Round 5 Transcript

Merrin’s fingers trace the rune’s jagged edges, but the stone shudders as a hidden pressure plate beneath it activates. A sudden burst of icy wind erupts from the gate, slashing her forearm with razor‑sharp shards of cold and knocking her to the ground. The wind rattles the exposed bone fragments of the nearby skeletons, causing them to stagger forward in a snarling horde.

Jeane’s demonic eyes trace the rune patterns with meticulous precision. The geometry is exquisite, designed to channel arcane energies into a defensive ward, she muses aloud, her voice carrying the weight of centuries of study. She moves closer, ignoring the chill that seems to emanate from the stones themselves, focused entirely on deciphering their meaning before anyone else stumbles into danger again.

Halie kneels in prayer at the base of the tower, pressing her silver holy symbol against the ancient stone. She closes her eyes and calls upon her goddess for wisdom to understand the runes' true purpose. Revelation strikes: the rune is not a lock, but a soul-trap designed to ensnare whoever attempts to open it.