Round 15 Transcript

Halie's barrier shimmers around the party, its strain growing by the second as they wade through the icy water. The divine energy crackles with each step, threatening to falter under the pressure. The abomination stumbles forward, its regenerative power faltering due to the cold shock of the water. Its shadowy tendrils strain against Jeane's bulk, but she can't hold it much longer. As they approach the gate, Varikka readies her mace, prepared to charge into battle despite the futility of such a move. The skeletal horde presses closer, their bony feet clicking on the stone floor like a deathly metronome. The ancient runes on the gate shudder with energy as Merrin's crossbow bolt tears into the air, striking the abomination with a loud thud.

I grit my teeth, fingers sparking with barely-contained magical energy as the abomination stirs beneath the water's surface. The demonic part of me screams to flee this cursed place while we have the chance, but my human will holds firm—we've come too far to turn back now. Besides, Merrin is still owed those supplies.

As Halie struggles to maintain her barrier spell, I can see the strain written all over her face. She's pushing herself to her limits, and I know it won't last much longer—not with that horde pressing in from behind and whatever fresh horror this tower might throw at us next.

I see Varikka preparing to charge through the gate, her mace raised high and ready to strike. But I can't let her do it—we have no idea what lies beyond those ancient stones, and rushing in blind could be suicide.

"Varikka, wait!" I call out, my voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "We don't know what's on the other side. Charging in could be a death sentence."

My eyes dart to Halie, who's struggling to maintain the barrier spell as we move. "Halie, how much longer can you keep this up?"

I turn to Jeane next, my gaze fixed on the shimmering runes carved into the gate's surface. "And Jeane—can you do anything about those wards? We might need to pick that lock if we want to have any hope of getting through in one piece."

My crossbow is at the ready, my finger tightening on the trigger as I scan the churning water for any sign of movement from the abomination or the skeletal horde. "And Merrin—keep an eye out back there. Those skeletons are getting restless, and I don't want any surprises when we make our move."

I take a deep breath, my heart hammering in my chest as I feel the weight of the horde pressing in from behind. This is it—the moment of truth. We're about to step into the unknown, and god only knows what fresh hell awaits us on the other side of that gate.

But we've come too far to turn back now. And with luck, skill, and a whole lot of prayer... maybe, just maybe, we'll make it out alive.

I turn to my companions, my eyes meeting each of theirs in turn. "Alright, people—this is it. We move on three. Stay sharp, stay together, and for the love of all that's holy—don't get separated."

I take a deep breath, my muscles tensing as I ready myself for whatever comes next. "One... two... three..."

And with that, I charge forward, my mace raised high and my heart pounding in my ears as we cross the threshold into whatever fresh madness this accursed tower has in store for us.

I grit my teeth, ready to charge through the gate alongside Merrin. "Alright, you heard the rogue—one, two, three..."

I release the barrier spell just before we charge through the gate, my hands shaking from the exertion. The magical energy dissipates in a rush, leaving us exposed for a moment as we plunge into darkness beyond.