Tomb of Eternal Night

Palace of Night

12,378 people were the final count of how many former slaves they managed to free. Much to the annoyance of his Advisory Council Jacob did not immediately kick them all out of the city and into the Underdark. A good third of them needed to rest and heal before doing anything, but of the other 8,000, they had promising prospects for resettlement into the Arathia Basin. Sites for new Farming and Logging Villages were being picked constantly while others had wanted to join the Legions, yet a small minority had wanted to be free to choose their own way and would be released to the surface or Underdark within the next couple of days.

"I still can't believe you let them take all the loot from the raid," Cathrine said as she hugged him from behind.

Jacob snorted, "In the long run, those people will be far more valuable than any Gold, Silver, or Jewels. Would it have been helpful to get a cut, yeah, but we got to think long-term? We need people as much as wealth."

"When will we be marching on the Stronghold of Gahlin?" She asked as he continued to study the winking campfires of those few that had no roof over their heads.

"In a few hours, the Fourth Legion should already be marshaling and Porting to the Fortress of Redemption. The Siege Engines will be carted out and portaled out in the next two hours. I will be leaving within three with my War Party, I am going down to the Mess Hall for breakfast, do you want to join me?' Jacob asked her, 'You will have to put on some clothing though."

Cathrine laughed as she sauntered away, it was going to be a long day. Sosa was supposed to be joining the march with her uncle, but they didn't have a hard timeline of when Clan Darguun was going to show up.

Underdark

Outside the Stronghold of Gahlin

Jacob watched as the Legions deployed for the siege, the First Legion was anchored to the north, a good third of its number deployed to counter any forces coming from the tunnels that led further into the Sister's territory. The Second Legion would bare the brunt of any assault against the fortress, formed the main line of battle and guarded the three batteries of Siege Engines. The Fourth Legion was split watching the tunnels to the south they had marched from and flanking the Second Legion to the south.

All told, they were deploying 24 Ballista, 12 Catapults, and 6 Onagers to take down the shield as soon as possible. One volley from all the Siege Engines could deal out 60,000 Damage, enough to take out the most basic of the magical shields. However, based on Ranyln Do'und Intel, the outer shield had 200,000 durability and had multiple batteries to extend its life. If they had any mage channel mana into the shield, it could extend the life even longer. In other words, they could be here for hours or even days laying siege to the Stronghold before it fell, hopefully, Ranyln had an idea to take out the shield before they ran out of ammunition.

Nadal rode up on a lizard as Jacob looked at the shield, "My king, the Legions are deployed as planned. We have had no contact with the Clan Darguun reinforcements yet. I have deployed some scouts toward the path they are supposed to be taking and we will have the word as soon as they place eyes on their forces. The Siege Engines are being constructed as quickly as possible and we can begin bombardment within an hour. Do you have any orders?"

"Did you deploy scouts to the tunnels to the north?" Jacob asked as he watched the defenders prepare the defenses. They were seriously undermanned though, the Stronghold could comfortably hold 20,000 and they barely had 4,000 troops. For the first time, they outnumbered the Sisters but they had the most advantages. If he had been in command he would have abandoned the Outer Wall and concentrated the defenders on the inner smaller wall.

"Yes my king, as soon as the cavern was secured a team of Rogues and Rangers was deployed to those tunnels," Nadal responded.

"Do you mind if I pick your brain, why hold the outer wall? They could concentrate their defenders on the Inner Wall or even just the Stronghold. Deploying their numbers like this allows us to destroy them piecemeal. It makes no sense." Jacob spoke his thought to the general.

Nadal shrugged his shoulders, "Not all decisions make sense, sometimes people just make stupid mistakes or choices or it could be your inside man still working to help you."

Stronghold of Gahlin

Keep- Fortress Command Center

Ranyln Do'und almost laughed as he watched the argument between Mistress Dal'Carn and her counterpart breakout to yelling, they were near the point where both were fingering their daggers and thinking about drawing them. "I AM IN CHARGE if you have a problem with my decisions feel free to leave." Mistress Dal'Carn proclaimed.

