Page 589 of End Game

They don't need to.

He missed a trap. The party took damage. They adapted and kept moving.

That is the game.

More importantly, nobody decides that one failed roll means he should stop going first.

By the time they reach the cistern, Micah has settled more. Cami is still pressed against his side whenever she can reasonably manage it, Dex is making a concerted effort to irritate him from across the table, and Griffin has apparently decided everyone's emotional regulation is not his problem as long as nobody is actively bleeding.

A healthy development.

The cistern contains four mercenaries, a mage, and one additional problem beneath the water that none of the characters have noticed.

Dex notices the expression on my face instead.

“Why are you smiling?”

I stop.

“I wasn't.”

“You absolutely were.”

Cami looks at me suspiciously. “Oh, that's bad.”

Griffin moves his miniature closer to hers. “I want to stay near Cami.”

I look at him. “You're all very predictable.”

“I have a job.”

“You're a paladin.”

“Exactly.”

Dex gestures toward him. “He understands branding.”

Initiative is rolled.

Micah goes first.

Dex goes last.

He stares at the three showing on his die as though it has personally betrayed him.

Cami pats his forearm. “Maybe we'll survive long enough to participate.”

“I don't appreciate clerical bullying.”

Micah doesn't look up from his sheet. “You'll live.”

Dex freezes.

His eyes move immediately toward Micah. “Was that reassurance?”

“No.”

“I felt reassured.”