Round 12 Transcript

The tension in The base of a crumbling stone tower, its entrance sealed by an ancient rune-covered gate, deep within the haunted Whispering Woods tightens for a beat as the interruption refuses to go away. Everyone is forced to stay quiet and choose their next move carefully.

I watch the pulsating runes on the gate with a scholar's fascination and a wizard's wariness, my eyes tracing the complex patterns of ancient magic etched into the stone.
My mind races, trying to decipher the intent behind this sentient barrier, to find some weakness in its design that we might exploit. But every passing moment only seems to make the air thicker with its presence, an oppressive weight settling over us all.
The unknown entity within the tower takes another deliberate step forward, its slow pace a stark contrast to the turmoil within the Ward. A shiver runs down my spine as I imagine what kind of creature could command such power, such hunger.
I turn my gaze to Merrin, her face set with determination even as she puts away her iron tools under Jeane's direction. Halie is right; we cannot afford another misstep here. The risk of feeding this ward something more substantial than curiosity is too great.
"The runes aren't just a lock—they're a mouth," I murmur, half to myself, half to the party. "And we need to find a way past its teeth before it decides we make a fine meal."
I take a step closer to the gate, my own curiosity warring with my caution. The magic feels different up close, less threatening and more... inviting. Like it wants to be understood.
But understanding this kind of dark power is a double-edged sword. Some mysteries are better left unsolved, some knowledge too heavy for mortal minds to bear.
I pull back, shaking my head slightly to clear the strange allure from my thoughts. "Perhaps you're right," I say to Halie, my voice steadier now. "A different entrance might serve us better. Let's seek it out—quietly."

The runes' pulsing intensifies, their blue glow almost blinding now. Whatever magic this is, it's not just ancient—it's alive and aware. Merrin's tools could trigger traps, and that thing inside isn't just footsteps anymore. It's deliberate. Predatory. I tighten my grip on the heavy mace, positioning myself between Halie and the corridor. "Alright, listen up," I growl. "This ward is playing games with us, and I don't like it. Merrin, put away those iron tools unless you want to feed them to whatever's lurking in there."

I glance at Jeane and Seraphine. "You two are our magic experts. What can we do here without pissing off whatever's behind those runes?" My eyes flick to Halie, standing ready with her holy symbol. "Halie, keep that light of yours up. We might need it."

My gaze returns to the gate, teeth bared. "As for me? I'm ready to bash in some skulls if need be. But I'd rather not start a fight we can't win. So, what's our play? Find another way in? Or do we try to take this head-on?"

The runes are more than magic—they're teeth. And eyes that saw us before we arrived. I don't like this hunger. We circle the tower's base like mice scenting a cat. Merrin wants to force the lock, Halie prays for patience, Varikka stands guard, and Seraphine whispers about ancient mouths waiting to close. I trace the rune pattern with my eyes, not my fingers. The magic pulses with anticipation, each beat stronger than the last. Whatever's inside isn't just footsteps anymore—it's deliberate movement, slow and purposeful. It knows we're here. It knows we're circling like prey that doesn't know it's already caught. We need to decide before this ward decides for us. My wings twitch beneath my cloak, a reflex of anxiety I can't suppress. The Time-Splitting Sword is supposedly in there, but at what cost? We're tired, nervous, and the magic here feels older than sin itself. Merrin's right—there has to be another way in. But we don't have days to search for a back door while whatever's inside grows impatient. We need an edge. I could try a spell, something subtle to test the ward's defenses, but if it reflects arcane magic... we'd be playing with fire. Let Halie and Seraphine circle west—I'll check the east side alone. Faster if we split up the search. If I find anything, I'll signal. If you hear screaming, assume I triggered a trap and don't come running.