Buffy the Bowgirl, Book 1, Thread 2, Do You Know the Way to Kvatch? Options

[Acadian]

Welcome to Thread 2, or the second season of Buffy's Book 1!

This book began with Buffy being briefly incarcerated in the Imperial Prison and will end as she attempts to bring freedom to the city of Kvatch. It is a sprawling story that will require more than 150 episodes, spread over five threads. Appropriately, I have nicknamed Book 1, 'Do You Know the Way to Kvatch?'

Thread 1 included episodes 1-26.

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Please allow me to offer a small summary of Thread 1 that I hope might prove useful as a review, or for those who are joining us in progress:

Buffy witnessed the death of Uriel Septim VII in the Imperial Prison. She eventually delivered the Amulet of Kings to Jauffre, who treated her rudely. Buffy's response to this, of course, was to drop the amulet on his desk and storm out.

At one point in her travels, Buffy encountered an Oblivion gate at Kvatch. Terrified, she quickly heeded the orders of Savlian Matius to leave the area. In their brief encounter however, Buffy seemed drawn to the brave Captain Matius - quite struck by his noble and selfless bravery. She was confident the Empire would resolve the situation that she considered well beyond her meager ability to influence.

Our orphan from Bravil then began to refine her confidence and skills toward adventure, even recently graduating from the Arcane University as a mystic archer.

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Now, 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.

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When we last left Buffy, she had just earned the Star of Azura. It seemed her immediate plans were to dispatch some minor chores in the Imperial City, then head home. We now join Buffy, in the City of Mara.

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27 Graduation Party

"Hmph, she doesn't look like much of a mage to me," snorted Fathis Aren. "More like a half-dressed wood nymph running around with a bow most of the time. Thankfully, somebody at least coaxed the little forest creature into a proper dress tonight."

The Bravil guild was assembled at the dining table enjoying a meal in celebration of my graduation from the Arcane University. It had been delayed for several weeks because our guild head, Kud-Ei, had been visiting relatives in the Black Marsh. I was seated across the table from Fathis Aren. His words silenced the room.

I set my fork down and said icily, "I wasn't aware that your approval of my appearance was required." Fathis had been abusive towards me for some time. I guessed it was because I had, on more than one occasion, deflected his amorous advances. It seemed he liked 'wood nymphs'. I might have thought that humorous but, at the moment, there was nothing suggesting humor in the dark elf's dangerous manner. There was also no doubt that his magic skills vastly exceeded my own. To make matters worse, my bow was at home. It had never occurred to me that I might need to defend myself within the sanctuary of my own guild. Despite the blue gown that Delphine had kindly 'coaxed me into', I felt quite naked.

The Dunmer sorcerer coldly returned my gaze, seemingly unimpressed. "I'll caution you, young Apprentice, to mind your tone when addressing the Staff Wizard to the Court of Bravil." His hand was glowing menacingly and just a hint of sparks danced from his fingers as they drummed the surface of the table.

I felt my anger simmering as I slowly stood up. I knew I couldn't cast a spell to defend myself if I was seated. I was unsure if the powerful wizard across the table was similarly constrained, or whether his sparks were just for show.

Fathis' eyes remained locked on mine as he leaned slightly forward. With one elbow on the table, he slowly raised that ominously glowing hand towards his ear. The slight sparking between his fingers intensified slightly.

Kud-Ei, from her seat at the head of the table, stood as I did. "You just hold it right there Fathis!" The glaring Argonian crossed her arms defiantly over her chest. "I'll do anything for my girls. You may be someone important over in that castle, but this is my guild house. What has gotten in to you? Did the Count yank your chain today? If you think you can come in here and try to intimidate one of my mages, you have another thing coming. You just stop this nonsense right now and mind your manners, or get out of my guild! Is that clear?"

By now, Delphine Jend was also on her feet, with deadly resolve in her eyes. I realized Kud-Ei could instantly paralyze the sorcerer or take control of his mind if she chose. Delphine on the other hand, could freeze Fathis solid, then shatter him like a block of ice. Fathis might have been a match for one, but he could not hope to survive the pair of formidable guild mates now standing on my behalf. Mystical energy and tension pulsed through the room, causing the hair to rise slightly from the back of my neck. The power of these giants of magic dwarfed the pathetic flare spell, or even dancing cobra that I could cast.

If there was any emotion in Fathis' red eyes, it didn't show. He continued looking directly at me while addressing the head of the Bravil guild. "Why Mother Kud-Ei, I meant no offense to your young charge." The glow slowly faded from his hand as he reached for the goblet in front of him. "In fact, let me propose a toast to your newly returned graduate." He raised his goblet.

