Fallen House of Thorn

First Floor-Main Hall

Compared to the outside of the House, the inside was amazingly beautiful. In other words, slightly less fucked up. The Main Hall branched with two hallways leading the length of the building, stairs at the back of the hall led to the second floor, and two closed doors on either side of the stairs. Too many choices, too many places they could be attacked. Carpets were ripped to shreds, scorch marks from fire, walls with marks that either was claw marks or impacts of bladed weapons. A battle had occurred here, but who had lost. An invading army would have sacked any wealth long ago...

"Well, well, well...my brother sends yet another group of assassins to kill me. Like all the rest, you will end up as food or converted to our cause. Oh...he sent Vampires this time, how interesting. My Masters will be very interested in how you got around the Curse!" Jacob watched as another Vampire strode around the second-floor landing. He analyzed the other Vampire while he was monologuing and stopped stunned at what he saw.

Dungeon Boss-Unique

Name: Alexie Oberon

Class: Priest/Zelot

Level: 30

Abilities: Shield of Faith, Slow Heal, Dark Burst, Aura of Frenzy, Damnation, Resurrection

Health: 1500

How would a Vampire have not one but two Faith related classes? "I promise cousin I will take care of the toys you brought me, they will feed me for years to come. My current toy is a little broken, I thought the Abyss would produce a hardier toy, but after a couple hundred years even demons will start to break." Jacob snarled and drew Moonlight when he realized Alexie was talking about Chalxae and Eiloma. Eiloma quickly stopped his advance as the two doors at the end of the room opened and a dozen robed beings flooded into the Hall. Jacob quickly gained control and breathed as he thought of what to do...

"You know, your brother wants you dead because you are crazy and a bit of an idiot. He thinks you are a blemish on House Thorn. Personally, I think you are those things and ugly. Seriously, you have to hurt woman to get it up...That's just sad if it was a domination thing...I would understand that, but the pain just to get your rocks off...." Jacob let his disgust show as Alexie paled at the childish insults.

"Kill him, kill them all!!" Alexi roared as he walked away.

"Oh... don't go. I am sorry if I hurt your feelings." Jacob called out as the first cultist slammed into them. "Stay together, they are all low-level trash. Snaggletooth stay out of the fighting!" Jacob yelled out as the sound of battle quickly overwhelmed everything else.

Jacob jammed his sword through the cultist's throat to end his life, all around him other Zealots lay dead. Jacob hated Zealots, "Ok people. Looks like we are facing some sort of cult, which means we are dealing with Zealots. They deal additional damage, increased attack speed, stealth is iffy, and if you deal Holy based damage your attacks will be lessened if not nullified. Oh, and they are crazy ass people who will kill a the drop of a hat if you cannot tell." Chalxae was looting what little they carried, which was mostly propaganda, cheap daggers, and some silver.

Quest Updated: Honorary Agreement

Description: Lucious Oberon lied about the extent of what was going on at his family estate. A Cult of zealots led by Alexie Oberon now inhabits the House. What the cult believes in is unknown, but the fact he has Faith-based classes hints that he has a backing of a god/goddess. Find him and slay him before he becomes a threat to the Inner City and the resurgent Vampire people.

Kill Alexie Oberon: 0/1

Zealots Slain: 0/50

Requires: Level 25 and 5 people

Rewards: Variable

"Can we talk for a moment?" Eiloma asked.

Jacob sighed...here we go again. "What?"

"Why are you acting this way? If you keep acting this way, we are going to become distracted and someone will get hurt." Eiloma called out.

"I am acting like I should, not the way I want. Fact is Eiloma, things progressed too far between all of us because it is what I wanted. I have responsibilities though that do not allow what I want. I have expectations put on me and I do not have a choice in the matter. Now..if we are done, can we continue?" Jacob finished. Eiloma sighed and nodded. Jacob walked over to Shigna and held up a gold coin showing him the face and opposite side. "Heads and tails. Call the side you think is going to land in the air." The Kobold nodded while waiting.

Tails never fail, looked like they were going left. Chalxae took the point position and led the way. Fallen House of Thorn

First Floor-Garden

They had managed to clear the corridor and killed another dozen Zealots in packs of 2-3, they had netted another 20-40 silver, a few odd weapons, and a couple jewels. Then the end of the corridor spilled out into the estates garden that was overly large for the actual physical shape on the outside, but it was a dungeon so...Sitting at the base of one of the trees waiting for them was another Wood-Elf Vampire with a large Dire Wolf laying next to her. The wolf growled as they approached while the Ranger stroked the wolfs fur, "You should not have come here. Mylord Alexie has commanded me to kill any intruders and I am sorry but I do not have a choice." In a blur, she stood, drew, and shot an arrow that struck Jacob in the arm. Jacob cursed as he felt the poison flood into his system. Jacob analyzed the Vampire as he read the prompt that popped up.

