Year 33

You've had to deal with many struggles during your life and not all of them of the mundane criminal variety. If that were the case, your life would have probably been a lot simpler.

The worst you believe was whenever you had to deal with magic shit. Specifically that time when you had to deal with the Neroth cultists. You really thought you were dead that night. If it hadn't been for Tanya, you would have.

Hell, you would have been dead without her when you dealt with that bushwacking shadow magic using asshole Bolt as well.

Then there was the time you had to deal with the Joachimites and while Tanya wasn't there for that, you still had some magical assistance of your own to take out Yinin.

The point is, you always at least had a way to deal with magical threats.

This however you have no idea…

"Are you absolutely sure?" you ask.
"Yes. I was sitting there watching Kol playing on the floor with some blocks and stacking them. Then I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me because it looked like he was interacting with the shadows cast by the blocks due to the candle light. Then I realized that's exactly what he was doing." Vera remarks and she holds on to Kol who looks fairly unfazed by any of what you're discussing. He just smiles at you.

You rub your hands on your head.

"I told you making our home in a fucking Fel temple wasn't going to be a good idea." Vera remarks.
"Duly noted, but that's not really helpful right now. What we need to do is go find someone with more magical knowledge than you or I to look at Kol."
"Well who might that be? This island doesn't exactly have a lot of priests or wizard types."
"There's that witch that runs that shop in Jicol."
"Didn't her place get destroyed during the flood? Even if it didn't I'm not sure what some witch could do if Fel cursed our son."

Suddenly a voice speaks causing you both to look toward the entryway of the room.

"Your son hasn't been cursed by Fel, quite the opposite in fact. Your son has actually been blessed by him and he's now displaying the affects." Gertrude says.

If you didn't like Gertrude acting as a "babysitter" on occasion before, the way she's speaking doesn't make you like her any better. You immediately start to move towards her. Meanwhile Gertrude immediately puts her hands up and backs away.

"Boss! I'm not the enemy! Honest!" she quickly says as Vera grabs your shoulder to stop you.
"Very well Gert, but you need to speak quickly NOW." Vera says.

Gertrude breathes a sigh of relief and starts talking.

"Okay, don't get mad, but I thought I saw the signs that your son had the shadow gift a few times before." Gertrude says.
"Wait, you KNEW and didn't fucking tell us?!" you exclaim.
"I wasn't sure! Like your wife, I thought maybe it was just my eyes playing tricks on me or I was overly tired. However a couple days ago something happened that couldn't possibly be the case. I saw Kol making shadows on the wall with his hands. At first it just seemed to be him trying to figure out what was going on and not realizing it was the candlelight causing it, but then the shadows began acting independent of what his hands were doing. Soon they became little figures which he watched and was amused by, and then they disappeared altogether. I would have told you sooner, but…I dunno I was sort of shook up myself about it and I couldn't figure out how to approach it and I kept going over…"
"Alright, alright, fine, Gert. Does anyone else know?" Vera says.
"Not to my knowledge. But again, this isn't a bad thing! This is a good thing! Your son obviously has natural shadow magic ability."
"You seem to know a lot of about this, why is that exactly?" you say once again moving towards Gertrude.
"Well, as I told your wife before, I came from a large family and my one of my younger brothers became a Felian priest. Oscar displayed similar signs of having shadow magic abilities, as he grew older. Bit more of a late bloomer than your son though, but they were still present. He of course went to the temple in Holgard, where they started training him immediately, but I guess he was really showing some talent because he ended up getting transferred to the main temple in the Delantium Kingdom. Haven't really spoken to him since, but I always figured that didn't hurt my own standing in the ECS at the time seeing as the two organizations were allies."
"Okay, that explains a few things, but do you know how this happened exactly? I mean is it just because we're inhabiting a Fel Temple?"
"I don't know. I mean I'm not an expert on the whole will of the gods thing. I imagine it probably is playing a part. When Oscar was born my mom went into labor right in front of the Fel Temple in Holgard, so I assume maybe something similar is going on here. Maybe infants just catch Fel's attention, but as I said, I'm no expert. We'd need to contact a priest of Fel to gain further information on all this stuff. In fact, you're probably going to want to do that anyway since his abilities are probably going to get stronger and he'll need the guidance. Don't really know any Fel priests on this island though." Gertrude says.

You start shaking your head.

"No, I'm not having my son joining a bunch of fanatics." You say.
"Okay, but his powers might become uncontrollable without proper guidance and I think you both know just how dangerous shadow magic can be. He's obviously been chosen by Fel, so I don't think you have choice." Gertrude remarks.
"That's bullshit, there's always a choice."
"Gert, can you excuse us for a moment?" Vera asks.
"Oh. Yeah sure."

Gertrude leaves while Vera goes to put Kol (Who has fallen asleep during all this) in his basket.

"Look Vera, I know you're close with Gertrude and she's been helpful, but I'm NOT inviting religious fanatics here, let alone having my son join them." You say.
"Not sure why you're yelling, considering I agree, but I'm still leery about seeing some witch. I almost feel like we should just try to handle this ourselves." Vera remarks.
"Well, it doesn't hurt to have a non-aligned magic user give their opinion, but if I feel like things are shady there, like her demanding his blood or something, then I'll be walking out of there as well."
"Okay, but I'm still concerned about this."

The next day, you gather up Kol and prepare to head to Jicol. You ask if Vera wants to come, but she says she has a bunch of slaves she needs to sell and besides all that she says if something goes wrong and you are both killed, she'll still be around to take revenge.

Walking through the jungle nowadays is a lot safer nowadays, though that probably can't be said for Jicol. Ever since the city got half flooded, it's been having criminal activity problems, though not really coming from your end of things, since you've practically got your own small town now (Still trying to think of an official name for it).

It's more along the lines of people who lost everything in the disaster are preying upon each other and other citizens in general. Between trying to still keep a strong naval force to ward off pirates and cleaning up after the disaster, Jicol's order attempts have been lack luster. So much for their plans of having a "clean city."

You're not really concerned though since you're still capable of taking care of yourself and three of your people have offered to come with you, which seems wise just in case the desperate think about messing with you. Even the Jicol Watch isn't going to hassle you when they got people killing each other over qweepa meat.

When you get to Jicol, it's looking about as well as it did the last time you bothered to come here. It's a bit of a chore to get to your destination since it's right around where most of the flooding occurred so you have to take a small boat to the area.

One thing that's on the strange side is probably Kol. You were sort of expecting him to make a lot of noise or otherwise be lively during this whole thing, especially since this is his first real trip outside the temple, but he's been fairly quiet. Then again he's thankfully never been a loud child.

Makes you wonder if his quietness also has something to do with Fel. You still haven't seen any of the evidence of shadow magic like your wife or Gertrude have though.

You eventually find the shop you're looking for "Elegant Elixirs." You tell your people to wait outside and you open the door and you're immediately assaulted by the strong smell of herbs and who knows what else. It actually causes you to cough a bit.

"Hm? Who is that? Better not be you Timothy, I told you I wouldn't have that endurance potion ready until tomorrow. The whores will just have to wait…" an old lady says as she comes out from another room.

She sees you and she looks a bit surprised, but not overly so.

"Oh. Well haven't seen you in here before. What brings the head of the Nocturnal League to my humble shop?"
"You know who I am?"
"Doesn't everyone? You're arguably better known than the Mayor of Jicol, ol' whatshisname. Probably more popular at this point too. Surprised you haven't just taken this city over, or what's left of it anyway."
"Eh, I'm good with what I got right now. Anyway, I'm here to see you since you're the closest person I know to a wizard on this island."
"Am I now? Funny, I usually get called a hedge witch at best and a charlatan that sells distilled goblin dung at worst…well I suppose that last bit is true, but I save that for the asshole customers."
"Well as I said, I'm not here for potions, I'm here to see if you can assist me with my son's condition which I doubt if any potion is going to cure and a doctor isn't going to be able to help either."
"Hm, I did notice you carrying a little one on you back. Son huh? Well sit him on the table over there and tell me what's going on then."

