Going down without anyone who can shell the gallery from above limits our options.
We don't have an area mage or any long-range support that could thin out dozens of Brinekin before contact. We could try to peel small groups off the patrols, but the hall is open and the walkways above cross between the pillars. The moment the first one screams, all of them will know we're here.
So we do it head on.
"Veric opens. Zhang Xi stays with him. Rhayne holds containment and doesn't let anything get around the sides. Freya and I take everything they hold and put damage into it."
Veric studies the way down and nods. Zhang Xi has already pushed her hood back, leaving her arms free, while Rhayne unspools part of the Battle Ribbon and looks at me expectantly.
"Come here…" she says, reaching her hand toward my face. Her eyes are inviting, still a little apprehensive.
