Arceroth

The Vanishing Kingdom

Kalla

"Oooohhh gods," Sev sighed as he settled into one of the steaming baths. Sadly this bathhouse was gender segregated, most that he could remember weren't, then again he tended to go to the cheaper ones for the 'common folk' and likely couldn't afford two bath rooms.

Normally the thought of very attractive and naked women being a wall away might have distracted him but after walking for days through the desert, fighting a bloody battle and a run in with someone with powers he didn't understand he needed a good long soak. Even after scrubbing himself it seemed there was still some sand stuck on him somewhere, hopefully the owners were used to dealing with a bit of sand coming free in the baths.

While there were many things that likely demanded his attention Sev allowed himself to relax, the only spell running was his eye cover that he could maintain in his sleep, literally. The illusion on his spear would last another hour at least, so long as no one inspected it too closely it should be fine. Worst case he could probably spin some lies about it being a dangerous magical item, but for now as the warmth of the bath seeped into his muscles he didn't care.

After some time Sev's brain finally began restarting, even when relaxing he'd found his mind wouldn't stay still for long. Naturally his mind turned to women, specifically the Isoli princess and Succubus in the next room over. Some of the women from the desert ship who'd caught his eye should also be there. In the past Sev had used a mirror like illusion to look around corners but without an opening such a spell wasn't possible here. He had some mastery of light magic, surely he could manage a scrying spell? He even had a scrying medium right here in his bath water, which he figured was needed.

Glancing around the room casually he was far enough away from anyone else to attempt a bit of magic. When trying new magic Sev knew to start small, a few feet to the next room should be small enough. Holding still he focused his mana, ordered it and slowly released it, not enough to draw attention from anyone in the room but hopefully enough to form a small image in the water before him.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Kalla

After observing the docks Sev was more than slightly underwhelmed. Though he did end up questioning what he had been expecting, probably a mass of recently rescued damsels. Instead a few injured women, one large cloaked figure and little else was present. The mention of a bath house did peak his interest, if only because he didn't know there was a bath house in the town and the prospect of attempting to remove the sand from wherever it had gotten stuck on him was tempting. Not to mention the handful of attractive women headed that direction, perhaps the bath house was unisex. On the other hand, Maeve was there and she seemed the type who was willing and able to hurt him if he pushed too far. That in itself was attractive, and Sev had almost convinced himself to take the risk when a new figure entered the scene.

If there was one thing that pulled his interest more than attractive women it was oddities, unique things he'd never seen before. When those oddities happened to also be attractive women the pull was that much greater. So when a woman in a tight dress with horns, claws and other demonic features literally floated into sight Sev was instantly intrigued. No one else seemed to pay her any mind, perhaps they were too busy dealing with the rescued women from the ship, so Sev carefully made his way in her direction.

Being careful, while he knew nothing of why someone would look like a demon the various stereotypes and stories associated with them, combined with the fact that she was clearly a skilled magic user based on her floating, Sev made his way closer. Her face was serious, and the warrior mage thought could sense some bloodlust from her, but couldn't pick up on anything specific.

"I don't remember seeing you at last night's battle," Sev commented as got close enough to converse with her, wondering if he'd been noticed despite his attempts to go unseen. He hadn't used any magic, simply his ability to be sneaky, to avoid being threatening.

"And I'd like think I'd remember someone like you," he continued with a sly smile, "did you just arrive in town on the ship or did I somehow miss a beauty like you?"

The Vanishing Kingdom

Kalla

After his meeting with Jeevak Sev wandered the town at random for a time, until the desert heat became unbearable. Retreating into the shade of a seemingly abandoned building he allowed himself to cool for a while before beginning to practice with his spear. Slowly at first he moved through the various stances and forms he’d been taught while in the military.

As he did his thoughts returned to the Scar, where he’d been born and lived much of his life. His parents had obviously felt like they were a member of the people who called the scar home, but Sev felt no similar attachment. Perhaps it was the constant fear he’d felt as a bearer of cursed blood. He couldn’t remember how many times he’d gotten close to being discovered the few times he was caught by the guard, or after he was conscripted. Maybe it was how he’d been forced to serve those who would have strung him up the moment they found out what he really was. Other than his parents he’d never trusted anyone with the knowledge of what he was, and until Jeevak showed up no one else knew.

Everyone else seemed to have a ‘land’ or ‘people,’ Meave had her ice kingdom to the south, Allard clearly loved his town and inn. Jeevak was driven by the desire to create his own land for his own people. Was having a group to be a part of so tempting?

