Jacob staggered under the blow of the Bone Lord, the Champion of the Undead was at least 3 feet taller than Jacob and wielded a massive double bladed axe that slammed into his shield like a boulder even though it was 3 levels below his 21. The Undead swarmed all along the line trying desperately to get through and destroy the Grove. The second day had added Champions to the waves of monsters, creatures that although are level 18 had stats and abilities closer to level 23 due to the Champion Buffs they received and every time they showed up Jacob, Thorgron, or Thelgrum met them. The Undead roared in anger as Jacob pushed him back into the Undead behind him, the Undead was quickly drowned out as a Meteor flashed in front of Jacob and slammed into the Undead. It didn't kill him but the other lesser Undead were not that lucky. 4 Skeletal Warriors (lvl 6) died instantly and the Bone Lord was set on fire.
Junes Explosive Arrow slammed into the Champions' chest further weakening the Champion which gave Jacob a shot at actually defeating him quickly. He quickly rushed the creature leading with his shield slamming into the chest and cracking its outer body armor. This exposing the magics that sustained it and were vulnerable to Moonlight which quickly slashed into the opening causing massive damage to the Bone Lord, which screamed in pain for the first time. Stabbing daggers from Chalxae quickly finished the creature. "Shouldn't you be out there hunting Necromancers?" Jacob asked the Rogue. As he pulled her from the Undead that were gathering now that Champion had fallen. Jacob quickly scanned the battle line, no other Bone Lords or Necromancers stood within his sight.
"I was, I finally found an opening back to our side, so I took it since they have no more Necromancers. Only regular Undead out there now, that was the last Champion, and we just have to survive the last of this wave." Chalxae called out over the sound of battle.
"Shigna, can you use Firestorm yet?" Jacob called out to the Kobold.
"Yes, but I need more time to recover mana and June is getting very low on arrows." the Elementalist called back. Jacob nodded his head and responded "Ok, this should be the last of it, I will lead the attack, you will know when to trigger Firestorm and if you can call up a Golem please do so." with that Jacob faced the incoming wave and braced for the rush.
His whole War Party was scattered throughout the battle line strengthening it, but for once Jacob had no healer just people who could kill and if they didn't destroy the Undead before them, Jacob would be torn apart by level 8-10 Skeleton and Zombies. All this went through his head as he triggered every ability he could think of to damage the Undead and keep their attention centered on him so Shigna and June could whittle their number down. Every once in a while he would see Chalxae darting here in their adding her daggers to the mix. Then Shignas' Golem slammed into the Undead and his Firestorm fell onto the horde soon after.
10 minutes later it was over... Jacob pushed the corpse of a Zombie of him. All around him the corpses of the Undead lay. The living had survived, the Grove was safe, Jacob could see he wasn't the only one down on the ground. 8 others were on the ground as well, and he could see both Snaggletooth and Mug healing the wounded although both of them looked worse-for-wear. Both Thorgron and Thelgrum held up their weapons in salute to the exhausted Vampire, Thorgron would be over shortly to tell him of the wounded. From what Jacob could see they had no dead.
Alert...Day 2 of the Siege of the Dark Oak Grove of Midnight, has been completed. Be warned, Death is coming
What the hell does that mean 'Death is coming', it wasn't bad enough he had to constant waves of monsters, each one stronger than the last. Now all the warning he gets is 'Death is Coming', now that is some bull shit!!! "Well, Jacob we survived another day. I honestly didn't think we would hold out against those Undead but somehow we managed to survive." Shigna called out as he sat down among the corpses in exhaustion. From the way the Elementalist held his head, he was suffering mana fatigue from using to many spells in one day, but because he did, they won. Some food and a good night sleep would cure most if his problems though.
Jacob rolled over and pushed himself up, it was time to organize his people and get back to the Fortress. Their relief would arrive shortly and the Grove workers would want to go home as well. Jacob was currently suffering from both Thirst and Hunger due to eating nothing and fighting all day. His health was just below 10% and holding steady, due to the 'Thirst' debuff his health regeneration was in the shitter. "Well mylord, we did a good job today, everyone is alive although we have 8 members of the Guard that will need healing and rest tomorrow. One of those Slime Champions almost got my new Sword that you gave me." Thorgron called out as he walked over.
