Round 64

Silra adjusted her stance fractionally, feeling out the response as the ground pulsed underfoot. The runes on the sarcophagi continued to pulse ominously, feeding on Gravedigger Renn's panic-smell like something ancient and wrong tasting the air for weakness. Sister Hale watched intently, her silver holy symbol at her belt a comforting presence amidst the growing tension.

Gravedigger Renn convulsed violently against the wall, his terror-smell intensifying as he gasped for air. Silra crossed each plate precisely, her teal eyes fixed on the pulsing runes. The rhythmic hum of the pressure plates echoed through the desolate landscape, steady and unyielding despite Gravedigger Renn's violent convulsions.

Sister Hale maintained formation, her expression guarded as she reached out to steady herself against the wall. "This is madness," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding in her head. The ground beneath them trembled in response to Silra's movements, the pulsing rhythm counting down seconds before something awakened fully.

As they waited, the runes pulsed ominously in sync with each vibration, feeding on Gravedigger Renn's terror-smell like a dark tide. Something ancient and wrong was now fully awakened, its hunger for terror-smell surging through the air. The party stood frozen, their only sound the steady hum of the pressure plates and the labored breathing of their companion.