Sev was drawn back to the present as his wind magic blasted the wall of the building in which he hid from the sun. His gift of air had responded to his agitated thoughts and lashed out as he completed a spear set, leaving a set of cracks in the clay wall. He took a deep breath and shook the confusing thoughts from his mind. Instead he wondered if Meave found the bread he left for her, he didn’t have many ingredients but managed a decent flat bread that went well with the smoke meats he’d found in the kitchen.

He needed something to take his mind off the conversation with Jeevak and Meave might be just the thing. At least, that’s what he thought as he left the building only to hear bells and calls of an approaching ship. More bandits? No, the cries didn’t sound panicked, they sounded joyous. Perhaps that team out finding the missing women had returned.

With another deep breath he made his way towards the bells, his relaxed grin and cheerful look started out fake, but by the time he reached where everyone was gathering he felt much better. With his spear once again hidden under the illusion of a basic staff he watched the approaching ships, eager to see what characters were among the so called scout party.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Name: Sevuid Chigi

Age: 25

Race: Sylve with touch of Grusk blood

Appearance: Sev's actual looks are very normal for Sylve, pale skin with short black hair, an unassuming face and stature. The only notable part would be his eyes, which are fully a brilliant gold, a mark of a distant Grusk ancestor. Using his illusions he almost always keeps his eyes looking more normal, but when stressed or low on mana his eyes will revert to their true colors. Likewise Sev prefers simple clothing that can be easily altered with his illusions, typically functional, if uninteresting, cloth tunic and trousers. The most distinctive item his carries with him is his spear, a token of his, admittedly short, military career and focus for the magic's he isn't gifed with.

Bio: Born to a poor family living in The Scar his parents quickly realized that some dormant Grusk blood had come to the forefront to give Sev eyes of a bright gold. Not wanting him to be persecuted for this heritage they kept him sheltered in their rundown home, only their most trusted friends knowing about his condition while others were simply told that he was 'unable to go outside due to a deformity.' As he grew older, Sev became envious of those outside, coming to hate his own eyes and wishing they were more normal. One day his Grusk blood manifested again as his years of desire and pleading manifested his first Gift, that of Light magic. His parents were hesitant at first, knowing that a Gift of light magic was as much of a tell as his eyes, but eventually they were forced to allow him out as his father grew ill in his age.

Sev quickly gained a reputation as something of a prankster, learning to use his illusions in subtle ways that others wouldn't even recognize as magic. Pranks quickly turned to petty theft and pick pocketing out of a desire to provide for his parents. During this time his second gift manifested, a more standard Slyve gift with Air magic. This continued for a while, but he wasn't as skilled with his air magic as he was with illusions and was caught when trying to rob a low ranking officer in the Sylve military. Sev was given the choice of losing his hand, a standard punishment for theft, or being drafted into the army due to his gift with air.

He didn't take long to realize he wasn't one for the military. His pranks were no longer considered 'amusing' or even just 'annoying' but earned him punishment. When he was caught anyways. Sev managed to squeak through the training, keeping his light magic a secret, learning a decent amount about how to use the air to assist him in combat. He also got a chance to learn magics from other elements, being given a magical spear to use to channel these other spells. He didn't get very far beyond basic summoning of fire and ice before he was shipped off, first to guarding some shrine and then to border duty, being told to 'keep practicing' so that he might become worthy of further training.

If military training wasn't for him, manning a border post was even worse, trapped in the middle of nowhere with a couple of humorless mooks. He lasted a month before he decided to slip away while out on patrol at night. He didn't even hear if the other guards reported him missing, they may have been glad he was gone after dealing with his pranks. Between his illusions, military knowledge and a life growing up on the streets he was easily able to find his way to a town outside of The Scar. Some minor pickpocketing to earn enough for a change of clothing, maintaining illusions on his whole body would get tiring after a while, he quickly moved on. Deciding to simply see where the road takes him.

Equipment:

-One Sylven arcane bladed spear used for casting in combat (typically covered in an illusion to look like a walking staff)



-Commoner's clothing

-Traveling Gear

-Light leather armor

Abilities:

Basic military training: While Sev knows which end of the spear to point at the enemy and can handle the basics of fighting he isn't a combat powerhouse by any means, relying more on trickery and speed than strength or technique to get through most fights.

