Round 98 Transcript

Halie's eyes flash with holy energy as she readies her crossbow, its stock adorned with intricate carvings that seem to glow in the dim light. "I'll take point," she says, her voice steady and resolute. "We need to keep moving and find that sword before this thing decides to make its next move."

I feel sick, seeing this thing's eyes on me like I'm its next meal. We can't just stand here waiting for it to decide what new horror it wants to throw at us. We need to act—now. I grip my crossbow tighter, the familiar weight a comfort. Let's move down that hallway. The sooner we're away from this thing and its doorway, the better I'll feel. I glance at Jeane, her wings flaring with clear distress. And whatever you just saw or felt—the fact it targeted you specifically is not good. We need to stay together as a group. My eyes scan the stone corridor ahead, noting every shadow and crack. Single-file formation. Merrin in front, then Varrika, me, Seraphine, and Jeane at the rear. We stick close enough to protect each other but loose enough to maneuver if needed. I take a step forward, my crossbow ready, holy symbol clutched in my other hand. If anything moves wrong in that darkness ahead—anything at all—I want to know immediately. My eyes narrow as I peer into the gloom. We're not stopping until we find that sword or this tower collapses around us.

Jeane's wings flare with barely contained frustration—her entire body language screaming 'stop wasting time and do something'. This is exactly what I was talking about. We don't know the rules of this place yet, but we DO know that every single time we've done something it wants us to do, bad things have happened. And now you're just going to march into a dark hallway because standing here makes you uncomfortable? She steps forward, positioning herself between Halie and the corridor, her crimson eyes narrowing as she studies the stonework with predator-like focus. Think tactically for once instead of just charging in like this is another tavern brawl. If we go down that hall blind, whatever's waiting there gets to choose the terms. She raises a hand, fingers tracing arcane symbols that glow faintly. Let me cast Detect Magic first—at least then we'll know what kind of trap is waiting for us if there even IS a trap. And maybe I can get some reading off these damn runes while we're at it. Her gaze sweeps across the party, challenging anyone to disagree. We've already offered up one sacrifice today—I'm not about to let this place have any more of what we worked so hard for.

I listen to Jeane's protest, my expression one of understanding mixed with growing impatience. Her concerns about tactics are valid, but we can't just sit here waiting for something worse to happen. The energy in this place is thick with malice, and every moment we spend here feels like an eternity. I take a step closer to Jeane, placing a calming hand on her shoulder.
"I get it. You're right about being careful. But this isn't about charging into the unknown—it's about finding solid ground before we make our next move." My eyes dart between Jeane and the dark hallway ahead. "Your spell is a good idea, but we need more than that. We need to see what's really there, not just what might be waiting for us in the shadows."
I turn to Seraphine, my tone softening as I appeal to her magical expertise. "Seraphine, can you weave another spell? Something that will show us what lies ahead? Or at least give us a glimpse of what we're dealing with?" My gaze then shifts back to the Keeper, who seems to be watching our every move with predatory interest. "And whatever you do, make it quick. I have a feeling this thing doesn't like us dawdling."
I give a small, sharp nod, my decision made. "Fine. We'll do it your way, Jeane. You cast your spell, Seraphine prepares whatever you think we need next, and the rest of us stand guard. But once we have some kind of picture of what we're up against, we move forward. We can’t stay here with this... thing." I gesture towards the Keeper, my lip curling in disgust. "It's going to try something again soon, and I'd rather meet whatever it sends at us head-on than be caught off-guard."
*My voice drops to a near whisper as I add, "And Jeane? Be ready. If those wings of yours start acting up again, you let us know immediately. They might be our best early warning system."