I'm guessing that the new character might turn out to be a companion. Will we get a "could you help me out with something first?"

And a late thought. Avoid going to Mages guilhalls where there are multiple Abnur Tharns. At least one of them will have a quest you don't want.

This post has been edited by ghastley: Dec 20 2024, 09:27 PM

How exciting! Buffy is about to meet a new person who might (or might not) help her with her quest!

A couple of prunes after a hot bath sounds about right - I'd laugh, too, were I in that situation!

And Archmage Galerion is next on the visiting list - wonder if you'll depict him as querulous and self absorbed as I see him in ESO (sorry, SubRosa - there is some truth to the old adage never meet your heroes). Funny how that side of him doesn't get passed down to subsequent eras.

Looks like Buffy will be arriving in Windhelm around the time Lili is getting ready to depart ...

I didn't know that Acadian fell during the Great Dragon War, it's a valuable and interesting piece of information.

"Summon towel spell" - very useful for a wanderer like Buffy.

Hot springs, nice. Dagail and Buffy are engaging in shared memories, which are sort of timeless. Deja vu, in other words.

Which book did Acadian perish as a paladin? If you don't mind I'd like to read that part just to become familiar. Could you post a link? Hmm, Merethic. That's waaaaay back. Maybe that's not part of a Book, then. Or maybe that is Book 1.

Whoa, Drodda is siphoning power from a corpse.

Collocate! 3). (obsolete, transitive) To set or place; to station. ---- That's a new word for me! Seems #3 is the closest way the definition gets used. Drodda has stationed herself near the corpse.

She's going to Windhelm. Same location as Lilisfina, although much different Era.

“One way to get to a wayshrine you that you haven’t visited is to hold the hand of someone who is attuned to it and travel there with them.” -- That is soooo ESO!

Yeah, I agree with Dagail. Don't want Buffy to get in over her head (not a pun about her height). Seems this Drodda is going to take some know-how, first.

This post has been edited by Renee: Dec 23 2024, 04:57 PM

Previously- While Buffy and Dagail enjoyed a hot bath at the guild hall, Buffy shared the details of her quest to track down Drodda and stop the ice witch from siphoning the magic from the corpse of Acadian’s dragon. The two worked out that although Drodda's last known location was Windhelm, Buffy’s first destination should be Elden Root to solicit the Arch Mage’s support. Dagail also promised to introduce Buffy to someone who could help her navigate Tamriel and even fight if necessary.

*

SubRosa- It’s fun using Dagail as a touchpoint to the 3rd Era for Buffy – as long as she doesn’t think too hard about the time travel implications. Dagail paints Drodda as an ambitious mage consumed by power. That is true to a point, but as Buffy gets into tracking her down, she’ll learn there is quite a bit more to her story than the classic ‘evil big bad’. I’m afraid Lyris Titanborne will not serve as the steel in front of Buffy. That would indeed be the odd couple as Buffy the pocket healer only comes up to Lyris’ waist. Regarding Vanus Galerion, Buffy will learn that a brilliant vision doesn’t always come with a pleasant demeanor.

ghastley- Though we will stray from ESO in quite a few areas, the person Dagail will introduce her to does indeed exist in the game as a potential companion. There will be some preliminaries as the two evaluate each other.

Rider- Buffy will find Vanus Galerion a frustrating challenge to deal with and will indeed learn your lesson about the downside of meeting your heroes. I’m afraid Buffy will eventually find Windhelm every bit as bone-chillingly cold as has Lili.

Lopov- Despite the best efforts of Acadian and Phantom back in the Merethic Era, it still took Akatosh to intervene – and even then, only to cast Alduin a few Era’s into the future for some future Dragonborn to deal with. Buffy loves her collection of ‘summon mundane item’ spells.

Renee- Buffy and Acadian have existed together before their current ‘iteration’ and they have shared numerous lives. Acadian’s demise during the Great Dragon war occurred during their last life together. Buffy is only aware of this from what Acadian has told her, since each time they are reincarnated, he retains their memories but she does not. Later in this book Buffy will learn a bit more about the role she played during their time together back in the Merethic Era. Here’s a relevant snip from Episode 151 of Book One as Buffy and Acadian discuss the elf’s possible demise before entering the Kvatch Oblivion Gate with Savlian Matius:



The sunshine had finally burned through Leyawiin’s morning fog, the temperature was pleasant and birds were singing as we stood on the sidewalk. Dagail pointed to one of the outdoor tables that lined the front of a tavern across the street. “That’s her – the Dunmer.”