Gifts of Air and Light: Sev is gifted with Air and Light magic due to his mixed Slyve/Grusk blood. In fact he is so adept with light magic that only the most stressful situations can disrupt the illusion over his eyes as he has been maintaining that spell for years without break. While the uses for these gifts are manifest, Sev likes using them in subtle ways that others might not even recognize as magic. Between these two gifts he has a number of preferred techniques.

-Appearance Alteration: Sev can cloak any object he touches in an illusion making it appear to be something it isn't. The illusions need to be the same general size and shape of the item in question as it doesn't alter the physical properties of an object and often simply touching an item cloaked in such an illusion will make it obvious the object isn't what it seems. The duration of the illusion varies based on the complexity of the item and mana invested, but can be refreshed so long as Sev keeps touching the item.

-Solid air: Sev can temporarily solidify air to mimic a solid object. The solid air remains more fragile than an actual physical grip but can still allow him to manipulate objects at a distance. When combined with his appearance alteration and illusions this can add some disturbing levels of realism to make people further question what is or isn't an illusion.

-Quickening: a Sylve army spell, it causes the winds around the caster to flow with them, allowing them to move faster, jump higher and pull off otherwise impossible moves. This ability speeds up his movements but not his mind, and while he has received training with Quickening he isn't overly skilled with it, preferring to use it for short, pre-planned bursts of movement rather than keeping it up throughout combat like many gifted Sylve do.

-Spell Mimicry: When all else fails, using his Air and Light magics together Sevuid can create the illusion of casting almost any spell he can think of. Be it summoning a dragon from thin air to darkening the sky with storm clouds, using light to create a visual illusion, with air magic to add gusts of winds and basic sounds to add realism to the effect, all while waving his arms and chanting can give the impression of casting spells of any sort. Of course it is all simply an illusion, there is no dragon or storm, as such Sev uses this ability only when needed as part of a greater trick.

Basic Fire/Ice Magic: Due to his affinity with Air magic he was taught the basics of fire and ice magic in the military, even being given an arcane spear to cast with, but he didn't get far. He can summon fire or ice at the tip of the spear, and even shoot them from the end (to middling effect). But he hasn't progressed much past that, often using these magics only to augment his combat ability.

Life on the Streets: Sev grew up as a pick pocket and petty thief, making him quite skilled at slight of hand and misdirection which he uses to augment his illusions. He is also something of a prankster, enjoying the challenge of pulling off generally harmless tricks on those around him without getting caught.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Kalla

"You wished to speak with me?" Sev asked, his voice still distorted from the air spell cast upon his throat.

"That is right," Jeevak started as he looked out to the stretching sea of sand. "I came when I sensed the power awaken in that young man. I was quite surprised to find that there was another person here born of gruskan blood.

Jeevak turned to Sev, "My name is Jeevak, King of the Grandis Empire. I wish to return to Death's Pass and rebuild our country. Return it to the once vivid and rich land it used to be, and re-establish a home where my people will no longer suffer the ignorance and violence this world has subjected them to. What is a King without a country and people for him to serve? My request, though simple in word yet not in action, is that you would join me in turning this dream into a reality. The gruskan people have been trampled on for far too long. They deserve to have a place where they don't have to hide behind masks and trickery just to eek out a meager existence. That is what I want, even if I have to find the Oracle herself to make it come true."[/color]

He crossed his arms and looked back out to the sands, "Places like this are rare. We both know it. So many are unnaccepting of us merely by birth.... If you wish to aid me, I can provide you with anything you may require. If not, well then, I can't say it wouldn't be dissapointing, but it would be understandable to stay with what you know vs the ramblings of what one could think is a strange traveler. Though the invitation will always be open."

"So you've come to recruit me for your little project?" Sev asked skeptically, "and, more importantly, you expect to be able to just carve out a place for 'our' people without any pushback or loss of life? Or are those just sacrifices you are willing to make?"

"If you speak true about being willing to let me go my own way, then that is my preference. I've no interest in fighting a war for a people I don't consider myself one of, nor a king I've never met," Sev said in a serious tone, his body tensing as he prepared for a violent reaction, ready to summon magic in an instant if needed.

"Stay your hand, young one, I said I have come here peacefully, these sands have seen enough blood today," he said calmly, not even worried about what Sev could do. He moved on to Sev's statement. "No, not quite. The land we will return to is the land of our forefathers. A blighted land that no man dares to tread and that I will make rich and vibrant once again. If someone were to take up arms against me wanting the lives of my people secured, then so be it, I will meet them on the battlefield. I tire of being witness to the lamentations and deaths of gruskan people based on superstition and hate alone. I will defend those who I have been given the power to defend, and I judge the heartless who see only with the eyes of loathing, fear, and violence," Jeevak replied passionately. There wasn't a waver in his voice or a second to spare for thinking, every word he spoke he spoke honestly. "If you wish to walk your own path, I can not force you down a path you wish not to tread. If you do take your own path, know that the gates of Grandis will be open for you should you change your mind.

