Fortress of Midnight

Fortified Hall-Mess Hall

Jacob looked at everyone at the table, locals, and Immortals alike as he informed them of his resignation as Royal Executioner and why. Before anyone could comment Jacob looked Captain Thardan Dulkam, "What are your thoughts Captain Dulkam?"

Thardan looked around at everyone there, every person present was critical to the settlement and its continued growth but he commanded 200 of the Tomb Guardians. If the Queen demanded that he remove Lord Longstrider from the power he would immediately become their number one enemy. Thardan knew these people were loyal to Jacob Longstrider first before the Throne of Night. If Jacob went against the Queen, everyone here would side with him. "As of right now, the Queen has given me no orders to do anything and I personally have not decided anything. Jacob, even if I was asked to displace you...We have built this place up from nothing, I wouldn't follow that command." at his statement both Chalxae and Darren relaxed a little bit.

"Thank you, Captain, for offering me that consideration. I will not forget that. Now, I am sure some of you have comments...the floor is open." Jacob sighed as he leaned back and waited.

Surprisingly the locals only offered support while it was the Immortals that offered looks that questioned his sanity. "I know, it is crazy to alienate the ruling body of the capital of our species, but she crossed a line. She didn't even have the courage to face me, she sent the Heart Guard to try and drag me up to the palace. I followed her willingly as long as she was worthy of it, now...Not so much. Tathlyn Hune, no comments about my political mistakes??"

The Drow considered his words before he responded, "I grew up in a society dominated by women. I was given very little chance to advance and even when I did, a female was always there to remind me I was just a stupid male and was only allowed my position because they said so. I had very little control over my life. You have offered me more freedom then I have had in the last 400 years. I know we are far from friends, but my loyalty is with you Jacob Longstrider. To Victory or Ruin, I am your man."

Alert...

The being...Tathlyn Hune...had made a personal oath to...Jacob Longstrider...that has been witnessed by the Primordial Power of Balance.

Alert...

Jacob considered the Drow who was once an enemy...How things had changed so quickly. "Ok people, military, Immortals, and Master Torgan and Abraxxus please stay I need to let you know of my plans, everyone else thank you for your support and your ears," Jacob called out as the initial meeting broke up. Miss Dotts went around recovering everyone empty mugs but those that were staying would get refills. "Master Hune, this will be a strategy session so stay please." The Drow immediately stopped and sat back down. Chalxae already had her orders and would be sweeping the area with June to make sure no prying eyes or ears were present. Eiloma sat in the corner like someone had killed her puppy and Jacob was getting tired of her mopping, it was reflecting with her work.

"Well, as you all know I went to the lands of the Darguun Clan and hammered out a Non-Aggression treaty with them. What you do not know is that they also gave us all the Intel they had acquired on the Sisters of the Damned operations in this region of the Underdark including troop counts. They are setting up a series of Outposts to try and contain is so we do not spread too far or to fast. They know they have an enemy here, they just don't know who or how strong. Now we know of at least two Outposts within 4-6 days march from here. My plan is to destroy the Outposts and liberate the slaves at their locations and bring the slaves back here. Those that wish to fight the Sisters of the Damned will be recruited to an army I intend to form, those who do not will be offered jobs here or sent to Eternal Night. While I lead my War Party, the Rogues I hired and Darren's and Zakoc War Party to destroy those two Outposts, Captain Thorgron with some of the Dawn Guard, Tarren, and Yilme will travel to the City of Ineford directly from here. Captain Thorgron should beat us there by no more than 24 hours. He is going there on a shopping trip to acquire more guards and we need certain supplies as well. Everyone keeping up so far?"

Everyone nodded but he already saw several questions, hopefully, the next part would explain everything away. "Ok, I have Portal Scrolls to send the former slaves here and once the raiding party reaches Ineford we will portal back. Now Darren, His War Party, Chalxae, and all the Rogues will be staying behind. They have a month-long mission to hunt down every spy or supporter of the Sisters in that city to either kill or drive them out. Between destroying the Outposts and killing their spies, they should be blind in this area for a little while. That will allow us time to gather strength and finish bringing all our Immortals here for our Guild. Abraxxus's Portal Scrolls will be key to getting them here quickly. Questions and thoughts?" Jacob called.

