Tomb of Eternal Night
Palace of Night
The screams of the maid brought the Heart Guard running and bursting into the Seneschal's quarters, he had been sick for days and was now dead. He had vomited copious amounts of blood and had died in agony based on the look on the corpse. The Seneschal was not the only one that was sick in the palace, the Queen, the Captain of the Heart Guard, the Master of SHadows, the head cook, and several other key personnel were also sick at this point. It was obvious that all of them had been poisoned somehow, but no one knew what the poison was or who was behind it.
Ezekial's subordinates were trying to find who had done the poisoning and what the poison was, but so far they had not found the perpetrator. The Royal Torturers holding cells were full and anyone who was even remotely suspicious was either imprisoned or under the torturers tender care. So far he had not turned up anything concerning the poison or who was behind it, yet.
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Real World
Blackrock R&D Facility-Unknown Location
Kevin watched as his guildmates ate and relaxed after being under full immersion for a week, they were recovering from the immersion and everyone was talking to nurses or doctors while eating. Kevin had that and talking with Marc and Max. "So your war with both the Cult of the True and Sisters of the Damned have heated up. You have a possible ally within the SIsters though. The Rise of the Vampire trailer is going live in less than 12 hours so, what are your plans?"
"Continue as is, my alliance with the Clan Darguun has been fleshed out and the training/equipping of the Legion is done and we will be marching within 2 real-world days. Freeing then recruiting among the former slaves is the quickest way to gain strength military wise. I am hoping to find another dungeon or two between me and my next target so I can level up a bit." Kevin responded.
"Do you have any plans for the surface?" Max asked while looking at reports in front of him.
"No, not really. The Curse de-buff will serve any Vampire on a silver platter to monsters, NPC's, and players. Unless I can find some way to negate it or find the old king to break it...we will be screwed until then. Even after I find the king, it won't change how all the locals or the gods in fate see the Vampire nation." Kevin told Max as he watched the highlights of what had been happening in other parts of Fate Online.
"True as far as moving Vampires onto the surface, but you have access to a wide variety of species now. Some of them will perfectly be fine on the surface without having to worry about any curse." Marc responded.
"Yeah, its a thought, but I have enough problems in the Underdark without adding to them by exploring the surface and I have no idea where I will end up once the Curse is broken," Jacob responded.
"True, the Curse not only buried the City of Eternal Night, but it also changed the geographical location. Ok, so what major plans do you have for the immediate future?" Max asked.
"That would be telling sir, now you guys said you were looking to put us under longer than 1 week. What did you guys decide?" Kevin asked the two contacts with Blackrock.
Marc looked at Max before responding, "THe doctors have given the green light on 2 week time and we will check your mental and physical status than to see how everyone is doing then. So far the Tech and all of you are doing well with the immersion, but we want to make sure everyone stays safe so 2 weeks is the max for now. So next time we see you, you will be married again and hopefully, you will have made some headway against the Cult of the True. Good luck my friend, you will need it."
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Fortress of Midnight
Primitive Keep-Master Suite
Jacob slowly opened his eyes, Cathrine had an arm and a leg thrown over his body and they were alone. The clock on his HUD showed it was early and the early risers would be getting up soon. He was surprised no one was in bed with them, usually, either June, Chalxae or Eiloma were in bed with them. With Jacob gone, he was surprised that all three were not in bed with Cathrine. She unconsciously held him tighter when he started pulling away causing Jacob to smile and kiss her neck which brought a sigh as she released him. Jacob grabbed a robe and silently snuck out of the master suite and walked toward the outer wall of the keep. Several of the Dawn Guard and Tomb Guardians spotted him and half bowed in acknowledgment of Jacob before continuing their patrols of the Keep.
Below the wall in front of the Keep, the new Portal Pad was under construction, Jacob looked at the specs for the new construction.
