Before the Night's Conquest of Caevum, there had once been a luxurious reception room in the monarch's castle where the king invited dignitaries to converse to them on a more personal level than what the throne room offered. It was a beautiful room, plastered with the finest decorations money could afford with a large, spacious balcony that allowed a view overlooking the city. No doubt it was to demonstrate the splendor of Caevum.

However, since Nacht took the castle for his own purpose, he converted the room from its original goal of diplomacy to that of war. No longer was there majestic paintings or marbles of world-renowned artists and fabrics of the most beautiful silk and cloth. Instead he commissioned for a long table with the map of the known world carved onto its surface. It sat in the center of the room. At the head of the table was a throne for him to sit upon facing the city of Caevum below his castle, raised only slightly to subtly show that he was above everything like a judging deity.

It was in this very room where he gathered his subordinates and discussed war.

A majority of his subordinates currently in the room with him were non-playable characters. Though they were only artificial intelligence, they had been with him since he began playing. Nacht valued their loyalty and they were much smarter than most players would think. They had a keen mind for military matters. From experience, a majority of player characters were just awful when it came to planning and strategy. If anything, they were more like brutes who wanted to use force to get things done. He didn't need those kind of people in high positions.

[b]"We've recently inducted some new recruits into our ranks,"[/b] said Connor, formerly a spearman in his original army until they expanded. He was a veteran despite his seemingly young appearance. [b]"They're plenty strong, but they're making a ruckus about their positions. They think just because they're powerful that it means they can just move up the ranks rather quickly."[/b]

Nacht smiled, an action hidden by his helm. There were many high-leveled players joining him because they wanted to loot and pillage. They had the gall to demand higher positions. Many didn't deserve it.

Before he could speak, a player in the meeting spoke up, [b]"They just want a bit of action. We've been having trouble with Seathia lately, right? Just send them over to burn the farmland that surrounds the city. We can try to starve out the population there."[/b]

Connor frowned. [b]"True. Various guilds use Seathia as their base of operations, making efforts to capture it ineffective because of the strength of those adventurers. Starving them would have the leadership of the city surrender to us eventually."[/b]

[COLOR=Black][b]"You,"[/b][/COLOR] Nacht said, glancing over to the player that made the suggestion. [COLOR=Black][b]"What's your name?"[/b][/COLOR]

The player, a woman he noted, turned to him. Her eyes were dulled by a bit of a fear. He had that effect on people. In a voice fraught with shaking, she said, [b]"M-My name is L-l-lucretia. Y-you promoted me a w-w-week ago."[/b]

Nacht nodded. He remembered now. She was one of the few players that understood the importance of subtlety. [COLOR=Black][b]"It's good that I've made the right decision. Lucretia, Connor, I'm placing both of you in charge of capturing Seathia. I give you both command of the third and fifth army. Do not fail me. For now, this meeting is over. You're all dismissed."[/b][/COLOR]

Connor nodded solemnly, a contrast to the beaming Lucretia. The two paired up together to discuss plans for the upcoming invasion. It was good to see people that treated the NPCs like they were people. Nacht did the same, but he would never go as far as seeing them as real. They were disposable, but he understood it was easier to have their loyalty by treating them well.

As the last of his subordinates left the war room, Nacht began checking any messages he received during the meeting. Many were threats against his life, but they were easily ignored. He blocked them to ensure that they never send another message to him again. They were pests.

[QUOTE]To: Nacht ([@Liar])
Subject: A quest

I know you're definitely not busy right now because I haven't heard you conquering anything recently. I've got an interesting quest so you better come.

From: Datze[/QUOTE]

Nacht read over the message he received from the "Dragon God" and snorted. Sometimes the man didn't realize how so many things went into conquering a city. Logistics, subterfuge, diplomacy, etc. They were all necessary. Nevertheless, his interest was piqued. Knowing Datze, his "quest" could very well be a party and this was his way of inviting him.

[COLOR=Black][b]"It's not like I'm busy,"[/b][/COLOR] Nacht muttered to himself. There was no harm in seeing what Datze wanted.

[QUOTE]To: Datze ([@RoflsMazoy])
Subject: Re: A quest

Very well. I will arrive momentarily.

From: Nacht[/QUOTE]

Without even standing up from his throne, Nacht began teleporting to his friend's castle.

It was only a moment later that he stood in front of Datze's castle. It was a quaint thing, but it did its job to intimidate any would-be heroes that faced his friend. Nacht summoned five knight NPCs to use as his entourage. If he timed his teleportation correctly, he would be fashionably late to whatever Datze wanted him for.

Nacht and his knights marched inside the castle, sweeping in with dramatic flair as he allowed his cape to flutter behind him. His five knights guarded him, two on each side and one in the back, equipped with extravagant, black armor.

[COLOR=Black][b]"I am the Night's Emperor, Lord of Caevum, War Lord of the Continent and the World's Future Ruler. I am Nacht!"[/b][/COLOR] He shouted with pride. [COLOR=Black][b]"Dragon God, you've summoned the Great Conqueror. Pray that you do not waste my time!"[/b][/COLOR]