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Blood and Honor
Chapter 267- Offers and Envoys

Chapter 267- Offers and Envoys

Underdark- Unending Abyss Region

Empire of Night- Fortress of Midnight

The Slighted Knight

Ailis ate her food as she waited, following the instructions of the Locals had given her a leg-up on the other Immortals in the Skill department and Level, but she was behind in equipment so far she looked at home with the fresh fish. Only her daggers and cloak gave her away as more experienced than those around her. It irked her that she was back here where she started when she could be in Ineford tracking down the Assassin trainer and getting her Primary Class. Ailis pulled up her Character sheet to review the progress she had made over the last couple of weeks.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Ailis Swiftdeath

Title: ---

Guild: ---

Level: 22

Experience: 3,580/11,000

Base Class: Rogue

Primary Class: ---

Advanced Class: ---

Utility Class: ---

Gathering Profession: ---

Crafting Profession: ---

Alignment: ---

Fame: ---

Infamy: ---

Constitution: 31

Strength: 31

Agility: 35 (+3)

Dexterity: 38 (+3)

Intelligence: 10

Wisdom: 10

Perception: 20

Luck: 10

Health: 1210

Health Regen: 5.25 (Per Second)

Stamina: 1210

Stamina Regen: 5.25 (Per Second)

Mana: 1,000

Mana Regen: 2.5 (Per Second)

Carry Capacity: 310 Lbs

Physical Damage: +4.1 to Base Damage (+5)

Spell Damage: +1 to Base Damage

Critical Strike Chance: +1% (+1%)

Combat/Armor Proficiencies...

Name: Unarmed Combat

Level: 3 (15% Progression to next Level)

Description: It does not matter if you are using feet, legs, hands, arms, or your forehead, anything can be a weapon in a fight.

Benefit 1: Increase Base Damage by 4

Cost: Passive, N/A

Cooldown: N/A

Name: Dagger(s)

Level: 6 (65% Progression to next Level)

Description: Daggers are wonderful for gutting animals out in the wild, or that annoying drunk that cannot carry a tune in a bucket. Just don't go all Jack the Ripper on us, please.

Benefit 1: Increase Base Damage by 7

Benefit 2: Increase Critical Hit Chance with Dagger(s) by +1%

Cost: Passive, N/A

Cooldown: N/A

Name: Dual Wield

Level: 5 (35% Progression to next Level)

Description: Two is always better than one.

Benefit 1: Wield a second weapon in combat (Off Hand Weapon Accuracy decreased by 25%)

Restriction: Dagger(s), Short Sword(s) or a combination of the two

Cost: Passive, N/A

Cooldown: N/A

Name: Throwing Weapon(s)

Level: 3 (50% Progression to next Level)

Description: I was aiming for his Eye, but I still nailed his throat, that counts right??

Range: 15 Feet

Benefit 1: Increase Base Damage by 4 (Decrease Accuracy by 5% every 3 feet from target)

Restriction: 1 Per Hand

Cost: Passive, N/A (Double Stamina Cost of Basic Attack)

Cooldown: N/A

Name: Light Armor

Level: 6 (80% Progression to next Level)

Description: Robes or leather, as long as it's not metal.

Benefit 1: Increase Base Armor by 7 (For Every Piece Worn)

Cost: Passive, N/A

Cooldown: N/A

Combat Skills...

Name: Stealth

Level: 7 (45% Progression to next Level)

Description: I am the darkness, I am the shadows, I am the whisper on the wind.

Benefit 1: 20% Decrease chance of being seen

Benefit 2: 10% Decreased chance that people will hear you

Benefit 3: +5% Chance of a Critical Hit (First attack coming out of Stealth)

Cost: 50 Stamina per Minute, Speed is slowed by 45%

Cooldown: 5 Seconds

Name: Backstab

Level: 5 (60% Progression to next Level)

Description: Peek-a-boo, I stab you!!

Benefit 1: Base Damage (X5) with Knives, Base Damage (X3) other weapons

Benefit 2: Critical Hit Chance increased by 20%

Cost: 100 Stamina

Cooldown: 1 Minute

Name: Flanking

Level: 5 (20% Progression to next Level)

Description: I stab you here, I stab you there, I stab you anywhere!!! HAHAHA

Benefit 1: +9 Increased Base damage while attacking an enemy from the side or behind

Benefit 2: Critical Hit Chance increased by +2% while attacking an enemy from the side or behind

Cost: Passive, N/A

Cooldown: N/A

Name: Dodge

Level: 4 (65% Progression to next Level)

Description: I float like a butterfly!!!