"All nobles claim to fight for 'their people,' and every time they really mean they'll make their people fight for a cause the noble thinks is important. Anyone can speak of a greater good, an end to suffering, but none can deliver, not even the gods," Sev was seething at this point, slightly concerned by his own anger at what the man was saying, "you're righteous path will end not with the chosen land for 'our kind' but another kingdom built upon exploiting those weaker than you. All you'll have changed is who is weak and who is strong.

"By the end of this you'll become exactly what you claim to fight. No man, no syphie, grusk, or any creature, be they mortal or divine can resist the temptation of power. And I'll not have anything to do with it," Sev finished summoning a wave of magical power to form a massive illusion augmented with wind magic. Gale winds ripped up great clouds of sand that rapidly formed to create the head and body of a massive dragon. Great claws made of swirling sand dug into the dunes as the beast lowered it's head to roar, emitting a torrent of sand that engulfed Sev and Jeevak. Flesh tearing sands carried on a magical wind ripped through the two for a few long seconds, hiding both parties in an all encompassing torrent of dust.

Moments later the winds grew still, sand that had earlier been blown with the strength to scour the flesh of any in their path grew still, gently settling to the ground to reveal Sev had used spell to flee. No matter how good Jeevak's senses, magical or mundane, he was certain the miniature dust storm would have hidden him as he made his way back into town, cloaked in a veil of invisibility.

Jeevak sighs and shakes his head as the partial grusk lost his temper and comparitavely threw a magical tantrum. He didn't seem phased at all by it and instead let him go his own way as he said he could. He looked down at hs tw hands and clenched them into fists for a moment before relaxing them. Picking up the mask from his side, he placed it on. "I only ever desired the power I needed to accomplish my own goals, nothing more," he said to himself, "Hmm, one for two isn't all that bad... Kitchi, I know you are there. What have I told you about stalking me? If you want to ask me something you should feel free to ask."

Just then what seemed to be a small girl in a red cloak and mask popped up from one of the rooftops and hopped down. oddly, she seemed to have a sword strapped to her back and was wrapped up in a restraint jacket as well, and the look of her legs hinted to something that wasn't quite human in overall shape. "Found it! Found it! Me get? Pretty please!?" she hopped up and down excitedly.

"Ah, the treasure of the desert... You may go, Kitchi, but be careful. I sense an old friend there..." Jeevak warned.

"Will do! See later!" the girl seemed to chirp happily before dashing off blinding speed, kicking up sand in her wake.

Jeevak looked down at the ground where she was standing and saw that there was a candy wrapper on the ground, which for him, explained a lot. He sighed, knowing exactly who ay have supplied the half pint with the sweet treat.

As Sev reappeared from his illusion within town, having ditched the disguise when unseen, he scowled at himself. Why had what that man said made him so angry? Sure he didn't care for kingdoms or nations or laws, but he hadn't been threatened with anything. Perhaps it was how arrogant Jeevak was in simply claiming Sev as one of 'his people' without asking? As a wandering Battle Mage Sev had spent his life being his own person and for someone to come up and declare 'you are mine' was arrogant and insulting, but worthy of this level of anger? Sev didn't know.

With a quiet sigh Sev took a meandering path through town trying to find his way back to the tavern by a scenic route as to not be linked to the events that had happened at the temple then outside of town.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Kalla

"Let's see... smoked meat... leftover grain... some cheese, perfect!" Sev clapped cheerfully as he inspected the kitchen. He'd been hoping for some eggs but, if the inn ever had any, they were likely delivered daily by whatever farmer managed to keep chickens alive out in this desert hell. Or maybe the old innkeep went to purchase them before serving breakfast. Whatever the case it wouldn't be happening after the events of last night, much less the battle that had taken place just outside the inn this morning.

With his spear Sev started a fire in the stone oven with his magic, stocking it well with firewood laid out nearby, before pulling out a hand grain mill. Rapidly grinding down several handfuls of grain to flour he whistled tunelessly to himself as he began to make bread. When he was a kid, before his power over light manifested, he was always stuck at home while his parents worked. This lead to him making food for them once he was old enough to be trusted with the oven. They weren't well off, even after Sev became able to hide his eyes with an illusion and was able to start working, so they were always forced to make their own bread.

