Fortress of Midnight

Military Checkpoint

Jacob looked out at a Raiding party in front of the checkpoint, the Undead that helped man the checkpoint glared at the group of Goblins, Orcs, and Hobgoblins led by Dolbrug Darkfang. "So Dolburg, you spend 3 days on the road to just come and visit me with such a large group of friends...Tell me, what would your sister think if I showed up with so many people?" Jacob smiled but their was no warmth or friendliness.

"I understand your point my friend and my sister apologizes again for the first impression she left. As far as all my Raid group, my sister insisted that I bring them to make sure I got here and then back home. I need to speak to you alone, the information I bring is for your ears only Lord Longstrider." Dolbrug said as he approached the closed gates.

Jacob looked at Thorgron who simply nodded his head, they had brought enough people to take them down between Jacobs War Party and the Dawn Guard. Even Captain Thardan Dulkam had insisted on another 20 of the Tomb Guardians to come along as back up, they had the numbers and the firepower to destroy the Raid group. "Do I have your word of honor that none of your people will cause problems and that you and they will act with honor?" Jacob called down to the Hobgoblin.

The Hobgoblin snorted before agreeing and at his word the Tomb Guardians assigned to the Checkpoint opened up the gate to allow them access.

Fortress of Midnight

Fortified Hall-Lords Office

Jacob sat down, Cathrine and Eiloma were with him, and Dolbrug sat opposite of him. His Raiding party was camped out beyond the wall, food and drink had been provided for them but they would not be allowed within the walls and a watch had been set on them. "Well Dolbrug you wanted a face-to-face, here is your chance to speak." Jacob said and the Hobgoblin looked at the two women, "I will tell them whatever you tell me so you might as well start talking."

"Very well Lord Longstrider, our scouts and spies have reported that the Sisters of the Damned are gathering troops and plan on reinforcing Fortress Ill'Gargon. We do not know if you are the target or you are, both are viable targets for them. As of right now, we do not know when the reinforcements will arrive though but my sister has deployed scouts to watch for reinforcements. We are asking for your assistance in destroying the reinforcements, will you?" Dolbrug asked.

War Quest Issued: Neighborhood Watch

Description: Sisa Darkfang of the Clan Darguun has asked for your assistance in destroying the Sister of the Damned reinforcements that are being dispatched toward Fortress Ill'Gargon.

Requirement: Level 30, Army Size 750 minimum

Rewards: Alliance with Clan Darguun, Variable

Jacob whistled, they were asking for him to take a huge risk but if they were not full of shit it could forge another alliance with a powerful clan. "Ok, I will assist your people in taking out the reinforcements for Fortress Ill'Gargon, but if you and your sister are playing me...I will turn your hold into ash and I will hunt all your people down. Am I understood?" Jacob delivered the threat very bluntly in his face so the Hobgoblin understood the price for betraying him and his people.

"I understand that Lord Longstrider, believe me, we do not want you as an enemy. We are offering this information in good faith and hoping you will return the favor in supporting our assault on the enemy reinforcements." Dolbrug responded.

Cathrine sent calming thoughts toward Jacob and he grabbed hold of his temper, honey not vinegar. "Your right Dolburg, I am sorry for the threat but your sister made herself perfectly clear she did not want us as allies the first time we meet. Now, she had pulled a 180 and now wants to be friends only because your people are being threatened. You and your men are welcome to stay the night if you want, your men will stay outside the walls for obvious reasons, you are welcome to stay in one of the guest suites. This is a communication stone, you or your sister can contact us when your scouts find out when the reinforcements arrive. I expect at least 3 days notice before they show up if at all possible." Jacob said as he stood and offered his hand for the Hobgoblin to shake.

Dolbrug didn't even hesitate before he stood and shook Jacobs hand, "We will give you as many heads up as we can. Thank you Lord Longstrider for offering your trust, I will make sure my sister does not do anything stupid to risk the potential alliance. Now if you will excuse me I will go make sure that my men are settled in for the night, we will be leaving early so if I do not see you again before we leave. Good luck." Dolbrug did a half bow and left.

