Underdark

Near the Fortress of Midnight

Jacob watched the winding snake that was his new guards and carts that made up the convoy. Everyone was tired and ready for real beds, Jacob had pushed them hard and they would reach the Fortress of Midnight by mid-day. "Are we there yet?" Darren asked. Which caused more than one person to glare at him.

Jacob sighed before responding, "We are getting closer. We have already passed the ruins of the Gem'Lock Clan and the Cave of Damnation. The mines I own are down the tunnel on your right, the tunnel on your left leads to certain death for anyone below level 50, in a couple of minutes we will see the Dark Oak Grove on the left and then we will reach the tunnel that leads to the cavern that houses the Fortress of Midnight about 20 minutes after that. We are really close people, just a little more travel time and we will be home."

"What type, level, abilities, etc does the creature have?" Tarren asked while looking at the tunnel entrance.

Jacob sent all the information he had been able to pull on the Demon the last time he saw it to the other Immortals. Seeing the information Tarren whistled, "That would be a fun little monster to take down. Pit Fiends are used as Shock Troops according to the Lore about the Abyssal Lord armies. According to the information you sent, you have a baby one...Don't look at me like that, Pit Fiends are usually level 150+ before they spawn in the world and they get stronger as they kill locals and Immortals. The top 10 have a standing agreement to work together if one spawns in the world with an open bounty of 1000 gold for anyone reporting a confirmed sighting."

"It would be a nice first kill for out new Guild!!" Yilme said while Zakoc nodded right behind her.

"We need a minimum of 10 Immortals to create a Guild, second I cannot create a Guild with you guys until I make you all Vampires and we would all have to level up to 50+ just to take that guy on, third I am not going to risk my Bonded or House members on a raid yet." Jacob responded to her idea.

"Then why don't we go take care of the little bugger now?" Zakoc asked as Jacob turned away from the tunnel and started following the guards.

"Where is your ressurection point placed? Ineford if you remembered to change it when you got there. Not at the fortress and I am not going back there for a couple weeks at least. So if your baby monster kills you, you will have one of the longest corpse runs in Fate history." Jacob responded as he continued to walk away.

Tarren nodded at Jacobs' statement, "So we go to your Fortress, get your new guards settled in and change our Resurrection points to the Fortress of Midnight. After that, those of us that are above 50+ will go check out the monster and if we can down it...We clear it out and free up your last resource point. You have to play Lord Longstrider when we get back, so it will give us something to do while you get things settled when you get back."

"I am not playing at anything Tarren!! When we are in this world, I am Jacob Longstrider, Leader of House Longstrider, Lord of the Fortress of MIdnight, and Royal Exicutiner. This is what I choose to become and when you choose to come down here and join me, you choose to follow me. Remember that." Jacob said as he strode off.

Jacob did not see as his friends looked at him in confusion for the most part, while Darren looked at him and shushed the others and quietly explained what he thought was going on.

Fortress of Midnight

Outer Cavern

As Jacob stepped into the Cavern that held the Fortress of Midnight, all the prompts he had been waiting for since he left popped up from all the construction completed and Fort Quests that had been finished. Ahh, the life of ruling a medieval fortress is never done. The Barracks was complete and all the additions he had requested that Eiloma added to the construction queue had been completed. The Fortress had two Banners on display, one was the Banner of the Royal Executioner and the second had a Black Background, a Warrior in Red, with a Starburst pattern in white. Jacob assumed that the second Banner was his new House Symbol. The same banners were draped on either side of the entrance of the Wall.

Wall Defenses Enhanced:

Spoiler: Spoiler

Portcullis: A Iron Metal Grate that will drop down and block Invaders from entering your settlement.

(Cost: 10 Iron Units)

Iron Striped Wooden Gate: This wooden door has been enhanced with Iron strips to strengthen it against Battering Rams and other Siege Weapons.

(Cost: 20 Wood units, 4 Iron units)

Construction Completed:

Spoiler: Spoiler

Major Construction Completed:

Barracks (LVL1)

Durability: 4000/4000

Inhabitants: 49/50

Description: As long as there have been organized militaries, there has been Barracks to House, Feed, Train, and Arm soldiers. This basic Barracks will house your soldiers, everything else still has to be built. The Barracks will increase the Morale (Fair) and increase the rate at which your soldiers/guards gain experience (+5). Building additions and upgrading the Barracks will increase these and have other effects upon your troops.

