Jacob and the rest of his War Party stumbled through the gate, it had been manned by a 6 Guardians now that the wall was actually complete. He could hear the construction crews had already started on the Quarry and Jacob was certain that Jigibs was already laying out the outline of the new Smithy with the help of Torgan. Jacob still had to make a run to the Tomb tomorrow to find a Grove Master and either another Smith or apprentice. Right now he wanted to sit down and have a beer and just relax...but work is never done if Eiloma purposeful stride was anything to go by. "Mylord, I assume everything went well based on the fact you all comeback and a horde of demons is not following you?" the Seneschal asked.

"Yes, we cleared the dungeon and Armageddon is not happening today. Now, what can I help with now? What decision must be made?" Jacob prompted the woman.

"People have been concerned about the lack of housing and are wondering when it will be fixed.Also we have transferred all the ore from the Silver Mine. We have stockpiled it near where the new Smithy will be. We have 4 Guards around it, and I understand why you are placing a priority on the Smithy, it is going to take a while to work through all the Ore." Jacob sighed

"We will build some housing as soon as we can. We are building essential building first, that includes housing for people. Now if there is nothing else, I would like to sit down and enjoy a cold beer. I will be in my office if anything critical comes up." With that Jacob strode off to the Fortified Hall. Time to get all his gear off and check on all the loot they had acquired and lock away that damn book.

Waiting on his desk was a warm cup of blood and a cold beer. Jacob downed the blood real quick, it did not mix with beer real well, then went to the armor rack and started putting all his armor, Moonlight, and shield away. Once done he went to his bath and spent the next 15 minutes just soaking while processing everything that had happened. It had been way too close of a call, in all honesty they had been under leveled for the quest to take out the fallen shaman, but once the clock started they didn't have a choice. If they had been in any other race, Jacob would have called up a local guild and let them deal with it, but he had no one. He still had to deal with some pop-ups and go through all the gear that dropped and take a look at the book too. Time to throw on some plain clothes and get to work.

One of the first things he pulled from his inventory was Ge'Kal Primer of the Dark Arts, he had meant to give it to Fenwyn the Warlock before the Dungeon Dive, but had forgotten about it in the rush to make sure they got there in time. No better time then the present Jacob thought as he strode out of the office and toward his the rooms that held his Bonded. He knocked on the door that held the 4 females and Chalxae responded. "Have you come for some company mylord? I must confess after surviving today I would not mind being reminded of how alive we are...." she stated boldly while biting her lip in suggestion.

Jacob snorted before responding to her teasing "Oh Chalxae, you will always have my heart and my bed!!!" which earned a snort from the Rogue and a laugh from June "I have come for Fenwyn." A yelp from further in the room signaled her presence which caused both Drow to laugh. "Relax Fenwyn, I am here to give you a gift as an apology for the words I told you earlier. This Primer is now yours, may it serve you better than its last master." Jacob stated as he handed the Arcane book to the Gnome. She responded quickly "Thanks Master! I live to serve!!"

Jacob sighed "First off, I am no Master to anyone. You are not my slave, you are Bonded to me. I see all of you as my extended family.' which earned another snort from both Drow this time 'OK, it's a fucked up family, but still family. If at any time you wish to break the Bond and go back to the Pit, say so and it will be done. Now if you will all excuse me ladies, I have more work to do." With that Jacob left the room and went to finish sorting the loot and checking his notifications.

Know this...Primordial power of Balance has taken notice that you have stopped the mad plans of Grurez the Fallen and slain the Agent of the Abyss. Continue the Path you have set Oathmaker and Balences favor will be on your side.

Know this...The Lords of the Light, the rulers of the Heavons have taken notice of your actions against the Lords of the Abyss. This will have unknown consequences in the coming days.

Know this...The Lords of the Abyss, rulers of the Hells have taken notice of your actions against them. This will have unknown consequences in the coming days.

Well shit, two more Factions Jacob didn't want knowing about himself or his people. He knew someday soon it would come back and bite him in the ass at the exact wrong time.... At least 'Balance' liked what he did. Time to check out all the goodies from the Dungeon....