"How do we make sure the Sisters do not slip a spy among the slaves?" Darren called out immediately.

"Captain Dulkam working with Abraxxus will check the slaves over to make sure they do not have anything on them that will allow them to report back or sabotage the Fortress. They will be kept outside in a tent city until we can filter through those who wish to stay and fight and those that do not. Beyond that...I do not know." Jacob responded.

"What if they don't want to fight or go to the city or work here?" Yilme asked

"Those will be the choices given to them, they will not be allowed to go free at this time. They can join the Army, or the can work. Either way, they will earn money. Also, we cannot send them to the surface, if word got out about us...It would be bad." Jacob said, they were not the best choices but he would do the best he could for them.

"Do you want all the Immortals down here at once? or stagger the arrival?" Tarren asked.

"I would like to stagger the arrival, I can make 5 vampires a day, but I need 24 hours to recuperate fully afterward. So 5 new people every other day. I will let you guys decide who to bring down, but if anyone has been compromised, we are beyond screwed. Understand??" Jacob responded and once everyone nodded he continued, "Ok, so make sure Darren knows who is coming when because he will be our point man in the city and running our operations there for the next month. Darren talk to Thorgron about what to bring if you need help getting out of trouble and I am authorizing 200 Gold from the Guild bank for this operation for food, board, and any supplies you need. Get with Eiloma for the money Darren. Next"

"This would be a whole lot easier with a War Room..." Zakoc commented which earned him a glare from Jacob.

"You see the building extension opposite of the Mess Hall...That will be the War Room and it should be complete tomorrow sometime. Now one last thing, the enemy combatants that are killed will be sent through the Portal as well if we have time. Abraxxus you know what to do once they get here. Now moving on, War Room is under construction, the Bar has been queued, once the Stone Overseers Office is complete tomorrow construction on the City Administration Building will commence and it will take 7 days to complete followed by the Tomb Guards getting their Barracks finally and out of all of those Tents!!! We now have Blueprints for a Chapter House so we will be able to field Paladins of Balance once it is complete and after that, we will finally build a Marketplace. Any construction related questions?" Jacob called out after updating everyone.

"When can we expect a Mausoleum? It cuts down on Rez sickness and how long we are gone when we are killed and until you build it people will bitch about it." Darren asked

"It is a minor construction job and we have to expand Housing so I have 4 Cabins queued to be built after the bar. After that...maybe. Eiloma, what does the water situation look like for the Fortress?" Jacob stared waiting for the Seneschal to respond then slammed his fist onto the table making her jump in surprise, "Eiloma, go upstairs and wait for me. I will be up in a minute. I will look into Water either tonight or tomorrow to see how it is going, we might need to construct a Cistern and Well. I also want to look at Public Baths and a Healers Hut. Anything else because I got to go pull someones head out of their ass....No good, meeting dismissed." Jacob called out as he dashed upstairs to find Eiloma.

Fortress of Midnight

Fortified Hall-Personel Quarters

"Do you mind if I come in?" Jacob asked as he knocked on the door to her room. She was curled up laying on her bed with the same dead-eye look as before.

"It is your Fortress, you can go where you want and when you want," Eiloma responded.

"What is wrong?" Jacob asked as he strode over and sat on the floor forcing her to look at him.

"I let her use me to get to you and betrayed you. I broke your trust with me and I have no idea how to earn that back." Eiloma responded.

"Do you think ignoring your duties and daydreaming during staff meetings will earn it back? Did you even hear what I told everyone in there?" Jacob asked her calmly which caused her to start crying.

"No, I didn't hear anything because I am too worried about how I messed up and lost your trust," Eiloma said through the tears.

Goddamit woman pull your shit together Jacob thought as he looked at the crying Seneschal, "Are we family or not? Yes or No." Jacob asked her dead seriously.

"Yes but..." Eiloma started but Jacob interrupted her.

"Do families Fight? Yes or No." Jacob asked her.

"Yes but..." Eiloma tried again to talk but once again Jacob gave her no room to explain anything, he was tired of the bullshit so he was cutting to the core.

