The Epitaph

Heads up! Read the introduction article before continuing to read further to learn more about the rules and story setting.

---

Looking around I find a stone beside the staircase that resembles an epitaph. The stone slab is quite weathered with moss all over it. Removing the moss an dirt reveals a cryptic message similar to the stone tablet within the village and the specters messages.

In the heart of time's embrace,
Lies the key to life's saving grace.
A riddle in gears, a puzzle to decipher,
Only the worthy shall unlock this cipher.
With courage, face the crow's thunderous reign,
Conquer the specters' riddles, ease their pain.
In the moon's pale glow, and with resolve unbowed,
Time's secrets shall be yours, unveiled and proud.

I sit down at the last step of the staircase and mull over the words but can't figure out the meaning of them yet. My mind begins to spin while my thoughts running in cycles.

---

How do you proceed?

You succumb to your minds spiraling thoughts. ←

→ You face the door mechanism.