You sit Kol on the table and being your tale, while the old witch begins studying him. As you're telling your tale, the witch does some sort of motion with her hands which briefly causes her to turn invisible. She then smiles and tells Kol to make the same hand gesture.

"What are you doing?" You ask.
"Shh, quiet." The witch says.

Kol smiles back and he seems to understand what the witch wants him to do. After a couple of fumbled tries, he repeats the same thing the witch did and sure enough he too very briefly blinks out of existence. Then he laughs about it.

"Well that checks out."
"Shit. That's the first time I've actually seen Kol do any shadow magic stuff. So should I be concerned?"
"About what exactly? Your son just happens to be the lucky few, that has natural magical talent. Just happens to be shadow oriented, though with a little training, he could probably become skilled in other types as well. I imagine some place like the magic university in Delantium would be a good place to send him if he really wants to take advantage of his abilities. Though I suppose the one in Klyton is okay if you want to save money."
"But what about Fel?"
"What about him? Oh you worried that your son is some chosen one or something? Let me tell you about Fel, he's like all the rest of the gods, doesn't really give a shit about any of us except as a source of amusement. You worship him or something?"
"Not really, just wondered if we pissed him off by using his temple for something other than worship."
"Unless you're openly cursing Fel name, I doubt if he's concerned. You would have certainly known by now. I mean I do agree that you probably caught his attention in some manner since your son is definitely skilled. Was he conceived in that temple by any chance?"
"Uh, yeah. The timing is about right. It was odd too since my wife didn't think she was fertile."
"She might not have been, Fel might have seen fit to give her a little help, hence why the boy has powers."

You suddenly get a horrible thought.

"Wait…you saying Fel fucked my wife and this is actually his son?" you ask.
"No! Sheesh, you can't tell that the kid looks like you? My eyesight is shit and even I see the resemblance. I'm saying Fel just provided a little magical or in this case divine assistance as far as the baby process is concerned. Your intimacy caught Fel's attention since it probably was the first time in decades anything like that went on in the place. Why you might ask? Well because it's a little known fact that Fel gets bored very easily and he probably did it just to amuse himself. Seriously, if most of the Felians knew what Fel was REALLY like, that would change the whole damn religion forever. Or maybe some of them do, but don't care since it's convenient to keep the hierarchy structure in place."
"You seem to know a lot about the Felians."
"That's because I used to be one. In fact I was a member of that very temple you're currently using when I was young and foolish. Even had one of those silly names they all like using. Grayhaze. I suppose it was better than my original name at least. Don't ask."
"Wait, before we moved in, hasn't that temple been abandoned for at least over a couple hundred years?"
"Yeah?" Grayhaze says as if you're going to ask her age next.
"Um, never mind. So you're saying Fel isn't going to bother us at all?"

Grayhaze exhales a bit, scratches her brow before answering.

"Well…I wouldn't necessarily say that. However, it's not going to be in the form of shadow demons or anything like that. That's actually not how he works despite what the reputation might be. Now once again, do you two worship Fel or acknowledge him in small some way?"
"As I said, no. My wife didn't even like the idea of making the temple a headquarters."
"Okay, good, then he's not going to fuck with either of you directly through your dreams. Though honestly Fel is more of a voyeur most of the time anyway. It's his minions that do all the heavy lifting so you'll want to avoid them. In fact, I'd say you shouldn't involve ANY Fel worshippers at all in this shit. They'd probably try to take your son away or something. Speaking of your son, now Fel MIGHT take more of a direct interest in him since he is linked to shadow magic, but again it's mostly going be in the form of petty mind games of manipulation. Still, that might be concerning since he's an impressionable child and all."
"Great."
"Could be worse. I mean Fel's an asshole, but at least it's not Neroth right? However, I think I can help you. It's going to cost you though."
"Money's no object."
"Oh well money's certainly nice, but I don't really need any. I do however need ingredients for my potions. Lots of useful stuff out in the jungle, but I don't get out much anymore, especially with this place being half submerged nowadays. I got a garden, but just can't grow certain things in these conditions you know?"
"So you want me to gather plants for you?"
"Well you can send your underlings to do it for all I care, but what I want is a free lifetime supply of alchemy supplies and the like. I know you're a man of means so should be pretty easy for you. Again, I don't care where you get them from, but I'm going to make a list and that's what I want. And when I run out or need something else, I'm going to want you to provide it for free."
"This better be some really good help if you're making all these demands."
"Oh it is, I assure you. I don't get much call for enchantments, probably because nobody bothers to ask, but I got a medallion lying around that I can enchant for your son to wear so when he goes to sleep it should block out any potential mental meddling."

You look at Kol and you look at Grayhaze and you can't help but have more questions.

"What about his magical powers?"
"What about them? I mean he'll continue to have those. That's a separate issue."
"Should he have training so he doesn't accidently blow something up?"
"Well I hope you aren't asking me to train him, I'm far too old and like my free time too much. Honestly, he's probably not going to display too much power until he's a little older than he is right now. However, I suppose I do have an old magic tome I can sell you. I don't need it anymore and I have a few more, but he should probably start off with something simple when it looks like his abilities are getting a bit out of hand. While you may not be magical yourself, you can still assist him. Don't worry, it's in common so you or your wife can at least read the words in it, assuming you're both literate."
"Yes we can read." You say with annoyance. "I'll take the book too."
"Very good. Okay, so our deal for the medallion and a hundred gold for the book. It'll take me some time to enchant the medallion so come back in an hour unless you want to wait."
"Nah, I'll come back, I have to go get the coin anyway. Come on Kol."

You take Kol and head back outside. You wonder where your people are since they're nowhere to be found. Since you know that they know better than to just fuck off while they're supposed to be helping you, you can only imagine one possibility…

"Don't move."

You turn and see Gertrude standing nearby with the people you came with and all of them are pointing flintlocks at you.

"Knew you were untrustworthy." You say.
"Well a good leader tends to have good instincts. If it's any consolation, I really didn't want it to go down this way and it's nothing personal." Gertrude remarks.
"Nothing personal? Not sure if I believe that given that you're pointing a pistol at me."
"Look, I was part of the Ebony Claw and you know how powerful they are. When they dissolved in Holgard I could hardly believe it. When I learned that you had a hand in that to some degree and you stepped in with building the Nocturnal League, I thought that maybe you were definitely a man worth following. I even thought relocating was a good idea than staying in Holgard."
"Is this the part where you tell me why exactly you decided to be a traitorous piece of shit? Because if it is, then hurry up."

Gertrude laughs.

"Traitor? You're calling ME a traitor? What the fuck did you do? You betrayed not only the Thieves Guild, but the Ebony Claw Syndicate as well! All of which I might add is ALL catching up with you. Your old pal that escaped the Guild purge recently opposed you and now the Syndicate has retaken Holgard. How long is it going to be, before THEY decide they want revenge on you as well? Fuck that, I'm making a deal before they send in the assassin squad and murder us all in that temple." Gertrude says.
"You really think the Syndicate is going to just accept you back into its ranks?" you respond.
"I don't see why not actually. I never actually betrayed them, however, your son is going to be a nice bonus. If I take him to my brother, I'm pretty sure I can get him to pull some strings so I don't just get accepted but also a higher position in the Syndicate as well. So you see, this isn't being a traitor, this is improving my situation in life, that's what you did right?"
"The difference is you're not going to live to see the results because if you think I'm going to just hand my son over, you're fucking delusional."
"You put up a fight and you may not be the only casualty. Hand Kol over and I can assure you that your son will most likely have a better life than he would with you. The priests will probably see him as a chosen of Fel or something. Surely you would rather have your son be in his own position of power some day rather than a dead brat at the bottom of the Jicol bay."