"If the thing had taken it, you better have jumped in right after the thing." Jacob responded to the Guard captain. He got a weak laugh in reply.
"If today was any comparison to yesterday, what is coming will be worse. I would suggest we station at least 30 of the Guard here tomorrow if not 40 and seal up the mines and recall the Guard that you assign there to give us an even 50." Jacob thought of what his Captain said before he responded. "Agreed and recall the workers from the Iron Mine, the Silver Mine workers will be fine where they are. I will inform the Seneschal when we get back that the Iron crew can stay and help with construction tomorrow."
Thorgron nodded before responding "Better you then me lad. Dealing with that woman, she reminds me too much of my first wife. I loved her, but it was a constant battle with her as well....Ah, I am to old for that shit. As soon as the worst of the wounded are stable we are going to get them on the carts and prepared to move out. Thardan should be here shortly."
Jacob started collecting his sword and shield when he noticed a Drow on the very edge of his sight. He had a bow drawn and aimed at him, when suddenly Chalxae materialized out of the gloom of the Underdark. One dagger went to the Drows throat and the other cut the bow string, with the Drow disarmed for now Jacob shouldered his shield but kept his sword drawn and ready. Shigna was gathering fire in his hands and Thorgan cursed and called out orders to some of the Guard as the spread out and combed the immediate area for more unknown Drow.
"Ah Chalxae, you always bring me such wonderful gifts. Might I ask what your friend was doing, aiming a bow at me?" Jacob asked the Rogue.
"This Drow thought he was an Assassin when he really is just a scout. Based on the symbol on his cloak he works for the Sisters of the Damned clan. He was taking a huge risk trying to kill you out in the open like that. Now that he failed, he cannot go back." Chalxae responded.
Jacob stared hard at the Drow "We know your clan, why did they send you?"
The Drow smirked before responding "My clans masters have decided to end you before you become a bigger threat. They know you grow a Grove and have decided to burn it down before they level that pitiful Fortress. Even now the army marches closer and by this time tomorrow you will all be dead. Kill me, let me go. It does not matter for the will of my Masters will be fulfilled." the Drow proclaimed.
Jacobs instincts were to use Moonlight to sever the Drows head, but sometimes fear was better weapon. He let the Hunger grab hold of him, he felt his eyes turn red and talons start growing as he walked closer and laid the blade across the neck of the Drow. "I truly hope they send enough, my people are so hungry and the Gods will not care that we feed on the trash of the Drow people. No one will hear their screams as we consume their life essence. No one will care as we crush you under our boots. No one will care as we only allow the strongest of your people into the Pit to survive.' Jacob gently caressed the Drows face with his talons. Jacob could smell as the Drow pissed himself in fear. 'The Gods will certainly not care about you. Do not fear little Drow, I will not kill you today, I will not kill you tomorrow. You will live. You will serve. You will be cast into the Pit knowing you were too weak to be killed by my blade yet strong enough to survive and serve." With that Jacob slammed the hilt of Moonlight into his head sending the terrified Drow into unconsciousness as Jacob slowly drove his Hunger and darkness back and reclaimed his Humanity.
Everyone, including the newly arrived Thardan Dulkam with 20 Guardsmen, were staring at Jacob. They had never really seen him embrace his Vampiric side, it frightened and left them in awe somewhat. Jacob, who never really like being the center of attention, quickly moved on "Captain Dulkam, I am glad you arrived. If you cannot tell it has been a very long day. Captain Shadowsteel make sure the prisoner is bound for transport. MOVE IT PEOPLE!!" Jacob roared the last to shake them out of the stupor. Jacob was tired, sore, and now ashamed. He had embraced something in himself that he was fighting against just to scare and intimidate a scout. The only good thing that had happened is that they discovered the threat they faced tomorrow and if the scout had not been lying, they very well might face a threat they could not stand against. The Fortress of Midnight was not ready to face that strong of a threat. He needed help and he needed it soon.
The workers and exhausted Guards formed up, everyone was strangely quiet. Jacob had a quick word with the Guard Captain and Elise, so they knew to keep their people quiet about the impending threat. Tomorrow would be bad enough without everyone being afraid about what was coming. Jacob flagged Thelgrum over and whispered his command to the dwarf. The former Paladin nodded and gathered up June and Mug and headed for the Mines to close them down encase some of the approaching army decided to take a look and see if they could quickly raid them. Jacob worried and planned what he would do as the group quietly traversed the Underdark slowly on the way home.
