Underdark

Lair of Cornugon

Jacob stared at the loot he had acquired. It was good, it was really, really, good but Jacob did not think his settlement could use any of it yet. The power leveling was a nice bonus and with the cavern clear they could use it for farming and planting of Herbalist plants. Thoughts for another time, "Ok guys, thank you all for downing that monster. It would have been months until we could have killed him without your help. Now, I want a bath but if you guys are ready we can instead make you all Vampires but we have to head back to do that." Jacob told them.

"Woohoo, finally. Do I get to have a cape?" Darren asked.

"If you want I guess, but for a Rogue, I would think it would slow you down and maybe catch on things. It might kill you too if it catches on the wrong thing." Jacob responded

The 5 Immortals continued to banter as they started walking back toward their home.

Fortress of Midnight

Mess Hall

Jacob, the four other Immortals, and the three newer Vampires stood in the sitting area of the Mess Hall. Miss Dotts and her two Goblin Assistance were preparing all the food necessary for the new Vampires. "So, from what I know that is going to happen is I am going to hit you with the Skill I have. It will drain you down to 1% of Life and then I will transfer 10% back with a little something extra that will make you a Vampire. After that, you will be down for about an hour when you will wake up. You will require a large amount of Blood and Food to finish up changing." Yilme looked slightly disgusted by the fact but being a Vampire required some liquid diet.

"After that...welcome to the Party people. I would suggest you grind and gain some levels. I could send some of the guards or some of my Bonded with you until you get some levels. Either way, we all have to go to a Ball in 3 days, for the Vampires it is mandatory so I will be taking the ladies to the Tomb tomorrow to get some gowns and acquire something for myself. You guys will come with me and we can get you set up for Bonded and clothing on the trip as well. Now, who wants to go first?" Jacob asked the 4 other Immortals.

Tarren sighed and raised his hand, "Since I am a tank, guess I get to go first. What do you want me to do?"

"First strip down to some pants and a loose shirt. Nothing with Holy or Light based magic on you. If so, put it in your inventory, you can experiment on how much it hurts later. Then lay down on the table, we will do it here." Jacob said as Tarren scrambled to unequip all his armor and items.

A few minutes later the Human Paladin was laying down on the table as Jacob prepared to activate the ability, "By the way, this is going to hurt." Jacob stated as the Ability activated and Tarrens health dropped like a stone and Jacob could feel as his power started building and suddenly shoved into the Humans body.

Jacob stumbled back but Eiloma caught him and guided him into a seat. That's when he saw Chalxae and June snarling at Darren while both Yilme and Zakoc just looked confused. "What is the problems, ladies?" Jacob asked

June responded while Chalxae moved closer to Jacob, "This one started moving closer as you were finishing. He is a Rogue and could have easily killed you in your weakened state."

"True, but he could have been moving closer because he was worried about me and was concerned about my safety. Also, the fact he has not killed anyone of us speaks very well for his intentions." Jacob responded.

June nodded and started to relax but Chalxae continued to stare at the Rogue. Jacob squeezed Eilomas' hand and stood to approach the borderline Feral Vampire. He didn't move fast or touch her, he just stood in front of her and forced her to look at him. "Chal....breath and look at me, please. Thank you for your concern and it means a lot to me, but I brought these people here because I trust them. I am making them like us because I trust them, will you trust me on this?" Chalxae considered her words and slowly her talons and fangs withdrew back into her body. When she looked in Jacobs' eyes again, her eyes were they normal color again, dark green with flakes of red.

"You trust to easy Jacob Longstrider, you care too much about your people, but it is one of the reasons why you have earned the respect and trust of those around you. They might be your friends and you may trust them, but they have not earned our trust and we will look out for your safety until they have earned it. We do not care if you like it or not." with that Chalxae quickly grabbed his head and kissed Jacob. It had been something she had wanted to do for a very long time. With him putting himself at risk like this, she did not know if she would get another chance, he was always in control of all his emotions and was failing to live. As she moved away from Jacob she pinched his ass which caused him to yelp and jump away.

"Look, they mighty Executioner brought low by a woman pinching his ass, if only your enemies could see you now." June quipped as Chalxae sat down beside her, the comment broke the tension and made everyone else relax and laugh.