"Ladies, thoughts about this new turn of events?" Jacob asked after the Hobgoblin left.

"You seem a little defensive concerning this clan, is it going to be a problem?" Eiloma asked while Cathrine just studied him saying nothing.

"Yeah, well when someone threatens me and everything I am trying to accomplish, I don't take easy or forget it despite the circumstances. Sisa Darkfang might be willing to offer an Alliance now, but its based on need and convenience. How long will we remain allies?" Jacob responded.

"Good question and you are not wrong being paranoid Jacob but you cannot let your paranoia interfere with gaining another ally and a powerful one at that," Cathrine said and Eiloma nodded her head in agreement.

"With reinforcements incoming, we are going to have to speed up our plans for taking Fortress Ill'Gargon. Eiloma makes sure Tathlyn Hune, Captains Thardan Dulkam, Thorgron Shadowsteel, and Brox are at the War Room. If Tarren and Darren are within the fortress are within the fortress walls, send for them as well." Jacob as he considered what had happened.

"Rushing into battle husband can cause more casualties, but I also understand why you are speeding up your plans. Who are you calling on to help with this fight?" Cathrine asked as she sat opposite of him.

"I will call upon the Bloodfangs and Earth Splitters, with what we can field we should be able to take the fortress. I might even call on the garrison at Blood Haven, but I am not sure I want to depend on the crown too much." Jacob said as he considered his insane plan and he was sure that Cathrine knew exactly what he was thinking and she nodded at his thoughts. "Its the only way we can do it while minimizing risk to the locals. If the plan succeeds we will crack that fortress like an egg. Yes before you say it...if it works." The last comment made her smile. Jacob stood and lead her toward the War Room.

Fortress of Midnight

War Room

Jacob looked at the other two leaders, Braxus Earthcracker and Rexxar Skullcrusher stood before him rendered fully in the War room. They had been talking and making plans for the last 30 minutes, "Gentlemen, our time is running out and the Sisters of the Damned are planning on dispatching troops to reinforce the Fortress Ill'Gargon. Wiping out all their outposts have weakened them, but we have to take the fortress now while they are weak. I have dispatched messengers to carry some portal scrolls so your troops can get to Ineford quickly. They should be at your homes within the next couple of hours. I plan on marshaling what I can tomorrow by noon, I sent a message to Captain Orren at Blood Haven but I do not know what they will decide. Once we marshal outside of Ineford, it will take us 4 days to travel to get to Fortress Ill'Gargon. I have a plan that will involve only Immortals and if it succeeds, we won't need any siege weapons. Can I expect you two and your people to be there?"

Both leaders nodded, "We will be there Jacob Longstrider, we honor our agreements." Rexxar said as he bowed and went to prepare his forces. Both people would bring almost everything they could to bare to help take the fortress and both leaders had declined to take control of the fortress and Jacob planned on taking it in the name of his Guild.

"Ok people you know the main part of the plan concerning the military units, the infiltration will be done only by immortals only. Abraxxus is providing alchemic bombs so we can blast open a couple of holes in the main wall. Once the infiltration team succeeds the army will move in and eliminate the Sister's troops and take control of the fortress. We will free the slaves and recruit those we can into the army, those that just want to work will be sent to either Eternal Night, Fortress Ill'Gargon, or here. Any questions or concerns?" Jacob called out.

"Who is going to lead the infiltration team?" Thorgron asked. Jacob just smiled as he went out into the main hall.

Before the dais stood the other 34 members of the Seekers of the Dawn, and the backbone of his growing power. Jacob made his way onto the dais and looked at all of them before addressing them. "Thank you all for coming, I know you all have things to do, dungeons to clear, and grinding to get done. I called you here today because we are at war, for those who are level 10 and above that want to take part in taking a fortress to talk to Tarren, Yilme, or Zakoc. Those of you that are below level 10 that want to go in with the infiltration team see Darren. For those who are joining the infiltration team, its probably going to be a one way trip with a respawn here. Darren will have operational command but I will be there with you guys infiltrating the fortress." Immediately most of the guild and all the locals except Cathrine started yelling at him. None of the people agreed with his statement. "Ok, so you all disagree with my statement, one at a time. Why?"