Fathis caused us no further trouble that evening. I had always admired and looked up to Kud-Ei. I now loved her dearly, and was so very proud to be one of 'her girls'.

After dinner, Ita Rienus pulled me aside. "Don't worry too much about Fathis. He fancies himself quite the ladies' man, and I know he's been pestering you. You're an attractive young elf with a beautiful heart and spirit, Buffy. To Fathis however, I suspect you simply represent another potential notch for his bedpost. That his advances have turned to insults is, oddly enough, encouraging. It means he realizes he's lost this conquest. I'm sure he'll move on to another soon.

Still shaken by the encounter, I asked, "Did you see how cold his eyes were, Ita? Do you think he will try to hurt me?"

"Oh my, he did scare you, child." The older Imperial's eyebrows furrowed with concern. "I truly don't believe you're in danger. Even though he's not in our chapter, Fathis is still subject to the rules of the Mages Guild Charter just like the rest of us. He won't cross the Council of Mages by hurting a member of the guild. It would risk his cushy position at the castle."

"I'm sure you're right. As much as he angers and frightens me, I hope someday he finds that special woman who can capture his heart," I smiled sweetly and added, "so she can break it and leave behind a crushed shell."

Ita's eyes widened, then she returned my smile. "Well I guess it's true enough that Oblivion hath no fury like a woman scorned. . . but enough of this kind of talk." Changing the subject, she said, "You look as pretty as the Dangerous Delphine tonight."

"Thank you." I blushed. "I'm afraid I didn't give her much to work with, but you know our irrepressible Delphine; she couldn't resist the challenge." I held up my arms, clad in blue velvet, and playfully spun around once. "Here I am, in one of her dresses. She even provided some of her jewelry for the night, and taught me another way I can arrange my hair."

Ita stabbed a finger at the air over my shoulder. "Look, here comes the Diva of Destruction hersel-"

"Oh there's our graduate!" Delphine breezed into the conversation. The bubbly Breton smiled and fussed busily with the neckline of my dress as she continued, "Now, isn't this much nicer than wearing those. . ." she wrinkled her nose, "animal skins you and Daenlin seem to favor?"

I couldn't help but smile. "Thank you for the fashion assistance, Delphine - and for standing on my behalf at dinner."

She frowned and lowered her voice - both were unusual actions for Delphine. "Listen, if that green bag of wind who does parlor tricks for the count bothers you again, you just let me know. I'll turn him into a chicken!" Without pausing for breath, her face brightened and she was off to another subject. "Don't worry about those destruction grades you got at the University, Buffy. We'll have you blowing things up before you know it. Why, we'll start with crates and barrels," Delphine's hands started dancing descriptively, "then work our way up to small buildings, then -" her eyes darted across the room. "Oh is that Carandial I see? You ladies simply must excuse me." As quickly as she had whirled into the discussion, Delphine was off again.

Ita shook her head, but smiled fondly as Delphine flittered away. "I get tired just watching her." The Imperial's eyes suddenly sparkled as she plunged a hand into the folds of her burgundy skirt and produced Azura's Star. Placing it in my hand, she said, "Thanks for letting me study this for the past couple days. It is indeed everything we had hoped for, and I know it'll serve you well."

"I'm very fortunate to have earned Azura's favor, Ita. I think she liked me. Thank you for sharing the legend with me and putting up with my badgering questions."

Another guest that evening was Ungarion. The Altmer owned 'A Warlock's Luck', the magic shop in Bravil. He was not a member of the guild, but visited us routinely. As the evening was winding down, he approached, smiling. "Let me add my congratulations and welcome home to you!"

"Why thank you Ungarion. I'm pleased that you joined us tonight." I looked up into his eyes and could see that he had more to say. Tilting my head pleasantly, I invited him to continue.

Ungarion dropped his voice and lowered his head towards me. "Buffy, some of your recent. . . ah, how shall we say this. . . adventures have come to my attention. In fact, there is a matter I would very much like to discuss with you," a single eyebrow climbed his forehead as he added, "privately. Would you do me the honor of sharing a meal in my store tomorrow after hours?"

I was intrigued. The high elf was a respected merchant and had always been kind to me. After a moment I replied, "Ungarion, I'd be pleased to. See you tomorrow then."

After the party was over and I was home in bed, I thought about the events of the evening. Buffy, what were you thinking, standing to confront Fathis Aren? Were it not for the intervention of Kud-Ei and Delphine, you could easily be dead now.

When I was insulted, I did or said dangerously stupid things. I was sure Fathis had hoped I would cast a silly flare spell or some such at him. Yes, that would have given him a handy self-defense justification to turn my bones into ash - which I had no doubt he could do. I thought about Boderi's characterization of me. Someday, my dragon spirit would really get my butterfly butt into trouble.

