Middlebrough
Jacob watched as embankments were dug and Siege Engines were being constructed as he stared at the distant town. He could see the soldiers walking along the wall. It made him snort in derision that such a key town had only 8-foot walls with a handful of archer towers. The wall was wood also, no stone whatsoever. Jacob had split his forces between the southern and western walls. The eastern wall was guarded by a large swamp that ran for over a hundred miles at least and hid the Regional Boss of the Arathia Basin. To the north, Jacob had ordered the Calvery to be deployed to ensure that Middlebrough would not try and sortee from the north gate.
The eastern approach also gave cover for the infiltration team that was slowly working its way around and into the town where they would gather intel on anything that had changed since Garren had gathered his information. Troop numbers and deployments and the state of Weighted Chance were the top priorities followed by sabotage and assassination. Darren was also to find anyone will to replace the current Governor and willing to submit to an external power, that was a longshot and Jacob didn't think he would succeed. Jacob was fairly sure he was going to have to emplace a government the hard way.
Suddenly the doors of the gate were opened and disgorged two squads of soldiers and a man mounted on horseback. Jacob chuckled because he was on a white horse. Jacob smiled and whistled causing Star's head to whip around to see what Jacob needed. She gave him an indignant look because he was taking her away from the end of her breakfast but she stood and walked over. Jacob chuckled at Stars' antics before patting her shoulder and putting his boot in her stirrup and mounting her. "Captain, I could use an escort," Jacob called out to the Thorgron who was eyeballing the approaching party. He quickly detailed two squads of the Dawn Guard while Lieutenant-Commander Ironbark began mustering two Centuries in case they tried anything else.
"Remember lad, words won more wars then blades. You can end this fight with the rightwards." Thorgron said as he walked away and went back to overseeing emplacing the battery of siege engines. Jacob smiled, but he knew to much blood had been spilled for them to walk away from this without getting something from it. Before leaving he flagged down one of the Mages in the Raid and asked for a simple spell to be done.
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Governor Parris rode out with an escort of two squads of soldiers, the Immortals of Weighted Chance had declined to join him on this excursion to try and end the conflict. If Ineford gained power over Middlebrough, he doubted that he would be allowed to remain in power. "Remember let me do all the talking. I am sure we can come to some arrangement." Parris told the Guard Lieutenant the walked next to him. The Captain had either perished to the south or been captured.
Approaching his party was two squads of heavily armored and armed soldiers with a man on a huge black wolf. Although he wore no armor, a sword was strapped to his belt. Who he was didn't matter, only if he had the power to negotiate on the behalf of Ineford. Once they reached the halfway point between Middlebrough and the enemy encampment Parris stopped and waited for the other party to approach.
The man, a halfling dismounted the wolf who started growling at Parris and his shoulders until the halfling grabbed the snout at forced the wolf to look him in the eyes before silently whispering something in the wolfs ear. Parris swore the wolf nodded before turning back to Parris and barked once before silently watching them.
"So, why have you come out here Governor?" the man asked as he strode up as if he didn't have a care in the world. His left hand kept a solid grip on the sword.
"Are you someone who can negotiate on behalf of Ineford?" Parris asked causing the man to snort and nod. "I was wondering if we could come to some arrangement and make this all go away?"
The halfling stared at him for a second before looking at the lieutenant who was blushing red in embarrassment, then promptly threw his head back and started laughing. After a few minutes, the man got ahold of himself and responded, "I am sorry, but I am laughing at you. I just don't know if its arrogance or stupidity on your part. This is not just a simple misunderstanding Mr. Parris. You and Weighted Chance hired bandits that were raiding caravans coming out of the basin. Then after they were wiped out and we fortified the area so you wouldn't do it again, you sent an army south to destroy the outpost we had constructed and then they had orders to march on Ineford. This is not simply solved with money. Or with an assassin."
The halfling suddenly whirled while drawing the blade at his side and cut low causing a Rogue to drop from stealth and scream out as the blade cut through his armor. Blood and guts spilled out and the Rogue looked panicked but before he could do anything else the wolf lunged forward and bit down. The Rogue screamed and tried to stab the wolf in the eye but the sword flashed again and the hand with the knife went spinning away. Suddenly the wolf stopped whipping the body around and slammed the Rogue into the ground before pinning him there with a paw and biting down on the Rogues head. The Rogue screamed one more time before his head was ripped from his shoulders.
Parris cursed and started to talk but the halfling glared at him, "Enough. We will have no negotiations. You just attempted to kill me. These are my terms, unconditional surrender. You have 1 hour to decide at which we will begin our attack if you do not comply. Oh, by the way, Mr. Parris, I had a mage amplify this conversation so your defenders and inhabitants all know the terms I am demanding and what you have done. Remember, 1 hour." The man turned and walked off, both the guards and wolf glared at him before turning and joining the halfling.