"You might be in charge but you keep making stupid decisions. You did not challenge their deployment, you never sent any raids after they took the fortresses to the south. You have not shed one drop of our enemies blood since the beginning of their campaign and now nearly 12,000 of their troops are at our doorstep and you have manned the outer wall LIKE AN IDIOT!!!" She screamed out the last while Ranyln Do'und edged back with the few other males present.

Mistress Dal'Carn shrieked and threw herself at the other female. One hand clawed at her eyes while the other pulled her dagger and started stabbing at the other women. The nearby men froze at indecision unable to decide what to do as the women fought, interfering in a fight between two Drow women was an easy way for them to turn their anger on the male so they waited and watched.

Suddenly it was like a large gong went off, Mistress Dal'Carn didn't hesitate and slammed her dagger forward plunging it into the other woman's chest. She screamed in pain and tried to cast a spell but Ranyln Do'und moved forward quickly, his blade leading and cutting into the other Drows neck quickly removing her head before she could get the spell off. "What was that noise Ranyln?" Mistress Dal'Carn asked while wiping her dagger off on the corpse before signaling to a nearby servant to clean it up.

"Our enemies have begun their attack, it was probably a volley from their siege weapons. The shield will hold Mistress Dal'Carn." Ranyln Do'und replied while he studied the display as it updated with the new information.

Mistress Dal'Carn smiled, "Good everything is going as planned then." She looked at him in assurance and took his smile that it was, but everything was going as he planned it and none of it would benefit her.

Underdark

Outside the Stronghold of Gahlin

Jacob watched as the Shield continued to fracture under the assault of his engines. For three hours they had bombarded the Stronghold, they were finally started to make a dent. Every time they had gotten this far their opponents had done something to bring the shield back to full strength. Now it seemed the shield was finally going to give.

Jacob watched as the Battering Ram, a box-like structure on wheels, prepare to move forward with the rest of the Legions. Two Assualt Towers had been deployed as well ready to move forward. Jacob watched as the Legions formed up for the assault, it would take time for the Assualt Towers to reach the wall. The battering ram would reach the gates 10 minutes before the towers reached the wall according to Nadal.

Suddenly a messenger came running up, "Sir scouts report that Clan Darguuns forces have been spotted in the western tunnel, they will be here in less than an hour." Jacob acknowledged the report and dismissed the messenger. Some of the Seekers were going with the Assualt Towers while others would be with the forces staged behind the battering ram. Suddenly the cracks of the shield started to grow rapidly then started falling inward as the shield collapsed under the combined assault of three batteries. A cheer went up as the Legions started forward, spells went off as casters buffed the soldiers, the Battering Ram rolled forward toward the distant target while the Assualt Towers started to inch forward. The Siege batteries would switch to Explosive Ammunition and now concentrate on breaching the outer wall or any enemy troop concentrations.

Stronghold of Gahlin

Keep- Fortress Command Center

Mistress Dal'Carn was frantic, the shield had fallen, the main gate was about to fall, the wall was about to be breached, and two Assualt Towers were going to be in a position to assault the top of the wall in less than 2 minutes. "What do we do? I followed your plan to the letter and we are losing. The slaves will be overrun and we do not have enough warriors to hold the keep against a sustained assault. What do we do?"

Ranyln Do'und snorted as he walked closer to her and peered at the display while he silently drew the dagger from his belt, "Yes, everything is going as planned. Everything I promised my King is coming to pass." Ranyln stated right before driving the dagger into her kidney and twisting the blade to open the wound wider before withdrawing the knife and plunging it into her neck.

Mistress Dal'Carn grabbed at him but slowly fell to the ground as she bled to death. "Drake order our forces to stand down. When the Kings forces throw open the inner doors and offer unconditional surrender. Leave two warriors with me and make sure everyone disarms openly, do not place their weapons in their inventories." Ranyln commanded as he watched as the gates came crashing down and a part of the wall was breached moments later as the concentrated fire collapsed part of the wall.

