Underdark- Unending Abyss Region

Eternal Night- Upper City

Shadows Fall Keep

It felt like days, but eventually, the burning pain ended, leaving me as a sweaty mess on the bed Talia had left me in. I checked the clock, a little over a day had passed since she had nearly killed me and Sired me. Several notifications were waiting for me, but where I was a little hungry before, I was ravenous now.

A disheveled Talia popped up in front of me, equal part worry and excitement warred on her face. She said something but the hunger was the only thing that mattered to me at the moment. Frustration flitted across her face and suddenly something was thrust towards my mouth and I drank from it automatically.

The overwhelming hunger lessened somewhat and allowed me to think of more than what I wanted for my next meal. "More?" Talia asked and I gave her a shaky nod causing her to thrust another goblet at me and I quickly consumed its contents again resulting in more control for me.

Three times it was repeated until I couldn't take whatever they were giving me anymore and I looked at the contents of the cup to see what looked like dark red blood in the cup. "Blood?' I asked her and Talia and a few other nearby laughed at my simple question. 'Ok, why am I still hungry after having five cups of blood?" I asked her and seriousness replaced mirth.

"For a Vampire, after being Sired, you require a massive amount of blood and food to fuel the ongoing changes. Remember, you are Undead, not dead. You require both blood and food to survive. Most Vampires when turned, are Newborn Vampires because they are weak. Then after some time, they become Fledglings, Ascendant, Elder or Master, then if they survive long enough an Ancient Vampire.' Talia clinically informed me as the food arrived on a nearby table and I moved over to it. 'As an Ancient Vampire and descendent from the First, I am capable of doing many things, including imbuing the ones I Sire with power that will raise their rank. You are an Elder Vampire with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities as an Elder Vampire." Talia informed me and I frowned, worried at what that meant.

I continued to eat and think before asking a question. "What does that mean and why would you do that?" I asked her.

"It means the days ahead of you are going to be filled with work. I am sure you will be fine. Now as to why it is an investment in your future. There are a few things I want you to do, the outer sections of the city were compromised by the siege and things have moved into them from the Underdark. Yet that is a concern for another day, I want you to explore the upper city and get to know the people. I also want to introduce you to your first Thrall. She will be here shortly." Talia replied and I frowned as I continued to eat while watching the uncomfortable Vampire. My eyes shifted back to the food and I ate it absently as I brought up the waiting notifications.

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Quest Alert: Eclipsing the Sun

Notice: You survived being Sired and kept your sanity, a first for Ithea in two thousand years. While that is an accomplishment to be lauded, your work is far from complete. As an Elder, you will have many responsibilities, and ensuring the Vampires Race's continued survival and rise is paramount. You have received 1,000 Experience, 1,000 Renown, Your Reputation with the Vampire's of Eternal Night has increased to Neutral, Race Change Vampire.

Note* See your Character Sheet and Skill Page for more information about your Racial changes.

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Quest Alert: Eclipsing the Sun

Description: As an Elder, you will have many responsibilities. Yet your power is not only in yourself but built on the foundation of your House. Big or small, Lower or Higher House it does not matter. A Vampire's House is an extension of their will and strength.

As one of your first responsibilities as a Vampire Elder, Enthrall (4) beings to your will. Willing or otherwise, it is up to you, but remember your choices will have consequences, both good and bad.

Quest Class: Ultra Rare, Quest Chain, Unique

Quest Difficulty: Easy

Success: Enthrall (4) beings to your will.

Failure: Die or refuse to Enthrall (4) beings within the next (7) days.

Rewards: Unknown

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Quest Alert: New Digs

Description: As a new Vampire and citizen of Eternal Night, you must become familiar with the city and its people. Explore what remains of the city, talk to its people, know the people you will be living with. Visit the City Library, House of Remembrance, Inner City Market, and Parthenon.

Quest Class: Race; Easy

Quest Difficulty: Easy

Success: Walk the streets of Eternal Night and visit various, but significant locations throughout the Inner City. Visit the City Library, House of Remembrance, Inner City Market, and Parthenon.

Failure: Do not visit the indicated locations

Rewards: Unknown

Note* Both Quests listed above are mandatory and cannot be refused.