You use Kol as a shield

This is probably the biggest risk that you are EVER going to take, or at least one of the most questionable ones. You can't even believe you're considering it, but given that Gert and the rest have the drop on you, it might be your only chance.

You're going to bet that despite her threat, Gertrude is NOT going to risk shooting your son. Besides wanting him to advance her own status, she probably did develop some form of connection while she was baby-sitting and you're not convinced she's going to be that ruthless anyway.

You hold Kol close who doesn't know quite what's going on and to your surprise…

"Dada!" Kol says.
"Fucking great. Your first words. Look, if we both get out of this alive, never tell your mother about this." You say, and kiss his forehead.

You then crouch down and stretch your arms out to place Kol in front of you and begin moving back and forth in a jerky motion. Gertrude's expression would almost be funny if this wasn't so serious.

"Wha…SERIOUSLY? You are fucked up! NO, DON'T!" Gertrude shouts and prevents one of the other traitors from firing at you, or rather pushes his arm so the shot goes wild.

While they're arguing amongst themselves, this gives you the split second you need to drop Kol (Which since you're crouching, isn't far at all) and pull your own pistol.

"SHIT!" Gertrude shouts and at this point loses all of her confidence and tries to run.
You shoot the two traitors that didn't fire yet and then on the one that did. Then you shoot Gertrude in the back. With all your assailants down, you immediately check on Kol who isn't physically hurt, but is upset by all the loud noise.

"Yeah, I know, the bad people made a lot of loud noise. Shhhh, it's okay. It's over now. Well actually let's make sure."

You pick Kol up in one arm and walk over to the bodies of the traitors who are indeed dead. A little further up though you see Gertrude still moving a little and groaning. You quicken your pace and stop her from trying to get in a shot at you as her last act.

"Shit…fuck…agh…" Gertrude utters as you step on her wrist, take away her weapon and kick her over.
"Good, you're not dead yet. Now, you need to tell me who else was involved in this little scheme or I'm going to pop into that hag's shop and buy something to keep you alive so I can torture the shit out of you until you DO tell me everything." You threaten.
"Please…no…"
"Start talking then bitch."
"But…how do I know you won't believe me and torture me anyway?"
"You don't! But if you don't start talking, I'm going to keep you alive for years to torture on general principle! Each day will be a living hell and you'll be praying to ALL the gods for the merciful release of death!"
"Okay! There's nobody else! I barely even trusted these fuckers enough to follow me with this plan."
"You in contact with the Felians or the ECS?"
"No…I was planning on…agh…doing that when I got to the mainland."
"Anything else?"
"Nothing else, I swear!"
"You know what Gert?"
"…what?"
"I believe you."

Gertrude closes her eyes, and grits her teeth, bracing for her death as you put two in her head.

No sign of the Jicol Watch, in fact no sign of anyone. You use this opportunity to loot the bodies of whatever valuables they might have had on them since you need the coin for the book anyway.

Happily Gertrude seemed to have a nice sized sapphire on her, which should definitely cover the cost in addition to the gold you do have. Since it's one less thing for you to worry about, you figure you'll go in and just wait in Grayhaze's shop for the remainder of your time here.

You head back into Grayhaze's shop as you continue to attempt to calm Kol down. Doesn't take long before she comes out of the back to see what's going on.

"If you expect me to get this enchantment finished in a timely manner, you're going to have to keep the noise down." Grayhaze says.
"Apologies, I've almost got him quiet." You respond.
"I'm not talking about that, I'm talking about whatever it is that happened outside. I might be old, but my hearing isn't. I heard shouting and several gunshots. I'm guessing that you had something to do with that. Hope you didn't leave a mess right outside my door because the Jicol Watch rarely comes out this way to clean up anything."
"Well the bodies aren't exactly outside your front door, more like just near your shop. One of them is just outside the butcher's shop a few doors down though."
"Great, I'll have to remember to go get my meat from elsewhere for the next month, because I know what the cheapskate owner's going to do. Though I suppose things are tough all over…if you could, drag those bodies that ARE outside my shop in here. I'll knock off a few coins for the book."
"Uh, sure I suppose I can do that. I won't overlook a chance to get a discount."
"Glad to hear it. And because I can already see it running through your mind, no I am NOT going to eat the bodies. I'm going to harvest some of the organs for potion ingredients."
"Hey, I don't care what you do with them, though aren't you really just making other people into cannibals if you're using corpse parts to make potions?"
"Eh, by that time, it'll be a diluted mixture filled with so much other stuff that it's not worth even considering. Besides, it's really no worse than what I put into some of my potions. If some of these customers knew what I used in my sexual prowess potions, I guarantee they'd probably rather go lacking in that area."

After a period of dragging bodies, keeping Kol entertained and general waiting around, eventually Grayhaze is finished with her task and comes back with a small black medallion and a small book.

"It's finished. This chain is small enough that it should go around the boy's neck without it falling off in his sleep. However, I'm not a blacksmith so if you're concerned with it breaking, you might want to get a better one made. Obviously the boy is going to grow, so you'll obviously have to get a bigger chain eventually anyway. It's the medallion that's enchanted though, so no need to worry about losing the magic."
"Okay, do I need to bring this in to recharge it at some point?"
"You shouldn't need to. However, I can do this enchantment on any item. So if you brought in a ring, which might be a more secure item for your son to wear in the future, it won't cost anything as long as you stick to the deal. You don't however and you can forget about me doing you any sort of business with you ever again."
"Sounds good to me."
"Good, here's the book, the list of the various ingredients I'll be needing is in it."
"And here's the coin, hope you'll accept a sapphire."
"Yeah that's fine."

After a few more moments of Grayhaze explaining when Kol should probably start actively training from the book and how you can assist in this manner, you take your leave.

It isn't until night that you finally get back to which Vera is relieved to see you both. Kol actually fell asleep on the journey.

"I was about to send some people to Jicol to go after you guys. What's this around Kol's neck?" Vera says as she takes Kol from you.
"Protection, in fact we've a lot to discuss. However, I think things are going to be fine."
"Glad it turned out well then. Tell me all about it. But first, things have been busy here and I think Marco and the rest of his immediate crew wanted to see you tomorrow to ask about building their own ship or something. Says he's got an idea that will make us bunch of coin. Who knows though. I've also got some slavers coming in so I'll be busy as well tomorrow."
"It's fine. I'll take Kol with me."
"You will? Um, okay. Usually you don't."
"It's fine. I probably should spend more time with him anyway."

Vera smiles a bit.

"Well this is a nice side to see of you. Still, you sure? I mean I'm sure Gertrude can look after him if you find that you've got more to do than you planned." Vera says.
"Yeah, I'm sure because I just fired Gertrude." You say.
"Fired? Wait…really?" Vera says suddenly coming to the understanding of your words very quickly.
"Yep, just one of the many changes that were needed for Kol's future well being. That one was probably the most fun though."