"I'll leave some bread for you!" Sev half sung as he first heard, then saw Maeve walk through the tavern towards her room, unsure if she even heard him. She needed her beauty sleep, not that she was bad looking as she was but the exhausted expression she struggled to hide did steal some of her beauty.

As the bread began to rise he sliced up some of the smoked meat, pork if he had to guess, laying out thick slices in a pan he also placed in the oven. He considered summoning some ice to cool the water he poured into a jar but the chill of night lingered, and the desert was quite cold at night. Besides his control over ice still wasn't to the point where he trusted himself not to shatter he jar.

Two rolls, the thick slabs of bacon and a hunk of cheese went on a wooden plate with the other two rolls going on another he left near the oven to stay warm, a small illusion floating above the plate stating it was "For Maeve" in letters that seemed to be carved from ice.

Placing his breakfast on the tavern bar and sitting down he dug in, his mind returning to the aftermath of the fight earlier. This man, whoever he was, wanted to speak to Grusk. More over he knew Sev was one. He was clearly a leader of some kind, probably a king, or at least a self proclaimed king. Kings meant politics, politics were bad.

The warrior mage thought about his initial decision to speak with the man later on in disguise, arguing back and forth in his mind while he outwardly seemed to be happily enjoying his meal. Sev didn't want to be involved in politics, they never ended well, he just wanted to explore the world, meet pretty ladies, get in exciting fights and have fun. He had no higher goal or motivation, only freedom. Nobles had goals they pushed onto others. Did Sev really want to speak with a man who clearly had some goal simply because he was able to see through Sev's illusions, both magical and mundane?

He might as well hear the man out, it would likely be several hours before the pretty lady woke and with little else of interest to pursue it might be worth the risk. On the other hand, if the man demanded that Sev be involved in whatever goals had crowded his kingly skull would he be able to escape? Perhaps it was safer to grab what water, food and money he can now and flee town. He wasn't a master of navigation but he could head east till he got out of the desert.

As he finished up his meal he leaned back in the bar stool, resting his back against the bar itself.

If the man came to a town this far out of the way it was likely he would follow Sev anywhere he went, the warrior mage eventually decided. Therefore the best option was to confront him now and see if he can be reasoned with. If he couldn't this would also be the best opportunity Sev had to win any fight, the warrior mage was almost full on mana, having used very little in the previous battle that had regenerated as he ate. The king-man, on the other hand, had to have used a substantial amount simply healing that man with the wind spirit, Sahale? Whatever the case now was the best time.

Returning his plates to the kitchen, retrieving his spear he grabbed a cloth from a closet in the back of the tavern, likely a spare sheet for the rooms upstairs, hid it under an arm and made his way outside. The man said he had business at the temple to Sev walked off the other way, giving Sylph and her boy toy plenty of room. Once out of sight he quickly fashioned a crude cloak out of the sheet using a length of rope from his pack. A quick illusion turned his spear into a gnarled old staff, throwing the cloak over his pack and covering his face he doubled back the other way, avoiding the town square so he wouldn't be spotted by anyone there and taking on the appearance of a twisted hunchback, his face cloaked in darkness seemingly from the cloak but actually from another illusion. A simple air spell distorted his voice so likely only the man who was there to find Grusk would recognize him, anyone else would see a hunched old hermit with a magic staff, the picture of a Grusk no one knew about.

If there was one thing he learned from the fight with Bardus it was to not rely on magic overmuch. People knew he was an illusionist, and why would an illusionist use a cloak to disguise himself when he could simply use magic? He learned that when he was younger to hide his powers, and he was both relearning it now and grateful for having 'borrowed' some alchemical items to supplement the disguise.

Now there was simply the matter of finding this man. Sev moved at a slow but steady limp towards the town temple. He'd prefer to stay away from people, the cloak did a good job hiding him but it wasn't perfect. Perhaps the man could be summoned, so to speak.

Coming to a stop in the plaza, if it could be called that, before the temple. Playing the role of an old man his wrinkled hand lifted the gnarled staff and tapped it on the ground. Light and power poured forth, a grand illusion of fire, ice, wind, rock and a dozen other elements rippled skyward. Surely none but a Grusk could summon such a display of magical proficiency. The mana was directed skyward to make it difficult to pick out particulars and a gust of wind sweeping through the buildings drowning out everything with wind mana.