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Jacob was like one of the walking Zombies as he entered the Fortress, not really there. Just going through the motions as he headed toward his room and a hot bath. He contained his anger at both himself and the Sisters of the Damned. As he sat soaking within the scalding waters he finally noticed Eiloma within the fog sitting and staring at him and holding a goblet with what smelled of blood. "This is for you. Drink and then we will talk." She said as she thrust the goblet of blood to the hungry Vampire. It was fresh and still warm from whoever donated it, Jacob drank it all with a few gulps knowing he needed it and more.
"What would you like to talk about? The impending attack by an army or the fact that I showed off the monster that I have always kept in check." Jacob mused to the High Elf who simply stared at him.
"Let's put aside the army marching to kill us for now, did you not think we were unaware that you are a Vampire Jacob? Did you think we thought we did not know you are capable of dark things if you choose to? We know you are capable of such things. What Binds us to you is that you do not do those things and instead choose to be good despite the inherit Darkness within. You walk a very fine path Jacob, you have a darkness in you and today you embraced a very little bit to intimidate and destroy an enemy. From what people tell me, you did a very good job at that, but your Bonded are worried that you will let this hate and self-doubt consume and distract you. We have enough problems, so this is what will happen. I am going to get you another goblet of blood and you are going to sit and relax for a little bit then you are going to get dressed and join your people in eating dinner. We will face this threat together tomorrow, and we will win." with the Eiloma left after snatching the goblet from Jacobs hand.
Eiloma was right, they would face the threat together and he could not worry about it now. His people needed him to be Lord Jacob Longstrider.
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Jacob checked his Shield one last time, it and all his armor had been repaired after the beating they had taken yesterday. All the smiths had worked through the night repairing armor of the Guards and of Jacobs War Party making sure everyone was ready for what was coming. Behind him Jigibs himself led the work party working on the new logging camp even though he was probably needed at the Fortress more. He constantly touched his dagger and carried a club as well although he would never use it on his workers. He only used his voice on them, never physical abuse. Jacob was knelling with Moonlight across his knees. Those around him assumed he was resting before the battle, but in truth he was straining his senses listening for the marching of feet that would announce the arrival of an army. The Grove shown even brighter today and 8 new trees had grown overnight but they were different from the rest of the Grove. Jacob was not scared of them, it was just another oddity for his new life.
He also worried about Chalxae, before anyone had awoken at the Fortress he had dragged her out of bed and given her a command to deliver a letter to Captain Oren or whoever was currently in command at Blood Haven. Beyond knowing that she was alive and steadily coming closer, he had no idea when or if reinforcements would come. He was almost certain they would come, but if so what was taking so long. Then he heard it on the very edge of what he could sense, the stomping of feet and heart beats, many heart beats. Jacob cursed as he rose and signaled Thornton to ready the Guard. The Duergar had stood next to his lord the whole time while he knelt nodded and called something out in his native tongue while striking his blade on his shield. Other Duergar took up the chant forming up on the Captain and Jacob. The Guardsmen of other species all started muttering in their own languages as battle and death came. The enemy had come, Jacob only hoped that reinforcements arrived before they all died.
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Lady Nendra Dyrr
Sisters of the Damned
Nendra could feel the magic of the grove in the distance as she and the army she commanded marched closer. 300 slaves and 50 Elite Drow Warriors were at her command to destroy a new Grove and a Fortress that was hardly a threat.The Fortress of the Damned was the latest in a string of Fortresses claimed or built by the clan, the few weeks of construction was to be overseen by one of the council members. When word had been received that the Fortress of the Damned had fallen with only one slave as a survived, the council worried. When the Council sensed the Grove being claimed the Matriarch and the Council ordered her to gather the available forces and march on the Grove and destroy it and whatever Fortress that was being built. Her scouts had reported back that the Fortress composed of the central building, a wall, and a few minor constructs. It would be weeks or even months before it became a true threat yet because the Clan lost the previous Fortress at the same location and a Council member they demanded blood.