You times passes…

Year 34

"I gotta say Marco, I was skeptical when you first brought the idea to me and going by the story you're telling me, I'd say I was completely right. Fortunately for you Yag smiles on fools and it worked out anyway." You remark.
"Yeah…I suppose so." Marco says standing before you looking completely disheveled.
"What I don't understand is why you came so clean with everything. I mean given the haul you brought in, I wasn't even going to bother asking you too many in depth questions."
"Uh, yeah I know, but I was afraid if you thought everything went completely well, you would have sent us out again."
"Hm, I suppose that was a bit of forward thinking on your part then, because you're probably right. Guess this is one of those rare cases where honesty was the best policy after all. Well I guess you and your little friends have finally gotten your pirate dreams out of your heads now."
"Yeah, it sucks. Months out at sea, nothing to do. Rationing food and water. And the worst is getting lost. As I said, it was a good thing that merchant ship came when it did, our boat was starting to sink."
"Certainly an unconventional way of taking over a ship. Signaling for help legitimately, being invited aboard as an act of mercy and then when you were feeling slightly better, you just held them all at gunpoint. Still, not only did you bring back an entire new ship intact, you brought back most of the crew as slaves, as well as all the loot. Not sure what we're going to do with crates of scrolls with Nichan writing all over them, but I'm sure someone is going to have an interest in this stuff. Always a market for something."

Marco just nods silently, he's obviously just glad you aren't punishing him and he's back on dry land. You didn't think much of Marco and his "gang" when you first met them, and to be honest you still don't, but you suppose they've come a long way since those days or at least the ones that have survived have.

"Alright Marco, I guess you and what's left of your group friends can go take some time or whatever for the next couple days. Don't go too far though, never know when some extra bodies might be needed." You say.
"Thanks boss." Marco replies and takes his leave.

With Marco's shit out of the way, you go about inspecting the latest expansions around the temple, which is now starting to resemble a "town hall" since there are separate buildings popping up all around it. These aren't just criminal types either opening up brothels or gambling centers. You've actually got a some ex-Jicol citizens opening up legitimate businesses since Jicol is on the downturn and they've lost their homes and businesses in that city thanks to the flooding disaster that the city STILL hasn't completely recovered from.

Doesn't really hurt to have cooks, blacksmiths and the like around so you've assured that they will not be harassed as long as they pay the usual "protection tax." While it's not exactly a proper town, already people are starting to give it the name of Nightfall. You imagine the name is related to the Nocturnal League's name as well as the deity that the temple was once dedicated to.

Speaking of Fel, you've been checking to make sure Kol hasn't been having any odd dreams or anything. So far so good, and Grayhaze's medallion is obviously working. He still casts his little shadow tricks every now and then, but again nothing major. You figure in another couple years he'll be ready to start learning from Grayhaze's book proper.

As for you, the only concerns you've been having, as of late is the Ebony Claw Syndicate and to a lesser extent, the Jicol government.

The ECS is always a looming threat in the back of your mind. You know there is going to be a reckoning with them soon and it's probably going to initially come in the form of intimidation first.

So far they haven't even contacted you, though you imagine when they do it's probably going to be in the form of several shadow magic trained assassins. If they're feeling benevolent, they'll try to intimidate you first into paying them a cut of your profits and then get rid of you later.

You suppose you could be big enough and out of the way enough that a take over might be considered costly for them and not worth it, but you can't help but believe that they'll try anyway.

Your more immediate concern however is the Mayor of Jicol who has implemented draconian measures in rebuilding Jicol due to the fact that people were starting to leave the city and even coming to Nightfall. He's completely shut the gates to the city and not allowing anyone in or out unless it's by ship and even then it's only legitimate trade as Jicol has now banned all pirates and the like from using their harbor anymore. In fact if they come within a certain range of the city, they'll be fired upon.

This has put a bit of a crimp in your own businesses a bit. Your own "habor" isn't nearly big enough to accommodate all the visitors you might get. You're trying to expand, but there is so much else to do. Not to mention slaver ships and pirates now have to sail all the way around the island to dock at Nightfall so they don't get fired on now. It's a pain in the ass for everyone involved.

Getting Grayhaze's supplies to her is also a concern, you'll need to get those to her somehow and with the city locked down, the only option is to somehow sneak in which means either digging a tunnel and risking another flood, or taking a small boat and trying row around to one of the open areas where the sea and the city have no barrier, but that would be incredibly risky given the heightened security. Using swimmers would probably be less risky, but not much better.

It was suggested a few times in the past that the League should just try to take over Jicol, but honestly it's not like that would have been really feasible or cost effective to even attempt. However, it's starting to look like you might have to do something though.

You envision that it would be possible to have your people sneak in during the night and employ hit and run assassination tactics against the Jicol Watch, and ultimately open the gates to let the rest of your people in.

Still, your numbers still aren't overwhelming enough to make the potential victory to not be costly. This isn't even counting the small fortress that the mayor of Jicol never leaves which again isn't a problem to get into, but who know what the hell is in store for you inside.

Even if you take Jicol, you're still left with its naval forces. Who knows if they'll just surrender or not.

Any plan to attack Jicol is going to come at a cost. Since you aren't sure what to do, you ask the only person you trust about all this.

"I don't know." Vera says.
"Great, I was hoping for some enlightenment on this situation." You remark.
"Well I mean you've explained the pros and cons of everything and I more or less agree with everything, including not being sure of what the best approach is."
"Well in any case, I gotta get the supplies to Grayhaze. Last thing I need is to piss off an old witch on top of everything."
"Sneaking in the city shouldn't be an issue should it?"
"Eh, it's going to be a pain in the ass, but it can be done. It's also possible that this is going to just be temporary and even if it isn't, it probably won't hurt our business too much and we'll survive."
"Yeah, but…wait a minute. What about that merchant ship that Marco just brought in?"
"What about it?"
"Couldn't we use it to get into the Jicol harbor?"
"Maybe once, and then they'd probably execute everyone on board. Our people aren't exactly the most subtle, if you were thinking about having them masquerade as merchants."
"I dunno, Marco managed to do it and he's an idiot."
"Marco and his crew were also genuinely in danger at the time so it was a lot more believable that they needed help."
"Well why don't we do that?"
"Do what?"
"Put the ship in danger?"
"What are you suggesting then?"
"I'm saying we hire some pirates to attack our ship as it approaches Jicol. Naturally the Jicol navy is going to go into action and our ship safely gets in the harbor while they're distracted."
"And then?"
"Well then our people come screaming out of it and start wreaking havoc in the city."
"Hm, certainly a different idea I had about infiltrating the city which involved sending a few to scale the walls or swim around and attack silently over the course of a few days."
"Could work too. I mean if we did attack, we probably should go all the way with it so employing both tactics would be best. Also if we were going this route, with hiring pirates to provide back up, I think I can convince one I know Zamed, to lead."
"Hm. I know who you're talking about. Never trusted him."
"Well he's a pirate, of course he's not trust worthy, but he's had the most experience with doing privateer work for the Delantium Kingdom, so he'd probably be able to organize a small group of ships to harass our enemies effectively. Of course it would be very expensive to secure their reliability."
"I dunno. I mean the plan with the merchant ship sounds okay, but I'm not sure if I want to pay out any more coin for pirate assistance. Also I don't see them lasting too long against the Jicol navy and that seems like a waste."
"Well you wouldn't pay them all of it obviously and you could promise them some of the spoils. Either one of two things is going to happen. Either none of them survive and you won't have to pay them or some of them survive which means they turned out to be a better investment after all and you still probably won't have to pay much since I can't imagine there will be that many survivors."

Well there's a couple ways you could go if you did decide to take over Jicol, though maybe the best solution is to just leave it be.

You attack Jicol with assistance

Vera's right, if you're going to do this, you need to exploit every resource you can.