Dungeon Boss

Name: Sechef of House Thorn

Class: Ranger/Zealots

Level: 26

Abilities: Eagle Eye, Piercing Shot, Explosive Shot, Quick-Step, Flash Bang

Health: 1800

De-Buff: Chimera Poison

Description: All incoming damage is increased by 10%, -50 Health a second (Duration 5 Minutes)

As Jacob cursed he heard the howls of other wolfs as the Dire Wolf stood and gathered himself to attack Jacob and his party. "Shigna get your Golem up and on that Dire Wolf, I am going after that Ranger. Snaggletooth I got poison in me if you got anything to remove it, now would be the time. Eiloma, help kill that wolf." Jacob snapped out his orders as he felt the ground shudder as Shignas Golem started to rise behind them. The Golem would not do much damage to the Wolf, but it was amazing at taking damage.

Jacob triggered his Charge ability and as he closed the distance Sechef smirked and fired off another arrow that exploded as it slammed into his leading shield. As the explosion and flames died down Jacob looked above the rim of his shield as he slammed into the tree ahead of him. Immediately a Stunned De-Buff popped up as Jacob tried to find where the ranger had gone. "If you are the best that the Vampires can offer, I am glad the Gods have forgiven us." Sechef chuckled as she drew back her bow and took careful aim at Jacob. He tried to shake off the effects of the Stun but he had another 5 seconds to go.

Chalxae materialized behind the Ranger and slammed both her blades into her, which caused Sechef to scream in pain as she lost nearly 150 points and gained a bleeding status as both kidneys were punctured. "You talk too much," Chalxae said as she continued to stab and slash at the Rangers back. Sechef snarled as she recovered and the two women fought a blur of weapons and arms, Jacob dared not join in and distract the Rogue so he glanced at how the others fared. The Dire Wolf had pulled back and the others were fighting a losing battle against 6 other wolfs. "Go! I can hold her for a little bit." Chalxae called out before Jacob could decide anything. Jacob nodded at her statement and dashed over to the Dire Wolf with his sword leading as he triggered War Cry to pull all the wolfs to him and away from his besieged friends. 20 minutes later the battle was done finally, a rough fight but they had survived. Jacob reviewed the armor and weapon they had aquired from the fallen ranger, both would be going to June.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Ranger Armor of the Darkwood

Level: Rare Set

Properties: 175 Armor Rating

Properties: Increase Dexterity and Agility by 20

Properties: All Ranger Abilities cost 10% less and deal 10% more damage

Durability: 110/125

Requires: Ranger Class, Dex 30, Agility 30

Description: This armor was given to the Guardians of the Darkwood, these Wood-Elves watched over the forest for almost a thousand years before being wiped out by the Empire of Night.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Guardian of Inalon

Level: Elite-Unique

Damage: 50-75

Properties: Increase Dexterity and Agility by 20

Properties: Camouflage skill is increased by 10%

Properties: Chimera Poison Ability, Cote an arrow with this potent poison. (Target will suffer 10% more damage and will suffer 50 DPS for 5 minutes, Cooldown 1 Hour)

Properties: Summon: Wolf Pack Ability, summon a group of 6 wolfs (Your level +2) to fight by your side for 5 minutes. (Cooldown is 24 Hours)

Durability: 130/150

Requires: Ranger class, Level 26, Dex 30, Agility 30,

Description: Before the Wood-Elf city of Inalon was destroyed, bows like this were given to the Guardians of the Darkwood for their service. All other known copies were destroyed when the Guardians were wiped out when the city and forest fell to the Empire of Night's armies.

Both were serious upgrades for June, and both she desperately needed. The armor was black leather reinforced in certain areas with chainmail. The bow was excellent find, but due to the dungeon having Ancient status, it was unsurprising they had acquired both. Usually, the drop rate for both would be near 5% if not less. They had also netted the leather and furs from all the wolfs and 15 Gold each. "Chalxae, I wanted to thank you back there for watching my back. What you did, might have saved us all. So, whatever does happen, know that I do appreciate what you did." Jacob told the Rogue as she picked among the dead bodies. Some of the stress left her face, although she said nothing, she nodded in acknowledgment.

