As Jacob opened his eyes, he still felt the splitting headache from the real world, nothing would stop it except time. He had to go run to the Tomb today and see about hiring a Druid Grove Master to maintain the Dark Oak Grove of Midnight. He also wanted to have all his Bonded look into getting their Advanced classes.and if possible to train in them. Unlocking an AC or Secondary class would cost 1 Gold per person, but with the windfall from the Dungeon and the Silver mine profits would start coming in at the end of the week. Jacob had to get going, but he stopped by the Dwarfs room and asked him about the Drows hidden Drow door he had found. Jacob told the old dwarf the inscription that had been translated...
Deep in the dark Bound by the Spider
Guardian of those that have Fallen
Father of those that Mine the wealth of the Mountain and seek the Dark
Speak his Name and free Him
"I think I know who the riddle is referring too lad, come back later and I might have the answer for you." the Dwarf told Jacob as he left him.
After that Jacob made his way to the Main hall, most of the people and Guard had already eaten. Thorgon was still there talking with Eiloma as he approached where they sat, Jacob placed Grol'kens' Short sword of the Pack front of the Duergar. The Captain studied the Blade before offering it back to Jacob. "Keep it, it's for you. I thought you might use it and someday pass it onto someone you deem worthy of having it." With that Jacob went and grabbed some food and returned to the table with his Bonded.
More then one eye was on him, so he turned to Eiloma for advice "Why are people staring at me so much?" Jacob asked his Seneschal.
"One you look like you drank too much mylord. You keep giving away gifts to your Bonded without expecting anything in return. You have not forced any of the Females...or Male Bonded into your bed. You treat the Unbounded here well and word might have gotten out that your are looking to hire them on after the month long contract is up. You are a...anomaly. As far as the Nobility goes. It worries them and gives them hope." Eiloma responded.
Well when you ask a question you cannot be mad when you get a response." I drank too much last night, that Dungeon run really messed me up. So I needed a little break from reality and drank too much. As for the other things... I am trying to help everyone to be better so everything is better here. As amazing as Thorgron looks with those wide shoulders,' Jacobs comment made the Duergar burst into laughter 'He just doesn't do it for me. Come on Eiloma, you know me well enough by now I would never force any woman into my bed. I flirt with you ladies from time-to-time but I never cross the line. Nor will I. Also yes, once I figure out the revenue stream we will get from the Silver Mine, I plan on making plans on offering people jobs here on a permanent basis. This first windfall is not the norm though, so we got to wait a little while and budget everything out."
"Now, if we are done discussing my sex life or lack there of,' both Chalxae and June snickered at that, 'we will be moving on. I am heading to the Tomb today with my whole War Party to check out the Advanced Classes for everyone. I am going to look at getting a Grove Master as well, so no I have not forgotten that. I will also buy some more supplies, so we will be taking a cart with us. I will get some Iron, wood, and maybe stone. So if we NEED anything else please let me know. I also dropped almost all of what I made yesterday into the Keeps Treasury, so that should be updated by now." Jacob finished updating the Seneschal. June was picking up Chalxae bad habits, at least they were getting along in making fun of him though. "Everyone I know you heard me, but just encase see the Seneschal about the coin for getting your Advanced class today. If you want to take time and think about it, that is more then fine but I do not know the next time we will go to the Tomb." all the Bonded nodded heads or raised cups in agreement.
Spoiler: Spoiler
Fortress of Midnight: Treasury
Current Balance: 202 Gold 58 Silver 32 Copper
Current Income: N/A
Current Costs: N/A
"Mylord, You should have stayed and drank with June and I.' Chalxae started to speak 'You would not have to worry my lord, we would have protected your Virtue from the wiles of Fenwyn and Eiloma." She finished with a smirk.
Jacob could see the amusement in her eyes while he heard the Gnome spit out her drink and Eiloma blushed and laughed." Then who would protect my Virtue from you Chalxae, it is well know the appetites that Drow women are vast and unquenchable. Your screams and moans would have kept half the Fortress up and the Guard would have come running thinking their new Lord had murdered a woman in his chambers." Jacob for the first time in a while turned the tables on the Drow as the whole Hall laughed as she and June blushed at what Jacob had said. With the battle of wits won but the war far from over, Jacob left to get his equipment on, so they could leave once everyone was ready.