As soon as it started the display vanished, fire, ice, stone, everything vanished as fast as it had been summoned leaving the in disguise Sev waiting for a response. After the battles of the past few days no villager would approach someone seemingly so powerful, only the man looking for him would dare.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Kalla

Sev grinned as he heard Badrus's screams, he hadn't honestly been expecting to do much damage. The 'spell' was mostly to throw Bardus off balance, make him question his own abilities, make him desperate. And judging by how he began to laugh it was successful. Sev palmed a flash bomb from a sleeve pocket, pressing it against his spear and covering it with his hand to hide it. While flash bombs were meant to be thrown at the ground to create a large flash and loud crack they worked just as well when crushed by hand. Of course, doing so tends to burn his hands. If there was magic he'd be able to shield himself to some extent but he still couldn't access it as Bardus charged madly towards Sev. He was just going to have to take the pain while hoping his gloves took most of the damage.

Externally he seemed to struggle to follow the headlong charge of the mad man, his spear point whipping around as if unable to decide on where to go. Sev had to suppress a grimace as Sahale was impaled by Bardus's weapon, hopefully the town's healers could save him but, even through squinted eyes, Sev knew it was a mortal wound. Now was the moment the act came together, despite his panicked and confused appearance Sev's heart was calm, he was in his element. He just had to keep the act of blindness up for a few more seconds, at the last moment when Bardus committed to an attack he'd shout some magical sounding nonsense and crush the flashbomb against his spear. The resulting distraction would disorient Bardus enough for the warrior mage to avoid the madman's blow while sticking him in the heart with the end of Sev's bladed spear. Even though this enemy was almost mythical in his strength no man could survive having his heart bisected, or at least, Sev hoped.

Before Bardus could commit to an attack there was a loud screech and the madman was tackled by a flying blur of claws and teeth. Even in his focused state Sev wasn't prepared for the wind spirit to launch a full out attack like this, surely getting so close to the madman was a death sentence if you didn't have a plan. Yet it seemed to work, Bardus suffering injuries grave enough that whatever he was doing to prevent Sev and Maeve from accessing mana stopped. Not one to waste the opportunity Sev quickly chanted some meaningless phrases under his breath to cover his casting of a number of light spells.

With his illusions once again covering his eyes, and his 'spell of sight' cast he was able to fully open his eyes once more. Divorcing himself from his image he took a few steps back and to the side, leaving his image standing with spear ready. Several illusions were prepared for the case that Bardus once again began to attack. With this new found strength flowing through him he even precast a number of ice spells, covering their triggers with more illusions.

But it was all unneeded as a new figure seemed to appear out of the air and grip Bardus by the neck. Sev could only watch in surprise as this new man, apparently named Jeevak, cowed Bardus. He allowed both himself and his image to relax visibly as Bardus was sent scurrying, and managed to contain his surprise as this Jeevak healed what should have been a mortally wounded Sahale. Whoever this was he was dangerous, more so than the madman, cheap tricks were less likely to work on him.

Sev stiffened slightly at the mention of two Grusk in the village, he knew of one in town but he was the only other. Before he could continue that line of thought Jeevak met his eyes, not those of his image, but Sev's own. The warrior mage's blood ran cold, while the removal of mana was surprising Sev could work with it, even turning it to his advantage in a way. But this, he instantly saw through not only Sev's illusions but the lie he'd spent his entire life covering up. The secret that had kept him locked away at home till he managed to learn to cover his eyes with an illusion.

Even as Sev's image turned to follow Jeevak's gaze, which to anyone else was fixed on something in the distance, Sev himself was frozen in terror the likes of which not even Bardus inflicted. His precast ice spells failed as he his mind struggled to work, the illusions covering them vanishing moments later. He only managed to keep his image and eyes going as such illusions were second nature to him. The seemingly unending moment finally released it's hold on Sev as Jeevak turned to walk towards the temple. He was silent for a long moment as the strange man walked off, the warrior mage's mind racing.

"Well, I haven't broken my fast yet, wonder if the innkeep would mind if I raided his kitchen," Sev's image said idly as the mage got himself under control. Joining back up with his image he did his best to hide the fear still running through his mind.

By the time he pushed open the blood stained doors to the inn he'd decided he had to speak with this Jeevak, if only to determine how much of a threat the man was to him. Bardus was a mad dog that had apparently slipped his leash, that didn't mean Jeevak was malicious, but it also didn't mean he was benevolent. If anything the company he kept meant he was a danger.

