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Archon Vail on the Island of Wreclast (Causeway x Theris)

Archon nods his head in understanding, "What of Displacers? I don't recognize the term" he asks. He continues scanning the forest around them as they walk, checking the treetops every so often. "Its hard to tell what time it is, what with the lack of sunlight" he says, taking a moment to try and penetrate the canopy above them.
 
"Well, come to think of it, not sure there are any. I know there are Kamedans, though, and they're said to be related to them. Look like big cats with snakes growing out of their manes." The dwarf looks around. "Hmm, we should be reaching Forger's Flight pretty soon, the rest of us will spend the night there."
 
Archon give the dwarf a quick look to see if he's serious "Those sound... Nasty" he says. He nods his head when the shorter man reveals their position, "excellent" he says, before falling silent, content to watch the jungle around them. He had much to consider during this job, plans to make for the expedition.
 
They manage to make it the rest of the way without any further interruption, but as they approach another ramshackle settlement, Archon could not help but feel that something was off. A quick glance at Knurlak told him the dwarf was thinking the same thing. "Dammit, what now..."

Forger's Flight was built atop a rocky rise overlooking the sea; the coastline here was an abrupt set of jagged cliffs, thus this settlement had no sea access. The buildings were stone, mostly relatively tall towers, as though this place started as some sort of mage's enclave, before those building it realized that it was a stupid idea. But right now, the place seemed... eerily quiet.
 
Not Liking the look of the place Archon called up more power, flexing his hands and muttering. Rather then summon the flashier lighting, he called the cold of his chilling touch to his hands once again, holding the power and soft almost invisible blue light at the ready. The lack of people had the Monk on edge, though if there was someone it would be simple enough to let his magic flow away. He scanned their surrounding again, checking for any indicators of life.

Casting Chilling touch, and Holding the charge

Perception Check = 28
 
Knurlak keeps his hand on the haft of his axe as they head up to the settlement's front gate, only to find that it's hanging open on its rusty hinges. "Dammit!" He curses. "That settles it, this place is dead. Archon, my men and I are heading onward. If you want to stay here, that's your business. I hope you find... whatever it is you're looking for."
 
Archon nods his head, eyes scanning around, "thank you for taking me Knurlak, if I see you again, I'll buy you a drink" I say. Figuring that if he saw the dwarf again, they both would need one. He waved at the group as they departed, ghostly blue light wavering as his hand moved, before moving forward, and beginning his search of the town. He figured that this would take up the rest of the day, but might give him some clues as to what happened. He also figured he could rest then, recover his energy, before traveling onward to find this other stonebareer.

Perception check = 19 to search the town, Let me know if I need to make more then one roll.
 
As the sun sets over the island, Archon walks through the deserted town, his eyes glancing about. There is no sign of battle, no blood on the ground or upturned earth. He does however notice that there's something rather... out of place here, but he can't pinpoint the cause. The strange feeling of being watched returns, and he feels a sudden, strange chill within that he can't quite pinpoint...

He does notice several things that are rather odd indeed, though, as he heads through the town. Most of the doors hang loosely on their hinges, knobs and locks missing. The signs on the buildings detailing their purpose have all been removed. He reaches a building he thinks is the inn, finding it in a similar state.
 
Archon looks around at the strange feeling, his hands still glowing lightly in their pale blue light. He walks slowly as he explores the town, though realizes that he probably could have ran through the place, screaming at the top of his lungs for all that he found. The missing locks and signage has him perplexed as well as he finally stops at what he assumes is the inn. The large building with multiple stories and windows being a pretty good tell. He goes inside giving the place a once over, before going to find a room. He would need to rest and prepare for tomorrow, preparing more spells, and letting his reserves recover.
 
As he enters the inn, he notices that there are more things out of place. Every painting is eschew slightly, and the doors have their hinge pins and knobs removed. Fortunately, the construction seems to be all stone; he begins to suspect that a wood building would have collapsed at this point.

He goes through the inn's upper rooms, finding more of the same, until at last he encounters something that stands out. A door that is firmly secured, with iron bars nailed onto it. The bars are arranged into a symbol of protection.
 
Vail notices the profound lack of metal, and the general disarray of the place. Puzzled he searches farther until stumbling upon the other door. He drops his spell and starts probing the door for magic, feeling it out before trying to open it.

Letting the Chilling hands Spell Fizzle to cast Detect Magic
 
Archon does not detect any distinctive magic on the door that would indicate a structured spell, but there is a slight abjuration effect. This seems more like folk peasant witchcraft, than the work of a trained mage. He doubt it would have any effect on him, but certain magical creatures are known to be repelled by iron; this symbol would likely keep such beings from passing.
 
After inspecting the door and its marking, Archon is fairly sure that it would have no effect on him, and opens the door. He knows that the iron would repel certain creatures, and given that this was the last door that actually works in the town, This would be a good place to hold up for the night, if no one is inside. he thought.
 
Cybertits:1D20+5 → 14(9 + 5)#Archon Reflex vs 10 = Success

As Archon opens the door, there's a thumping sound, and a crossbow bolt flies out from the room. He is able to dodge it easily, though; he notes that it embeds fairly low to the ground, as though it was aimed for a small creature. Upon inspection, he sees that the booby-trap was rigged up fairly crudely; more a sign of desperation than skill.

Cybertits:1D20+10 → 20(10 + 10)

Inside, the room is cluttered, a great deal of things packed into the small space, compounded by the fact that the window has been nailed shut, and likewise warded with one of the iron symbols. A straw bed is unmade, sheets twisted as though their occupant suffered from restless nights. Archon thinks he sees something poking out from beneath the pillow. There's a small desk in one corner of the room, a candle on it burned down to a nub, and several books and pieces of paper piled haphazardly. In the opposite corner of the room, a small stove has been converted into a ramshackle alchemy station, with a reagent satchel laying against the wall next to it.
 
