I guess I’m the only one who chooses to give Arkved a merciful release rather than leave him to be a personal ball of yarn for a Daedric Prince. I am always left to wonder . . . these Daedric Lords seem to be completely unconcerned about their little trinkets, at least until a mortal has the temerity to steal one.

Buffy’s encounter with yet another clannfear left no doubt as to how formidable she has become as a mystic archer. I honestly can’t remember the last time anything got close enough to lay a hand on her. That is not to say that she is invincible, far from it. She has simply become incredibly adept at reading the battlefield and using distance, terrain, and even the aggression of her foes to her advantage.

My favorite line, I think. I've had several characters with the same frustrated response. Well, now that Buffy understands it usually isn't worth it to chase after those artifacts, perhaps she will head to Kvatch? Nah, probably not.

Nope, you're not the only one. Although, my 'merciful release' involves punches being thrown and healing spells being cast... so, yes. You're not the only one, Des.

Well, I more-or-less caught up, and this part was the one who hooked me in the most! Buffy is definately transforming into an accomplished mystic-archer, so much so that I'm tempted to create one!

Just reading the tweaks you made in Vaernima's quest makes me want to say 'Argh! Why didn't I thought of that!'

Well done, Acadian!

SPEW !!!! ROFL !!!!

In Chapter 42, Buffy continued to feel the vulnerability of having her fears laid bare by Vaermina; yet she pressed on to Arkved's inner chamber. No doubt influenced by her unhappy exposure to the Dark Brotherhood and Sheogorath, she chose to let Arkved live, albeit stuck in his dream world. As with her previous two Daedric Shrine quests, she was quite disappointed in the inappropriateness of Vaermina's token for a bowgirl. She mentioned that from Varemina's Shrine, she would head for the University.

treydog- Thank you. Somehow, I really do see things through her eyes when we travel Tamriel. I particularly like the Arkved encounter, because there is certainly a case to be made for either decision. In fact, I can imagine Athlain wrestling with that decision.

Daydreaming and doodling horse pictures at University? Indeed, I expect Buffy is not alone there!

On her compulsion to collect Daedric trinkets: The first step is for her to admit she has a problem. By acknowledging that Acadian may have been right, I hope she is taking that step.

mALX- Heh. That staff, as you say, can be more fun than a barrel of monkeys all right! Didn't we just read Maxical's account of how much fun monkeys can be? Thank you for saying Buffy was at her 'Buffiest' here! When we talk of daydreaming at the Arcane and not paying attention to her studies, why does everyone immediately think of our poor little kit?

Foxy- Thanks for reading!

Rider- Yes, somehow I suspected Buffy was not alone at drawing horse pictures during her school days! The Arkved decision is one I thought might be close to your heart: 'Above all do no harm' vs 'mercy killing'. I guess what nudged Buffy is that when she established that healing bond, she felt no pain or suffering from Arkved.

SubRosa- Your sharp insight nailed the three things of Buffy's that were very important to us in this episode: Her new boot quiver, her ears, and her doctrine. Thank you so much!

Destri- Be at ease, my friend. You are not the only one who would grant Arkved the mercy of death. Acadian might have done the same. That characters with good hearts could make different choices here, reflects upon the quality and depth of this quest. Thank you so much for the kind words. Buffy has indeed become more lethal, when she controls the encounter. The little glass cannon (or butterfly dragon) still has much to learn though. I am pleased at this point that she seems to be getting her head around the discipline, restraint and responsibility that comes with proficiency in the use of deadly force. I fear her first encounter with clannfears however, served to terrify her more than render her a Daedra Slayer.

Linara- Heh. Acadian has gently tried to tell Buffy she has all the trinkets she really needs (awesome bow, Azura's Star and a pair of massive detect life rings). Oh well, I think she is starting to figure it out. The two of them will fully evaluate and analyze her motivation to seek out Daedra Shrines in a couple chapters. Kvatch? Savlian told her to stay away; and of course Buffy always does as she is told. Well, sometimes but maybe, well he wouldn't mind a brief visit, would he?

ureniashtram- Hey, no fair using Arkved as a punching bag! Although. . . Buffy just might confess to damaging a troll's speed to zero via poison, then getting a touch of archery practice herself. Those trolls are handy 'cuz they regenerate hitpoints. I'm honored that Buffy might inspire you to try a mystic archer! Thanks for the kind words.