It was foolish and waste of resources to send even a small army to destroy a gnat, yet she was not a Council member...yet. In a century or two, things would change, and she would sit on the Council and decide the path the Clan would take. "Lady Dyrr, the grove cavern has been sighted. It is well guarded though. I would suggest...'"Tathlyn Hune, Swordmaster of Lady Nendra Dyrr choked as her whip lashed around his throat before he could finish his sentence.
"You Swordmaster have led my Warriors for two centuries. I would hate to kill you now on the eve of another victory. The scouts reported to me that our enemies have less then a 100 warriors here and at the Fortress, lead the nearest two battle flags (100 Warriors) and sweep away any defenders and burn the Grove to the ground. Then we will march on the Fortress and kill any defenders there and level the pitiful Fortress. Is that understood Swordmaster?" The Swordmaster nodded his head while regaining his lost breath as he stumbled away. "That is how you deal with a male. Always be decisive and never show weakness." she stated to the 6 acolytes that surrounded her and formed her personal guard. All were followers of Lolth, although the Goddess had been stangely quiet about this campaign. It worried Nendra that the Goddess that loved death and destruction gave no word or blessing on this campaign even though it was all but assured. "Daughter, amend my orders to the Swordmaster, I want a dozen enemy Warriors captured for the Goddess in sacrifice to her and our victory here today. Go!" One of the Acolytes darted off while the rest looked at each other, worried although revealing nothing.
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Jacob Longstrider
Jacob watched as the enemy charged toward his position, calling for blood and death as he braced himself behind the shield and prepared for battle. Kobolds, Goblins, Orcs, Duergar, Humans, and some Drow all charged with hate and fear in their eyes when the first disappeared, holes had been dug or magically created that were 10-15 feet deep. Screams cut off quickly as they died or the fallen discovered they were not alone in their new homes. Wild slimes, goblins, and anything else they could capture had quickly been placed inside to increase the number that would be killed by the pits. The ditch and small berm were the last line of defense they had created, the ditch merely two feet deep meant the attackers had to climb a four-foot berm and into the defenders waiting shields and weapons. The charging tide had been broken and staggered, Jacob laughed as he saw the fear grow as his Moonlight darted out and stabbed the first Goblin to reach his part of the line. They only had to hold for a while until reinforcements came, so Jacob laughed and killed as the attackers came on. He wanted them angry and concentrated on his battle line and not marching on the Fortress or looking at the tunnel. So Jacob did everything he could think of to madden the attackers, so they would look toward them and not behind them.
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Tathlyn Hune
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Swordmaster of Lady Nendra Dyrr
Tathlyn looked on as his warriors swarmed toward the defenders, he wanted to scout out the defenses and now dozens of his warriors were dead or dying because the Lady Dyrr had wanted to rush the attack. Although the defenders and rushed building their defenses, they had planned it out well between the ditches and berm and the size of the tunnel that denied the Clan their advantage in number. They could only continue to attack and hopefully push them back and tire them out. Yet Tathlyns instincts screamed at him to gather his warriors and flee this place before he died. His own Swordmaster had beat it in Tathlyn to always trust his instincts over anything else. and they told him that if he stayed and fought, they would all be defeated. "Swordmaster, Lady Dyrr has modified her orders and wants a dozen defenders captured as a sacrifice to the Goddess and to our victory today." an Acolyte commanded as she strode up. Tathlyn ignored the Acolyte and continued to watch the battle unfold, "Do you hear me Sword..." was as far as the female got before the Swordmaster whirled and grabbed the initiate by her throat
"I heard you the first time Acolyte. I serve at the will of Lady Nendra and the Gods. I do not serve you. I have heard our Masters command. Do not think I will not kill you if you ever speak to me in that way again. Now leave and do not come here again unless the Lady commands it." Tathlyn pushed her away before signaling another battle flag to join in the melee. The growing battle worried him, and the darkness that surrounded him disturbed him for the first time since he was a boy.
