Setup

Before the crumbling stone tower, the party confronts an ancient gate etched with rune‑laden sigils that pulse violet in the dim torchlight. Halie, her silver holy symbol glinting, murmurs prayers as she steadies the gate’s wards; Jeane, fingers dancing over the glyphs, deepens their glow with dark incantations and extends their protective spell.

Merrin kneels to probe for hidden mechanisms, while Seraphine, magnifying glass in hand, deciphers the intricate patterns with a scholar’s focus. Varrika keeps watch from the shadows, crossbow poised to repel any skeletal threat that might breach the threshold. Tension hangs heavy as the party balances caution and curiosity.