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Jacob spit on the ground once he returned to the encampment, the party from Middlebrough had already returned and the gates were sealed once more. "Are we really giving them 1 hour Sir?" Ironbark asked while he studied the defenses.
Jacob nodded before responding, "Yep, 1 hour exactly. After that, we are going to tear down their defenses and destroy them. That bastard is too selfish to surrender, in one hours time we will attack. Rotate your soldiers out so they can a snack, piss, water, or whatever. I am certain we are about to have a very busy night Lieutenant-Commander Ironbark."
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Aaron watched as over a dozen carts and wagons lined up, he had made a deal to give them 25% of what they had the surviving mercenaries if they helped escort them north to the Free Cities. Now they were preparing to move out when the Governor suddenly ran up, "Where the hell do you think you all are going? I have a contract with all of you, if you leave you will never be welcome here again."
Aaron snorted, "That's funny because the army out there is about to kick your ass and when that is done you are more then likely to be arrested if not executed on the spot. So I don't think whoever is going to succeed you will give a rats ass about what you think." Aaron smiled as he tied down a canvas over the cart. Since the town was officially under siege, no more of his guild members could log in to this place, they would spawn somewhere else and have to travel to meet up. Most were spawning at Anchorhead, the free city to the west. Some would be spawning in the Free Cities to the north. Either way, it didn't matter they were too far away to lend assistance.
"I can still order the Guard to attack you and those mercenaries. It might weaken us, but you and yours will still be dead." Governor Parris sneered at Aaron.
Aaron smiled before turning back toward to Parris, "Yeah, you can do that but you will be the first to die Parris and then your town will be left defenseless before Inefords army and their allies." Aaron laughed as he turned his back on the fool and checked the timer that had lit up as soon as Parris had finished negotiations. 20 minutes until the first attack started.
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Jacob watched as the troops readied themselves to attack Middlebrough. The catapults and ballista were ready and loaded as the time ticked down. Ladders were prepared and two Centuries with 200 soldiers from Ineford were the reserve while the rest of the attack force prepared to move forward. He could see the troops of Middlebrough distantly manning defensive positions. Suddenly Jacob's alarm went off, time was up and no response from the Governor or the people of Middlebrough. He sighed and stood from the embankment picked up his helm and put it on before turning toward the nearest crew that manned a ballista, "Let's get this show on the road gentlemen." Suddenly the crew chief started barking orders and the ballista released the massive bolt that flashed through the sky before slamming into the shield and shattering.
The drums and horns of the Legion sounded as Ironbark started bellowing out orders to the two Centuries going forward. Suddenly the remaining two ballista and catapults launched their ammunition toward Middlebrough and slammed into the magic shield. The defenders instinctively flinched away from the impact points and the shield fractured a little before sealing shut again.
Once the archers were in range of the shield they added their fire to the damage the shield was sustaining easily quadrupling the incoming damage the shield was taken with moments. Jacob studied the shield and after consulting a nearby mage to ensure his math was correct, the shield would fall after 10 minutes unless they Middlebrough had extra mana batteries.
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Darren moved out of the sewer area and checked in with all the party leaders, the Rangers would be moving up onto the roofs of buildings to take out any officers or anyone who was coordinating defenses. Rogues would be nearby to attempt to either sabotage the gates or open them. The infiltration team was going to find the illustrious Governor Parris and take him into custody once the attack began. If they could not capture him alive, they were authorized to kill him. The secondary targets were any Elders or Council members the town had. The all nodded and Darren led his own team into town hoping everything went well. Otherwise, this was going to get very bloody.
30 minutes later Darren with 4 other Rogue types were laying in wait as the attack began. First, it was the siege engines, then arrows and crossbow bolts added to the mounting damage. The way the shield was cracking and not sealing shut again he knew the shield was close to breaking, that is when the archers stopped to conserve ammunition and the Mages let loose. Fire, Ice, Death, and destruction slammed into the shield causing the shield to crack and contract before finally collapsing. Darren heard a distant shout from the friendly forces outside the wall. The end of Middlebrough as the people her knew it, had begun.
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Jacob watched as the shield collapsed and both the Legion and soldiers roared out for the minor victory. Suddenly a few of the Mage Immortals started casting, Ice Shards, Fire, and Lightning started raining down on the defenders causing screams of pain from within. Two large earthen Golems rose and rushed toward the wall. The Legion and soldiers followed on their heels as ladders were emplaced against the wall and pushed up.