Bonus: Your personal guard is led by Thorgron Shadowsteel, who has been in service to one master or another for almost 100 years. Due to his experience, your personal guards will be more alert to assassination attempts (15% Increased Chance to catch Spies/Assassins/Rogues) and will deal more damage to outside threats (Damage to your enemies is increased by 5%).

Alchemy Hut (LVL 1)

Durability: 1000/1000

Description: Smiths have a Smithies, Masons have a Quarry, and Alchemists have a Lab. This is the most basic Alchemy lab and with an Alchemist expert, will produce basic potions. Increasing the level of the lab will unlock the ability to produce stronger Alchemy potions, solutions, poisons, and many other things. Also depending on who is working at the lab will determine what is produced, how long it takes, and how strong it is.

Bonus: Your Alchemy Hut is manned by a Master Alchemist and will produce 50% faster and will unlock new potions at an increased rate.

Long House (LVL 1)

Inhabitants: 30/30

Durability: 1000/1000

Description: This housing unit was built to hold multiple families during the early stages of frontier town and forts, it provides basic amenities and benefits other than providing a roof over peoples heads.

Amount Produced: 2

Minor Construction Completed:

Mess Hall (LVL 1)

Durability: 500/500

Description: This addition to your Fortified Hall houses both a kitchen and an eating area to provide comfort and atmosphere for the inhabitants of your Fortress/Settlement.

Storage Yard (LVL 1)

Durability: 800/800

Description: The Storage Yard is the most basic storage facility and can only house a minimum of resources (500 Units). Upgrading it will increase the number of resources that can be stored but it is highly recommended to build a Warehouse to store more valuable items.

Amount Produced: 2

Iron Mine (LVL 2)

Durability: N/A

Properties: This site allows you to produce 20 units of Iron a day.

Description: This Iron mine has been enhanced to increase safety and production. It can be improved to increase production

Silver Mine (LVL 2)

Durability: N/A

Properties: This site allows you to produce 12 units of Silver a day.

Description: This Silver Mine has been enhanced to increase safety and production. It can be improved to increase production

Cabin (LVL 1)

Inhabitants: 10/10

Durability: 500/500

Description: This building is little better than a hut and provides minimal housing for frontier towns and forts. Upgrading this building will increase the number of persons housed and the Morale benefits it provides.

Amount Produced: 4

Fort Quest(s) Complete

Spoiler: Spoiler

Quest Complete: Fortify your Fortress

Description: You have constructed your first Wall and built your first Barracks. Never stop preparing to either defend your home or attack your enemies.

Rewards: 1000 Fort Experience, Barracks Additions Unlocked

Quest Complete: Homes for the Homeless

Description: You have constructed two Long Houses for your people but this is the first step in housing and providing for your people.

Rewards: 1000 Fort Experience, Morale will be raised to (Fair)

Fort Quest(s) Issued

Spoiler: Spoiler

Quest Issued: Arming the Guard

Description: Now that the Barracks is complete, you need to Arm them and provide Armor as well. Consult with your Captain about what weapons/armor you will need to provide.

Armory Addition: Incomplete

Pieces of Armor: 30/50

Weapons: 0/50

Rewards: 500 Fort Experience, Variable

Quest Issued: Strengthen your Defenses

Description: Your wall is complete, now increase the number of defenses you have protecting your growing Fortress.

Defense Enhancements: 2/4

Rewards: 1000 Fort Experience, Variable

Quest Issued: Booming Economy

Description: You have ways to House, Feed, and Protect your people, now it is time to start making money off of them. Construct two buildings that you can tax or earn money from.

Rewards: 1000 Fort Experience, Variable

"We are not trying to insult you, Jacob. We are just not used to seeing you like this...a leader. We are used to you just playing around and doing all of this for fun, but you are serious now. It is something we did not expect." Darren said as he approached.

