Middlebrough

Jacob walked among the wreckage of the gate and talked to the newest Governor, Tim High-Tower. The calmly old man who had taken control of the council when the younger members would have gotten them all killed. "Our Engineers say that repairs will to the gates will take 3 days, but the upgrades to the walls will take weeks. We will also have to ship in stone resources from either the basin or one of the Free Cities to the north." Tim said as they watched the Combat Engineers of the Legion working. Lieutenant-Commander Ironbark whole Cohort would be stationed here for the foreseeable future. Most of the council did not like it, but they understood why Jacob had demanded it.

The Combat-Engineers were working with town Engineers to make repairs and upgrades to the defenses. The last Governor had used town funds to line his pockets, pay for mercenaries, and bribe Immortals. So the Middlebrough treasury was not as robust as it should be. Although some of the funds had been recovered, most would be lost forever. "You do not have a quarry or mine that can increase your towns revenue?" Jacob asked

Governor High-Tower spit and cursed, "That damned Parris promised to either reward Immortals or dispatch the town guard to deal with the Goblins tribe that had taken over both the local quarry and mines, but he never did. Are you willing to assist us my King?" the old man asked and Jacob winced in anticipation of the quest.

Kingdom Quest Issued: Resource Rampage

Description: Your Empires newest acquisition as suffering from the lack of natural resources from local mines and quarries due to a hostile Goblin Tribe taking both for themselves. You can try to reach an agreement to share the resources or you can dispatch Immortals and/or military assets to deal with the problem. The choice is your King!!!

Rewards: Unknown Variable

Jacob tried not to roll his eyes, but could not stop his face from twitching, "Of course, I will see that something is done and that resources start coming in again as soon as possible. If you cannot acquire enough resources from the mines and quarry, let me know and I will send resources to assist in the construction efforts. What about food?"

"The nearest villages to the north and south provide food supplies to us at a discounted rate while we provide military protection and oversee any legal disputes. It works well for everyone so far my King." Governor High-Tower responded. "All the goods that Weighted Chance took are in the Warehouses the former Governor loaned them. Gilded Handz can come and pick them up whenever they can, preferably sooner rather than later."

"I will make sure they are informed and that the extortion they had to pay to do business here is no longer in effect. I am sure their leadership will be happy to see that Middlebrough is an open market for them once again." Jacob responded as he thought of the trade agreement he had yet to sign with them. He had already been informed by Dudrik that the agreement was waiting for him to sign before going into effect.

"I can confirm that the Gilded Handz is going to be very happy to hear the Middlebrough is open to them once again." a voice called from behind Jacob causing him to slowly turn and smile. "I am assuming that you are the reason why these fine people need to do some remodeling?"

"You could say I am the ultimate reason why they need to rebuild and why you now have an open market here once again, Anthony," Jacob told the other Immortal as he walked up to the gate. Arrayed behind Anthony was 5 other Immortals, presumably his escort. Every single Legionnaire within 10 feet of the gate was suddenly tense staring intently at the newcomers and waiting for Jacob or Anthony to say or do something.

"Rumors from some of my contacts in this part of the basin was that a small battle took place not too far from here and now when I entered the town I was alerted that I was entering an area controlled by the Empire of Night. Funny thing is, that I can't find any information pertaining to such an Empire nor can I find any information about these unknown locals labeled as Legionnaires. Yes a very recent pain in the ass, Aaron Swiftdeath leader of Weighted Chance, did post online about encountering them. Isn't that odd." Anthony stated as he studied the soldiers nearby while Jacobs War Party slowly filtered through their ranks.

Jacob smiled but it did not entirely reach his eyes, "Lieutenant-Commander Ironbark, please detail two men to escort Governor High-Tower back to the Government-Administration building. I am sure he has plenty of things to do. Governor, we will finish this discussion later if you don't mind?" Jacob asked and the Governor nodded slightly before bowing and following his escort away from the potential violence. "So, with the recent damage Middlebrough has suffered due to an attack on this fair town and liberation from the influence of Weighted Chance, it is not open as of yet. It should be ready for visitors in a week or so. How can I help you, Anthony? Do you have any actual questions or just more observations?"

