Underdark- Unending Abyss Region
Empire of Night- City of Ineford
Arena
Jacob walked around the Arena with a couple of Developers, "So as you can see, the Arena has been split up into four sections. Each one will host a fight simultaneously. Now if you wonder how we make sure the fights don't drag out, for the Rogue types we can flood the Arena cutting down on how much space they have. After five minutes, if their is not clear cut winner, we can turn up the heat so to speak." Jacob explained.
"You want us to monitor the fights, check their equipment, and make sure there are actual fights." one of the Devs asked.
"The first two, yes. The Local Arena people will take care of flooding the Arena if we have too." Jacob responded and the two Devs nodded.
"Now, for those who win, is the payout immediate?" They wondered and Jacob shook his head no.
"They get paid after they get knocked out, so let's say a level thirty-five player wins three fights, he will get paid three silver after he loses the fourth fight. Now the contestants can opt to see an official and get the money immediately or the money can be mailed to them, it's up to the competitor." Jacob replied.
"So you have three weeks of games, strait?" The wondered and Jacob shook his head.
"No, the fights go on during the weekdays twenty-four hours a day, the weekends are off so people can do whatever they want. It gives my people time to rest and relax from the stress of running this event. However, if the competitors level and slip into the next bracket, that's on them." Jacob stated.
"You also have massive security, are you expecting trouble?" James or John, whatever his name was asked.
"I expect someone will be stupid enough to take a shot. Either because its the Empire, because we are Vampires, or they are trying to test us, or it could be a simple heist. Yes, I expect someone is going to do something stupid, and we are going to put them down hard and quick, I will not let people disrupt this event just cause they want to get their jollies off." Jacob replied as he gazed up at the stands. The Arena was large, not as big as the Coliseum in Eternal Night, but it could house up too ten thousand people.
The Dev smiled, "Its part of life in this world." and Jacob nodded in understanding and agreement, but he didn't have to like it. Jacob snorted and nodded as he escorted the Devs where the judges and they would be during the games.
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Surface- Valley of Origins Region
Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night
Palace of Night- Control Room
"The troops that Salinda and Ingson recalled arrived, they were disarmed peacefully. With the guard groups of both cities dissolved, over eight thousand have signed up for the Legions. I expect the remainder of those city guards to signup within the next two weeks." Nadal reported and Jacob nodded.
"Good, it's stretching our resources to the limit to supply all the new Immortals and new Legions, but we cannot stop expanding the military. Do the Generals at Gahlin, Oblivion, Ineford, and Anchorhead have their orders and understand them?" Jacob asked and the Drown nodded his head.
"Yeah, they understand to keep their troops on their toes, but not heavy-handed. Immortals are already starting to come into Uldon, Mabus, and Ordgan. A few hundred in each city so far, but the numbers are steadily increasing. It also allows us to gather intel on our potential enemies in Niamphis, Yhieburg, and Cliphis ." Nadal started with a predatory grin that made Jacob almost wonder if he had been turned into a Vampire for a moment. Jacob chuckled at the thought and the Drow raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
"I was just thinking your smile would have made any Vampire I know proud. It was completely predatory." Jacob stated and Nadal laughed but Cathrine clearing her throat cut off their amusement and made Jacob look at the clock on his HUD. He wasn't late yet for their date. Jacob blew her a kiss over his shoulder before shaking the Captain-Generals hand and heading towards her.
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Surface- Valley of Origins Region
Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night
Jilted Lover
"Sorry, give me two seconds I am almost done. With all these new Immortals I got to purchase the Perks so they don't complain and it frees up room so I don't get notifications I need to purchase Kingdom Perks." Jacob told Cathrine as he brought up the Kingdom Perks screen. After the Vampire race had been open for only a couple days, it had netted him a huge amount of experience to expand the Kingdom Perks. After some deliberation, Jacob purchased Street Vendors, Postal Service I, Street Criers, Faction Wide Message, and Marshaling Field I. It left him with just over thirty thousand experience left and the way the numbers had been rising, it would only be a matter of time before he could spend more.
Spoiler: Spoiler
Economy Perks...
Name: Street Vendors
Description: These vendors will sell simple wares but also boost your economy and encourage people to purchase from local shops.
Communication Services...
Name: Postal Service I
Description: Allow PM and messages with items across bordering Regions within your kingdom
Name: Street Criers
Description: These people will stand at street corners and avenues letting citizens know of major events and changes throughout your kingdom and the greater world.
Name: Faction Wide Message
Description: Allows Faction Leaders to release information along the length and width of their kingdom Alerting all inhabitants of great events or threats.
Civil Defense Perks...
