I write about the weirdest things sometimes

*Advanced Assassination Techniques - The Stalfos*
Enscribed in the year ??? by Ilya the Whisperleaf

Every soft often when our work pits us against the forces of darkness, we encounter enemies who lack vital organs for a quick and easy elimination, such as the Stone Talus, Poes, and Stalfos. This instruction scroll focuses primarily on the last of these.

A Stalfos is a skeleton, usually of a Hylian or Sheikah, that has been re-animated by Malice or dark magic. This magic binds the bones, letting them stay together without muscles and connective tissue - but this is a tenuous link at best. It does not render them impervious to being broken apart. When targeting a Stalfos, keep the following areas in mind:

The head: A typical Stalfos cannot function if its head is destroyed. That is because the head, as the center of wisdom in the body, is where the source of reanimation is focused. Destroy the head and you will destroy the Stalfos outright. In rare cases, more powerful undead may have additional points in which reanimation magic is focused, but these weak points will usually be apparent by their telltale glow. Treat them as you would any other. If you encounter a Stalfos wearing adequate head protection, proceed to the next focus target, or work in tandem with a partner to split the creature's helm or otherwise remove it, and follow up with the kill.

The second weak point of the Stalfos is the spinal column. A typical Stalfos whose spinal column is severed will not be outright destroyed, but it will be hampered significantly. Its upper half will need to drag itself along the ground with its arms, limiting its mobility, offense and defense. Its legs, if they will function separately, will not usually be an issue, but take care you are not kicked. More powerful variations may be able to reassemble themselves - follow up collapsing these powerful Stalfos with explosive agents or precision attacks to the head while the opportunity is available. Armor complicates this approach somewhat, but do not make the mistake of attempting to sever the spinal column at the neck instead. You will simply release the head to bounce around while its body will remain able to fight.

If neither of these are a decent option from your vantage point, consider attacking the joints on the legs. The ankles and either joint connecting the femur are prime points to attack. A successful break will hobble the target and limit their mobility, but usually not their combat options. Use if you must outrun a Stalfos or to hobble a heavily armored enemy to make flanking tactics easier. The nature of the way greaves and other armored leggings are made will usually mean that this option is available even if the target is wearing leg protection - the creature would not be able to move well at all otherwise.

If engaging with multiple Stalfos, and eliminating them quietly one by one isn't an option, work with your team to focus fire and eliminate them quickly, as you would with most direct battles. Light element will usually work best. Keep an eye out for any variations of the creatures - this is not an exhaustive list, and they have been known to change over time. We must likewise be adaptable and free flowing, as water.

May your unseen work bring glory to the Royal Family and honor to the Goddess.