Spoiler: Spoiler
Portal Pad (20 Stone, 20 Platinum, 10 Silver, 10 Gold, 4 Mithril, 4 Diamonds, 4 Emeralds, 1 Portal Control Crystal, Duration 5 Days)
With the research of the Portal Pad complete, research on the Mage Tower was underway which when completed would allow them to build magical defenses and have mage trainers. "Welcome back husband, why didn't you stay in bed with me?" Cathrine asked as she walked up wrapping her arms around Jacob.
"You look like you were comfortable and I wanted to check on the new construction," Jacob told her without turning as he looked out at the cavern he saw a new addition to all the tents. He could see several dozen Legion men keeping an eye on the newcomers tents, "Who decided to pay a visit?" Jacob asked.
At the mention of the newcomers, Cathrine's grip tightened, "Tomb Guardians showed up hours after you left with orders to take you to the city."
Her tone made him turn and hug her while kissing the top of her head, "Everything will be alright, no matter what happens I will come back too you."
"You belong to me and I only share with those I want too. The Orc who came implied you had no choice in going back with him." Cathrine told Jacob while hugging him harder and bringing a smile to his face.
"Possessive much Cat?" Jacob said as he scooped her up in his arms causing her to laugh before kissing him then moan as he grabbed her pulling her firmly against his body. "They aren't awake yet, I wonder if I can get them to wake up with your screams?" Jacob asked as he kissed his way down her neck bringing out a moan from the Banshee and a squeal when his lips latched onto her right nipple.
"You better not be teasing me, Jacob," Cathrine growled as she grabbed his head.
Jacob smiled and flicked her clit earning another moan from his wife. "Never!!" Jacob whirled and pinned the Banshee against the wall before slowly shoving one finger into her center while making a 'come here' motion with the finger earning another low moan from Cathrine.
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An hour later and fully sated Jacob made his way to the newcomers camp, he was met by a squat Orc. "Lord Jacob Longstrider?" Jacob nodded while eyeballing the remaining Tomb Guardians who were quickly packing up camp, "The Queen summoned you and requires your presence immediately."
"For what reason? She gave me a communication coin and can contact me at any time." Jacob responded.
"I do not know why Lord Longstrider, I was just told to escort you and you alone, to the palace as soon as you became available." the Orc immiediatly responded.
"Let's get this over with then," Jacob responded causing the Orc to sigh in relief.
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Tomb of Eternal Night
Palace of Night
The 100 Tomb Guardians escorted Jacob to the closed palace entrance, in all Jacobs time coming to the palace entrance had never been closed. The dozen Heart Guards immediately surrounded Jacob and escorted him further into the palace. 15 minutes later, he was in the Master Suite of the palace and the Queen dismissed the Heart Guards that had accompanied him.
"Thank you for coming Jacob, I apologize for the heavy escort but with everything going wrong here I needed to ensure your safety. If you cannot tell I am not doing so well." Talia said with a mirthless smile.
Jacob nodded at her to pale appearance, "No offense, but you look like shit Talia. What is wrong, sick or is it something else?"
"Something else, over the last few weeks key personnel have been poisoned throughout the palace. My Seneschal is already dead, Captain Timmilian is in worse shape then I am, every key figure within the palace, and several Nobles have also been poisoned." Talia responded.
"Do you have any idea who is behind it or why?" Jacob asked staring at the Queen.
"We have an idea of who is behind it, why is to destabilize or revenge on our people while we are still vulnerable. They have used, we believe, concentrated Basilisk Venom overtime to poison everyone." Talia responded while coughing and the handkerchief revealed she was coughing up blood.
"Why am I here Talia? If you want me to hunt down who poisoned everyone I need a target and from what you describe, I don't have one yet." Jacob asked her while considering the bloody handkerchief.
"Since I am disabled, I need someone to stand in for me as Steward for Eternal Night. You will be placed in temporary command until I recover. If I recover." Talia responded
Jacob snorted, "Thank you but no. I have enough responsibilities without adding additional responsibilities of running Eternal Night."