Anthony smiled as he moved his eyes back to Jacob and away from the surrounding soldiers, "They are loyal, aren't they. Well on to business, Weighted Chance raided and seized goods from the Gilded Handz. I was wondering if any might be recoverable? That was why I was coming here."

Jacob studied that enigmatic man that reminded him so much like Darren at times, "Yes, we have 2 warehouses full of your goods we believe, but as I said, Middlebrough is closed to outsiders for the time being. Once repairs are completed that will change and you will be able to recover your goods, just bring a detailed inventory of everything that was stolen and file it with the Governor's office. I am sure they will have no problem accelerating your claim for recovery."

Anthony smiled shark-like, "How sure are you that the local Governor will fast track our paperwork?"

Jacob sighed and nearly growled in frustration before slowly walking forward until Anthony could hear him speaking softly, "Listen, we have become business partners but we are not friends much less allies. You do not trust us anymore then we trust you so stop snooping into a business that has nothing to do with you or yours. The Trade Agreement between us will be signed within the next 24 hours and Middlebrough will be on the list of places that are within my people's purview that you can trade with. Give this place a wide berth for the next week or so, wouldn't want any misunderstanding." Jacob responded letting iron and determination fill his voice and letting the other man know that the games were over and it was time for Anthony and his escort to leave.

The other smiled slightly before bowing and leaving, his escort continued to study the defenders before turning and leaving as well. Based and the movements within the nearby shadows, several Rogues were going to shadow them and report back later on what they found. Too much to do and so little time Jacob thought as he turned and walked toward the town center.

City of Sylfemel

Main Tree- Council Chambers

The Council of Eldest debated and fought over what had happened. Ever since those that had been captured by the bandits had told tales of those that rescued them. Of a warrior with glowing blood red eyes. When word had reached the council had been incensed and been on the edge of declaring war with those that would live next too and house such creatures. After reading through the reports of the captives though, they hesitated. They were never abused or feed upon by the rescuers. No Mind Magic had been wielded against them. They had also respected their borders and not crossed them when they had returned the former prisoners. Everything they knew about their old enemy told them that Vampires did not act this way. They cared nothing for other species except to rule and/or use them. Yet the ones that freed their kin, did not act that way.

"This is madness. Both Pantheons, Light, and Dark, very rarely agree on anything, yet they both agreed that Vampires are abominations that had to be destroyed on sight. I say we inform the Council of Light so they may do their duty." Elder Thistle stated while others argued for or against his viewpoint.

"Enough, silence please.' the soft but strong voice of the Eldest called the immediate attention of all those present. 'I have been alive for over 1,000 years. I heard war stories of those that survived the last war against their race. I have also learned much myself on how the gods act and see things. The gods do not act always in the mortal races best interests. We also don't always follow their commandments blindly either, if we had this city would never have been founded, Elder Thistle. I am not saying we ignore this possible sighting of Vampires or open our borders, but I do think we should look and judge based on actions and not the word of gods that swore that all sentient Vampires were wiped out 2,000 years ago. If the survivors are correct, and these are sentient Vampires and not mindless monsters, then we have living proof the gods have lied before. And if they lied once, they will gladly lie again to keep us in line."

Rumblings and mutters filled the sealed council chambers as more than one council member reconsider their previous viewpoints based on the Eldests words. "What do you propose us to do Eldest?" Elder Thistle asked as he studied the Ancient Wood-Elf who smiled and slowly meet every Elders gaze.

"We know for a fact that these so-called Vampires are associated with Ineford. I believe we should send an Envoy to talk to them and we should send eyes and ears into the Arathia Basin to see what interaction they have had with the rest of the inhabitants of the basin if any interaction at all. Once we have gathered information, true facts and not old stories and lies, we make an informed decision. Until then, we wait and watch." the Eldest responded before leaning back while the other Elders considered his words and a vote was taken.

