Palace of Night

Grand Ballroom

Jacob watched as the people below danced and conversed, it was a political minefield with the monsters just below the surface. Tarren and June were with the Chief Rexxar Skullcrusher and the Bloodfangs, while Darren and Chalxae were with Braxus Earthcracker and the Earthsplitters, making sure nothing happened to them. Jacob was fairly sure he had insulted more than one noble tonight, but he hoped to avoid any more of that. When Eiloma had suggested he come up here away from everyone, he had quickly agreed. "Should you not be down there with the masses?" Mikeal asked as he walked up.

"Shouldn't you be making sure no one does anything stupid to your Ambassador? I am watching everyone and everything, learning by people watching. People underestimate what you can learn simply by looking and listening, too many of those down there enjoy the sound of their own voice. I, on the other hand, need to learn as much as I can. So far I have spotted 3 different factions, I have no idea what they represent, but they exist. Now how can I help you?" Jacob stated as he continued to watch and ignore the Deathwalker.

"The Ambassador of the Hallowed Tombs is right here with me. She wanted an introduction to you." Jacob turned at the Deathwalkers statement. At Mikeal's side was a 5ft nothing cloaked being, if the Deathwalker had not stated the Ambassador was female Jacob would never have been able to tell that much, from the amount of cloth around the being and the hood being drawn up to cover the face in shadows. In fact, cloth and shadows obscured any type of distinct feature of the being, so magic...

"Well ma'am, it is an honor to meet you. I apologize if you considered me rude for not seeking you out earlier, but I am not exactly a people person. I also don't want to cause an incident by ignoring political correctness. So, I watch and learn." Jacob offered a smile to her before turning back to continue to watch the crowd.

Mikeal chuckled, "Always so forward aren't you. Well, the ambassador is a Banshee, and if she was to talk to you directly you would die very quickly screaming in pain. However, she has learned how to Mind Speak and can direct her thoughts to you if you do not mind?" Jacob was surprised, Mind Speak was a very advanced form of Mental Magic, if the Banshee knew this she was far older and powerful then he realized.

Although he responded to Mikeal's question, he directed the response toward the Ambassador. "Feel free ma'am to use Mind Speak on me, more than one person would say I have more than enough room up here for another voice," Jacob stated as he chuckled at his own joke.

"Only those who do not know you would say that I think. You also encourage those thoughts so people will underestimate you. I approve, I am Cathrine On'tel of the Hallowed Tombs. My cousin Mikeal speaks very highly of you and it is an honor to finally meet you Lord Longstrider." Cathrine stated as she moved closer. Mikeal moved slightly further away to give them some space.

Jacob glanced at the Banshee in surprise before going back to looking at the people below, "Ambassador On'tel, feel free to call me Jacob. I don't really stand on formality unless I have no choice in the matter. Now, Mikeal speaks highly of me??? No offense but are you sure Mikeal was talking about me. I got the impression he thinks I am an idiot, and a dangerous one at that."

"Idiot, maybe. Dangerous...mostly to yourself. He was also impressed by the loyalty and the way you have built up your House so quickly. Before you ask, yes I am the one that requested that you be present for today's events, but you would have been required to come anyways due to your position Jacob." Cathrine said as she watched the people below.

"So why is the Hollowed Tombs so worried about me? I am not that powerful and nor am I a threat even if I wanted to be. Also, why ask for my presence?" Jacob stated as he saw the Queen look his way while talking to one of her Council members. The look was worried for some reason. Was she worried that Jacob would do something stupid to the Ambassador or was the Council member giving her some bad news?

"We are worried because of what you represent. A resurgent Vampire nation is not bad, but if your enemies found out about you to soon before you were ready or if you and yours are defeated. They might not stop at just wiping out your people. They might attack any other people that were too...different from theirs. Say the Noble Undead. That is what my people are worried about and why we are so interested in you. You represent the very real threat of the other races coming to the deep Underdark and scouring it clean of all the people living here. As for why we wanted you here, we had our reasons that will be explained in time." Cathrine stated.

