Emberfield Cottage is publicly known as the former home of Alistair Finch, a reclusive herbalist who lived there a century ago. He was a quiet man, tending his garden and providing common poultices and remedies to the local village. After his death from a "wasting sickness," the cottage was abandoned, considered unsettlingly isolated by locals, with no heir ever coming forward. The official town record simply lists the property as derelict.

However, the truth behind Alistair Finch is far more sinister than village gossip. He was, in fact, Arcanist Theron, a powerful mage who operated under a pseudonym during the tumultuous Shadow War. Theron delved deep into forbidden planar magic, choosing this location because it was a natural confluence of potent ley lines. He hoped to harness these energies to study the true nature of the invading entities that plagued the land.

Theron's dangerous research yielded crucial discoveries. These findings were later utilized by the formidable Archmage Ariel, enabling her to create the pivotal ritual. This powerful magic ultimately sealed the demonic forces on Stonewatch Island, ending the Shadow War. The cottage, steeped in such potent and secret history, now stands in decline.