Attention, for clearing the.... Cave of Damnation...for the first time you will receive additional awards. Also the Dungeon had attained... Ancient...status and had not been cleared in...2,000 years...both the rarity of items and monetary gain (X2) has been increased.

100 Gold Recieved

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Shield of the 8th Legion

Level: Rare

Properties: +40 to Armor Rating, 45% Chance to Block, Increase Block Skill by 5, Increase Parry by 5

Properties: Increase Constituion by 15, Increase Strength by 15

Properties: Every time the wielder is struck, their is a 10% Chance the attack will be reflected back onto the attacker (1 Minute cooldown)

Durability: 100/100

Requirments: 40 Const, 40 Str, lvl 22

Description: This shield has been issued to a Demon of the Legions of the Abyss and lost in battle. Use it well.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Orb of Hellish Clarity

Level: Rare

Properties: Decreases the cost of healing magic by 10%, at the cost of 5% of the wielders Mana

Properties: If the Healer is struck, the attacker has a 10% Chance of being set on fire dealing 500 damage over 5 seconds (30 Second Cooldown)

Description: This trinket has been passed down by the Demon of the Abyss to assist in keeping their warriors hale and whole.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Sacrificial Knife of the Abyss (Cursed)

Level: Epic

Damage: 35-50 (If used as a weapon, in a ceremony it kills the sacrafice instantly)

Properties: All Warlock spells cost 10% less Mana

Properties: All Warlock Spells deal 10% more Damage

Properties: Upon killing enemy in combat, their is a 10% chance a demon will be summoned to fight at your side for 5 minutes (Cooldown 10 Minutes)

Properties: Aura of Fear, all enemies within 10 yards of the wielder have a 15% chance of fleeing in Fear

Cursed Property: Once the wielder has killed with the knife, they must kill at least once a day in either combat or ceremony. The wielder will also be marked, if they die they will be resurrected as a Revenant to serve the Lords of the Abyss

Durability: 150/150

Requirments: Level 25, Warlock, Intel 40, Wis 40

Description: This blade has been used by the Grurez the Fallen to sacrifice hundreds of Clan Gem'Lock in his mad craving of Power. It has been stained and constantly drips Blood.

That explained what had happened to Grurez, either he had been killed or he had run out of sacrifices. Based on how the blade looked and felt, he was betting on the later and not the former. Either way, in the little hideaway it went, to dangerous to let go. He wasn't giving it to one of his Bonded that was certain, unless the Curse could be removed. On to the next item

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Helm of Demonic Rage

Level: Epic/Scalable Level 1 (Absorbs 5% of Bearers Experience)

Properties: +30 to Armor Rating

Properties: Increase Contituion by 10 and Strength by 15

Properties: All enemies within 5 feet have a 5% chance to run away in fear, after they will be Enraged (Deal 10% more damage but recieve 5% more damage) and attack the wearer.

Properties: When the wearer reaches 50% Health, the wearer can trigger Demonic Rage which will sorround the wearer in Hellfire dealing 50 Damage to all enemies within 5 Feet and increases the physical damage by 10% but increases incoming damage by 5% for 30 seconds (Cooldown 1 minute)

Requirment: Level 25, 40 Constitution, 45 Strength

Durability: 150/150

Description: This helm was forged with Hell-Steel, quiched with the blood of fallen warriors. Its visage is that of an enraged Demon that strikes Fear and Hate in those around it.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Staff of the Gem'Lock Tribe

Level: Epic

Damage: 40-55 Physical

Properties: Shaman spells consume 8% less Mana

Properties: Increases Intelligience by 10 and Widom by 15

Properties: The benifits of Totems are doubled

Properties: If the Wielder is struck, their is a 10% chance a Spirit will rise to defend the Shaman for 1 minute (Cooldown 5 minutes)

Requirment: Level 26, Shaman class, 44 Intel, 44 Wisdom

Durability: 160/160

Description: This staff has been handed down from one Shaman to another for thousands of years until Grurez forsoke the Path of the Shaman for lies and Power. The Spirits of the Tribe remember what this staff once stood for and will come if called by a worthy wielder.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Daggers of the Abyss

Level: Epic

Damage: 50-65 MH, 40-55 OH

Properties: Increase Dex by 15 and Agility by 15

Properties: Increase damage of Backstab by 20%

Properties: IF wielder is behind or on the flank of enemies, damage delt is increased by 10% to all basic attacks

Properties: The wielder of these Daggers are obscured by Shadows and Darkness increasing the chance that enemies will miss striking them by 15%.

