Tomb of Eternal Night

Palace of Night- Master Suite

Jacob relaxed for the first time in six days. Jacob had led his War Party to scout and if they could dive the Dungeons Tarren and First Legion had found on their way to Bloodsoaked Fort. Of the 4 Dungeons, one was a low 50s instance, another was a mid-40s raid (20 Man), but the other two had been within his War Parties range and he had brought Cathrine and Sosa along to round out Thelgrum's half of the party. It had been rocky at first until Jacob had laid down the law and told them Thelgrum was in charge of his half of the group and he decided who called the shots once the battle had begun. Usually, that was someone that had the whole view of the battle and not someone that was within knife/spear range and after a little grumbling and cold shoulders, they had agreed.

Now Sosa was back at Darkfang Hold, Cathrine had gone back to the Hallowed Tombs to check in with her family, and Jacob and his War Party were resting and recovering from completing two dungeons within 4 days. The first dungeon was a slime dungeon and without Shigna and Fenwyn, they would have had to pull out. In the end, though they had managed to trudge through and clear the Elder Dungeon. The second dungeon had been populated by an endless stream of Goblins that worshipped Elementals and a Demon of all things.

The runs had given all his regular party members 2 levels, Sosa and Cathrine had both gained 1 level, and Star kicking ass at level 30. The dungeons had given up a little over 4,000 Gold, 1 Unique-Epic, 2 Epics, 2 Rares, and 6 Uncommons that were not worth mentioning. Having the two women within his party had proven it was time to make a run to the Pit and see if he could fill out his War Party on a permanent basis. Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Nara'nga Sacrificial Dagger of the Pit

Level: Epic (Unique)

Damage: 75 - 125

Properties: Increase Intelligence and Wisdom 30

Properties: +15% Increase damage of Dark/Chaotic Spells

Properties: Friendly Demons have 10% increased stats

Properties: Ability Unlocked: Dark Sacrifice (Cooldown 24 Hours)

Requirement: Warlock, LVL 35, Intelligence 40, Wisdom 40

Durability: 650/800

Description: This unique dagger was forged for a demon using a mix of Hell-Steel, Mithril, and a bit a Platinum making it suitable for channeling large amounts of dark magic while protecting its wielder from any nasty side effects.

Note* Dark Sacrifice: Sacrifice 10% of an allies health to increase Mana regeneration by 25% and spell damage by 10% for 1 Minute

Name: Spiked Bulwark of the Hell-Spawn Tribe

Level: Epic

Properties: +120 to Armor Rating

Properties: Increase Constitution 35 and Strength 25

Properties: Increase Block Chance +5%

Properties: 25% of all Damage received is reflected back at attackers

Requirement: Level 35, Strength 35, Constitution 30

Durability: 750/900

Description: The Hell-Spawn Tribe Goblins revere Demons and will fight to the death for their patron, Nara'nga.

Name: Paired Daggers of the Traveler

Level: Epic

Damage: 70-85 MH, 60-75 OH

Properties: Increase Dexterity and Agility by 35

Properties: Increases damage of all Rogue abilities/skills by 10%

Properties: Increases speed while stealth is active by 30%

Properties: Increases critical hit chance by 3%

Requirement: Level 36, Dexterity 40, Agility 40

Durability: 685/750

Description: These daggers once belonged to a famous dungeon diver that traveled to many lands until one day disappeared. Some say he died in a dungeon while others swore he retired, no one knows for sure.

Name: Spiked Mace of the Ember Forge (2-Handed)

Level: Rare

Damage: 85-120

Properties: Increase Strength by 35 and Constitution by 25

Properties: 10% Chance to cause 50 Bleeding damage (Can stack 3 times)

Properties: Weapon causes 20-45 Fire damage per strike

Requirement: Level 35, Strength 40, Constitution 25

Durability: 650/800

Description: This mace was crafted in the Dwarven Ember Forge a forge the infuses everything created within with a portion of fire element contained within the forge.

Name: Insidious Crossbow of the Dark

Level: Rare

Damage: 80-95

Properties: Increase Dexterity and Agility by 30

Properties: Increase Poison based damage by 25%

Properties: Increase Camouflage skill by 10%

Requirement: Level 34, Dexterity 35, Agility 35

Durability: 550/700

Description: This Drow crafted crossbow was infused with a portion of their malevolence. One of the good pieces of news he had read before telling Eiloma that he was resting, Brox had reported in and all the new recruits were well on their way to fully recovering. Another thing was 4 War Parties had transferred up to the new outpost, the bad news was one of the Rogues had confirmed that someone had been scouting the area and they were working harder than ever to prepare for the eventual push Middlebrough would make. They were sure unless Middlebrough brought overwhelming strength, that they could holdout for at least 1 week.

Jacob pushed those thoughts away for now and brought up his Kingdom tab and reviewed the purchases he had made from the Perk trees. Silvered Tongue had been a no brainer, Jacob knew he was going to be getting into battles and even wars with people, but if he could find a diplomatic solution he would. Next, he had purchased Mad Genius and Armor and Arms Masters to increase his industry. Mad Genius perk to increase the chance to unlock rarer plans across the board was too good to pass up.

