Round 2 Transcript

The Narrator restates the undertaking plainly, fixes the stakes in the room, and presses the cast to make their positions clear before the meeting can end.

Jeane's eyes narrow as she considers the weight of the contract before them. Very well. I will participate on these conditions: First, Merrin is to be my exclusive scout—the rogue’s skills are unmatched when it comes to navigating unseen threats and charting safe passage. Second, Halie serves under my direct spiritual authority—I need her divine power focused and aimed precisely, not diffused by indecision or misplaced compassion for whatever... things we might encounter within those walls. Third, Seraphine remains entirely devoted to arcane support from a secure rear position—her magical expertise is invaluable, but her curiosity can be dangerous. Lastly, Varrika’s strength and martial prowess will be put to use clearing physical obstacles, nothing more. This hierarchy ensures efficiency and reduces the risk of individual foolishness jeopardizing our collective survival. The reward for this madness had better be substantial enough to justify such risks—failure means death or worse.

The contract must explicitly state that we are not merely thieves but liberators of this cursed site. I need to know beyond doubt that our objective is to break the tower’s enchantment, not simply steal the sword and leave the darkness intact. If that's the goal, then count me in—I can handle healing and purification duties. But if we're just here for a quick grab-and-go, then I'm out. That kind of cowardice leaves the problem festering for someone else to deal with later.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself as I speak. Look, I'm no coward, but this tower gives me the creeps like nothing else. If we're just here to steal the sword and run, count me out. But if we're really going to break the curse, then I'm in—I meet each of your eyes in turn, my gaze unwavering.—on one condition: Varrika's on point with that crowbar, clearing our path. If she can keep us safe from whatever horrors lurk in those walls, then I'll use every trick in my book to keep us alive long enough to see this through. But if the demons or sorcerers get their hooks into us... well, we'd better hope that holy symbol is stronger than it looks.

I straighten in my chair, my expression one of quiet determination. I will participate on two conditions. First, we must have a clear understanding of what forces we are dealing with inside that accursed tower. Before we even set foot within those walls, I need to study every scrap of information we can find about the dark sorcerers and shadow demons said to guard it. Second, when we enter the tower, I insist on being given time—uninterrupted—to examine any magical wards or protective runes we encounter. The power to split time is a force that cannot be trifled with. We must be certain we understand its nature before attempting to remove it or claim it as our own. If these conditions can be met, then I am in. But know this—whatever we find there, whatever dangers await us in the heart of that ancient evil... it will require all of our skills and every ounce of our collective strength to survive unscathed. This is a task that could destroy us as much as it could free us. Are you all prepared for such a price?

I'll be clear—this tower stinks of death and worse things. But if we're going in to end that curse, to stop whatever horrors are lurking there from spreading their evil, then I'm in. That holy symbol better be as strong as they say, because I'll be the one bashing skulls and kicking doors down while Merrin keeps us out of trouble. As for rewards, I don't much care about gold or glory—just give me a chance to make a real difference, to fight something that matters. If we can put an end to this tower's curse, then I'll call that payment enough. Just don't expect me to play nice with any shadow demons or dark sorcerers we find in there. I've got a mace and I'm not afraid to use it.