Jacob watched as Stroznog and one of his sons worked the Smelter, Jigibs was working on the second Smelter so they could double the work output. Also due to the work not being specialized general laborers could work the Smelters as long as someone from the Smithy watched them and kept them on track. 3 pieces of Silver Ore made a Silver unit, 2 pieces of Iron Ore made 1 Iron unit. Right now they were only smelting Silver due to having to pay the work crew. Right now Stroznog thought it would take them a better part of 3 days to smelt all the Silver Ore, which would produce 120 Silver units, 12 would be owed to the mining crew. "Thank you Stroznog, that Silver Ore is a priority for us to keep up the good work."

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Smelter (LVL 1)

Durability: 500/500

Description: The Smelter is an Addition for the Smithy and is not considered an independent Building per-say. A level 1 Smelter can process only limited metals though (Copper, Tin, Iron, Silver), upgrade the Smithy and Smelter to be able to Smelt higher Tier metals.

With that, Jacob walked into the Smithy. As simple as it was, it was the most advanced building in the settlement. Dozens of tool lined the wall, 2 anvils, and the fire of the forge highlighted Torgan and Stroznogs' other son as they worked on parts for the Barracks. Torgan looked up as Jacob entered and finished his work before placing it in oil to cool. "Mylord, how can I help you?" the Orc asked as he strode over to Jacob.

"I was wondering if you could make Common Iron Chainmail shirts? If so, how many could you make with the stocks of Iron we have?" Jacob asked the blacksmith.

Torgan eyes flickered as he reviewed screens only he could see before he responded, "Yes mylord, we have the plans for the shirts and they require only two units of Iron to make, simple affair really."

Jacob considered what he needed before he gave his orders "I need 30 Common Iron Chainmail shirts made for the new guards we are going to be recruiting. Can you also make Leather armor?"

Immediately Torgan shook his head. "I am sorry mylord, I work with leather on a little. I am not a Leather Worker, you would need someone to specialize in that."

"Ok, thank you. Start making Common Iron Chainmail shirts but do not let our stockpile of Iron Units to drop below 20. We still have construction to support, thank you Torgan." with that Jacob started to leave but Torgan stopped him.

"Before you leave mylord I have a request. We need a central Anvil for the Smithy, depending on the type of Anvil it can benefit the Smithy and thus the settlement. Can you buy or find one?" Torgan requested.

Quest Issued: Heart of a Smithy

Description: The Smith, Torgan Urgran, of the Fortress of Midnight has requested a central Anvil for the smithy. Various benefits will be enacted depending on the Anvil provided.

Rewards: 1000 Keep Experience, Varies

"Of course my friend. If you can think of anything else you need, please let me know immediately." Jacob told the Orc as he walked out of the Smithy.

As Jacob approached the Fortified Hall he saw the Drow prisoners in the stocks, with two Tomb Guards, were on either side of him. They had orders to make sure he stayed in and that no one was to abuse him, "How long has he been in them?" Jacob asked the nearest Guard.

"12 hours mylord." the Guard stated while glaring at the Drow.

Jacob stared at the Drow "You still want to teach me Drow?" he asked the former Swordmaster. The Drow nodded without looking up at him. "Get him out of there, get him some food and water. Let him sleep for 6 hours then throw him back in. You owe my people 13 lives Drow, the least you can do is endure 13 days in the stocks. Then I will consider your proposal." with that Jacob strode into the hall.

Inside waiting for him was Eiloma and surprisingly Abraxxus. The Lich had gained strength since the last time he had seen him and was at level 18, considering the Lich had seen no combat it was interesting he had gained so much experience. "Mylord, I need to talk to you about two things. First I was told you will be going on an expedition to the City of Ineford, this ring will allow you to communicate with the Seneschal from almost anywhere. Second, I was wondering if I might have the bones of our defeated enemies from the recent battle? With them, I will be able to create something that will increase our defenses and relieve some of the stress of all the work we are putting onto the Tomb Guardians." Abraxxus.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Ring of Paired Far-speaking

Properties: Allows the bearer of this ring to communicate with the paired ring over long distances.

Description: This ring is a mix of gold and silver with shards of obsidian and emerald dust embedded into it. I testament to the Master Alchemist.