"As you will my lord. Stay safe cousin." Drake stated before turning and leaving the command center. Jacob ducked under the spear stabbing out and opened the Orcs stomach with the return cut. As the Orc went down a nearby Dawn Guard kicked him off the wall screaming to the ground below where the Orc splattered nicely all over the ground. Jacob dashed forward to engage a Drow Rogue that had materialized trying to cut his way deeper into the Dawn Guards ranks. The Rogue probably thought the armor Jacob wore would slow him down, but after wearing it for months he had gotten used to the weight and it hardly slowed him at all.

The exchanged blows but neither one could gain an advantage until a Dawn Guard slammed his short sword through the Drows back causing the Drow cough blood as the Orc threw him off the wall. "This way my King. The stairs leading to the ground level are this way." Jacob nodded and followed the Sergeant a squad of the Dawn Guard following closely behind as their brethren finished mopping up this section of the wall.

The Legionnaires were rounding up anyone who surrendered, the slaves would probably be released after being thoroughly being vetted while the Drow would not be. They would be listed as prisoners of war and be used for hard labor or be imprisoned.

Battle Alert...

Your forces have taken the Control Room of the Stronghold of Gahlin, they must hold it for...30 minutes.

Battle Alert...

A timer started counting down in the corner of his sight. Jacob continued to follow the path that followed the base of the outer wall that led to a ramp that led to the gate of the inner wall. A messenger came running up, "Sir, General Brox reports that the First Legion has taken the control room and the garrison has surrendered unconditionally." Jacob nodded his head as he continued to follow the path. He could see more and more armored Drow being guarded by Legionnaires.

As Jacob made his way to the central fortress he managed to eyeball the amount of Drow that had surrendered and it was probably close to 2,000 give or take a couple hundred. If they had chosen to fight, it would have cost Jacobs army a couple of hundred lives to crack this place even with siege engines.

15 minutes later he was in the control room with Drake and Ranyln Do'und, General Brox was glowering at the Drow but they ignored the Orc. Both Drow bowed deeply as Jacob entered, the Dawn Guard spread out to secure the room. "Report!" Jacob barked out to get Broxs' attention.

Brox snarled at the Drow one more time before turning to Jacob and saluted, "The Stronghold is in your hands my King, we have a team of Rogues sweeping the Keep for any traps or hidden troops. So far nothing insidious has been found. None of the Keeps internal defenses were activated. We will have a solid count of captives within the hour. Ranyln Do'und has asked that the Drow prisoners that fought us be turned over to him."

Jacob looked at the Drow with incredulity, "No, they led troops in killing my own soldiers, they have to pay for that choice. They will serve the Empire as prisoners of war either living in a small cell or hard labor.' Jacob glanced around and looked at Anastasia, 'Go and make sure the Rogue don't plunder any of the Vaults or Treasury please." Anastasia smiled and stood before saluting and darting off.

"Ranyln Do'und, it is time to decide if you will swear an oath of allegiance to me and bind your House to me and the Empire or fall like the rest of the Sisters of the Damned will. Choose now and be done with it." Jacob intoned.

The Drow studied Jacob before nodding and striding forward causing the Dawn Guard to tense but Jacob waved them away, either he would surrender as a prisoner or swear a binding oath. The Drow strode up and produced a dagger before slashing his palm and presenting it as he kneeled, "I Ranyln Do'und, head of House Do'und pledge my fortune, blade, life, and loyalty to you Jacob Longstrider King of the Empire of Night, until I die or you release me from this oath."

"I Jacob Longstrider King of the Empire of Night, accept your oath of allegiance on behalf of the Empire of Night. As our fortunes increase, so will yours, your enemies are our enemies. Above all else remember two things,' Jacob slit his own hand and clasped the Drows hand pulling him up to his feet, 'Blood, representing our family and life, and Honor above all else. Rise Lord Ranyln of House Do'und. Will you join our ranks as a Vampire or will you stay as you are?" Jacob asked the Drow catching him by surprise.

