Round 1

Amidst the Whispering Woods' eerie silence, the crumbling tower's dark presence loomed, its roots clawing at exposed masonry like skeletal fingers. The heavy gate, adorned with an ancient rune, pulsed with a faint violet glow that cast an otherworldly light on the surrounding gloom. Jeane's dark eyes scrutinized the runes, her expression unreadable, as she whispered a gentle incantation to Halie, who responded by lighting her silver holy symbol. The soft white glow kindled at its edges, casting a faint relief against the oppressive atmosphere.

As the light touched the runes, they seemed to writhe deeper in their sockets, their malevolent energy stirring like a slumbering beast. Merrin's cautious gaze darted between the gate and the surrounding woods, her voice laced with concern as she asked if they were about to trigger a trap. Seraphine's eyes narrowed, her arms crossed over her chest as she observed Halie's holy symbol glow, her low murmur suggesting that the runes were designed to repel something else entirely.

Varrika stepped forward, her heavy boots crunching on the mossy ground, and pressed her palm flat against the gate. The cold stone vibrated beneath her touch, and the runes seemed to writhe under her skin, their pricking sensation like static electricity. As she muttered her own incantation, a faint hum of magical energy emanated from the gate, casting an unsettling glow over the group.