The soldiers of Ineford were trying to rush up the ladder while the Legionnaires took it nice a slow to protect themselves and those below them as they climbed. Jacob snorted at the soldier's tactics, hadn't they learned anything from watching Ironbark defending the wall at the outpost?
Suddenly rocks, hot water, and an occasional Firebolt started to slam into the attackers as the defenders started to rally in response to the attack. Healers immediately acted throwing shields and healing where needed immediately. Jacob made a mental note to have priests to place shields on the first one climbing the ladder. Suddenly shouts from the defenders went up and several small explosions lit up the wall and southern gate. The wooden doors shook on their hinges but stayed in place. Then once again the doors hid a series of explosions but this time they did not contain the fire and force of the explosions. They were ripped from their anchors and forcible cast from the wall as if some giant had punched them from the inside.
Thorgron immediately stepped up and started marking out orders for the Dawn Guard. Shields were raised and weapons were drawn as they started moving toward the breached gate. Jacob smiled knowing the Darren had succeeded, hopefully, his team had gotten away cleanly otherwise the Rogues of his team would be cut down quickly.
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Darren once again silently thanked whatever dev had created Abraxxus as the hardened doors exploded. His team immediately scattered away from the wall. The Alchemic Bombs had been plan A to open the doors for Jacob and the army, plan B had the same results but ended with most if not all his team dead.
Once he broke the line of sight of the nearest guard, he triggered Shadow Teleport and was suddenly on the roof of the building. He saw 3 guards running away in pursuit of him. He shook his head at their antics, they should have never broken from the wall, it just weakened the defenses there.
Suddenly a series of explosions sounded from the western gate as the team there made their gambit to destroy the gate doors there. Darren hoped they were as successful as his team had been as he started hunting the guards that had broken away from the wall.
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Jacob watched as the attack was stalled at both the gate and where the Legion had attacked the wall. If they had space to spread out, they would be able to maneuver and envelope the defenders, but right now our numbers meant almost nothing. "Ironbark!!!' Jacob roared out over the din and the Orc quickly appeared, 'Signal the reserves to move forward. Have one Century to move toward the gate and support the Dawn Guard, the remaining Century I want to move to a new point on the wall and press the attack there!!" Jacob called out and the Orc quickly saluted before moving off.
Within 20 seconds Jacob heard the horns sound again and he distantly heard the shout of the Legion reserves as they responded to the call of their brothers and sisters. Jacob scowled, it was time to break the defender's lines, "Shigna, Golem have him follow me closely." Jacob ordered the Kobold who immediately crouched down and started summoning the earthen giant. As soon as the Golem fully formed Jacob called the order he knew the Dawn Guard knew, being Legion trained, "MAKE A HOLE, STEP LEFT ONE!!!" then he taped the guard in front of him and the order was relayed forward and surgically followed leaving him a small corridor forward that Jacob immediately ran into being followed by the Golem, Thelgrum, and Rory.
As soon as he got within 1 foot of the defenders he triggered Charge, followed by Shield Bash wish allowed him to punch almost all the way through the defenders. The Golem actually jumped into the ranks of the defenders causing more than one to scream as hundreds of pounds of animated dirt and rock slammed into them. Thelgrum and Rory added their weapons to the madness that ensued bringing a smile to Jacobs' face. Suddenly a line of Rogues materialized right behind the back ranks of the defenders adding to the bedlam and bloodshed and suddenly Jacob and his party were through and no more defenders were in his way.
Jacob checked on his War Party and everyone was alive but a little roughed up. He checked on the attacks on the wall and the defenders were collapsing, the second point of attack for the Legion had gained a firm hold on the wall and they had managed to push through and ling up with the first attack group. Fireballs and Lightning were slamming into the packed defenders as they tried to hold but it was only a matter of time before they completely broke.
Alert...
The Western Gate of Middlebrough has fallen to the invading forces.
Attacking forces receive +5% attack damage
Attacking forces receive +5% to defense against all damage.
Alert...
Jacob let out a yell and fell and the defenders back, hacking and slashing toward the contested gate.
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Darren smirked as he read the alert about the western gate falling as he withdrew the knives from the dead guard. Suddenly the team captain for the Infiltration team sent him a message about finding either the Elders or Council but the situation was contemplated and to head to his location ASAP.
5 minutes later he was looking down from the rafters of a Warehouse, Nine men and women of various ages were bound and beaten. Around them were 12 guards the bastard Parris. They needed help and he pinged his remaining team leaders needing at least 9 more people. Less then 5 minutes later another alert went out that the southern gate had fallen and his backup finally arrived. The plan was quick and ugly, the Infiltrators would use their illusion magic to copy some of the guards and get on close while the Rogues would wait for Darren to drop his Darkest Night ability. That would be the signal for the attack to begin.
