Rosen's beard stumbled forward with the collapse of the axle, no doubt the act of evil-doers attempting to stray this mighty caravan from lurching any further. His hands unclenched the reigns, mechanically and with the echoes of frigid knuckles unhinging from their sockets as he began his charade off his seat, a slow and meticulous, almost nerve racking thing to see as his feet tasted the ground and bated a few seconds until the next step where he's remove the pieces of beard from his mouth and continue.

Half way across the length of the caravan he could hear short breaths from behind the tarp, obvious signs of nervousness and anxiety as the warriors inside rooted their violent anger in silence, unsure of whether the impatience was towards a fervor to fight or frustration that Rosen was so slow a gait.

There it was, the shattered axle that lay broad as day light across the earth, or at least as apparent as his eyes would reveal knowing that the wrinkles over his brow often times tapered his eyes, half open, half closed in a curtain-like fashion.

"Damn, axle." He muttered a little loudly to signal to the others that he had finally reached his mark where he'd collapse on one knee and pretend to over cautiously assume the damages of what so 'inconveniently' had occurred.

His hands fiddled rambunctiously around the silhouette of broken parts, mumbling to himself, patiently waiting for the perfect time to strike so that he might conclude this facade and wrap his fingers around something more blunt and jagged than the wood that danced between his fingers in anticipation.

EDIT: RG, I can't believe you killed me in my swamp fight...that wizzrobe should've just keeled over and died!

Eberron waited nervously. He watched as his fellow goron moved towards the broken axle. His heart was beating so loudly, he was certain that the enemy would hear him and not appear. Holding his breath, Eberron listened as the crunching noises signalled Rosen's movements towards his position. Step by step, an eternity seemed to pass while Eberron's knuckles were gripped so tightly that he feared his hands were about to snap before battle had even been met. Lifting his head slightly, Eberron's ears picked up the sound of Rosen speaking. "Damn, axle."

"that's the cue..."

It would be more accurate to say that Eberron mouthed the words to himself then actually spoke. Every muscle in his body on edge, Eberron readied himself and closed his eyes concentrating on everything he had learned about combat up to this point. His eyes suddenly snapped open. He was ready.

THUNK

Leth's heart began to pound. This was it. Whatever their enemy was, it was about to strike. And poor Rosen was out there all by himself, with no one to watch his back... his back! The enemy would surely attack from behind; Rosen was in danger! Leth shifted silently so he was facing the outside; if he could see through the tarp, he would have a clear view of what was happening outside. He silently drew his dagger and pondered whether to carry out his plan or not. He wanted to cut a tiny hole in the tarp so he could see; which would grant him the ability to notice anyone behind Rosen and shoot them with an arrow. But the enemy might see him cut a hole, and then the whole game would be up. Leth finally decided against it and instead looked around for a hole that might already be there.

Awareness check

Saber decided to make Leth's decision for him.

We need light or we can't do a damn thing. Rosen's out there and in danger.

Pushing himself up on his elbows, he powered up a blaze in his right hand. With no real room for arm movement, he simply pointed it outside in a random direction and let it go, rushing through the canopy.

Well, this oughta give us some light.

"I'd suggest we all get out of the wagon now before burning." The mercenary said calmly as he started to climb out of the back.

HP: 41/41
SPL: 6/11

OOC: Hopefully this doesn't backfire.

Aria had tuned everyone else out since boarding the decoy wagon. But the thunk and Rosen's loud mutter of "Damn, axle" brought her out of her reverie. She crouched as best she could in the crowded space of the wagon, ready for an attack.

It grew warmer, which didn't matter much for the desert dweller, except the source of the new warmth came from the canvas above her. She almost thought it was an enemy attack, but remembered that the foe used stealth; lighting the wagon on fire was hardly sneaky.

At Saber's suggestion, she swore in Gerudic. Her second reaction was to jump out of the wagon. She opened her mouth to shout at the whole group, unsure of whom was responsible for this foolish strategy, but then recalled that she shouldn't draw attention to herself.

Wait, it's too late for that.

"Who the hell thought it would be a good idea to burn the damn wagon?!" she shouted, following up with several more profane words in her native tongue. She then calmed herself enough to look around, trying to find a hidden opening in the cavern's walls where a surprise attack might come from. [Awareness Check]

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

"What the hell are you doing? That wasn't part of the plan," Darilan hissed, adding to Aria's complaints about the strategy of burning the wagon. For a moment he felt flustered; part of him still wanted to stay hidden in the wagon, but the heat convinced him to do otherwise. In that indecisive moment, he was afraid the other adventurers might trample him and leave him to burn. He followed Aria out of the wagon. Dammit, now they won't attack now that over half a dozen armed bodies are crawling out of the wagon.

The enemies might still be stupid enough to attack though, Darilan thought, especially if they realized Valens was on to their scheme and there were enough of them to get the job done. As bad an idea burning the wagon was, it did give them a lot of light. He used it to his advantage, looking for any and all openings in the walls that the enemies could sneak through [Awareness Check].