She was the first Dunmer I had seen Leyawiin and sat by herself wearing heavy armor. As Dagail took my hand and drew me closer, I could see the dark elf’s shield, short sword and guantlets resting on the chair beside her. Her equipment appeared to have seen plenty of use, but to be of good quality and well-maintained. The elf wore her chestnut hair pulled back into a loose plait that trailed a short way down her back. A bottle of wine sat on the table as she nursed the goblet in her hand.

“Good morning, Mirri!” chirped Dagail as we approached. “I brought a fellow mage I want you to meet.”

Mirri gave Dagail a pleasant smile, then her ruby eyes looked rather disapprovingly at me. “Good to see you Dagail, but who’s the little pink parchment princess?”

Both hands found their way to my hips as I gave her a smile that I’m sure did not reach my eyes. “Why, forgive me. I’m new in Leyawiin and did not realize that heavy armor, accessorized with sword and shield, was the fashionably appropriate attire to accompany a morning bottle of wine.”

Mirri bristled but Dagil jumped in before she could reply, “Stop it, both of you! I’m afraid you deserved that, Mirri, judging my friend here based on one cursory glance. How do you feel when Argonians make it clear with one look how much they dislike you simply because the Dunmer have enslaved many of them? That, despite the fact I know you and your family despise such practices? And, Buffy,” her stern look shifted to me, “I know you’re not happy wearing that prissy dress but your words carry an unhelpful sharpness.”

Mirri’s face softened noticeably, apparently somewhat convicted by Dagail’s words. I suspect mine did too, realizing I had perhaps overreacted.

Dagail continued, “Look, you two, I propose we start over, beginning with proper introductions.” She cleared her throat. “Dame Buffy, paladin of Kynareth, daughter of the Cloud Dancer Clan, skilled mage and gifted healer, I would like you to meet Mirri, House of Elendis, sell-shield extraordinaire, dungeon delver and world traveler.”

Mirri replied first, with a lifted eyebrow as she studied me from head to toe, “You don’t look like a knight, Dame Buffy, especially a holy one.”

“I get that a lot,” I replied, trying to match her neutral tone. “And just Buffy is fine if you please.”

“I must say though,” the Dunmer added with the hint of a smile, “you do have a quick wit and deliver a sharp bite.”

“Well, sorry about that,” I said with a shrug. “As Dagail said, I’m not real pleased having to wear this dress while the mage’s robe she gave me is being altered.”

Dagail injected, “Buffy was struck by lightning just a couple days ago as she arrived in Leyawiin, you see. All her belongings were zapped away but Kynareth spared her life.”

“I. . . regret my initial harsh tone and words, Buffy. Dagail is right; I know better than to judge someone prematurely. Book by its cover and all that. Sit?”

Dagail and I each pulled up a chair and joined Mirri at her table. “Mutually forgiven, I hope,” I said, offering a smile. “Dagail said you’re a sell-shield? I’m unfamiliar with the term.”

“Sell-shields,” Mirri began, “offer their services to protect those who venture into harm’s way. I suppose the term applies to me, though I prefer to think of myself as a guardian. I don’t sell my services; rather, I broker agreements with mages possessing adequate skills that complement mine. We then share such bounty that any mutually agreeable task might provide.”

“What do you bring to such partnerships and what type of skills do you seek from a companion?” I asked, intrigued.

“I’m quite specialized in commanding the attention of powerful foes and withstanding most any damage they can dish out, you see. The price I pay for such defensive focus is that the damage I can deal is meager. And as skilled at defense as I am, drawing the fully undivided ire of a powerful foe does result in times when I require healing in combat. Particularly if swarmed by minions as well. What I seek from those I partner with is the ability to deal significant damage and heal me in combat. Perhaps more importantly, I need a mage who will not freeze up. Or abandon me in a fight.”

“That seems a very effective concept, Mirri,” I replied. “I’m a combat healer. I can heal and support allies while boosting their damage and delivering a reasonable amount of my own. The price I pay is fighting in fear for my own life, as my defenses are limited and those I do possess distract from my ability to damage foes. The fact that I’m physically small and fragile compounds my limitations.”