Jacob turned and looked at the Darren, "This stopped being about just fun as soon as I literally fell into this. A lot of expectations were put on my shoulders and I don't want to mess up this opportunity. I have a chance to turn my life around and I am going to take it. My people built this place and I am not going to let anyone roll over them and exploit them for their own ends. Only way I can do that is if I build this place up and make sure everyone is as strong as we can make them. Time is running out. 15 real world days, then shit is going to hit the fan and then everyone will start hunting us. So, if you guys are going to go kill the demon, transfer your Rez spot to the keep and get to it. Honestly, we could really use that cavern. If not...we have work to do." with that Jacob followed his new guards Home.

Fortress of Midnight

Main Hall

Eiloma tried to control her anger as she continued to argue with the assessor. "I do not care what you were told or who sent you. This land and everything on it belongs to Lord Jacob Longstrider, and until he returns you are not taking anything or anyone. Once he returns, he can decide what to do. Until then, you can wait in the Mess Hall. He should be back later today"

"Listen to you little bitch, every House pays taxes. NO ONE is exempt, including your precious Lord Longstrider. I will tax and take what and who I want, that includes you. I am sure some Lord in the Tomb will enjoy making sure you know your proper place. Now, you can turn over what I have asked for or I can bring back some of the Guard and take it." the Assessor snarled.

"Really...because the Queen disagrees with you. In fact, I have documents signed and witnessed stating that I am exempt from all taxes for 6 months once I took possession of this Fortress. It has not even been a month yet, so care to explain to me you little shit as to why you are threatening my people on my land. Why don't I settle this quickly, I will call the Queen up right now and figure out what is going on." Jacob said as he strode into the Hall. June, Chalxae, and 4 other Immortals Eiloma did not recognize followed him inside.

They all watched as Jacob took a coin out of his pocket and activated it. They could only hear what Jacob was saying though..."My Queen, I just returned home and....No, I am sorry I had not gotten a chance to...Oh yes, of course, I will make sure everyone is there. Mhhm, I will. I understand formal attire for the men and women," Jacob almost snarled as he said that, "Now as to why I contacted you, I have an asshole here...He looks like a mix of a rat and weasel. I am guessing a heritage of Human/Elf/Goblin maybe...I see...Uhhu, so what can I do?.... I understand My Queen, it will be immediately be done." with that Jacob turned and Moonlight flashed out as the Assessors head flew one way and his body dropped another.

"You two, I assume you want to live. Take that piece of shit with you when you all leave. Captain Thorgron, grab a contingent of the Guard and escort them to the edge of my lands. Miss Dotts, I apologize for making a mess of the floors, if I help serve breakfast tomorrow will you forgive me?" Jacob asked the older Gnome as Thorgron made sure the two bodyguards grabbed the corpse as he hustled them out the doors of the Fortified Hall.

Miss Dotts walked over to the returned lord and looked him up and down, "You have lost weight, you need to eat more. Good thing you got back when you did, if you were gone much longer you would be to thin for all your women to hold onto." with that she turned and went back into her Mess Hall while yelling at two Goblins to come to clean up the blood from the impromptu beheading.

Jacob blushed and his four friends started laughing, "Oh my god, she reminds me of your Nana. Blunt as hell, but funny as fuck as long it isn't aimed at you." Yilme stated. Jacob just nodded at the comment, she was right and he wouldn't change his Nana or the older Gnome for anything in the world.

Jacob shook himself, "Ok, guys make sure your Rez points have changed, then go see if you can down that demon. I got a bunch of stuff to deal with here. Message me if you need anything and I will make you guys Vampires tonight or tomorrow."

The four newcomers looked at each other and headed out. Each touched the archway before exiting the Hall to bind themselves to the Fortress. Jacob turned and approached the Eiloma before squeezing her hand, right now he was the Lord and she was the Seneschal, everything else could wait. Both Drow women saw it and looked at each other but didn't say anything. "Why don't you update me on everything going on while I read the letter the Queen sent." Eiloma smiled and nodded while handing over the letter to Jacob. She was happy that he was finally back, now if it was only nightfall...

Jacob Longstrider

Lord of House Longstrider

Royal Executioner

You and all others that you have Awakened are Formally invited (This is Mandatory) to the Ball of Remembrance and Rebirth. It will be held at the Palace of Night in three days, formal wear is required for all attendees. So please remember to purchase proper attire for your people and yourself. A guest will be in attendance that had requested your presence, so you better show up. I know you hate things like this, but as the Royal Executioner, you really do not have a choice.

