Round 10 Transcript

I press myself against the wall as the screeching intensifies, wincing at the nails-on-chalkboard sound. My stomach twists with fear, but I force myself to think. The gate's sealing. If we don't get through now, we may never get another chance. I take a deep breath and turn to Jeane, my voice trembling only slightly. I know you're in a hurry to play hero, but rushing in blind will just get us all killed. Let me check for traps before anyone tries to force that gate open. I pull my lockpicks from my belt and crouch down near the base of the archway, trying to ignore the way the mist seems to curl away from my touch.

As I work, I call out over my shoulder, Halie, Varrika—get ready to move on my signal. Jeane, Seraphine—be prepared to provide cover if this goes south. My fingers find a pressure plate hidden beneath the grime and decay. I glance up at the pulsing violet light and feel a bead of sweat trickle down my temple. This could be nasty...

I feel the tremors in the stone beneath my feet as the screeching intensifies, like the very earth is crying out in pain. The violet light pulses brighter still, casting harsh shadows across the chamber. There's no time for debate or doubt - we need to act now or be left to rot in this accursed place.

I heft my mace, the weight familiar and solid in my grip. It's a weapon forged by dwarven hands, tempered in the fires of the mountain and blessed by the gods themselves. And right now, it's all that stands between us and whatever horrors lie beyond that gate.

I turn to Jeane, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at my gut. Demons may have their tricks, but dwarven steel cuts through bone and flesh alike. Lead on, sorceress. We'll follow where you go, and we'll bring that sword back if it's the last thing we do. I take a step forward, my boots crunching on the ancient stone. The mist swirls around my ankles, cold and clammy like the hands of the dead. But I don't falter. I've faced worse in the depths of the earth, and by the gods, I'll face it again.

I glance back at the others, my eyes hard and determined. Stay sharp, all of you. This is no place for the weak or the weary. We press on, and may the gods have mercy on our souls. With that, I stride forward, my mace at the ready, into the heart of danger and the unknown beyond.