Swaths of tall grass were trampled down and streaked with blood. We pressed deeper into the meadow. What manner of atrocity was this!?! Just south of Imperial Isle was a beautiful grassy field where wild horses often frolicked. I had brought Superian here as a treat on our way back to the University, so she could run and play with them.

They were all dead.

I stood in my stirrups, and surveyed the carnage. The horses' wounds revealed they had clearly been killed by tooth or claw. Nausea, anger and fear welled within me. An Imperial Legion rider slowly approached, but I saw no sign of the beast responsible for this slaughter.

Superian's raised head and pricked ears gave but a moment's notice before I heard the unmistakable throaty warning of a big cat. I could see a slight movement of tawny fur in the tall grass. My mare needed no encouragement to wheel and be off in a burst of speed. Judging from the roar behind, I was sure the lion was after us.

The Legion rider took note, and spurred his steed toward us at a dead run. Our two horses thundered past each other, barely an arm's length apart. Superian and I were fleeing danger, as the Legion soldier and his bay charged into it.

Hooves casting a spray of dirt, grass and dust, we rapidly whirled to follow after the soldier on his bay. He had vaulted from his mount, drawn his sword and was now engaged with the mountain lion. Drawing Superian to an abrupt stop, I was on the ground with my bow drawn. The deadly dance between cat and sword was too quick for me to shoot without risk of hitting the soldier.

I silently screamed in frustration as I frantically danced and sidestepped, trying to get a shot. Watching the fight over the tip of my arrow, I was helpless to assist my rescuer. I felt as though a part of my heart was ripped from me as the brave man fell. My first arrow harmlessly hit the dirt as the lion sprang at the Imperial Legion horse. The second shot thudded into the side of the blade-wounded cat, killing it.

Sprinting to the soldier, my worst fear was confirmed. He was dead. I walked calmly to his horse so as not to frighten her further. She was on her feet, but bleeding and trembling. Channeling healing magic through my fingertips, I gently ran them over her wounds, sharing some of her pain. I continued caressing her neck and reassuring the bay until her heart returned to a normal pace.

I somberly returned to the fallen soldier.

Kneeling beside him, I removed the Imperial's helmet and gently placed my hand upon his face. I closed his blue eyes, while my own welled with tears that spilled onto his armor. "T-thank you, brave man," I stammered through quivering lips.

I searched for identification. His name, Gaius Rulician, was engraved on the back of his shield. I placed it into my pack.

He was too heavy for me to move, but this man didn't deserve to be picked at by bandits or scavengers. Gathering dry brush and branches, I built a pyre around him and torched it. I watched the fire for a long time. Eventually, the soldier's noble spirit rose with the smoke, leaving behind the iron and steel he no longer needed.

After casting a spell upon the Legion horse, I mounted Superian and we continued our journey. The bay, enchanted by my spell, followed behind. I sadly rubbed the neck of my own mare. "Sorry girl, no horseplay today."

I would deliver Gaius' shield and horse to the Legion stables just outside the Imperial City.

Superian and I would then continue on to the University. I was still carrying the staves of Sheogorath and Vaermina that I wanted to be available for display and research at the Mystic Archives.

I was angry and ashamed. The soldier had lost his life defending me, yet I had been powerless to assist him. I was used to fighting alone. How many more lives would my inability to fight near allies cost? Another brave soldier? Perhaps my precious mare?

* * *

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

My eyes shot open as I snapped my head toward the voice and jumped to my feet.

"Forgive me Buffy, I didn't mean to surprise you." It was Boderi Farano. As she saw my face, her ruby eyes opened wide. "What's the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Boderi, I-" pushing aside the face of the brave Legion soldier who had died protecting me just the day prior, I stammered, "-b-beautiful?"