The episode with Fathis reminded me of my confrontation with Earana in Chorrol, after giving the 'Fingers of the Mountain' book to Teekeeus. My angry words overrode prudence there also. Were it not for the watchful Chorrol city guard, that incident could have meant my death. Unlike Fathis however, Earana was not a member of the guild. She was not restricted by the rules - but neither was I.

I had been back to Chorrol on several occasions since my first encounter with the rogue mage. Each time she had become more threatening. I was convinced that her death or mine was inevitable. Further, I firmly believed whoever chose the conditions and struck first would survive, while the other would not.

As I drifted off to sleep, my thoughts turned to Ungarion. What sort of mysterious business did the merchant of magic trinketry have in mind? Oh well, I would find out the next evening.

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From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 28 2011, 10:24 PM

[Acadian]

Chapter 27 resolved a potentially dangerous encounter with Fathis Aren during Buffy's graduation party at her guild hall. She later accepted an invitation from Ungarion to discuss some 'private business' the following evening.

hazmick- Thank you! Yes, Kud-Ei was the hero of this mages' standoff. I do believe Buffy is foreshadowing here about Earana - within a few episodes in fact.

Rider- Ah, good to know about Fathis - I guess anybody can be castle wizard in Bravil! The solid Ita and bubbly Delphine were great fun to write! Yes, Buffy and her temper. . . .

Zalphon- Thank you. Fathis is an interesting character. I know you like Dunmer.

SubRosa- Thank you! As ever, you picked up and mentioned much of what we were trying to do here. I remember, and thank you for suggesting we turn Buffy's spirit from an 'adventurer' to a 'dragon' - it is turning out to be durable and fun - particularly when combined with her frail and flittery butterfly side. I'm glad you liked the screenie.

treydog- Thank you for the kind words. Buffy the Bravilian Bowgirl loved your alliteration! Being the only mystic archer we have ever encountered, Buffy sometimes feels a little out of place in the mages guild; she was therefore overwhelmed at the display of support from her fellow mages.

Grizzly- Thank you! Buffy felt a little awkward without her buckskins or Arena raiment, but I agree with you that she looked pretty good in one of Delphine's dresses. As Rider has pointed out with Julian however, women never seem to believe it when told they look nice.

Foxy- Yes, a mysterious date with Ungarion. Hey - it's business - no ifs ands or butterflies.

Destri- Thank you! Buffy spends the next two episodes with Ungarion. Thank you so much for quoting the passage featuring the whirling dervish of energy.
Delphine:
Ita:
Buffy:

mALX- Thanks for mentioning the same line trey quoted. I liked that it highlighted the contrast and contradictions in Buffy's young, powerful emotions.

Remko- I'm so glad you enjoyed one of Delphine's appropriate nicknames! Thanks!

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28 The Black Market, Part 1

Bravil's streets were now dimly lit by flickering lanterns as I stepped from my home. Lighting a torch to brighten my path, I crossed the wooden bridge. Once the river that split the town was behind me, I turned right and soon found myself standing beneath the sign for 'A Warlock's Luck'.

In response to my knock, I heard several tumblers fall into place before the door swung open. "Ah, welcome. Please come in." Ungarion graciously ushered me inside and relocked the door behind me. "You look positively enchanting tonight."

"Why thank you Ungarion." I extinguished my torch and leaned it against the heavy wooden door. Seating myself in the chair offered by my host, I nervously smoothed my skirt. The mild smell of incense was overpowered by delicious smells coming from the simmering pot over a crackling fire. "Whatever you're cooking smells wonderful." My eyes were drawn to all manner of mystical curiosities that adorned the tables and counters. Parchments, bearing runes I did not recognize, filled the scant available wall space between tapestries.

"Something to drink perhaps?" the Altmer smoothly asked. "Wine, brandy?"

"Some Tamika's would be nice." I said pleasantly, trying to mask my wariness.

Ungarion poured some wine for me and Cyrodiilic brandy for himself. He then sat across the small table from me and raised his silver goblet, along with one eyebrow. "The boar stew will be ready soon. Shall we get down to business?"

After a token sip of wine, I responded, "Ungarion, what's this all about? Why the mystery?"

"Well, my dear, the mystery is necessary. What we are going to discuss is not something one talks about in public." Ungarion swirled the brandy, took a sip and lowered his goblet to the table. "Buffy, I presume you are aware that if you scratch the surface of Bravil, you will find quite the underbelly of a black market."

