Buffy - Book 3, We're Having a Crisis Here! Options

[Acadian]

Welcome to Book 3! As ever, Buffy’s tale of continuing adventure remains one that is character-driven with more focus on her journey than the destination.

Buffy is a Bosmeri child of Tamriel, raised in Bravil and trained at the Arcane University. Her bigger story arc will eventually and magically cross temporal boundaries, enabling her to travel between Eras.

Near the end of Book 1, Buffy helped the man she loved, Savlian Matius, free his city of Kvatch. They were successful, but the terrible cost included Savlian's very life. It was a physically and emotionally broken elf who retreated in grief and despair to her ancestral homeland. Book 2 picks up shortly thereafter and chronicles Buffy's journey of recovery and self-discovery through Valenwood. Book 3 takes place in Cyrodiil and will see the Oblivion Crisis finally yield to the dawn of a new Era – even as Buffy accepts the challenges of walking an ancient path of her own. The small elf has traditionally danced between darkness and light; in this book, she must ultimately and entirely commit to one or the other.

Books 1 and 2, in their staggering entirety as well as an executive summary concise enough to comfortably be read in one sitting, can be found on our sub forum. That said, enjoying Book 3 does not really require more information than is contained right here in these few introductory paragraphs. I have taken care to have Buffy review significant aspects of her past as they become relevant. More specifically, I want new readers to feel comfortable just jumping right into Book 3 without feeling obligated to read Buffy’s previous books first.

I estimate that at one episode per week, Book 3 will require roughly seven months to post. My fervent hope is that you find our humbly-offered efforts worthy of your time.

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~ Part 1 – Welcome Back to Cyrodiil ~

Episode 1

The few determined streaks of early sunshine that managed to penetrate the forest merely teased my right shoulder with their fleeting warmth. Superian’s visible breath drifted up and back to join with the misty fog of my own. Kitsune – my vixen familiar – loped along easily but alertly beside us. The sound of hooves on the Green Road’s worn cobblestones was comforting, but could mask the subtle sounds of approaching danger from the sensitive long ears that all three of us possessed. My sharp eyes, augmented by twin rings of detect life, moved constantly, even as I also relied on the long noses of my precious mare and fox familiar to detect the scent of foes.

Numerous small life signs on the road ahead brought us to a stop. I urged the mare forward cautiously until the forms of half a dozen vultures and several jackals squabbling among themselves came into view. Enough of the armored head and reptilian body remained to identify the carcass they feasted upon as that of a clannfear.

Kitsune teleported up to her spot between my lap and the pommel of Superian’s saddle. The carrion feeders were larger than she and we had no interest in fighting them. We skirted the edge of the road, and those tasked by the Nirn Mother with cleaning her forest briefly gave ground. The unmistakably large tracks of a grizzly bear in the soft ground just off the road told the story. Soon enough, the hungry arguments of the scavengers and acrid smell were behind us. Kitsune leapt to the ground to resume her easy lope alongside Superian.

Cyrodiil had become a much more dangerous place since my return from Valenwood a few months ago. Oblivion Gates had begun appearing with disturbing frequency. Most of the Daedra remained close to the gates that spawned them but some roamed - leaving terror and death in their wake.

The Nirn Mother had responded to the flaming blights within her forests. Grizzly bears, like the one responsible for the tracks I had just seen, were not shy about attacking Daedra.

Spriggans were now more numerous. They and their black bears struggled to protect and restore the forest. They also diligently planted vines near closed Oblivion Gates that could, over time, heal the charred land and even consume the jagged stone detritus left behind.

Thoughts of Oblivion Gates drew my mind to a dear friend, Sir Mazoga. The last I had seen of her was when she and her mate, Sir Agronak, left Kvatch with Martin Septim in tow. Since then, the only word I had of the orcish pair came from reading about how successful they were at slaying Daedra and closing Oblivion Gates. Their squire, Fanador, had become quite the prolific scribe when it came to recording the heroic deeds of his knights.

Well before the sun reached its zenith, it was swallowed by a darkening sky. As we cautiously continued, the road’s next curve allowed a better view. Fear and anger grew within me as I saw the flaming arc of jagged stone that stood before us in the distance. Ominous streaks of red lightning pierced the sinister clouds that hung above this portal to the realm of Mehrunes Dagon.

Had this Oblivion Gate been out in the wilderness, I would have given it a wide berth and moved on.

Alas, such was not the case here.

Heaving a troubled sigh, I whispered to the spirit of the old paladin who dwelled within me, “Acadian, I know the message Kud-Ei gave me last night from Boderi Farano directed that I report to the University straightaway, but this gate is close enough to the Green Road that it poses a serious threat to any who might attempt to travel between Bravil and the vulnerable villages and inns south of Pell’s Gate. I-I can’t leave it open.�

“I share your trepidation, Buffy,� replied Acadian, “but I am proud of your choice.�

While maintaining a good distance from the gate, I circuitously maneuvered Superian up onto a ridgeline that provided adequate range and cover. After carefully selecting a concealed spot among several trees, I dismounted Superian and unshouldered Slayer – my bow.