"Ok, now that everyone is settled, who is next?" Jacob asked as he smiled at the three awaiting Immortal who was smirking at him. He knew he was going to eat shit later for the kiss, but right now they depended on him. Jacob watched as the 4 newly minted Vampires made their way out of the Fortress with Thelgrum, Fenwyn, and Mug. Jacob had given clear orders that they were to stay away from any dungeons and just grind monsters within an hours distance from the Fortress. They had all been surprised they had been able to consume all the food and blood and then be able to go adventuring. It was time to get back to work for Jacob though, he still had to deal with the Smithy and figure out what exactly was the Bone Barracks. Jacob pulled the glowing ball of bone from his inventory and looked at it.

Do you wish to deploy the Bone Barracks? Yes/No

Alert...once the Bone Barracks is deployed, it cannot be placed in travel mode again until 30 days have passed.

Access your Throne to see relevant Information about the Bone Barracks...

Nice, a unique building that could be deployed and then made transportable again. Very nice. The ball started to jiggle and rattle as Jacob dropped it onto the ground. It quickly rolled away from the surprised Lord and with seconds it stopped and suddenly exploded. Bones, what looked like Ghosts, and Raw Mana swept up into a vortex but then the vortex reversed and swept outward. When the dust settled a very unusual building stood before him. It was about the same size as the other barracks but it was almost completely made of bones. A huge skull with double doors for a mouth was the center effigy. "Beautifull isn't it. I told you my ideas are crazy but they work....most of the time." Abraxxus stated as he stared at the Bone Barracks with pride, "Now just imagine what I could do with that Anvil and Smithy...." Jacob did for the first time take the Alchemist seriously.

"Two things Master Abraxxus, one we have a corpse of an Elite Pit Fiend nearby, I am sure you could do something interesting with it. Second, I am going to look at the interface and review the information about your Bone Barracks, if it is as interesting as you say it is, you will definitely have your shot at the Smithy." with that Jacob strode back toward the Fortified Hall, time to see what he had just unleashed.

Alert...Regional Announcement...Alert

The...Bone Barracks...has been deployed at the Fortress of Midnight. May the enemies of the fortress quiver in Fear while the allies look on with renewed Hope.

Alert...Regional Announcement...Alert

Holy shit, talk about possible Evil Overlord vibe...The Bone Barracks was certainly valuable, but he had no wish to rule the world...

Spoiler: Spoiler

Bone Barracks (Unique)

Inhabitants: N/A

Durability: 50,000/50,000

Description: The Bone Barracks is the result of Abraxxus Alchemy and Necromancy, it is similar to the Bone Barracks of the Noble Undead but is completely Unique. This Bone Barracks has the ability to create mindless Undead that will protect your settlement from attack from within or an invasion force. The only limitation is that it requires the bones of the dead and other materials to produce more. Create a small Guard or even entire Legions, it is up to you.

Bonus: You can introduce items to upgrade your units, such as weapons, armor, poisons, etc...but it will take time for the Barracks to consume and process these materials. Once introduced, they cannot be taken back and will be a part of all units constructed.

Bone Barracks Construction Queue...

Spoiler: Spoiler

Resource Units Available: 5000

Unit: Skeletal Warrior (LVL 10)

Health: 1000

Equipment: Bone Shield and Sword/Spear

Damage: 25-40

Abilities: Power Stab, Shield Bash

Cost: 100

Unit: Skeletal Archer (LVL 10)

Health: 800

Equipment: Bone Bow and Arrows, Bone Knife

Damage: 20-35

Abilities: Piercing Shot, Dead Eye

Cost: 120

Unit: Elite Skeletal Warrior (LVL 12)

Health: 1500

Equipment: Bone Bastard Sword or Brutal Axe

Damage: 50-65

Abilities: Cleave, Whirlwind, Power Strike

Cost: 200

Unit: Skeletal Champion (LVL 15)

Health: 2000

Equipment: Varies

Damage: 60-75

Abilities: Commanding Aura, Rally Cry, Varies

Cost: 500

The basic units cost only the basic resources, but the more advanced units like Skeletal Mages required Elemental Stones to produce. While Bone Dragones required materials like platinum, gold, silver in various amounts, and no less than 3 Beast Cores which were rare drops off of high-level Elite Monsters and Bosses. The upgrades were interesting though, he could add materials, weapons, and armor and change how everything was produced. Like a scale of an Elite Pit Fiend might make the Skeletal units magical resistant....thoughts for later. Time to go let the mad doctor play with the Smithy...