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Jacob Longstrider
Jacob was taking a breather from the ongoing battle, he had standing orders to either rotate warriors off the main line once they hit 50% health or if they had been fighting for 10 minutes. Either Jacob or Thorgron would always be at the center leading and inspiring those around them. This was Jacobs first break, due to all the living enemies his health had not fallen below 80% because his abilities either stole life from the living or increased the rejuvenation rate of his health. Jacob watched as another group of Warriors broke off from the marching army to swarm toward their position. "Shigna that is the third formation that his engaged us, we are going to need you spell-slingers sooner rather then later my friend." Jacob called out to the Kobold as he dashed toward the battle line to reinforce it and prepare them for the next push. Shigna considered what was going on before giving his orders to the two Shaman and a Druid that came with the Guard detachment. They were better suited to healing injuries then making them, but they might be the difference between victory and defeat today. He nodded toward Fenwyn as he gathered the energies to call down a Meteor and channel a Firestorm. Between the two spells he would either break or severely damage the enemies center. They were compacted against the defenders and had no room to maneuver. He would slaughter them in the dozens, the Kobold considered this as he held the spell ready, a few weeks ago he would have hesitated, now he had a home and a leader that was not scared of him or his abilities. He would fight and die for his Den and family, and he would kill whoever came to harm them was the last thought he had before the Meteor streaked over head and slammed into the oncoming tide.
Jacob felt the heat of the Meteor and saw it slam into the oncoming tide of Warriors. Only a small handful had been killed by the direct impact but a few dozen others were left in critical shape by the explosion and resulting fall after being tossed several feet in the air. A nice warm 'Fuck You' to the new warriors rushing toward their deaths. Jacob chuckled at the madness of it all as he told his Captain of the oncoming formation of Warriors and sent him on his short break before taking his place among the battle line. They had held the line against a force that numbered 6 to 1 against them, true only half their force was engaged against them, but they had deep reserves to throw against Jacobs limited numbers. Holding back the magic users and completely breaking the enemies first charge had been Jacobs best gambit to slow them down and now the Magic users would start rotating on the line as well to add to the death toll. As Moonlight stabbed out into his enemies throat, Jacob smiled and let some of the monster out to play with his enemies before he had to reign him back in.
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Tathlyn Hune
Swordmaster of Lady Nendra Dyrr
Tathlyn cursed as he watched the Meteor slam into the new formation of Warriors. He had hoped the enemy had shown their whole strength, but he had held back some and now the second wave was stalled. Tathlyn watched as waves of fire, earth, lightning, and even a 7ft demon slam into his line as the enemy magic users unleashed their powers on his warriors. The army he led had few magic users and no healers. Lolth frowned upon healers so Lady Dyrr employed few, and they were far from the battlefield. "What is happening Swordmaster. This was supposed to be an easy victory. Why am I not watching the Grove burn yet?" Lady Dyrr demanded as she rode up with her Acolytes.
Tathlyn cursed at her question before turning toward her and responding "My Lady, the battlefield was prepared by the defenders. Our initial attack was broken and the second wave was blunted by their magic users. We do not have any siege weapons and the few magic users we have are suited for small engagements and not for a battlefield. We also have no healers, while they have magic users suited for a battlefield and healers that are keeping their Warriors hale and whole. We will ware them down lady but the cost will be high and I fear they have called for reinforcements. If they have, time will not be on our side. If we do not push them back into the grove quickly, I fear this battle will quickly turn in their favor Lady." the Swordmaster listed everything that was happening.
"I don't care for excuses Swordmaster. Do what you have to, but I want those upstarts destroyed. I want my sacrifices and I want to see that damn Grove burning." With that, Lady Dyrr whirled her mount and rode back toward the rest of the waiting army. Tathlyn quickly signaled for two more Battle Flags to join in the assault and left the last to protect the Lady while Tathlyn rushed to join in the assault. If he died today, it would be on the blades of his enemies and not to the tender cares of Lady Dyrr and her acolytes.
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Jacob Longstrider
Jacob watched as the enemy troops pulled back, he had hoped they had broken, but it was in fairly good order retreat. Two more units moved to reinforce the enemies dwindling numbers as the battle had easily cost the enemy a 100 Warriors so far. He watched as more Drow, these armed and armored with better equipment then the fodder they had been sending against Jacob and his warriors, join the main battle line. "Pull back to the second line. Last out make sure you pull up the stakes so our uninvited guests do not know where their gifts are." Jacob called out. The weary defenders quickly started falling back, Jacob had not wanted to give up the first line of defense but with the enemy receiving more reinforcements and the elite Drow as well, he needed another edge to cost the enemy more lives.