Jacob looked at the ring and its counterpart that lay upon the Seneschals hand. "Thanks for the ring. As far as the bones go, you will have to talk to Andria Oakleaf, the Grove Mistress, about that. Eiloma, can you talk to one of the Captains about detailing a squad to escort Abraxxus to and from the Grove so he can request the bones. If she agrees, we need a work detail to get them together to transport back here."

Abraxxus immediately responded, "Mylord, if the Dryad agrees I will not need a work crew to transport the bones back here. I have my ways of doing that."

Jacob nodded as the Alchemist left "I have not forgotten the Alchemist lab I promised, as soon as we construct a few housing units it will be the next major building project." Jacob yelled after the Lich.

Jacob turned back to his Seneschal, who was eyeballing him for yelling after the Lich while trying not to smile. "What do you have for me Eiloma??" Jacob asked the High Elf-Vampire.

"You will be leaving in two days, you need to appoint someone to watch over the keep and have ultimate authority while you and Thorgron are gone. You said you wanted to run to the Tomb to finish outfitting Mug and Fenwyn. You need to research your Advanced Classes that will work well with your base class. What are we going to do with the Drow if he survives 13 days in the stocks? We need to look at buying plans so we can upgrade the mines we have unlocked and you still need to explore the last mine and if we can use it hire another work crew." the Seneschal responded to Jacobs' question.

"First, you will be in charge of the Fortress and everyone while I am gone. When the Drows time in the stocks is up, place him where the Dwarf is now with a guard as well. I will decide his fate when I get back. I will explore the Platinum mine today, make sure all my War Party is ready to move out, so I do not have to make two runs to the Tomb. I will take Mug and Fen to the Tomb of Eternal Night tomorrow." Jacob decided as he sat down and stared at his Seneschal.

Eiloma fidgeted as Jacob stared at her "What mylord?"

"You missed sparring this morning, why?" Jacob asked the fidgeting woman.

"I have other duties to attend to mylord. I cannot spend every waking moment doing what I want to do when 10 other things need to be done." Eiloma responded to Jacob as he continued to stare at her.

Jacob continued to watch as Eiloma started to squirm, then abruptly stood and loomed over her. He casually moved her blonde hair so that her left ear was unimpeded and leaned down to whisper in her ear "That was not a request my Seneschal. Sparring is mandatory for all new Vampires, you are a new Vampire so you will be there tomorrow. Otherwise, I will have to punish you, do you want me to punish you Eiloma. Do you want me to form you to my will and needs? I will if you push me, dear one." Jacob whispered as he grazed her ear with his lips while his fingers trailed up and down her arm. Jacob abruptly pulled away while calling over his shoulder for to make sure his War Party was ready to go immediately.

"A Funeral Pyre the other day, and now someone in the Stocks now. Acting more a like a normal Lord every day. Your Queen must be proud." Mikeal said. Jacob at first ignored the Deathwalker, he had things to do besides spending time bantering with someone who could kill him as easily as breath next to him.

"The Drow in the Stocks is the one that led the attack force that killed 13 of our people. He also wants to tutor me on strategy on the battlefield and politics. I said if he wishes to do those things, he has to atone in some way other then that first. He proposed 1 day in stocks for every person that died, I agreed. Now in response to the question you asked last time you saw me, they died because of what this place could become. I place of hope but not just for the Vampire people, but of all those who have become broken and hurt because of all the injustice that the Sisters of the Damned and those like them perpetuate. Someone needs to stand up for those people. If no one else will, I will and the people her will too. Does that answer your question Deathwalker?" Jacob responded.

The Deathwalker looked at Jacob as he continued to prepare for his day, he could see why the young Vampire was so dangerous but he still was not a danger to the Noble Undead. "I can see why so many have already flocked to your banner and why so many more will come to you Lord Longstrider. You are a beacon, and if you become a beacon for something dark...I understand why the leaders of the Noble Undead want you watched."

"Do the Noble Undead want the Vampire people to remain under the Curse?" Jacob asked the silent Deathwalker.