"Alright, you have any idea if Zamed is coming around anytime soon?" you ask.
"I believe he's probably due in a week or so. He's been getting sort of predictable as of late." Vera says.
"Hate waiting, but fine. I suppose in the meantime I'll start getting shit ready on our side of things, since even if Zamed falls through, we're still doing this. Guess I better inform Marco that his days at sea aren't quite finished yet since he'll be the one to take the merchant ship seeing as he's got the most experience with it and nobody else here is much of a sailor."
"Neither is Marco apparently from what you mentioned on his attempt to be a pirate."
"Hm, I'm confident that he'll have at least enough experience to pull this off, since that's not going to be the hard part anyway, it's getting off the ship and out of the harbor area alive as soon as he enters it."

Later when you inform Marco, (who was just starting to enjoy his time off) he is indeed not happy about hearing what his latest task is going to be, but you don't need him to be happy about it, just compliant. Which of course he is. He does carouse extra harder though for the remainder of the time off you've given him though.

You inform the rest of the League of your plan and assign your most skilled to start finding ways (or making ways) of sneaking into the city now. You tell them not to engage anyone and to keep a low profile while they're scouting the security and such. You then tell them you want a report on everything within the next few days.

Eventually the large dark skinned pirate known as Zamed comes into dock and you have a meeting with him as soon as he gets off the ship. He's a little surprised, but intrigued.

"I have to say, I'm wondering what this is all about, you don't usually speak with me like Vera has in the past. How is she anyway? Last time I saw her she looked pretty fit. Glad to see having a child did not ruin her figure." Zamed says obviously trying to prod you.
"Yep, she is and still as limber too. I'm very lucky man, but enough about her, let's talk about business. Sit." You say not even blinking an eye.

Zamed snorts and sits down and you go into your plan and his place in it. Already he takes umbrage to the fact that you're including him even though he hasn't agreed to anything.

"Wait a second, you're making a lot of assumptions here. I haven't agreed to this little plan of yours and I'm not sure what makes you think that I'm going to." Zamed remarks.
"Because you like coin and you're not adverse to great risk. Why else would you have hired yourself out as a privateer for the Delantium Kingdom and getting in the middle of their war with Nichan? You could have easily made a comfortable living robbing fat merchant ships. Given all that, with my plan you stand to make a lot of coin and for significantly less risk."
"I'm not so sure about that. I wasn't ever directly attacking a single Nichan city or facing the full might of their fleet. I just harassed and plundered their isolated ships, not to mention I planned out ambushes. Attacking Jicol is greater risk and you know it is, otherwise you wouldn't even be asking for help from the likes of me."
"You're right. It IS a risk, but you're not doing this alone. The entire Nocturnal League is going to be assaulting the city at the same time you and whoever of your grog swilling buddies you can muster up for this task. As I said, there will be a sizable amount of coin for all of you in addition to whatever plunder you wish from the town itself…well except Elegant Elixirs."
"Hrm. Why is that shop run by that old hag off limits?"
"I have a deal with her."
"Okay…well not really interested in such things anyway. And while your offer is interesting, I'm still not convinced going up against the Jicol navy is a good use of my time. You still haven't given an amount you intend to pay me and while plunder is nice, Jicol isn't exactly the most booming trading port anymore. They're having their own economy issues and stealing from poor cities that can put up a good fight isn't exactly profitable."
"You're right about Jicol of course, but that's another reason why this isn't going to be as dangerous as you believe. While Jicol certainly has enough ships to still look impressive, I don't think you've been around lately to know what condition their fleet is truly in. They've had to forego their expensive upkeep and in some cases even downsize their crews. Jicol's small flotilla is a hollow version of its former self."
"Is that right? I had heard that rumor a few months ago."
"It's been a fact even before they closed their gates and tightened their security. Last gasp of a frightened government that knows its days are numbered. I mean it hasn't even fought anyone is quite sometime, how ready are they really without ongoing conflict to keep the skills sharp? You and I both know if you want to stay at the top of your field, you have to practice."
"True."
"And if you want to know the exact amount I'm ready to pay you, twenty thousand in gold coin. And that's just for you personally. Every captain you get under your command for this will get ten. However we both know there is going to be casualties, so YOU will get half of any dead captains' share. Now I'm sure you can do the math and realize that will be a shitload of riches correct?"

Zamed's eyes glaze over at the fortune he stands to make from all this.

"I suppose…with that sort of reward, the risk is worth it. However, I'd like to have half of my payment now."
"Yeah and you not show up at all? Not risking that. The best I can do is give you a thousand for hearing me out as your taste of the rewards to come."
"Well I had to try. So is there an exact timeframe for this assault?"

You continue your discussion of your plan…

A few months pass and eventually Zamed returns with six more ships, Marco and his crew are about as ready as they're going to be and your spies that have been sneaking in and out of Jicol, have made steps in opening the gates along with just creating as much havoc for ground forces as possible during the actual attack.

As far as your involvement, you're going to take a lesson from the last time you led one of these attacks. Meaning you're not going to put yourself on the front lines and going to stay at a camp a mile away from Jicol's gates.

The day of the attack within the first hour you can hear cannons going off even from your position further in the jungle. With any luck Marco's crew will manage to make it to the Jicol harbor without getting sunk in the crossfire.

In another couple hours, a runner comes to you with news that your people have opened the gates and fighting is going on all over the city. Marco and his crew successfully entered the harbor and managed to fool the Jicol Watch long enough to break through, meanwhile Zamed's force has drawn away most of the Jicol ships, which are now fighting, in the open sea.

No sooner has this runner given you this information when a loud explosion is heard along with a visible black cloud in the distance of the city, you surmise that Marco's merchant ship that was also full of explosives was set off in the harbor.

A few days pass and you finally step foot into Jicol proper. The Jicol navy has been either put out of action at the bottom of the sea or sailed away. Zamed and his own people have already begun pillaging the city. There is resistance still of course, but so far things are looking completely in your favor and apparently the Mayor of Jicol's small fortress has already been breached.

You head there immediately and find Marco standing outside giving orders though he looks almost as bad as he did when he came back from his foray as a pirate.

"Marco! This may surprise you, but I am actually glad to see you're alive." You say.
"Thanks boss, um we've almost taken the city, just trying to make our way to the mayor's inner sanctum."
"Good, you remember the order was to keep him alive right?"
"Yeah boss."
"Okay. I heard Zamed lives, but do you know of the other pirate captains?"
"Um, not sure. At least one of them I suppose."
"Alright, you take some people and go find all those sea dogs and tell them I want to see them as soon as possible, I'll take it from here with the mayor here."

Marco nods and you begin overseeing the final death knell of Jicol's government…at least as it currently exists.

After forty five minutes of observing the chaos around you and waiting, eventually the Mayor of Jicol is presented before you. He's about as unimpressive as his title. An overweight older man with spectacles. On the paler side of things, which makes sense given how reclusive he was. Obviously more of a planner and bureaucrat than any sort of fighting ruler.

And yet a stare of defiance still exists in his eye as he's being hauled out to you.

"I should have had the Watch stomp out your organization years ago while you were in your infancy." He says.
"I certainly would have. To be fair though this probably wouldn't have been possible if not for that flooding disaster. Never did quite recover from that." You say and then look at the destruction around you. "Wonder if this place will recover from this, going to take a lot to rebuild this place. I guess we'll see." You remark.
"Just get it over with."
"No, no, no, this isn't how we're playing this. At least not yet. We're both going to just stand here and talk while we wait for some of my people to come back."

Since the mayor is in no mood to be talkative, you start things off by mentioning that it was a major mistake closing off his city in the way he did. You understand the reasoning, but by that time it just caused more enemies that might not have otherwise been. Like the pirates for one example.

"Being a friendly harbor to pirates and the like made you fairly safe from them. I dare say it was a bigger deterrent than your navy in some respects. Changing what wasn't broken was foolish." You say.
"Guess I'll remember that for the next city I oversee." The mayor remarks.
"Glad you're staying optimistic."

