaction barely even showed that he had followed along when Regis had spoken. His eyes didn’t stray away from the Skulltulas whatsoever. After a moment, he let his glance examine the remainder of the frames of the enemy. Both Skulltulas seemed in good health and their frontal exteriors seemed very tough, as though they might just shrug off any attack that managed to hit their fronts. He wanted to figure out how hungry they might have been – perhaps guestimate the last time they were fed. That might inform him if they might be malnourished or perhaps so hungry that they became even more dangerous. This could be important if indeed the adventurers had to fight them.

But, Regis was right. The room did seem devoid of anything but the spiders. Orpheous had learned enough about hideouts and dungeons throughout the years though. Sometimes, certain items or objects were hidden in a room and didn’t become apparent until the local threat had been eliminated; sometimes even appearing as though by magic. Orpheous didn’t think this was highly unlikely in this situation as well. Or, it could be that the thieves had managed to capture two Skulltula – perhaps to domesticate or perhaps to use as training fodder for initiates, Orpheous couldn’t be sure. Maybe this was just where they were housed when not in use. He couldn’t imagine many practical reasons to place Skulltulas down in the depths of their hideout. Perhaps they were placed in the room to guard something, as he suspected before, but it seemed they didn’t have a problem using Garo Ninja guards. Whatever one might say about their level of intelligence or sentience, they would be certainly more aware than any pesky Skulltulas.

After a moment of looking around thoughtfully, he replied to Regis. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to observe them a bit more, in case we have to do battle with them at some point. Seems like a strange place to leave Skulltula laying around – so I think they could be down here for reason. Otherwise, if they’re not guarding anything, why not put them in a room, or make a room for them, closer to the entrance of the hideout. I couldn’t imagine it was easy getting these things down the spiral stairs. You’re clearly an ace combat specialist, you’ve no doubt fought through a lot of closed-in-areas, seeing how well you’ve performed in this hideout so far, do you think you can size up their bodies and see if you think they could fit through the door if we opened it for whatever reason?�

Pepper, meanwhile, had been watching Orpheous mull over his ideas for the minute or so. She was almost about to try to get his attention, in case he hadn’t heard Regis earlier. She nodded along as he explained his idea. “Not a bad idea, Orph. How were you planning on studying them though? Sure looks like those cute, beady-little eyes are too focused on us. Silly, how do you plan to watch, you know, like, their normal behavior and such?�

Orpheous thought about her reaction for a moment before realizing that she could very well be right. “You have a valid point, Miss Pinkerton. I guess I was hoping to watch these specimens long enough for them to simply treat us like we’re no longer in the room. After all, if we stop talking and moving long enough, they may just choose to ignore us as though we aren’t doing anything. But, I suppose it me be useful if we can find something to get their attention. Seeing as how these bandits were kind enough to build their hideout into what I suspect might have been a cave – at least definitely a rock formation of some kind - do you think you might be able to find some rocks laying around on the ground?�

“Okey-dokey, Orph my man!� Even within the small space afforded them, she practically dove to the ground, putting her torch as close to the floor as possible to try to illuminate the ground situation. Peering past the flame in the kind of grisly determination that she hadn’t shown much of so far, given her usually happy demeanor, she focused all of her effort into finding some rocks for Orpheous to use. It was as though nothing else existed in the world but the cave/rock-formation floor and any rocks that might exist on it. Oh, and her party member’s feet and legs, because she didn’t want to catch her friends on fire. She adjusted her torch, realizing it was a little close to Regis. “Sorry there,� she apologized, glancing up at him for a moment. Close one there. Get it together, girl she teased in her own mind as she went back to work on the floor [Awareness Check].

Giving Pepper’s determination and subsequent close brush with arson a fond look of appreciation, Orpheous went back to studying the new and hindered foe. More than anything, he wanted to figure out the exact area where their defenses would be too tough to pierce. Obviously, their fronts were well protected, but if he could determine the exact shape and distribution of this protective layer, he could avoid it all the better, especially in the heat of battle. And, sometimes a couple of inches made all the difference in the world. Also, he was little curious what their exact size and weight were, based on the guess he could make in the dark basement. The whole time he thought and watched, he moved his torch back in forth in front of them, seeing if their gaze would follow the torch. Perhaps he could distract them with it later [Insight Check].