Round 53

In the heart of the tunnel system, Sister Hale knelt beside Gravedigger Renn, her silver holy symbol casting an eerie glow on the walls as she watched Silra's eyes scan the ancient symbols with reverence. The plates beneath their feet thrummed in a steady rhythm, measuring the party's Intent and weighing their worthiness to respond. As the ground shuddered beneath Gravedigger Renn's convulsing legs, Sister Hale felt the pressure intensify against their formation. She knew that each THRUM of the runes was a countdown, a test of their coordination and worthiness.

Gravedigger Renn's panic-smell contaminated the air, feeding off the ancient presence that pulsed through the pressure plates. Silra swiftly readjusted her weight, testing response to the shifting rhythm. The runes responded instantly, measuring the party's Intent and deciding whether they were worthy of response. Sister Hale felt the pressure intensify, her own fear of the City Guard momentarily eclipsing her duty as a cleric. She steeled herself, her gaze locked on the glowing runes as the ground pulsed beneath them in a steady rhythm, counting down seconds before something awakens fully.