Talia smiled and shook her head before coughing again, "You do not have a choice Jacob when you took the oath at your wedding, it bound you to my house and you became my sole heir." Jacob cursing was profound and the guards outside started to open the door but his snarl caused it to shut just as quickly.
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"Can you not help yourself in manipulating people? Or do you do it just for fun?" Jacob seethed at the bedridden woman
Talia smiled sadly, "I do what is necessary to protect my people, including you. The majority of the nobility are stuck in the past cannot see past their own ambition. They would use you and the power I am giving you to further their own ambitions and could care less if it would hurt our people. Accept being Steward of the city please Jacob."
Alert...
Queen Talia has asked you to become Steward to the Tomb of Eternal Night, will you accept? Yes/No
Alert...
Title Unlocked: Steward of Eternal Night
House Change...Due to Oaths and being Awakened by Queen Talia, your House is now Lightsbane. Only time will tell what ramifications will result from this.
Talia smiled at his decision, "Take the ring, it will signify your authority but adds no additional benefits. The letter under it is for you and the seal on it will only unlock if I die. Thank you Jacob Longstrider of House Lightsbane" Jacob rolled his eyes as he picked up the ring and letter. The ring was a mix of gold, silver, and mithril. Ornate and the symbol was a kneeling Knight with two small rubies for eyes.
Spoiler: Spoiler
Name: Signet Ring of the Steward
Description: This signet ring is the physical representation of your authority over the Tomb of Eternal Night. All nobles on sight will know on site your authority is backed by the crown. (Warning...only those appointed by the current ruler of Eternal Night may wear this ring, any others risk death).
"I have arranged a meeting with my council advisors, it will be in about an hour. I am sure you will want to transfer some of your own personnel and guards to the palace. I told acting Captain James Shadowstrider to expect both, I would advise you to be patient with them, they will not take your appointment lightly. When it became apparent that widespread poison had been used, I made it public knowledge that I was appointing you as booth as my Steward and heir. Give me your hand, I have one more gift for you that I have to do before I lose to much more strength." Talia told him reaching out with her hand. Jacob eyeballed her outstretched hand before taking it, a surge of energy coursed from Talia's body and into Jacob.
Spoiler: Spoiler
Full-Blood (Max Tier)
Description: Through forced evolution, Queen Talia has unlocked your hidden potential. You are now able to Awaken or accept 100 Vampires (Locals), 50 Blood Bonded, and 15 Minions within your House. Due to being of House Lightsbane, you can create 1 Full Blood every 6 months. Increases loyalty of your House by 8% and their productivity by 8%.
Name: Awakening (Max Tier)
Description: As a Full-Blood, you have the ability to create more Vampires, lesser but still Vampires. Awakening them will increase the beings natural abilities but also increase their raw speed and strength. Know this, once the ability is triggered it cannot be stopped and the Vampire will always be bound to you and your House. The Awakened will take 1 hour to change the subject and will require both blood and food to recover and finish the transformation. 15/15 (Cost 3% of your Base Health, Cooldown 5 Minutes, No more than 15 times in one 24 Hour Period)
Name: Awakening Full-Blood
Description: As a member of the Royal House you can create Full-Blood Vampires, you can only create a max of 8 Full-Blood Vampires (Locals and Immortals, Cost 50% of Base health, Cooldown 6 months).
After reading the prompts Jacob looked at the exhausted woman, "Why?"
"If I die, I have to ensure you have the tools necessary to hold your position. The Nobles will know that I unlocked your potential and besides me, you are the only other Vampire in existence that can make more Full-Bloods. Now please go, I need my rest." Talia said as she lay back and quickly fell back to sleep.
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Jacob looked at the eight Vampires as the left and groaned at the thought at having to meet with them on a weekly basis. They were stubborn arrogant assholes who thought they were right and couldn't possibly conceive the notion that anyone else could be right. The only good thing was, they were all dam good and offered sound advice after they got done whining and complaining about the fact that he was appointed Steward over any of them. As the council of advisors left, Darren, Tarren, Yilme, and Zakoc walked in "Aiming to be King someday?" Zakoc asked as he sat down.