“Buffy is on a quest for Kynareth,” said Dagail. “Her task will most certainly involve significant danger and take quite some time to prepare for and complete. Knowing you both, I thought introducing you to each other a good idea.” Her hopeful gaze shifted between Mirri and I.

“Thank you, Dagail,” I replied. “I value your wisdom.”

“As do I,” said Mirri. “Depending on the specifics of this quest and if Buffy can deliver on the skills she advertises, I would be interested.”

“There are details,” I said, “about both myself and my quest that must remain between Kynareth and I, but I will not keep secrets that could impact the success of my quest. I believe I possess the skills you require and assure you that I have never abandoned an ally during a fight and would die before doing so.”

Mirri studied me for some time over the rim of her wine goblet. Finally she spoke, “Dagail claims your quest might take some fair time to complete?”

I nodded.

“Since that’s the case,” she continued, “I propose we evaluate each other in action by completing a less ambitious endeavor in the local area. The Fighters Guild maintains a list of local tasks that might be appropriate. Should we complete such a limited undertaking and emerge mutually pleased with each other’s performance, extending our partnership to the more aggressive commitment required by your Divine quest might be in order. Oh, and if we agree to travel together I expect an equal split of any proceeds, loot, bounties or rewards. What say you, Buffy?”

Dagail gave me a nod of encouragement.

“What you suggest seems like a sound approach, Mirri,” I replied. “I agree.”

Mirri smiled and lifted the goblet to her lips. After lowering it again to the table she pointed to the bottle. “Join me?”

I shook my head as Dagail said, “You know what, I find it still a bit early for that. Buffy and I need to head for the clothier to check on her robe.”

“I’ll stop by the Fighters Guild later,” said Mirri, “and see if they have any tasks that might suit our purpose. I’ll contact you at the Mages Guild when I have something.”

*

Buffy’s prissy pink loaner dress.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Dec 25 2024, 09:46 PM

I love Buffy's Pink Parchment Princess outfit!

And we are off to a great start with Mirri (with two 'r's). Naturally I looked her up on the UESP Wiki to have an idea of who she is.

Sell-Shield is a fantastic term for a bodyguard, as opposed to a Sell-Sword. The first implies protection, the latter attack.

Yes, I see that Mirri is your classic Tank. She needs a Healer and Crowd Control to balance out her abilities.

And a tentative alliance is struck. Besides the obvious gameyness to the idea of going on a minor quest first to evaluate one another, it does make good sense in the real world. It is much better than getting into the middle of something major and discovering that the person you are relying upon is unreliable. Either due to brashness, incompetence, or outright maliciousness. Or even just incompatible abilities.

Did you intend a comma after freeze? It makes sense both ways, but who is frozen changes.

If I were as much an oenophile as Mirri, I wouldn't have noticed.

Mirri shouldn't have judged Buffy by her pink clothes.

What may seem like a bad start, fortunately turned out into a pleasant conversation.

Buffy looks great in her dress!

At first I misread Sell-Shield for a Spell-Shield, I agree with SubRosa that it's a great term.

Mirri! I had been thinking Bastian, but Mirri is ultimately a much better choice. She does have a dry sense of humor which I enjoy from time to time. I play her as a DPS (Isobel is my tank), but I know from others that Mirri makes for a pretty good tank herself, and I'm glad Tank Mirri is the one that will be accompanying Buffy in the days/weeks/months to come!

And their initial tentative agreement reminds me so much of how Lili approached Stenvar - the Winter War was as much a test of his abilities as it was a trial run of their teamwork. I look forward to how Mirri and Buffy work things out between themselves.

Mirri! I nearly spit out my tea at “morning bottle of wine.”

It makes perfect sense to go on a smaller job before committing to what could become a long-term partnership. I had to chuckle when Mirri suggested the Fighters Guild.

Great picture of Buffy in Leyawiin! She may not be a fan of her prissy dress, but she sure looks pretty in it.

Previously- Dagail introduced Buffy to a Dunmeri sell-shield named Mirri. After a rough introduction that was greatly smoothed by Dagail, it was agreed that the skills possessed by sell-shield and combat healer might indeed complement each other well. Mirri agreed to stop by the Fighters Guild and obtain a local task that she and Buffy might use to mutually evaluate each other before potentially committing to the greater time and dangers involved with Buffy’s Divine quest. The meeting concluded as Buffy and Dagail headed for the clothier to check on Buffy’s mage robe alterations.

