Raid on the Brambleskinner Tribe

Following the small chatter between himself and Davian, Vecna's penetrating gaze locked onto Captain Eldric, a man of unwavering resolve who had dedicated himself to the defense of Summit's Crest. 

The weight of the impending threat hung in the air as Vecna inquired about the town's preparedness to face the Orc and Goblin onslaught.

Captain Eldric's stern countenance softened as he responded to Vecna's inquiry. "Sir Vecna," he began, his voice resonating with a blend of determination and respect, "I assure you, we have spared no effort in preparing our defenses. Our militia has undergone rigorous training, and they stand ready to defend Summit's Crest with their lives."

His eyes never wavered from Vecna's, conveying the depth of his commitment. "We've bolstered our walls and fortifications, reinforcing weak points and ensuring they can withstand any assault." 

"Our scouts have been tirelessly gathering intelligence on the enemy's numbers and strategies, providing us with valuable insights."

Vecna nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze shifting momentarily to the maps and strategic notes that adorned the room's walls. 

The captain's unwavering dedication and the meticulous preparations of Summit's Crest filled him with a sense of assurance. However, he knew that their true test lay ahead, as the Orcs and Goblin Tribes were formidable adversaries, mainly the Orcs since he was reminded of an old game he saw videos on Skynet about, World of Warcraft.

"Captain Eldric," Vecna said, his voice unwavering, "While I might be just an adventurer, your efforts have not gone unnoticed. You and your militia have done a commendable job in fortifying our defenses."

"It eases my job of defending from the Orcs attacks in the future. We stand united in this endeavor to protect Summit's Crest."

Satisfied with Captain Eldric's response, Vecna turned his attention to his own plans. 

He knew that the Orcs and Goblin Tribes posed a significant threat, and it was crucial to weaken their forces before the main onslaught. The Goblin Tribes, in particular, had been lurking in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

"Sir Eldric, take me to where you placed the goblin I brought."

He asks Eldric to take him to where he housed Rax in the Stockades, moving the scene to the basement of the Town Hall Building where the Goblin Scout, Rax, was having a "comfortable" bed from his standards, along with bountiful meals that were divine. 

"Hehe, I like the Humans, they treat Rax nice. Rax has a soft bed, and daily meals. I don't have to worry about being hunted down by a ferocious beast, or being shouted at by the Warriors for slacking."

Vecna who was guided by Eldric's men to the jail that housed Rax, was looking at the green skinned goblin with his crimson predatory eyes, even if the basement was barely lit to "accommodate" the different inmates Rax had no problem having night vision as Goblin, but similarly was Vecna with his vampire sight.

"Is that so?" inquired a calm, yet frigid voice that shook Rax from his relaxed posture on the bed, standing still like a little mouse that was stared at by a cat.

"Y-Yes, Master," Rax stammered. "H-how can Rax help?"

"Do you remember our little deal?"

"Of course, Master! Rax thought about what to tell my friends back home."

Hearing that reply, Vecna smiled and opened the iron door bar using his Uncanny Grip, scaring the Goblin who retreated to a corner of the jail, crouching down as he trembled in fear, reminded of the day he almost reached the Court of his Ancestors.

"Relax, I only want to have a chat with you, little goblin. I don't wish to harm you, haven't we reached a deal one week ago?"

Making his way inside the jail room, he got a seat on the wooden bed that had some hey around to soften the hard touch of wood on the body. For him, it was decent, far better than the times he had to sleep on the streets to avoid his abusive father.

"Come here." called Vecna with his tone sounding warmer than before, as if being reminded of his traumatic past made him aware of how his journey turned out in present time.

Most individuals like him would have turned into psychopathic killers, and in a way he was aware of his own mental sickness, but he was still a human who could feel emotions and knew about the warmth familial love had over the tiny souls of living beings.

Rax sensing that Vecna wasn't in the jail to cause trouble, took shy steps toward the blonde, imposing human, and to his surprise he felt his large hand touching his dirty hair.

"They haven't treated you rough?"

