Underdark-Unending Abyss Region

Empire of Night, Tomb of Eternal Night

Middle City

Jacob hammered the mold lightly to get the red hot nails out, half a unit of Iron could make 20 nails or 10 screws. With all the construction ongoing in and out of the city, making these items was just as needed as making armor and swords. So far he had made 10 batches of each and gained 5 points into smithing. "Everything alright lad?" Glagor asked from the nearby doorway.

Jacob looked at the Dwarf, "Yes everything is fine. Did you know that we had a Storage Yard full of nails and screws, but with all the construction going on here and outside the Tomb, it is more than half-way empty. No Smith wants to create more unless they have too, so I am going to spend my first-hour creating simple things that a whole lot of people use that take for granted. What can I help you with?"

"This first two batches of Golems are ready and have been dispatched to the Fortresses of Midnight and New Dawn. The next batch will be ready in two weeks time after that, I assume you wish to equip the outer forts with these before stationing any in population centers?" Glagor asked. Jacob could feel the Dwarf studying him.

"Correct and once all the forts have a batch of Mechanized Golems, then we will move onto the City of Gahlin, Middlebrough, and Aramore. I know Aramore is a low priority right now, but I am making long term investments into that place. After those places, we deploy a group here and then we stockpile Mechanized Golems." Jacob replied as he continued to work.

Jacob was not thinking about the disgust he felt for killing someone for hitting on his wife. He was not disgusted with his actions even though it was accepted with both Orc and Vampire societies...Jacob dismissed his thoughts and waited for Glagor to continue but the Dwarf stayed quiet as Jacob continued his mundane work. "Glagor if you have nothing else, I have work to do and I do not need someone looking over my shoulder. I have enough of that from my guards." Jacob stated as he pointed to the squad of Heart Guards lounging or working nearby. The Dwarf nodded and bowed before leaving.

Jacob dismissed the Dwarf and his concerns he had other things to worry about and plans in motion that could not be halted just because he was second-guessing himself. He dismissed his thoughts for another time as he prepared another batch of screws.

Surface- Arathia Basin Region

Middlebrough- Turned Pear

"So, what are we going to do? Are we going with Plan A or are we falling back to Plan B?" Jacob asked Darren as he sipped his beer and ate a steak.

"Actually it would be plan A, B, or C. We intercepted the cousin while he was in route. Gave them both the same offer and both are willing to accept your conditions, so you have to choose. As much experience Plan C would give everyone I would rather go with Plan A or B.' Darren replied. 'You should be aware of the fact, the cousin does not want it. He was a prisoner actually when we intercepted the caravan. No casualties on either side though."

Jacob considered the new information, "We go with Plan A, it still might turn into Plan C if he fucks us over though. He understands the consequences if he does though, correct?' Jacob asked the Rogue who nodded, 'Good, I would hate to do it but it's not like they don't deserve some form of punishment for the complacency in all of this."

"The portal anchors are already set, we just got to pull the trigger on the plan," Darren stated as he stood and left the bar. Jacob finished eating and headed out leaving a Silver piece on the table as he left.

Underdark-Unending Abyss Region

Tomb of Eternal Night

Palace of Night- Barracks

Jacob ducked James swing and shoulder checked the older Vampire and sent him stumbling into a third guard and it bought Jacob just enough time to set himself as Thorgron nearly bull-rushed him. The Duergar was wielding a pair of blades and it made Jacob wish he had taken a practice shield as well as the sword when he entered the ring but it was too late now. So Jacob quickly backpedaled and hoped to keep up with Thorgrons assault long enough to go on the offensive.

Suddenly Jacobs back hit the edge of the ring stopping him cold, Thorgron smirked as one blade arced for his neck while another one slashed for his stomach. Jacob did not yelp as he threw himself into a forward roll under both attacks and proceeded to do a classic leg sweep of the larger warrior. Before Jacob could finish him off the James and his friend were on him. Each one lightning quick as well as strong, as Jacob was forced once again on the defensive.

Suddenly his inbox pinged as he got a message alert distracting him long enough for James blade to slam into his face sending him into the dirt. The next thing Jacob knew was Snaggletooth was leaning over him applying healing magic as Jacob tried to focus.

Alert...

De-Buff Concussed: Disoriented and Confused (Duration 5 Minutes)

De-Buff Fractured Jaw: Any spells or abilities that require talking are disabled (Duration 30 Minutes)

De-Buff Cracked Skull: Health and Stamina Regeneration Decreased by 75%, Accuracy decreased by 50% (Duration 1 Hour)

Alert...

Suddenly a minor healing Tonic was poured into Jacob's mouth as the Shaman continued to channel healing magic into Jacob. The Tonic would assist in healing his bones, but the majority of the damage would be taken care of by the Shaman. "I am sorry Jacob!!' were the first words from James' mouth as soon as Jacob was coherent enough. 'I saw you almost block my strike so I didn't pull it and you suddenly stopped moving. What happened?"