"Yes, the alchemy garden this time of day. I often come to this very spot in the mornings to think." She opened her arms and we hugged. After a moment, she placed her hands on my shoulders and held me at arms' length. "Let me look at you, my Apprentice. Tell me of your travels - and what is causing the storm clouds behind those pretty blue eyes."

I looked at the garden. Boderi was right. The sun had climbed above the University walls and now caused dewdrops on the vibrant flowers to sparkle. It was lovely. "Sit with me, Boderi."

The Dunmer battlemage gracefully joined me on a stone bench in front of the garden. She had been my advisor while I was training at the University, and was also a wonderful friend and mentor. She was one of the few who understood both my passion for the bow and refusal to use melee weapons.

We spent the next two hours with my journal open, as I recounted some of my recent adventures.

Boderi listened intently, occasionally asking questions until I closed the journal. Her ability to capture nuances and remember details had always impressed me.

"You have the physical skills and magic you need to be a potent mystic archer." Boderi then continued cryptically as she gently wagged a finger at me, "it is your mind that you must focus." There was always more to Boderi's meaning than her words conveyed.

"Explain, my mentor," I prompted her. "How can I better survive? You know my strengths and weaknesses."

"All right Buffy. Pay attention," she began. "There is a reason you are uncomfortable with blades. Your forte is not the split second action and reaction required by strike and parry combat. You are at your best when you control the situation. Your strengths are your cunning and planning - you are an archer first, a mage second and a skirmisher not at all. Work with your strengths. When you entered Howling Cave and were confronted with numerous necromancers in close proximity, what did you do?"

"I disappeared, so I could have a moment to come up with a plan," I replied tentatively.

"And you prevailed because you had a plan. The same can be said of your other successes, whether slaying vampires for Azura, outsmarting the guards of Lord Drad, or managing to survive a clannfear." She continued, "now, why did you not fare as well during your recent episode with that mountain lion and the Legion soldier in the meadow just south of here?"

I cringed as I relived that lion killing the soldier over the tip of my arrow. "Because they were moving too fast for me to get a shot without risking the soldier?"

"No, Buffy." She shook her head slowly. "Think. Imagine they are still fighting, frozen in time. Come up with a plan. Think it through."

I pretended there was no rush, and thought. Suddenly it was so simple. "A command creature spell!" I chirped proudly. "Even if I missed on the first cast, it wouldn't hurt the soldier. I could have immobilized that lion!"

"Perfect, young illusionist!" Boderi beamed. "Now, why didn't you do that?"

Learning from Boderi was always a circuitous adventure itself. "Because I didn't have time to come up with a plan." I shrugged my shoulders. "I can't freeze time!"

"You can't?" The battlemage raised one eyebrow sharply. "Let me ask you something, Buffy. If you encounter the same situation tomorrow, will you stand there again like a helpless child with your bow?"

"No, of course not," I countered. "I would know to use a command creature spell instead." Then it hit me, and I added excitedly, "because I froze time today!"

Boderi dropped her chin toward her chest for emphasis as she enunciated, "precisely." She then looked into my eyes and continued, "you need to anticipate challenges and determine solutions to them before they ever present themselves. Very few of us can come up with an ideal solution in the span of a few heartbeats," she paused to chuckle softly, "and you, my butterfly dragon, are not one of those few. When you are fighting to protect someone, or you have your horse nearby, you cannot disappear and think. That thinking must be done in advance. If you can imagine a fight, you can control its outcome before it ever occurs."

Boderi was brilliant as ever. "Thank you my wise advisor. As always, I owe you so much. I shall heed your words and craft a new command creature spell - one with an ample area of effect so it will be easier to hit fast moving targets."

She nodded. "That's a fine solution to this particular challenge, Buffy, but it’s the analytical thinking I want you to take from this. Imagine your worst fears, and craft strategies to deal with them in advance."

"Can you teach me some more about this, Boderi?" I asked, tilting my head.

