SubRosa- Cities, guilds and even empires do not inspire loyalty from Buffy. What drives her to action is helping those she holds dear, and I was delighted to see you highlight that. I fondly remember Teresa’s role in the latter part of the Oblivion Crisis as she flew on raven wings above the battlefield – foreshadowing a follow on superhero by the name of Stormcrow?
DE- I’m glad you enjoyed the interaction between Buffy and Boderi as they talked shop about magic bows and bags of holding. Mazoga is always fun to write. While Buffy’s grief will not dominate the story, it is certainly there and we’ll continue to see it occasionally bubble to the surface.
Renee- Thanks for the question about Buffy and Daenlin (NPC who owns Archers Paradox in Bravil). Let me provide a brief review of the relationship between them that was developed mostly back in Book 1:
Though conceived in the trees of Valenwood, Buffy was born in Bravil and her parents asked Daenlin to be Buffy’s godfather. When Buffy was three years old, her father never came back from a vampire hunt. At eight, Daenlin apprenticed Buffy as an archer. At twelve, Buffy’s mother died to illness so Daenlin became the closest thing she had to a parent. Though her skill with a bow eventually eclipsed that of her master, Buffy absolutely adores Daenlin and very much views him as her archery master and godfather. She implicitly trusts that anything (like the intervention and selling her house) that Daenlin does on her behalf is for her own good. Daenlin likewise adores his apprentice and proudly considers her to be the culmination of his life’s work as a master of the bow. Buffy’s history to date is long and involved, so I appreciate knowing whenever some review of past details is warranted.
Grits- The line you quoted is pure Mazoga for sure!
![tongue.gif](style_emoticons/sinders/tongue.gif)
Thank you for, like SubRosa, noting that when it comes to doing things for her friends, Buffy doesn’t count the cost.
Lopov- We have, with many NPCs, taken a spark of inspiration that Buffy sees and developed them quite differently than does the game. We do try to be consistent with each NPC that we take such a path with and I appreciate your endorsement of what we’ve done with Mazoga and Agronak. Early in her adventuring career, Buffy became greedy in her desire to obtain powerful Daedric artifacts. Sheogorath unintentionally cured her of that – she has never forgiven him nor herself for shattering the beliefs of a whole Khajiiti village at Border Watch. That’s why she’s pleased to offer up Sheo’s staff for destruction. From the Border Watch experience, however, she did gain the wisdom to forsake greed. As SubRosa and I are fond of saying, ‘Good judgment comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgment.’
ghastley- You have the right of it, my friend. The next two episodes will shed much clarity on where the book is headed. Thank you!
Rider- It was indeed great fun to write the scene of Buffy nearly knocking herself out flying into the steel of Mazoga’s breastplate. I’m glad the groaning parlor chair also caught your attention, as I was trying to emphasize just how darn large these two orcs are. Good luck as Julian ventures back to the White Stallion Lodge to check on dear ‘Zoga. Buffy will get to briefly see it herself in a few episodes.
*
Previously- Sirs Mazoga and Agronak joined Boderi and Buffy. The orcs outlined Martin’s perilous plan to retrieve the Amulet of Kings and claim his throne. The plan calls for retrieving four powerful items, including a Daedric artifact from Buffy, and the sigil stone from a Great Oblivion Gate that Martin hopes to taunt Mehrunes Dagon into opening at Bruma. They began to discuss the need for reinforcements at Bruma.
* * *
Episode 7
After Sirs Mazoga and Agronak finished explaining Martin’s perilous plan to recover the Amulet of Kings, I said, “All the more reason for me to go with you. You both know my skill with bow, illusion and healing.”
“There will be a time for that,” replied Agronak, “but what we need now is your proven skill at negotiating and gathering forces.”
It was Boderi who spoke next. “Buffy, we’d like you to convey the Emperor-in-waiting’s request for reinforcements to Count Caro of Leyawiin and Count Terentius of Bravil. I selected you for this because of your established relationship with Martin’s champions here and your firsthand knowledge of what a daedric siege crawler can do if unleashed upon a city. Your familiarity with both counties and title of dame and will doubtless be of assistance as well. Will you accept this noble quest for your guild and the Empire?”
The words fell from my lips of their own accord, “No, but I’ll do it for you – all three of you.”
“Splendid!” Boderi smiled and reached over to squeeze my hand. “I’ve arranged one way passage to Leyawiin for you and your mare on a merchant ship that sails midday on the morrow.”
“Thank you,” I replied. “Passage for Superian won’t be necessary though. I can dismiss and recall her as required.”
One of Boderi’s eyebrows rose. “You are full of surprises since your return from Valenwood. Once your business in Leyawiin is complete, ride north to petition Bravil.”
