Dungeon- Ruins of Der'asla

Inner Reaches

Jacob watched as Mug and Snaggletooth channeled healing magic into the Treant. He was in bad shape but stable. The chains that had been holding him had disappeared with the death of the Rogue Druids. "Why did you save me, Vampire? There is no love between our two species, we do not have a compact, why did you save me?" Barrenleaf Oakheart asked as he tried to stand. Jacob inspected the Treant to see how he was doing.

Name: Barrenleaf Oakheart (Unique)

Level: 44 (Elite)

Health: 25,000/140,000 (Exhausted)

Abilities: Unknown

Jacob studied the Woodland being before being honest with him, "Your brother asked me to save you if I could. If you had turned and been enslaved by the Rogue Druids, we would have ended your life. Can you make it to your brother?" Jacob asked him as he placed his helm back on his head. The War Party was done looting the bodies, it was time to leave.

"I can mortal. Thank you for your assistance, the trees of the Darkwood will know of your actions today. We have a bad history with your people, perhaps this will become a new beginning." Oakheart stated as he strode off. Jacob ignored the Alerts and followed his War Party further into the ruins. One boss had been defeated, at least two more lay within, as Jacob trudged deeper into the ruins he checked the quests he had from the Dungeon.

Dungeon Quest Issued: Twisted Justice

Description: The Poisoned Wood Clan has taken over the ancient ruins of Der'asla and started to enslave nearby woodland creatures of the Eternal Forest. Slay their leadership and end the threat to the forest once and for all.

Slay Dadi the Heartseeker: Slain

Slay Thadoc the Twisted: ---

Slay Ciadrosran the Enslaver: ---

Rewards: 65,000 Experience

Dungeon Quest Issued: Rogues and Traitors

Description: The Wood Elf Clan, Poison Wood, have inhabited the ruins of Der'asla and begun to enslave nearby forest creatures to supplement their growing army. Destroy their ranks and put down the enslaved creatures so they might know peace.

Slay Rogue Sentinals: 75/200

Slay Rogue Druids: 20/50

Slay Enslaved Sprites: 75/200

Slay Enslaved Dryads: 20/50

Rewards: 65,000 Experience, 1,000 Gold

Jacob dismissed them and walked on, it had been an interesting dungeon so far, hopefully, it didn't become too rough.

Dungeon- Ruins of Der'asla

Inner Keep

The broken walls of Der'asla provided no protection for the enslaved forces or the Rogue Wood-Elves as Jacob and his War Party pushed further into the Dungeon. Thadoc the Twisted had been a former Sentinal, a huge pain in the ass that had been able to summon regular Wood-Elf archers. In the end, Rory had cracked his skull open like overripe fruit. Now they were finally trudging through the final areas of the wrecked keep. The few remaining Rogue Sentinals, Druids, and Enslaved Dryads and Sprites were putting up a token resistance, but it was inevitable that Jacob and his War Part would get too Ciadrosran the Enslaver.

In the former Command Center, he waited. He had two Rogue Druids and four Rogue Sentinals. Ciadrosran looked absolutely ancient, his hair was white as snow, fine wrinkles all over his face and exposed skin, how a Wood-Elf had survived this long thinking the way he did, Jacob had no idea. Jacob quickly Analyzed the twisted Elf.

Name: Ciadrosran the Enslaver

Level: 47 (Boss)

Health: 240,000/240,000

Abilities: Moon's Wrath, Forest Blossoms, Unknown

Jacob almost whistled when he saw the Health Pool of the Druid, he knew bosses were going to become tougher as he leveled, but 240,000 on a spell caster was a bit much. "Looks too easy lad, I see his health pool, but I would think he would have more guardians with him," Thelgrum stated as they studied the room.

"Agreed, this is too simple. Take your group around the corner and when shit hits the fan, come through the back entrance on the far side of the room.' Jacob told the Paladin. The Dwarf nodded and patted Jacob shoulder before leading his group away. Jacob turned and faced the remaining members of his War Party and filled them in on the plan.

"Come, children, come out into the light so this old Elf can see you," Ciadrosran stated as Jacob and his party tried to sneak closer. The Druid had probably sensed them as soon as they entered the room.

"Only five of you, not counting the Rangers little pet. I would be insulted but no ordinary adventurers would have been able to get past my clansmen. So why don't you tell me a little about yourself Warrior before we kill you." Ciadrosran stated as Jacob walked closer. He could see the back door had been cracked open, Thelgrum was keeping a close eye on the proceedings.