Benefit 1: +7% chance you will Dodge an attack

Cost: Passive, N/A

Cooldown: N/A

Unarmed Combat Skills...

Name: Acrobatics

Level: 4 (75% Progression to next Level)

Description: I am BATMAN...damn this is a long...way...down...ahhhhh

Benefit 1: Less likely to break bones from falling from heights

Benefit 2: During combat, it's easier to roll/tumble/jump away from an enemy

Cost: Passive, N/A

Cooldown: N/A

Name: Pick Pocket

Level: 3 (90% Progression to next Level)

Description: Ohh, SHINY! MY PRECIOUS!!!

Chance of Success: 45%

Benefit 1: Time slows for 5 Seconds

Benefit 2: Take 1 Item or some of your targets Money

Cost: 150 Stamina

Cooldown: 1 Minute

Name: Lock Picking

Level: 2 (75% Progression to next Level)

Description: If they didn't want me to take it, they should have had a better lock on it.

Chance of Success: 40%

Benefit 1: Picking Locks take 5% less time

Benefit 2: 5% Less likely to break Lockpicks

Cost: 10 Stamina Per Second

Cooldown: N/A

Name: Trap Detection

Level: 3 (25% Progression to next Level)

Description: Ouch, that looked like it hurt!! Maybe next time you will listen when I tell you to watch your step!!

Benefit 1: +5% Chance to Detect Basic traps

Benefit 2: Perception (Sub-Stat) increases Chance to detect Traps by one-quarter of Perception Level

Cost: Passive, N/A

Cooldown: N/A

Name: Keen Sight

Level: 2 (80% Progression to next Level)

Description: Was this supposed to be a secret...Finders keepers!!!

Benefit 1: +5% Chance to find hidden doors, passages, chests...not so hidden anymore

Benefit 2: Perception (Sub-Stat) increases Chance to detect what is hidden by one-quarter of Perception Level

Cost: Passive, N/A

Cooldown: N/A

Rogue Skill Tree (Currently Locked)...

Name: Blood Calls to Blood (Teleportation)

Tier: Grand Master

Description: As long as you can see your mark, you can get to them.

Cast Time: Instant

Range: 20 Feet

Cost: 150 Stamina

Cooldown: 5 Minute (Does not share a cooldown with other Teleport Abilities/Skills)

Equipment...

Head: Leather Hood

Neck: EMPTY

Cloak: Shroud of Night

Back/Chest: Leathers of the Stalker

Hands: Leather Gauntlets of Accuracy

Belt: Basic Leather Belt

Legs: Leather Pants of Evasion

Feet: Boots of Stalking

Main Hand: Blood Steel Dagger of Wounding

Off Hand: Steel Dagger of the Dirty Fighter

Ring: Copper Ring of Stealth

Ring: Steel Band of Striking

Ring: EMPTY

Ring: EMPTY

Ring: EMPTY

Ring: EMPTY

Ring: EMPTY

Ring: EMPTY

Trinket 1: EMPTY

Trinket 2: EMPTY

"What are you doing here sweetie?" a guy asked as he stomped up to her. Idiot.

Ailis dismissed her Character Sheet as she continued to eat. "Ohh, don't be that way." the guy touched her but before she could do anything, the offenders head was slammed into the table two times rapidly before he was shoved away.

"If you newbies have this much extra time, I can think of a couple of things you can do.' Sergeant Grim grated out glaring at the three who scrambled up and out of the Inn. 'Idiots. How are you doing Fish?" the Orc asked.

Ailis cocked her head to the side, "Fish?" she asked not understanding the moniker.

"You have passed beyond Newbie, you know just enough to get yourself into trouble and flounder around in it. Fish. Thank you for coming." Sergeant Grim stated as he signaled for a drink as he sat down opposite of her.

Ailis nodded her head in understanding. "Why am I here Sergeant?" Ailis asked as she pushed her food away and drank that water that came with it. For the first time, the Orc looked nervous and looked around causing Ailis to frown.

