Round 95 Transcript

The tension in The ash-choked road outside the ruined city of Gravehill tightens for a beat as the interruption refuses to go away. Everyone is forced to stay quiet and choose their next move carefully.

Sister Hale grips her unholy symbol tightly, eyes scanning the alley for any sign of immediate threat as Gravedigger Renn trembles against the wall. I can hear them coming—too many boot steps to fight our way out through the street. Her voice drops to a harsh whisper. Whatever's under this city and whatever that guard captain wants, we're caught between them both now. She moves closer to Gravedigger, using her body to shield him from view of the alley entrance while still keeping space for quick action if needed. You said the ground shakes deliberately—like it's herding us somewhere. That means it has intelligence and purpose beyond random hunting. Her expression hardens. And those guards aren't just passing patrol either, not with that many men approaching in formation this late. She glances at Gravedigger sharply. You're sure you don't know anything more about what's happening in the city? Any rumors about strange disappearances or increased guard patrols around specific areas lately? Her hand hovers near her belt pouch containing her holy symbol and whatever small healing supplies she has left.

The ground trembles again, more violently this time, and fresh ash pours down from above. Sister Hale steadies herself against the wall. We've got maybe fifteen seconds before those guards are on us. I'm not dying in some monster's alley because we couldn't make a decision fast enough. She takes a deep breath, then nods toward the far end of the alley leading deeper into the city. That way—it looks like it comes out near what used to be the market district if my memory serves. Walls and buildings for cover, more escape routes than this open street. Her eyes meet Gravedigger's. But we need a plan for Jeane and Silra—their bodies will draw attention and scavengers if we leave them out here. She checks her unholy symbol quickly—still intact despite being crushed between buildings earlier. I'll go first, create some kind of distraction or obstacle to slow the guards while you run for the market district. Once you're there, find somewhere defensible—a ruined building with a second floor, maybe—and signal me if you can. Sister Hale's voice becomes grimly determined. If that creature under the city is herding us toward something worse, we need to understand why those specific locations matter—Jeane falling through the grating, Silra investigating the brick compartment. Whatever's happening here isn't random chaos anymore. She grips Gravedigger's shoulder firmly. Stay close behind me but don't hesitate if I tell you to run. Our priority is surviving long enough to figure out what this is and stop it. As she moves toward the alley entrance, ready to confront whoever or whatever is coming, her mind races: What kind of creature can manipulate the ground like that? Why are the guards coordinating with something monstrous? And most importantly—how do we find Jeane before whatever's down there gets to her first?