"Ok people, once everyone is recovered we have the other half of the first floor to explore, then we have to check the second. Call out as soon as you are fully recovered." Jacob called out as he checked on his health. Fallen House of Thorn

First Floor-Room of Cleansing

Jacob almost puked and Eiloma did as they walked into the last room. It had steadily gotten worse since they entered this side of the House. The cult called it a 'Room of Cleansing', but it was for torture pure and simple and based off the body parts, blood, and bones they had been at it for a long time. They had killed 20 Zealots though and very few of them were left. If they followed any kind of dungeon law, they should have another dungeon boss soon and then it would be off to the second floor and hopefully finale boss. Beyond the doorway stood a Hobgoblin standing over a human strapped to a table. The human was in bad shape and the Hobgoblin was up to his elbows inside him as he carved him up even further. "You were warned Jerry, never question the master of the House or the Gods, yet you did both. Now you are here under my tender care. I will re-educate you, if you survive, you may rejoin our brothers and sisters." The Hobgoblin stopped suddenly and sniffed the air, "I am sorry Jerry but we have guests. I will be back after I deal with them." Jacob analyzed the Hobgoblin before he finished turning around.

Dungeon Boss

Name: Slezeecs of House Thorn

Class: Torturer/Zealots

Level: 28

Abilities: Frenzy, Precise Strikes, Bloodlust, Unknown

Health: 2000

"Well, I want to thank you all for coming here. Usually, when new recruits show up I have to hunt them down. They hardly ever come to me, so thank you. I will try to make your conversion swift and as painless as possible. Now if you would step right this way and I will strap you all down so we can start the process. I must apologize though, I have to finish up with Brother Jerry before dealing with you." Jacob and the rest of them were stunned between what they saw and the fact that this guy would think they would willingly be tortured.

"You are insane if you think we would willingly submit to this...torture" Jacob responded. as he waved his hand about everything.

The Hobgoblin chuckled as he drew a second knife, "Insanity is in the eye of the beholder, my friend. I can tell that you and your friends have some fire in you, let's get started!!" with that, the Hobgoblin darted toward Jacob and his party and the battle was on. 25 minutes was how long it took to kill the insane torturer. He was fast and delt large amount of bleed damage. What was worse was when he hit 50% health he created Blood Mimics that swarmed toward the party, they were easy to kill but if one touched you they absorbed 10% of your health and exploded dealing the same amount of damage to everyone and healing Slezeecs for 50% of the damage. Jerry had died in the first explosion, and they had all been heavily damaged and if Snaggletooth had not backed off with Shigna, they would have died. They had acquired a pair of daggers, a nice ring, and everyone got 30 Gold each. Jacob didn't even look at the items just dragged everyone out and back to the main hall. They all recovered and Re-Buffed as they waited.

After resting and recovering from the last Boss, they ascended to the second story. At the top of the stairs, they had only one way to go because the third floor collapsing into the second blocked one way. The other hall led to a large set of double doors that was blocked by another Boss and two more Zealots. Jacob immediately analyzed them to find out what they faced.

Dungeon Boss

Name: Jamie Oberon

Class: Swordmaster/Zealot

Level: 28

Abilities: Power Strike, Frenzy, Gauge, Faith of the Timeless Lord

Health: 2200

The Boss must be another family member, but he had a Rogue and Priest with him. The Rogue would be a pain in the ass, but the Priest could get them killed. "Chalxae, just like old time. Eiloma, watch Snaggletooths' and Shignas' back, I will be on the Swordmaster. Everyone ready?" Jacob called out as they all prepared for the upcoming confrontation.

"We do not have to fight cousin. Swear to follow Cronus and my cousin. You are more than willing to join us, Cronus will protect you from the Curse and you will be free to do as you will." Jamie called out as they approached.

Jacob snarled at the other Vampire, "So I have to live on my knees at the whim of a god and your deranged master...No thanks, I would rather live free and choose my own path, even if I have to suffer under the Curse." Jamie shook his head at his words as he drew a 2-Handed sword and charged toward Jacob. The Rogues disappeared from view and the battle was on... Faith of the Timeless Lord was an ability that either slowed everything down or it speed up Jamie, either way, he was thoroughly kicking Jacobs ass until Chalxae finally killed the healer with Shignas' help. After that, she once again rescued Jacob by cutting one of Jamie's hamstring and slowing the other Vampire down long enough for Jacob to shove Moonlight into his gut and cause massive internal damage within the other Vampire. Soon after the Swordmaster fell to the combined assault of Chalxae and Jacob. The opposition had fought well, they were just outclassed by Jacob and his party. Each party member received 50 Gold and the Swordmaster dropped both his 2 handed sword and a necklace.

After re-buffing and resting so everyone could recover they made their way toward the double doors and stopped inside a bedroom/office area. Inside Alexie Oberon and 4 remaining Zealots awaited. The Zealots were the same low-level trash, not even having a class yet, while Alexie was staring at a glowing globe. He had been talking to someone but as soon as Jacob entered the room the globe's power died and Alexie stared in horror that he was there. "How did you manage to survive?? No one has ever made it to me...Why can't you just leave me alone?" Alexie cried out.