Fortress of Midnight

Smithy

Torgan, Abraxxus, and Stroznog waited for Jacob as he approached with his three shadows. The women refused to leave his side even though he was perfectly safe, yes his health would not recover for another couple hours but he was here and safe behind his walls and with a small army. "Torgan and Stroz, as soon as you guys see the Anvil you are going to want to take it and run away. Please do not, it is one of a kind and a gift from a friend." with that statement every single person present stared at Jacob as he strode over to the middle of the Smith and where the new Anvil would sit once it was placed.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Star-Metal Anvil of Possibilities

Level: Legendary-Unique

Description: Star-Metal is rare metal that has fallen from the sky, some say it is from the heavens but no one is sure. It is one of the most difficult metals to work with and very few Master Smiths try because of this. Master Smith, Glagor Ironbreaker of Slate Cavern Fortress, made this Unique Anvil as one of his last great accomplishments. It has never been used and until it finds a Home, its true potential is unknown.

"A true Master of his craft, I have rarely felt anything like it. We are all lucky to even look upon it." Abraxxus stated with reverence as his hands glided over the great anvil. It was large and almost glowed with inner power.

Jacob nodded at the Lichs words, "Yes, it was one of his list creations and he gave it to me as a thank you for saving his life and for making sure he got home. He is a very good Dwarf and I will miss our talks, maybe I will see him again someday...Anyway, Abraxxus, this item is Unique. No one else can forge its like and I am trusting you not to destroy it, show these Smiths a Wonder that they have never seen my friend."

"I have one more request mylord, a small vile of your blood is the last ingredient i require to create what I want," Abraxxus stated as he held out the vile. Jacob looked at the vile and then back at the Lich considering what the Alchemist could do with just a few drops of his blood, much less a small vile. He drew a breath and made his decision.

Jacobs talons pierced his hand and drops of blood quickly filled the vile which caused the Lich to smile, "Thank you mylord now I need everyone to vacate the smithy unless they wish to become a permanent fixture of the new Smithy."

As Jacob led the others outside the Lich started chanting, as soon as they were at a safe distance they all turned back to watch the Lich work. First, a barrier went up to contain the energy, they glyphs started appearing all around and on the building glowing in blue, silver, and gold coloring. Eiloma gasped, "He is using Soul Magic...but how he is a Lich and not among the living?"

Jacob smiled, "That Lich has been alive for a very, very, long time. I am sure he can do many things we think impossible" Jacob said which although Abraxxus said nothing but he nodded at what his young lord had stated about him. A dozen potions and elixirs, including the vile of blood, and the anvil were now floating as the magic of Abraxxus Soul Magic continued to build and grow. The Smithy was groaning as the magic starting tearing it apart as something new and unique was being made...

Abraxxus was pulling in pure Etheric energy now, he had promised his Young Lord something unique that the world had never seen, he was close but using Soul Magic was very difficult to even for him. If he had not been a Lich he would already be dead, but between the power of the Anvil, the Full-Blood, and his own Soul, something unique and special was about to be made. All of this was possible because someone had faith in him and had asked him to do what he wanted.

Jacob watched as the magic built, he could see and feel as Abraxxus grew tired, Jacob felt where his mental connection was with his Minion and started feeding him his determination, confidence, and his life.

Skill Unlocked...

Name: Bond Transfer

Description: Blood Bonds are powerful and can be used to transfer emotions, thoughts, even one's life force if you are determined to save one of your Bonded. Know this, while the Bond Transfer is active, what happens to one happens to both. (Cooldown 24 Hours)

Jacob felt like his whole body was on fire and his head might explode as he felt his life start draining away as he fed his very life to Abraxxus so he could continue with his ceremony. The three women watched as the life started to fade from Jacob, everyone could see he was doing something to lend strength to the Lich but had no idea what.

Abraxxus could feel as new life and strength flooded into him and he saw the status he gained. He could see the link as his Lord fed him life and energy so he could continue but he could not keep it up for long. So Abraxxus accelerated the spell work, it was dangerous and might kill everyone but if he continued at the slow pace it would kill his Lord and he would not allow that. With a great shout and push of all the Etheric Energy and Mana, he had left he completed the spell.