Sev would have to find a moment to slip away from others to meet secretly with the strange man, likely Maeve would be going to bed leaving him alone in the inn. That would be his best chance.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Kalla

Somehow Sev managed to block a couple of the stone shards sent their way when Bardus attacked, more through luck than judgement based on how many hits he actually took. A particularly large chuck of rock struck him in the stomach causing him to stumble forward, likely out of the path of Bardus's follow up attack were it not for the timely intervention of Sahale.

"All have you know," Sev replied indignantly as he turned to look for Bardus, "I managed to sleep all night without being attacked."

Through squinted eyes Sev was clearly unable to follow the barrage of blows that followed, though he was clearly shocked by the sudden winds. It took him a long second to process the appearance of the wind spirit, but once he did he had to repress a feral smile. Steadying himself he once more took a combat stance with his spear pointed in the general direction of Bardus, mostly.

"I won't get far if I try to run," the warrior mage told Maeve, "not in this state. But I'm not one to give up so easily. Besides, I think I have this worked out now."

Taking a deep breath Sev began to chant a spell under his breath, with no ability to sense mana it was impossible to tell if he was accomplishing anything, but it was unlikely. That didn't stop him as he moved the tip of his spear in practiced motions.

"Sigsus fir pyras!" Sev shouted extending his forward hand towards Bardus, the line a common finishing line to fire magic practiced around the Scar. With his other hand he thrust his spear forward and, quite unexpectedly, there was a wild burst of fire that exploded outwards from the spear tip. The flames wouldn't have reached very far on their own, while the spell apparently worked, it didn't work properly. The winds racing out from the group caught the flames, the fire spell seeming to grow into a torrent of heat as they washed across the ground towards Bardus, and everything else in that general direction wherever the winds carried them.

"Of course," Sev said happily, apparently having seen his own spell, "you have to counter act the aetheric resonance in the local lay field which makes mana unusable. Not an easy task but possible!"

With a mad smile he once more took his stance with both hands on his spear.

"Wonder how long till I'm back at my full power."

The Trick

When he stumbled Sev palmed a small flask of alchemists fire from a pocket, he carries around a small selection of tricky items from bottled fire to smoke bombs for when he needs to confuse people. (granted he only has a couple of each, they're expensive and hard to steal- uh, borrow.)

At the end of the spell cast he tossed the vial forward and struck it with the blade of his spear, given that he's lying about being nearly blind it wasn't hard. The shattering of the vial was covered by the rushing of powerful winds and the dust kicked up by those same winds likely making the small vial impossible to see unless you were looking for it.

Of course thrown alchemists fire doesn't go far, but when picked up by the winds it atomized and took off, growing in size and speed.

Everything Sev said about 'aetheric resonance' was complete techno-magic-babble bull with no meaning to confuse Bardus.

In fact, almost everything Sev said this post was a lie.

He was woken from his slumber by the attack, he can run just fine, he can and will give up and run if he needs to and thinks he'll get away (without his magic he doesn't think he can outrun Bardus), and he has no idea how magic stopped working.

Sev is a good liar.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Kalla

"I can hope," Sev half whispered to Maeve as the strange man struck the statue with his hoe. Watching the destruction of the statue was awe inspiring, even through the turbulent barrier he'd put up. In his mind he was debating with his escape plan but didn't know if the man was just showing off or about to attack. The shockwave released tore through his barrier as though it didn't exist, and in that instant Sev decided to grab the girl and flee.

His heart almost stopped when he was unable to grab the images of himself and Maeve to displace them with his gift and his gift of air failed to activate the quickening. In an act of desperation he thrust his spear forward, calling forth the most powerful fire magic he knew, only for nothing to happen.

In a moment of panic he felt for the illusion covering his eyes and was unable to feel it. He slowly lifted a hand to his face and spotted the slight gold of his eyes in the reflection of the metal studs that protected his fists. Despite all that happened the warrior mage's mind came to a screeching halt, raw panic threatening to set in due to his secret being exposed along with the appearance of this frighteningly powerful foe. Against a foe this powerful he couldn't run, and without his magic he didn't have a chance in combat. Maeve seemed to think combat was inevitable, but Sev's mind raced for another answer.

This man called him a simple performer of tricks? It sounded like it was meant to be something of an insult, but Sev took it as a compliment. In a moment of desperation Sev drew upon his 'performance' skills, this man wanted a performance, he'd give one. He'd show this man that he didn't need mana to use magic.

