Underdark- Unending Abyss Region
Outpost for Eternal Night

I studied the other figures across the table as they argued back and forth about different tactics and strategies before I went back to studying the map June and Chalxae had drawn. It had been two days since we had returned with all the information about the fortress House Dhalmass was building. Yep, the Drow were ambitious, they had not built a small outpost but were constructing a fortress close by.

However we were lucky, it was far from complete. Only the bare essentials had been constructed, so we had the advantage for the moment. The outer wall was only about two-thirds complete, a large ziggurat loomed over the fortress and was largely completed, several longhouses, and slave pens were also present, but that was all. No barracks, no farms, nothing to serve a population long-term, and they were depending on the Undead to keep any invaders at bay. 

It was a foolish and arrogant viewpoint, but that described most Drow Houses to a 't'. I looked at Braxus and waved the Kobold over, "How big can your Elementals get, the ones your Geomancers can call up?" I asked the Kobold.

He cocked his head and thought, "Anywhere between six to eight feet tall, it depends on the summoner. Why?" the Kobold responded.

I ignored the question for now, "They are immune to Plague based damage and are highly resistant to piercing and slashing damage, correct?" I asked the Kobold as an idea rolled around in my head as I continued to study the map. At the Kobolds affirmation, I pulled Drex over as well, "If the Kobolds can get your people to the breach in the wall, can they hold it long enough for the forces from Eternal Night to destroy the Undead?" I asked the Orc.

The Berserker studied me before giving me a short nod as the others quieted down. "Yes, we can hold the breach if we can get there. From the scouting reports, House Dhalmass only has two hundred fighters there, between Drow and combat slaves. Most of those living there are workers to help build the fortress, not defend it." the Orc replied and I nodded so I started explaining my idea. 

"Ok, the Geomancers of the Earth-Cracker Tribe will provide a way forward, they use their Earth Elementals to punch a hole through the Undead," I told them as I pointed to the map. "The forces from the Blood-Fang and Earth-Cracker Tribe will follow the Elementals to the fortress and hold the breach," I explained the others frowned.

I held up my hands, "I know, you will be worried they will get overwhelmed from both sides, right?" I asked them and they all nodded. "The Undead will be too busy with us. Using the field Ballista, we will draw the aggro of all the Undead. The Undead will swarm our way, and the Guards from Eternal Night will create a shield wall in front of the field Ballista. We grind them down and destroy them. Once the Undead is committed, the field ballista will switch their fire to the wall and make sure no archer or magical support get up there to ruin our day." I told them. 

The Duergar captain, that headed the city guards studied the map and plan, "Then we commit the troops in an all-out attack on the fortress once the Undead are destroyed, risky but if it works we can overwhelm them without having to dislodge them from their fortifications it will cost fewer lives in the long-run." Oren commented before looking to the others who after a few moments nodded in agreement. "What is your Warlord Ability at?" Oren asked and I frowned, confused. 

"I have no idea what you are talking about," I told the Duergar honestly and he studied me before chuckling and placing his hand on my head.

"My bloodlust and the spirit of war calls to you, by my rank and right I awaken what is hidden within." Oren absently stated and I felt something within me change.

"I accept the charge and will command those willing and lead them to victory," I replied and shook off whatever had happened as a notification popped up. 

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Ability Unlocked: Warlord
Ability Level: 1
Ability Type: Passive
Description: Warbands can be a powerful tool if properly used. With the Warlord Ability, you can form a Warband, utilize the Warlord Perk Tree, and harness the War Spirit to boost your troops' armor and damage. No matter what you want or do, war will eventually come to your doorstep, it is best to be prepared.
Requires: Minimum of 6 others.
Damage: N/A
Passive Effect 1: Title and Rank 'Decurion' Unlocked at current Warlord Level.
Passive Effect 2: Warlord Perk Tree, Battle Points, and War Feats (Group and Individual) are Unlocked.
Passive Effect 3: War Spirit is now Unlocked and boosts the Damage and Armor of all current Warband members. Damage and Armor Bonuses = Current War Spirit X 0.01.
Passive Effect 4: Can command (2) War Party Leaders at current Warlord Level.
Effect 5: Can create a Warband with a Minimum of 6 people and a maximum of (10) at your current Warlord Level.
Restriction: Warlord and its effects only apply when a Warband is formed.
AoE: 20 Yards
Range: Self
Duration: Until Cancelled or all Warband members are killed.
Cast Time: Instant
Cost: N/A
Cooldown: 24 Hours from Warbands creation

