Round 95 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 document every rune carefully before we attempt anything else. The magic here is alive, starving—it's trying to taste our essence through the stone itself. We stand back, we map what we can see from a safe distance until we understand this thing fully or find another way through. I don't care how bored Varrika gets; we're not throwing ourselves at sentient wards because Merrin can't keep her hand out of trouble.

Merrin hesitates, her hand hovering over the runes as she feels their pulsing energy. She glances back at the party, noting the apprehension on their faces. "Alright, alright, I hear you," she says, a touch of defensiveness in her voice. "No more poking at things we don't understand."

She steps back from the gate, her eyes still fixed on the writhing runes. "But we can't just stand here either. That thing inside is getting closer, and I don't fancy our chances if it decides to come through without an invitation."

Merrin's gaze darts around the entrance, searching for any other way in. "There's got to be another door somewhere. Maybe in the side of the tower? Or a window high up?"

She takes a few steps away from the gate, her hand on the hilt of her dagger as she scans the shadows. "Halie, can you see anything on that map that might help? And Varrika, keep an eye out for any more traps. I don't want to be the only one surprised if we stumble into something else."

Merrin's heart is pounding in her chest, a mix of fear and excitement. She knows they're walking into danger, but the promise of what lies ahead is too tempting to resist. "Alright, let's spread out and search the perimeter. Stay low and keep your eyes open. And for the love of all that's holy, don't touch anything unless you're absolutely sure it won't bite."

With that, she slips into the shadows, her small form disappearing into the darkness as she begins to circle the tower, searching for any way in that might not be guarded by hungry runes or ancient magic.