Fallen Fortress of Hyperion
Jacob drove Moonlight through what appeared to be the eye of the broken Insane Elemental Lord, Brun. It was a level 28 Mini-Boss that roamed the courtyard that lay before the main entry-way of the broken fortress. 20 other Fire and Earth Elementals corpses lay strewn throughout the courtyard. It had been a tough fight and Jacob and his War Party were not really equipped to fight Elementals. "Shigna, remind me to never ever go to war with your people. Its a pain in the ass to fight Elementals." Jacob told the Kobold who chuckled at the statement. The Elementals had dropped a minimum of loot, mainly trash but the mini-boss dropped a Heart of an Elemental Lord. It was a fairly rare item but Jacob had no idea what it was for and none of his War Party knew what to do with it. "Ok, everyone rest and recover, I know it was an ugly fight but we have barely started this dungeon. Chalxae as soon as you have recovered, please scout the entrance and let us know what you find." Jacob told the Rogue as he reviewed the Quest that popped up when he entered the Dungeon.
Quest Issued: Fallen Champions
Description: Once long ago, this fortress was the heart of the Hyperions power on the mortal plane. The Fallen Champions have been scheming to bring back the Fallen Titan Hyperion and rise in power once again. Slay the Champions and foil their plot to resurrect the Fallen Titan.
Argos Flamemaker: 0/1
Derdra Monsoon: 0/1
Janus Earthmaker: 0/1
Rewards: 100 Gold, 5,000 Experience, Variable
"We have cultists inside, groups of 5 roaming with 3 Zealots, 1 Priest, and a Champion pretty evenly spaced out throughout the Entry Hall. I couldn't get far inside due to the sheer amount of them in there." Chalxae reported 15 minutes later.
"Ok, rebuff and let's head inside. My group will pull the first patrol Thelgrum and his group will pull the second. We pull them toward the entrance so we can control their numbers and we do not get overwhelmed. Let's go!" Jacob ordered as he pulled Moonlight and readied his shield. 20 Minutes later the last patrol fell to Thelgrums group. The last Champion was a Mini-Boss, a level 29 Champion Argos Drakna, accompanied by a Priest and two Zealots. "I got the Champion, Thelgrum pick up the adds and down the Priest asap."
----------------------------------------
20 minutes later Argos died cursing Jacob and swearing that Hyperion would burn him alive, the Champion dropped a bit of gold and a pair of boots. Jacob sat down on the Champion seat as Chalxae and June started looting all the mobs. The only path forward from the Entry Hall was a set of stairs upwards and to the second floor. Over the next hour they wiped out dozens of cultists and the three Champions fell.
Quest Complete: Fallen Champions
Description: You stopped the Champions of the Fallen TItan Hyperion from bringing back the Fallen god.
Argos Flamemaker: 1/1
Derdra Monsoon: 1/1
Janus Earthmaker: 1/1
Rewards: 100 Gold, 5,000 Experience, Ring of Hyperion
Spoiler: Spoiler
Name: Ring of Hyperion
Level: Epic
Properties: Deal an increased 10% damage as Fire damage.
Properties: Decrease all damage by 5%
Properties: Decrease Fire-based damage by 10%
Properties: Ability Summon Fire Elements (Cooldown 24 Hours)
Durability: N/A
Description: This ring is the personal ring of the fallen Titan Hyperion and contains a very small percentage of his power.
The final boss though was something else Jacob had never seen before...
Dungeon-Boss
Avatar-Hyperion
Fallen Titan
Level: 32
Abilities: Unknown
Health: 5000
"Why are you fighting me followers and me? We should be allies and not enemies. We all want the same things." Hyperion stated as he stood from his throne.
"Maybe, maybe not but how we get there...that is different. Your followers have slaughtered dozens, maybe even hundreds for nothing. They tortured and maimed for no other reason then they could." Jacob said as his War Party spread out around the Throne Room.
"War requires sacrifices and you have no idea what the Pantheons are capable. You think just because your people are Cursed means you understand them, my brethren and I lived among them when only one Pantheon existed. Then the war happened and those that were not found to be...lacking in the scope they felt gods should be were destroyed or cast out. I lost both family and friends, so, believe me, I know what they are capable of." Hyperion retorted.
"Killing to protect one's people is one thing, murder, and torture for no other reason just because you can...Moving on, you lost your war and ours has not even started." Jacob said as he charged the Fallen Titans Avatar. Hyperion roared as he summoned a pair of Fire Elementals and met Jacobs charge head-on.