"You might be old Elf, but something tells me you are the most dangerous being here," Jacob stated as he walked closer to the old Druid.

Ciadrosran smiled as if Jacob complimented him, "Me? I am just an old Druid trying to enlighten my people before I pass on to my next life."

Jacob frowned, "Something tells me if you do reincarnate, it won't be anything nice after your gods find out what you have been doing." Jacob stated as he stopped, he was within range now. Ciadrosran's arrogance had allowed Jacob within striking range.

"You rush to judgment too easily boy. You have much too learned in life...well maybe in your next life you will learn." Ciadrosran stated with a glower causing Jacob to smirk.

"I know two things, arrogance is a weakness and never underestimate an opponent," Jacob stated as he activated Shield Bash slamming into the old Druids face sending him reeling back. The Rogue Sentinals responded immediately as Jacob back-peddled as he drew Moonlight from its sheath and met their attacks.

Chalxae disappeared into Stealth, June started raining arrows down on the Rogue Sentinals, Shigna cast a Fireball at them catching three of them in the blast and two of them caught fire. Jacob triggered War Cry, Hemorrhage, and Reaver Attack in rapid succession before engaging the Sentinals with normal attacks as June and Shigna continued too assault them.

The two Rogue Druids immediately started casting spells on the Rogue Sentinals, but Chalxae and Junes Spider attacked them before they could finish whatever they had been casting causing the Rogue Druids to suffer spell backlash. Ciadrosran righted himself quickly and launched a spell at Jacob, but he caught it on his shield blocking most of the damage as he continued his assault on the Rogue Sentinals. It wasn't enough though, with three healers they would be able to keep ahead of their damage Jacob thought, "THELGRUM!!" Jacob bellowed out.

The back door exploded inward, Rory immediately made for the Rogue Druids as Thelgrum, Fenwyn, and Patemal targeted the Boss. Ciadrosran howled with rage or pain as he was hit with Desiccation Curse, Hellfire Blast, and Righteous Strike rapidly. Ciadrosran immediately switched his attention from Jacob to the Paladin as Jacob continued to concentrate on the Rogue Sentinals.

Jacob triggered Battle Stomp stunning the Rogue Sentinals, then targeting the weakest he activated Triple Slash opening great wounds on the Wood-Elf's body as he staggered back from Jacob. As the critically wounded Wood-Elf staggered away Jacob targeted the next weakest one and activated Power Slash, Moonlight cleaved into the Wood-Elf's ribs causing him to cough blood as he tried to scream. The other two Wood-Elves managed to shake off the stun effects and moved to continue assaulting Jacob as June and Shigna continued to assault the two critically injured Wood-Elves. When Ciadrosran the Enslaver hit 50% life he slammed his staff into the ground creating a shield, his companions were dead but he had plenty of fight left in him. His bloody smile was grim as multiple portals opened up and enslaved Sprites, Dryads, and Treants jumped through. None of them were Elites, but there was easily 40 of them and with the Boss supporting them, the fight was over.

"I told you, boy, you had much to learn.' Ciadrosran stated, his bloody smile growing even bigger. 'Now its time for you to die."

"My brother and I would disagree traitor!!' Vineelm the Oakheart stated as he strode into the room, his brother Barrenleaf Oakheart and a squad of Wood-Elf Sentinels right behind him. Both Treants were armed with large oversized weapons made of wood. 'The Darkwood always pays its debts Ciadrosran, you know this, yet you still betrayed us."

"YOU WOULD SIDE WITH THESE VAMPIRES AGAINST ME?" Ciadrosran roared out.

"The Vampires saved my brothers life while you were trying to enslave him. Ciadrosran the Enslaver, you are charged with treason, use of forbidden magic, and murder. The punishment is death." Vineelm the Oakheart pronounced as he strode closer.

Ciadrosran didn't respond, he unleashed a blast of magic at the Treant that Jacob managed to partially block. As Jacob recovered he activated Summon Eternal Guard, the little Wood-Nymphs went too work immediately engaging the various enslaved brethren. Jacob checked his health, half of it had been blown away by whatever Ciadrosran had thrown at Vineelm.

The two Treants were going absolutely berserk on all the enslaved creatures, their silent guardians staying with them as Jacob moved to engage Ciadrosran once again. Piercing Lunge just as Ciadrosran's shield fell, pierced the old Druids shoulder causing him to yell before slamming his staff into Jacob's face.