"I already told you why. Also after everything I have seen since I came in here, your death is long overdue. I hope you are prepared to see your god, I am sure he will want to talk to you after everyone dies here today." Jacob responded. At Jacobs' last statement, Alexie screamed in rage and cast a spell that caused damage to every member in Jacobs' party.

De-Buff: Damnation

Description: You recieve 25% more damage from all sources, Recieve 30 damage every 10 seconds for 2 minutes

Shit, Shigna, Snaggletooth, and Chalxae didn't have large health pools as he did, they couldn't keep up with that amount of damage long. Jacob popped War Cry and Charge. All the Zealots concentrated on him as he slammed into Alexi and started hacking into the other Vampire. Broad sweeps of Moonlight caused enough damage to make sure he kept the Zealots attention on him and not on Chalxae and Eiloma. Shigna activated Firestorm and the elemental energy started to cook the Zealots from the inside out. The Zealots screamed in rage and pain as they died. Alexie was desperately fighting, using a staff trying to keep Jacob at range but Alexia had become compliant over the last 2000 years and was not a good fighter anymore. He had come to depend on his cult too much and now he would pay with his life.

Alert...

Congratulations, you are the first to complete...The Fallen House of Thorn...all rewards will be increased.

Alert...

For clearing the Dungeon of...The Fallen House of Thorn...you and your party have gained strength.

Jacob Longstrider...28+2

Chalxae Freath...27+2

Shigna Firecaller...27+2

Snaggletooth Stormcaller...27+2

Eiloma Silverleaf...25+3

Quest Complete: Honorary Agreement

Description: Alexie Oberon is now dead and the Cult of the True are now exposed. Track down Lucious Oberon and find out what he knows about the Cult of the True.

Kill Alexie Oberon: 1/1

Zelots Slain: 50/50

Requires: Level 25 and 5 people

Rewards: 3000 Experience, See the Queen for further Rewards

The fight had been anti-climatic, Alexie died screaming in denial. Jacob found a basket and dumped out the clothes while Chalxae started scouting the room for any hidden wealth or rooms. Jacob removed Alexie's head and placed it in the basket while Eiloma looked on in confusion. "This is for Lord Lucious Oberon, now can you help me check this desk for any paperwork concerning the cult and the mining right, I would hate to show up at the Lord's home without his paperwork." Jacob heard Chalxae give a shout as the nearby bookcase swung open as she darted inside as Jacob and Eiloma continued to look for anything important. Alexie dropped the Staff, a Ring, and 100 Gold for each party member. Got to love Ancient dungeons.

"Jacob, get in here please!!" Chalxae shouted from the hidden area. Jacob signaled for Eiloma to continue as he headed over.

As he entered the hidden room he saw a little shrine to Cronos Jacob assumed, "What do you need Chalxae. It's just a shrine. We will have Shigna destroy it before we leave."

"No, that isn't what I wanted you to look at. I wanted you to look at these over here." Chalxae said as she pointed a chest and something else. It was a woman, chained to the ceiling! She had been abused badly, runes had been carved into her flesh and she had her eyes removed. Jacob moved over and gently touched her throat to check her for a pulse.

"Please don't hurt me. Just kill me, I cannot take this anymore. Kill me and send me back to the Abyss." the woman cried. When Jacob heard what she said he analyzed her.

Name: Shyera-Succubus

Class: Temptress

Level: 18

Abilities: Unknown

Health: 100/800

She had a plethora of De-Buffs and statuses, half of them Jacob did not understand but he immediately called for Snaggletooth to start the healing process while sending out a call in the Regional Chat to see if anyone had made it back to the fort yet. Yilme was and Jacob asked her to have Abraxxus prepare a restorative potion for a Demon that would regenerate limbs and eyes. She said she would relay the message but wanted to know the story later. Next, he looked at the contents of the chest. Within it lay several bags of silver, gold, and jewels. Besides them were units of Mithril, Cobalt, High Steel, and some metal bars he didn't have a name for and a couple of potions. Jacob just dumped it all in his inventory. He was borderline on being overburdened but he had just enough strength to carry everything.

"Can we move her yet?" Jacob asked the Shaman. The Shaman nodded and left as Jacob removed the manacles from the demon's arms as the Succubus trembled in fear. She kept crying and begging to die, it broke his heart to see anyone like that. "Shigna please destroy that shrine then we are running home. After that...I might finish slaughtering the rest of House Thorn, I have not decided yet. Snaggletooth, please put this Demoness to sleep." As he wrapped a blanket around the broken Demoness the Shaman sent her into a dreamless sleep. He would review all the drops and what they had acquired from the chest later.