"Families fight and will eventually get over it. Shit happens. Did you betray my trust? Yes. Did you do it to try and hurt me? No. You did it because the Queen manipulated you and you did not tell me. You had no malice in your decision so I do not take it personally too much, I am no longer mad about it. You have to get past it and move on. Do you remember one of the first things I said to you...I need you. I need you still Eiloma, that has not changed. I need the Star of House Longstrider back, so to put plainly get your head out of your ass. I need my Seneschal because a lot of shit hit the fan today and I need you Eiloma more than ever. So will you please help me?" Jacob asked as he stood and offered her a hand up.

Eiloma looked at the extended hand before gently grasping it so Jacob could pull her up. She quickly hugged him and whispered in his ear while still crying, "I am sorry, will you forgive me?"

Jacob sighed as he responded, "Yes, I forgive you. Now can I please have my Seneschal back?" which caused her to giggle and smack his arm.

"I have and will always be here for you Jacob. Now, what did I miss?" she asked as she stepped back and sat on her bed.

"Well, this is what happened today..." Jacob started telling her the whole story again as she sat and listened. Jacob slowly opened his eyes as his internal alarm went off. He was still exhausted from staying up late with Eiloma and hammering out some ideas with her, but her bed was not made for two though. He looked down at the sleeping woman as he gathered his thoughts about what he had to do today. The Stone Overseers Office would be completed today and the War Room would hit the halfway mark if it wasn't finished, he had to head out to Blood Haven to make to sign the papers making the Alliance between Bloodfang, Earth Splitters, and the Fortress of Midnight official. Clan Darguun would also be there to sign Non-Aggression treaties with the Bloodfangs and Earth Splitters as well. Hopefully, Sisa Darkfang would not do anything stupid and cause problems with all the factions here. Time to get up and dressed, he still had to spar with the other Immortals before he could do anything else.

Sneaking out of a room with three of the four occupants being Vampires was not easy, having Darren waiting with a knowing smirk made it worse..."Walk of Shame brother...The Master of this fortress doing a Walk of Shame, thanks for the screenshots, between this morning and the drool from last night...Priceless." Darren stated as he walked away.

"It isn't a walk of shame, nothing happened. I just fell asleep in there because we were up late hammering out some plans. That is it..." Jacob retorted while more than one person prepping the breakfast in the Hall noticed and snickered. Assholes.

"I honestly didn't come up here to give you shit, but with all your plans I came to warn you all of us are heading out to the ruins of the Gem'Lock tribe to grind. I don't think you noticed but both Zakoc and I changed our classes yesterday. I picked up Shadowmaster and Zakoc picked up Battlerager as our primary classes now. No, do not mistake me for a Shadowmancer. I can only do a little bit of Shadow based magic, my wheelhouse is still mainly Rogue based abilities. Now Zakocs Battlerager choice should help him out in the long run since we are going to war with practically everyone, Battleragers thrive on the battlefield. Tarren, of course, is waiting for the Chapter House to be built so he can become a Pally again and Yilme is still trying to convince your Dryad to train her as a druid. You might want to talk to the Dryad though, see if you can loosen her up so Yilme can get a class change she wants. I also know for a fact the class trainer for the Necromancer has already offered to train her in his profession. What are your plans for the day?" Darren asked as he headed toward his War Party.

"Well since your 4 are ditching me, I guess I will go talk to the Grove Mistress and then later I have the treaty to sign and make sure that the meeting doesn't go to shit," Jacob responded as Darren and his crew walked away. "Remember, you are in charge of the new Rogues, I expect them kitted out before the last minute!!" Darren just kept going while said Rogues looked up expectantly. Jacob sighed, "Ok kiddies since daddy Darren isn't going to take you shopping for toys, Grandpa Jacob will. Let's head to the Smithy and see what our favorite Smiths can make for you."

Fortress of Midnight

Star Forged Smithy of Possibilities

Both Torgan and Stroznog were still lighting the forge fires when Jacob and the nine Rogues invaded their space and after listening to Jacobs request Stroznog started taking requests with one comment, "We do not have a Weapons Smith, so if you are looking for anything super fancy, get with Lord Longstrider to request it, otherwise we can probably make it." More than one groan met that announcement, but no one came up to Jacob.