Middlebrough

Governors Office

To say Governor Parris was pissed, would be an understatement. He was spitting mad as one of the teams had returned early and had reported the Ineford was building an outpost about half way between Ineford and Middlebrough. They had scouted around the new outpost and it was being heavily fortified for such a place. "They are emplacing Scorpions along the length of the wall, placing traps all around, and by the time construction is complete on the outpost it will take a lot of meant to crack it open." Aaron Swiftdeath pointed out as they stared at the map before them. It was crudely drawn, but their team was in the field and had not been prepared to scout a fixed position.

"You think!!! Your antics to destroy the Gilded Handz have put Ineford on their guard and now our plans to push our influence into the Arathia Basin are now in jeopardy. I expect you to fix this Guildmaster, immediately!!" Governor Parris spit out.

The guard captain snorted, "If your people's assessment are accurate, he will need an army and siege weapons to either destroy the outpost or drive the garrison out of it. Weighted Chance cannot destroy the outpost and/or garrison without our help."

"The guard Middlebrough has painstakingly funded to train and equip, has been built up to bring the basin under our control. If we waste the manpower on this endeavor we will not be able to bring the basin to heel. We are depending on the income from conquering the basin to increase our revenue and replace all the money we have taken from the coffers." Governor Parris refuted.

"Enough Parris, everything has a risk. Weighted Chance put you in power here because you understood the business relationship we wanted with your town. Now, we must work together to remove this new obstacle. How long do you need Captain to ready your troops to march?" Aaron asked while ignoring Parris.

"Two days to gather supplies, I will not take the whole guard. I will bring all the mercs and half of our regular troops, so 900 altogether. How many Immortals will you be able to marshall?" the Captain asked as he continued to study the map.

Aaron considered the various obligations his guild had and where his people were, "We can field around 70 and I will put the word out about the raid in this region and surrounding area and we might get 10 to 30 more. I can even send an advance team to maybe take out any officers and destroy supplies." The Captain nodded his head in agreement before leaving the Governor's office.

Arathia Basin

Lieutenant-Commander Ironbark strode along the wall, inspecting both the wall itself and the Scorpion emplacements. Word from the Immortals was someone had scouted their position a couple of days ago before heading back north and another party had been heading south. Word had been dispatched to Ineford and the Portal Pad was almost complete, Ironbark had suggested they wait until the pad was complete to send word but the captain had been insistent. A six-man squad had been dispatched but Ironbark doubted they would make it. If he planned on attacking this position, he would leave scouts to ambush any messengers to intercept any reports coming from the outpost.

The Captain had agreed to increase the number of men placed on night watch at least. One man, every 20 feet watched the surrounding area for any infiltration or signs of sabotage. Even the Immortals had put one of their War Parties on alert during the hours of the night. All they could do is wait now and see what Middlebrough would do when reports reached them that Ineford had placed an Outpost here.

Tomb of Eternal Night

The Pit

Jacob looked at the list provided by the clerk within the parameters he had set. Not much for his level range, but that was to be expected with the growth spurt in the military and the various Houses pulling for whatever nuggets from what was left over.

Name: Patemal Farstrider

Race: Moon Elf

Level: 35

Class: Mage-Necromancer

Name: Antheor Sunburst

Race: High Elf

Level: 34

Class: Mage-Icemancer

Name: Rory Bearskin

Race: Human

Level: 34

Class: Warrior-Berserker

Name: Thare Swiftmind

Race: Duergar

Level: 35

Class: Rogue-Thief

Jacob studied the list of people and immediately discounted the Thief, something about her was a little too shifty even for a Rogue. Ther Berserker looked almost 18..maybe so how did he end up here. The High-Elf Icemage had a note that he had turned down every offer given to him and that he had tried to escape 4 times which resulted in the deaths of 3 guards. "Bring Rory and Patemal here please, I wish to speak with them." The clerk immediately sent two runners to retrieve Jacob's possible new recruits.

Within 30 minutes the Human and Moon-Elf were brought before Jacob so he could talk to them and get to know them a little. At first, both were a little wary of him, having a mixed squad of Dawn and Heart Guard watching every move they made did not help either. After 30 minutes of talking and getting to know each of them, they started to open up and ask questions back though. Rory had been one of the former slaves he had freed from the Sisters of the Damned. He had been in shock and had not wanted to join the Legion at the time, now he was almost eager for something different and was willing to join Jacob. Patemal had been ostracized by the people who had taken her in and raised her from an early age when she showed a knack for darker magics. After spending almost a century alone she finally apprenticed with a Necromancer for a decade before breaking away and started exploring the Underdark. She had no problem joining Jacob as long as she could continue adventuring and Jacob could tell the large Human beside her was another benefit of joining him. Pointing that fact out brought a smile to her face and a deep blush to Rory's face. After triggering his ability to form a Blood Bond with each, Jacob reviewed their character sheets to see their abilities.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Rory Bearskin

Human (LVL 34)