Requirment: Level 26, Rogue, Dexterity 44, Agility 44

Durability: 150/200

Description: These Daggers were forged for the Agents of the Abyss, only the most dangerous agents were trusted with these daggers to be the unseen eyes, ears, and hands on the mortal plain.

No wonder Jacob had hardly damaged Borgal, between his natural evasion and the Daggers, Jacob hardly had any chance to strike him directly. Now last but far from the least Item he had aquired from that damned cave was the book that had started it all.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Grimoire of the Abyss

Durability: Indestructible

Description: This Book has existed for thousands of years, bound in the skin of fallen men, written with the blood of innocents, it cannot and will not be destroyed. It craves to be used to fulfill the Lords of the Abyss plans. The book has its on Will and as long as mortals walk this Realm it will always find its way into the hands of someone foolish enough to think it can be mastered. Anyone who tries to wield the Power of this book, will have their Souls bound to the Abyss.

Just looking at the thing made Jacob want to take a bath again. It seemed to absorb the surrounding light. What happened next was a surprise none-the-less though, as soon as he grabbed the Grimoire the room and everything around him dissolved into darkness. Slowly light revealed a figure on a Throne of Bones and Souls. He was 6ft tall, weighed probably 200 pounds of solid muscle, scarred, Pitch black eyes and a Crown of Bones on his head. Standing around the being been 8 figures obscured in shadows, OK where the fuck was he. His HUD was missing, and he could not pull up a map. "Relax Jacob Longstrider, you are not here in the Flesh and Blood. The Grimoire is merely projecting your thoughts here, think of this as a introduction of sorts. Before you ask, I know who you are because I talked to my agent before I let his essence pass into oblivion. He had failed us and did not deserve a second chance. You owe us this small talk since you destroyed our plans that have been in the making for a 1000 years. You Immortals come to our world and act so recklessly. We can be friends Jacob Longstrider of the Tomb of Eternal Night. You and your people will need Allies in the coming War. No matter what you do Jacob, the Mortal Realm will know War again like it has not seen in thousands of years all do to your peoples existence. You almost sacrificed your life to defeat my agent, not many people are willing to put everything at risk to attain their goals. We admire that about you. For now the Grimoire will stay within your reach, no one except you will be able to find it or touch it. Think of it as a peace offering between the Lords of the Abyss and you Jacob Longstrider of House Longstrider. Now we will let you go, if you wish to talk to us again, touch the Grimoire and will yourself to see this place again. We will be here." with that Jacob was claimed by darkness again. When it receded he was back in his Office again. HELL NO. Jacob opened the chest and buried the book underneath the Tome that held the secrets of the Order of Blood Knights. Jacob could have sworn he heard someone say 'Goodbye Master' before he let go of the Grimoire. Maybe he could talk to the Lords of the Light and have them take it and lock it away in some dusty vault in one of the Heavens, more likely if he mentioned the Grimoire they would Smite him.... Time to go talk to a third party.

Jacob strode down to where his guest was staying and knocked before entering. Jacob saw the Dwarf laying down and Snaggletooth and Mug silently casting healing magic upon the battered Dwarf. Jacob silently sat on the floor waiting for the two to finish all the while keeping his eyes pinned on the Druid. After several minutes they finished the healing, Snaggletooth signaled for Mug to leave while Snaggletooth waited to talk to Jacob. "I understand your concern, but I told him what you are trying to do for the Dwarf. If he compromises what you are trying to do I will kill him myself." Snaggletooth whispered in Jacobs ear as the Dwarf started to wake. Jacob merely nodded and indicated for the Shaman to leave. Jacob stood and sat next to the waking Dwarf.

