Round 76 Transcript

The construct takes a step closer to the makeshift bridge, its burning eyes fixed on Seraphine. "The beam must be secured firmly," it intones. "If you fail, the entire structure will collapse." The air around them distorts further, as if reality itself is warping to accommodate the Keeper's demands. As Seraphine begins to check the beam for stability, Halie grabs a length of sturdy fabric from her pack and starts to tie it to a nearby stone column. Jeane waits anxiously, her eyes fixed on Merrin, who remains still, her runes pulsing in time with the humming noise. The construct's gaze shifts back to Jeane, its burning eyes blazing with intensity. "The test begins now," it says.

Jeane's eyes narrow as she studies Merrin's transformed state—the runes pulsing like brands on flesh, her gaze growing distant and otherworldly. This isn't simple binding magic, she mutters to herself, this is soul engineering of the highest order. The catwalk groans ominously beneath their feet—a sound that sends a jolt through Jeane's wings.*

She takes a measured step back, calculating the stability of the structure. We can't stay here much longer, she says firmly to Seraphine and Halie, That beam might work if we're quick about it. But Merrin… Her eyes return to the transformed woman. She needs us now more than ever. Jeane's fingers curl around her arcane focus—a slender wand that feels both warm and alive under her touch. I'm going in, she announces, Whatever's happening here isn't random. There are rules, even in dark rituals like this one. If we can figure out what the Keeper wants from Merrin… She pauses, …maybe we can use that to free her instead of fighting whatever entity now inhabits that body. With fluid grace, Jeane approaches Merrin slowly, her hands raised in a gesture of peace. Can you hear me? she asks softly, Are you still in there somewhere? The runes pulse faster as Merrin tilts her head—her movements unnaturally fluid and precise.

What do you mean by 'worthiness'? Jeane presses on, her voice steady despite the dread coiling cold in her gut, How can my friend prove herself to you? Tell me what this trial requires. Knowledge for knowledge—that's the deal. Give me information and I'll offer something in return. Merrin remains motionless except for the pulsing runes and glowing eyes. I won't abandon my companion, Jeane says more firmly now, Not like this, not to some shadow creature playing at being a deity. Whatever you are—entity, spirit, or forgotten sorcerer—I'll find your weakness. She turns back to Seraphine and Halie, calling out: Make that bridge fast—the structure won't hold much longer! To the construct looming closer, Stand down. This isn't about you anymore. Jeane faces Merrin fully now, her stance open but ready. I'll do whatever it takes to get my friend back. But you need to be specific about what this worthiness test entails. Knowledge for knowledge—that's the deal. The runes pulse faster in response—Merrin's mouth opening slowly as if something within is struggling to speak.

Come now—let's make a proper negotiation of it. Behind her, Jeane can hear Halie and Seraphine working frantically to secure the beam. Trust them to do their part while I handle this… She turns back to Merrin, her voice low and intense, What are you? Why did you choose my companion for this… elevation? The humming emanating from Merrin grows louder—an unsettling sound that makes the hair on Jeane's arms stand up. Whatever game you're playing, I won't let it continue. Tell me what you want, and we'll end this trial before anyone else gets hurt. Jeane's wings shift uneasily behind her as she waits for Merrin's response—her wand held loosely at her side, ready to defend but also to bargain. Come on then—I'm listening. Let's see if we can't come to an agreement that doesn't involve my friend being… whatever this is. She glances back at the unstable catwalk—the groaning wood a constant reminder of their precarious situation. Time's running out, so speak quickly and plainly. What do you require for Merrin's freedom?

I take a hesitant step toward Merrin’s transformed figure, my hand instinctively moving to the crossbow at my side. The runes on her skin aren't just symbols—they're a system of control, each pulse a reminder that something else is wearing Merrin now.

The catwalk groans ominously beneath our feet. "We can’t stay here," I say, voice tight with urgency. This whole structure will come down if we don't move soon." I glance around the chamber—there has to be another way out of this death trap.*

Jeane's words about soul engineering echo in my mind—this isn't simple binding magic. The stakes just got higher. I turn back to Merrin, her glowing eyes and the humming noise emanating from her body filling me with both awe and dread. "Merrin," I call out, trying to get through whatever is controlling her now.* We need you to hold on. We're going to try to get you out of here."

I start moving towards the beam, my mind racing. This isn't just about Merrin anymore—it's about all of us surviving this insane tower.