Boderi placed two delicate fingers aside her pretty blue-green cheek. Her eyes then swept across the green patina-covered spires of the University for several moments. "Very well. Magic can solve many problems that your bow cannot. What will you do when faced by several foes, and one of them inflicts you with an effect that disables your spellcasting?"

"I never thought of that before. I wouldn't be able to control their minds or disappear. Give me a minute to think." I scratched my head.

"Yes. Think it through." The Dunmer smiled patiently.

"Oh, I know!" I said. "I'd be in big trouble if that happened now, but after thinking about it, I know I need to carry some powerful dispel potions with me."

"Well done, Buffy. I suspect you will now review how to make such potions, carry them with you and develop the tactics to use them in combat."

She then stood and lifted her eyes toward the sun. "Goodness, I have a class to teach." She held open her arms again.

I put my journal away, stood and we hugged. "I feel better, Boderi. I always do after talking with you."

After a few paces, she turned around briefly and smiled. "Buffy, I'm very proud of you."

I headed to the Lustratorium to craft some dispel potions. Creating my new command creature spell could wait until the next day, as well as presenting those silly Daedric staves to Tar-Meena at the Mystic Archives.

From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

This post has been edited by Acadian: Mar 17 2012, 02:31 PM

The screenshot is new, isn't it? I remember what prompted the original of this episode, and then how it just occurred spur of the moment in game and made one of your best chapters!!! I see how you edited in the comment suggestions, that was a great addition !!! Awesome Write !!!!




This post has been edited by mALX: Nov 2 2010, 02:25 PM

This is one of the chapters of the original Buffy story that I fell in love with, and reading it again I have fallen in love with it a second time.

A great American Ace of WWII who survived that conflict without being shot down once, or even wounded, later stated that "while the other guys were out celebrating in the pubs, I would like on my bed in the Nissen hut and run through my mind all possible scenarios of air to air dogfighting, and think out what was the best possible solution in each circumstance. In this way I was never surprised in combat - in my mind I had already gone through that situation before."

Different war, different weapons, yet underneath, all great warriors are the same.

That evil lion has returned in Buffy 2.0 I see, and just as in 1.0, felled the brave legionary who came to Buffy's defense. In spite of all the skill we have seen the Buffster develop lately, here you have given us her one glaring weakness. The archer's inability to get a clean shot off into melee.

I think it was a wise choice leaving out the goblins of Fatback Cave this time. By concentrating on Buffy's own feelings of inadequacy and guilt over the soldier's death, you give the entire event more weight in our minds. That shifts the chapter to being entirely a character-driven piece.

caused dewdrops on the vibrant flowers to sparkle.
This is a particularly evocative description!

my butterfly dragon
I still love this term as well!

I headed to the Lustatorium
She is going to Nerussa's bedroom?

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Nov 2 2010, 04:53 PM

I remember the lion encounter from BF 1.0 very well, and it was poignant then. It is even more so now.

I always hated coming on dead Legion riders +/- horses during my travels. That's when I developed the doctrine: leave no live enemy behind yourself.

It is a measure of Buffy’s heart that she feels the pain of Gaius’ death so deeply. And it is entirely in keeping with her nature.



Train to the point where it is reflex, not thought. You rarely have time to think in the midst of a fight.

Boderi is the mentor we all wish we had. This is an outstanding guide to how to win the battle in your head before the first arrow flies. Beyond that, this chapter is reason number 562 why we love Buffy.

This chapter is a perfect illustration of the old quote:

Leave it to Boderi to turn a potentially devastating encounter into a lesson learned and taken to heart. Who knows how many lives will be saved in Buffy’s future as a direct result of Gaius Rulician’s noble efforts. How many Legion riders will live to quaff a tankard of mead at a roadside tavern because Rulician’s sacrifice gave Buffy the tools to aid them? Even though he only appeared in her consciousness for the space of a few moments, his effect on her life is both profound and far-reaching. I can think of no greater honor for the man than that.

Just a small nit:

You forgot to open the quote before Boderi’s question.