Sincerely,

Queen Talia Sunstreaker

Lady of House Lightsbane

Ruler of the Tomb of Eternal Night

Jacob looked up from the letter as he sat on the Throne before he stood Jigibs, Magrum, Abraxxus, Torgan, Captain Thardan with an Orc Jacob did not know, and the Drow prisoner Tathlyn Hune. "I am sorry Master Jigibs and Master Torgan, but since we will be discussing what has been built, future construction and the guard equipment you two will be going dead last. Prisoner...Step foreward. Today as soon as I got home, a stranger was here. He was an assesor for the crown. Except the orders came from someone else, I killed the Assesor because he threatoned my people and insulted me. What would you advise??"

The Drow stepped forward and listened while he thought, "You are being placed in a political battle between the Queen and someone else. I assume a powerful member of her court or maybe even an Advisor to the Queen since they had the political strength to have the Assessor do what they wanted to do. You have three options that I can see, One ignore what happened and act as it never did. Two you can ask for assistance and hope the Queen takes care of the situation, or three Deal with it yourself. The first is least likely to work, the second depends on the Queen having the option to move against her/your enemies, and the last one will open you up to other Political and physical attacks but it will also strengthen your position more though."

Jacob stared at the Drow, two weeks away had cooled his anger but it was still there. "Step forward and kneel...Prisoner, it is my judgment that you have atoned somewhat for your crimes against my people. You will continue to atone for these crimes by advising me on political and tutoring me on strategy. If at any time I believe you have lied to me and betrayed me in any way I will kill you. Now you have a choice accept the offer and my Bond or you can go back to the Tomb and beg for clemency. Choose now." The Drow nodded his head and grabbed Jacob hand who immediately activated the ability to for a Blood Bond with the enemy. "Rise Tathlyn Hune, Guards release him and see that he is fed and finds a tent for the night."

Jacob took a moment as he pondered what he had done, hoping he had done the right thing before looking up at the remaining people, "Captain Thardan, I assume you and your soldiers are ready to go home. You will be leaving in two days to go home, I do not know what I can do for you between now and then but if I can ask and I will try."

Both the Orc and Duergar saluted with fists to chest, both wore the black armor of the Tomb Guardians, but the Orc had an additional emblem of a wagon wheel with a crossed hammer. "I am sorry mylord, but you will have to put up with my men and me for the foreseeable future. The Queen has decided that since you keep finding trouble that a permanent garrison is needed here to try and keep you out of trouble. Also, we have received reinforcements of another half century (50 troops) and they brought along replacements for the losses we took from the last battle. The other half of the century will arrive within the next week. Due to the resources, you have available and the current state of the Fortress the Queen has insisted on providing the resources to house two Centuries of the Tomb Guard and the resources will be arriving with the last half Century. This is Sgt. Umurn, he is a Siege Engineer. He is the one that helped design and oversaw the construction of the Portcullis and Iron Striped Wooden Gate."

At that point, the Orc continued the explanation, "Yes sir, I arrived with a dozen engineers and no offense saw the sorry state of the defenses here and insisted the Seneschal approve of the construction. Any further Defense Enhancements can be queued just like other construction from your Throne mylord. We can build enhancements to your walls, such as Towers and Earthen Berms, but without a Workshop, we cannot construct Siege Engines. I would also suggest a Warehouse be constructed to house Siege Equipment to ensure the equipment does not degrade."

"Well Captain and Sergeant, you are both welcome to stay as long as you like. All assistance to strengthen this Fortress is welcome and needed. For the record, trouble always seems to find me, not the other way around." Jacob responded which caused more than one chuckle. The Queen's decision to house 200 soldiers here was comforting though, the added defenders were more than welcome and the Siege Engineer was an added bonus. "Master Magrum, what do I owe for this honor, sir?"

Magrum stepped forward and bowed at the waist, "My lord, we have increased critical resource production across the board except with the Quarry. We need to increase the level of the Quarry and if you upgrade the Mason Hut (LVL 1) to the Stone Overseers Office (LVL 2) and hire an Apprentice Mason, we can open a second Quarry. That is my request mylord." Magrum bowed again and left.