Shivers were sent through the Zora's body as the undead Goron rose back to life. "Man..." He started, speaking to no one in particular. "Ever get that feeling that you're crossing a ling that nature drew a long, long, time ago?" Taint remained seated, but felt like getting up and walking away right then and there. That feeling soon faded to nothingness, however, whent he wagon suddenly lurched forward. It was at this split second in time that the Zora wanted to be nowhere else but huddled inconspicuously in the middle of a group of warriors.

Staring around in wonder, the Zora drew his sword for his own protection, and slowly rose to a kneeling position. He always felt safer when, number one: he had his weapon drawn, and number two: when he was in the perfect position to dart away at any given moment. Emotions flooded his being: Wonder. Fright. Anticipation. He remained where he was, but listened carefully for any other noise that might be heard in the area. [Awareness Check] Before the man could do anything else (not that he would have), a spiral of flames shot out of the wagon lighting the area- and also setting the caravan on fire. "Who- what the hell? Why would you do something like that?!" He cried, and dove out of the wagon.

OOC: Seriously Saber. What the hell.

As the wagon caught on fire, the horse flipped the frick out, actually jerking the wagon forward a foot before it thunked back down. As it rampaged, a second thud was heard--something that sounded like contact. As the adventurers poured out of the wagon, they saw what it was--lying on the ground by Rosen was a robed figure. A Garo Ninja, blades drawn and getting back to its feet after being hit by the wagon's sudden movement. Though Aria's Awareness Check failed, Darilan and Taint are able to see by the light of the flaming wagon what appears to be four more very shocked Garo around the wagon. After a second's delay, however, they strike.

Garo Ninja
STR - 3; DEF - 6; AGI - 8; INT - 5; SPI - 1; SPL - 4; HP – 30
Weapon:Twin Blades--The Garo Ninja's trademark swords. Base DMG of 8.

The Garo closest to Rosen has a fairly obvious target. Though its lost the element of surprise, it's still swift enough to scar the Goron for 11 DMG. Darilan and Taint both manage to dodge the enemies they had prepared themselves for, and the Garo land after their flying attacks to immediately take off again. Aria and Saber, however, find themselves subject to two very furious swords each, taking 11 DMG.

Garo 1--30/30
Garo 2--30/30
Garo 3--30/30
Garo 4--30/30
Garo 5--30/30

Aria did not like being caught by surprise. Especially if part of the surprise was getting sliced open by a sword. At least it wasn't too serious of a wound. Still, the ranger would have to bandage it as soon as she could.

The Gerudo took a good look at her attacker. Something about them seemed familiar....She decided against dwelling on it during the battle. There would be plenty of time to investigate later. Supposing she survived the encounter, of course. And the best way to do that was to return the offensive. Aria lashed out at the ninja with a horizontal strike, aiming towards the chest. It was always a good place to attack, the chest.

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

"Gah!!" Taint flipped over backwards, and landed flat on his backside. "What in...?" Anyone who knew Taint even a little would know what was coming next. The Zora would wind up doing what he does best, aside from failing. Stammering. "What... Where did? What in the world?! How are they... do they even have a torso?" The startled nomad finally gathered his witts, and stared them dead in their eyes. "Okay... Calmed down now." He muttered to himself (one of his other useless talents). Suddenly, one of the little monsters launched through the air directly towards the Zora. Yet another one of Taint's skills: dodging, and running away. A bit frustrated reviewing his set of skills, Taint decided he would do something useful with himself this time around, that is, after managing to escape the little beast's attack. Taint reached around behind him, and removed his shield from his back.

He'd been waiting for a chance to build some battle scars on it ever since he'd recently bought it in North Castle town. Now, he felt like the hero himself. A sword, a shield, and a lone man with few particular skills. He was pumped now, and feeling safer behind his sad excuse for a burnable shield, he would be a bit more daring in the coming battles. He wasn't used to wielding a sword with one hand just yet- but he figured it'd help to make him stronger. Now prepared for battle, he smirked, and charged forward towards the closest Garo to him. That particular Garo would be Garo #4. Keeping his shield close, Taint rushed in, his sword held tightly in hand. When he was within striking distance, he launched his attack in the most generic way possible. Taint wasn't always known for surprises, and so naturally, this woudn't be surprising anyone. A clean vertical slice that, if connected properly, would fire off a punch of equal power to what the Garo, themselves, were packing.


HP: 74/74 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
SPL:15/15 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[5]) 11 dmg
Magical attack: (Level + base class + INT) 12 dmg


Abilities
Find Sustenance Lv1
Shield Lv3
Disarm Lv1
Elemental Burst Lv1

Yes, even in his huddled position, Victor could feel the flames of the burning wagon licking at him. But he was OK with that. Bring them on, he thought. I'm too sick to care. I welcome death. Let the flames consume all!

The Bard suddenly realized that the cart burning down was a perfectly acceptable reason to get out of it. He soon put this strategy into action, and crawled carefully out of the caravan. Reaching the floor at last, he stood upright.