Jacob nodded his head in understanding, "So we should live in fear? We cannot live in fear Ambassador On'tel or we will not be truly living. We have to take life and enjoy it as much as possible and we will not live at the whims of the Pantheons. Also instead of observing your neighbors and threatening them, why don't you work with them and help avoid what you fear might come? In my world we have a quote 'The only thing necessary for the triumph of Evil is that good man do nothing.' What if what you fear is perpetrated by you doing absolutely nothing Ambassador? Please consider that and take my words back to your people. Now if you will excuse me, I have some things I have to do tonight." Jacob bowed and left.

Catherine watched as Jacob descended to the main floor and toward the Queen, "He should be told! I was the one ordered to watch and study him, I am the one who knows him. Not including him in the decision process was a mistake, we are compounding it by not telling him." Mikeal stated

"Enough cousin. Those orders were given above both of our heads and neither one of us has a choice in the matter." Catherine continued to watch Jacob while she considered if she would follow those orders or not. "What did you do?" Talia hissed as Jacob walked up to her.

"My Queen, I am insulted that you think I would do anything to the honored Ambassador of the Hollowed Tombs. We conversed and when the conversation was done, I left. That was it. Also if I had done anything too insulting or anything like that, I would already be dead. Remember, she has a Deathwalker with her!" Jacob retorted.

Talia stared at Jacob before nodding her head begrudgingly, "I will give you that. We cannot afford to alienate one of the most powerful factions in the Underdark, so please be careful in how you talk to her."

"I understand and agree with you Queen Talia, that is why I was careful...mostly. Now, I have a question for you, it was brought to my attention that certain people have herds of lizards that eat a moss that looks like grass. I was wondering if you know what Nobles have these herds and if any are willing to sale without me having to give away a pound of flesh or my soul?" Jacob asked

Talia chuckled at his question, "Yes such creatures exist and the city has several large herds of them. They are called Anglo-Backs, that provide the most hides for the city. You are looking to acquire a herd?"

"Yes, I need a steady source of leather and possibly a food source as well if they are edible. How much would they cost for a small herd...say no more than 30?" Jacob responded.

Talia was now staring intently at Jacob, "Well for a small herd like that, I could offer it at no cost for let's say...25% of the leather produced. Food wise, they are safe to eat but the meat is very bland."

Jacob snorted, "For a small herd I would trade 5%. We have herbs for a reason."

"Very true, herbs can make the steaks very edible. Are you trying to cheat your Queen? 20%?" Talia responded.

"No Talia, I am trying to arrange a business deal that will benefit my people the most. This has nothing to do with Royalty. 7%." Jacob retorted which caused Talia to smile.

"Doing what's best for your people, I understand that. 15%" Talia stated.

Jacob considered everything, "10% for 3 months and that is my final offer. If we cannot agree on that, I will go to Ineford, I am sure I can acquire what I need there without owing anyone anything."

Talia smiled even more, "Learning well I see. Politics is the Art of compromise, and it applies to trade as well. Agreed, 10% of the hides you will produce for a herd of 30 Anglo-Backs. Let me know when you want them."

Alert...

Trade Agreement reached between House Lightsbane and House Longstrider. See Trade Agreement tab on your Fortress Interface for details of any agreements you have.

Alert...

"Well done Lord Longstrider. Most of my nobles are too afraid to be competitive with me and fold on whatever I offer. I am proud that you decided to fight me on this. Now, I will be leaving shortly so you are free to leave with your party when you are ready." Jacob bowed to the Queen and signaled to Darren and June to pull the two other leaders over, it was time to finish up what he came for.

"How are you doing my friend?" Brox called out as the four dignitaries entered the room followed by the 4 other Immortals.

