Surface- Iron Hills Region (Hostile)

Free Lands- Near the City of Ordgan

Open Iron Mine 1

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Due to the status of...Hostile...with Ordgan, you will be killed on site by any guards or citizens (Locals/Immortals) without repercussions.

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Jacob dismissed the Alert as he approached the huge open-pit mine. Ordgan had four such mines outside their city and it was the cities main income. On the other hand, since none of their citizens wanted to do back-breaking work for very little money and the Lord that ruled the city didn't want to pay them, they instead had bought a huge Slave workforce to keep the mines operating. 20,000 to be exact that worked from sun up to sundown.

At night time, most of those guards were gone and it allowed someone with a mind and will to free those slaves an opportunity to do so. So the Black Blades, Darren's Rogues, Rangers, Thieves, and Scouts, plus Jacob and Cathrine were going to ruin Ordgans economy by freeing all the slaves.

Jacob wore blackened chain and leather armor to help minimize any sounds. Moonlight and a simple buckler were strapped to his back, back up in case the operation went tits up. Jacobs main weapon was a dagger sheathed at his waist, but considering his build and that he had never used a dagger in combat, just clean up, he would have to get real close to hit the broad side of anything.

Nadal had made it clear to the commander of the Black Blades, two of his soldier would be assigned to Jacob and two too Cathrine at all times. Considering she was a Rogue based class, Jacob was fairly sure she would have less chance of being detected then him.

So that was how Jacob found himself slowly creeping up on a guard that was overlooking the huge mine. He was armed with a bow and sword. Him being tired and not really paying attention helped as he did his best to ghost over the terrain. When he was within five feet he pulled his dagger and slowed his approach.

Once he was within a foot his left hand went out covering the guard's mouth muffling his instinctive shout as his right slammed the dagger into the guard's throat. Jacob gave it a swift twist and warmblood cascaded down the guards front and coated Jacobs hand as the guard started to feebly kick as he died.

Jacob gently laid the dead guard down as he cleaned the dagger and his hand on the guard's tunic. The two nearby Black Blades were still in Stealth and if they had not been allies, he would never have seen them. They quickly indicated that two more guards were nearby before the two blue outlined Black Blades moved off. Jacob followed them, shadowing at a distance so as not to compromise them. Less than 30 seconds later, two more guards were sent to the afterlife and they approached the main target for this area of the mine.

A small guard shack that they used to sleep and rest during the long night hours. Jacob approached the small building and closed his eyes signaling the two to wait a moment. Jacob gave a slow count of thirty intently listening and breathing. After another minute he had a hard count and indicated to the two Black Blades four guards were inside and based on their heartbeats, sleeping.

The two Drow nodded and sprayed oil on the hinges of the door before opening it. Jacob would stay by the door as backup and in case anyone tried to make a run for it. Less then a minute later, they emerged from the small building. Jacob could smell the blood as four more dead were added to their tally for the night. Jacob indicated for one of them to take the lead, Jacob quickly followed, they had two more guard shacks to hit before the real fun began. Twenty silent kills, twenty close-quarters killings where he could smell them and see the fear in their eyes as they died. The only saving grace for this whole thing was they were freeing so many, three open portals to three Fortresses in the Underdark. Waiting for them was fresh clothing, healers, water, and food. Legionnaires would be monitoring the situation to make sure no one was overlooked and none of the former slaves started any infighting once they go to their destination.

Jacobs group managed to free over 4,000 slaves from various pens, barracks buildings, and simply bound to stakes in the ground. It would take a better part of a week to get a firm count of how many they actually saved, but Jacob was relatively certain it was close too 20,000 if not more.

All it cost Jacob was time and it required him to kill 20 men up close. "How do you do that on a consistent basis?" Jacob asked Darren as they watched the long lines of freed slaves head toward the open portals and freedom.

"Easily, I just ask myself how many more will die or suffer if I do not," Darren responded. Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Serrated High-Steel Gutting Knife

Level: Uncommon

Damage: 30-45

Properties: Increase Chance (+10%) that wounds will cause bleeding damage

Properties: Increase (+1%) critical hit chance

Durability: 180/200

Description: This blade was forged for one purpose, to kill.

Jacob pulled the knife and its sheath from his belt and offered it back to the Rogue, but he waved Jacob off. "I am sure we will be doing this again. Plus it never hurts to have a backup weapon." Jacob nodded as he looked at the blade, he had cleaned it after everything, but still some small pits and dulling of the blade had occurred. What did he expect though, jamming the blade into hearts, throats, and skulls will dull the blade.

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Dagger(s) Proficiency has increased too...Level 3 (25% to Next Level)

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Through battle, you have gained...5,380 Experience

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You have gained 1 (51) level.

Your Constitution, Strength, and Agility have increased +2. You have gained 2 characteristic points and 1 utility point.

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Secret Achievement Unlocked: Chainbreaker II

Description: During the course of your campaign you have freed over 20,000 slaves, word has spread of your deeds and goals, do not be surprised if people seek you out for help. (+100 Fame)

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Note* Chainbreaker II does not stack, Achievement replaces Chainbreaker

"Let's head home, I think everyone needs some downtime after this mission," Jacob called out as he broke the seal on the Portal Scroll.