Mikeal at first just stared at Jacob but then decided to respond "I believe that my leaders do not care, one way or the other. I do believe they care how you get there though. Stay your path Jacob Longstrider, if you start swaying down the path of the Dark, we will eliminate you, the Underdark is bad enough as is without you influencing it down a darker road. I truly hope you do not go down that path, I think you can do much for everyone here in the Underdark." With that, the Deathwalker turned and the shadows exploded and consumed the assassin.

Jacob smiled as he continued to prepare, at least he had avoided death from the hands of the assassin today.

Attention...

Do you wish to open the Platinum/Titanium Mine of Midnight? Yes/No

Know this, once the Mine is open nearby Monsters can move in and occupy the mine.

Know this, it has been...2587...days since this mine has been opened. The Platinum/Titanium Mine of Midnight is in an unknown state of repair.

Chalxae darted through the door as it opened, she would report back on the immediate state of the mine within a few minutes.

A few minutes later the Rogue came back "We have a bunch of bones, but nothing living or Undead for the immediate area. Honestly, the place just feels empty." the Rogue reported.

30 minutes later they finished clearing the mine, it was kind of a let down that no monsters had occupied it, but it meant they could start using the mine sooner rather than later. Abraxxus could probably use the bones from the bodies though and the few weapons and all the picks and shovels would go to the smithy to be melted down and recast or not depending on if they could use the resources. "Ok, the mine is secure. Mug and Fenwyn, you guys are coming with me now back to the Tomb finish outfitting you guys for the trip. We will also hire another mining crew. The rest of you head back to the fortress and let Eiloma know we will be back later, please."

Before Jacob could teleport away June responded, "You should check with the Seneschal to see if she needs you to acquire anything from the Tomb mylord." Jacob though and she was right, he also needed research to see what Advanced Classes that would work well with the Blood Knight class.

"So, you want me to look for plans for Level 2 Silver and Iron mines, hire a work crew for the Platinum, look to see if I can find a jeweler to sell the raw jewels we will mine, and some supplies that Miss Dotts has requested. Anything else Seneschal?" Jacob asked the irate Vampire.

"That is all I can think of at the moment and I will let you know if we need anything else. That is one of the reasons why your Alchemist created these rings. I will also let Abraxxus know that a large number of bones were found in the last mine if he wants to try and salvage them." Eiloma responded while she continued to look over paperwork before her.

Jacob smiled in amusement at Eilomas actions. He quickly signaled Mug and Fenwyn over as he made his way outside to get a cart ready, a short trip was turning into something much longer.

An hour later they entered the inner city, both Mug and Fen looked nervous while Chalxae and June looked smug for some reason. The two had insisted on coming stating that he was going to mess up the shopping trip for some reason. Jacob just decided to have June and the two newer members go off and shop for what they needed and the supplies they needed for the Fortress while Jacob went to talk to the jeweler and hire a work crew to work the newest mine they had opened.

The Pit was bustling with business as usual as people scrambled everywhere. Jobs came in and the Non-Bonded left and people coming back from odd jobs. The clerks immediately noticed as one of the Nobility entered but Jacob took his time and stood in line even though more then one of those there would be willing to let him jump the line. He would wait though it would give him time to think about what AC he wanted to acquire. A few minutes later he was standing before the nearest Clerk still undecided. "How can the Pit assist you today Lord Longstrider?" the Clerk asked.

"I need a mining crew of 20, minimum of 30 days of work with the option of signing on permanently if they want after the 30 days." Jacob responded.

"30 days with an option to renew at the end of the contract is 10 Gold mylord. The mining crew will be assembled and waiting at the gate within 1 hour Sir. Anything else we can assist you with?" the Clerk responded, but Jacob declined and walked away as he found his way toward the local jeweler.

The Jeweler was a short nasty Goblin with a couple Orcs that ran security "How can I help you, sir?" Brizben asked Jacob.

Jacob felt like taking a bath just walking into this place, but he needed to unload the jewels. Right now he didn't have a gem cutter or jeweler to work the stones so he had to sell them. "I need to sell these stones. No markers, only gold in return." which caused the Goblin to smile at what the Vampire said.

6 emeralds, 4 diamonds, and 1 ruby all uncut landed in front of the Goblin. "These are very nice, being uncut will diminish the value though. I will give you 15 gold for the lot." Brizben smiled as Jacob just stared back.