"So I hear that you be a great Hero today, stopping an invasion of the Abyss on the Mortal Realm. Not many can boast of such things' lad, but based on your walk, your burdens are even greater now. So lad, tell this old Dwarf what is wrong and maybe I can help or offer advice" Jacob pondered at what the old Dwarf had said before forming his words with care.

"I know that Dwarfs prefer directness, but for both of our safeties I must speak of theory. Will you listen to my theory Master Dwarf?" The Dwarf sighed but signaled Jacob to continue "In theory we won the day, we stopped the Legions from coming to our realm. In theory the one who defeated the Agent of the Abyss and his Pawn would have received spoils from the Battle. Now in theory, that would include the Grimoire of the Abyss. How would one go about either destroying such a thing or hiding so no one could have it...in theory?" Jacob spoke with great care while looking at the Dwarf.

The old Dwarf hissed and spit on the ground when he heard the name. "By Mordins Beard and Balls lad. I wouldn't wish that burden on my worst enemy. The Grimoire of the Abyss and the Tome of the Heavens are two books empowered since the Heavens and the Abyss found the Mortal Realm. Neither can be destroyed and both have a will of their own, yet serve their respective Masters. You could throw both in the deepest pit and the next day they could be found by a farmer half-way around the world. All is part of the Balance between things, Light and Dark, Good and Evil, Justice and...well you get it lad. I would say lock it in a Vault somewhere lad and wait, eventually it will get out on its own. In theory of course. You are a good person, whatever you do, NEVER use it, they will own your soul if you do. Now if you do not mind I would like to sleep." with that the Dwarf lay back down and based on his breathing quickly fell asleep. Jacob considered the old Dwarf and his words. Jacob would not bend before the Sisters of the Damned, he would never let the Lords of the Abyss have his soul. With that thought he left the healing Dwarf to his much-needed rest and Jacob went to find his beer and many more in the real world.

The next morning Kevin woke to the pounding of his head and ringing of his phone "Whoever this is better be dying or giving me a million credits."

Kevin heard Matts deep laugh "Neither one my friend. Based on your response I can assume your Dungeon Apocalypse either went very good or bad. Since none of the Forums are talking about end of the World scenarios it went well for the most part."

Kevin responded "Its to early for deductive reasoning. Yes I stopped it but still got kinda screwed in the end. I am tired of being the lone Hero, I need you guys to get your asses in gear and down in the Underdark to back me up." Kevin bitched at his friend while slowly waking up.

"Well having us staying plugged in with the Guilds is pretty important. Right now if anyone finds out about you within the top 10 Guilds we will find out within 24 hours. If we cut ties and join you all that Intel will go away. Another thing is we have no idea where you are in the Underdark or how to get there once we go down there. Three I would suggest you talk to the Devs before you go inviting other Player to your party, they might want you to be the Lone Ranger for now" Matt replied trying to reason with the hungover Kevin.

"Dude, Lone Ranger had Tanto to back his ass up, so don't give me that shit about being alone. Two, I have a bead on getting to the surface that is about a weeks march from where I am. Three I will talk to the Devs, but I am pretty sure they won't care because they said in order to win the scenario I would need a Guild to help me out and when you guys become my species you guys will be zeroed out and start at 1 again!!!!" Kevin responded which caused to Matt to start stuttering. He did that when he was surprised or overwhelmed.

"1 week, are you serious... That is not that bad dude, we can pull that. Now having to give up our levels....but to have a chance to play as a new race and have a leg up on everyone else... I will drop a line to everyone, we might have to stay plugged in but that doesn't mean we can't send you people we trust." Matt responded happily.

"OK, but I can only make 20 others at this point, that is my cap for locals, Immortals are another story. Right now I am thinking about making three so that would leave 17 slots left dude. I got to get going and eat and get back to the grind. Take care Matt. Next time you talk to Jared remind him I need to know what to do with the Dwarf." with that Kevin ended the call. Time to get his shit together and see how his people were doing.