More of the excellent writing I have come to expect from you mate.

As a mystic archer myself, (thanks for the inspiration) on Target command spells have saved my life more than once. Many is the time I've used it to thin out the enemy, even sometimes not having to fire a shot.(scamps seem to like attacking each other at exactly the same time, and therefore killing each other)

I always feel awful when an Imperial Legion soldier ends up dying because I've got a few wolves and a bandit behind me, and really guilty. I guess I'm not the only one. You portrayed Buffy's sadness very well. Another beautifully written chapter.

My level of imagination concerning my character's feelings is way below the level of you guys, so when this happens I secretly hope he dies so I can sell his armor.
All I do is decide what quests to do and which to leave as well as how to earn money, but that's usually related to what class he/she is.

I've read this ep. on the bethsoft forums so I knew it already. Didn't read them in order so I'm clueless as to what happens next.

Btw, anyone know why I can't send pm's?



My mystic archer is only level 4 so I'm not there yet. Plus I'm using OOO so the world is a little different in some aspects and it requires even more caution and training than Buffy was forced to do. Even the planned skill progression is different because Sigil Stones are maxed at lvl 27 and higher. And not the full OOO either which in my case means that leveling is as usual but training is 3 times as expensive. So using alchemy to earn money is a bit awkward now as it doesn't earn me much money to spend on training my majors. Needless to say, dungeon looting is harder and 'my Buffy' isn't ready for that yet.

This post has been edited by Casper1984: Nov 4 2010, 02:16 PM

Chapter 43 revealed a glaring weakness in Buffy's tactics. Her inability to safely shoot her bow in support of an ally engaged in melee combat cost the life of a Legion soldier. Consolation, as well as answers, came in the form of an impromptu lesson from Buffy's brilliant battlemage mentor, Boderi Farano. 'Tis a lesson forged in blood that our easily-flustered bowgirl will not forget.

mALX- Thank you! The screenshot is an ancient original - Number 46 - she is up to about number 700 now. You're right, the lion attack happened just about the way Buffy describes it - with just as powerful an impact on us. We could not resist portraying the random encounter in her story.

Foxy- I'm so pleased that Boderi's lesson spoke to your warrior spirit the same way it did last time around. Thank you!

SubRosa- I'm glad you support leaving the goblin sparring out this time around. Yes, I know Teresa has experienced the same heartbreaking frustration of trying to help an ally engaged in melee. I'm so glad Boderi was able to lead Buffy toward a possible tactic to help. Butterfly dragon - full credit for the dragon part goes to one of your earlier suggestions to us. It was Boderi that spotted the contradiction in Buffy, but you who helped us name it. We have plans for her dragon - if we can keep her butterfly alive. Oooh! Lustatorium -positively enchanting!

Rider- Thank for the word poignant regarding the lion encounter. That is so very much what we were striving to share. Regarding leaving no live enemy behind, I hope that Buffy will gain the skill and courage to do that; she certainly has the predator spirit. In the next chapter, it grows clearer to her why she may need more skill and courage than she currently possesses.

treydog- Aww. Thank you so much, trey. I am proud of Buffy that she felt responsible for Gaius' death, then vowed to try and correct the cause. She is fortunate indeed for the wisdom and talent of Boderi.

Destri- As you recall, Buffy's introduction to the Legion came via a shield bash in chapter one. Since then, she has learned great respect for the soldiers of the Legion. In fact, she seems to feel quite the admiration for those who choose the path of steel and charge into the enemy - perhaps because she cannot. Up to this point, those iron behemoths seemed invincible to Buffy, as they swatted wolves away from her during her travels. It was a shock to learn their survivability had limits. Thank you for the nit so I could repair it.

Doommeister- Thank you. Buffy is humbled that some of the same survival tactics she uses have helped your mystic archer!

Linara- That Buffy's sadness touched you is a wonderful compliment. Thank you!