*

SubRosa- Thanks for endorsing the sell-shield term we came up with. As Kynareth suggested, and Dagail realizes, a sturdy warrior to help Buffy is just what she needs. It seemed a bridge too far for Buffy and Mirri to simply join up and become pals knowing so little about each other. The task to evaluate each other in action will be both local and straightforward but should give the ladies enough to decide whether advancing a partnership is warranted.

ghastley- Thanks for pointing out that missing comma. I see you noticed that Mirri enjoys her wine; we’ll be able to use that funny oenophile word in a few more episodes.

Lopov- Mirri will become an important, enduring character and I wanted to leave lots of room for their relationship to grow over time. I view their rough start as an opportunity where Dagail, once again, shows she has the right stuff when it comes to managing people to eventually become Guildmagister in Leyawiin.

Rider- Mirri indeed! Our decision was based on several factors. First, the two get along well in game. Second, as you know, Buffy likes to drop her clothes at every stream and waterfall and finds traveling with another women a bit more comfortable in that regard. Finally, even though Buffy is a paladin and will step up when required, she prefers being a sidekick over a leader and Mirri seems the most mature and worldly of the companions, and a good choice to teach Buffy how things work in the Second Era.

Grits- Thank you! I promise that even though their trial task will be for the Fighters Guild, it will not involve clearing rats from someone’s basement.




Augustina slowly circled, inspecting her alterations before announcing, “An excellent initial fit, Buffy. I thought about some of the. . . more boisterous activities you indicated might be in this robe’s future and took the liberty of splitting the right side almost to your hip and disguising the modification with overlapping fabric.” She pointed at a nearby straight chair. “Try straddling that.”

I approached the chair, but instead of turning around to sit, I grasped the top of its back and straddled the seat. Sure enough, the side of the robe’s skirt opened to allow the maneuver.

“I believe it to be a good compromise,” remarked Augustina. "The robe looks quite normal and, while not ideal, should allow you to mount a horse.”

I stood, and the side area of the skirt fell neatly back into position with no evidence of the split. “This is marvelous, Augustina! You can barely tell it’s there until I try to straddle something.”

“Thank you,” the tailor replied. “As I said, it’s a compromise and you may want to be mindful of the view you give those around you as you mount your horse. Or if you need to sprint on foot.”

“A fine compromise it is, I think. Thank you.” I raised my hands and twirled in front of her. “So how much remains before it is finished?”

“I’m very pleased at this point. It is certainly close enough that we’re now able to use pins to help us with the final adjustments. Hold still.” She proceeded to fold or tuck a bit here and there while inserting numerous pins to hold her adjustments in place. “I think I can have it ready before I close today. Here, let me have the robe. My assistant and I will get right to work.”

I slipped off the robe, handed it to her and redonned the pink dress. “As pretty and nice as this dress may be, Augustina, it’s probably not one I would choose for myself and I’ll be glad to trade it for my robe. We’ll be back before the sun dips below the city walls this afternoon.”

*

We enjoyed a late lunch inside yet another tavern. “This venison stew reminds me of home, Dagail, and is quite good.”

“So is the grilled salmon,” she replied. “Here, want some?”

We traded bites, agreeing with each other’s assessment.

“Mirri is an interesting elf, is she not?” I asked.

“She is indeed,” replied Dagail. “I think she’s been to just about every part of Tamriel. She can be prickly when you first meet her, but she’s quite clever and no nonsense when it comes to what she does. And if she agrees to travel with you, she’ll stand between you and danger without hesitation.”

“Well that’s encouraging. I hope we fight well together.”

“Though you two got off to a bit of a rough start, Buffy, I think you’ll get on well. She’d never admit it, but Mirri has quite a noble heart and never shirks a commitment once she makes it. And I’m quite sure she’s familiar with wayshrines at or near Elden Root.”

Once done with lunch, we continued to chat while wandering the city. We stopped to sit by a beautiful fountain, watching the numerous carp. Their scales occasionally caught the afternoon sun and sparkled in a variety of black, white, red and golden hues. Occasionally, one of them would break the surface to snatch a dragonfly that flew too close in search of a drink.