"Not by choice. If Queen Talia does not recover...She named me Steward and Heir, the council of advisors you all walked by loved that idea and half their time was taken up with them bitching about that fact. Do any of you know of a cure for Basilisk poisoning?" Jacob asked the group.
Darren winced when he heard the type of poison, "Believe me, Basilisk poison is pretty potent and resistant to most healing magic. If the subject receives multiple doses over time, they are dead. Divine healing might be able to heal the subject, but it is unlikely to happen. If you say let them die and resurrect it won't work, Basilisk poison persists through death even with Immortals." Jacob's cursing could be heard in the hallway and the two Heart Guards glanced in before going back to watching for external threats.
"So my primary plan of resurrecting the Queen after death is out. Send a request to the Priestess of Balance and see if she will come here and try to heal her." Jacob asked and Tarren took off immediately.
"So does your appointment change anything?" Yilme asked.
"As far as our campaign against the SIsters, no. My marriage to Sosa, no. Will it affect my ability to be there when we march on our next fortress, maybe." Jacob said as he considered his plans It had been a long day and he was tired, his War Party had relocated here to the Palace with 20 of the Dawn Guard. He was trying to find someone to replace Eiloma as Seneschal of the Fortress of Midnight so he could transfer her here, but it was slow going. "So what is the average level of our guild now? How is morale? Are they happy with leadership?"
Zakoc responded first, "Overall everyone is happy, they love the fact we do not require huge amounts of money to join or to remain in good standing. They like the fact we only tax 5% on Dungeon runs and give them the option of selling gear no one needs from dungeons to the guild."
"The overall guild level is high 20s now with all the battles you keep getting us in. We need to find a low 30s dungeon soon or people are going to start having to grind." Yilme added.
"Moneywise we are good even with paying for the new army and equipping them all," Darren said. "Guild vault is bare for the most part, but some parties are starting to grind and turning over materials for those who want to pursue non-combat professions."
"The Portal Pad at Midnight will be done in a couple days, after that I plan on having a Mage Tower constructed there as well, it should unlock basic Mage trainers there after that," Jacob responded.
"That is one of the complaints we do have, lack of a Warlock or Necromancer trainers. Neither has been found here." Yilme said.
"I will talk to Cathrine to see of the Hollowed Tombs will be willing to send a Necromancer trainer. As far as a Warlock Trainer...I will ask the councilors to see if there is one here hidden away somewhere." Jacob responded. "Anything else?" His friends shook their head no before leaving the room.
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Jacob looked down on the city, except for the occasional patrol it was dead with most people in their homes for the night. "What are you thinking about Jacob?" Cathrine quietly asked as she stood beside him.
"The Priestess Traya, couldn't do anything for the Queen and I am worried about what that means for me and the city. We have no idea who is behind the poisoning and no real reason why just theories that we cannot prove. Also, think about what this place would have looked like at the height of the Vampire's power when it was on the surface and we could see stars." Jacob said, "It would have been beautiful."
"Yes it would and it will be again. I am sure you will get them back to the surface someday, it won't be easy but it can be done." Cathrine responded while hugging him. "Now as far as a Necromancer training, I will forward the request to my father and advise them on what has happened here. The Council of Nine will ultimately decide on if they will send a Necromancer trainer will be sent or not."
"Thank you luv, it would really help us and make some of my guildmates happy," Jacob said hugging her back.
"So, heir to the Throne of Night?" Cathrine asked causing Jacob to wince.
"Yeah, it was part of the oath I took when we got married, I knew it was something more based on peoples reactions, but not this," Jacob responded while pulling his wife closer. "Time for bed love, I am sure tomorrow will bring even more amusement my way." Jacob smacked her ass causing her to giggle as she dragged him toward the bed. June was already asleep in the bed and Cathrine smiled mischievously at Jacob before discarding her robe and crawling over to the sleeping woman.