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Jacob walked among the corpses of the grindhouse the southern entrance had created. He wouldn't be surprised once the butcher's bill had been tallied that 200 defenders had died here. High-Captain Gregarious had broken through the defenders and his attack group had linked with the southern group. Soldiers from Ineford and the Legion Cohort were spreading out and routing out any remaining defenders. They had orders to spare anyone who surrendered but if they fought, kill them quickly. No looting, pillaging, or rape would be tolerated. Any soldier caught doing so would be summarily be stripped of rank, privileges, wages withheld, and further punishment would be lent out later.
Alert...
Secret Kingdom Quest Complete: For the People!!!
Description: Forces under your command killed the corrupt Governor Parris and freed the captive Council members of Middlebrough. This will affect how your attack will be viewed by the citizens of Middlebrough.
Rewards: 5,000 Kingdom Experience, Seal of the Governor, 500 Gold
Alert...
Jacob cursed and immediately sent a message to Darren knowing he was probably the only one in this madhouse that could have done it without getting them killed in the process. Within a minute he responded and told Jacob to meet him at the main square.
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Aaron watched as the walls of Middlebrough dwindled in the distance, they had gotten away cleanly and no one was pursuing them or everything they had taken. Suddenly loud whoops and cries sounded all around them and cavalry appeared. Arrows, Firebolts, Ice Bolts, Lightning flew and struck at the caravan. Aaron started to trigger stealth when Lightning Bolt slammed into him followed by 3 arrows slamming into him. The last thing he saw was Maddox and a few others trying to cut their way free of the ambush.
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15 slow minutes later, Jacob and his escort of several hundred walked into the main square. Disarmed soldiers that had surrendered had been corraled here and being watched over by soldiers of Ineford. He saw Darren with a small group of men and women that were silently arguing with him. They were pointing at the disarmed and surrounded soldiers, but whatever they were asking, Darren was just shaking his head no in response. Their first site of Jacob was armed, armored, and covered in blood of their soldiers. He had calmed down enough that his eyes did not glow red though.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, what is the problem?" Jacob asked as he strode up.
"We want our soldiers released immediately and your forces removed from our town." One of the younger men stepped up and demanded. Jacob raised an eyebrow at Darren who chuckled at Jacobs facial features.
"To keep it simple so you understand. NO. You and fellow council members stand on the brink. If you fall off one side the council will tell me to stick my demands up my ass and you all will be killed and a military governor will be appointed to look after Middlebrough. On the other hand, you can offer your unconditional surrender that the former Governor Parris declined, you will maintain some power, you will be able to choose to appoint a new Governor that will work with us." Jacob retorted.
Suddenly most of the council members looked far less sure of themselves and more then one of the Dawn Guard had silently drawn weapons and surrounded them. "If we surrender, what will be your demands?" an older council member studied Jacob after asking.
"First, you have been taxing the farmers of the basin 30% of their crops net worth, you will drop it to 25% immediately. Second the Immortal guild Weighted Chance, any current or past member, are banned from Middlebrough and KoS orders are to be issued for them and their allies. Third, every month you will be taxed 10% of whatever your settlement generates will be paid to me. Fourth, a military garrison will remain to ensure the peace, uphold your laws and ensure that what happened before does not happen again. Fifth, the Immortal guild Gilded Handz had tariffs and taxes raised due to the Governors choices. Those tariffs and taxes are to be repelled at once. As of now, sales and tariffs are set at 5% for everyone, nothing on exports at this moment of time. Finally, an oath of allegiance from each of you and whoever becomes Governor." Jacob responded and from the response of some council members, they didn't like it but they didn't really have a choice in the matter. If they refused to surrender, the military Governor would enforce the changes anyway and they knew it.
"Can we have a few moments." the same Councilman asked.
Jacob ground his teeth in frustration, "A few but don't go too far and don't do anything stupid. I am starting to lean toward the first option just to save myself the frustration." Five minutes later, Middlebrough had officially surrendered and a few minutes after that they were Oath-bound to the Empire of Night.
Regional Alert...
The Town of Middlebourgh has fallen in battle and joined...Empire of Night faction.
Regional Alert...
Kingdom Quest Completed: Threat to the North
Description: Through military strength, you have subdued Middlebrough and eliminated the threat of their expansion and pushed Weighted Chance from the region of the Arathia Basin.
Rewards: 10,000 Kingdom Experience, 5,000 Gold, Control of Middlebrough, Greater Market of Middlebrough is now open to the Empire of Night
Alert...
Through Battle and Conquest, you have gained...18,736...Experience
Alert...