Jacob watched as his warriors and magic wielders fell back to the second and last line of defense. Beyond that was the Grove and everything and everyone Jacob was trying to protect. Jacob called out an order to Thorgron, the Captain didn't like it, but he would obey. Thorgron would take the right flank, Jacob would stay in the center and Thelgrum would anchor the left. It was a risk not having the Captain near him to watch his back and make sure he didn't do anything stupid, but they needed to spread out the elite fighters to boost the whole line. Based on his Bond with Chalxae she was closer than she was an hour ago. He could start feeling her emotions again, which were mainly frustration and angry, so it ment she was only 30 minutes away at the most. Traveling with troops would slow her down though, traveling with a small party was far different then when traveling with a small army. Leading the raid had taught Jacob that, now Jacob wondered if they would get here before they all died and lost the Grove.
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Chalxae Freath
Chalxae snarled in frustration at the slow pace that the Duergar set. "We are going as fast as we can Bonded. If I set a faster pace we will get there and be slaughtered due to exhaustion. It won't do any favors for Lord Longstrider if we just show up to die." Captain Oren Stonebreaker responded to Chalxae urging to go faster. The scouts had already reported in that the tunnel that led to the Fortress of Midnight was clear of enemies and that the Fortress was secure. Chalxae could feel Him though, he was tired, angry, and starting to feel desperate. Desperate people did stupid things and that got people killed.
"You told me I had to stay with you so you could have some idea what you and your men are walking into, well Captain I am telling you to move faster. I can feel His anger and desperation. You are about to fail at one of your charges, now MOVE YOUR ASS." with that Chalxae, darted ahead and toward where her family fought and would possibly die.
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Tathlyn Hune
Swordmaster of Lady Nendra Dyrr
Tathlyn watched as the defenders fell back further into the cavern, the last one that fell back was the leader. He carried a glowing blade and wore plated armor. Before falling back with his warriors he smirked at Tathlyns battle line and waved them forward before turning and smacking his own ass and darting away. Dozens of voices roared in outrage at the challenge so blatantly thrown down at them. First only a few but then dozens bolted after the retreating figure. Tathlyn cursed at the advancing Warriors, but he had lost control of them and almost half the battle line followed them. All Tythlyn could do was order the attack and hope they maintained enough momentum to push the defenders back.
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Jacob Longstrider
Jacob knew he had done something childish in goading the enemy, but he needed them fighting mad again, insulting them had seemed the best way to do it. Slave armies, like the one fielded by the Sisters of the Damned, were known to be undisciplined. Teasing and treating them like the trash they were was the only way to motivate them to attack quickly before the commander could feel out the new situation. With his reinforcements so close he could not afford for them to take the fight with caution, the needed to be pissed and throw everything they had at him so when his reinforcements came, they would fall on their backs and slaughter them. Jacob and the rest of the defenders would no longer be holding back, this was a last ditch defense. Either they held or they would be slaughtered. He could feel the looks of the workers, Jigibs, and Elise as the Defenders formed up to make a last stand.
The ground rumbled as the approaching army picked up the pace and number as he entered the cavern, none were prepared for the defenses that they tripped. More pits, boulders from above, fields of spikes skewering bodies, and rock turning into liquid swallowing 2 or 3 charging attackers before solidifying again. The first few ranks of enemies had passed unimpeded because all the traps required a certain number of enemies to trigger them. Those that followed tried to turn back but were pushed on by those that came behind them. 20-40 attackers died within 30 seconds and all Tathlyn could do was push on into the cavern. Jacob watched as the attackers died and the few that made it past the traps rushed headlong into an attack with back up being slowed by traps and fear. Jacob smiled and encouraged their recklessness while their comrades tried to call them to slow down and reform their lines, but they were committed. In the end all they could do was follow the reckless charge and hope to drive the defenders back.
Jacobs last trick was sprung when the loggers picked up crossbows that had been laying in wait for the attackers to come. Although none of those that fired had much experience wielding the weapons, it was a very simple weapon to use. With so many targets it was very difficult to miss as June led the impromptu archers into battle. While the crossbows were slow to fire, June could fire as fast as she could draw, aim, and shoot. Every arrow found a eye, throat, or open mouth as the Ranger killed those that came to kill and destroy. Every bolt that struck an enemy bleed or maimed them and caused the flow of enemies to slow which bought time for the Warriors to kill them.