Name: Marshaling Field I
Description: This location is a place where military units can train and prepare for military campaigns.
"See, done!!." Jacob stated as he swiped the screens away and Cathrine nodded as she scooted closer to him.
"Yes, husband, much better," Cathrine replied as she looked around the room. It was one of the private dining rooms. They had a waitress assigned to them and some soft music playing in the background. It was supposed to be a nice romantic night for the two of them but Alana had shown up unexpectedly and Cathrine had insisted on bringing her along as well.
Since then she was full of questions about the Jilted Lover and many other things. Jacob had finally taken a break to deal with Kingdom Perks since Cathrine and Alana had gotten into a quiet conversation and had excluded him. "Good, now Alana, how is everything going with your family? How is your father taking your visits to the hearts of the evil Vampire lair?" Jacob asked jokingly causing Cathrine to lightly punch him in the short ribs, yet Alana smiled at his comment or maybe him getting punched in the ribs. Either way, it was worth it.
"My family has settled down for the most part. My father...he does not like that fact I come here, but he understands small steps must be taken to ensure the peace and he also understands an odd friendship has sprung up between us. That he will not get in the way of." Alana responded as she sipped her drink.
"She also likes her new armor. Don't you think she looks good in it Jacob?" Cathrine asked and Jacob quirked an eyebrow at her before nodding. Jacob shook his head at his wife's antics, it was going to be an interesting night.
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Surface- Storm Break Bay Region
Empire of Night- City of Anchorhead
Arena
Two Days Later...
The cheers of the crowds as the Rogue and Warrior nearly drowned out everything. "He is turning into a crowd favorite. Considering he is only level forty-five, I wonder what a higher level Rogue of the same class could do?" Governor Saltrake mused. The man was right, the Rogue was a Sword Dancer Advanced Class and had obviously taken the lessons to heart. He was also beating the level forty-seven Berserker quiet easily.
"How many fights has he won so far?" Jacob asked as he studied the man's movements and form.
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"This is his second fight, his first one was against a mage that almost killed him within the first minute of their bout. The Rogue made a come back as you Immortals say.' The Governor responded. Jacob nodded as he stood. 'You are leaving already? The fight is getting interesting." Eadwin stated surprised Jacob was getting up.
Jacob smiled, "Believe me, Governor, I wish I could stay and watch, but I have been here for over an hour, I have three other cities to visit. Enjoy the games and please send me a message and let me know who wins this fight." Jacob told him and the Governor nodded as he stood and bowed. A dozen guards fell in around Jacob as he left the Governors Box. Locals and Immortals watched as Jacob and his escort pushed through the crowd.
As he approached the nearest exit a voice calling his name caught his attention. A voice he remembered from a recent meeting and made him freeze in surprise as he turned to look at Alexi Sunstreaker. The man walked up eating a skewer of meat as if he didn't worry about the world. The Heart Guard tensed at his approach but Jacob waved them off, "Say nothing, do nothing. Stand down and give me a moment with this man alone please." Jacob commanded and the Sergeant leading the squad glared at Alexi before bowing to Jacob and leading them off.
"Smart, very smart. I just want a civil talk between us. This doesn't have to turn ugly Jacob. Now, I have given you plenty of time to consider our offer. Now I need to know your answer." Alex stated as he walked up.
Jacob snorted in derision, "Why would I ever join you? The answer is no." Jacob responded and started to turn away but Alexis' hand shot out and grabbed his arm stopping him. Jacob turned back and quickly Analyzed him.
Spoiler: Spoiler
Name: Alexi Sunstreaker (Unique)
Level: Unknown (Chaos Lord)
Health: Unknown
Stamina: Unknown
Mana: Unknown
Damage: Unknown
Armor: Unknown
Note* Alexi Sunstreaker is the former king of the Empire of Night before he was captured and imprisoned with the Lady of Chaos. The Primordial Power of Chaos immediately began twisting and turning the former king into a new tool to use against the Mortal Plane. He is only a shell of the man he once was, he is now a Chaos Lord and serves the Lady of Chaos above all else.
Alexi smirked at him but released Jacob's wrist. "Jacob I was trying to keep this conversation civil, now I have to be a monster. You see if you do not join us, we are going to reach out and kill Eiloma, Chalxae, and June in Mabus. We will kill Tiffany Winters and her little daughter in Uldon. We will kill Glagor, Thorgron, Thelgrum, Cathrine and her precious new bundle. Have you listened to babies' heartbeat, Jacob? How far along is she, a couple of weeks to a month?" Alexi asked.
