Pantheon of Light
Amphitheater
Dumathoin and Eilistraee sat near the back with nearly 40 of their brethren and other moderates of the Pantheon of the Light. Dozens of others surrounded of every branch of the Pantheon even a few envoys from the Dark were there observing. Moradin was center stage ranting about the High Heavens interfering in the mortal realms and that unparalleled emanation of Holy magic had been used continuously for several weeks.
"Isn't he being a windbag today, who spit in his beer?" Eilistraee asked as she tried not to yawn.
Dumathoin smiled, "Besides me...I can think of a dozen others off the top of my head. He is just offended that its someone other then the Pantheons are interfering within the mortal realm. The idiot doesn't understand that the Abyss and the High Heavens are only concerned about each other and the mortal realm. They could care less about us or what we want unless it interferes with their plans." Due to Dumathoin not caring who heard what he said everyone within his faction and several dozen more heard what he said and more then one was nodding in acknowledgment or agreement.
After a few more minutes another head interrupted him finally and in polite terms told him to shut up and sit down. He started arguing back but Dumathoin had enough and stood up, "Enough dear brother. What are you going to do? Declare war on the High Heavens? They can kill any us brother. They can cut us off from the mortal realm and all the power it provides for all of us, so do not bluster about how you are offended and how we all should be offended. It only confirms how much of a windbag sack of shit you really are. Now sit down before you embarrass yourself even more!!!" Dumathoin told the head of his family.
Moradin was pissed but could do little, Dumathoin was right and Moradin could do nothing right now that wouldn't open the rifts wider between them. If they fought it would instigate a civil war within their family and weaken the overall pantheon. So Moradin grit his teeth and moved to his seat among the firsts. Dumathoin smiled and winked at Eilistraee before sitting back down in his own seat.
----------------------------------------
Middlebrough
Darren walked along the streets thinking and considering his choices. He had noticed he had picked up two tails of the local thieves guild, pickpockets more than likely. "Boys if I give you a gold piece, will you leave me alone to my thoughts?" Darren asked the 'empty' night while sending out some hand gestures that any guild member would recognize.
"Thank you, sir, if you need any assistance just contact us in the warehouse district." a voice called out and Darren flicked a gold their way. It quickly disappeared with their company.
Suddenly a looming presence appeared, "So what are you up to you little bastard?" Zakoc asked with a playful smile.
Darren gasped and act surprised while offended but Zakoc just smile indulgingly, "I am thinking about heading too Uldon while asking for support from the Shadow Daggers. If someone hired a team to kidnap Jacob, that is the closest Free City to the north. The scouts I sent to Anchorhead confirmed that no caravans arrived during a window of time but a large slaver caravan left slightly before heading toward Uldon. Apparently, the leader of this caravan is a real bastard from out east. He got started there before something happened with the local politics and he got sent west with the threat to never return or you will die speech. Named Hassim, a real bastard that will trade in almost anything."
"No, you need to calm down. Going there or putting us into further debt with your former guild is a huge mistake. We have no idea why Jacob was targeted. Was he a target of opportunity? Did they target him because they knew he was a Vampire? Did they target him because they know what he represents? We do not know and going off half-cocked is going to cause all of us, problems and maybe even bring the Council of Lights gaze and armies down on us. Remember secrecy and stealth are our biggest advantages right now. I shouldn't have to tell you that my friend." The Battlerager said as he walked off into the night.
Darren sighed, he as right but it didn't alleviate his worry at all. If anything, it made it worse as he considered even more possibilities.
----------------------------------------
Road betwen Middlebrough and Uldon
Jacob watched as the sun set and the everyone prepared to move out, Star was already up and about watching the groups flanks with a few Ranger and Rogue types that were brave enough to volunteer to be away from the larger group. They had few weapons but those that were willing to fight to defend themselves and their fellow former slaves were armed with what they had been able to scrounge up.
"Can I see your blade for a moment?" the man with a silver and gold eye asked as he strode up. He had stood all night and all day keeping watch for any slavers, bandits, or any other threats to Jacob and the people they were bringing to Middlebrough.
Jacob nodded his head and drew it from its sheath, "Be careful it dislikes when other people touch it." The man considered his words before softy talking to the blade before taking it from Jacobs' hands. He lay it across his knees and started studying the blade and the runes embedded in it. Then he jerked away and frowned.
"You have a rune of the Abyss embedded within the blade. How did you come by this?" The man asked.
Jacob studied him before responding, "I killed an Elite Pit Fiend with that blade and it absorbed a portion of its power. It does that from time to time, but I have no idea how it decides to acquire abilities like that." Jacob told him truthfully as he watched the people finish eating breakfast. According to the maps of the local area, a river was not too far away and they would reach it within a few hours. They would replenish their water supplies and clean up there.
The man raised an eyebrow at what he had said but nodded in the end. "Well since the Abyss has marked your blade, I think it's only fair that the High Heavens shall as well." He smiled then grasped the blade in his hands so hard they started to bleed causing to blade to glow. The man gasped loudly before almost collapsed but Jacob steadied him. He nodded his head in thanks before studying the blade and handing it, "I think this will help you with your endeavors and will counter anything the mark of the Abyss will cause if it ever turns on you." Jacob nodded his head before sheathing it again after inspecting it.