"What happened?" Sev asked, squinting his eyes as though trying to see his hand and, as an added bonus, obscuring their new color. He glanced up, squinting hard back and forth as though unable to make out anything, "one moment."

With a quick flick of his hand and muttered meaningless phrases he pretended to try and cast a spell on his eyes only for nothing to happen.

"Oh, I see," the Sylve said softly retaking a combat stance with his spear pointed noticeably to one side from where Bardus stood, facing one of the pieces of the destroyed sculpture that was silhouette on the horizon by the rising sun.

"Clever of you to recognize I'm hard of sight," the magician spoke, trying to control the panic in his voice to moderate success. Thankfully, with this ploy and the situation a little panicked wavering of the voice was expected and could only add to his believably, "I learned light magic to allow me to see and without it I am all but blind. I suppose I should feel honored that one such as you felt the need to take away my very ability to see before fighting me."

"Lady Maeve?" Sev said, turning his head enough so he could glance around towards where the Isoli was, struggling to find her, "don't worry about me, I may be nearly blind without my magic but I can still fight."

He turned to look back at the lump of stone tightening his grip on his spear staff.

"Though it might be prudent for you to run," he admitted in a softer voice, "I'm uncertain how much of a distraction I can be in this state but I know I can't flee."

The Vanishing Kingdom

Kalla

Allard's Inn

Sev woke far earlier than he intended, or wanted, to a crackling snap. In an instant his staff was in his hand with the head pointed at the source, which was oddly the door. When his air ward breaks it's supposed to make a single loud snap, this sounded more like the the ward was being torn apart. Through tired eyes Sev eyed the door confused as to what was happening. The first time the illusion of a staff that covered his spear shimmered he wasn't sure if it was real or not, rubbing the sleep from his eyes he confirmed it as the image wavered again, momentarily revealing parts of the staff. As he came around he could also feel the illusion covering his eyes shimmering slightly, which was distinctly not good. Both spells had enough mana to last for the night so they weren't on the verge of failing, yet something was messing with them.

While he was in the army Sev was trained in practical magic, throwing fire and ice, using his gift of air to boost his abilities and attack enemies, that kind of thing. Theoretical Thaumaturgy was beyond him, all he could tell is that there was something odd in the air that was messing with his spells. He closed his eyes to try and sense other magics in the area, but only felt a chaotic mess of mana blowing around the town. He did feel a familiar aura, somewhat drained but tense as though about to fight. While Sev wasn't skilled enough to pinpoint Maeve's aura, he could tell something was wrong.

Quickly strapping his armor on and throwing his tunic over it Sev made for the door of his inn room, dismissing what remained of the ward. Seeing his staff shimmer again he thought for a moment before dismissing the illusion, it was clear the illusion would be difficult to maintain, likely not work and be hard to explain. The spell around his eyes, however, he shored up with more mana and focus, hopefully he could keep any shimmering in his eyes to a minimum.

Half running through the doors of the inn Sev immediately found Maeve, rapier in hand looking up at where an odd man squatted.

"Who are you?" Maeve asked, having not seen Sev yet.

The warrior mage followed her gaze and felt his hands tighten on his spear as he took in the sight of the hoe wielding, pipe smoking man with a dried hand hanging from his belt. Any remnants of sleep were banished from his system as his mind raced, a dozen possibilities coming to mind. Taking a deep breath he came up with a plan, acutely aware his illusions would be unreliable.

"He's either a bandit with poor taste in costumes, or the boogyman my mother threatened me with as a kid," Sev said as calmly as he could, walking to Maeve's side, "possibly both."

With one hand he quickly drew a line in the air in front of him summoning a thin but turbulent barrier of air between the two of them and the strange man. If that man was who he dressed as the barrier wouldn't stop him, however it had a second, more important purpose, in that it could cover up his illusions if needed. The barrier wavered chaotically against whatever was disturbing the mana in the air, distorting images seen through it.

Letting the barrier stand he focused on the images of himself and Maeve, ready to divorce the two of them from their apparent location, grab her and run if needed. The dislocation would likely only last a moment but with the Quickening that was enough for him to get down the block and around a corner, even carrying a confused, and likely upset, woman.

Outwardly he did his best to look calm, intellectually he knew this man was likely a fake, one of the dozens of bandits who copied that look to strike fear in others. But the way his spells were being distorted and mana was blowing about had Sev on edge, his mind hyper-focused on the other man, ready to enact his plan to run at the first sign this man was able to back up the threat the costume he wore implied.