Rax shook his head. "The humans? No, not at all. They give me food, water, and a bed, but they don't yell at me. Sometimes they try to teach me more about humans."

Vecna nodded, acknowledging the goblin's progress. "It shows. You've started sounding more coherent when you speak."

"Does it show? I can't tell."

"It does. Hah, tell me Rax, do you still wish to become the Goblin Chieftain?"

Rax considered the question for a moment before responding. "If possible, Rax would wish to return home. Humans treat Rax well, but home is home."

Vecna smiled faintly, his hand still resting on Rax's head. "Indeed, but home is the place where you decide your soul can be at peace."

Rax looked up at Vecna with a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Rax wants to visit my friends, parents… and Eru. She is the Chieftain's daughter."

"I see. Then that shall be it. But before you return, would you want to hear an interesting story? 

Vecna leaned back on the bed, his crimson eyes glinting with a mischievous spark as he began to weave a tale for the young goblin, Rax, who listened with rapt attention.

"Once upon a time, in a distant land not unlike your own, there lived a young goblin named Grimbark. Grimbark was a clever and resourceful goblin, but he was not content with the simple life of his tribe. He dreamt of becoming a great leader, someone who could unite all the goblin clans under one banner."

Rax's eyes widened as he hung onto every word, and Vecna could see the glimmer of ambition begin to flicker in the goblin's gaze.

"Now, Grimbark knew that to become a great leader, he had to learn the ways of the humans, for they were the most powerful creatures in the land. So, he allowed himself to be captured by a group of humans and taken to their village."

Vecna's voice took on a tone of awe as he continued, "In the human village, Grimbark observed their customs and learned their language. He worked hard and gained the trust of the villagers. They taught him their knowledge of farming, trade, and even diplomacy."

Rax's excitement was palpable now, and he leaned closer, hanging on Vecna's every word.

"As time went on, Grimbark became a respected member of the human village. He used his newfound knowledge to improve the lives of his fellow goblins when he eventually returned to his tribe. They marveled at his wisdom and strength, and one by one, the goblin clans began to follow his lead."

Vecna paused for a moment, letting the suspense build. "And do you know what happened next, Rax?"

Rax shook his head, his eyes wide with anticipation.

Vecna leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Grimbark became not just the leader of his tribe but the ruler of all the goblin clans. He united them under his banner, and together, they became a powerful force to be reckoned with."

Rax's excitement was palpable now, and he couldn't contain his enthusiasm. "That's amazing, Master! Grimbark is a great goblin!"

Vecna nodded, his smile sly. "Indeed, Rax. But here's the most important part of the story: Grimbark didn't stop there. He realized that the key to true power lay in alliances. So, he reached out to other races, forming bonds and friendships. With their support, he not only protected his goblin clans but also expanded their territory and influence."

Rax's eyes shone with a newfound determination. "I want to be like Grimbark, Master! I want to unite the goblin tribes and make them powerful!"

Vecna's plan was falling into place perfectly. "That's the spirit, Rax. I can help you achieve your dreams, just like Grimbark. But you'll need to be patient and follow my guidance. Together, we'll make you the greatest goblin leader the world has ever seen."

Rax nodded eagerly, and Vecna knew that he had successfully planted the seeds of ambition and manipulation in the young goblin's heart. With Rax as his pawn, Vecna would set his plan in motion to weaken the goblin tribes and create chaos among them, all while grooming Rax to become the future Goblin Chieftain, and perhaps even the Goblin King.

Unknown for how much time passed inside the region of Travian Sierra, two shadows masked by the moonlight made their way with resolute steps past the dense, ancient forests of the Primeval Mountain.

As Vecna and Rax approached the outskirts of the tribe's territory, they beheld a scene illuminated by torchlight. The Brambleskinner Tribe's camp was a chaotic collection of crude huts and wooden structures, surrounded by a makeshift wooden palisade that gave the illusion of security.

