Middlebrough
Anthony watched as the carts and wagons were loaded with various goods and specially made items. All the Gilded Handz customers had been informed of the fact they had recently required all the items previously ordered, they had been happy. Those that had moved on to other providers, about 1/3 of the customers for the goods they had, told Anthony or other representatives of the guild that they were sorry that they had found what they wanted through someone else, usually one of Weighted Chances' former allies. Now the huge caravan would be spending the next couple weeks heading north with a heavy escort of mercenaries that were currently camped outside the walls to the north.
"I can see you and your people are very hard workers." Anthony smiled as he turned to Darren. They both filled similar roles for their Guilds. "At this rate, you will have all your things out of those warehouses halfway through the night."
"Yes Darren, Gilded Handz hires hard workers. Immortals or Locals, it doesn't matter to us. Some of the more enterprising of the town folk offered to help us out at a certain cost though, of course. That has sped up our timeline rather well. Now, why don't you tell me about that burned down Warehouse over there you have people working on clearing out." Anthony responded as he turned to face the Rogue.
The Rogue shrugged his shoulders, "Just some over advantageous Immortals who thought the town would be easy picking and thought they could steal and burn. They got the burning right and stole a little before they were sent back to the graveyard. Tell me Anthony, its recently come to our attention that certain laws might be broken by traders and merchants within our territory. We wouldn't want your trade agreement revoked so soon after it going into effect. We wanted to make sure your people do not trade in slaves or flesh in any way. It's highly illegal within the Empire of NIght." Darren stated while watching as another fully loaded cart left and another empty took its place.
Anthony snorted, "No, we are not flesh peddlers. I do have some morals if the Gilded Handz ever got involved in things like that I wouldn't be employed with them. Now as far as other people go...I am sad to say it's becoming more and more lucrative trade between the Free City Alliance and the kingdoms to the east."
Darren nodded, "I am aware of the growing trend. Advise your leadership not to invest in such ventures, the Empire considers it illegal to trade in the lives of people and the consequences of such ventures are very costly. If we find out that your guild has done so or does so in the future, the least of your worries would be losing the trade agreement we made."
With that the other Immortal moved off, that's when Anthony noticed more then one hard stare sent his way by the nearby Legionnaires. Anthony was going to shrug it off but one of them moved toward him, the two guards with him started moving forward but he waved them off. "You might not want to be so callous about slaves lad. Some of my boys and girls still have fresh memories of the hot box, lash, or abuse and don't take kindly to those who just blow off their suffering. So watch your words and tone." the Dwarf finished before moving off. Anthony noticed that his helmet and armor were slightly different.
"If you don't mind me asking, why are they so sensitive?" Anthony studied the Dwarf and his fellow soldiers more closely now. Noticed certain marks on their arms and faces. Scars from whips and beatings maybe?
The Dwarf snorted, "Out of my 9 boys and girls, 6 are former slaves. Those that were slaves take it personally that someone abused them badly. We are all brothers and sisters in arms in the Legion. We fight for our own and we don't let anyone look down on us again. That includes your dandy self." With that comment, he moved off while Anthony considered his words and continued to study the soldiers.
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Governor High-Tower sat while the Council stood behind him. Before him stood those that had attacked their town. Some of the COuncil believed none of this would have happened if the Empire never would have come. Legionnaires lined the walls to ensure the safety of the Governor and Lieutenant-Commander Ironbark stood glowering at the captives nearby but saying nothing.
"You all stand guilty of crimes against the Empire and its people. You are guilty of murdering 3 of his Majestys Legionnaires, attempted murder of 25 more, Kidnapping a citizen of the Empire, and arson. You are found guilty through eyewitness statements and testimony as well as the confession of the Immortal Billy Hitem who admitted and testified against his fellow conspirators that targeted and kidnapped the Immortal Jacob Longstrider. For your crimes against the Empire and its people, the locals and the Immortal John Swiftsure will face 10 years of hard labor or 50,000 Gold fine. You will be eligible for probation after 5 years of service. Billy Hitem, due to your willing testimony you also face 10 years of hard Labor or 50,000 Gold fine but will be eligible for parole after 1 year. Any questions about your sentencing?" The Governor finished, the men looked defeated while the woman cried.
"Very well, Lieutenant-Commander Ironbark can you please see that the criminals are sent through the portal I am sure they are eagerly awaiting the new workers." Governor High-Tower finished. The Legionnaires quickly bound and placed hoods on all the captives while herding them toward the door and outside.
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Bloodsoaked Fort
Brox glowered as the 6 prisoners were pushed through the portal. They were all bound and wore hoods. Several Legionnaires moved forward and removed their old collars and slapped new ones on quickly. They had been designed by Abraxxus, a nifty collar that both weakened them and bound them to the location they were working at. "Prisoners, welcome to Bloodsoaked Fort. It is your home for the immediate future. You are here to work, you will do what you are told at any time. You will not be abused, you will be clothed, fed, and watered, but you will be strictly monitored. You will never be alone while you are here except when you sleep. For those of you who do not know where you are, you are in the Underdark. If you want to make a run for it, I would not recommend it. Enjoy your stay. Dismissed."
Legionnaires came forward cutting bindings and giving them necklaces to give them temporary Darksight so they could see and operate in the Underdark. Immediately they started to look around and take in their surroundings but they all knew they couldn't run away. It would be a death sentence. "Oh for you Immortals that think I will run away and die and come back somewhere else, don't. That collar stays on you no matter what and binds your resurrection spot to wherever you are assigned to work. Have a good day."