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1 x Level up!

You have (10) unassigned Attribute Points. Attribute Points can be assigned at any time.

You have (1) unassigned Skill Point. Skill Points can be assigned at any time.

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"Enthralling...it sounds a lot like enslaving. I am not big on slavery." I told Talia causing her to frown and shake her head.

"It is not the same thing. Can you Enthrall someone against their will, yes, but it is against the laws unless they are an enemy combatant or if it is to save someone's life.' Talia explained immediately. 'A Thrall is more than someone that will serve you, it is your family, close confident, people that you can trust no matter what with your life and they will trust you as well. This is what it means to be a Thrall." Talia explained and I snorted.

"How, when they have no will of their own and cannot disagree with you?" I asked her and she snorted in amusement.

I noticed a small icon indicating I had a message waiting for me. "Franklin, can you come in here please," Talia called out as I brought up the message and slumped in surprise as I started reading.

To: Jacob Longstrider

Mr. Kevin Daniels, it has come to our attention that you have unlocked and completed a portion of a content patch. We need to discuss this in person in the real world. Agents of our company will be waiting for your call back after you have logged out of Fate Online.

Please be aware, due to what you have unlocked it is highly encouraged that you reach out to us as soon as possible.

V/R

Marc Dupree

PR Manager

Blackrock Entertainment

They would know I would have read the mail, it was their system, but I had no idea the Devs were watching me or anyone that closely. Fate Online was supposed to be a closed system where they could inject new content, but could not directly influence the world of Ithea. That included booting them from the game or tracking their location, that was all up to the worlds governing A.I.s

"What is wrong?" Talia asked me, sensing the new tension and I shook my head. She had no idea what I would be talking about and could do nothing to help me.

"Nothing that concerns you and nothing you can do to help me. This is personal.' I told her as I pushed the worry away. Based on the clock I had just over a day left before I would be out for six hours real-world time. 'So who do you want me to meet?" I asked as an older Human entered to room.

"Mistress, you called me?" he responded formerly and Talia waved it off.

"Franklin, this is Jacob, he is a new Vampire and weary of making any Thralls. Please answer any questions he has to the best of your ability please and tell him what being a Thrall means to you." Talia told him before she went back to eating and leaving Franklin looking at me expectantly.

"So...how are you different than a slave," I asked him bluntly and anger flashed across his face before he controlled his emotions.

"You are new, so I will ignore the insult. A slave has no choice what-so-ever, I choose to enter Lady Sunstrider's service. I asked to be made a Thrall when her father was still head of House Lightsbane. It is an honor and gift to not only be a Thrall but in service to the Royal House, few can claim that privilege.' Franklin replied quickly. 'She is my family just as much as I am her family. I would fight and die for her if necessary. Now willing Thralls can enter a term of service for a finite amount of time, but most choose life. It is a symbiotic relationship for both sides so please do not insult me or her by saying I have no choice in the matter." Franklin told me.

"Ok...so why did you want to become a Thrall?" I asked him, curious what was expected of me and what I could expect from any Thrall.

"Besides the health benefits, Talia is responsible for me financially. She made sure my wife and children had jobs in the city, food, and clothing are furnished by her. While the city was under siege, she also made sure my family was housed here in Shadows Fall." Franklin replied earnestly.

I studied him and nodded, "What responsibilities does she expect from you?' I asked him and he frowned and looked at Talia. 'Without breaking any confidences, tell me in your words." I continued and he sighed in relief.

"I am one of the servants here in the palace, and I serve Lady Sunstrider. I am a messenger as well, if she needs blood I am willing to donate, she also asks me to keep an eye out for the servants and other Thralls to make certain none are abused and are happy with their lives." Franklin replied and before I could continue someone knocked on the door.

"Come!" Talia called back and Franklin moved away immediately, but I noticed the smooth gate and knife at his belt as he did. He was an unseen guard for Talia, and while Franklin might be old he was experienced.

Isiah strode into the room and whispered in Talia's ear causing her to nod and dismiss him with a wave. "Come, we have four potential Thralls for you to see," she commented as she stood. I quickly finished off my plate of food and followed her out of the room wondering what I was going to do.