Round 12 Transcript

Gravedigger Renn bursts out from a nearby alleyway, his eyes wide with terror as he spots the trio. He's covered in dust and ash, his usual gruff demeanor replaced by a frantic expression. "Danger below! The tunnels are stirring! You have to get out of here, now!" he warns, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jeane's crimson eyes narrow as she listens intently to Gravedigger Renn's panicked warning, the arcane energy around her hand pulsing with barely contained power. The tunnels are stirring? How long has this been happening? Her voice is firm despite the ominous humming that still echoes through the ruins. Every moment we waste here increases our risk. She glances back at Sister Hale and Silra, her expression grim but calculated. We need to regroup immediately—whatever's down there clearly knows these tunnels better than we do. Jeane approaches Gravedigger Renn cautiously, her hand still glowing with arcane energy ready to strike if needed. Explain exactly what you mean by 'danger below'. Are we talking about old city traps or something more... She pauses, choosing her words carefully, ...active? And why did you disappear earlier? You were supposed to guide us through the ruins. The ground shudders again beneath their feet, and a section of wall crumbles with an ominous rumble. Jeane doesn't flinch but her grip on her unholy symbol tightens slightly. We don't have time for lengthy explanations—give me the essentials. What's moving in those tunnels, how recently did it start, and what can we expect if we encounter it?

I signal back to Jeane—agreeing we need to regroup—but my attention is still on the grating where Sister Hale was pulled down. Something big shifted under there just now. I crouch lower, pressing my ear against the cold metal, trying to filter out the rain and the whispering rasp. Multiple heartbeats. Not human. Too many legs. Coordinated movement. I glance back at Jeane—she's questioning Renn about the tunnels stirring, which confirms what I suspected. If these things know the subway system better than we do—and if they're organized enough to coordinate an ambush—they have a tactical advantage below ground. The ground shudders again, and I spot movement beneath the ash near the grating: claws scraping stone, multiple sets.

I pull out my 50 feet of rope—it's our best tool for fast descent or escape—and check its condition in the dim light. Still sound. Good length. I loop one end around a sturdy-looking pipe near the wall, testing its hold. This will have to do as an anchor point if we need to go down fast. The clicking intensifies, and I spot more movement under the street—something big is definitely shifting position below us now. Jeane! Hale! I think whatever took Sister Hale is getting ready to move again. I signal them to stay back with sharp gestures while I approach the grating carefully.

I kneel near the edge, my dagger in one hand and the rope coiled in the other, listening intently. Multiple heartbeats now. Something big leading—probably what Renn warned about—and smaller things following. The rasping voice hisses again, closer this time: Turn back...while you still can...I ignore it.

I look up at Jeane—I need to know her read on the situation before we commit. What's your take? Should we go down there now or pull back and reassess with more info?