Fort Quest Issued: Stone Value

Description: Your Fort Mason, Magrum Stonehand, has requested you either increase the level of the Quarry (to LVL 2) or increase the level of the Masons Hut (to Stone Overseers Office LVL2) and hire an Apprentice for him and build a second Quarry. To keep up with increasing construction demands, this will be required. How to go about this is up to you.

Rewards: Variable

Fuck me sideways, it always rains when it pours..."Abraxxus, please tell me you are here with some good news?" Jacob asked the Lich.

Abraxxus cocked his head to the side studying Jacobs pocket intently, the pocket where he would pull something from his inventory, "You have a very interesting piece of metal there mylord, do you mind if I study it?"

Jacob narrowed his eyes and sighed, "No you cannot and thanks for ruining the surprise. Torgan, I have the central Anvil you requested. It is very special and maybe even unique. So no, Abraxxus, you cannot have it. Now, what did you need to see me about?"

"Well, I can feel its power from here...its very special, and I can add...and a little...Hmmm. I can enhance what you have and make Master Torgans Smithy completely one-of-a-kind. It will keep the Anvil intact and the Smith will be enhanced. Anyway, I came to give you two things. Once you completed the Alchemy Hut thank you, here are the plans for my Laboratory, it requires some unique materials to construct but between you and Master Jigibs I am sure you can get it done. The Second thing is this," Abraxxus handed Jacob a glowing bone ball "Despite what some people would say, I do know what I am doing. Now if you decide you want me to enhance the Smithy, let me know. I think what you have in your hand proves I know what I am doing mylord." with that Abraxxus bowed and left the hall.

Quest Updated: Heart of a Smithy

Description: The Smith, Torgan Urgran, of the Fortress of Midnight has requested a central Anvil for the smithy. You have found a Unique Anvil for the Smithy and the Alchemist Abraxxus has noticed it and stated he can use his magic and alchemy to enhance both the Anvil and Smithy, but doing so might destroy both the Anvil and Smithy.

Rewards: 1000 Keep Experience, Unknown

Jacob dismissed the Quest prompt and focused on the glowing bone ball...

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Bone Barracks

Description: This Building Core* (See wiki for more info) was designed and created by a Master of Alchemy and Necromancy. It is unknown if it is Genious or Madness that drives Abraxxus, but due to his efforts, this Unique buildings now exists. Once deployed you can create legions of mindless Undead that will follow your whim, you just need.....materials to create them.

That...crazy ass...insane Alchemist. Genius or Madness was a very fine line as he put the Building Core away in his inventory. "Ok, last but far from least Masters Jigibs and Torgan. Master Torgan, if you have not noticed we came back with recruits for my personal Guard. We need to outfit them with Armor and Arms. I started this with the 30 Common Iron Mail Shirts, I need another 10. For arms, I need 30 shields that are large. Do you know what a Tower Shield is?" The Orc nodded while the Goblin rolled his eyes like he had asked a stupid question, "I need 30 Common Tower Shields, 42 Common Iron Short Swords, 30 Common Iron Spears, and 12 Common Crossbows. Now Jigibs, I received a prompt about all the construction you have been doing while I was away. Good job Sir, excellent job both of you for getting the jobs I requested done. I am sure Eiloma was a huge pain in the ass to both of you to get it done," which earned him a smack to the head from the Seneschal and grins from the Smith and Engineer, "Now that the Barracks is done we are going to be expanding that rapidly and we are going to build an R&D building as well. We need Blueprints for more advanced buildings, who do we need to man the R&D Building so we can get those plans? Also any building Suggestions?" Spoiler: Spoiler

Smithy Work Order Queued:

Common Iron Mail Shirt X 10 (Cost 20 Iron)

Common Tower Shield X 30 (Cost 15 Iron and 30 Wood)

Common Iron Short Sword X 42 (Cost 21 Iron and 21 Leather)

Common Iron Spears X 30 (Cost 15 Iron and 15 Wood)

Common Crossbows X 12 (Cost 3 Iron and 6 Wood)

Duration of Current Jobs-10 Days

The two looked at each other but the Orc nodded for the Goblin to go. "Well mylord, to staff the R&D Building you will need an Engineer that specialized in R&D to create the plans, and maybe an assistant or two. We need to keep expanding, with you bringing in those other Immortals it won't be long before they complain about a lack of a Mausoleum. We need a Workshop, General Store, Warehouse, Marketplace, Saw Mill, Mining Hut, Tannery, a Civic Building, we need more housing, we need a Bar or Inn. You need to expand this place as well, the Mess Hall was good, but you need to add more like the second story, a Vault, a War Room, and maybe Prison Cells. We have a lot to do, and it will cost a lot of time, money, and resources."