"You are the guild leader...you are the leader of everything and everyone...guild leaders do not lead suicide missions...don't be a dumbass..." The reasons went on and on until finally, Cathrine spoke, "I understand why you want to lead the infiltration team but you have a responsibility for all the people here and your alliance is founded on you leading the troops. Do you think your allies are going to attack that fortress without you leading them? I know you are not that stupid Jacob." Cathrine stated.

"Then please tell me, who is going to lead the infiltration team?" Jacob asked the crowd and he had multiple people volunteer but it was Darren that overrode all their voices and stepped up onto the dais with Jacob.

"Covert ops is my thing brother, those that want to join the suicide squad let me know. It will be fun and we will probably die...Fun stuff people." Darren finished with a smile.

"So, we have a leader for the infiltration team. I hope you all will join up in one form or another for the coming battle if you don't want to join that is fine you will have more chances in the coming months I promise. Those that are joining, we will be leaving no later than noon to marshal our forces at Ineford. Those that are going, if you do not want to risk your Bonded, I understand. You have until we leave to decide one way or another." Jacob called out as the meeting broke up.

City of Ineford

Kragrug Trollbreaker marched along the wall with 6 other of the City Guard, recruitment for the City Guard had gone up as the Merchants Council put them on the war footing with no explanation as to why. It was near the midday when suddenly multiple Portals opened up and started disgorging soldiers by the dozens, most wore black colored Iron Chainmail Armor or Black Plate, but a minority boasted Steel Chainmail. A small minority though, after all the troops were coming 2 dozen carts and wagons carrying supplies for the troops. It was only about 500 troops or so, not enough to threaten the city but it was a problem. From the small army, a group of about 10 broke off and started heading toward the city. Well, this would be interesting.

As Jacob and his War Party approached the city a contingent of the City Guard moved to intercept them. "Ahhh, gentlemen, thank you for the warm welcome and as much as I do not mind talking to you I need to talk to my Reagent and I am sure you have no problem sending for Councilor Dudrik Goldflint." Jacob smiled at the guards. The leader of the contingent before nodding and sending a runner toward the city.

"Well mylord, I can request his presence but I do not know if he will actually come." the guard stated and based on the insignia on his tabard he was a sergeant at least.

"Oh I am sure that he will come, Sergeant, the price of failure is too high," Jacob responded as he heard as more portals started opening and the Orcs and Goblins of the Bloodfang tribe started forming up and marching out in little squares. When Jacob turned back to the Sergeant he had paled at the sight of a second small army coming out of Portals, he would love to see the third.

20 minutes later and after the Earth Splitters showed up Dudrik finally showed up, but he eyed the army first before letting his eyes come to rest on Jacob, "Well mylord, I see you were telling the truth. Are you here to garrison the city or is this army meant for something else?" the Dwarf asked.

Jacob smiled showing a little bit of fang making the Dwarf pale a little bit, "Relax Reagent, this army is meant for another target. I will be using your military soon enough for another target. I did bring you something Dudrik, a flag to fly proudly over your city. To show allegiance to all those who would come and so our enemies will know what will happen if they strike at you, they also strike at me." Jacob handed the flag over to the Reagent and hopefully the next time he came by it would be flying over the city, if not they would be declaring independence from him and that was another problem for another day.

Dudrik understood the demand and the city would comply even if they didn't like it. "It will be done as you say mylord, can we assist you with anything else?"

"Not at this time Reagent, I am sure we will be seeing each other soon enough. Have a good day." Jacob turned and left with his War Party and rejoined the waiting army that numbered nearly 2500 strong. It was time for them to go to war.