When the sun had sunk low enough, we returned to the clothing shoppe. Once into my robe again, Augustina absolutely beamed as she surveyed her handiwork. “Every bit what I had hoped for, Buffy. This robe now splendidly showcases your petite elven physique and delicately refined features.”

“It certainly fits well and follows my form,” I admitted. “I like that its length now falls to the tops of my moccasins instead of almost brushing the floor like most robes do.”

“Yes,” she replied, “I think you’ll find that the hem area will stay much cleaner at that length. May I take it that you’re satisfied with how I’m sending you out of here?”

“I certainly am,” I said with a smile. “Dagail, would you please give Augustina what we owe her?”

Dagail opened her coin purse and counted out what remained of my gold.

*

There was a knock on the door of the room Dagail and I were sharing on the guild’s upper floor. The door then opened to reveal one of the chapter’s mages, Nuzak.

“Dagail, there’s some Dunmer in the lobby. Says she’s looking for Buffy? She’s armored and weaponed up. Want me to get rid of her?”

“No,” replied Dagail. “Thanks, Nuzak. Buffy and I will go down and meet her.”

“Suit yourselves.”

Sure enough, Mirri was waiting in the lobby. I said, “How about we head down to the training room for a bit of privacy?”

Both ladies nodded and Dagail led the way. There were several simple chairs along the wall. Dagail and Mirri each sat. I pulled one of the chairs out, spun it around and straddled it, resting my arms on the top of the chair’s back. Dagail, giggled, “I see you quite like that split Augustina put in the side of your robe.”

I suppressed a grin, not wanting Dagail and I to appear too much like young, giggly girls in front of our guest. Instead, I turned to Mirri. “Nice to see you, again. What news do you bring?”

“I have accepted a job for us from the Fighters Guild,” she began. “There’s a powerful minotaur named Druvaakh the Smasher who lairs in a nearby cave known as Undertow Cavern. Minotaurs are known to be territorial and this beast has always been content to endanger only those who enter his lair. Indeed, over the years, he’s probably claimed many bandits seeking shelter in his cave.”

“How is this a problem?” I asked.

“I’m getting there, Buffy. His presence so close to Leyawiin has been tolerated as long as he claimed only those who entered Undertow Cavern, the entrance to which has long been posted with signs of warning for the unwary. Recently however, he has expanded what he considers his territory to include attacking passersby along the road between the cave and Leyawiin. Locals, travelers and several traders who help supply the city merchants have been killed by this minotaur. The Ivory Brigade is thinly spread with a multitude of other tasks. Leyawiin’s Countess has contracted the Fighters Guild to eliminate this threat, requiring delivery of one of the beast’s unmistakably large horns as proof of the deed.”

“I see,” I said. “How soon do you want us to depart for this cave?”

“I can leave on very short notice,” Mirri answered, “but we don’t need to overly rush any preparations you may need.”

“I’m anxious to proceed,” I said, “for my larger quest awaits.” I glanced at Dagail. “I believe I can be ready to go tomorrow morning if that’s acceptable.”

Dagail, nodded her support.

“I’m pleased to hear that,” replied Mirri. “I’ll collect you tomorrow shortly after sunrise then.”

*

Buffy's tailored guild robe

That was very clever of AuggieTina to accommodate for Buffy's more boisterous activities. I loved her chair straddling maneuver. It reminds me of the inventive ways in which Commander Riker would sit down in chairs in The Next Generation - aka the Riker Maneuver.

Venison stew, grilled salmon? I love this restaurant already!

An armed and armored Dunmer waiting for Buffy in the lobby? That sounds like its either going to be a fight or a great date!

We have a quest! A malevolent minotaur must needs be made into mincemeat. And the Buff & Mirr combo are the ones to make it happen.

I hope there will be no misunderstandings with the torchbugs in Undertow Cavern.

I don't imagine anyone will confuse one with a minotaur, but you never know.

Wow, that's intense, those patterns of incarnations and reincarnations. One of you remembers all, the other always forgets. Does this mean Buffy must be reeducated each time about her ephemeral partner? Phew, Buffy's getting ornery at Acadian in Book One!

“I don’t remember any of that.”

“Nor would you, Buffy. Your memories begin anew with each form we take

Okay, that seems to answer my question above.

