Round 62 Transcript

As Halie casts Protection Against Evil on Merrin, her body contorts further, and the curse's acceleration intensifies. The air crackles with malevolent energy, and the central rune pulses brighter, as if feeding off Merrin's suffering. The ground beneath them trembles, and a low rumble echoes through the chamber. The hidden staircase creaks ominously, and a section of the wall slides open, revealing a narrow, winding tunnel. A faint glow emanates from the depths of the tunnel, casting flickering shadows on the walls. The air within the tunnel appears to be cleaner, but the stench of decay still lingers. Jeane's grip on the Time-Splitting Sword tightens, and she takes a step back, her eyes fixed on Merrin. "We need to stabilize her now," she warns, her voice low and urgent. "The curse won't hold for much longer."

Halie's hands weave intricate patterns as she prepares a stronger Protection spell, while Varrika readies her crossbow, scanning the tunnel for any signs of danger. The choice is clear: proceed into the unknown tunnel or find another way to stabilize Merrin before it's too late.

I am not waiting for permission I am taking action. The curse is spreading too fast—Merrin could be lost to us already if we don't act now. Halie's spell might buy us seconds at best. This tower is breathing death magic and I will not let my sisterhood rot here because of some ancient relic that wants to feast on our souls. Varrika, cover the staircase—if anything crawls up from below, put it down before it gets close enough to touch any of us. Halie, keep that Protection spell active and ready to cast again if needed. I am going down that tunnel with the sword still in hand because whatever lies at the bottom is already awakening to our presence. If we back away now, it will follow—and I'd rather face whatever hungers here than bring this curse home with us.

Merrin staggers back from the pit's edge, her body contorting in unnatural positions as the curse accelerates through her veins. She cries out for Halie to cast the Protection spell, desperate to halt the transformation consuming her from within. "Halie!" Merrin gasps, fighting to stay upright. "The spell - cast it now! I can feel it... changing me."

Her muscles bulge and writhe beneath her leathers, straining against the fabric. Merrin's eyes bulge wide with terror as she feels an ancient hunger awakening deep within her soul, threatening to overwhelm her very humanity. "Jeane, Varrika," she pants, "be ready... in case Halie's magic... isn't enough."

I won't lose Merrin to this thing's curse—not while I still draw breath. The air here is thick with something old and hungry. I can feel it pulling at the edges of my mind, trying to twist my thoughts into shapes they weren't meant to take. But I've faced spiritual corruption before—this isn't my first evil chamber. Varrika, cover that staircase. If anything crawls up from below, put it down before it gets close enough to touch any... of us. Especially Merrin. Jeane, I know you think the sword needs to be controlled, but holding onto it like that—it's already changing her. The light in her eyes is fading. I'm not saying we can't retrieve it. But maybe we need a different approach. Let me try something—I've got a few purification spells that might slow the curse if not stop it entirely. It won't be perfect, but it's better than letting this thing consume her piece by piece. And Merrin—breathe. Focus on staying in control of yourself. I'll cast Protection Against Evil as soon as you're ready. We'll figure this out together.