Underdark- Plunging Depths Region
Sisters of the Damned- Stronghold of Oblivion
Outer Wall
Jacob had found a new rotation for dealing with any clumps of resistance. A barrage of Shadow Bolts, followed by Leap, War Stomp to stun them, and Hemorrhage to cause massive damage to the surrounding enemies. Rory and Thelgrum would them hit the broken formation like a wrecking ball. It would deny them unit cohesion while leaving them weakened for Jacobs War Party or Deathwalkers that were silently shadowing Jacobs group.
The Undead, Dawn Guard, and Heart Guard had flooded the Outer Wall while the Legion and her allies were fighting War Slaves in the outer courtyard or fighting toward the Inner Gate. The Siege Engines had already retargeted the Inner Wall and were already pounding the enemy formations there.
The Seekers of the Dawn and Myrmidons were on standby to help hit the Inner Stronghold as soon as the Inner Gate had been breached. A few Immortal Mages were here and there using AoE spells on the Inner Wall or enemy troop concentrations in the outer areas. Two Council members had been downed already on the wall, Jacob could see at least one fighting in the Outer Courtyard. Suddenly the pocket of resistance collapsed and she went down under the blades of Bloodfangs weapons.
Battle Alert...
Enemy Forces have lost a leader, their morale has fallen too...disparaged (-5% Armor Rating and -5% Attack)
Your forces are emboldened by the slaying of yet another enemy leader (+10% to Armor Rating and +5% to Attack)
Battle Alert...
Jacob dismissed the alert as he saw the forces fighting to keep the Legion forces back from the Inner Gate finally collapsed. Jacob could see a Century of Legionnaires hustle 6 Immortals toward the Inner Gate. All the while arrows, bolts, and the magic continued to pound Jacobs troops from the Inner Wall. Jacob turned to one of the nearby Myrmidons, "I want every mage you guys have with an AoE and lay it down on the Inner Wall." Jacob told the Necromancer.
He nodded and sent off the message immediately and within a minute over a dozen Myrmidons were racing to join them on the Outer Wall. 30 Seconds later a dozen mages of various types started casting spells on the Inner Wall. Fire, Lightning, Wind, Earth, and Death slammed into the packed defenders scattering some while killing others. The main point was it slowed if not stopped some of the fire that was concentrated towards Jacobs army and allies.
Other Locals picked up on what the Myrmidons were doing and added their own impressive spells to the mix. Minor Liches from the Undead Legion were lobbing large blasts of Necrotic Energy toward the Drow defenders. Their own mages tried to counter the spells, but the sheer amount of spells coming their way made it all but impossible to defend.
Jacob looked at the Inner Gate and watched as the wood started to warp and fold before exploding inwards mowing down the defenders and overwhelming any Mages they had within their ranks. "Seekers, Myrmidons, the Inner Gate is down. Let's get this show on the road. Everyone has their assignments, let's get to work." A large roar drowned out the sounds of the battlefield as the Immortals joined the fray for the first time rushing toward the most dangerous part of this battle. If they failed to take the Inner Gate, the battle was over.
The First Legion and Dead Legion pulled back. The Healers already pulling the critically wounded while the Minor Liches and the Reaper General were combing through their own fallen and raising those they could. Mages and Archers were continuing to fire on the Inner wall disrupting the defender formations and killing those they could. The Siege Weapons and Death Wagons had fallen silent for now, if they were pushed back they would be employed again.
Slowly but surely the Immortals were pushing the defenders back from the Inner Gate. The Myrmidons that had been helping suppress the defenders on the Inner Wall rushed to join the fight to take the Inner Gate. Jacob quickly joined them as they fight for the Outer Wall was all but done.
----------------------------------------
Fred danced back and forth along the line of battle, his two-handed blade Scourge, carving a bloody path through the defenders. The battle was at a turning point one way or another as the Drow and few War Slaves left continued to fight on. Most of the Myrmidons had a good 50 levels on the defender if not more, but there was just so many in the confined space. The Seekers were doing their best, but the defenders had 10 levels on them at least. Suddenly a Seekers were fighting a little bit harder and the gap between the two forces was somehow lessened.