Jacob sighed, "I know we still have a bunch of work to do, but we have made a good effort and have completed a bunch of work. Look at what we have done to this place since we got here...Really think about it. I know we have more to do, but just because we have so much more to build does not mean we have done nothing. Now, Jigibs since you keep complaining about a lack of a Bar/Tavern I assume you have the Blue Print for one?" The Goblin nodded while he smiled, "Ok, R&D Building will be our priority, then a Warehouse, after that a Workshop. I assume you have the Blueprints for all those buildings. As far as minor construction, we will be expanding the Barracks with Additions to it and the Fortified Hall. Master Torgan, you are going to love you new Anvil, the old Dwarf we saved really outdid himself. Now, I know you both have the stuff to do and I would like a bath it has been a long 2 weeks." Both the Orc and Goblin bowed and left.

Jacob turned to Eiloma, "If you would follow me, I can have a working bath. Ladies if you would like to join us. Feel free, I am just going to hear about everything that has been going on while I was away." with that he turned away and headed toward his room. His back, ass, and feet hurt for walking or riding for 14 days straight. He needed a bath even if he was going to be listening to Eilomas report while he did it.

Alert!!

Player Darren Shadowstep has sent you an Emergency Message...

Dude, get over here and bring your War Party ASAP!!!

FUCK, When it Rains it Pours...

Jacob turned back toward the entrance and sprinted for the corral, time to go to go save his friends asses. Chalxae and June ran after him while Eiloma looked on in worry, someone always had to stay behind. That was her duty, while he was to lead and protect. Less than 5 minutes later 9 lizards were bounding for the Underdark. Underdark

Lair of Cornugon

Jacob and his War Party quickly arrived at the Cavern where they saw the 4 Immortals joking and sitting down, while the corpse of the Pit Fiend lay nearby. The cavern had taken damage as several small rock slides had collapsed part of the walls and some of the fields were obviously scorched from battle magic. "Well, what is the emergency, Darren?" Jacob asked the Rogue.

Darren looked at Jacob as he walked up to the tired Immortals, "Finally. No it was not an emergency but I thought you might want to power level a little by killing this guy off and we could use the loot to help fund the new Guild. He has just under a 100 life left and Tarrens Aura is keeping his regeneration in check so he cannot heal. Now I am going to ask to join your group, form a Raid Party and kill this guy so we can call it a day." Alert!!

Player Darren Shadowstep has requested to combine his War Party with yours, due to number constraints you must form a Raid Party, would you like to do so? Yes/No

You have formed a Raid Party: Slay Cornugon

Jacob gazed at the Elite Pit Fiend, it was broken and did not look alive but analyzing it revealed that it still had 89 health left. Normally even at that low of health, it would take time for Jacob and his people to kill the Pit Fiend but several of its organs had been exposed due to the battle and the wounds were still open to striking at. Jacob could easily gain a critical hit and finish the creature. Jacob approached the creature carefully, even with it weakened, it could easily kill him with an ability or just eating him. Jacob slammed Moonlight as deep as he could into the apparent organ and Cornugon shuddered as the last of his life leaked away as Moonlight absorbed energy from the rare creature. Prompts cascaded his window as Jacob looted the body.

Secret Achievement Unlocked: Titan Slayer II

Description: When fighting against stronger (+10 levels above your current lvl) opponents, you deal 15% more damage

Moonlight is now Level IV

You and your raid have gained strength from slaying...Cornugon the Elite Pit Fiend.

Tarren Lightbringer is now Level 101

Darren Shadowstep is now Level 91

Yilme Oaktree is now Level 77

Zakoc Oaktree is now Level 79

Jacob Longstrider is now Level 28

Thelgrum Orcbane is now Level 30

Fenwyn Cabot is now Level 29

Snaggletooth Stormcaller is now Level 27

Chalxae Freath is now Level 27

June Moonshadow is now Level 27

Shigna Firecaller is now Level 27

Mug Ruith is now Level 27