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Holy fuck nuggets, that could give people an advantage in any big battles, but I had never seen nor heard of the Ability. At least not with the smaller Clans, I had no doubt the larger Clans utilized the Ability to its fullest. "I will assign a squad to assist you since you are only a Decurion at this point, my lord. Now, where are you going to be in all of this?" Oren pointedly asked me and I chuckled. 

"The Drow have an artifact, it has to be taken out of play or the Undead will keep rising." I looked at the other leaders. "No, we are not capturing it, I plan on destroying it if possible," I told them and they nodded acceptance. Something that could awaken large numbers of Undead was not something anyone should have control of. 

I looked over to see June near the door waving at me, I nodded and after a few more words to the others followed her out of the door. "I am surprised you are back, I thought you all would still be busy in the city," I commented and the Dark Ranger shrugged her shoulders. 

"We finished our preparations and are ready for the assault. What of our allies, are we finally going to push foreword or are they just going to continue to talk and argue?" the Drow asked and I chuckled.

"I gave them the broad plan, they will hammer out the details and hopefully we will get on the road soon," I told her as I studied her armor and bow more closely. She had a new bow, boots, and pants from what I could tell. "I assume more than you bought new gear?" I asked her and she smiled and gestured for my waiting Thralls. 

I studied them more closely one at a time and nodded before sighing in relief. I had given Drax a hundred gold, most of what I had with me, but it was enough to ensure all of them had at least gotten two or three new items. With us facing new enemies and stronger foes, I needed to invest in their equipment as much as my own. "I assumed you invested the money in equipment that will last more than one battle?" I asked Drax who nodded, the Orc sported a new set of robes, shoulderguards, and boots from what I could tell. 

"Yes my lord, everyone received three pieces of equipment, we also purchased a supply of potions for the battle, but your funds have been depleted however," Drax replied and I shrugged. 

"What matters is that you all have better gear and our chances at both victory and survival are increased. Funds can be replenished, lives cannot." I told him and he nodded. Plus the fact I had over a thousand gold out there, stored in the bank or hidden in various places helped me a lot to assuage my worries. "Now I am hungry and ready for some breakfast, it's going to be a long day. So if any of you have any final preparations to see to, I would urge you to do it soon." I advised them before walking towards the barracks that sat opposite of us. 

Thinking of preparations, while I waited in line behind the soldiers to grab food I brought up my Character Sheet. Over the last two days, my party had taken part in the patrols to keep the number of Undead and various dangers of the Underdark in check for the armies march in the fortress. Our actions had earned me another level so it was time to distribute my Attribute Points as I had planned. Ten points went into Vitality and my last five went into my Spirit Attribute and I reviewed my current information one more time.

While a pure warrior tank would have more health and a mage could deal more damage at my level, however, I could survive and deal out damage. The bonuses from my equipment were starting to stack up not to mention the few scaling items were continuing to grow as I did. I dismissed the information and accepted my plate of food with thanks to the cook before moving over to the tables.

While the soldiers had been initially wary of an Elder within their ranks, the last two days had allayed their fears somewhat and they had grown to accept me. Considering some of them could be dead fairly soon, I thought the least I could do was get to know them. So I sat and talked and got to know the soldiers that would soon be fighting and dying for our little corner of Ithia and prayed to whoever or whatever was listening that we were doing the right thing.