Goblins of all shapes and sizes moved about, their green skin reflecting the flickering torchlight. Some were engaged in heated discussions, while others attended to various tasks like cooking over open fires or sharpening makeshift weapons. The scent of roasting meat and the sound of guttural laughter filled the air.

Vecna couldn't help but observe the goblins' way of life with a mix of fascination and detachment. To him, they were like insects scurrying about, oblivious to the grander schemes of the world.

Rax, on the other hand, watched the scene with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. These were his people in a way, and he was about to play a pivotal role in their fate.

Vecna's crimson eyes met Rax's eager gaze as they stood at the edge of the dense, uncharted forest of Travian Sierra. The young goblin had proven himself to be an enthusiastic and willing accomplice, inspired by the tale Vecna had spun about Grimbark.

"Now, Rax," Vecna began, his voice low and conspiratorial, "it's time you claim your own destiny. We're here to take the first step toward uniting the goblin tribes and making you a powerful leader."

Vecna whispered to Rax, "Wait in the shadows for now, and don't act, even if you witness a gruesome scene. I give you my word, I will not harm the civilians."

"Once I kill this Brambleskinner Chieftain,  I will give you the signal for you to step in and "fake-out" a fight against me. You'll "chase" me out of the Tribe, and you claim to be the new Hero of the Goblins."

Rax nodded eagerly, clutching the Archdemon Byproduct Weapon, Camio's Shadowed Talon that Vecna had provided him with temporarily. The dagger, though small, gleamed with dark power, and Rax held it with a sense of pride.

'He doesn't seem to be affected by the demonic powers of the Talon. Probably because Goblins are somewhat 'demonic' creatures. I'll look into why he seems fine and dandy.'

Vecna continued, "You've chosen wisely, my young friend. You'll make Grimbark proud."

With that, Vecna stepped further into the shadows, his vampiric agility allowing him to move soundlessly through the underbrush.

He traversed the uneven terrain without a sound, and his crimson eyes scanned the surroundings with predatory precision.

Unseen, unheard, he was the very embodiment of night itself.

His predatory instincts guided him as he approached the fringes of the Goblin Tribe's territory. 

[Goblin Patrol Zarril  - LV. 90](23.250/23.250 HP) 

Looking around the distance it seemed that those Goblin Patrols were not paired, and acted solo as in an attempt to cover more of their Tribal Territory.

[Goblin Patrol Jukop  - LV. 88](21.400/21.400 HP)  |  [Goblin Patrol Qirnux  - LV. 91] 

[Goblin Patrol Jeembol - LV. 90] 

Here, the Goblin patrols, consisting of lower-level Warriors and scouts, stood guard. The Goblins were simple-minded creatures, and their crude fortifications did little to deter Vecna's advance.

He used his Curse-Type Blood Magic, 'Blood Corruption' on the Goblin called Zarril whose position was totally overlooked by the rest of goblins patrolling, or barely moving around. 

In an instant the goblin felt himself grow weaker, while a small crimson eye mark appeared on his chest as a mark of the success of Vecna's blood magic.

"Huh, this is weird," Zarril mumbled to himself, his voice tinged with confusion. He scratched his head, disoriented by the sudden malaise that had gripped him. "I haven't eaten anything as of late. Why do I feel weak all of a sudden? Maybe I need to poop."

Vecna waited like a predatory beast in the shadows, and couldn't help but encourage the Goblin to approach his location.

Ironically his Curse Spell had an effect he didn't expect when he wasn't in combat, it gave the impression to the cursed they had a sickness, lowering their guard.

As Zarril ventured into a nearby patch of tall bushes, convinced that a need for relief was the source of his discomfort, Vecna seized the opportunity. With a graceful and silent stride, he approached the goblin's location, his vampiric agility allowing him to close the gap effortlessly.

The Goblin had barely a moment to register the looming threat before a blade, Vecna's skill 'Blood Requiem,' pierced his heart. Zarril's eyes widened with shock and pain as Vecna's cold, predatory hand covered his mouth, preventing any scream from escaping.

[Critical]

[You have dealt 14,369 damage.]