30 minutes later Hyperion's Avatar finally lay dying on the ground, "You gained nothing today Vampire, you just made another enemy. You think just because you destroyed the House of Thorn that your accomplished anything, you are wrong. Our followers exist in everywhere, we have some even in your precious Palace of Night. Tell me Jacob Longstrider, who there do you trust that you shouldn't?" The Fallen Titan laughed as Jacob flicked his wrist and severed his head.
"Spread out and dig up anything related to the Cult of the True. He made some bold statements, let's see if we can find some proof he is a lyer...or telling the truth." Jacob said as everyone spread out while Jacob looted the Avatars corpse.
----------------------------------------
3 Days later...
City of Ineford
Merchant Council Chamber
Jacob strode into the Council chamber accompanied by Dudrik Goldflint and 4 other Merchant Lords. If this plan went sideways he had about 40 of his people close by and 300 mercenaries were moving in to surround the Council building. If he was killed, their orders were to capture the building and as many of the Council as they could and hold until Jacob could come back with an army he could get together within 24 hours. Jacob tried to concentrate on the here and now, not on what they had discovered at Hyperians Fortress. The question was, what would they do and who would they trust...Jacob already didn't fully trust everyone at the Palace just based on what had happened recently and now with Hyperians claims and what they had found...Worries for another day.
For the first time in nearly a week, the Council Chambers was quiet as the Council gazed upon the being that had caused so much trouble. Some looked at him in awe or hope. Others with hatred, but the ones Jacob watched were the ones who showed nothing on their faces and gave away nothing. Dudrik smiled, "Well mylord, you wanted the attention of those in power here. You have it, now what will you do with it lad?" Jacob nodded as he stood on the raised platform in the center of the chamber.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
"Ladies and Gentleman of the Merchant Council of Ineford, I want to thank you all for the warm welcome you and your city have given me. I won't ever forget it, I am Lord Jacob Longstrider of the Fortress of Midnight. I come today to bring you news, that the whole world stands upon the brink of change and war. War this world has not seen in nearly 2000 years. Nations will fall, cities will burn, and people will die, this will happen no matter what you decide today. This Council was created for one purpose, to serve and protect the best interests of this city, I am asking you to do this now. Join with my people and become stronger then what you are now. One way or another, your cities independence is nearly at an end. I am asking you to join with no bloodshed, will you consider my words please and join us? Your people will be considered mine, your enemies will be my enemies, Ineford will never have to stand alone again." Jacob finished as he looked at Dudrik who smiled just a little bit. The Council was no longer silent but it was not the uproar that had plagued the Chamber for the last week.
"Fine words Lord Longstrider, veiled threats of the end of the world as we know it are not proof as to what is to come." one merchant called out. More than one Merchant Lord yelled at the offending merchant while others nodded.
Jacob smiled at the merchant's courage, "You are right, I could be lying but the surfaces are already preparing for war. The Pantheons go quiet for they know a storm is coming. The Sisters of the Damned suffer two devastating defeats and Lolth blesses them not but gave them a warning instead. Tell me, is any of that normal or perhaps hints at what is coming." Jacob looked at the merchant who was looking worried. "No, none of it is normal and it will be far worse before it gets better. The question is will you stand alone or stand with me? I ask you to stand with me and not on your knees." Jacob said as he looked at every single merchant that would meet his eyes.
"Fine words...and we are prepared to make an offer to join you. The question is will you agree to the terms?" Dudrik asked.
Alert...
The City of Ineford is offering to become your client state, they offer you 10% of their monthly revenue in return for your protection. The day-to-day running of the city will be left to the Merchant Council.
Will, you accept the proposal? Yes/No
Alert...
It was a good deal, but not what he needed right now. He needed both money and troops so he declined Dudriks offer and made a counteroffer. "If you expect me to offer you protection, I expect more then just money and precious jewels."
Alert...
You have offered to take the City of Ineford as a client state, you demand 5% of their monthly revenue and command of their military but no more than half of their troops. You also demand a regent to be appointed to ensure that the Merchant Council will stay loyal and your will be done. In return, you offer your protection and the Merchant Council will continue to run the day-to-day operations of the city.
Alert...
