Buffy the Bowgirl, Book 1, Thread 1, Do You Know the Way to Kvatch? Options

[Acadian]

Welcome to the adventures of Buffy the Bowgirl!

My name is Acadian. Buffy is an elven mystic archer that I have the pleasure to travel Tamriel with.

This is Book 1 of her journal. It begins with Buffy being briefly incarcerated in the Imperial Prison, and ends as she attempts to bring freedom to the city of Kvatch. It is a sprawling story that will require 176 episodes, spread over five threads. Appropriately, I have nicknamed Book 1, 'Do You Know the Way to Kvatch?'

Buffy's personal journey is more important than her destination. Our writing style is character-driven. I help Buffy write her journal because I have a truckload of passion for her, not because I am a writer. We take plenty of liberties with quests and NPCs, but only few liberties with game mechanics because there is an aspect of 'how to / mystic archer guide' woven into her stories. Therefore, we tend to eschew earthly things and stick rather closely to Nirnian physics. In Buffy's world for example, a skilled archer can 'zoom in' on her target and cause her enemies to 'turn green' with poison. Buffy has never been to medieval Europe or ancient Rome, and her world does not resemble those places.

I thank you so much, should you find our humble effort earns and maintains your readership. My hope is that Buffy will worm her way into your heart, as she has mine.

Edit: Buffy has completed this book as of August 2012, and I would like to think that the reading of it is a satisfying experience - both complete as well as suggestive of sequels. For those newer readers who would like to catch up to us in one short sitting, you might find this helpful: Buffy – The Executive Summary Thread.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 28 2012, 12:33 PM

[Acadian]

In Chapter 10.1, Buffy and Superian battled goblins before finally arriving at Skingrad. Her sixth University recommendation requires her to find another missing mage. It seems this one may be conducting research at nearby Bleak Flats Cave. After her long trip from Chorrol however, Buffy insisted on at least an evening of civilization before any dungeon diving.

Olen- Thank you. Yes, it seems many of the guild heads have. . . personalities. Ah, I see you are familiar with the hazards in Bleak Flats Cave. Heh, Buffy will never be able to match the other mages when it comes fire, ice and lightning. She can be pretty clever at using it for lighting/dousing torches, cooking crabs and heating baths though.

SubRosa- I'm glad that some of Buffy's passion for and dedication to her bow came through. Goblin blood is red - yes, unexpected empathy with her 'targets'. I really want to enhance the character and role of Superian in BF 2.0 - Thank you so much for seconding that.

Foxy- Thanks! Yes, the problem of unwelcome wandering mages at night. Buffy has worked out a solution. Set your beverage down and click on this: Back off guild mate, or I'll turn you into a chicken!

Rider- Thank you. Buffy has actually been caught in the cross fire between those Derelict Mine goblins and the rival gang from Goblin Jim's tribe. I understand that aspect of the game was not really fully implemented, but those two tribes actually do seem to pick on each other. Oh, I love the Cropsford quest, too!

Wolf- Yes, Buffy does live and love her craft. Thank you for mentioning that her 'target analysis' rang somewhat chilling for you. 'You don't look like a mage' will weave through all three parts of this chapter bearing the title.

Remko- Thank you. I'm really glad that it seems I'm doing better with Superian in BF 2.0. My hope is to expand her role and character even further. Buffy really is a 'gang of three' (Her, Superian and Acadian) - at least she is never lonely.

Zalphon- Thanks! I'm so glad you enjoyed reading.

Destri- Thank you for your endorsement of some of the detail we try to put into the chapters. Yup, she is a great 'ruminator'. Yes, the beginnings of her doctrine - she definitely needs to develop some control of her growing lethality. Her unease as she passed the castle is also new. I am hoping to expand on what was only really hinted at in her first version.

Zerker- I am simply humbled to be on the same stage as each of the writers that read Buffy. Thank you for the kind words.

* * *

10.2 You Don't Look Like a Mage

"No, I'm sorry, Associate, we don't have an alchemist at the guild." Blinking her orange eyes, Druja continued, "If you want to trade alchemical supplies, Falanu Hlaalu at All Things Alchemical has a good selection of equipment and unusual ingredients. Sinderion over at the nearby tavern however, is perhaps the most knowledgeable alchemist in Cyrodiil and has better prices."

"Thank you, Druja," I smiled. Grabbing my pack, I stepped out of the guild and went shopping across the narrow street. After trading some wolf pelts for arrows, I made my way along the cobblestones towards the West Gate.

