Surface- Valley of Origins Region

Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night

Lower City- Coliseum

The roar of the crowds filled the Coliseum as Jacob walked out on the sands. A double line of the Dawn Guard and Heart Guard followed him watching both him and the surrounding crowd. "WELCOME!!!!' Jacob roared out to the crowd who slowly quieted. 'I want to thank you all for coming today. I know some of you were told horror stories about the Empire of Night. How it was filled with monsters and beasts, but you came anyway. So thank you for coming." Jacob called out as looked out on the crowd.

"What matters here is that we are not divided by race, nationality, or even Immortal and Local. We are all here for one thing.' Jacob nodded and another set of doors opened and all those who had earned the right to fight here were ushered in. 'We are here to honor these brave few who fought, bled and killed to get here. Through sheer skill and a little bit of luck!! They have come here to fight for the title of Champion!!" Jacob stated and the crowd went wild.

"So, I want you all to enjoy yourselves. Enjoy our hospitality as these people fight to prove, once and for all, who is the best!!!' Jacob called out as the crowds got even louder and all those who had earned there way encouraged them. 'The first two contenders step forward. This is your world for the moment, may the best win." Jacob stated as a Ranger and Mage type came forward, both nodded and bowed slightly to him as a Dev teleported into the Arena to talk to both. Jacob, his escort, and the other contestants left. "Well done, 'Lord Longstrider'." Lady Nisa Stovrelzide commented as Jacob entered the booth. He gave her a wink as he made his way over to sit next to Cathrine.

"Well, I didn't stutter or completely piss myself. So I am proud!!" Jacob commented as he sat down next to her. Cathrine grabbed his hand and held it.

"Surprisingly considering you were almost hyperventilating before you went out there. I am proud of you Jacob." Cathrine stated as she squeezed his hand. 'It seems you at least earned one admirer." Cathrine stated as her eyes flicked towards Lady Stovrelzide.

"Yes sir, you did very well," Gloria stated as she looked around Cathrine to compliment Jacob.

Jacob smiled at the new Seneschal. Where Eiloma was tall and statuesque, Gloria was small and boxum. As the saying went, she was all tits and ass, with blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She was also surprisingly chipper for a Vampire and very outgoing. "I assume you kept my wife...entertained while I was busy," Jacob asked while cocking an eyebrow at her. Jacob aimed the smirk at Cathrine though as Gloria blushed slightly, earning Jacob a smack to the arm.

"Stop teasing her husband and behave." Cathrine admonished him as she fought not to smile.

"Why? It's so much more fun to misbehave, right Gloria?" Jacob asked the new Seneschal who turned even more red as she stepped out of Jacob sight behind Cathrine causing them both to chuckle.

"Gloria, in all seriousness, if our joking makes you uncomfortable let me know and I will stop." Jacob playcated the women who looked around Cathrine and winked and smiled at Jacob

"Is that the best you got? I promise I can take it." Gloria stated with some huskiness entered her voice causing both Cathrine and Jacob to laugh again.

Underdark- Unending Abyss Region

Empire of Night- City of Ineford

Outer City- Wilted Flower

Ailis pushed through the crowd of other Immortals and Locals that were working on various things around the Inn. This was one of the recruitment centers for Inefords underworld, and it was also the location where Rogues could pick up most of their basic class trainers.

Ailis talked to the bartender and he gave her a name and pointed to a Wood Elf sitting by himself away from others. Ailis thanked the bartender and left a copper on the bar for him as she made her way to the Wood Elf. "What do you want buttercup?" the Elf asked as he drank his beer.

"You know why I am here Gahzim." Ailis replied but she didn't stand down, she did place her back against the nearby wall though.

The Wood Elf studied her, "So you want it or do you want to earn it?" Gahzim asked as he studied her from boots to head. His eyes did linger on her Blood Steel Dagger of Wounding before moving on.

"I want to earn it," Ailis replied and earning a surprised look from the Wood Elf before he nodded.

"Ok buttercup, if you want to earn being the Primary Class Assassin, I will give you a shot. Within twenty-four hours I am going to PM you a name and all the information we have on the target. You take the target out and I will teach you to be an Assassin. You fuck up, and it will be gone forever. Now get out of here." Gahzim stated while gesturing her to go away.

Quest Issued: Way of the Knife

Description: The Master Assassin has offered to teach you to become an Assassin, but you have to earn the right. Within a day he will give you your target and you musk kill this person. You have one chance.

Requirement: Kill the one marked for Death, Must do it alone

Immediate Reward: Rogue Skill Tree Unlocked

Success: Kill your Target

Failure: Do not kill your target in the allotted time, Assassin Primary Class Locked Permanently

Rewards for Success: Assassin Primary Class Unlocked, Assassin Skill Tree Unlocked, 10 Silver, 500 Experience, Unknown

Alert...

Rogue Skill Tree Unlocked

Alert...

Ailis smiled as she walked away, she needed to sit down and purchase a couple of Skills now that her Base Class Skill Tree was finally unlocked. She smiled as she exited Wilted Flower, but then something slammed into the back of her head and she collapsed to the ground unconscious before she hit it.

Ailis came too within five minutes from what she could see on her HUD. Two cloaked figures were arguing silently and completely ignored her. A door was beyond them and a table between her and them, but she was tied to a chair very thoroughly. However, she stopped when she saw the old gold coin on the table. "Ahh, excuse me but what is this about," Ailis asked causing both figures to stop arguing and stare at her.

The one on her right pulled back the hood of his cloak revealing Darren and stunning Ailis. "We were discussing if we should recruit you. Despite the high regard of the reports that we received, I disagree on if you should be recruited. I think you are too much like your sister and cannot be trusted. I think you would sell us out in a heartbeat and compromise what we represent." Darren stated as the other figure pulled back their hood revealing a pale figure and a Vampire based on the bright blood-red eyes.