After washing up and donning his equipment, Jacob waited for War Party while he discussed construction efforts with Jigibs. They would lay the foundation of the Smithy today and start the Upgrade on the Quarry. "Jigibs, what would you recommend that we build next after the Smithy other than the Smelter?" Jacob asked the Goblin as his War Party assembled. June had already gone ahead to get a cart and lizard to pull it ready for the journey.
"Mylord, I want to respond with a tavern or inn, but we Need a Barracks for the Guards. They are our defense, and they need a place to rest and train, after that though a Long House to help house some of the workers. Those would be my suggestions Sir." with that Jigibs darted off and started bellowing at his workers. Odd fellow...but honest.
Over an hour later they finally reached the Inner City, Jacob immediately dismissed his Bonded to explore and inquire about what Advanced Classes (AC) were available to them. He immediately headed to the Pit and advised them on what he needed and then headed to buy supplies that he needed. He bought 10 Units each of Wood, Iron and Stone should get them over the hump until everything was up and running. Then he bought more food and medical supplies, when all was said and done he spent 10 Gold for the supplies. After that he headed to the Pit to see what was available for the positions he needed to fill. "Mylord, we can help you with your Smith issue but acquiring a Grove Master is a rare path for a druid, and we do not have any currently." the Clerk told Jacob.
"So you do not have anyone within the Unbounded ranks that can look after a Grove? That is willing to move away from the City?" Jacob asked the Clerk...
"Well we have one being, but she is unlikely to accept the job offer. It has nothing to do with moving outside the city, she just hates Vampires and the Underdark. Come I will try to introduce you." the Clerk responded while leading Jacob toward Housing for the Unbounded.
A few moments later Jacob saw what he was talking about. In front of him leaning against a withered Oak tree was what appeared to be a mix between an Elf/Human female. Even though she appeared to be 80 or so, Jacob knew she could be far older than that. As soon as Jacob walked within her view she spit at his feet...wonderful start. "Hello lady, do you mind if I have a word?"
Stolen story; please report.
The Dryad cackled "Why not Vampire? It has been a while since I was able to insult a Full-Blood like you. I can smell the Power you carry within you, so much potential.... Speak Vampire, tell me what you want?"
Name: Andria Oakleaf
Race: Dryad
Class: Grove Mistress
Level: 30
Cost: 1 Gold
Jacob sat opposite of her and decided to be blunt and honest. "I have a Dark Oak Grove near a new settlement I am establishing. I was wondering if you would be willing to oversee the Grove, maintain it, and ensure that it continues to survive. We need a steady supply of wood for my settlement, in return we will ensure your survival, safety, and well-being"
The Dryad smiled "Thank you for your honesty Full Blood, for that I will give you my Name, I am Andrea Oakleaf. I appreciate your honesty but I will not take you up on your offer. I am ready to die, I have lived a very long time. I have watched all my sister and daughters fall to one thing or another, and I am ready to join them in oblivion."
Jacob nodded in understanding. "Very well tree sister, if that is your will. May you find peace in this life or the next." The Dryad squinted at him as he walked away and back toward the Clerks stand, and they brought out the files on possible Smiths. Jacob did not see as the Dryad cast the spell on the very odd Full-Blood as he walked away, nor did he see the surprise that registered on her face.
"These are the potential candidates my lord I hope we can help you with this at least. If I may mylord, I know you are starting a new settlement I would recommend the Hill Dwarf, he has 4 children and his wife, but his two oldest boys are apprenticed to him." the clerk said as he settled down at his stand.
Name: Stroznog Cragforge
Race: Dwarf (Hill)
Class: Smith
Level: 24
Cost: 5 Gold*
*Cost is set due to Unbonded family attached
After a few minutes of consideration and talking to the Dwarf, Jacob agreed on taking on the Smith and his family. They were good people and had no problem working hard. On top of getting the three smiths, his wife was a herbalist. If they ever cleared out that raid boss, that cavern would be perfect for her and growing food and herbs.