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"When you Immortals arrived we were told to keep an eye out for anyone with talent. Specifically, those who knew how to follow orders to the letter and for those who could fulfill those orders without instructions. You managed to fit both criteria, you have also steadily gotten stronger since you left this place. Now from what I can see, you are about to get your Primary Class?' Sgt Grim asked and Ailis nodded her head in agreement. 'Well I am not offering you a hidden Class or anything but I am offering you an opportunity to join a group. This group recruits from among Locals and Immortals so you won't be alone." The Orc responded.

"What does this group do? What responsibilities will I have? Who will I answer too?" Ailis asked as she thought about the offer. Secret organizations existed all over Arakon, in every nation, and with every people.

"I honestly don't know what they do. I just know what I was told, which I already told you. As far as who is in charge...I don't know.' The Orc stated nervously before shaking it off. 'Well, what do you want to do?" Grim prompted.

Quest Offered: Blue or Red

Description: A Secret Organization has kept an eye out and has an interest in you. Sergeant Grim has asked if you have any interest in joining such a group. Know this, you have no idea what the groups' goals are, who commands them, or what they specifically want with you. The choice is yours.

Requirement: Travel to the city of Ineford

Difficulty: Unknown

Rewards: Unknown

Will you accept the quest? YES/NO

Grim sighed as he grabbed her hand and pressed something into it. "Well, good luck fish. I know you were interested in becoming an Assassin, stick to the outer districts of Ineford, I am sure you will find what you need there." Grim stated before rising and leaving. Ailis looked at the coin. It was gold blackened with age, on one side a cloaked figure and the other was a bloody tooth or fang. Pulling up the item description showed nothing other then it listed as an Unknown Coin. Ailis dismissed the information and shoved it into her Inventory before heading out. 

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Surface- Valley of Origins Region

Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night

Middle City- Dwarven District

Jacob whistled at both the price and the actual items, they were high end but you definitely paid for what you got. "I know its expensive, but if your wearing armor you are going to need every edge you can get and that armor will help give you that." The Dwarf stated and Jacob balked as he looked at them.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Plated Belt of the Forelorn Adventurer (Belt)

Level: Epic

Armor Rating: +500

Quick Access Slots: 10

Properties: Increase Constitution and Strength by (Level X.5)

Properties: Increase Intelligence and Wisdom by (Level X.25)

Properties: Increase Resistance of Holy/Death Magic by 10%

Properties: Increase Resistance of Fire/Water/Earth/Air Magic by 25%

Requirement: Warrior, Level 200, Strength 400

Durability: 600/600

Description: This armor used to be worn by an Adventurer that always lamented of missing home, but always missed the road when home.

Price: 3,000 Gold

Name: Gauntlets of Ruin (Hands)

Level: Epic

Armor Rating: +500

Properties: Increase Constitution and Strength by (Level X.5)

Properties: Increase Intelligence and Wisdom by (Level X.25)

Properties: Increase Base Physical Damage by 20

Properties: Increase Base Spell Damage by 10

Requirement: Warrior, Level 200, Strength 400

Durability: 800/800

Description: War and Death go hand in hand, with these Gauntlets you can add to it personally.

Price: 3,000 Gold

The gauntlets were blackened and had little silver skulls engraved into them, while the belt was more silver coloring with a knight on a horse slumped over. However, six thousand gold for two pieces and he had no idea how long until he received something better then they were..."Look, I can see you like both pieces but are thinking about passing on them because you worry you will find something better while out adventuring. I will make you a deal if you can find better in the next month, return them and I will return your money. Do we have a deal?' The Dwarf offered and Jacob considered it before nodding his head in agreement and offering his hand to seal the deal. The Dwarf smiled and grabbed the offered hand and shook it. 'Your wife said you needed a cloak as well, I am throwing this one is free of charge. It's not as good as the armor, but it will help you." the Dwarf stated as he laid out a leather cloak on top of the two armor pieces. Jacob thanked the Dwarf before throwing it all in is inventory as his purse became noticeably thinner.

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"So you just killed her?" Darren asked.

"Yeah. She fucking gave Alexi the idea to threaten everyone. No way was I going to let her skate again. It was time for Ava to learn her lesson on not fucking people over." Jacob replied and Darren sat back in his chair.

"So what are you going to do about this ongoing war with the Slavers Union?" Tarren asked trying to get them past the Ava thing.