"I am doing fine Brox. I miss having your ax by my side at times, but you have a duty to your people, as do I now. I requested this meeting as a small meet and greet between you four and my friends here. You will be seeing all of them soon while they are out adventuring with their War Parties. I also wanted to discuss making some Trade Deals with both the Bloodfangs and Earth Splitters if at all possible." Jacob responded as everyone sat down. Braxus and Rexxar looked at each other before sitting down at the table across from Jacob while the two sons started talking to the Immortals. "Now gentlemen lets hammer out a deal." Jacob sighed as the leaders of the Earth Splitters and Bloodfangs left, "I thought I would have it easier with those two being allies, but hot damn. I think I would rather face them in battle then have to negotiate another trade deal with them again. Any of you guys want to be an Ambassador?" the other 4 Immortals quickly denied taking the promotion. "Well, Darren did you get the Guild Charter at least?"

"Yes Jacob, the first charter they have ever sold by the way. When they heard that you were requesting the charter, they couldn't get the paperwork quick enough." Darren chuckled as he placed it in front of Jacob. He quickly looked it over before signing in the first spot and passing it to Tarren to sign.

"So, we hammered out a Trade Deal and Dungeon passage rights. I had no idea I would have to negotiate for those as well, but I did. So the Earth Splitters are going to trade us 5 units of Mithril for 10 units of Platinum a week. The Bloodfangs will trade 20 units of Coal and 20 Units of Sand for 20 Units of Iron a week. Both Trade Deals go into effect tomorrow and will expire in 3 months at which point we may renew or renegotiate. Now the Earth Splitters Rebel Dungeon and the Bloodfangs Spider Dungeon, both clans will tax 10% of any group entering either Dungeon. The Bloodfang Dungeon has never been cleared by Immortals, so keep that in mind and it is a level 7-9 Dungeon. So all of you are a little overpowered for if, but it will be a first and I want to know what it can do for all the newbies coming in. Now let's get the hell out of here, I am ready to head home." Jacob informed them as he stood to leave. "What happened to the plan? I thought we were going to do something about the Executioner?" the Vampire asked his companion.

"That was the plan but the idiot Lucious Oberon tried to kill him, now the Queen is looking at everyone and the Executioner is out for blood. Word is if any more decent is picked up the Queen will authorize a Purge of anyone suspected of being against the crown. I know both of our names are on the list, so shut up and lay low for now." with that the two conspirators left. Neither saw the Master of Shadows observing and had heard every word they had said.

Fortress of Midnight

Main Cavern

Jacob watched as the rest of the party and the escort head toward the wall and home as he walked with the Ambassador, "So this is my home ma'am, the Fortress of Midnight. It is not much, but we are a growing community. In the coming months, this place will grow even stronger and bigger, I just hope it doesn't lose the sense it was founded on."

"It is cozy, and I can see and sense the potential. Tell me, Mikeal said that you made an Oath, is this true?" Catherine

Jacob glared at the Deathwalker, "Yes ma'am. I made an Oath and it was witnessed by the Primordial power of Balance. Why the power did, I have no idea. It has acted several times since then though on my behalf."

"Yes, you have attracted the interest of a Primordial power, and at least 3 gods have placed shields on this place to protect it from the sight of other gods. The most interesting shield is Lolth, now why would the Spider wish to protect you? Based on the surprise on your face, you had no idea...How interesting, so you made no deal or pact with her, yet she is protecting you. What are your plans Jacob of House Longstrider? How will you shake the world?" Catherine asked as she stared at the fortress and the inhabitants.

"My grand plans? I am not someone who wants to become an evil overlord, but I will do what I must to protect my people and make sure that the Pantheons do not grind them into dust. Now, are you coming down to introduce yourself to my people? You are more than welcome to stay for some food before heading home." Jacob offered. He could hear her laugh in his head before she responded.