This time shouts and yelling did prevail until an older Dwarf suddenly stood next to Jacob and slammed a staff onto the floor and suddenly guards flooded into the chamber but they were looking at the Council members and not Jacob. "Silence, I will have silence in this chamber. Those that refuse to be silent will be ejected immediately and their votes will become null and void." Slowly the council's uproar died, "I apologize Lord Longstrider, but children will act out when they are surprised. Do not judge them too harshly." The Dwarf bowed slightly in respect and went back to his seat escorted by a pair of guards.
Dudrik responded first, "This is an excellent compromise Lord Longstrider. Neither side will be happy with the tax and troops. What role will the Reagent have in the day-to-day politics of Ineford?"
Jacob turned and looked at the Dwarf, he was flanked by a Wood-Elf and a Gnome. Those would be the two other most powerful members of the Merchants Council, "Day-to-day running of your city, nothing at all unless this council decides otherwise. The Reagent will be more of the middle man between myself and this council to ensure we have no misunderstandings and that both parties fulfill obligations."
"Since Dudrik brought you before the Merchant Council and urged this council to agree to become your client state, we demand he take responsibility and be appointed your Reagent." said the same mouthy Merchant Lord.
Before Dudrik could respond, Jacob talked and addressed the council, "If it is acceptable to the Council of Merchants of Ineford, I will accept Dudrik Goldflint as my reagent to this city. It does not void his position on this council and those who would use his appointment as Reagent to see him unseated on the Council...would be unwise. Do we have an agreement?" Jacob asked as he looked at the council members. Slowly and begrudgingly they accepted the offer as Jacobs client state. "Thank you all for ensuring peace. I know some of you do not like what happened today and I do not blame you at all. I will never forget though what you decided to do today. Now, I wish to talk to my new Reagent and make sure he understands his duties her." With that, Jacob bowed slightly to the Council of Merchants and left the chamber.
----------------------------------------
City of Ineford
Senior Merchant Councils Estate
Dudrik sighed as he sat back into his chair, "Well that could have gone far worse. I did not expect them to agree to your proposal Lord Longstrider, now why don't you tell me if that speech about the war coming complete bullshit or not?"
Jacob smiled, "Oh, it is very true Dudrik. War is coming and a whole lot of people are going to die one way or another. The only question now is, what side will you be on? Your people decided today and I will do my best to ensure their safety and prosperity, but we have a war coming and it is inevitable. The fight with the Sisters of the Damned is just a warmup for what is coming." Jacob told Dudrik as he contemplated what specifics to tell the Dwarf.
"Ok, you believe a massive war is coming, maybe even involving the gods themselves. Why?" Dudrik said as he brought out the coat of arms and placed it in front of Jacob. "What does this stand for? Who are your people and why would anyone care that you exist."
Jacob looked at the Dwarf before turning to his companions, "Clear the room, everyone needs to get out now. Darren, June, and Chalxae make sure we are alone and if anyone starts listening in, disable them if possible, kill if necessary." The three nodded as they corraled the guards out of the room and went to check the perimeter. Considering his choices before him Jacob activated the Blood Binding ability and Dudrik flinched in surprise, "Accept the Bond and I will explain everything you have my word." Dudrik read the prompt in front of him and considered his options before accepting the fact he really didn't have a choice in the matter.
"Thank you, now what did you find out about the coat of arms I showed you?" Jacob asked.
"My records almost go back 1000 years and all it hinted was that it was a former military order that was wiped out long ago and was part of an evil people that were wiped out at the same time," Dudrik responded while pouring a glass of wine for them both.
"Yes, well winners get to write the history books and the truth matters little to the Pantheons. Please hold your questions until I am done telling my story please..." with that Jacob spent the next 30 minutes explaining everything including the Order of Blood Knights. Dudrik was at first stunned speechless before he started asking his questions which extended their meeting for another 15 minutes.
"That is a lot to take in mylord, but I will do my best to serve you and your interests. I will not compromise my people though, so please do not ever ask me to betray them." Dudrik asked.
Jacob nodded his head, "I won't ask anything your people won't be able to do. Do not tell anyone about what I told you. If word got out before we were prepared, it would turn into a slaughter for everyone. The surface nations would kill anyone who got in their way and it does not matter if you were allied or enemies of the Tomb of Eternal Night. We will be watching Reagent, and if Ineford does not hold up their end of the agreement I will hold you and then the Council responsible." with that Jacob left the Marchant Lord, it was time to go deal with the Outposts.