A great explosion of light illuminated the Underdark as something Unique was created.

Attention...World Alert...Attention

The Master Alchemist, Abraxxus, working with an Anvil created by Master Smith, Glagor Ironbreaker, has created the Star Forged Smithy of Possibilities at the direction of Lord Jacob Longstrider of House Longstrider. This Legendary Unique building has never before seen its like and is now considered a World Wonder (See wiki about World Wonders).

Attention...World Alert...Attention

Jacob saw the new Forge...it appeared to be made of metal on the outside. Jacob could see the Lich leaning against the Anvil as he sat on it in exhaustion. Jacob inspected his status and the Lich had a Magically Exhausted, Soul Tired, and Mana Drained status. Being a person that depended on magic to survive, those De-Buffs could not be good for him so Jacob rushed over to him. The Bond Transfer had been canceled by the Lich when Jacob hit 10% life, "Abraxxus rest, take these Mana Potions, they will offer little to a being like you but perhaps they will help somewhat." Jacob said as he looked around the new building in amazement. Before 2 anvils and two forge fires had been present, now 5 anvils and 6 forge fires were present, the tools were placed in all the proper places, wood and coal awaited to be put in fires, and a few strong boxes were present waiting to be used. The Star-Metal Anvil rested dead center of the Smithy, the floor of the smithy appeared to be a globe of a world Jacob had never seen and above appeared to be the stars and galaxy itself. The Smithy thrummed with untapped energy as it awaited it, Masters, as Torgan and Stroznog walked inside and looked in awe at what had been done.

"Master Abraxxus, I apologize for not believing you before but to behold such wonder...I do not know if I am worthy to work in such a place." Torgan said as he continued to look around in wonder, the Hill-Dwarf nodded his head in agreement at the statement.

"I am almost afraid to work in such a place for fear the gods may strike me down for my presumption" Stroznog stated as he looked at the central Anvil.

Jacob glared at the Dwarf, "Let them try...This is our land and they are not welcome unless we invite them. Get over your awe lads, this Forge will be the beating heart of our home. Respect it, but do not fear it. It wants to be used and with it, we will build Armor to protect our families and loved ones. We will build Weapons that will strike down our enemies and send them running in terror. Respect it my Smiths, but do not ever fear it." with that said Jacob walked over and lay his hand on the central Anvil to access the building interface and bring up its information.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Star Forged Smithy of Possibilities (Unique-Legendary)

Durability: 75,000/75,000

Description: The Star Forged Smithy of Possibilities is a Legendary Wonder of the World, no one has ever seen its like before or ever will again. It was created from the Anvil of Star-Metal and with the Alchemy and Soul Magic of Master Abraxxus at the direction of Lord Jacob Longstrider of House Longstrider. Due to its nature, it can create any level (Common to Artifact) of an item. If an item is broken down, the Smith and Smithy have a 75% chance to learn Common-Rare plans, 50% Chance to learn Epic plans, 25% Chance to learn Legendary plans, and 5% chance to learn Artifact/Unique plans.

Bonus: Due to the nature of the building, it can have..odd...effects on the forging process, enhancing items or even destroying them if it finds them unworthy.

Additions:

Star Forged Smelter

Durability: N/A

Description: Due to the nature of the building, the Smelter will process any known Metal at a more efficient rate and has a 25% chance to duplicate efforts.

Star Forged Smelter

Durability: N/A

Description: Due to the nature of the building, the Smelter will process any known Metal at a more efficient rate and has a 25% chance to duplicate efforts.

Quest Completed: Heart of a Smithy

Description: Not only did you find a Unique anvil, you had your Master Alchemist enhance the Anvil and combine it with the smithy (We honestly bet that this process would blow up and destroy your settlement) creating the Star Forged Smithy of Possibilities....Congrats on not dying.

Rewards: 1000 Keep Experience, Star Forged Smithy of Possibilities, Luck stat increased (+50)

"You understand what low-profile means...correct?" Darren asked as he strode into the Smithy.

Jacob smiled as he turned and looked at the younger Vampire, "Yes I understand. How the hell was I to know that they would create a damn Wonder of the World? Congrats on hitting level 4 already. Got to love power leveling."