City of Uldon

Outer City- Bent Dagger Tavern

Aaron watched as the suds of his beer floated as he waited for Maddox to return. He was still suffering from Ressurection Sickness for the next 4 hours. It was the only saving grace that he wasn't targeted by the city guard or any white knight types. As long as he was already suffering, no one could attack him for being a PKer. One hour after the Resurrection Sickness wore off, every guard within two blocks would be hunting him and everyone with a grudge would be lining up to kill him.

Uldon wasn't a bad city, it abutted against a river and was one of the founding members of the Free City Alliance. It was a compact between Free Cities to defend each other from external threats. The Outer City was the poorer section and where all the black market action was. Easy to lose yourself in and easier to get killed. Right now, Aaron planned on taking some assassination contracts within the Free Cities until he could earn enough money to buy or build a new base for Weighted Chance. Aaron snorted, it was hardly a guild anymore since the disastrous end of Middlebrough. Of the once proud leader of a 200 man strong guild, now led about 20 if that much. Maddox was the only core member left from all those that had joined him in the early days. Most had already jumped a portal in from Anchorhead, but some were taking the long way here and trying to earn money.

Maddox suddenly sat down, "I got everyone settled down, I let the powers that be in the city know we would be operating her for the foreseeable future as well. No one is hunting you actively yet, but it's only a matter of time before our enemies from up north hear that you are weak and vulnerable and they will come after you. We need new blood, a new home, and a steady income."

Aaron chugged down his beer before responding, "I know. Let's start actively interviewing and recruiting. Put the word out and I am sure the rats will come out of their holes. Then we earn some money and find a new home. I also want any new information on Ineford and those fuckers that pushed us out of Middlebrough."

City of Ineford

City Administration Building- Reagents Office

Jacob sighed, initial, and signed again for the third time in a row. Paperwork was a pain in the ass, but everything was done and the Gilded Handz now had trade rights in this area of the Underdark and his growing empire had a new source of revenue. Gilded Handz also got two additional locations they had not expected, Darkfang Hold and Middlebrough.

"Well, the threat from Middlebrough is finished and you have a foothold on the surface. I assume that foothold will change one day?" Dudrik asked as he sat back and looked at Jacob contemplating what he had enabled by capitulating to his demands all those weeks ago.

"Yes, the threat is over for now, but it's only a matter of time before another Immortal guild tries to move in where Weighted Chance existed. Did I get a response from Slate Cavern Fortress?" Jacob asked the Dwarf as he studied him and his possible regrets. It was too late now, they were in too deep and they had gained too much strength for them to back out now. The Dwarf nodded before handing a sealed letter over. Quickly reading it Jacob smiled and then frowned.

Jacob,

For the record, I do not miss that Goblin piss you call beer. My family is fine and enjoying my company again. The bastard who had betrayed me and our clan took the quickest way off the mountain. From the very top, I heard.

Now on to more serious matters. Reading what you describe disgusts me and shames me that another smith could have forged something so destructive. Being who you are I know you cannot travel freely, but with this letter, I am sending a one time Portal Scroll to use to bring you here.

If you decide to come, come alone and mention my name to the guards at the Portal Pad and they will arrange an escort for you to come and see me. This does not clear my debt to ya, I would gladly destroy this item.

Glagor.

Quest Issued: Plague Lords Legacy

Description: When you went through the Plagued Ruins you discovered an item that could devastate the living population and you have sought the guidance of the Master Smith Glagor Ironbreaker on the safest method to destroy it. Seek him out at Slate Cavern Fortress about what can be done to destroy the threat to the living.

Rewards: Unknown

"Thank you Dudrik, this will help us all out," Jacob told him as he sighed wearily before standing and heading toward the Portal Pad and home.