Round 87

The air was heavy with an almost palpable anticipation as the party stood poised on the pressure plates, their collective breath held in anticipation of whatever would emerge from the depths below. The ground trembled beneath their feet, the runes pulsating in sync with each vibration like a living entity. Sister Hale's voice cut through the silence, her words a measured counterpoint to the growing tension.

Gravedigger Renn's trembling hand released the rusty key from the dead magistrate, and it clattered onto the ground with a hollow ring. The runes pulsed more rapidly in response, THRUM-THRUM-THUD-THUD-THUD, as whatever was buried beneath them seemed to be reacting to the gesture. Sister Hale's eyes locked onto Gravedigger Renn's face, her gaze steady and calm.

"Silra—respectfully—I think you're misunderstanding what's happening here," the cleric said, her words a gentle rebuke. The plates continued their steady pulse beneath the party's feet, THRUM-THRUM-THUD, as if eager for a response from whatever was buried beneath their feet. The runes pulsed hungrily around them, THRUM-THRUM-THUD-THUD-THUD, and Sister Hale's voice rose to meet the challenge. "This thing is not just feeding on your fear, Silra—it's waiting for us to show our Intent through action rather than words."