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Blood and Honor
Chapter 86- Laying to Rest

Chapter 86- Laying to Rest

Tomb of Eternal Night

Palace of Night-Master Suite

Jacob slowly woke, Eiloma lay next to him still in a deep sleep. Accessing his internal clock, he had another hour before he needed to get up and going. The cremation of Talia would happen this morning, then lunch with the nobility. Tonight he had to go to Darguun Hold, Sosa and her clan expected him to be there for dinner before the wedding ceremony tomorrow. Jacob smiled as he cupped Eiloma face and kissed the beautiful Vampire and slipped out of the bed.

Jacob quickly gathered his gear before silently heading out, Jacob had two goals for the day before he had to attend Talia's cremation. One he wanted to look into the Royal Vault and then go spend some time sparring with Captain Shadowstrider. As he made his way down to the Royal Vault, he thought of what had happened yesterday. Opening the Lolth's cave had only netted reputation bonuses that might pay off in the long run. The dungeon had been an Undead dungeon, the loot hadn't been anything special and had been donated to the growing Guild Vault.

As he made his way into the depths of the palace, two squads guarded the entrance that led to the various Vaults buried beneath the Palace of Night. Beyond the guard room three Vault doors awaited, Jacob was only interested in the last one. The Guardian Golem inspected Jacob before stepping aside and allowing Jacob access to the door. The Vault door slid aside as Jacob stepped toward the Vault.

Various weapons, armor, jewels, and bars of rare materials were stored throughout the Vault. On the central display were a chest piece, leg armor, boots, and a spiked shield. Looking at the armor and shield, he could see that it was Blood-Steel and old. Jacob smiled as he moved to pick up the armor and shield.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Defender of the Blood (Shield)

Level: Artifact, Scales, LVL I, Set Item (1 of 8)

Properties: Armor Rating +100, Chance to Block is increased by 50%, Increases Block Skill and Dodge by 5

Properties: Increases Constitution by 20 and Strength by 20

Properties: Increase Experience Gained by 10% (Locked until you have 3 Pieces of the Set)

Properties: Ability: Life Absorption (Locked until you have 5 Pieces of the Set)

Properties: Aura of the Blood Lord* (Locked Until Full Set is complete)

Requirements: Full Blood Vampire, LVL 30, Soulbound to Jacob Longstrider

Durability: 1000/1000

Description: It is said that the Blood Lord was the very first Vampire, but no one knows for sure. It is known that he died protecting his family from those that feared Vampires and his story later inspired the creation of the Order of Blood Knights. This armor set was lost during the War of Survival and no one knows where all the pieces are it.

Name: Chest of the Blood Lord

Level: Artifact, Scales, LVL I, Set Item (1 of 8)

Properties: Armor Rating +150, Increase Block Skill and Dodge by 5

Properties: Increase Constitution and Strength by 20

Properties: Increase Experience Gained by 10% (Locked until you have 3 Pieces of the Set)

Properties: Ability: Life Absorption (Locked until you have 5 Pieces of the Set)

Properties: Aura of the Blood Lord* (Locked Until Full Set is complete)

Requirements: Full Blood Vampire, LVL 30, Soulbound to Jacob Longstrider

Durability: 1000/1000

Description: It is said that the Blood Lord was the very first Vampire, but no one knows for sure. It is known that he died protecting his family from those that feared Vampires and his story later inspired the creation of the Order of Blood Knights. This armor set was lost during the War of Survival and no one knows where all the pieces are it.

Name: Leggings of the Blood Lord

Level: Artifact, Scales, LVL I, Set Item (1 of 8)

Properties: Armor Rating +150, Increase Block Skill and Dodge by 5

Properties: Increase Constitution and Strength by 15

Properties: Increase Experience Gained by 10% (Locked until you have 3 Pieces of the Set)

Properties: Ability: Life Absorption (Locked until you have 5 Pieces of the Set)

Properties: Aura of the Blood Lord* (Locked Until Full Set is complete)

Requirements: Full Blood Vampire, LVL 30, Soulbound to Jacob Longstrider

Durability: 1000/1000

Description: It is said that the Blood Lord was the very first Vampire, but no one knows for sure. It is known that he died protecting his family from those that feared Vampires and his story later inspired the creation of the Order of Blood Knights. This armor set was lost during the War of Survival and no one knows where all the pieces are it.