Thelgrum hammer to the old Druids knee distracted Ciadrosran long enough for Jacob to recover. The Dwarf eyed him before being swept away by the press of battle, it was a complete madhouse in the control room now. Spells, Arrows, and clashes of weapons were everywhere, but the roars of Vineelm the Oakheart and Barrenleaf Oakheart drowned everything else out.

The Treant brothers cleaved Sprites in two with their oversized axes, while deflecting the Dryad spells with conjured shields. They were the true terrors on the battlefield only matched by Ciadrosran. Jacob for the first time in a while felt outmatched. The wily old Druid seemed to meet all his attacks. Chalxae was trying to help, but the Druid was fast like a greased pig.

So Jacob did his best to drive the deranged druid towards the corner of the Control Room. Once there, his mobility would be limited, not too mention the nearby enslaved creatures wouldn't be able to assist him. "Shigna, Golem then Firestorm, light their asses up!!!" Jacob yelled out causing the Kobold to smile.

Patemal liked the idea because she summoned all the minions she could, a Bone Golem, Skeletal Warriors, and a Wraith Knight. The Undead Warriors entered the fray and furiously started to tear the enslaved creatures apart. Jacob smiled a little, the battle had turned in their favor. Ciadrosran snarled in frustration, he was at 20% life despite his defense. June and Chalxae had been steadily whittling away at his health while Jacob had taken the pounding from the Druid.

Jacob checked his health, he had just over 25% left but it was climbing with two HoTs, and three of his passives were actively absorbing the health from all the wounded hostile creatures around him. Ciadrosran was becoming desperate as he activated another Spell Shield stopping all attacks cold. "HOW CAN YOU DO THIS VINEELIM?!?! HOW CAN YOU SIDE WITH A VAMPIRE?" Ciadrosran shrieked out, all the enslaved creatures were dead or dying. The two Treant brothers although wounded, were very much alive and glaring at the Druid.

"As bad as his people were and what they did to the Darkwoods was evil, you are worse!!" The Treant responded causing the ancient Wood-Elf to howl in outrage. Jacob never took his eyes off Ciadrosran, he was up to something, Jacob just didn't know what. Jacob quickly downed a Medium Health Potion bringing is health up to nearly 50%.

Ciadrosran suddenly started spitting archaic words, his eyes and staff were starting to glow. Jacob slammed Moonlight against the shield, but the blade rebounded. Jacob snarled in frustration but a whirling glowing ax flew over his head punching through the shield and slammed into the surprised Druid. "Stupid fool, I taught him everything he knows, but not everything I know," Vineelm stated as he walked closer stomped on the Druid's head, crushing his skull before removing the ax from fallen Druids chest.

"Excuse me, but you could have killed me with that throw...." Jacob stated, his eye twitching as he stared at the Treant who chuckled as he looked back at him.

"Boy, I am older then that sword you wield. I could nail a tree knot at 50 feet in the rain. You were never in any danger, I promise you that." Vineelm stated with amusement.

Jacob narrowed his eyes at the Treant before looking at his brother who nodded sagely, "Please if there is a next time, just say 'duck' or 'down', it would help my nerves a lot." Jacob told the Treant who chuckled in amusement before nodding.

The Treant frowned, "Ciadrosran was a traitor, but he was correct. The old Vampire empire nearly wiped out Darkwood during their expansion. We barely survived, I hope you will not follow in your ancestors' footsteps. The Blessing of Alderflesh the Ancient speaks well of your character so we will give you the benefit of the doubt. Do we have anything to worry about Vampire?"

Jacob looked Vineelm the Oakheart in the eye, "The Empire of Night will not start a fight with the Darkwood. I ask that you make sure the Wood-Elves that call the Darkwood home to stay out of our way and we will respect your borders. If you need assurances, ask the Wood-Elves of the Evergreen Forest. The Empire of Night has a Non-Aggression Pact with them. We have respected their borders as they have respected ours." Jacob told him causing the Treant to smile and pull back. The Treant then turned and gestured opening a portal, the Sentinal escort moved toward it immediately.

"We will confirm your story Vampire if you are telling the truth...we may extend the same offer to your Empire as well. Take care and know peace." Vineelm stated as he slipped through the portal. Jacob looked around at his exhausted companions, Chalxae, Rory, and June were already looting corpses or searching for hidden items. Jacob made his way over to the remains of Ciadrosran and looted the Druid before reviewing his Alert.

Alert...

For clearing the Ruins of Der'asla you have gained...65,379 Experience.

Alert...

Alert...