While the Dwarf was doing that Jacob went over to Torgan with his request, "I was wondering if we could produce 3 suits of armor for Captain Thorgron and his two Sergeants. Something to distinguish them from the rest and give them better protection as well?" Although the Orc did not speak he nodded his head and grunted, "Ok Master Torgan, I am also going to be placing some jewels in the strong box to help make the armor better and stronger. Ok?" Again another grunt and nod, guess he wasn't a morning person Jacob thought as the Rogues continued to discuss their weapon requests with Stroznog.

Dark Oak Grove of Midnight

Heart of the Grove

Mug had accompanied Jacob to the Grove, he had never seen a Heart and being a Druid, seeing a Heart of a Grove was on his bucket list. "It is not a matter if I am willing to train the girl Lord Longstrider, it is a matter if I think she will do well as a Dark Druid. I am no longer the being I once was. This is a Dark Oak Grove and thus my talents and skills reflect that. Anyone I would train would also reflect that and I am not sure Yilme understands that. We also have the matter of payment for services, I will not train anyone without payment from you." Andria said as she stared at Jacob from her seat at the Heart of the Grove. It was a mini Throne grown from the central Oak with Treants on either side standing watch while Jacob sat opposite of her.

"What payment would you request to train those who want to be Druids?" Jacob asked the Dryad. This caused her to smirk and lean forward.

"Well, you do owe me a kiss...If you give me a real kiss, not a chaste one, you have my word I will teach the Immortal Yilme to be a Dark Druid. Do we have an Agreement mylord?" Andria Oakleaf asked as she stood and waited for payment.

Jacob sighed as he stood and grabbed the Dryad and pulled her in close as he kissed her. She squealed a little then moaned as he grabbed her ass and made her move closer before finally breaking the kiss.

Alert...

Agreement made between the Dryad...Andria Oakleaf... and the Immortal Vampire...Jacob Longstrider... for the Dryad to train the Immortal Vampire...Yilme Oaktree. Payment has been received by Andria and she is bound to train Yilme the next time she sees her.

Alert...

"I knew you had it in you, Jacob. I just had to get it out of you. I will train your friend, now as for the price for training any other Immortals, that will require much more than just a kiss." Andria stated with a wicked grin.

Jacobs' eyes bulged as he re-read the alert...Shit, it only covered Yilme and no other Immortals. "What would you require of me for you to train any Immortal that came to you for training?" Jacob was very careful with his wording and he would make sure the Dryad did not get the best of him again.

A sense of sadness seemed to enter her as she leaned back into her Throne, "Well Jacob as you know I am old for my kind, no matter what I look like, and Bonding with this Grove accelerated certain things. I require either another Dryad to be brought here or you can make sure I get pregnant. I need another Dryad here to make sure this Grove does not die, I do not care which way it happens as long as it does happen. Do we have an Accord?"

Fortress Quest Issued: Dark Oak Grove Heir

Description: The Dark Oak Grove of Midnight Mistress Andria Oakleaf, is an Older Dryad and will eventually die. She requires an heir, how she attains an Heir is up too you.

Rewards: 2000 Fortress Experience, Dark Druid Trainer Unlocked for the Fortress of Midnight

Well...crap. "I accept but no more splitting hairs, once the price is fulfilled you will train anyone, right?" Jacob asked as a Cheshire smile spread over her lips.

"Of course Lord Longstrider, once my...payment has been received I will train anyone. If you are unwilling to make the payment I am sure I can entice others to do so." Andria stated while looking at Mug.

"No!! I do not pimp out my people like that. If Mug went into the situation completely informed that is one thing, tricking him into it is another. If you two agree to him parenting your child, he will be informed of the reasons beforehand am I understood Andria Oakleaf?" Jacob said as he pinned the Dryad to her Throne with his eyes that suddenly were bright red as both Treants suddenly were very focused on him.

Andria stared at Jacob, something had been off about him she could sense that much when he entered the Heart, but this was an overreaction. "I understand mylord, I did not mean to offend you. You have my word if I approach the Druid I will inform him of my intentions and why." At her statement, he visibly relaxed and regained control of himself.

