The tank is down. The mage is out of spell slots. The rogue is trapped.
The party leader makes a decision. They unlock a cursed artifact. They call upon the demon trapped in their sword. They use the innocent as a human shield. dark hero party save
The is not about winning a fight. It is about surviving a philosophy. It is the recognition that salvation is often ugly, loud, and expensive. The tank is down
So, when the dice are cold and the enemy smiles, ask your party: What are we willing to lose? and expensive. So