"You invited me here to reveal there's a skooma trade in Bravil?" I relaxed a bit. "Do you forget I've lived here all my life, silly?"

"No my dear." Ungarion shook his head with an indulgent Altmeri smile. "I have no interest in peddling refined moon sugar slop for the addicts across the street to swill. Nordinor can more than provide for their self-destructive habit. Now, as you know, I am an enchanter, merchant and retired adventurer. That positions me perfectly to quietly attain and move some rather. . . ah, unique merchandise items. The same darker aspects of my past that prevented me from ever being accepted into the guild of mages have provided a network of connections that quietly serves me well."

"So," I said, beginning to understand, "you run a side business trading in exotic and perhaps illegal items. What exactly are you getting at?"

"I think we can help each other, Buffy. But dinner is ready." The Altmer rose and brought stew, bread and cheese to the table, while I refilled our goblets.

"This is a wonderful meal Ungarion," I said truthfully between mouthfuls. "What is it you think we can buy or sell from each other?" I had started just touching the goblet to my lips instead of drinking from it. I figured I was outmatched enough here without any help from Tamika.

Ungarion raised a small bag from the floor and rolled the item it contained into view upon the table. Orange sparkles danced across its black surface and swirled above the sphere that was slightly larger than an apple. A disconcerting humming sound made my ears tingle as the object exuded magic into the air. "This, Buffy, is a sigil stone."

I couldn't tear my eyes from the tiny lights. They were like fireflies, hypnotically hovering around the stone. "Where did it come from? What does it do?" I put my hands over my ears.

Ungarion returned the distracting stone to its bag. The dancing lights followed it inside and the noise was silenced. "They often, but not always, come from the planes of Oblivion. Sigil stones can be used to open and maintain portals, or gates to the domains of Daedra. Of more interest to us however, is the fact that they can also be used to create enchanted items. Different stones have different strengths and abilities. Most of the effects are similar to what you can create at your enchanting altars, but often much stronger."

"But where do you get them Ungarion? Surely you don't travel to the planes of Oblvion!" I asked as I remembered the flaming gate I had seen at Kvatch.

"That is indeed one place they may be found," the Almer explained. "A sigil stone however, is simply a purified morpholith that has been inscribed by a Daedric Prince. . . or Deadra Lord if you prefer. No one can fathom the ways of such beings, or why they might traffic in these stones. Regarding the planes of Oblivion, the dragonfires normally prevent portals from forming. With Emperor Uriel dead and no successor crowned, the Temple of the One is now dark for the first time in recent memory. Centuries ago however, there were several periods when the dragonfi. . . . Ah, forgive me. I see I am losing you."

"Please Ungarion, get to your point." My feigned irritation was an attempt to conceal the intellectual inadequacy I felt. Morpholiths? Dragonfires? Ungarion was talking well beyond the level of my studies at the University.

"Let me phrase things a bit more simply for you, my dear." The Altmer continued. "Do not be so arrogant as to think you and I are the only adventurers to have walked Tamriel over the centuries. Further, do not presume to understand the ways of Daedra Lords. The exact nature of my sources are not important to this negotiation. What should be of concern to you, is deciding if you might be interested in acquiring one or more of these stones from me."

I was unprepared for this. Ungarion had just turned much of what I knew about enchanting upside down. My mind was swirling with confusion and possibilities. I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes. "What type of effects, and in what strengths can you provide?"

"Ah, I see you are interested." Ungarion's eyes brightened. "There are many effects, and the stones come in different strengths. Further, I can only supply what my sources are able to provide. Let's approach this from a different direction. What types of effects do you want that your precious University enchanting altars cannot provide?"

Could it be? My pulse quickened. I thought of the times Superian and I had been startled by foes. It was difficult and dangerous to travel with her, being unable to see approaching life signs - I couldn't cast my spell astride the mare. I knew exactly what I wanted. I tried not to show my eagerness. "Tell me Ungarion, can these stones enchant the mystical effect of detect life? And I don't mean the short ranges I can enchant at the University's altars."

Ungarion smiled. "I just so happen to have two such stones. They can each detect life signs up to a range of almost two hundred feet."

After picking up my goblet, I lowered my eyes and pretended to drink. I needed a moment to compose myself. I set the goblet down and said as calmly as I could, "Tell me, Ungarion, could these stones be used to enchant rings? If so, I might be interested - at the right price."

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From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

~ Author's Note: ~

Ungarion's ability to sell the occasional sigil stone or other limited exotic merchandise at exorbitant prices does not exist in the normal game, of course. Feeling strongly that it should however, I have incorporated the ability into Buffy's game - albeit with significant restrictions.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 13 2011, 07:38 PM