Ranyln Do'und studied him for a moment before shaking his head yes, Jacob smiled as he triggered the ability causing the Drows health to drop like a rock as he sucked the life energy from him and gave him something else in return. Jacob caught him before he collapsed and moved him to a nearby couch. "Brox, get the kitchen staff to work, he will need plenty of food when he wakes up. Send for General Girmak Ironbreak and Tarren."

Jacob sat in a nearby chair while he studied Drake, "He will still be the same overall in the head, physically he will be different though. His skills and abilities might also be different too. Being a Vampire does not change the core of who you are Drake, I did not take your cousin away from you if that is what you are worried about." Jacob finished his spill which calmed the Drow somewhat.

Regional Alert...

The Stronghold of Gahlin has fallen to...the Empire of Night

Regional Alert...

War Quest Complete: War with the Damned (Stage 4)

Description: You have used your bridgehead in the Sisters of the Damned territory to take the regional capital of the Stronghold of Gahlin. Congratulations you are well on your way to defeating your enemy, even if you had help doing it.

Stronghold of Gahlin Captured or Razed: Captured

Rewards: 1,000 Gold, 50,000 Experience, War with the Damned (Stage 5)

War Quest Issued: War with the Damned (Stage 5)

Description: You have weakened your enemies through War and Infighting, now finish them off before they run off like cockroaches.

Council of Damnation Slain or Captured: 3/12

Stronghold Oblivion Captured or Razed: ---

Rewards: 5,000 Gold, 100,000 Experience, Unknown

Alert...

Through battle, you have gained...5,378 Experience

Alert...

Kingdom Alert...

For capturing a Region Capitol and a level 6 Stronghold, your kingdom has gained...500,000 Kingdom Experience.

Kingdom Alert...

Alert...

You have...5,878...Conquest Point(s) to spend.

Alert... Spoiler: Spoiler Note* Conquest Points: Conquest points are accrued only when you conquer Strongholds, Cities, Capital Cities, and Regional Capitols. The number is based on what is conquered and how you conquered it. Conquest points can then be used to repair or change what you conquer rapidly over a 24 hour period. Options will be listed below. Note* You will only have one chance to spend Conquest Points, any that are not used will be lost. They can only be spent on the Strongholds, Cites, Capitol Cities, and/or Regional Capitols that your forces conquered.

Outer Wall Breach- 500

Outer Gate Breach and Conquest- 600

Outer Wall Assualt- 500

Turncoats- 1,000

Unconditional Surrender- 1,000

Combat Kills- 1,278

Control Room- 1,000

Total: 5,878

Basic Repairs

Cost: 500 CP

Description: Purchasing this will...repair any wall breaches, gate repairs, building repairs (That are still 50%+ intact)

Upgrade: Outer Wall

Cost: 500 CP

Description: Purchasing this will...Double Archer Tower Emplacements and place basic Siege Weapons (Scorpions and Catapolts) on your outer wall.

Upgrade: Stronghold

Cost: 3,000

Description: Purchasing this will...Increase the number of troops that can be stationed here, length of time Fortress can hold under siege, add another wall to the defenses, and increase both the height and width of current walls.

Upgrade: Stronghold-Small City

Cost: 5,000

Description: Purchasing this will...change the layout of the...Regional Capitol...to include housing, infrastructure, industrial buildings, and anything else a population would need. Know this it takes longer for a city to upgrade and grow. Upgrading to a Stronghold-Small City will drop this location from a Level 6 Military Stronghold to a level 5 Stronghold-Small City. (Immigrants will arrive within 24 hours and will not exceed 50% of population cap)

Note* All purchases once made are final and CANNOT be changed.

Jacob considered his choices, each would benefit the Stronghold in the long run, but he also needed to think about the long-term for the Empire. Jacob immediately purchased Basic Repairs while he considered his other options. Long-Term he really only had one choice and he made it.