"Once the Tournament is complete we are going to move on Athesas to break the siege there and take Cliphis. If we take Cliphis, it will deny the Slavers Union their strongest ally in the west. Then we can move on the other Free Cities and the Lost Islands." Jacob replied as he sat back and sipped his tea. A messenger came running up and handed Jacob a note. Jacob dismissed the man with a silver piece as he quickly read the paper before smiling.

"What?" Darren prompted as he put his fork down.

Jacob looked at Cathrine, "Feel like going to the Wall with me and welcoming some guests?" Jacob asked her, causing her to cock her head at him and get up.

"Are you going to look presentable or continue to wear newbie gear?" Cathrine asked and Jacob smiled as his friends chuckled.

"I always dress up for you my heart. Darren and Tarren, would you two like to come, we have guests from the Rolling Sands." Jacob enlightened them. Both men immediately stood up to join them as Jacob scrambled to prepare himself as well.

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Surface- Valley of Origins Region

Empire of Night- Fortress of Drydon

The Wall

Jacob looked at the party that was composed of the diplomats and their escort. The Southern Orc Tribes had allowed them to pass unimpeded once they realized they had been invited by Jacob. When Jacob had made the offer, Jacob had no idea that the Mage-King would go through with sending an Embassy, however considering how he and the Ambassador had been treated by the other nations, Jacob actions had been more than amicable in comparison. Twelve heavily armed and armored men escorted another man and two women with him. Jacob trying to be peaceful had come out now wearing any armor but Moonlight rode his hip. A squad of the Heart Guard rode with him, Cathrine and Darren. Tarren was overseeing everything from the wall of the Fortress of Draydon, two Cohorts were mustered on the wall of the fortress studying the guests.

"Ahh, our cousins from the east finally come. How may I be of service to you good sir?" Jacob asked as he approached.

"You might have managed to impress my cousin with pretty words, but I am far more shrewd Lord Longstrider. Now you can have these fortress gates opened and shown where I and my companions may rest. We have been on the road for weeks and we are beyond tired." the man replied abruptly and rudely.

Jacob smiled as he moved closer and patted the man's horse, "Your cousin was far more...polite then you are being. You are a foreigner and a guest in this land. You command nothing and no one here. So perhaps you should start over and introduce yourself." Jacob responded with a smile that did not reach his eyes, but his other hand did rest on the hilt of Moonlight.

The man's hand darted toward his saber, Jacob smiled as he thrust his hand forward, shadows exploded everywhere as Entangling Shadows grabbed everyone from the Rolling Sands, including their mounts. Jacob smiled at the man while the two women with him cursed, or what he assumed was cursing considering they were speaking a different language, he wasn't quite sure. One had been moving to pull a dagger hidden within the folds of her clothing. Jacob hadn't even seen her move, Jacob immediately considered her a threat and possibly more than just a bed warmer. Jacob smiled at her right before he tackled her out of the saddle of her horse. More shouts rose from the others but the fight had gone out of them. "Now if you are all done acting like children, maybe we can converse like adults?' Jacob called out over their shouts. In a softer voice, he addressed the women within his grasp. 'Is that a knife pointed to my guts or are you just happy to see me?" Jacob gave her a smile while wiggling his eyebrows at her.

Cathrine sighed and rolled her eyes, "Husband if you are going to flirt with her, can you at least wait until she is not pointing a deadly weapon less then an inch from your heart?" She called out overly loud causing all his nearby guards to chuckle at his expense.

"Yes, I guess that would make more sense. However its so much more fun this way." Jacob responded causing the woman to frown and prick him before winking and making her dagger disappear.

"I apologize on behalf of my cousin Lord Longstrider. He is stubborn and what I believe you would call a jack ass.' She stated as Jacob let her go. 'I am Lady Nisa Stovrelzide of the city of Thidah in the Nation of Rolling Sands. If it would please you, will you welcome us to your lands and offer us safety and succor?" Nisa asked with a bow.

Jacob gave her a smile and a slight bow in return, "Of course Lady Stovrelzide, you and your party are welcome within these lands. If you will come with me, we can Teleport to Eternal Night and have you resting within the palace within the hour." Jacob stated as he offered his arm to her. Nila quirked a small smile and accepted the offered arm as her cousin glared at them as Jacob led her to the opening gates of the Fortress of Drydon.