"Pink parchment Princess!" And then Dagail reprimands your elf! Hey, I'm on Buffy's side on this one! How dare Mirri make fun of pink! ---- Unhelpful sharpness, bah! Go for it, fragile Elf!!!

Whoa, there she is, wearing the dress! Ah, wow. That just made my morning, Acadian! In fact it's not so prissy at all. I was expecting something frilly & frivolous.

A minotaur, COOL! Our frail elf has dealt with many of those... Interesting that Undertow Cavern also appears in the Second Era. Place has quite a history of miscreant inhabitants.

Nice! Another picture.


Personal note: I hope nobody within your circle was affected by that wretched Tesla Cyberbomb, Acadian.

I quite agree - Mirri is the most sensible and mature of all the companions so far (well, except maybe for Zerith and Sharps, but that's another story). My ESO toon (and original Skyrim character) Alise Sudmeri loves Mirri - they are so alike they could be twins from different mothers! Mirri does ranged while Alise does melee - and it all works out well. Sadly, no one in my crew so far likes Bas - he's the orphan of them all.

Anyways, a Minotaur is a good start! I missed those from the Oblivion game and was glad to see them again in the Gold Coast DLC, and now the more Cyrodiil centric content. It will be interesting to see how the pair makes out fighting such a massive opponent within the twisty confines of Undertow.

Oh, and Renee, I'm with Mirri there. Pink is not a suitable color for a warrior, even a steel butterfly like our Buffy.

Buffy looks great in her tailored robe as well but I personally prefer the pink dress.

They were eating good in the 2nd Era.

Buffy & Mirri against the furious minotaur!

Previously- Buffy’s first fitting went well enough that the clothier was able to use pins to prepare for a final fitting, and she promised the guild robe alterations would be complete by day’s end. Buffy and Dagail spent the afternoon enjoying a late lunch and some of the sights of Leyawiin before picking up the finished robe. That evening, Mirri found the two Bosmer at the Mages Guild and explained the task she had accepted from the Fighters Guild – to eliminate a dangerous minotaur in a nearby cave. Mirri and Buffy agreed to leave early the following morning.

*

SubRosa- Riker Maneuver – I think we’ve got her robe set to ride now; sneaking through a dungeon may be another problem. Despite the fact that Mirri generally partners with mages, I imagine she’s an unusual sight in a typical mages guildhall.

ghastley- I promise you, no torchbugs were harmed in the writing of this book.

Renee- Glad that excerpt helped, though I admit the relationship between Buffy and Acadian is complicated. I agree that Mirri was more the initial problem than Buffy when they met; Dagail, however, was wise enough to choose just the right words to calm them both down.

Rider- Another Mirri fan! I know that mALX also prefers Mirri over the other companions. Happily, when properly set up, Mirri does pretty well as a tank.

Lopov- I agree the pink dress does look nice. We dyed it just for that picture. Usually Buffy has it dyed forest green or sometimes as a ‘little black dress’.



Once outside the city gates, I summoned and mounted Superian - thankful for the split Augustina had crafted into my robe. I was pleased to see Mirri summon her own gray gelding and mount up as well. The gelding sidled closer to Superian, curious about my mare. Superian returned the attention as the two horses seemed quite at ease together. “My mare is Superian; what’s your gelding called?”

“His name is Gray. Unimaginative, I know, but it suits him. Good that they seem to accept each other.”

We discussed tactics and mutual expectations during our short ride to Undertow Cavern. I gave Mirri a good summary of what my staff and spells could – and could not – do. She sounded quite experienced at working as a duo paired with a mage. She explained that among sell-shields, my support spells that healed over time, boosted defense or improved damage were called ‘buffs’.

“Makes sense,” I remarked. Then added with a grin, “Even named after me – sort of.”

Mirri chuckled, then explained her own skills and equipment. She possessed but one spell. It channeled magicka through her shield that would almost instantly propel her – shield first – into a chosen target. She called her spell a ‘gap closer’. Her short sword carried a ‘taunt’ enchantment that would cause whatever foe it struck to focus its attacks exclusively on her. The shield on her back was enchanted to repel damage. The components of her plate and mail panoply had been spelled to reduce their weight, and the cloth doublet she wore beneath her armor magically dispelled the buildup of body heat.