"Tarren is really happy that he might become a Paladin again if he can find some way to impress the Primordial Power looking over your shoulder. We had been grinding for 10 minutes, got to love killing things 8-12 levels above you when we got the regional alert about the Bone Barracks. Then Zakoc had to jinx it and say, 'Hey it is only a Regional Alert, we were the only ones to hear about it. It's not like he could do something that would make a World Alert...' I then reminded him that you had discovered an extinct race and stopped the invasion of the Abyss within the last game month. Both worth World Alerts...That was when we decided to run back here and hope we were wrong..." Darren continued to stare at Jacob who just smiled and nodded.

Shadows suddenly flew from around the room and swarmed the Rogue who suddenly looked uncertain, "I do not like your tone with Lord Longstrider Rogue. You are an Immortal so you cannot be destroyed but I can do many things that can make you wish for death." Abraxxus threatened as he rose from the ground. "We are constantly living on the edge of Death here in the Underdark, that is a fact of life down here you surfacers do not understand. Why do you think I gave him the Bone Barracks? I knew he would not create Legions of Undead, but he would use it to protect everyone he cares about. Now he has something else to use to protect everyone. Do not question him or his motives again." with that Abraxxus dismissed the Shadows and strode from the Forge.

"That guy is a total badass!" Darren said as he watched the Lich leave.

Jacob nodded as he walked up to the kneeling Rogue to help him up. "Yes he is, and he is the brains of my crazy little family here. I have no idea what his limits are and I am beginning to think that him accepting me was the luckiest thing to ever happen to me since I came to the Underdark. Now if you are done complaining, I need some rest. Between creating 4 new Vampires and saving Abraxxus, I am exhausted."

Fortress of Midnight

Personal Quarters

Jacob layback in the bath, it was scalding hot and well deserved as he let his worries flow away. "Thoughts on everything that has happened today. No holding back, I want your honest opinions," he asked as he felt the three women shift slightly. Jacob continued to relax and drink the pitcher of blood as the women conversed with looks and body language. "I was serious if you thought I was a dumbass. Say so please, you have all more than earned that ability to say in private."

"We do not think you did anything dumb, but we are worried that you will not use the Bone Barracks until it is too late. Master Abraxxus was right when he said you will not abuse it, but will you even use it at all?" Eiloma asked.

Jacob leaned back and gazed at the ceiling, "I honestly do not know. One way or the other. A part of me is thinking about waiting for the 30 days to lapse and change it back to travel mode and throw it away, but then anyone could grab it. I am just not comfortable with having that much power."

"Which is why my people have no problem with you having it. As long as it stays with you." Mikeal stated as the shadows withdrew from around him. Both June and Chalxae drew daggers and snarled at him while Eiloma started channeling magic ready to kill at a moments notice.

"Relax ladies, please...If he wanted me dead, he would have killed me earlier when everyone was concentrated on what Abraxxus was doing. He was right there. How are you doing Mikeal? Also why were you there at the Forge, I would have thought if you were to kill me it would have been right before or after I deployed the Bone Barracks?" Jacob asked the Deathwalker.

"The Undead of the Bone Barracks are constructs and not Higher Undead, so we have no problem with you either possessing the Bone Barracks or producing the Undead it can make. Now if you start producing large quantities and start invading all your neighbors, then we will step in and stop you. As far as why I was observing you at the Smithy...I had orders to ensure your survival in case anything went wrong. Your quick action at saving Abraxxus insured nothing went wrong." Mikeal replied.

Jacob absorbed that information to think about at a later time, "Well you and yours do not have to worry about Evil Overlord me, I have a difficult enough time running this place much less trying to conquer the Underdark with legions of Undead. You have to know though eventually, War will come, I am almost at war with the Sisters as is, eventually another power will object to our existence and we will be in a full-fledged war."

"We understand that and would have no problem with you going to war with neighbors to ensure your survival, but to conquer your neighbors for Power is a different thing altogether. Now enjoy your bath Lord Longstrider, I am sure I will see you again soon." with that the shadows stretched and he was gone again.

"How does he do that?" June asked after he left.

"The better question is where in those robes do you hide those knives and how do you not cut your selves when you walk?" Jacob asked so they would move on.