You talk to the mayor for a little while longer about how you've come to understand the struggles of running a town of sorts and how even though taking control of this place, you are not looking forward to the operations of it.

The mayor just looks at you with a continued defiance until a couple of your people bring a woman in her late middle age to you. She probably was prettier back when she was younger. Now the mayor's eye betray him slightly as a glint of concern crosses his face before returning to defiance.

"We all have someone we care about mayor. It's a weakness, but an unavoidable one for most I think. You're not married and this one is one of the few non military and non government people that had been seen entering this place on many occasions. So guessing this woman is a long time girlfriend? Perhaps even a daughter? Not both I hope…"
"Whatever you have planned, I'm not playing your game."
"This isn't a game mayor, but I think we're about to see one. Marco! You're back with Zamed and whoever these other people are." You say turning your attention away from the mayor and the woman for a moment.

Marco and the people with him nod and stand back as Zamed and two other scruffy looking men stand before you. All three of them look annoyed that you've taken them away from whatever else they were doing.

"I hope this is about our payment." Zamed says.
"Oh it is. So out of the seven ships, you three are what's left huh? Didn't catch your names." You say.
"Captain Elias of the Kraken." A fat bearded man slightly shorter than Zamed says.
"Captain Nimi of the Seadragon." A weathered looking elf with odd coral looking armor says.
"Wow, those are some impressive names for ships. Bet you lot gave hell to the Jicol navy."
"Damn straight we did and those that we didn't sailed away like scared guppies!" Elias laughs.
"As I recall, YOU nearly ran away like a scared guppy until I saved your fat ass." Nimi remarks.
"I should cut yer tongue out for saying such lies, ya pointy eared boy lover!"
"Gentlemen! I'm sure you both played your role."
"Yes, but I'M the lead commander here! And I think it's time to pay the coin, have you brought it with you on a baggage cart somewhere?"
"Oh I would never bring such a large sum with me. It can be picked up when you dock your ship at Nightfall. Let's see, four dead captains means you get an extra ten on top of the twenty you're already getting Zamed. And you two get ten apiece…now which one of you two nearly sailed away from battle again?"

Nimi immediately says Elias who once again protests to the point where he's looking like he'l get violent. Meanwhile Zamed tells them both to shut up.

"I saw the entire battle from the deck of my own ship and Elias you WERE about to sail away. In fact your ship and crew took the least damage out of everyone here! You oughta be glad that I'm not shooting you and taking half your share!" Zamed says.
"Now that's a grand idea there Zamed. Marco…" you say.

Zamed's eyes widen and he goes for his weapon.

"N…" is all he gets out before you outdraw him and put three in his face. Meanwhile marco has killed the elf captain with a shot to the back of his head making his armor useless.

Captain Elias stands there in shock as two of your men disarm him. He really is a big coward.

"Shit! Don't…" Elias utters.
"Shut up. Now I trust twenty thousand gold is enough for you and enough to throw at your crew and the crews of these dead captains to ensure their loyalty under your new command of two more ships now?" you ask.
"Um…sure! Yeah! That's more than enough for me and my…larger crew now!"
"Glad to hear it. I suggest you go tell everyone of your good fortune and meet me at Nightfall in a day for your payment."

Captain Elias and grovels gratitude before leaving. You snort a bit of laughter before walking over to the mayor and the woman who have been watching the entire time.

"Now as I was saying, this isn't a game. You think I really want to run the boring day to day shit of a city, even a half destroyed one? I barely like doing it for the little town I run. No, better to leave that in the hands of someone with experience, someone like you. Of course this place will have to have new security now that all yours are dead, but I can provide that. Of course if you don't want the job…" you say and then look at the woman.
"Fine. I'll do it." The mayor says probably rethinking everything after what everything he's seen.
"Glad to hear it and don't worry, you'll have as much help as you need to rebuild this place. Come to think of it, we do have a surplus of slaves. Maybe Jicol could start using such cheap labor on a regular basis. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to see an old woman who has probably been wondering where her supply shipment has been for months."

People have been suggesting it for years, but Jicol is finally under the grip of the Nocturnal League, meaning this entire island is under your control. If the Ebony Claw Syndicate sets foot on here now, you'll be in a stronger position to deal with them.

At least that's the general idea.

You time passes...

Year 35

Talking to two Syndicate representatives isn't exactly what you want to be doing right now, but this day was coming one way or another.

The well-dressed man with a thin mustache is Percy and has been the more talkative of the two. The other by the name of Toz is some sort of greenskin halfbreed also well dressed. Probably of orc heritage since he's much bigger than Warts was. He also doesn't talk much and mainly just stands around looking intimidating.

Unsurprisingly the pair of them have shadow magic powers. However you anticipated that which why you had Grayhaze enchant something that would at least even up the odds. A ring. Not quite an anti-magic field, but something to dull the shadow magic around you.

Probably wouldn't be enough to stop them if they really wanted to kill you, but along with all your more mundane security, it's enough to give them pause if they tried. However if that were the intent, you probably wouldn't be having a conversation at all.

"I have to say, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when the Syndicate sent me here, but I am a little impressed with what your organization has accomplished in such a short amount of time. You certainly have not just carved out this little island for yourself, but much of sea paths on this side of the world. You're practically like your own nation." Percy remarks.
"Never thought about it that way, but I suppose you might be right. I also suppose I should be wondering if the Delantium Kingdom will be declaring war on me to put an outpost here." You say with a mild chuckle.
"I believe they have their hands quite full still with Nichan, though I hear you're starting to have more trouble with Hessla nowadays. I imagine you would be major competition for their once near monopoly on business for this part of the world."
"Hm, I guess you could say relations are strained with Hessla, but we offered them a fair deal. Their Governor is the one that decided to be greedy and reject it. His unwillingness to embrace in a positive manner change is what is causing people to do less business there. He probably fears that I'm going to come there with a fleet and take his city like I did with Jicol, but it's not even the same situation. The Nocturnal League doesn't seek to expand past our reach. This island is more than enough territory for us."
"They say it's a wise man who knows his limitations. Perhaps by making your home in an old temple once dedicated to Fel has resulted in him providing that wisdom. Ah, tis a shame that the Syndicate only just started sending people this way. Reclaiming a lost temple to his great shadow would have been not just a boon to the Syndicate, but to the glory of Fel."

You always hate how intertwined the Syndicate is with the whole Fel religion. Makes dealing with them always uncertain. Are they interested in profit or are they interested in spreading faith?

"Oh well, the Syndicate's loss for being too slow when opportunity called I suppose. Doesn't happen often, but we hope to correct that by hopefully having a working relationship with your organization." Percy remarks.
"Well I certainly want an amicable relationship with the Syndicate and as I said, I have no intention on expanding into your territory."
"Yes, so you've said. However, your island is becoming very popular in terms of the slave trade. It's just one of the big reason why Hessla is so angry with you. The Syndicate has never relied on the slave trade as our main source of income, indeed for whatever reason it's just never been a cornerstone. One of the few things we're just dabblers in. We're trying again however, and while Hessla in the past has always been a stubborn partner in such thing in the past, we're hoping the League's rising status in this part of the world will be more open in such matters."
"So basically what you're saying is instead of you having to deal with independent slavers all the time, you want to just deal with us."
'We find that it's always better to deal with a single reliable source rather than all these unwashed disorganized types. We would of course bring our own ship here for pick up. Also we've notice that the drug of choice here on this island is either Green Lotus or that very poor substitute of Blue Dream, Purple Wish. As part of our new arrangement we could provide Blue Dream for you to distribute here. Makes a lot of money, we should know after all."

And here it is, the Syndicate trying to get their foot just enough in the door.