Name: Boots of Blood Lord

Level: Artifact, Scales, LVL I, Set Item (1 of 8)

Properties: Armor Rating +100, Increase Movement Speed by 30%

Properties: Increase Constitution and Strength by 10

Properties: Increase Experience Gained by 10% (Locked until you have 3 Pieces of the Set)

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Properties: Ability: Life Absorption (Locked until you have 5 Pieces of the Set)

Properties: Aura of the Blood Lord* (Locked Until Full Set is complete)

Requirements: Full Blood Vampire, LVL 30, Soulbound to Jacob Longstrider

Durability: 1000/1000

Description: It is said that the Blood Lord was the very first Vampire, but no one knows for sure. It is known that he died protecting his family from those that feared Vampires and his story later inspired the creation of the Order of Blood Knights. This armor set was lost during the War of Survival and no one knows where all the pieces are it.

Jacob whistled as he looked at the ancient armor and another letter that was addressed to Jacob with a leather bound book beneath it. 

Jacob, 

I know you will have many questions, I know you will question who you can trust. Don't. You have built a good House and family. I have managed to assemble only 5 of the pieces of the Blood Lord Armor set. I hope it will assist you in your endeavors. If I survive Talias poisoning, I hope to earn your trust.

As far as the rings and crown, the crown is located in an Ancient Dungeon that was once a stronghold of the Titans. I believe the surface races and Immortals call it Broken Crown Fortress. It is also the last stronghold of the Cult of the True. The rings were entrusted to the Noble Undead and were lost to the Plague Lords during the Civil War the Noble Undead had. From what I have discovered, the rings should still be located at the Plague Lords fallen fortress. Talk to your wife Cathrine about gaining access to the location.

My last gift to you is the partially decoded book you gave me. With it, I am sure your friend Darren will be able to finish decoding the rest of the information within the book. Good luck Jacob.

Ezekial

Quest Updated: Lost Lineage

Description: Over the course of time, the Master of Shadows assembled 5 of the 8 pieces of the Blood Lords Armor set. The last 3 pieces (Rings and Crown) were tracked to Broken Crown Fortress (Crown of Blood) and the former stronghold of the Plague Lords. Ezekial has suggested that you talk to Cathrine about the Plague Lords former stronghold.

Pieces Collected: 5/8

Difficulty: Nightmare

Rewards: 10,000 Experience per piece, Blood Lords Legacy, Unknown

Quest Updated: Hunting the Cult (Stage 2)

Description: The Master of Shadows, Ezekial, has partially decoded the codex you acquired. He has hinted that Darren should be able to finish decoding the book based on the work he already completed.

Rewards: Unknown

Jacob immediately put the armor, letter, and book into his inventory before moving further into the Vault. He activated one of the hidden cubbies and pulled Grimoire of the Abyss from his inventory and placed it within the small shelf before sealing it. As he left the Vault, he gave orders to both the Golem and Guards that only he could enter the Royal Vault and kill anyone else that tried to enter.

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The Dark-Light that was usually prevalent throughout the Tomb of Eternal Night was muted, everyone who watched the procession held a candle. It was a symbol of remembrance of her service to the people she had led for the last 2000 years.

Acolytes from the House of Remembrance were doing something to Talia body, some energy was leaving her body and swarming toward the 12 crystals they held as they walked toward the Palace of Night where her corpse would be burned. Her ashes would be placed in the Royal Crypt below the palace.

Following behind the former Queen, Jacob his advisory council, then about 30 other Vampires that represented the Nobility of the city. They would stand in vigil until the ashes were gathered then placed in the crypt.

30 minutes later, Jacob watched as half a dozen Mages used magic to collect Talia's ashes into a gilded urn. Jacob watched as a pair of the Heart Guard, led by Captain Shadowstrider and followed by Jacob and his council. 20 minutes later Jacob followed the Heart Guard into the crypt, it was buried even deeper than the Vaults. It contained the remains of 8 of House Lightsbane that had died since the cities founding. Alexi Sunstreaker was the only missing occupant, Jacob hoped to someday place his remains here with his daughter.

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Jacob entered the room, the 6 Heart Guards that were stationed around the room saluted fists to chests. The rooms two occupants, former Captain Isiah Timmilian and the Master of Shadows Ezekial. They were the last two members that had been poisoned by Talia and both were still fighting the poison the Queen had dispersed throughout the palace in a desperate attempt to cleanse the Cult of the True from Jacob new home.

"Any changes to report Snaggletooth?" Jacob asked the Orc.

"They are both still in a coma and I have no idea if either will ever wake up."  The Orc responded his nearby shadow always nearby with her collar on her.

Jacob nodded before turning to the Succubus, "How are you doing?"

"Better, I assist Snaggletooth and watch over these two when you are gone with him," Shyera responded causing Jacob to nod in her direction.

"I will be taking him with me for a couple days. Gentlemen, if the former Captain wakes he goes straight to a holding cell. The Master of Shadows will be held here if he wakes, is that understood?" The Heart Guards all acknowledged his command as he left. Time to gather his party and head to Darguun Hold.

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