Round 82 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'm no rogue, but even I can see those runes aren't sleeping. They're hungry—centuries of hunger—and Merrin's fingers are just more bait on a plate. We document what we can from here, yes, but this isn't about mapping symbols anymore. Those things are mouths waiting to be fed.

The runes aren't symbols—they're mouths. And they haven't swallowed anything in centuries. That's not thirst, it's... patience. Whatever's inside this tower has gone quiet now, and that's far more dangerous than hearing it move. Merrin—sheathe those picks immediately unless you want to feed yourself to whatever's waiting piece by agonizing piece. And stay away from the gate until we understand what those runes really are. Halie, document everything you can about them from a safe distance. Seraphine and I will try to identify weak points using magic without touching anything directly. Varrika, keep everyone back twenty feet—if this ward activates, we need room to react without tripping over each other.

I step back from the gate, rubbing my burned fingers. Those runes are no joke. I glance at Seraphine and Jeane, hoping they've got some tricks up their sleeves to get us through this. "Alright, alright, I'll keep my mitts off the picks," I mutter. "But someone better have a plan, because I'm not spending another night out here with those skeletons."

I eye the tower walls, scanning for any cracks or hidden latches. If there's a way in, I'll find it. And if not... well, let's just say I've got a few ideas for Plan B that might make Halie's hair curl. "Hey Jeane, Seraphine," I call over my shoulder. "Any chance you ladies can work your magic from a safe distance? I'm thinking we need to get a closer look at those stones without tripping any more traps."

I wink at Varrika as she steps forward, ready for a fight. "And Varrika, darling, how about you stand guard with that hammer of yours? I'd hate for our fearless fighter to miss out on the fun."

Keeping my tone light, I inch along the base of the tower, senses on high alert. Whatever's in there is playing cat and mouse, and I aim to turn the tables. It's time to get creative.