Oh, woah. That was not as easy as he thought. The cavern around him swayed and dipped as the Bard searched for his footing... and found none. Falling flat on his behind, he grabbed at his head and groaned some more. OK, take two. He stood, faltered, hurgked, and ran behind the burning wreckage of the wagon to finally relieve his insides. With a sickening splurch of regurgitation, it should have been revealed to everyone that Victor was caravan sick.

As he stumbled back into the fray, he found that there was actually a fray to stumble into in the first place. Noticing the Garo, the Bard gasped - which was not smart, considering it caused him to want to barf all over again. But he held it down this time, and tried to refocus his eyes on a nearby ninja. With a groan for no particular reason, he prepared an Elemental Burst of Light, and fired it [at Garo #2].

Darilan was just as shocked as the Garo when he saw them as they seemed when they saw him. Luckily for him, he was able to find control of his frozen legs and jump out of harm's way. He felt he was close enough to attack the Garo with his staff, but decided against it; they looked like they could be beaten to death with a flyswatter, but they seemed quite quick as well. [L1 Elemental Burst] would be harder for them to dodge, he thought, and used the spell as a retaliation against the Garo that tried to attack him.

HP: 23/23
SPL: 13/27
WILL: 9/9

Eberron grabbed his bag and hat before flinging himself out of the burning caravan. He really, really hated magic. Even when it was his friends using it. Looking back at what had been his hiding spot not so long ago, Eberron felt anger rising up inside of him. Throwing his bag to the ground, and securing the hat on his head he turned to find out which of his comrades had done this.

"Who thought it would be clever to use magic in..."

It was only now that Eberron noticed the large group of duel sword wielding creatures that had appeared. Despite being particularly creepy looking, and rather intimidating, he saw no evidence that they were magic users.

"Oh. Perfect!"

Eberron tilted the heavy block of wood positioned on his head and his grin returned, spreading across his face. Finally a chance to face another creature in battle that wouldn't simply blow him out of the air with fire and flashy lightning. Drawing himself up to his full height, Eberron let out a battle cry that echoed throughout the tunnel around him. Calling on the spirit of the greatest goron hero known to this world, Eberron charged forwards, his arms swinging with deliberate force by his side as he approached the nearest target.

"DRAGONBANE!"

Feeling power swelling through his fists, Eberron dashed forwards until he was directly in front of his target. Ducking down slightly, Eberron landed on his right foot and pivoted round so that for the brief period that he was drawing up as much momentum and strength as he could into his fist he was also protected by the far harder boulder like surface that ran along his back. Swinging round, using his weight to his full advantage, Eberron's fist blazed like a meteor, the air rushed around and past it, as the mighty goron's natural weapon headed straight for the mysterious creature's head... hood... thing. Deciding that now was not the time to think about how creatures should be classified, Eberron focused every thought, every muscle, tendon and ounce of will within his body towards striking the creatures head in the approaching uppercut.

Unarmed Combat L1 - 5 + 12 (strength) = 17 TARGET: Garo 3

Will - 4 (0 will remaining)

STATS

HP: 42 +10 (Exceptional Health) = 52
STR: 6 +3 (Goron Strength) 9 + 3 (Dragonbane) = 12
DEF: 3 + 2 (Deku shield) +12 (Jerkin) = 17
AGI: 2 + 2 (Deku Agility) = 4
INT: 1
SPI: 1 +1 (Zora Spirit) = 2
SPL: 4

Flames sparkled all around him, the ashes of the burning tarp and wagon littering the cavern where he sat.

The Sheikah glanced around nonchalantly, his expression being completely unaffected by the fire that had forced all the other adventurers to flee from their wooden hiding spots. He actually rather liked it; the warmth was welcome to him, much more so than than the chilly stone floor that otherwise existed in the underground realm. The heat soothed him, a relaxed sensation filling him as he sat back against the smoking wooden bulkhead.

Then the horse jerked the wagon once again, breaking through his reprieve and finally getting him to consider exiting the carriage like all the others had.

Even that action, however, belied no fear or shock; he smoothly hopped up from his sitting position and leapt over the burning wood, coming face to face with the five Garo Ninjas without surprise. The abrupt charge of his fellow adventurers at these beasts seemed to cause him to step back a few paces, until he was sure not to be found in anyone's line of fire. Other than that, though, he ignored the Garo and began searching around for something else -

Ah, there he was. Acting as though he was oblivious to all else, the Sheikah calmly strode over to where Saber stood, patting the mercenary on the shoulder as a smirk covered his face, loosing only a few words before he finally turned his attention to the foes and the task at hand:

"Well, Saber, there goes any respect I might have ever had for you."

Then in a fluid motion he unleashed all the energy he had been building up ever since the axle had snapped, announcing his strike as the multicolored power surged all about him, just trying to find a power to focus on: "Elemental Explosion!" (L1)

HP: 56
SPL: 31

Abel had jumped out of the wagon and really shoudn't have been suprised to see the ninja. He decided his compamions could use a morale boost so he took out a banner and began to unroll it [Kings Banner LV1}.