He knew he made a mistake when Chalxae whipped around with a Cheshire smile while looking at June, "Do you think he can handle it if we show him, dear sister?" Chalxae asked June while she continued to smile at Jacob. June smirked and nodded.

June placed one long muscled leg on the lip of the bath while drawing the robe further open until he saw her thigh and she kept going and revealed a sheath strapped to the outside of her left thigh. "This is where I keep my personal knife, every Drow woman has one. It is a last line of defense," while she talked her hand drew the robe further open revealing a very nice round firm ass that she promptly grabbed. "The knives are usually small and have only minor enchantments. Every Drow woman has one though.

"June prefers to keep her knife on her left leg as you can see master. I prefer to keep mine on the right." with that Chalxae placed her right leg on the lip of the tub but closer to Jacob. He learned two things right then...Chalxae had naturally white hair and landing strips crossed species lines, "Now as you can see here, while June prefers a straight double-edged blade, I prefer a slight curve to my blade, makes it easier to slash and parry attacks. Can you see what I am talking about Master?" Chalxae asked as her right hand replaced the blade at the sheath while her left slowly circled her clit. Junes moan snapped his attention back to her where she continued to grab and kneed her ass with her left hand while her right had found a far more interesting spot.

A fist slamming on his bedroom door and Captain Thorgron request to come in made all three women growl in frustration which brought Jacobs attention to Eiloma who was hastily standing while trying to re-wrap her robe and tie it. She was completely shaved and a nice perky 34C if Jacob had to guess. June and Chalxae quickly licked clean their fingers then hastily tightened their robes as the Captain entered the suite, Chalxae quickly moved to one corner of the bathroom while June strode over to stand behind Jacob, she quickly whispered, "Half the fun is the hunt Jacob, but we will eventually get the kill. That is one thing all three of us have agreed upon." before the Duergar entered the bathroom. Jacob wasn't sure if he wanted to curse the man or buy him a beer.

"I can come back if you want more time...in your bath mylord?" Thorgan stated while smirking at Jacob.

Asshole..."No, please report Captain. Business before...anything else. How are the new guards settling in?" Jacob asked.

Thorgan smirked, he could smell what was in the air and what had almost happened, the dam kid didn't have a chance at escaping the Drow. Even being an Immortal would not allow him to escape forever, didn't he realize that yet. "All the men are settled in, I appreciate the armor and the Smiths told me you already ordered more Armor, Shields, Swords, Spears, and Crossbows. Thank you mylord. We have the Tabards as well and the only thing we are lacking now is a Battle Standard. Now as far as the new hires go, I made a promise in your name that the Sergeants would be paid 3 Silver every 2 weeks. I will cover the difference if you disagree mylord."

Jacob nodded his head, "I trust you, Captain. You run the Guards as you see fit, if they are worth the 3 Silver, I will back you. Now as far as duties go, your primary duties of the guards will be the Halls security and my personal security when I cannot take my War Party. In 3 days, I have to attend a ball at the Palace, I will expect you to provide security to and from the event. All Vampires must attend, no Bonded are welcome due to security issues. Due to it being a formal event we will require carts or wagons so we will be presentable. Now should that be a problem?" Jacob asked the smirking Duergar.

"Not at all mylord. I will make sure I have an appropriate escort ready when the time comes. Also, do you plan on making use of the new Bone Barracks any time soon? It could boost our defenses drastically." Thorgan asked which caused the young Lord to flinch...Thorgan immediately picked up on the fact he was uncomfortable with this new power. "Trust your heart lad, when all else is uncertain, you can always trust that. Now I am going to leave you to your bath, it is obvious you could use the relaxation." with that, he bowed slightly at the waist and left.

The women immediately picked up on the fact the Captain had ruined the mood with his last question, Jacob pulled the plunger on the stone bath to let it start draining. Standing he started to pull his towel when June stopped him, "Thorgan was right, trust your heart, Jacob. You have a good and strong heart and it has won many of us over. Trust your heart and instincts on this, if it says to not use the Barracks then do not, but if it says to use the Barracks...then do it." while talking she wrapped him in the towel and covered his nakedness much to all the women's disappointment. Next, she pulled his head down and kissed him, slow and sensual with a promise of more before releasing him and walking away. The other two women kissed him as well before leaving. Jacob knew his life was just getting more and more complicated, but he could at least trust those three to keep him grounded.