Warrior-Berserker

Name: Enrage (LVL 4)

Description: Increases Damage by 30% for 20 sec, but recieve additional 10% more damage for 25 sec (Cost 300 Stamina, Cooldown: 4 min)

Name: Bloody Strikes (LVL 3)

Description: For the next 45 seconds your weapons strikes will cause your enemies blood to spray everywehere and heal you and your allies for 50% of the damage you deal (Cost 250 Stamina, Cooldown: 2 minutes)

Name: Bloodlust (LVL 2)

Description: Increases damage by 7.5% after being in battle for 30 seconds (Passive)

Name: Gouge (LVL 2)

Description: Each of your attacks have a 10% chance to cause 125 bleeding damage over the next 10 seconds (Passive)

Name: Cleaving Strike (LVL 1)

Description: The Barbarian deals an overpwerfull blow that deals 250% damage and has a chance of sundering the targets armor, causing the target to lose 10% of their armor. (Cost 500 Stamina, Cooldown 2 minutes)

Name: Warriors Heart (LVL 1)

Description: A blow that would normally kill the Berserker insteads invigorates him. The Berserker will regain 20% health, deal 25% more damage, and ignore all incoming damage for 10 seconds. (Passive, Cooldown 24 Hours)

Name: Patemal Farstrider

Moon Elf (LVL 35)

Mage-Necromancer

Name: Death Bolt (LVL 4)

Description: Hurl a bolt of death energy at a target dealing 150-180. (Cast time 3 Seconds, Cost 250 Mana, Cooldown 1 Minute)

Name: Corruption (LVL 3)

Description: Target a 5 foot area with death energy that slowly consumes and corrupts the living, dealing 230-270 Damage. (Cast time 10 seconds, Cost 500 Mana, Cooldown 3 minutes)

Name: Grasping Hands (LVL 2)

Description: Skeletal hands burst from the ground grasping and rooting any enemies within a 7 foot radious. (Instant, Cost 500 Mana, Cooldown 5 Minutes)

Name: Bone Armor (LVL 2)

Description: A necromancer can increase their Armor (+10%) by using the bones of nearby fallen for 1 hour. (Instant, Cost 100 Mana, Cooldown 1 hour)

Name: Bone Spear (LVL 2)

Description: Summon a spear of Bone and Death Energy, and send it hurtaling at your target dealing 350 Damage and causing the spear to explode dealing another 200 damage to targets within 5 feet. (Cast Time 10 seconds, Cost 500 Mana, Cooldown 5 minutes)

Name: Summon Undead (LVL 1)

Description: Summon a squad of 6 fallen warriors (Your level +5) to fight for you for 5 minutes. (Cast time 15 seconds, Cost 1000 Mana, Cooldown 1 Hour)

Name: Desication Curse (LVL 1)

Description: Curse an enemy that will suck the life from the target (50 DPS), decrease their Attack Damage by 25%, and decrease targets Mana/Stamina/Etc.. regeneration by 25% for 30 Seconds. (Instant Cast, Cost 500 Mana, Cooldown 2 Minutes)

Jacob's new Bonded were surprised when they headed toward the palace even though he had some of the Heart Guard with him. It was well known who they served and protected and even the Dawn Guard was getting a reputation of being his personal guard now. Neither one had any equipment, but Jacob was sure they could find something soon enough between the guilds vault and stores in the Tomb or Ineford.

Bloodsoaked Fort

Outer Wall

Tarren walked along the wall, alternating between looking out at the all-consuming darkness of the Underdark and the ongoing construction that was prevalent throughout the newly captured fort. The men of the first Legion were either staffing the wall or assisting in tearing down needless buildings or construction of new buildings that were needed to help the new settlement. Already 30 new Non-Bonded had immigrated and another 50 were expected over the next week even though they were at the very edge of the Empire of Night and in real danger of coming under attack from the SIsters. Lieutenant-Commander Blackfang was the senior officer and oversaw the military aspect of the fort.

"Renovations of the keep are half finished, half the Slave Pens have been leveled and resources we have salvaged are going to be used for other things. The Combat Engineers have finished their assessment of the outer wall and think they can complete the modifications on dimensions in three days. The sisters at least left a large stockpile of stone so we have the resources to do the jobs, it's just going to take some time. Weapons orders have already come through and we are expected to produce 500 short swords, axes, and maces within 30 days. The head smith says we can do it, but we might have to request iron due to all the construction going on and bring in at least 1 more blacksmith and 2 apprentices." Lieutenant-Commander Blackfang finished his report.l

Tarren nodded, tired and exhausted from helping with construction. "I will submit the request to the Kings Seneschal. How are we doing with food stores?"

"Holding steady and the farms are up and running again. Each produces nearly 1000 units off food every 15 days so all surplus is getting sent to either the Fortress of Midnight or back to the Tomb. We are still doing an inventory of the two vaults of the fortress, they mainly contained common level weapons, some armor, gold, silver, and some jewels. Nothing special has been encountered yet." Lieutenant-Commander Blackfang responded as his eyes swept over the construction.