Round 5 Transcript

Varrika’s crowbar slides into the jagged seam and she presses with steady force; the stone shudders and a thin fissure widens just enough to slip a hand through. A low, metallic groan echoes from within the gate, and the skeletons’ heads pivot toward the sound, their bony eyes flashing with sudden awareness. The crack now yawns open, but the warning clang of bone has drawn the undead guardians closer.

Jeane crouches, her wings folding close as she examines the runes with narrowed eyes. The symbols here... they're not just warnings; they're instructions for an arcane lock sequence. If we brute force it, the magical backlash could collapse the tower or summon whatever's inside. We need to identify and neutralize each component of the ward before attempting entry. The runes on this gate are complex - more than mere warnings. They're instructions for an arcane lock sequence.

Varrika applies steady, but not forceful pressure to the crowbar, aiming to widen the opening just enough for them to slip through without shattering the gate and sounding an alarm to the skeletons. The dwarf's powerful arms strain as she works the lever back and forth, feeling the ancient stone give way with a low groan. She holds her breath, hoping the undead guardians haven't heard the sound over their own rattling armor.