As we arrived at the vine-shrouded entrance to Undertow Cavern, we dismounted and unsummoned the horses.

“Ready?” asked Mirri.

I nodded and we slipped into the cave. The floor and walls were wet and there was the sound of dripping water. The still air held the scents of various fungi and animals. Gaps in the ceiling emitted enough slender beams of sunshine to provide adequate illumination.

“Let me take the lead if you please, Buffy,” Mirri said quietly. “I suggest we focus on finding and killing our prey, then we can give the place a more careful look for any items of value on the way out.”

“I’m right behind you,” I said.

Mirri slid the shield from her back and drew her blade.

I filled my hand with Carsomyr and we stealthily proceeded. I was impressed with how quietly Mirri moved, given the mail and plate that comprised her armor. I was not so impressed with my own ability to sneak wearing a robe and the attention it required to avoid tripping.

I knew minotaurs were generally solitary creatures and the cave was quiet as we crept through its passages. We saw a few torchbugs and mudcrabs. The former were harmless of course and the latter were not aggressive unless provoked. As we cleared a corner, however, we surprised a group of goblins – who immediately attacked. Mirri deftly dispatched the first two that came within her blade’s range, shield bashing one and beheading the other.

As she did so, I cast Blazing Spear into the ground within their midst. The resultant burst of shards interrupted the shaman as she tried to cast her own spell while also immobilizing and damaging the remaining goblins. A second Blazing Spear killed what remained of the group.

Mirri turned to me with a nod of approval. “Nicely done. These little fetchers will eat anything. I expect the minotaur tolerates them to clean up the scraps and bones of his prey.”

I recalled that, unlike their bovine cousins, minotaurs were omnivorous. A fair number of gnawed bones, as well as a few scraps of shredded clothing, did indeed litter the floor of the cave.

Finally, the narrow passageways we had followed opened to a large cavern. There were more gaps and cracks in the high ceiling here, some even trailed vines and roots beneath them. More importantly though, the beams of sunshine that had only adequately lit our way so far provided quite a bit more light. We crouched at the threshold of the cavern and could clearly see our target. As he squatted over a meal of I didn’t want to know what – or who – I could see Druvaakh the Smasher was almost twice the size of any minotaur I had ever seen.

“Good,” whispered Mirri. “He doesn’t know we’re here yet so we can open the fight on our terms.”

“I suspect my Blazing Spear spell will not immobilize him,” I cautioned.

“Not to worry, Buffy, that’s my job. Let me gain his full attention before you attack. Ready?”

I nodded.

With that, Mirri stood from her crouch, and purposefully walked toward the minotaur. I let her get about two horse lengths ahead of me then stealthily followed.

Presently, the beast saw Mirri boldly approaching and stood to his full height. He thumped both fists against his broad chest and issued a roar of challenge that dislodged a light shower of dirt and pebbles from the cavern’s ceiling.

“Tusk off, you horned fetcher!” yelled Mirri as she loudly struck sword against shield one time.

I had no idea if the beast understood Mirri’s words, but there was no doubt he took her meaning for, with another roar, he charged.

Mirri broke into a run straight toward the speeding mountain of Minotaur. I stealthily continued behind her, slightly off to one side.

With about three horse lengths between them, Mirri’s shield illuminated and she was instantly propelled – shield first – into the chest of her foe.

The collision stopped and slightly staggered the minotaur. Mirri bounced off the beast but landed squarely on her feet.

I branded the stone floor at my feet with my Cleansing Ritual, and its protective radius encompassed most of the cavern. I then cast Blazing Spear into the ground at Druvaakh’s hooves.

Before the monster could fully recover from the impact of Mirri's shield, her blade glowed and she delivered a vicious slash across the beast’s belly. She then circled partially around our foe as he maneuvered to face her. I realized she had intentionally turned him away from me.

Though my Blazing Spear did not immobilize the minotaur, it did notable damage. I then alternated between Blazing Spear and heavy attacks from Carsomyr.

Mirri skillfully blocked each blow of the mighty minotaur’s fists, jabbing or slashing when she could.

With Druvaakh’s ire fully focused upon Mirri, I was able to attack with impunity while keeping an eye on her health. By now the minotaur's breathing was rasping and labored, and his movements were slower. I cast Radiant Glory. The beam of pure Holy Light had a devastating effect and Druvaakh quickly fell – even before I needed to refresh my ‘buff’ spell.

