Round 54 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 approach the gate with my holy symbol held low but ready, and document the runes' patterns while maintaining distance. This thing feeds on magic—the more arcane energy we throw at it, the hungrier it gets. We need to understand its power source first, not wake a god knows what by blundering in. Let Merrin keep her tools holstered for now, and Seraphine needs to back further off from those wards—she's practically feeding it herself with that arcane presence. I'll cast Protection from Evil on everyone, but we need more information before forcing entry. That slow tapping sound inside isn't natural. Something else is in there too.

The runes' dark pulse feels wrong—something ancient and hungry waits beyond this gate. I need to position myself defensively between Halie and the corridor, ready to shield her if undead spill out. My grip tightens on the heavy mace as I step into guard stance. "Halie, stand back from the gate. We don't know what that magic might do."