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
As they made their way out of the fort one of his Sergeants walked up, "I don't like this. It's to close to slavery for my taste." The Duergar stated as they watched as the Legionnaires herding the prisoners outside the walls and to work.
"They broke laws, some pretty bad ones that should have resulted in death. They are alive and know when they will have freedom again. Can you say the same thing when you were a slave?" Brox responded. "It's either a cell or work for them, which would you prefer Sergeant?"
The Duergar nodded his head, "Work." he said before leaving.
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Unknown
Jacob wasn't sure what woke him first if it was the jarring, moans, or screams but he was awake. He felt like shit and could hardly move. He could feel a collar around his neck and chains on his wrists and ankles. He noticed he was in a canvas covered wagon, but it did nothing to subdue the glare or all the sunlight. He couldn't see because of it but he could close his eyes and read all the alerts.
Alert...
De-Buff Curse: All primary stats are decreased by 90% while the sun is up. (indefinite at this time)
De-Buff Sun Root Poisoning: This poisoning causes disorientation and acts as a sedative (Duration 1 hour)
De-Buff Sun Blind: Due to long-term dwelling within the Underdark, direct and indirect sunlight. Sight is reduced by 60% (Duration 6 Hours)
De-Buff Thirst: Due to lack of blood, speed, strength, and health regeneration are reduced by 10% (Duration until you feed, effects can increase with time)
De-Buff Dehydrated: Stamina regeneration is halved. (Duration until you drink, effects can increase with time)
De-Buff Malnourished: Health Regeneration is halved. (Duration until you eat, effects can increase with time)
Due to wearing Imperial Collar of Tyranny, all abilities/skills are locked. Cannot access inventory, cannot access in-game communications, cannot be seen by any gods or goddesses, tracking spells cannot find you, divination cannot see you. All equipment has been placed in your inventory. All quests currently assigned are locked and cannot progress. Cannot spend character or skill points. (Duration...indefinite) Have a nice game.
Alert...
Jacob would have cursed and spit but he was parched, he had no idea where he was nor how much time had elapsed. He could hear people crying and others screaming but due to the canvas, he didn't see what was happening. Besides him, the only other occupant was a girl, probably no older than 12 or so. She was crying and laying in the corner. "You ok kid?" Jacob rasped out. Lack of liquids roughed his voice up but he was trying to be gentle. Her eyes immediately darted toward him, she didn't say anything just stared at him.
Suddenly the canvas was thrown back and the door swung open, guards started tossing chained children up into the wagon before slamming the door shut and once again covering the wagon. The children immediately moved away from Jacob cowering against the bars, all of them were between 8-14 at most. Jacob guessed that anyone older then that would be held somewhere else. Jacob was disgusted and enraged by what he saw, this is one of the reasons why he was at war with the Sisters, he knew when he was a bandit some bad things were going on in the southern part of the continent, but he had no idea it was this bad. It was worse than other Immortals were a part of it. Suddenly more yelling and cursing filled the air.
"I don't give a shit, you have your business but you also made a deal with the same person I did. Our captive was to be kept isolated, no abuse, and get him inside Uldon without any questions from the local authorities. Now you flooded our wagon with your product to try and earn more money, you are threatening this operation. Get those kids out of there now Hassim." a woman yelled.
"This is my Caravan, I decide what goes where and if you want to get your little treasure into Uldon, you will do as I say. What you don't think I didn't notice he was an Immortal. If I tell that to the right people, you and your friends will beg for death. So yes, I will use your precious wagon as I see fit Faith Alstar. Now we have stayed here for half a day, none of your companions have shown up, we are preparing to leave and will be on the road within the hour." a man responded Jacob presumed was Hassim. Jacob let his eyes close as he heard one set of footsteps leave and the canvas was thrown back.
Jacob felt the others move around from whoever had moved the canvas but Jacob kept his eyes closed and his breathing even. "You better be worth it." He heard a woman's voice mutter before the canvas was closed again. Jacob immediately peaked his eyes open and checked the door, it was closed and the canvas had been drawn shut.
Jacob moved his eyes back to his original companion, "Are you ok little one?" Jacob croaked out. She looked at him for a little while before nodding her head slightly. Jacob tried to roll up to his feet but his head swam and he flopped onto his back rocking the wagon slightly. "Do any of you know where we are?" Jacob managed to ask. Once again she shook her head. "Do you know how long I have been here?"
"Half a day at least. The caravan stopped here waiting for something, but as soon as you showed up Master Hassim wanted to go, but the woman told him to wait 1 day for any of her people. No one has come through." She responded.
Jacob tried to sit up and think but once again flopped onto his back, the Sun Root poisoning was screwing him almost worse than all the other De-Buffs. It made him feel like he was drunk and hungover at the same time. "We are somewhere between Uldon and my homeland hopefully. People will come for me when they come just keep your heads down and you will have your freedom. Ok?"
A boy, no older than 12 or 13 snorted, "Slavery is all over the Free-Cities Alliance and to the east. Where do you live?"
Jacob smiled, "I live where slavery is illegal and those that sell and/or trade with peoples lives are punished for their crimes." The boy smirked and rolled his eyes with a muttered 'yeah sure' before he leaned back against the bars and closed his eyes. Looking at the other children, only a few believed him while most had a dead look in their eyes of someone with no hope.
Quest Issued: Great Escape!!!
Description: You have been captured and bound against your will by other Immortals and the slaver Hassim Zoram. Find some way to get free.
Optional: Free the other slaves of the caravan.
Rewards: Freedom, Unknown
Jacob chuckled, got to love Adam and Eve playing with his life he thought sarcastically.