Surface- Valley of Origins

Empire of Night- Eternal Forest

Big John, took a pounding over a couple of hours but it helped Jacob. After that, Cathrine took her turn, she was still working on her issues about her parents. Star and her friend from the local pack were nearby. Apparently, it was becoming popular for the local wolves to come and watch Jacob and Cathrine hit a tree while screaming about their frustrations. Four new wolves had accompanied the big black one today.

Jacob was pretty sure they found it extremely amusing, but then boring as most of them were sleeping now. "So what are your plans for the immediate future?" Darren asked as he walked in the clearing. He was studying the wolves, who studied him right back.

"You know my plans, I got that meeting to attend in a couple of days on the Golden Plains. After that, it depends on how many in the guild hit 50 yet." Jacob replied absentmindedly as he wove Moonlight through various forms.

Darren frowned at the wolves studying, "Ahh, Jacob you know these guys are...."

Jacob stopped and turned toward Darren, "Yes wolves and if not fully sentient, pretty damned close. So don't insult them or they will respond in kind. Now how many have hit 50?" Jacob interrupted Darren who was looking dubiously back and forth between Jacob and the wolves before shrugging his shoulders.

"After that big battle at the Blue River and freeing all the slaves tonight, we got 34 that have 50. Eight of them still have to go for their Trials and have decided to leave in the next 24 hours. Now as far as new recruits for the guild, we got a list of names and we have started running the background checks. I am taking care of anything here while the Shadow Daggers check everything on Earth. I will have the report in 48 hours for the top 10 choices. Now as far as your incentive program for Awakening Bonded, overall people like it. They like the fact you are giving them a choice and not making it mandatory. The first 15 have already talked to their Bonded and we got 15 candidates." Darren replied.

Jacob nodded, "Anyone we need to worry about?"

Darren shook his head, "If they had any questions or concerns, I would not be submitting their names to you." Darren replied while smirking at Jacob.

"Just checking. What do you know about the Black Spire in New York?" Jacob asked him.

Darren frowned and walked closer, "Its owned and operated by BlackRock Entertainment. A mix of business and personal living spaces and only the super-rich live there. Also, they have 24/7 surveillance there. Why?"

Jacob sheathed Moonlight, "I was offered to house there after we got done with our three-month immersion."

Darren frowned then he started pacing back and forth causing Jacob to smile. "I think this is turning into a worry and frustration venting spot perfect for clearing one's head," Jacob told Star and her wolf friend.

Darren stopped, "This is not funny or a joke. You understand that if you live there, BlackRock will be in your life 24/7, you will not be able to unplug at all."

"I know and I was not joking. I was being serious, I come here to vent my worries and frustrations, now Cathrine is here doing the same, and you just started." Jacob stated in return.

Darren whirled on his heel to respond then stopped considering Jacob statement, then nodded. "True, which is odd. Did your Dryad friend Nila cast any spells on this place?" Darren asked while looking at Jacob and the odd wolf and her packmates.

"Not that I am aware of, but if there was an area of effect like that, it would show on our status pages. There is nothing there...so it's just in our minds. Like Dumbo and the feather." Jacob replied.

Darren was studying Jacob more intently, "That was surprisingly well thought out." Darren stated before snickering.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know I am a big flashy tank, but I do have a brain between my ears. I know I do not act like it most of the time, but it is there. All that matters though is this 'feather effect' works and helps me." Jacob stated.

Darren stopped snickering, "For all your vaunted brains, you are the one going out onto the Golden Plains alone to this meeting."

Both Cathrine and the Female wolf were looking at Jacob like they questioned his sanity. "I am taking Star with me for backup." Jacob quickly replied. Star looked at him and between the look and her emotions he got the gist of her message, DON"T DRAG ME INTO THIS!!!

"Yes she is, yet that is hardly considered enough to survive the Golden Plains husband," Cathrine stated through narrow eyes.

Jacob frowned, "We have already been over this. The Orcs invited me and only me. They said nothing about a party and I would not bring any locals even if they were ok with it being a possible suicide mission." Jacob replied.

"However it's ok if you go on a suicide mission," Cathrine responded as she walked closer.

Jacob frowned, "I am an Immortal, if I die, I will come back. So of the two of us, I am the expendable one.' Darren started slinking off. 'Don't even think about it asshole, you brought this up, so you can stay for the discussion." Jacob pinned him with his stare.

"Don't yell at him, either you take a party of Immortals or I am going with you to watch your back." Cathrine gave him the alternative.

Jacob yelled and screamed wordlessly to the sky, before taking a deep breath and letting it out. "FINE!! Darren, get a party together, I will tank, and have one of the DPS as a Ranger or Scout class to help us navigate the plains. Happy?' The Wolf barked before trotting off, her packmates standing and leaving with her. 'What's her problem?"

"She thinks you are an idiot too," Cathrine stated smugly.

Jacob frowned at his wife and the retreating backs of the wolves.