Fred could see that Jacob had joined the fight on their side, but even having a guild leader there would not provide them with any additional benefits unless it was part of his odd armor. A whip strike brought Fred's attention back to the here and now though as one of priority targets entered the fight. Fred gave her a feral smile as he moved to intercept her, Scourge bisecting an Orc stupid enough to intercept him.
Scourge had been his reward for helping down a Regional Boss. It was a Death Knights blade and upon killing something, had a 10% chance at raising a Skeletal Warrior to fight by his side for 5 minutes. So far the Ability had triggered twice providing another fighter for their side. Suddenly the ground started shaking causing Fred to look back as at least 30 Earthen Golems were running their way. Then they jumped over the mainline and slammed into the packed ranks of the Sisters of the Damned. Both the attackers and defenders were stopped in hushed silence as the Golems went on a rampage before the fighting started again.
----------------------------------------
Jacob dropped back from the main fight and signaled for the Bonded to come forward adding their considerable skills to the fighting. A fresh wave of magic, arrows, and steel slammed into the packed defenders. First, it was just a handful, but then more and more of the defenders broke away heading for the keep. Jacob could see that the defenders were reorganizing there. "Shinga, Patemal, send your Golems to hold the Keeps gate open!!!" Jacob called out over the sounds of the ongoing battle.
Both spellcasters nodded as they broke off from the fighting to summon their Golems. "Fred!! Send a couple of Warriors to back them up!!" Jacob called to the Myrmidon.
"We already got some Rogues on the way!!" He screamed back as he resumed hacking into the dwindling ranks of the defenders.
Jacob could see that over a dozen of his own Guilds Rogues had made it through and were hunting hostiles Mages and Priests that dotted that ranks if the defenders.
----------------------------------------
Underdark- Plunging Depths Region
Sisters of the Damned- Stronghold of Oblivion
Inner Keep- Control Room
Alinthia Der'Gal looked at the map and what it related. She was furious, both the Outer and Inner Walls had fallen to the invaders from the south. This Empire of the Night had come in force with allies and Undead. Her people had been overwhelmed and now even the Keep was on the brink of being lost.
Her Swordmaster had fallen with the Outer Wall, most of the remaining Council members were dead or fighting the invaders. Now she was here sacrificing the last of her favorite slaves trying to earn the favor of Lolth on last time so she could survive.
"You stupid child, I warned you what would happen if you angered them. I told you to leave them alone, instead, you foolishly thought your judgment better than my own." Lolth hissed out as she appeared.
Alinthia gazed in awe at the Avatar of her god, her pose and demeanor pleading.
Name: Lolth (Avatar)
Level: Unknown
Health: Unknown
Abilities: Unknown
"Lady, for over 400 years I have worshipped you and embraced your ideals. I can continue to serve you if you will assist me in destroying my enemies." Alinthia beseeched her.
Lolth cruel laughter filled the room, "No you stupid child, I will not help you destroy your enemies."
The clash of weapons and explosions were getting closer, "Then save this humble servant. I can gain new power on my own again. Just help me survive." Alinthia pleaded as the door to the control room exploded inward. The desperate defenders dying by blade and spell as Lolth looked on with a cruel smirk.
Too soon the defenders died and the invaders were surprised by the occupants. The leader decked in pitch-black and blood-red armor glared at Lolths Avatar, "Why are you here Spider?" His companions were struck speechless by either the fact he spoke that way to Lolth or that she smiled amusingly back while eyeing the man's sword that had started glowing sickly green.
"Now is that a way to say hi to an old friend Jacob Longstrider? I have watched your ascension with rapt attention. Truly you will shake both pantheons to their core when you rise. If you survive long enough that is." Lolth responded.
Jacob frowned, "The Pantheons have more worries than me Lolth or have you been too enamored with my escapades to look at the horizon and the storm coming? Now, why are you here? For the second time, I ask." Alinthia was puzzled. What were they talking about?
"I see many things Heir to the Blood Lord, far more then my brethren realize or would believe. Can't I simply wander around? Can I not come to see you again? Its been so long since the last time I saw you. You have grown much." Lolth stated as she started to walk closer to her prey.
Alinthia could see that the halfbreed was furious, "ENOUGH LOLTH. Tell me why are you here? For the third time and final time I ask."
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
Lolth smiled as if she was humoring a child that had done something well, "I have come because one of my worshipers had beseeched my assistance in destroying her enemies. Of course, I denied this prayer, but I am considering her other request to not let her die by her enemies hand." A cruel smile spread upon Lolths face as she turned and studied Alinthia.