The tavern was quite to my liking. Not too big or fancy, but with a crackling warm fire and cozy atmosphere. I smoothed the skirt of my blue and green dress and approached the pleasant looking Imperial in green silk. She returned my smile and said cheerfully, "Good afternoon, Bosmer. Welcome to the West Weald Inn. I'm Erina Jeranus, the proprietor. If you'd like food or a bed, speak to me."

"Nothing right now, thank you. You have a lovely inn though," I said. "I'm looking for an alchemist named Sinderion?"

"Oh yes," Erina seemed to appreciate the compliment and pointed behind me, "he's downstairs, right through that door."

Behind the door and down the stairs I found a cellar. The rack-lined walls were filled with more wines than I had seen in my short life. At the far end of the cellar, mixing the contents of two flasks, stood a white-haired Altmer. "Excuse me, are you Sinderion?"

He lowered his potions to the table before him that was littered with books, scrolls and alchemical ingredients. After staring at me absently for a moment, the chiseled features of his unlined golden face brightened into a warm smile. "Why yes. Yes I am. What brings such a lovely elf to my potion shop today?" He cocked his head as one hand raised to rub a square chin. "Hmm, you look like a mage."

Now I look like a mage? I figured it was the dress, and perhaps leaving my bow at the guild. Well, his flattery worked, because I instantly liked Sinderion. He was both attractive and charming. "Yes, I'm an Associate from Bravil. My name's Buffy." I wandered closer. "Are you in the guild?"

"Me?" He sounded surprised. "Oh by Julianos, no, no, no. Sometimes I guest lecture on exotic plants at the University, but I'm loathe to leave Skingrad for any length of time." His head almost touched the low beams spanning the ceiling as Sinderion moved to join me. Based on the furnishings and equipment, it seemed the cellar served as his home, store and laboratory. "In addition to being an alchemist, I like to fancy myself quite the student of local history," his hand swept the room, "and wines. So tell me, Buffy, what can I do for you today?"

I lowered my pack to the floor with a soft thump and looked up at the Altmer. "I have lots of potions I was hoping to sell."

Sinderion rubbed his hands together. "Ah, you've come to the right place. I'd love to see what you have in there."

I knelt on the floor and started rummaging. "Um, my pack is kind of a mess right now. Would you mind if I just dumped it out? That might make it easier and faster to find everything." In response to Sinderion's nod, I upended the pack.

"Yes indeed," said Sinderion as he chuckled and knelt beside me to help sort through the myriad potions and ingredients. Suddenly, he sucked his breath in loudly. "Buffy! Where did you find those?"

"Oh, these?" I held up the three blue-green bulbous roots. "I found them along the west bank of the Lower Niben. Nobody seems to know anything about them. Why? Are they useful for something?"

He took one of the roots and, after studying it for a moment, stared at me incredulously. "These are nirnroot! For years I've sought in vain to obtain samples of them. Although extremely difficult to work with, in the right hands some amazing properties can be coaxed from them. Would you consider selling them?"

"No alchemist I've talked to has been willing to offer me anything for them. If you would find them useful, they're yours." I placed the roots in his hand. "I would like to sell you my potions though."

"I-I don't know what to say, Buffy," Sinderion stammered, then grinned. "I will gladly buy your potions and offer you a fine price for any more nirnroot you find."

We then exchanged my pile of potions for a nice bag of gold. As we stood, Sinderion's hand came back up to his chin thoughtfully. "Those nirnroot samples will support my research for months to come, and I am deeply in your debt. Will you tell me of your travels? Perhaps I can think of a way to assist you, and repay your kindness."

I told him of my quest to gain admission to the Arcane University, and what that had entailed to date. We talked in some depth about the challenges I faced traveling with Superian. Sinderion's eyebrows alternately traveled up and down his forehead and his pursed lips twitched from side to side as I spoke.

Finally, his beautifully clear blue eyes brightened. "Ahah! You say this horse of yours is fast, and that you have a special connection with her?" He didn't wait for my nod before continuing, "As I told you, I'm quite the local historian. You need to speak to Rislav the Righteous."

"Does he live nearby?" I asked hopefully.

Sinderion smiled mysteriously. "Well he used to. In the First Era, year four seventy eight to be more precise."

"You're teasing me," I pouted.