"Do you honestly think any Overlord ever started out with plans to become that way? Some slipped into that role, others jumped into it with both feet. We cannot tell what you will become, but from what I can tell as long as you stay true to your heart, everything will be fine. Now I am sure you will eventually talk to the Darguun clan, be careful. You have earned their respect and limited goodwill. Do not depend on that too much otherwise, they will walk all over you. Remember, diplomacy is the Art of compromise. I know you do not want to but listen to Tathlyn Hune. His loyalty is with you and your cause now." Catherine withdrew her hood so that Jacob could see her for the first time. She was pale, with light-blue eyes, blood red lips, a button nose, and looked to be in her late teen or early 20s. With being a Noble Undead she could be a couple hundred years old though if not older. Cute was the first thought that came to his mind which caused a slight blush and smile on her face. Right...mind reader.

Mikael stood and stomped over when she whirled on him and raised her hand that glowed purple while her other hand suddenly held a double-bladed dagger. Mikael stopped and dropped to one knee, "I apologize, lady, as always my loyalty is with you first then our House, then the Hollowed Tomb. Lord Longstrider I apologize for interrupting your time with the Lady On'tel, will you forgive me?"

Jacob was confused but quickly responded. "I have nothing to forgive. I am sure your loyalty is to her and your first priority is her protection. I have more than one person always trying to protect me as well." As he finished Mikeal rose and drifted away again.

"I am sorry Jacob, Mikeal can be a little overprotective at times and us spending time together like this stretches the rules somewhat. I will do what I must though. Now, I know you will continue to prosecute your War against the Sisters of the Damned. You do have the limited support of the Hollowed Tomb on this and we will provide what Intel we can on their operations, troop numbers, and other things as well. Mikeal will be our point of contact on that. Do not let them suck you into a conventional war, you do not have the strength to fight them like that...yet. Continue to gather allies and fight them where they are weak and you will do well." Catherine bit her lip and looked at Jacob as she thought before pulling him down and quickly kissing him.

It was quick and exploratory on her part, while Jacob was amazed that she had kissed him at all. As she stepped away she smiled impishly as she opened a Portal to take her home, "When my father sent me here I was furious that he had, but I am glad he did. I am happy to have had this time with you Jacob of House Longstrider. Next time we see each other call me Catherine. Not this ma'am or Ambassador On'tel, people will think it strange that betrothed do not call each other by their first name." with that, she winked and walked through the portal closely followed by Mikeal. It took a minute for Jacob to process what she has said, but when he did everyone in the cavern heard his cursing.

Fortress of Midnight

Main Hall

Everyone had heard as Jacob came in cursing the whole way into the Fortress and much to the amusement to his friends it had not stopped until he had picked up the Communications Coin that directly linked him to the Queen. After that, it was like watching a silent movie where they watched as he continued to curse and be pissed off for another 10 minutes before he finally broke then connection then destroyed the coin with his sword Moonlight. After that, he asked Miss Dotts for a cold beer and to keep them coming. "So...I am guessing something happened, want to tell us what exactly happened? We cannot help unless you tell us." Tarren stated as Jacob continued to down his third beer.

"SHE SOLD MY ASS!" Jacob yelled.

"Ok, but what does that mean?" Yilme asked him while she tried to get him to calm down.

"It means that Queen Talia arranged a marriage between Jacob Longstrider of the Fortress of Midnight and Cathrine On'tel of the Hollowed Tombs to secure a Non-Aggression treaty and possibly a Mutual-Defense Compact," Eiloma stated nearby.

Jacob looked up from his beer as his eyes turned bright red as he lost his temper, "How did you know that?" Jacob asked quietly as he slowly stood from his seat.

Eiloma shrank away from Jacobs glare, "The Queen informed me before the Ball started, she wanted to make sure none of us intervened and disturbed you two when you had some alone time."

"So, you knew this was coming and did nothing to warn me so I could try and prevent it or have a discussion about it with Talia. You just let me walk to the noose with a smile on my face like an idiot." Jacob visibly stopped himself and regained control. When he opened his eyes again the red had faded and they were the normal green/blue color. "Get out, I don't want to see you again until you can honestly say your loyalty lies with our family and me. GET OUT!" Jacob roared at the crying woman as she ran from the Mess Hall. Everyone sat in stunned silence at what had happened between the fact he was betrothed and his outburst no one risked his ire as he grabbed a fresh beer and walked out of the Hall.