"Of all the possible recruits from her day, she has the most potential. I understand your misgivings, but can we not try and if she proves unworthy of our trust she will be removed from our ranks and marked as a traitor." the man stated.

"Excuse me, before you decide to induct me or not induct me, perhaps you could tell me what group you represent and why I would want to join you." Ailis prompted causing Darren to glare at her, before nodding and gesturing for his companion to go ahead.

"My dear, I am Ezekial, the Emperors Master of Shadows or spymaster if it were. The group we represent has been rebuilding its ranks since he ascended the throne. We are his eyes, ears, and if called upon, knife in the dark. We are the Fangs of the Emperor and we only answer to him. Now as far as what that would entail, it would entail quests, for you. The point is, if we call upon you to fulfill your duty, you will drop everything else and do it. In return, you get a small stipend paid weekly, access to equipment, and support from the Imperial Legions when necessary. My friend here is concerned about your loyalty. Darren here is wondering if the Emperor will have your loyalty or not due to you and your families personal history with him." Ezekial stated and Darren nodded his head.

Ailis frowned, "It's him?' Ailis asked and Darren nodded. 'I won't betray him again Darren. I know you have no reason to believe me, but give me a chance to prove myself. I have one request, don't ever tell him I joined and just keep me away from him." Ailis stated as she looked down at the floor. Darren rolled his eyes before gesturing Ezekial to continue.

"Very well my dear, do you Ailis Swiftdeath, swear to stay loyal and true to the Emperor, Jacob Longstrider of House Lightsbane?" Ezekial asked.

"Yes!" Ailis quietly replied.

"Do you Ailis Swiftdeath swear to be the Emperors Eyes, Ears, Knife, and Will?" Ezekial asked staring intently at her.

"Yes!" Ailis replied promptly.

"Do you Ailis Swiftdeath swear to forswear all oaths and allegiances in service to Jacob Longstrider, Emperor of the Empire of Night from now until released from this Oath?" Ezekial asked as he pricked his finger and placed the drop of blood on the coin.

"Yes!" Ailis screamed out as tears started to fall down her face.

"Then stand Ailis Swiftdeath, stand and be recognized as a Fang of the Emperor.' Ezekial stated as he slashed at her bindings with a hidden knife. 'Take this coin, it is a way to communicate with other Fangs and a way that we can always contact you. Do not lose it. It a sign of your office, responsibility, and duty to the Empire. Now go, we will be in touch." Ezekial stated as he gestured towards the door. Darren's eyes never left her as she left.

Quest Complete: Blue or Red

Description: The Emperors Fangs, an Order of Spies and Assassins, was destroyed by the War of Survival. The Master of Shadows and the right hand of the Emperor, Darren Shadowstrider, are slowly rebuilding this secret organization. You accepted their offer and swore Undying Loyalty to the Emperor Jacob Longstrider.

Requirement: Travel to Ineford

Difficulty: Perilous

Rewards: 500 Experience, Acceptance into the Emperors Fangs, Title Unlocked Fang of the Emperor, Friendly Status with the Empire of Night

Alert...

You have made a binding Oath, breaking it will have grave consequences.

Alert...

Alert...

Your Status with the Empire of Night is now...Friendly

Alert...

Note* Status within a country can earn you discounts, assistance from local guards and military in time of need, secret quests, and other helpful benefits

Alert...

Secret Achievement Unlocked: Brotherhood

Description: You have joined one of the hidden organizations of Ithea. (Fame +100)

Alert...

Alert...

Secret Title Unlocked: Fang of the Emperor

Alert...

Note* Secret Titles cannot be viewed by anyone, they can only be shown

Ailis dismissed the information as she studied the coin in her hand before throwing it into her inventory. She needed to get her head together and back into this life, who knew when Gahzim would contact her, and she couldn't have her head up her ass when it happened.

Surface- Valley of Origins Region

Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night

Lower City- Coliseum

The crowd cried out as the Berserker buried his ax into the Mages head before collapsing. The Warriors health bar was strobing brightly as the Judges called it and both contestants life bars started to fill again. The crowd went completly crazy as the Berserker raised his ax in acknowledgment before offering hs hand to the mage who shook it. Jacob smiled, at least they were both good sports about it he thought as he sipped his water. "Considering what you were saying earlier about unity, I did not expect so much brutality." Lady Nisa Stovrelzide said as she leaned around her cousing who frowned at her antics of cirumventing him.

"Humans in whatever form, on Earth or Ithea, are brutal. Most that come here see this world as a game, to be used as they see fit. For most that entered this contest, they see it as another way to have fun. Others to prove themselves, while a few just saw it as a way to earn some easy money." Jacob replied as the arena was reset and the damages were repaired. All the semi-finals would be fought before the finales of all the brackets.

"How do you see our world?" Governor Goldflint asked from his chair.

"A place that I can be more then what I am. A place where I can be better and avoid the same mistakes I have made in the past and hopefully a place I can make better for the Locals." Jacob replied as Cathrine squeezed his hand and smiled. The crowd surged and cried as the new contestants entered through the gates.

"Do you plan on doing this again? Do you plan on expanding it?" Lady Nisa Stovrelzide inquired.

Jacob snorted, "It depends on how much this cost the Empire and if we made a profit. If we did well, and I think we did, we will expand the games to include team competitions next year. The only thing I would do different, I would think, would be to spread out the qualification rounds so they are not all jammed into two weeks before the final games." Jacob replied as he considered it.

"But you would still forbid Locals from participating?" Governor Goldflint prompted and Jacob nodded his head in agreement.