As he was gathering everyone and getting ready to one of the Clerks stopped him, "Mylord the Dryad wishes to speak to you again. I am sorry, but she refuses to come to you." Always respect ones-elders Jacob thought as he walked over to the Dryad.
"You surprise me once again Full-Blood, you show courtesy to one you owe nothing to. You amuse me Oathmaker, perhaps I can live another century or two. I will agree to watch over your Grove if you do me one favor, do we have an Accord?" That was a very open agreement. She could ask him to slit his own throat, and he would be bound to it.
"I will agree as long as the request does no harm to me or mine in ANY way. Agreed?" Jacob added to her offer. She laughed as she grabbed his arm and shook it. Now his settlement had a grove Mistress if she could survive for that long. She looked like she would die within days.
"My favor is that you carry me to your cart." She chuckled after making the request.
Jacob called Thelgrum over to carry the tree while Jacob carried the Dryad "Mylord, you would make me blush and offer you a night you would never forget if I was only a few hundred years younger." Andria cackled as Jacob walked her toward the cart. His whole party heard what she said much to his embarrassment and to the endless enjoyment of the Drow. What was with the women in his life and making fun of him... With that they left the City for his Fortress. He would talk to his War Party about the ACs they had acquired, he still needed to choose his, but he wanted to look at the Tome of the Blood Knights and see what it recommended first.
Once they reached the settlement, Jacob had Mug, Chalxae, and June help him transfer the Dryad and her tree to another cart, so they could take her to the Grove. After another short trip they made it they finally arrived. The Guards protecting the logging crew saluted Jacob as he approached the undeveloped camp. "You were not joking when you said you had a brand-new settlement. You don't even have a proper logging camp set up yet, and you hardly have anything constructed at the Fortress. You are right Jacob, you really do need my help. Oh, you never told me you had a Mana Well also, you cheeky bastard arn't you." Andria Oakleaf snarked at Jacob which caused the Drow to giggle at his embarrassment.
"I have no idea what you are talking about Andria. I knew the Well effected the Trees, I had no idea that it would affect you as well. If it could hurt you, forget the deal. You can still stay, we will just find some other way you can help." Jacob responded.
"Don't you worry your pretty little head boy, I can handle it. Either way it isn't nice to tease a Dryad with such a beautiful Grove and then deny her. Just take me to the central tree that grows around the Well and I will do the rest." Andria responded.
All the loggers and Elise had stopped working at this point to watch the Dryad and their young Lord banter back and forth. Jacob really couldn't admonish her, she reminded him of his Grandmother too much...in an odd way. Once they arrived Jacob placed her near the Well and central tree. She walked around the tree touching it in places and talking to it while walking within the Wells waters. Jacob could see blue veins starting to run up her feet and her eyes developed blue rings around the outer iris. "Mylord I have conversed with that Heart of the Grove, She is willing to accept me and in three days I will emerge fully bonded with the Grove. The Inner Grove must not be disturbed and it must be guarded at all times. Until I emerge the Grove will be vulnerable. The trees along the outer edge of the grove can still be harvested for your needs though. A kiss for luck?" Andria challenged him. Jacob smiled and gave her a chaste kiss which caused her to chuckle "Oh mylord, I think you can do far better than that. Perhaps next time you will give me a proper kiss." With that the Dryad turned and it looked as if the Dark Oak absorbed the Dryad. When she was completely absorbed her old oak tree started to dissolve into ash.
Quest Issued: Protect the Grove
Description: The Dark Oak Grove of Midnight has been claimed by a Dryad. The Bonding between the Heart of the Grove and Dryad takes 72 hours and the Grove will be vulnrable. If they are attacked and destroyed during this time both Dryad and Grove will die. Guard the Grove well and you will reap the benifits of both the Grove and the relationship with the Grove Mistress. Know this wild monsters and possibly rivals will come to stop the process or try to claim the Grove during this time. Protect the Grove and your Claim.
Rewards: Increased resource production of the Dark Oak Grove of Midnight, Unknown
Well it looked like Jacob wasn't going anywhere for the next couple days, well looks like Thorgron would be able to test out his new sword sooner rather then later.