Casper- Thanks for reading. I hope you'll stay with us. Try sending pm's after posting a few more times; I believe there is a delay in implementing some of the forum's features. How neat that you are playing a mystic archer! We do not use OOO (or any big/overhaul mods), but I have heard that it certainly ups the challenge.




The twang of Slayer's bowstring filled my ears as the first clannfear fell at my feet. That only cleared a path for the second one right behind him. A trio of scamps lurked at range, and were forming fireballs in their bony hands - meant for me. How did I let this happen? The clannfear sprang at me. There was no time for arrow or spell. All I could see were hungry eyes and a vicious beak, intent on tearing into my flesh. I tried to raise my bow and channel magicka into it to help block the attack, but something held my left shoulder down. I opened my mouth to scream.

"Buffy! Buffy, wake up!" The gentle shaking on my shoulder and insistent voice of an Argonian woman dispelled the horror. "You were having a nightmare!"

Raising my head with a start, I gasped, "Daedra!" Becoming aware of my surroundings, I grabbed Tar-Meena's hand, still on my left shoulder. "I didn't mean to disturb you. I-I'm sorry."

"I am not surprised! While I am pleased to have the Daedric artifacts that you have generously provided the University for study and display, I am getting quite concerned about you. Look at these books you have been pouring over all night. You do realize it is morning, young lady?" Tar-Meena poked among the dozen or so volumes spread around me. "I think you have every text in the Mystic Archives on Daedra and Daedric Princes here." One hand wagged a scaly finger at me, while the other found its way to her hip. "What in the name of Akatosh are you doing?" Her tone made it clear the question was not rhetorical. Orange eyes blinked, waiting for an answer.

"I-I've just been fascinated by Daedra and Daedra Lords for some time now. I guess I need a break though? Here, let me put these away." I started to gather up the books so I could return them to the stacks.

"I will take care of these. Go get some fresh air," she admonished. "Shoo!"

"Yes, Tar-Meena."

A few minutes later I was seated on a stone bench near the University's alchemical garden enjoying the fresh coolness. The spot was a favorite of both Boderi and I. Why was I fascinated by things Daedric? The early sun cast a brilliant blue sky overhead, but had not yet scaled the tall University walls to shine upon the garden - too early for Boderi. Why couldn't I just be satisfied collecting wine for a hobby? Seventeen Daedra Lords, and it seemed like each had their own realm or plane. I felt like a walking volume from the Archives myself. I had learned that all of them, save Jyggalag and Mehrunes Dagon were known to have shrines within Cyrodiil; in fact, I had been able to deduce most of their locations and transcribe them onto my map.

"Acadian, at first I just sought the legendary Azura's Star to recharge my bow. Then Raminus asked me to talk to Meridia when I investigated those necromancers. I guess I then got a little carried away traipsing us all over Cyrodiil because I thought I wanted the artifacts of Daedra Lords." I sighed heavily. "You were right though; I am disappointed. I know now, after Vaermina, I don't really care about their trinkets. So why do they still fascinate me?"

How do you feel about clannfears?

I squirmed. "You know they terrify me. How many times have I awoken us, sweating and crying about being eaten alive? Why do you ask?"

Ignoring my questions, Acadian silently continued, what did you promise Savlian Matius?

"What does that have to do with anything? He asked me to return after that fiery portal was closed, and I promised I wou-" The word froze in my mouth as things began to make sense. I continued slowly, "Uriel Septim told me the Prince of Destruction was responsible for the jaws of Oblivion. I'm not the brightest star in the night sky, but I realize from my studies that Mehrunes Dagon is the one responsible for that Oblivion Gate at Kvatch. Ungarion said portals like that are held open by sigil stones - that means they can be closed."

And how does that concern you?

"Acadian, you can be as confusing to talk with sometimes as Boderi." I scratched my head. "That Legion rider, Falcedon - the one I met near Kvatch - said the armies are busy trying to hold the provinces of the Empire together now." I paused for a few moments before I could force out the next words: "No help will come for Savlian will it?"