"I am sorry Andria, something happened recently and because of it I had a falling out with Queen Talia. I am no longer the Royal Executioner but I gained a fiance. It was arranged without my knowledge or consent and I am a little sensitive about that right now. I should not let my anger affect our relationship. I am sorry, will you accept my apology?" Jacob responded as he sat back in the chair. Even though it was made of wood, it would be easy to fall asleep in.

"No apology is necessary, I understand your viewpoint, Jacob. It won't happen again. Now, when can I expect payment?" Andria asked as some hunger entered her eyes that caused Jacob to blush.

"Not right now, I have to head out immediately," This caused the playful Dryad to pout which was both sexy and enticing, "I promise whatever payment you will receive, you will get by tomorrow night at the latest. Now I must really go." Jacob said as he almost ran out of the Heart while dragging the bewildered Mug with him. Andria's laughter chased him all the way out of the cavern. It was time to gather his War Party and the Dawn Guard, they had a meeting to get too.

Hollowed Tombs

House On'tel Estate

Cathrine stared at the towering spires and large granite walls of the hidden city, it had existed for nearly 2000 years and had never fallen to an enemy. Very few cities could make such a boast, yet the Hollowed Tombs, the seat of the Noble Undead could claim that. "Well, my daughter, what did you think of your betrothed?" Anastasia asked as she approached her daughter.

Catherine turned as she watched the other Banshee approach, "He is so complicated mother and he was surprised and angry about the betrothal. He had no idea until I told him what had happened and if Mikeal is right, Jacob had broken ranks with the Queen. What will that mean for the Betrothal? The council was already on the brink of ordering him killed, we placated them because of the Betrothal. If it falls through..."

Anastasia smiled at her daughter, "Already protective of him and not even married...Do not worry little one, your father will not let the council kill your fiance. You must follow traditions though and keep your distance from Jacob Longstrider until after you two are married."

"I remember stories of you joining father on his campaign against the Plague Lords when you two were just betrothed. Yet I must maintain my distance...You pressed me into this mother, now I will do what I must to make sure this arrangement succeeds and he does not die because of his war against the Sisters. The Council approves of his actions concerning them, do they not?" Catherine asked while turning back toward the city.

"You worry too much daughter and remember he is an Immortal, he cannot truly be killed and yes the Council approves of his actions against the SIsters. They find amusing that such a being with so little strength is taking on the sisters and winning. The latest word from your cousin is that he is planning on taking the war to the Sisters and destroy more of their Outposts. I will give your fiance this, he has balls to attack them so openly." Anastasia finished. "Now on to other political matters, did you find any women among his people that you find acceptable as a Concubine. Queen Talia has already stated she will expect Heirs for the House of Longstreet to be pure Vampire, what are your thoughts?"

Cathrine blushed before responding, "He has several candidates among his House that would be acceptable as Concubines. I do not know if he would accept them as such, he has had them all almost as long as he has been a Vampire, yet beyond kissing, he has hardly touched them. They find it odd and so do I. He does not touch them for fear of hurting them because he must marry others and refuses to cheat on one he is in a relationship with, political or otherwise. He does find them attractive though and enjoys their company. They are very protective of him, Jacobs Seneschal threatened to kill me if I hurt him. I believe she would try if I did, but Jacob has a natural way of drawing out the best of people and inspiring them to do and be better. What does Father think of Jacob?"

"Your father is a Death Knight, he respects Jacob because he is a Blood Knight and was made for war just like him. He fears that he will not appreciate having you in his life like he first did with me. It nearly took me dying before your father realized what he would be losing if I wasn't there. He does not want the same thing to happen to you." Anastasia responded as she looked about the room and the contents in it. "I can see you are already aware of your Jacobs choice to go to war and based on the armor and weapons you plan on being there?"

Cathrine turned to face her mother, "He plans on only raiding two Outposts at this time. I will be going to make sure he succeeds and does not fall to an enemy blade. If his plans succeed, I will never get involved and I will have a front-row seat of his short campaign and I will be back in a couple days. Mikael will be with me so I will be safe."

Anastasia pulled her daughter into a hug, "The men of House On'tel are the blunt weapons, while the women are the knives. Go and protect your husband daughter, but come back safe."