Jacob rolled his neck, "Got a message, yes I did silence the alert but certain people have to be able to contact me 24/7, so it superseded the block I had put up.' Jacob replied as he pulled his inbox up. He had two new pieces of mail, one was from Jax from the Myrmidons while the other was from Governor Do'und. The Governor was the one that bypassed his block since he was a governor. 'It is not your fault my friend, I should have called a halt as soon as I was distracted. I think we are done for the day though." Jacob stated as he stood. Sosa was off to the side fidgeting, Jacob made a waiting motion to her and she nodded as Jacob made his way over to the racks where all the practice weapons were kept.

Jacob pulled a shirt, cup, and jug of blood from his inventory. After downing three cups quickly he hopped the fence and joined her. Jacob gestured her to lead the way as he fell in step with her. Jacob could tell she was nervous without even thinking about the Bond they shared, Jacob grabbed her hand and rubbed her knuckles with his thumb trying to calm the woman. "Look, I know I went to the extream by killing that guy, even if it was acceptable by both of our peoples. The way he was acting just...it got to me real quick. I had some bad experiences with women, I know you love me and I have complete faith in you." Jacob told her.

Sosa's eyes filled with tears and she threw her arms around him and started babbling incoherently. Jacob just held her until she calmed down, "I am sorry. I had no interest in him, he was a complete pig and I didn't want to cause any problems between his clan and my own. Also, a part of me did like it but I am 100% yours, I would never except anything from another." Sosa finally got out as she looked up at Jacob.

"I know you love me just as I love you. You belong to me just as much as I belong to you and no one can come between that ever. I do have a request, next time this happens, be firm. If it continues, break a finger, then an arm, if the guy continues to be an idiot, kill him or I will." Jacob told her as he kissed her forehead, nose, and then softly on the mouth.

Sosa smiled before hugging Jacob hard, "Thank you, I won't ever forget this. Now, what do you have planned for the rest of the day?"

"Besides spending time with you? Got two messages to read then dinner with you. After that..." Jacob smiled then kissed her softly before pulling away. Jacob watched as she blushed and smiled before she threw her arms around him and kissed him deeply before standing and pulling him to his feet.

"Let's go eat, you will need your strength," Sosa said as she led him toward the palace. Jacob chuckled and pulled up the messages. Spoiler: Spoiler Jacob Longstrider

Seekers of the Dawn

Well, the raid we went on grabbed a LOT of attention for the Myrmidons. Good and bad, so thank you for boosting my career and our coffers. Leadership from my guild gave explicit instructions if you ever need a mercenary band again, come back to us at a 25% discount but any crazy idea like last time has to be run by the senior leadership here. We can never do another job in Anchorhead though, our guild is blacklisted by the government there. Yes, I got a promotion out of it and a nice bonus!!! If I ever get out of the Merc business, I hope you don't mind but I will come and apply to your guild.

V/R

Jax

Myrmidons

Jacob smiled as he read the mail and made a mental note before forwarding the message to all the officers including a request to look into his background, maybe they could steal him from the Mercenary guild before he was ready to leave. Derren immediately responded that he would get his people looking into it. Jacob then pulled up the Governor's report on the new City of Gahlin.

Spoiler: Spoiler Jacob Longstrider

Leader of House Lightsbane

King of the Empire of Night

My King, I am happy to report a wave of settlers arrived safely. 5,000 Drow, Orc, Duergar, and Goblins now inhabit this growing city. Converting this Stronghold into a City was the wise thing to do in the long run. It will provide a place to recruit and expand the Empires growing military power while providing money to assist in the expansion of the growing Empire. I thank you for also leaving a strong garrison, although the General can be stubborn, he is willing to listen. I believe we can work together. If you need to send some of the former slaves here to relieve your beleaguered resources, please do we have more then enough room here in the City of Gahlin.

With all respect,

Lord Ranyln Do'und

Regent of Gahlin

Governor of the Black Basalt Region

Name: City of Gahlin

Level: 5 (Fortified Small City and Keep)

Owner: Regent Lord Ranyln Do'und

Kingdom: Empire of Night

Experience: 0/500,000

Population: 5,000/15,000

Morale: Good

Health: Good

Defenses: Fortified Curtain Wall, Mage Shields

Resources: Iron, Silver, Stone, Mushroom Farms

6X Basic Workshop LVL 1

6X Basic Smithy LVL 1

6X Alchemist Hut LVL 1

4X Mushroom Farm MAX LVL

2X Iron Mine MAX LVL

2X Silver Mine MAX LVL

3X Quarry MAX LVL

Military Garrison...

Fourth Legion...

3,225 (Infantry, Crossbowmen, Mages)

Dead Legion...

2,005 Jacob whistled as he read the new Governors report, the Council of Damnation was going to be pissed and if the brokered a peace treaty with the Duergar they would definitely try to retake Gahlin. Good thing he had beefed up the garrison Jacob thought as he dismissed the message. Jacob then pulled up the Military tab to see how many people were going to join the Legion and whistled at the number. Sosa looked back at him and Jacob smiled and squeezed her hand reassuringly. With those that were in training were done, Jacob could finally bring the First, Second, and Fourth Legions up to full strength. Each fielding 6,000 soldiers, oh times were changing and the Empire was growing Jacob thought as the city once again shook from a minor earthquake.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day, but tonight he had patched things up with Sosa, that is what mattered!!!