"No, not at all. At that time, Rislav was King of Skingrad. He managed to hold off the vastly larger Alessian Army of Emperor Gorieus during the Battle of Grateful Pass," in response to my deepening frown, he slowly emphasized each word as he added, "with the help of his white stallion, Corsair." His eyes sparkled, as mine flew open wide in rapt attention.

"Ah, I see I have piqued your interest, Buffy. Sit." I dutifully did so, in the chair Sinderion indicated, as he browsed among his wine racks and continued, "Yes, it was dawn as the lead elements of the Alessian horde moved west from the Imperial City. On the ridgeline ahead of them, stood the solitary figure of King Rislav the Righteous."

"Alone? Against an army?" I couldn't help my interest.

"Almost," Sinderion nodded, "except for a trained hawk perched upon his shoulder. The King unfurled the red and black banner of Skingrad into the rising sun, and defiantly planted its staff at his feet. Suddenly, his white horse materialized right next to the banner. Rislav released the hawk, mounted Corsair and reared the mighty stallion." By now, Sinderion had opened his chosen bottle, filled two silver goblets and joined me at the small table.

Taking a sip of wine, I prompted, "Do go on."

"The commander of Gorieus' Army was so incensed, that he ordered an immediate charge. Rislav wheeled his horse and sped towards Skingrad. It seems the hawk was a signal to Rislav's waiting forces. As the Alessian horde funneled into the narrow gap at Grateful Pass, thousands of arrows, launched from atop the flanking bluffs decimated their ranks. Skingrad remained free, at least for that day."

"What a wonderful bit of history, Sinderion!" I said, moved by the story. "How did King Rislav summon his horse?"

"You'll need to ask him," the Altmer chuckled. "There's a statue of His Majesty near the Mages Guild. Ask him at dawn, for that is when the battle started."

Mystified, I replied, "Thank you, I'll do that." I stood, placing my silver goblet on the table. "Oh, this wine is yummy. What kind is it?"

The Altmer rose and escorted me towards the door. "It is good, isn't it? The wine is made right here in Skingrad by our very own Tamika." Taking my hand, he briefly touched it to his lips. "Safe travels, Buffy." He then opened the door for me.

"Thank you, Sinderion." I turned for the open door to hide the warm color I could feel blossoming in my face and ears.

Back at the guild that night, I slept fitfully as I dreamed of ancient armies and thundering hooves.

In the dim light of predawn, I stood before the towering gray statue of Rislav the Righteous. The king was astride a powerful looking horse and had a hawk perched on his arm. I reached up and placed my hand on the neck of Corsair. "Your Majesty, can you help a young she-elf and her precious mare better survive the hazards of Cyrodiil?"

The statue began to glow with a soft white light that gradually expanded to engulf me. For a moment, it was sunrise two eras ago, and a solitary red and black banner stood upon a lonely ridgeline. I watched King Rislav call forth his white stallion. Then I was back, standing in the small round garden with my hand still upon the statue. I now understood the Call of Corsair. "Thank you, your Majesty."

I savored the smells of leather and fresh hay, the comforting scent of the horses, and even the other natural odors of the stables. The vineyards still slumbered, under long early morning shadows cast by the west walls of Skingrad. I led Superian out among the grape trellises. Stopping, I hugged her, unsheathed my knife and severed a lock of her mane. "Stay here, and wish us luck."

After walking the short distance back to the stables alone, I knelt on the ground and opened my map before me. Grasping the lock of my mare's mane tightly, I stared at the mark on the map for the Grateful Pass Stables. "Superian, I need you."

I felt the air stir, and suddenly the mare was standing beside me, wide-eyed and disoriented. She reared. I jumped to my feet to comfort her. As soon as she saw me, she began to calm down, and within a few minutes, I had her eating a carrot. "No one said being a mage's horse was going to be easy, girl." I buried my face in her long mane and whispered, "Thank you for trusting me."

The possibilities began to dawn on me. I could leave Superian in a safe place and scout ahead on foot for us. Once I reached any landmark on my map, I could call her instantly and safely to my side.

"Acadian, are you proud of me? I discovered the Call of Corsair without your help."

I sensed satisfaction and light humor from the paladin. As I picked up the map, I noted the blue mark at Skingrad was now gone.

I was excited about this wonderful new ability, but there would be time for that later. I had a lost mage to find. Satisfied that Superian was comfortable at the stables, I set out on foot for Bleak Flats Cave.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Jul 22 2010, 05:26 PM