Spoiler: Spoiler
Name: Moonlight
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Level: Artifact, Scalable, lvl IV
Damage: 50-65
Properties: Item absorbs 10% of the experience the wielder accrues to grow in strength with the user
Properties: Ethereal Bound*
Properties: Pit Fiend Binding*
Properties: Blessed Binding*
Properties: 20% of damage dealt is absorbed as health by the wielder
Properties: +10% damage to the Living (Lifes Bane Enchantment will grow in strength with the sword)
Properties: Moonstone of Learning (Increases Experience gained from battle by 10%)
Properties: Diamond Edge (Increases the Base damage of the weapon by 25%)
Other properties will be unlocked as the Artifact gains strength
Durability: 1000/1000
Description: Moonlight was forged over 3000 years ago, a gift forged with the blood of every noble line to the first King of the Vampire nation. It has been passed down the Royal bloodline until the defeat of the Vampires at the end of the War of Survival. Due to not being wielded for nearly 2000 years, the majority of the strength of the blade has been lost. Most of the properties have been lost also, who knows what else is hidden that can be unlocked in time
Ethereal Bound: After being exposed to great amounts of Death Magic and Mana, Moonlight has taken on certain properties that allow the blade to damage and kill Higher and Lower beings (See wiki for further information on Higher and Lower Beings)
Pit Fiend Binding: After Moonlight killed an Elite Pit Fiend, it took on some of the properties of the Elite Pit Fiend to better serve its wielder (10% of all damage is negated and every strike has a 5% chance to summon a Minor Pit Fiend to fight for the wielder for 5 minutes with a cooldown of 24 hours).
Blessed Binding: Blessed by an Avatar of Light, Moonlight can now wield limited Holy magic. (Deal an additional 20-40 Holy/Light damage with every strike, every time you deal damage you have a (5%) chance to summon a Seraphim to fight for and heal you and your allies for 5 minutes with a cooldown of 24 hours)
Jacob smiled as he inspected the weapon, it was a definite upgrade for the weapon and would be a boon for any time they fought against Undead, Demon, or Chaotic creatures.
----------------------------------------
3 hours later Jacob and the group finally reached the river, people quickly dismounted and started to wash their dirty bodies and clothing. Others started refilling water barrels and canteens. Suddenly a naiad formed from the edge of the water gazing at the various people using her waters. Jacob strode forward to place himself between her and the people in case she decided to attack but she simply studied all of them including Jacob and the guys with gold and silver eyes.
After a few moments she spoke, "You are welcome to my waters. Cleanse your bodies and rest your souls while you can and take what you need from my waters. Blood Walker and Light One I assume you vouch for these people and that you will not try to attack or enslave me or my sisters?"
Jacob nodded his head quickly, "My word ma'am. No one here would ever willingly enslave another." The Naiad nodded in acknowledgment as a Buff settled over the area as she started to sing.
Alert...
Buff Song of Safehaven: Health and morale recovery are doubled while within the area of influence (AoE, Duration 10 Minutes)
Alert...
Jacob and everyone else smiled and seemed to relax as the melody filled the air. "Value this, they hardly ever offer Safehaven for mortals. Cherish your time here and relax, I will keep watch." Jacob heard as the other being wondered off.
20 minutes later Jacob was enjoying sitting next to the river while the few who had not bathed yet enjoyed a free bath. Cold, but free. Jacob had found it refreshing but he missed the hot water of his home and looked forward to getting back. Most of the group were finishing up an early lunch when he heard someone running toward the camp. It was their newest addition to the caravan and he was moving as fast as he could.
"We have an Orc raiding party coming in from the north-east. They will be here in 10 minutes maybe 15. We need to get these people moving, we can hold them at the bridge since I am sure you will not let me face them alone." the man finished reporting.
Jacob nodded and turned toward a High-Elf that he had started to depend upon, "Dineart, get everyone up and going now. We have a raiding party incoming. MOVE PEOPLE!!!" Jacob commanded causing everyone to scramble and within the next 2 minutes, they were moving across the river and to safety for now. Eventually, the raiding party would run them down and kill or capture as many as they could.
10 Minutes later Jacob was leaning against the railing and the caravan was off in the distance to the south, Bob aka the Avatar of Light, had done something to increase the speed of the carts and wagons. So they were safe for now, but Bob said the spell would end after 5 miles or 10 minutes, whatever came first. Star was pissed but Jacob had begged her to go along and watch over them, after a short argument she had acceded to his wishes.
Suddenly some Goblin and Orc Wolf riders crested a nearby hill, a dozen Jacob could see and hear total. One of them immediately whirled around and rushed back in the direction they had come. Jacob smiled at the distant figures before drawing Moonlight and driving it into the wood at his feet. If worse came to worse, Jacob had asked Bob to destroy the bridge so the raiding party could no cross here. According to Bob, the nearest crossing was nearly a day away to the east.
A few minutes later the main party showed mainly Orcs but some Hobgoblins, and Goblins as well. A large Orc, probably a Champion or tribal leader was talking to all the raiders. A few Shaman were part of the raiders but it was mainly Warriors and some archers thrown into the mix. One older Orc Shaman was staring intently at Jacob. "At times like this Bob, I wish I still had my archer skills so I could send an arrow at this guys ass. I understand motivational speeches are crucial at times, but it is only two of us."
Bob snorted but remained silent for the time being, finally Jacob snapped and yelled. "Hey dumbass. I am starving and I have not had anyone to feed on in days. Can you send me someone to beat down so I can grab a quick bite to eat while you finish your speech...Please" Jacob finished with an eye-roll. The Orc glared at him before turning toward an Orc almost as large as he was and slammed his fist onto his shoulder. The new Orc smiled and started to walk forward before moving to a trot aimed directly at him. Jacob smiled and considered pulling Moonlight from the bridge before walking away to meet the Orc. His eyes started to bleed over to blood red as his fangs grew and talons descended from his fingertips. He wasn't just hungry he was famished and if they came to kill his people and him, they could provide a quick meal beforehand.