Not taking any chances, Mirri stood over him and, with a deft slash of her blade, laid open his throat. Even then, she watched for a few more seconds to ensure he was dead.

She looked at me, then down at herself. “Why are our arms purple?”

I replied, “That means our damage is being boosted. The healing from my Cleansing Ritual on the ground around us is causing it right now, but it happens whenever I heal us.” Momentarily my ritual faded and, a few seconds later, our arms lost their lavender glow.

We then stared at each other for a time, finally exchanging nods of mutual respect.

Mirri said, “I’ve seen enough. . . partner.”

“The feeling’s mutual,” I replied.

Mirri then set about the gruesome task of severing both giant horns from the minotaur’s head. “We need one to turn in for the reward. The other will sell for a hefty profit.” She then hoisted one over her shoulder and grunted. “This fetching thing is heavy! We may have to make two trips.”

“I think I can help,” I said as I conjured my storage trunk and opened it. “Place them in here. Trust me, they’ll fit.”

Mirri looked skeptical, but as she muscled first one then the other horn into the trunk, it easily swallowed them both.

“See?” I said as I dismissed the trunk.

“A relief not having to carry those things.” She looked at me. “That chest of yours is impressive.”

I nearly sputtered, but managed to say with a straight face, “Now that’s truly the first time anyone has ever said that to me.”

Mirri burst into a full-throated laugh. “And a sense of humor as keen as your wit. How about we check for anything valuable as we make our way out of here?”

I nodded and activated my glowing aura of Divine light. While it did signify that I was a paladin, it also illuminated me enough to serve as a light source for both of us as we proceeded to search for anything valuable in the now clear dungeon. Although the minotaur’s treasure consisted largely of skulls and bones from hapless victims, it seems he had a taste for shiny trinkets as well, for we were able to recover numerous gold coins and several valuable gems.

Once outside the dungeon, I dispelled my holy glow.

*
Screenshot: Buffy and Mirri enroute to Undertow Cavern

Gap Closer sounds intense.

Ah Here we go... Book 4's first Dungeon Dive! Buff should be right at home. What I'm curious about is how Mirri your elf will interact? Will their different styles conflict or compliment?

Mudcrabs in the Second Era, disgusting creatures! 🦀 Goblins, bleaaagh!! I hope I never see another.

Nice job with the Blazing Spear!

We crouched at the threshold of the cavern and could clearly see our target. As he squatted over a meal of I didn’t want to know what

I agree. Bleagh! --- Yeesh, she Gap Closes right into the giant beast.

Buffy's magic does indeed compliment Mirri's physical attacks. Like a dance.

Love the screenshot at the end. Will Imgur allow me to save that? Yes it did. Wallpaper!



This post has been edited by Renee: Jan 8 2025, 05:17 PM

If only ... None of my Mirri's has ever done that.

I like the way you've blurred what is a class or skill line ability and what is an enchantment. I always have problems in FF with narrating how suddenly a character has a new skill, and "Oh, I just got a thing that does that for me" has a lot of potential. Especially if it's followed by "and I learned how to do it myself" after a while.

Kothet was mystified by Zahra's level-ups, but he could blame daedric intervention for anything.

Off to Undertow Cavern. I only know it from Oblivion, and its Black Bow Bandits. So I have no idea what might be waiting for Buffy and Mirri in its depths.

Buffy has buffs.

I like Mirri's charging attack. It lets her get up into things right off the bat. That must be disconcerting for opposing archers or crowd control mages to deal with. Her other talents likewise clearly set her as the party tank and damage sponge. I am guessing that she went to the Rocky Balboa school of fighting, and that she might wear her opponents down by letting them hit her repeatedly. It worked for Ali against Foreman after all.

Goblins. Disgusting creatures. I avoid them when possible. Nice to hear that mudcrabs are not all automatically hostile in the 2nd Era. It always seemed odd to me that they were basically kamikaze crustaceans in Oblivion, attacking every adventurer who drew near.

In any case, some solid crowd control by Buffy.

I loved Mirri's "Tusk Off!" curse.

And some solid teamwork by Buffy and Mirri, or Burri for short. Mage + Fighter is always a potent combo. Purple arms and all.

I think that might be the first time anyone has complimented Buffy upon her expansive chest...