For slaying Zolatron Ashwood you have gained...28,000

For slaying Dadi the Heartseeker you have gained...30,000

For slaying Thadoc the Twisted you have gained...32,000

For slaying Ciadrosran the Enslaver you have gained...34,000

Alert...

Dungeon Quest Issued: Twisted Justice

Description: The Poisoned Wood Clan has taken over the ancient ruins of Der'asla and started to enslave nearby woodland creatures of the Eternal Forest. Slay their leadership and end the threat to the forest once and for all.

Slay Dadi the Heartseeker: Slain

Slay Thadoc the Twisted: Slain

Slay Ciadrosran the Enslaver: Slain

Rewards: 65,000 Experience, Improved Relations with the Everlasting Woods (Friendly)

Dungeon Quest Issued: Rogues and Traitors

Description: The Wood Elf Clan, Poison Wood, have inhabited the ruins of Der'asla and begun to enslave nearby forest creatures to supplement their growing army. Destroy their ranks and put down the enslaved creatures so they might know peace.

Slay Rogue Sentinals: 200/200

Slay Rogue Druids: 50/50

Slay Enslaved Sprites: 200/200

Slay Enslaved Dryads: 50/50

Rewards: 65,000 Experience, 1,000 Gold

Secret Dungeon Quest Completed: Twisted Brother

Description: The Treant, Vineelm the Oakheart, has tasked you with freeing another Treant from being enslaved or ending his existence if he has already been corrupted.

Slay or Free Barrenleaf Oakheart: Free

Rewards: 50,000 Experience, 500 Gold, Improved Relations with the Darkwood (Neutral)

Alert...

You have gained 1 (48) level.

Strength has increased by 2, Constitution by 2, and agility by 2. You have gained 2 Characteristic Points.

Alert...

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Guardian of the Darkwood

Level: Epic

Armor Rating: +200

Properties: Increase Constitution and Strength by 50, Intelligence and Wisdom by 40

Properties: Increase Block by 5

Properties: Decrease incoming Magical Damage by 10%

Properties: Increase Stamina/Mana Regeneration by 10%

Requirement: Warrior, Level 46, Constitution and Strength 46, Intelligence and Wisdom 35

Durability: 800/800

Description: These hardened wood shields are given to the silent guardians of the Darkwood as a sign of respect and service to its people.

Name: Twisted Branches of the Darkwood (Paired Knives)

Level: Epic-Scalable (LVL I)

Damage: 100-125 MH, 80-95 OH

Properties: Increase Dexterity by 45 and Agility by 50

Properties: Rogue abilities cost 10% less Stamina

Properties: Increase Stamina Regeneration by 25%

Properties: Increase chance (+5%) of Critical Hit of the first strike while coming out of Stealth.

Requirement: Rogue, Level 10, Dexterity 15, Agility 20

Durability: 800/800

Description: These daggers are crafted from Iron Wood, and were made by one of the former silent guardians of the Darkwood before she fell for the teachings of the Dark Druid Ciadrosran.

Name: Thorn (2-Handed Sword)

Level: Epic

Damage: 120-145

Properties: Increase Strength by 60, Constitution by 45

Properties: Increase chance (+10%) Gouge will activate and doubles bleeding damage caused by Gouge.

Properties: Increase Stamina Regeneration by 25%

Properties: Ability Unlocked Shadows of the Darkwood

Requirement: Warrior, Level 46, Strength 50, Constitution 40

Durability: 800/800

Description: This Sword is crafted from Iron Wood, one of the hardest materials in Ithea. This massive two-handed sword was created with one purpose, to kill.

Note* Shadows of the Darkwood: Shadows will obscure the bearer of Thorn decreasing the chance (-10%) that magic and physical attacks will hit. (Cooldown 1 Hour)

Name: Twisted Band of the Darkwood

Level: Epic

Properties: Increase Intelligence and Wisdom by 50

Properties: Spells cost 15%, Less

Properties: Mana Regeneration is increased by 20%

Properties: Ability Unlocked Moon Wrath

Requirement: Dark Druid, Level 46, Intelligence and Wisdom 50

Description: This ring was crafted for one of the Druids of the Darkwood before he lost his purpose and sense of right and wrong. This ring became as twisted as the Druid that wore it.

Note* Moon Wrath: Call down a powerful beam of Moonlight that deals 1,000 Damage. (Cooldown 1 Hour)

Jacob dimissed all the Alerts, all his War Party had gained another level as well. They were exhausted and they all needed some down time after the last battle but they still had a bunch of looting too do. Jacob got back too work.