Jacob was furious, he could easily get double that value anywhere on the surface. Jacob smiled before responding, "I think maybe it should be 30 good sirs."

The Goblin smiled nastily and smirked "I do not negotiate. I do not know you, half-breed. The offer now is 14 Gold for the lot."

Jacob quickly snatched up the stones before turning and started to leave "I plan on journeying to another city master Goblin. I wonder what will happen to the local market when the Houses realize they can start selling their goods to someone else other than you." Jacob called out as he left the bastard. The Goblin had opened his eyes to what his House could do for the Tomb and they would have a monopoly for the moment and if they treated customers well, they could make a steady amount of money which would both increase the strength of his people and the strength of the Tomb of Eternal Night.

Entering the city Engineers Office, Jacob was greeted by a Drow who listened to his request and took him before a clerk. The Duergar looked up from the paperwork he was looking at to greet the young lord, "How can the city Engineers Office assist you today mylord?"

"I need to price plans for a Level 2 Iron and Silver Mine sir and any other core buildings for a Core settlement." Jacob told the Duergar.

The clerk nodded before responding "If you have an Engineer working for you, he will know most Level 1 plans for all the basic buildings mylord. Specialized buildings and anything above level 1 is another story. Now for basic mines like that are 10 Gold apiece for the level 2 plans. You have to have level 1 mines and either a level 1 keep or estate to upgrade the mines are required to upgrade those mines. If you do not have any of those, you are wasting your money mylord. Also, if you are going to be spending a lot of money building and upgrading buildings, you might want to build a Research Center. It can create Blue Prints for both basic and specialized buildings, but it is up to you." Jacob thanked the clerk as he gathered up Chalxea, time to head toward the gate and home.

While waiting for miners and the rest of his Bonded, Jacob talked to James Shadowstrider about his possible Advanced Classes. He was leaning toward the Defender Class to round out his Tank abilities and the class would unlock passive abilities that would increase his War Parties defenses and their ability to recuperate from wounds. "Remember lad, both your Primary Class and your Advanced Class will have secondary effects on any military forces you command. Your Blood Knight class will give your forces a 5% increase to damage and 5% of all damage they deal will be recovered as health. Any raid group you lead will have that benefit, now the Defender AC will give your raid 5% increased Armor Rating and 5% increase to Dodge attacks." the Sergeant stated.

The hiss of the lizard pulling the cart and the yelling of people interrupted their discussion. Jacob looked at his convoy of workers and supplies before he handed the 1 Gold over to the Sergeant and received the Class book in return. He would use it later. "How was the shopping people? Mug and Fen, what did you guys buy? June, did you get all the supplies Eiloma to ask for?" Jacob asked while looking at his Bonded with expectation. June nodded and the Warlock and Druid displayed the items they had acquired so he could inspect them.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Sanctified Robes of the Void

Level: Rare

Properties: Increase Armor Rating by 65

Properties: Increases Intelligence by 25 and Wisdom by 25

Properties: 5% chance that an attack will be nullified upon striking the wearer

Requirement: Warlock, lvl 22, Requires Intel 30 and Wisdom 30

Durability: 75/75

Description: This robe has been soaked in void energy and will nullify some attacks.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Thorn Studded Leather of the Wild

Level: Rare

Properties: Increase Armor Rating by 100

Properties: Increases Intelligence by 20 and Wisdom by 25

Properties: Attackers receive 25 damage for every direct physical attack

Requirement: Druid, lvl 21. Intel 20 and Wisdom 20

Durability: 100/100

Description: This leather armor has been enhanced with Ironwood thorns to strike back at attackers.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Dark Oak Mace of the Wild

Level: Rare

Damage: 25-45 (Physical)

Properties: Increases wielders Mana by 5%

Properties: Increases Wielders Intel/Wisdom by 15

Requirement: Druid, lvl 20, Intel 25, Wisdom 20, Strength 15

Durability: 125/125

Description: This mace was created from Dark Oak wood, soaked in mana will increase the wielders potential abilities.

Fen had failed to find any special weapon but had bought a common knife that increased both her Intel and Wisdom by 10. Time to head back to the Fortress and get the new people settled in,