Jacob snarled as he lost all reason as he went completely feral as he drove Alexi into the nearby wall, his talons straining to reach the other Vampires heart. "I WILL RIP YOU TO SHREDS!!!" Jacob snarled out as Alexi easily held him at bay.
"Jacob, you need to calm down! Kevin!!' Alexi softly called out freezing Jacob immediately. 'Good, I don't want to get into a fight with you. I don't want to harm your unborn child. I don't want to hurt or kill the ones you care about." Alexi stated as he released Jacob who stepped back, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
"What do you want Alexi?" Jacob grated out as he controlled the fury inside.
"I want you to take up the Spark of Chaos and join us," Alexi replied with a smile. Jacobs mind whirled as he thought and plotted and could only come up with one solution. He had one chance and only one chance.
"I will come with you of my own free will if you do two things. First, you must swear by the Lady of Chaos, that you, your forces, or your allies will not attack the Empire of Night and its holdings. Second I need one hour." Jacob responded and Alexi scoffed at first before cocking his head one way and nodding.
"I, Alexi Sunstreaker, swear by the Lady of Chaos, that niether I, nor the forces of Chaos, or its allies, will attack the Empire of Night or its holdings as long as you join Chaos of your own free will," Alexi stated.
Jacob nodded before responding, "May the great creators of all things, Adam and Eve, bare witness to this oath and enforce it on all parties." Jacob emplored.
ALERT!!!
An Unbreakable Oath has been given and received. If it is not fulfilled, great consequences will result for the party breaking one's word and witnessed by the Creators.
ALERT!!!
Alexi smiled and nodded as he pulled a small orb from his inventory. "You have one hour. To get to your new home, break the Chaotic Portal Anchor, a temporary portal will open and you can get to your new home. Don't tell anyone where you are going or why. See you soon brother." Alexi stated as he walked off. Jacob immediately started a timer, he had a few things to do before he left.
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Surface- Valley of Origins Region
Empire of Night- Eternal Forest
Jacob looked at the notification in front of him. It was one of the last things he would do before he left. Everything he could think of to safeguard the Empire and its people had been done. Jacob rolled the little ball around his hand. He had less than five minutes left before he had to use it. Jacob looked at the screen again and confirmed his choices.
Alert...
Do you wish to resign as Guild Leader of the Seekers of the Dawn? YES/NO
Who will you appoint as Guild Leader in your stead? Terran Lightbringer
Once these changes are complete, you cannot join another guild for...30 Days. Are you sure you wish to proceed? YES/NO
Alert...
Jacob dismissed the notifications as he pulled out the little necklace. It still looked so innocent, yet such a small thing could cause so much trouble. It was the only thing in his inventory besides the Chaotic Portal Anchor. Jacob quickly pulled up its information again.
Spoiler: Spoiler
Name: Spark of Chaos (Neck)
Level: Legendary
Properties: Increase all Stats by 10%
Properties: Increase Skill/Ability damage by 15%
Properties: Decrease Mana/Stamina cost of Skills/Abilities by 25%
Properties: +10% Increased Experience gained from slaying beings or followers of Light/Darkness
Properties: Ability Unlocked: Chaos Touch
Requirements: Chaos Bound
Description: Chaos is the oldest and most powerful force in existence. With this spark, you can unlock your Chaotic potential and bind your Fate to the Lady of Chaos.
Name: Chaos Touch
Tier: Grand Master
Description: Introduce them to Chaos and show them how to really have some fun!!!
Cast Time: Instant
Range: Touch
Benefit 1: Bind a Local to serve Chaos, this is a permanent change
Cost: 1,000 Mana, 1,000 Stamina
Cooldown: 1 Month
Quest Issued: Path of Chaos
Description: After finding a Spark of Chaos, you have been offered a chance to join the growing ranks of mortals that will serve the Lady of Chaos upon her return. Will you join her in her ascendence, or will you be ground into dust with all her enemies.
Rewards: Permanent Class change, Alignment change
Do you accept? YES/NO
ALERT...
Blood Knight Skill Tree has been locked and cannot be accessed
Defender Skill Tree has been locked and cannot be accessed
Shadow Magic Skill Tree has been locked and cannot be accessed
Chaos Acolyte Skill Tree has been Unlocked
Your Alignment has changed to...Chaos
ALERT...
Jacob gasped as all the knowledge he had acquired, all the benefits he had unlocked were stripped from him causing him to stumble and fall against Big John. Jacob quickly threw the orb on the ground causing a portal to open up. Jacob quickly touched the portal to activate it before he lost his nerve and ruined everything. Jacob took one last look around at the valley and hoped he would be back, but only time would tell if his bet had paid off or not.