Jacob was getting tired, every cut or thrust of Moonlight, wounded, maimed, or killed an enemy. He was both tired and even more desperate then before, he had no more tricks left and the enemy seemed endless. Jacob knew his people were getting close to the breaking point when he saw the first of the Elite Drow slam into his battle line and kill two of his Guards in a heart beat. Others were starting to engage the defenders and all were fairing poorly after engaging the slaves for over the last hour. Jacob activated Rally Cry in last desperate bid to keep the defenders together and the line intact. Energy pulsed out of Jacob infusing all the defenders with energy and a renewed determination. Jacob also let go of his Humanity and embraced the Vampire within. In a few seconds Jacob changed from a desperate defense to all out attack seeking out every Elite Drow he could find and killing any that got in his way. The Swordmaster stood the longest against Jacob causing more then one injury against the enraged Vampire, finally Jacob in his frustration allowed Tathlyn to pierce his chest with his sword. The Swordmaster thinking the crazy defender defeated, ignored Jacob which proved to be his last mistake. Jacob quickly crushed Tathlyns sword arm before drawing the Swordmaster within his embrace. "You missed my heart Drow, thank you for the meal though." Jacob whispered before biting the defeated Drow and started draining him of his life. While Jacob feed from the defeated Swordmaster he met the eyes of every attacker that would dare look. Every single one stopped dead. They knew instantly they faced something that was supposed to be dead or cursed to stay within the confines of their city. The Gods had sworn all Vampires were dead or bound to their forgotten city, yet here was one. Old instincts long forgotten started to take hold, first one or two, then more started to flow away from Jacob and back the way they came but the last Battle Flag arrived with the last of the slave Warriors and Elite Drow. As his enemies streamed away to rally around the last Battle Flag, Jacob let the Smordmaster drop from his grasp and pulled the blade from his chest so the wound would heal.
Lady Nendra Dyrr would not be turned back, she would have victory, or she would die dragging as many of her enemies into the Abyss with her. Jacob snarled as he withdrew back to the defenders battle line, his last ditch effort to break them had failed, and he and everyone was going to die. Nothing was going to stop that now, but he would drag the Drow bitch with him, even if he died he would take her kicking and screaming claiming her life and lifes blood as his own before the last defender died. Jacob looked at the few remaining defenders, of the 50 Guards that had started the battle about 20 remained standing waiting for the finale charge. Jigibs and his workers joined the line in the last bid to throw back the attackers, who still numbered over a 100 strong with 50 rested Warriors. "Mylord, I said you would owe me a better kiss the next time I saw you, and I am here to collect. Although we do have uninvited guests, we will have to get rid of them first won't we."
Jacob looked, and he saw but didn't believe as a Dryad and 8 Treants approached his battle line from behind. The Dryad looked to be about mid 30s with streaks of silver in her black hair. She was armored and armed with a great wooden Long Bow, while the Treants stood between 10-12 Feet tall and all were level 30. Jacob had lost any sense of humor at this point though "Who the fuck are you?" Jacob called out to the approaching Dryad.
"Mylord, the last time I saw you, I asked you for a kiss for luck. I had no idea you would need luck as well. The Mana Well you have sped up the process and I have emerged early. If you have forgotten so fast I am Andria Oakleaf, the Dryad that Bonded to your Dark Oak Grove." The odd Dryad responded.
"It doesn't matter you Dryad bitch, you are all about to die and fall to the might of the Sisters of the Damned. I will bathe in your blood and enslave your young. Nothing you do..." Lady Dyrrs rant was cut off as Chalxae slammed her dagger through the Drows throat.
"I apologize Master, for being so late to the housewarming party for the newest member of our family. Dear sister will you accept my gift of her life as a proper apology?" Chalxae called out to Andria.
"Mylord, I like her. She knows how to show some proper courtesy. Perhaps you could learn something from the Drow?" Andria called out as the Drow toppled over dead. Behind Chalxae, Jacob could see the Duergar and Orcs of the Tomb Guard deployed to envelop the rear of the Sisters of the Damned, Jacob raised his blade and ordered the last charge against the broken enemy. It was time to finish the fight once and for all.