Round 279 Transcript

As Merrin stands firm, her dagger at the ready, the Guardian regards her for a moment before nodding its head. "Very well, mortal," it says. "I will give you a choice. You may either turn back now and avoid the dangers that lie within this passage, or you may continue forward and face whatever horrors await you."

The Guardian pauses, its glowing eyes fixed on Merrin's. "But be warned, mortal, the creature you seek is not to be trifled with. It will not be easily defeated."

As the Guardian speaks, the sound of rushing water grows louder in the distance, and Merrin can feel the weight of unseen eyes upon her. The air is thick with the stench of decay and corruption emanating from the secret passage. Suddenly, the ground beneath Merrin's feet gives a slight tremor, and she realizes that the structural collapse of the staircase above is causing the entire passage to shift and sway. The Guardian's glowing eyes seem to flicker with interest as it adds, "The creature you seek will not be easily defeated, but the passage itself may prove more treacherous still."

I glance back at the narrow ledge above the unstable staircase over the rising underground lake; water now waist-deep in the main chamber and pit trap. Structural collapse is imminent; the entire structure could come down at any moment. I must navigate this treacherous ledge or be crushed by falling debris, while the water pressure and volume increases exponentially. No dry vantage point is available to escape or fight from; I'm trapped between rising water, collapsing structure, and hostile creatures. Limited options for escape or defense remain.