Vail hears a slight click as he opens the door and immediately leap to the side, the crossbow bolt embedding in the wood behind him, about level with his shins. The booby trap looks simple, clearly done as a desperate measure, and the angle of the trap is puzzling. Then a thought strikes the Monk, after all, what child from any village hasn't heard of the little folk. That would explain the iron at least... but what about the lack of iron he thought. Closing the door behind him he steps into the room, noticing the unkempt state of the palace. Creeping forward he picks up the pillow to see whats underneath in, and making sure that there is no one hiding in the mess of a bed.
 
The bed is clean, at least in terms of threats; beneath it he finds a large leather trunk that likely contains personal belongings. The pillow hides a small, leather-bound book, held shut by a leather cord wrapped around it. It appears to be a diary or journal of some sort. Opening it, he reads the first page, written in a delicate and flowing hand.

It was a mistake, agreeing to serve Mistress Versio. At the time, it seemed easy. Complete a mission, and the magister would free me from this island, with a full pardon from the Empire to boot! But as soon as she put the stone in me, I was her's forever. We all are; I see it now. The worst part, she does nothing to ensure this. I could have left months ago, could have demanded the stone's removal. She would have granted my wish, I am sure of this. But I do not want to leave her. She has seduced me; all bearers of her stones fall hopelessly in lust with her, with no hope for escape. I don't know if this is magic, or her own sexuality. It doesn't matter...

The journal continues.
 
Archon picked up the journal, looking it over before opening it. As he reads the flowing script he feels his bowels clench, and he feels the smooth stone contained within them. For the first time he feels a small twinge of fear, for he does not wish to remain on this island, yet from the sound of it, his mind might be changed. Shaking his head he read on, looking for as much information as he can.
 
The second page contains more pertinent information.

For my new assignment, Mistress Versio has sent me out into the northern settlements of the island. It would seem that the native colonies of Formians and Thriae are growing more aggressive, attacking traveling caravans and smaller settlements. This worries the Mistress, as in the past they've been relatively peaceful, as long as they are not trespassed against. I made it through the jungle without much difficulty; there were a few skirmishes with monsters, but nothing I haven't come to expect. I'm staying at the Squire's Spire in Forger's Flight, likely to be here for a while. Cramped, but cozy.

I understand now what Talyn and Krystana were talking about. There's definitely something following me, staying in the shadows. Since I've got here, I've felt a chill coming from my stone...
 
Reading on the Half elf becomes more worried, as the area sounded like it had become incredibly hostile. At the mention of the same feeling as both the one he had and the other bearer told him about. Something might well be stalking the bearers of the stones He thought, which lead to the conclusion that he was a target now, especially now that he was alone. Taking a moment he conjurers a simple light, checking the room over, but of coarse seeing nothing he returns to his reading.
 
I'm no closer to discovering the cause of the insect-folk's increased aggression, but I can feel the danger growing every day I remain here. I believe now that I know who they are. The Fair Folk. I have no clue why they are after us Stone Bearers, and if Mistress Versio has any quarrel with them, she has not informed me. I've taken... adequate precautions to protect my room, but every time I leave, I can feel them growing closer...

This village is no longer safe. Folk have been disappearing, right out of their beds. One shack collapsed because all of the iron in it turned to rust; a device of the Folk to remove the metal they hate. I fear for my life with every moment I remain here... yet I fear disappointing the Mistress even more...
 
Archon checks the iron on the window as he reads about the fay and their interest in the bearers of the stone. This is bad he thought, and for a moment he considers taking one of the iron spikes, as a form of protection. However he dismisses the idea after a moment, not wanting to break the protections just yet. Hearing the collapsed building sends a shiver down his spine, and he looks down nervously at the floor for a moment, wondering how long this stack of stones had been standing without its supports.
 
I have one last, desperate hope for a lead that might give me the answers I've been searching for. There is a library in this town, which has stood here longer than anyone currently living here can remember. Not that there are many folk left to ask; Forger's Flight is a ghost town. The Fey have been busy, it seems. I've taken... as many precautions as I can, but there's no telling what's in store for me.

I leave now for the library. If a fellow Stone Bearer is reading this, that is where my trail will pick up, but beware! The Enemy is here, and likely has me. I am not sure if I am still alive, or even if I wish to be.

This is the last page.
 
Archon closes the book, on the one hand he could probably check the library and be back before darkness fell. However the half elfs was low on magic, and from the sound of it he was going to need ever ounce of power. Securing the door he took out his bedroll and cleared away as much of the junk as he could before laying down. He sat down to meditate and rest, so that he would be at his strongest when he left.
 
In the middle of the night, he starts to hear things. Bumps and thumps, from the stairs above and below. Scratching on the barred window, accompanied by hissing sounds. Eventually, there are loud thumps on the door to the room, which continue for about an hour. But by the time that he judges morning to have arrived, assuming he waits that long, the noises have subsided.
 
The noises in the night were disturbing, yet in his meditation he had been able to ignore the noises. As morning comes he opens his eyes, blinking them a few times before stretching and yawning. He pulls out his spell book and goes over the formula for his various spells, building the webs of power in his mind. Exiting the room he checks to see if he can remove on of the metal bars on the door without disrupting the symbol. Figuring that having a piece of iron in his pocket would help him in the event the small folk show up before the job is done.

4 1st lvl spells per day
2 Chilling Touch
1 Shocking grasp
1 Magic missile

4 0 lvl spells
Light
Detect magic
Ray of frost
Touch of fatigue
 
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