Fortress of Midnight

Wall

Jacob sat on the wall alone, the Tomb Guards gave him a wide berth as he sat and brooded about his fate. "You want to talk about it lad?" Torgron asked as he, Darren, Tarren, and Zakoc walked up.

"About what...That the Queen sold my ass like a five dollar whore on dollar night or the fact that my friend, someone I trusted, didn't warn me about it? Not really, I have enough things on my mind right now without worrying about either of those facts, so please drop it." Jacob replied as he stared at Darren. "Did you know that this was coming?"

"I thought it odd that she would send you a personal letter and confirm your participation through a communication coin. Making sure you and your whole House was there was another odd thing, but nothing concrete no." Darren replied.

Jacob sighed, "So I really did get blindsided...damn. Moving on, Darren you need to grind like a mother fucker to get to level 20. You need to be that strong at least for what I need you to do. Ok?"

"Yeah, ok but what will you want me to do?" Darren asked.

"We will talk about that later after I get back from Clan Darguun. Tarren, I assume you want to be a tank again and Zakoc do you want to be DPS?" Jacob asked the two others. They both nodded their heads.

"Ok Tarren, talk to Thelgrum about gaining Balance as a Patron and Zakoc gets your specialization changed to a Berserker class. Both of you are level 10 so you can do that now please do so. Tarren will be in charge of making sure all Vampire Tanks are trained up and used to what that brings out in us. Zakoc same for any melee DPS. Has your wife Yilme decided what she wants to do?" Jacob asked while he stole a beer and started chugging it.

"Yeah, with that Dryad so close by she is going to try and spec as a Druid again, if not she will stay as a Mage," Zakoc replied.

"Ok, well she will be in charge of Healing or Mage DPS training, whatever she decides. All newcomers will have mandatory training before they step foot outside the walls of this Fortress. I do not want someone sent to respawn because they lost their head. I will be heading out tomorrow to head to see Darguun and try to hammer out a Non-Aggression pact with them, I will be taking Mug, Fenwyn, and Shigna with me. Starting tomorrow the Merchant...I don't remember his name...will be needing an escort to drop off and pick up trade goods with the Earth Splitters and Boodfang. We need these trades, so please make sure that guy stays safe." Jacob said as he shared the quest the Merchant had offered him. Tarren and Zakoc accepted it, while Darren just dismissed it, he hated escort quests.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Keep Quest: Merchant Trade

Description:Your trade is vital to your growing community, provide an escort for Daniel Furthring, as he makes his way to Bloodfang Hold and Kiera'tan to drop off and pick up your trade goods.

Requirement: LVL 8, Two War Parties

Rewards: 1000 Experience, 1 Gold; See the Seneschal or Lord of the Fortress of Midnight for the reward "As far as I am aware, that will be an ongoing quest, so easy Exp for those involved. Captain, how is the training and equipment of the Dawn Guard?" Jacob asked the Duergar.

"Excellent, very good. The Arms and Armor that are produced by the Smithy are a cut above normal due to the properties of the Smithy. The Standard was also finally delivered and the additions you have constructed will help the men. The only request I would have is to add a training yard so we can perfect training and increase the rate we train mylord." Thorgron responded.

Fort Quest Issued: Barracks Basics

Description: Your Guard Captain, Thorgron Shadowsteel, has requested a Training Yard addition be constructed at the Barracks to help with Guard training.

Rewards: 500 Keep Experience, Decrease training time of your Personal Guard by 25%

"Yes Captain, we will build the Training Yard as soon as we can. We have several things we need constructed before we can get to that though. Anything else...Good. Thank you Captain." with that the Duergar headed back to the Barracks.