'Blood Sucking' Vecna activated another unique ability of a Vampire.

Blood tendrils, extensions of Vecna's Blood Magic, snaked out and ensnared the unfortunate goblin. Zarril's struggles were feeble as the life force was drained from his body. Vecna watched, his crimson eyes devoid of emotion, as the goblin's life gauge steadily decreased.

When Zarril's life had dwindled to a mere 20%, Vecna acted swiftly. With a single, fluid motion, he slashed the goblin's head clean off, severing the final thread of life. The headless body slumped to the ground, blood pooling around it in the moonlight.

[You have defeated 'Goblin Patrol, Zarril' gaining the following rewards]

[You have received 28,860 EXP]

[24 Silvers received]

[Goblin Ears acquired (x2)]

[You have leveled up!]

[You have reached level 76.]

Vecna retrieved his blade, The Knightsblade, wiping it clean before returning it to its sheath while dismissing all of the notifications, except the one reminding him he has leveled. His level was approaching his previous one faster than he expected.

Right now he had an entire fighting populace of the Goblins at his disposal. If he didn't surpass his previous level 81 tonight, he couldn't call himself a Vampire Lord.

Vecna's predatory instincts were in full swing as he moved swiftly through the shadows, leaving behind the lifeless body of Zarril, the first of the Goblin Patrol. He knew that time was of the essence, and his vampiric agility allowed him to approach the next target, Jukop, with unmatched stealth and precision.

[Goblin Patrol Jukop - LV. 88](21,400/21,400 HP)

Jukop was oblivious to the fate that had befallen Zarril, and he continued his patrol, unaware that a deadly predator was lurking in the darkness.

Vecna patiently waited for the opportune moment, hidden among the dense underbrush. He knew that the Curse of Blood Magic, 'Blood Corruption,' was his key to weakening the goblin without alerting the others. 

This was his strategy, to take down a decent number of goblins initially, before the Tribe gets alerted of his movements.

As Jukop drew closer, Vecna unleashed the curse, causing the goblin to suddenly feel a wave of weakness washing over him.

'Blood Corruption'

[User has used 450 MP]

Jukop's steps faltered, and he clutched his chest, the telltale crimson eye mark appearing as a sign of the curse's success.

"What's happening to me?" Jukop muttered, his voice filled with confusion and fear. He couldn't comprehend the sudden loss of strength that gripped him.

Vecna, hidden like a shadow, couldn't help but encourage Jukop's confusion, knowing that the Curse Spell had an unexpected side effect when not in combat, but the spells effect were temporary, exactly 30 seconds duration.

As Jukop ventured into the nearby bushes, thinking he needed a moment to recover, Vecna struck with precision and ruthless efficiency. His vampiric agility allowed him to close the distance in the blink of an eye.

"Blood Missile!" Vecna whispered the incantation, and a rapid succession of blood-red projectiles shot out from his hand, piercing Jukop in all of his vital organs.

The goblin let out a gurgled cry of pain, collapsing to the ground, his life slipping away rapidly. Vecna didn't waste any time; he knew that time was of the essence. With one final spell, 'Blood Shard,' he blasted Jukop's head clean off, ensuring there was no chance of revival.

The lifeless body of Jukop lay on the forest floor, blood seeping into the earth. Vecna, his crimson eyes gleaming with predatory satisfaction, withdrew once again into the comforting embrace of the night, ready to hunt down the next unsuspecting goblin patrol.

[Goblin Patrol Jukop - LV. 88](0/21,400 HP)

[You have defeated 'Goblin Patrol, Jukop' gaining the following rewards]

[You have received 25,860 EXP]

[18 Silvers received]

[Goblin Ear acquired (x1)]

'Decent exp from those Patrols. They are lower level than Rax's buddies, but they sure give more. Probably because they are the future of this Tribe.'

Vecna's relentless pursuit continued, and he moved through the forest like a wraith, seeking out his next prey among the Goblin Patrols that guarded the Brambleskinner Tribe's territory.