The Drow Matriarch frowned as she studied the Avatar of Lolth and this Jacob Longstrider that was almost looking on her with pity now. "You stupid fool, you have no idea what you asked for.' The man stated as studied her. 'I would have just killed you for what you have done, Lolth could do far worse for what you did."
Alinthia sneered at the man, "You know nothing boy. I have been a loyal and faithful servant for hundreds of years. She will not let such a faithfull servant be thrown away so easily."
Alinthia watched as he looked at Lolths Avatar, "Do you mind if I explain before you enact your punishment?' he asked Lolth who smiled and nodded. 'Your first mistake was to assume you were indispensable, to the gods, no one is indispensable. Two, you second-guessed her judgment on how to deal with me and my people. Three, you ignored her warning. Four you have been defeated on multiple fronts. Five you are begging, Lolth respects strengths and admires people that weave plans within plans. As far as she is concerned you are a complete and utter failure, she is here to punish you for asking for help instead of dying properly. You might live, but you will beg for death if you do."
The male lectured her. A MALE LECTURING HER. Alinthia was going to rebuttal his statements but saw Lolths Avatar nodding in acknowledgment. Horror dawned on Alinthia face as she prepared to fight her way free but the last thing she saw was Lolth raising her hands toward her, then a flash of purple and black light.
----------------------------------------
Jacob watched as the Avatar of Lolth walked over to the new spider then stomp on it. "I thought you revered spiders?" Jacob asked her as his grip on Moonlight tightened. Jacob could feel dozens of beings packed in the hallway behind him ready to attack the Avatar at a moments notice.
"Oh I do dear Jacob, but as you said she was a complete and utter failure. She would be a sad addition to my family and I do not allow weakness in my family." Lolth replied as she continued to study Jacob and the forces behind him. Several Alerts had popped up, but the timer for them controlling the Stronghold was still counting down. They had another 15 minutes until the Stronghold of Oblivion was under the Empire of Night.
"Why are you still here Spider? I am sure you have far more interesting things to do than watch me." Jacob stated as he stepped closer to her Avatar, Moonlight between the two of them.
"Like I said Jacob, it has been interesting watching you grow into your own these last few months. I have advised the Queen of Zeren'gor not to pursue any sort of vendetta against you or the Empire of Night. When the time comes, they will recognize the legitimacy of your people and Empire, within the next week or so an Envoy shall arrive with an offer of a Non-Aggression pact. I suggest you take it. As far as the Immortal guilds based in the Drow kingdom...you and I both know how uncontrollable they can be. If they start anything with the Empire of Night, they will face consequences within the kingdom of Zeren'gor, that is all I can promise." Lolth stated before turning and opening a portal before it collapsed she winked and blew a kiss at Jacob.
Jacob cursed under his breath but didn't say anything for a few moments gathering his thoughts and turning to face those waiting. "Send for Captain-General Nadal, Sosa, Rexxar and Braxus, I need to speak to them all as soon as they can get free of the fighting. General Brox will oversee the cleanup of the Stronghold, Tarren we need a count of the vaults, Darren we need all the enemy dead looted and people watching for any holdouts We also need the keep searched for any hidden chambers and vaults." Finally, Jacobs' eyes landed on Fred and Jax, both brothers had a ton of questions, their nearby guildmates even more.
"What?" Jacob asked as he strode over to a nearby blood-covered chair and sat down.
"First off, WHAT THE FUCK, second HOLY SHIT, third WHAT THE FUCK??? You are on the first name basis with Lolth, goddess of spiders, backstabbing bitches, and the Drow?" Fred asked as he walked in a daze.
"She invaded my dreams once a couple of months back and was woken by her. Not something you really want to advertise, being on the first name basis with someone that scares other bad guys. It's not a good thing, Next?" Jacob responded as Jax and others started filtering in.
"Heir to the Blood Lord?" Jax prompted
Jacob frowned before pulling up his inventory and taking out the two invitations, "These are for you and your brother. You missed your chance to make inroads with the Empire at the Spring Tide party at Anchorhead. This party will be at a different location, I would suggest you come to this party if you want to make some serious inroads with the Empire. If you do not show, we will not extend another invitation. These invitations are for you two and you two alone. Your security will be assured as long as you do not break the rules of hospitality. No espionage, no portal anchors, no sabotage. Come and enjoy the night."