I wasn't surprised, but my heart still broke when he agreed. I continued, "no one is going to close that gate if we don't help, are they." It wasn't a question, for we both knew the answer. "Why, Acadian - was that a wince I felt from my paladin?" I closed my eyes as he requested.

A vision formed. It was a place like none I had seen. The land was dead, as was the sparse vegetation. Thunder rolled through the canyons, and lightning streaked across the dark red sky. Fire danced across lakes of bubbling lava that split the rocky wasteland. Stone bridges had been broken and pushed up into useless angles by violent movements of the land. Twisted towers marked the horizon. Daedra roamed - stalking for mortals.

I was speechless for a long time, as a shudder ran from the back of my neck down to my toes. Finally I whispered, "by Mara, if you were trying to frighten me, you sure did a good job. At least I now know what the terrifying plane of Oblivion controlled by Mehrunes Dagon looks like. Deadlands."

"Acadian, you realize you've revealed your fear of the Deadlands as well?" Rather than waiting for an answer, I quickly continued, "don't worry, we're not going to run off to Kvatch and jump into an Oblivion Gate - not after that nightmare I had this morning and the vision you just showed me. Perhaps in our travels, we can recruit some assistance for those brave soldiers standing between that gate and Cyrodiil."

And do you now understand your fascination with Daedra Lords?

"Yes," I admitted. "Since Mehrunes Dagon is responsible for that gate, perhaps one of his colleagues can teach me to fight Daedra on their own turf and survive in that environment. I mean, it was a result of completing Vaermina's task that I learned to kill scamps, and that I'm not really ready to fight clannfears - yet. I don't know if I can ever close that gate, but. . . perhaps I can learn enough to at least go in and scout it out for Savlian." I added hesitantly, "does that sound like an okay plan, and will you come with me?"

Our spirits joined long ago, and it is not a commitment I take lightly. We live or die as one, my bowgirl.

"Thank you, my paladin. My choices on which shrines to pick haven't exactly worked out for the best perhaps. I mean, maybe I could use some help there. When I awaken tomorrow, it would please me to find a blue mark on my map."

This post has been edited by Acadian: Nov 8 2010, 02:12 PM

Excellent work as always acadian. I can't think of anything else to say, except for a S.G.M

Oh, and first!

This post has been edited by Doommeister: Nov 5 2010, 02:10 PM

WOOOOOOOOOOT !!!!! Acadian finally shows up - and what an Awesome scene between the two of them!!! That is my favorite part of the chapter, that and the promise of future chapters in the foreshadowing info so neatly embedded in here !!! I love this chapter, and this is all new material, right? Awesome Write Acadian !!!!

Julian is all too familiar with those nightmares!

Loved the Paladin's guidance with Buffy's thought processes toward her decision to learn more about the Deadlands so she can help Savlian Matius (oooh!) at Kvatch.

One nit, more a matter of personal taste:

Ok, O.K., okay, which to use? I personally avoid ok in writing (mainly because it's a name in East Asian countries such as Korea). I don't like the abbreviation either, because I already use too many acronyms in my profession (ACL, BVD, CBC, etc). Generally I avoid okay unless I'm writing "20th century American slang" since it feels foreign in other languages (and in earlier times, too), but this is the form I like to use (especially in dialogue) because it reads more naturally to me.

Off my soapbox (one of many ) now.

Back to Buffy: I really loved this:

Buffy almost losing herself here, hehe, nice. Err... I mean, bad girl.



I'm sure she's not the only one bothered by this fact. I know I am.
That, and quests being shoved in your face as soon as you talk to someone (Reynald Jemane anyone?).

I loved how you started out in media res, then revealed it to be a nightmare! Perfect, especially given Buffy's recent encounters with Vaermina and the lion.

When I awaken tomorrow, it would please me to find a blue mark on my map.
This had me laughing.

So Buffy has accepted the reason she is so drawn to the Deadric Lords. Having read BF 1.0 I knew as much, but it was still a wonderful revelation to watch dawn over Buffy. She really has changed so much from that girl we knew visiting the Imperial City for the first time with City Swimmer!