"Yes, I suppose you've given me a lot to think about as far as business is concerned." You say.
"Oh sure, we understand. We're going to be in Jicol for awhile so we can sort out details then. Honestly, I'd prefer to stay here in Nightfall closer to the temple, but Toz here is a little on the paranoid side and doesn't wish to sleep in the heart of… let's just say, an unproven ally's home, but I'm sure that will change soon! Besides, Fel's shadow is everywhere after all and his dark blessing is with his faithful always." Percy remarks.

At this point Percy says a few more pleasantries and then remarks about looking forward to the meeting with you in a few days. Toz on the other hand just stares at you with the typical hostile greenskin eyes and follows Percy.

After they leave, several of your people escort them out of the room and anyone else left, seems to relax slightly.

"So that's the average Syndicate member, boss?" Marco asks.
"Not the average. They wouldn't send their average. They send their more threatening to talk to someone like me. They also sent an extra one, which I guess means I'm really special. Lucky me." You say.
"So you think we should just kill them?"
"Ideally that would be the safest move in the short term, but not in the long term and if we are going to war with them, I'd like to be sure that it's necessary. So far they haven't given any indication that they're planning anything other than an aggressive business exchange that would have them visiting here on occasion…which granted could lead to problems in the future. In any case, we'll wait for now."

You tell Marco to keep everyone extra alert while the Syndicate is visiting and then go see Vera who is down in the slave den as usual. Right now she's speaking with one of her overseers.

"What the hell have you been doing with these elves, Halford? They look like shit and nobody wants elven bitches that look like shit, they want them to look like they just came out of the fairy kingdom farting rainbows and sunshine." Vera remarks.
"Apologies Countess, some of the new recruits thought to take advantage of a few of them last night. They've already been dealt with, even sold the ringleader this morning." Halford replies.
"Hrm, well release the rest then, and remind them that these slaves are not their personal fuck toys unless they're actually going to be paying for them out of pocket. As for these elves, well have them cleaned as much as you can and hopefully some of the buyers aren't picky about bruises."

Halford nods and complies with Vera's orders and as he's leaving he also nods in respect to you.

"I see you weren't joking about wanting to be called countess." you remark.
"Well we do run an entire island, seems perfectly reasonable to declare ourselves the rulers of it." Vera says.
"True, though interesting you've picked a royal title though."
"Well I don't know about you, but a title like governor or mayor doesn't sound nearly as impressive. Besides if you remember I do have royal blood in my veins."
"Ah yes. Your father may have been the late Baron Varsakken. Still, even if true, you've given yourself the title of countess rather than baroness."
"Well unlike the rest of that Varsakken clan, I'm actually in control of an entire island rather than just a city. I think that calls for a higher title status."
"Heh, well why not queen then?"
"Too predictable and self-important. I'm still grounded enough to know who and what I am."
"Well glad to see you're staying grounded. Where is Kol?"
"He's studying from that book you got him in my office and Layla is watching him."

You shake your head especially since this seems very familiar.

"I know you spoke to me about this before, but I'm not convinced having a slave looking after our son is the best idea."
"Well you said, you had to meet with those ECS assholes and didn't want Kol around during that. And I couldn't supervise Kol's studies. This isn't like Gertrude, Layla was from some well to do family that Elias' crew apparently slaughtered on a transport ship. From the moment she was brought here she's basically been willing to do anything from getting sold as a fuck hole to some rich pervert or something similar."
"Sort of surprised Elias didn't use her as a personal fuck hole if he was the one that brought her here."
"Elias likes dick."
"Really? Huh, didn't know that. Well anyway, compliant frightened slave girl or not, I'm wary about this."
"Fine, if you're that concerned they're in the next room, you go speak with them both and get a feel for her. And when I say feel, I don't mean fucking her."
"What?"
"Oh relax. I know you aren't really going to fuck her! She's a slave after all not royalty like me. She is very pretty though and the image of fucking her is probably going to pass through your mind. I'll be expecting you to lay it down really good tonight."
"Uh…okay…"
"In any case, as I said speak with her yourself and if you still don't think she's a suitable sitter then we can sell her ass. Anyway tell me about your meeting with the ECS afterwards, I'll be free soon. Just have to check on one more slave shipment."

Vera kisses you goodbye and heads off to the next group of cages while you head to her office.

Upon opening the door, you see your son fidgeting in his seat his in front of his spell book. He looks up and over at you before quickly returning to his book. Glad to see he knows that you really want him to focus on his studies.

The girl who you're guessing is Layla doesn't look that old. She looks to be in her late teens and is probably from some far off land given her darker complexion and some of her facial features. She's also still dressed in clothing that doesn't match her current slave status. (At least for most of them around here)

Vera was right though, she is pretty.

"Um, you're the Count right?" Layla utters.
"Count? Oh. Right, Vera, Countess, whatever. No, unlike my wife, I see no need for formal titles. You're my son's new sitter from what she's told me."
"Yes, I have been doing my best in seeing to it that Kol here is practicing his…erm, shadow magic."
"Can I play with my shadow creatures dad?" Kol asks.
"Has it been three hours yet?"
"I don't know…"
"You know that it hasn't. You have to learn other magic, not just the shadow stuff even if you find it easier. Layla, has he been practicing?" you ask, while Kol goes back to his book.
"Um, yes I think so."
"You think so? Either he has or hasn't."
"Erm, I just mean I don't know much about this magic stuff. I've just been making sure he's been reading this book. I did see him create a small ball of light briefly though."
"Hm, okay. So Layla, do you have any other family? I mean besides the ones that those pirates killed?"
"Yes, I have an uncle back in Harazan."
"Where the hell is that?"
"Far to the south and west."
"He rich?"
"I imagine he is now. He's wanted my father's business and fortune for years. With everyone dead, and me stuck here, he's next in line to get everything."
"I'm guessing he won't be looking for you anytime soon."
"…no…" Layla says looking downward.
"So tell me Layla, what is your plan?"
"My plan?"
"Yes, I mean surely you're not content on being a slave. Who would be? And I can tell even in your less than perfect condition, you obviously came from wealth. You certainly look more royal than my wife. You're probably at least of noble birth. In any case, you are definitely not cut out to be a slave of any kind."
"What you say is partly true I suppose. I very much would not like to be a slave, but I fear I have little choice in the matter. I was raised…not sheltered, but very much protected. I don't have many skills that would be of practical use. I suppose its of some blessing that the pirate captain who spared me saw me as fetching a good price rather than to be something passed around by his crew."
"Hm, Yag certainly threw a seven for you."
"Your wife probably would have sold me until I noticed how she was struggling with looking after your son while conducting her business. I quickly begged to help her by explaining I looked after my own little brother many times. I'm still not sure how I convinced her, but here we are."
"Yes, here we are."
"If you're concerned that I'm plotting to escape, I'm not sure how I could without you knowing and I do not believe I'd make it very far. I fear that this is my life now and can only hope that you and your wife are merciful masters."
"You're surprisingly resigned and calm about all this."
"I have already mourned over my family and continue to do so in the night when I cry myself to sleep. However, it is said that Ahamed has a reason for every event. I am hoping that I might see and understand this one and from there gain greater wisdom. My own family owned a few slaves for basic tasks, perhaps I am to learn how they felt."
"Ahamed?"
"Yes, he who burns brighter than the sun and shows the way of peace."
"Oh, a god."
"The only true god."
"Yeah, I've heard that one before, just not that particular one. Great. Well at least you aren't a Felian I guess."
"Did you say Fel?"
"Felian, followers of Fel, god of shadows."
"Are you a worshipper of this…god?"
"No. I just said I was glad that you weren't, why the hell would I be?"
"Oh, because your son was telling me before you came in that this Fel was speaking with him and…"

Your eyes immediately widen and your whole body tenses up.

