The enrollment hall shudders around Saryk. Runes flare beneath his feet, drinking pale fire from the stone walls as shelves groan and protective wards awaken.
the old mage
Do not move. The circle has seized the faculty's foundation, and I can no longer command its pattern.
Students and masters retreat behind carved pillars. Dust trickles from the vaulted ceiling while silver threads of magic crawl toward the circle's widening edge.
the old mage
Saryk, hear me. This was meant to measure your control, not summon power from the building itself.
Saryk
The spell is drawing from the walls, not from me.
the old mage
I can hold the outer ward for moments only. Choose your next act carefully, before the faculty's heart is pulled into the casting.
The circle answers with a deep, resonant pulse. Every candle gutters blue, and the old mage braces both hands against his staff, waiting for Saryk's response.
✓ Quest Accepted
Bring the enrollment spell under control
“I steady my breathing and narrow the circle's widening edge.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Magic, rolled +0)
Saryk steadies his breathing. Each measured breath settles the magic in his hands, and the circle's widening edge draws inward beneath his focused will.
The silver threads withdraw from the surrounding stones, folding neatly back into the runes. The hall's shudder fades to a low, fading hum.
the old mage
Yes. Hold it there. The foundation is no longer feeding the pattern.
Blue candleflames return to gold. Dust settles from the vaulted ceiling as the protective wards close their outer rings and leave the circle contained.
the old mage
Remarkable control. You have narrowed the boundary without breaking the spell or harming the faculty's wards.
Behind the pillars, students cautiously emerge. Masters inspect the darkened stones while the old mage lowers his staff, though his gaze remains fixed on Saryk.
the old mage
Now keep your breathing steady. We can release the remaining charge safely, if you are ready.
✓ Quest Accepted
Release the enrollment spell's remaining charge safely
Quest Complete
Bring the enrollment spell under control
“I hold the circle contained and follow the old mage's guidance.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Magic, rolled +3)
Saryk keeps the circle contained and follows the old mage’s rhythm. The remaining charge gathers into a quiet, silver sphere above the runes, no longer touching the hall.
the old mage
Good. Now ease the pressure by a fraction, not more. Let the pattern release what it borrowed.
The sphere thins into luminous threads and sinks harmlessly through the circle. The runes dim in sequence, while the faculty’s wards settle into their proper boundaries.
the old mage
There. The charge is discharged, and the foundation is untouched. You followed every correction without losing the pattern.
A final ring of symbols remains bright beneath Saryk’s feet. Its markings rearrange themselves into a precise record of his control, visible to every watching master.
the old mage
That record is more valuable than the examination. It proves the circle recognized your command, and the faculty cannot dismiss what it has witnessed.
The old mage steps closer, studying the surviving ring as the gathered scholars exchange hushed remarks. Beyond the pillars, a sealed arch begins to glow with matching sigils.
Quest Complete
Release the enrollment spell's remaining charge safely