The Dwarf looked at his brother that was finally getting his thoughts together, "Think about it, the celebration is a week away. Send me a message on your decision. If you decide to come, you will have to report to Anchorhead or Middlebrough, we will Portal you to the city from there. Now, we still have a bunch of cleanup to do, please organize your guildmates and help out."
Regional Alert...
The Stronghold of Oblivion has fallen too...the Empire of Night.
Regional Alert...
War Quest Complete: War with the Damned (Stage 5)
Description: You have weakened your enemies through War and Infighting, now finish them off before they run off like cockroaches.
Council of Damnation Slain or Captured: 12/12
Stronghold Oblivion Captured or Razed: Captured
Rewards: 5,000 Gold, 100,000 Experience, Broken Banner of the Sisters of the Damned
Alert...
Through battle and conquest, you have gained...123,472 Experience
Alert...
Kingdom Alert...
For capturing a Regional Capitol and a Level 8 Stronghold, your kingdom has gained...800,000 Experience
Kingdom Alert...
Alert...
You have accrued...15,921 Conquest Points (CP)
Alert...
Spoiler: Spoiler
Note* Conquest Points: Conquest points are accrued only when you conquer Strongholds, Cities, Capital Cities, and Regional Capitols. The number is based on what is conquered and how you conquered it. Conquest points can then be used to repair or change what you conquer rapidly over a 24 hour period. Options will be listed below.
Note* You will only have one chance to spend Conquest Points, any that are not used will be lost. They can only be spent on the Strongholds, Cites, Capital Cities, and/or Regional Capitols that your forces have conquered.
Outer Wall Breach- 500 (X2)
Outer Gate Breach and Conquest- 600
Outer Wall Assualt- 500
Inner Gate Breach and Conquest- 1,000
Complete Conquest- 4,000
Combat Kills- 7,321
Destroyed Leadership: 500
Control Room- 1,000
Total: 15,921
Basic Repairs
Cost: 500 CP
Description: Purchasing this will...repair any wall breaches, gate repairs, building repairs (That are still 50%+ intact)
Upgrade: Outer Wall
Cost: 500 CP
Description: Purchasing this will...Double the amount of Archer Tower Emplacements and place basic Siege Weapons (Scorpions and Mangonels) on your outer wall.
Upgrade: Inner Wall
Cost: 1,000 CP
Description: Purchasing this will...Double the amount of Archer Tower Emplacements and place basic Siege Weapons (Scorpions and Mangonels) on your inner wall.
Upgrade: Stronghold-Small City
Cost: 5,000
Description: Purchasing this will change the layout of the...Regional Capitol...to include housing, infrastructure, industrial buildings, and anything else a population would need. Know this it takes longer for a city to upgrade and grow. Upgrading to a Stronghold-Small City will drop this location from a Level 8 Military Stronghold to a level 5 Stronghold-Small City. (Immigrants will arrive within 24 hours and will not exceed 50% of population cap)
Upgrade: Inner Keep (Requirement Upgrade: Stronghold-Small City)
Cost: 1,000 CP
Description: Upgrade the Inner keep to increase defenses, dining hall, medical wing, Control Room, etc...
Upgrade: Infrastructure (Requirement Upgrade: Stronghold-Small City)
Cost: 2,000 CP
Description: Upgrade your cities infrastructure to the maximum level to increase production and its ability to support itself and your kingdom.
Upgrade: Military (Requirement Upgrade: Stronghold-Small City)
Cost: 3,000
Description: Upgrade your cities capabilities to house and train your military forces so that they can defend your city and territory better.
Note* All purchases once made are final and CANNOT be changed.
Note* You have 24 hours to make your purchases.
World Alert...
The Sisters of the Damned Faction has been destroyed by the Empire of Night
World Alert...
Alert...
Achievement Unlocked: Warlord I
Description: Where words have failed, your actions have not. You led your people in completely destroying an enemy and leaving no survivors. (+500 Fame)
Alert...
Kingdom Alert...
The Empire of Night has reached...Kingdom level 3. You have (3) Kingdom points to spend.
Kingdom Alert...