"WHAT?!" you exclaim causing Layla to cringe in her chair, but your attention is towards Kol. You immediately start interrogating the boy and her.

After five minutes Kol and Layla are both in tears from your demanding questioning, however you have learned a few things.

Apparently Kol's medallion has been coming off in the middle the night and for the past week Fel has been speaking to Kol. Not to a great extent, but he's definitely been visiting your son and remarking about how great shadow magic is compared to all other forms of magic. He's also been trying to convince Kol of keeping the medallion off as soon as he goes to sleep.

However the most alarming part is Fel asking your son if he would like to go be with Felians as he could see to it that they treat him very well. He even mentions possibly having agents that would come get him.

Now you're wondering if this means Percy and the other one are here to take away your son…or is Fel referring to other agents that he hasn't sent yet?

Kol was apparently afraid to tell you or Vera this since he thought you'd both be angry, but he opened up to Layla since she seemed nice. Meanwhile your mind is racing on how to handle all this.

You have the ECS representatives killed

You've got all the information you need. No need to prolong this and besides, this was always a possibility anyway. Looks like you'll be going to war with the Syndicate.

You figure it'll take them at least a month or two before they figure out something has gone wrong when they don't return. You'll have time to prepare at least.

In the meantime you need to calm your son (and Layla) down.

"Alright, alright, Kol. I'm not mad. Calm down. In fact, you calm down as well, you're not getting sold anytime soon Layla." You say addressing the both of them.

"Dad, I'm sorry I didn't tell you or mom. I'll make sure the medallion is around my neck good." Kol says.
"Actually might be time to get you a ring, but don't worry about that right now. Just go back to your studies for now."

You then turn to Layla.

"And I trust you aren't going to speak of this." You say.
"Of course not! I don't even talk much with the other slaves! I swear to Ahmed as I do not want my situation to become even worse." Layla remarks.
"Good, that's the proper way to feel."

You immediately leave and call for Marco who arrives shortly.

"I want you to gather the best and most skilled assassin types we have and send them to kill those two ECS fuckers. Then I want you to send a group of twenty more of the next best along with them. I don't care how they're killed, just do it quickly. Also I want all ships to not leave this fucking island until they're dead. We are not fucking this up."
"We're going to war with the Syndicate? I thought everything was going well, boss."
"Shit changes. Now do what I tell you. Oh and I want their heads as proof."
"Okay boss, I'll get right on it. Um, what if any of them are currently helping the Countess?"
"I don't give a shit, you reassign them anyway, if my wife has a problem she can come talk to me."

Marco takes his leave and you begin to mentally make preparations of how you're going to have to prepare your defenses. You figure you'll have a few months before the Syndicate realizes something has happened to their people and get their shit together to send a force after you.

Doesn't take long before Vera comes to see you.

"What the hell is going on? Marco just came in and took a few of my best slave minders and said if I had any complaint, I need to see you because he's just following orders." Vera says.

You explain the situation to Vera who is probably more concerned about Kol than any war with the Syndicate. She even asks you where Kol is and how he's doing. After giving your answer about that, she gets a little pissed that you haven't made the arrangements to get a ring enchanted for him and goes off to see Kol immediately.

Doesn't take long before the task is underway. You eventually get a report from Marco that unfortunately despite the unexpected attack and all the people you sent, you only managed to get one of them, and it was the orc since they tried to take him out first believing he'd be a tougher target, turned out to be true since he killed most of the people you sent before succumbing to the multiple shots to his body and head in the initial attack.

Percy apparently didn't even try to help his friend and just ran off. He still cut down a few people along the way, but nobody can guess where he is now.

Being more paranoid than ever, you order that everyone from Nightfall to Jicol be on the look out. You also make sure Kol is kept under watch as all times.

A few days pass and several of the pirates, merchants, slavers and sailors begin to protest that you won't let them leave the island, but in order to somewhat alleviate their complaints you wave any costs they might have. This helps somewhat, but many of them still aren't very happy. The slavers especially since they feel like they're being held captive and of course they know all about doing that to others.

Meanwhile you're getting increasingly agitated with the fact that Percy still hasn't been found. He could be anywhere. You even order searches of the deeper jungle areas, which doesn't do much except get some of your people killed by dangerous wildlife. Even if he was hiding in the jungle, they probably wouldn't find him anyway.

You insist on Kol being kept locked up in his room at all times. Vera isn't sure if that's the best idea, but she doesn't have a better one. She's mainly just as frustrated about this situation as you are and you're both lashing out at each other a lot.

Another week passes and still no sign of him at all. There haven't even been any "mysterious" deaths. However, you soon get some not so mysterious deaths when a couple of the pirate captains kill some of your people while leaving the island.

You manage to sink one of the ships, but one manages to sail away. This situation is getting bad for business because opening fire on your usual partners is a sure way to have them never come back or worse seek revenge.

Though you half wonder if Percy eventually got to these folks anyway. Perhaps promising a reward from the Syndicate if they got him off the island. If that's the case, you can only hope he was on the ship you managed to sink.

With things also starting to get restless in Jicol, you don't really have much choice but to ease up on the restrictions. One way or another he's probably getting off the island if he hasn't already and you'll just have to be prepared quicker.

A month passes and the entire island feels like it's under the shadow of the Syndicate. Everyone is on edge expecting a Syndicate attack even if it is a little too early. You still keep Kol locked up for his own safety, but he's obviously not happy about it. At this point he's wearing an anti-magic ring to nullify any potential contact with Fel since the last thing you need is a god whispering in your son's ear.

Vera becomes concerned about you and tells you that you need to relax even if the situation isn't ideal because the last thing the Nocturnal League needs right now is an unstable leader.

You take her words under advisement, which is much more reasonable than she hoped for. You know she's right after all; it isn't going to do anyone any good if you're in the state you're in now.

Another month passes and things have settled down slightly. You constantly ask for news updates from the mainland, but nothing of major importance is reported. No rumors of the Syndicate preparing for an attack or anything.

By the middle of the year, things are almost back to normal on the island. You've still got a lot of extra security around the temple, but restrictions have loosened a bit to the point where you're not keeping Kol locked up anymore. You still have not heard a single thing about the Syndicate. No threats, no rumors, nothing. Or at least nothing concerning you.

True they could be playing it close to the vest, but you think you would have gotten at least something by now. Either the Syndicate is just making you sweat or they've decided it wouldn't be worth their time or resources in going to war with you.

While things are still pretty tense, you continue to try to get on with your business.

While you're going over some of your expenses, you hear a knock at your office door.

"Marco, I told you just come in if you got something important to report." You remark.
"It's not Marco, he's been killed!" a voice says from the other side of the door.
"What?!"
"He's been killed! A lot of people have, you need to come this! I think it's an attack!"
"Are Vera and Kol safe!?" you say starting to get up.
"I'm not sure about Vera, but Kol is definitely safe."
"Hold on…fuck…" you mutter realizing that today must be the fucking day that the entire Syndicate declares war.

However, you were wrong.

You open the door and immediately you see a familiar face staring at you and before you can do anything a blade strikes quickly across your throat. You manage to raise your pistol before Percy easily grabs it from your hand as you fall to the floor choking on your own blood.

It was just one.

"You know, it would have been easy to kill you months ago, but I think my time here in hiding has provided me with all the necessary information to give to the Syndicate to best effectively attack your organization. Well that and it was nice to see the shocked look on your face when you saw me again. Didn't have to be this way, but you can take solace in the fact that your son will not be harmed. His destiny with Fel is greater than what fate will befall the rest of this island."

With that last cold response of a man who was determined to take away everything important to you, your vision goes dark.