Setup

In the Whispering Woods, a crumbling tower looms, its gate pulsing with violet runes that seem to writhe beneath a heavy stone. Jeane, her dark eyes sharp, murmurs an incantation while Halie lights her silver holy symbol, the white glow trembling against the oppressive gloom. Merrin watches warily for traps, and Seraphine mutters that the runes may repel something unseen.

Varrika presses her palm to the gate, feeling its cold vibration as the stone creaks open, releasing a dozen skeletal warriors whose hollow eyes glow blue. The party quickly assumes a defensive line: Jeane commands the undead to halt, Halie readies her holy symbol to deflect unholy energies, Merrin grips her crossbow, and Varrika wields her mace.