“As a Knight of the White Stallion, I’m a member of Leyawiin’s court so I expect no difficulties obtaining an audience with Count Caro. And he’ll accept my words as truth. Count Terentius of Bravil, however, is . . . well, my few dealings with him have not been encouraging.”
“Count Terentius’ reputation is well known and I have anticipated your challenge,” said Boderi with a knowing frown. She produced a folded parchment and pressed it into my hand. The wax seal bore the imprint of my guild. “In this letter of introduction, Hannibal Traven designates you as his emissary regarding this matter. Few nobles are unwise enough to ignore the Arch Mage. Once complete in Bravil, please check with Guildmagister Kud-Ei. Either she or I should have further tasking for you by then.”
I nodded, feeling rather overwhelmed as I tucked the letter into my satchel.
“Magister,” said Agronak, “I have a message from our next Emperor that may help Dame Buffy in her negotiations.”
“Please share it,” replied the Dunmer.
The orc turned to me as he spoke. “Martin wants it known that he will remember those cities and guilds that help the Empire in its time of need – and those that do not.”
“That certainly provides some leverage,” I said. “It sounds like the simple priest we rescued at Kvatch has grown into the demands of his destiny. I take it the other counties are being solicited for aid as well?”
Agronak nodded. “The Elder Council will not openly acknowledge Martin until they see the Amulet of Kings around his neck; however, they have quietly advised the Empire’s ruling nobility that a likely heir is in exile. Commander Phillida has already committed half a cohort to Bruma. He insists on keeping the rest of his Imperial City Legion here to -“
“Co-what?” I interrupted.
“I asked the same thing, Buff,” said Mazoga. “Half of a cohort is three centuries – each manned with a hundred soldiers.”
My eyes opened wide. “Savlian’s army barely numbered a hundred when you stood with us to retake Kvatch.”
Mazoga continued, “It’ll take more than that, which is why we’re soliciting aid from the guilds and county nobles to augment the Legion’s soldiers. Remember, we’ll be dealing with several regular gates followed by a Great Gate – capable of destroying Bruma if we don’t stop it before it belches out a siege engine. Commander Phillida is right to hold much of the Legion here though. If we succeed in Bruma, he expects the forces of Mehrunes Dagon will shift all efforts to The Imperial City to prevent Martin’s coronation and lighting of the Dragonfires.” She turned to the other knight. “Tell her about the other counties, my mate.”
“As for Bruma itself,” said Agronak, “Countess Carvain has little choice but to deploy the entire garrison and militia there in defense of her city. The Talosian Monks of Weynon Priory near Chorrol are conveying Martin’s request to Countess Valga for soldiers and petitioning Vilena Donton for warriors from her various Fighters Guild chapters.”
“And you may be sure,” added Boderi, “that when the time comes, a contingent from the Mages Guild will be on hand to support the effort in Bruma.”
Agronak acknowledged Boderi’s reassurance with an appreciative nod before continuing, “A pair of Blades is en route to the court of Cheydinhal. Mazoga and I will head west to solicit aid from Skingrad, Kvatch and Anvil. Miscarcand, containing the other artifact we need, lies along our way.”
I looked up at Mazoga, “When do you have to depart?”
She winced. “We told Fanador to meet us just outside the University with our mounts and pack animal ready for travel within the hour.”
I heaved a sigh. “We’d better head to the Mystic Archives to get those artifacts then.”
The orcs and I left Boderi in her apartment.
Too soon, my friends and I stepped outside the University’s front gate where we were met by Fanador astride a placid paint. He was holding the reins of two spirited white warhorses as well as the lead of a heavily laden gray donkey whose name I recalled as Lunchbucket. The burlap-wrapped staff of Sheogorath was added to the donkey’s burden. The other Daedric artifacts I had mentioned were now carried by the knights to enhance their own survival.
Agronak engulfed one of my shoulders within a gauntleted hand. “Good luck, Buffy, and a word of caution.” My lifted eyebrow urged him to continue, “If the Mythic Dawn learns that your interest in the Oblivion Crisis extends beyond curiosity or trading in sigil stones, their cultists may act against you. Mazoga and I have already been forced to kill several. The only warning you’ll have before they attack is a battle cry proclaiming their allegiance to Lord Dagon as they summon both armor and weapon. They will likely be in possession of Mythic Dawn scrolls or books. Several Blades are working undercover to ferret out the identities of these sleeper agents and eliminate them.”
“Thank you for the warning, Agronak.”
Mazoga folded me into her arms and whispered, “I’ll miss you Buff. We’ll have much to catch up on when this is over.”
As she stepped back, I looked up and nodded. Blinking back tears, I said, “I hope to see you in Bruma, if not before. Be careful, my friends.”