Kitsune and I crept just clear enough of the trees to gain a commanding view of the gate. Sure enough, I could see a pair of scamps and a single Daedroth patrolling just outside the gate.

There was no banner planted in front of the flaming portal to indicate anyone was inside attempting to close it. Such warning precautions had become necessary. Whether Mehrunes Dagon realized it or not, the very sigil stones that powered these gates had incentivized their destruction. They were prized for their ability to powerfully enchant items with neither training nor access to specialized altars. Bands of intrepid adventurers had grown wealthy closing gates and harvesting the valuable stones. Some of them had undergone the Legion’s gate-closing training program conducted at the Arena, while others had simply gleaned what knowledge they needed from the authoritative writings of Fanador as he described the exploits of his lieges.

“Well, here goes, my paladin. We’ve got to clear those sentries first,� I whispered. “I hope I know what we’re doing.�

As soon as the emerald swirl completed its journey from my fingertips, the Daedroth roared a challenge to the scamps who answered with a barrage of fireballs.

As the Daedra battled, I nocked an arrow.

When the burned and wounded Daedroth stood victoriously alone, I drew my bowstring. The weapon responded by assisting me to fully achieve and maintain its heavy draw. I was able to leisurely aim, then loose. Slayer also helped control the bowstring’s recovery, resulting in a quiet hiss instead of the loud snap normally associated with releasing an arrow. My missile lethally penetrated the monster’s chest.

A scan of the area detected no pink glowing life signs nearby.

I knew I had to move fast, as the Oblivion Gate would soon spawn replacement sentries.

Superian quickly and surely carried me directly down the side of the ridgeline. When I could feel the heat from the portal’s flames, I dismounted and summoned my elven hunting knife. I cut a green branch to a length that matched my height then affixed the small green Mages Guild pennant I carried. I then planted my banner near the gate. It would suffice to warn any who approached that a guild mage was inside. Those foolish enough to enter such a marked gate could expect to die when whoever was inside pulled the sigil stone. We had originally learned this lesson the hard way when Menien Goneld did not survive the closing of Kvatch’s gate.

I checked that my waterskin was full, wishing I had two of them. After augmenting my twin detect life rings with a third ring to help resist the heat of the Deadlands, I asked, “Acadian, would you recall our dragon-mare to safety within us?�

“Vensahliz, I need you,� was my paladin’s simple incantation. Vensahliz was Phantom’s name in dragon tongue, meaning wind-phantom-ice. Phantom was Acadian’s ice dragon mount. Though they both perished serving Kyne during the great dragon war at the end of the Merethic Era over four thousand years ago, their spirits lived – Acadian within me and Phantom within Superian. In order to return to Acadian, Phantom transformed the body she shared with Superian into the essence of their combined spirit. The mare evaporated into a pale blue vapor which made its way to my fingers. I closed my open hand to absorb her.

A moment later, Acadian announced, “She is safely with me now.�

With a glance from me, Kitsune disappeared. Satisfied with the preparations, I took a deep breath. Before I could change my mind, I slipped into the flaming portal.

Even as the dry heat began to permeate my buckskins, I sought a place of hiding among the rocks. The layout of this piece of the Deadlands seemed blessedly simpler than that which Savlian and I had navigated at Kvatch. I moved quickly to the sigil tower, relying on my detection magic and stealth to avoid several roaming Daedra.

Working my way up the tower, I used illusion spells to start several fights among its guardians. The ensuing distractions served to focus their attention away from me as I manipulated any doors or switches necessary to ascend.

The top of this sigil tower was guarded by a storm atronach and dremora warrior. After my magic coaxed the two into combat against each other, I sprinted to the sigil stone and grabbed it.

As the tower rumbled and began to collapse, intense white light forced my eyes closed and I felt myself falling and spinning. After a few terrifying seconds, I bounced off the cold ground of Nirn and scrambled to my feet.

[Acadian]

Previously- Buffy’s journey continued as the Peony Princess made its way along the Niben from Bravil to Leywawiin. Along the way, she noted several Oblivion Gates closed or being closed by Knights of the White Stallion. Approaching Leyawiin, there was another open Oblivion Gate dangerously close to the city. As soon as the ship docked, Buffy sped to the aide of Leyawiin soldiers trying to defend against the portal to the Deadlands.

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Renee- Buffy’s skill is primarily in bow, illusion and restoration. Her conjuration and destruction skills are more mundane – like summoning a towel or or heating bathwater. The butterfly is a manifestation of Azura who, as Buffy’s godmother, has always secretly kept an eye on her. The intro to Book 2 revealed that knowledge to readers but Buffy remains unaware. It will become clear even to Buffy later in this book. Thank you!

ghastley- Though most of what we present that differs from vanilla is imagination, we actually did have a nice mod that expanded the White Stallion Knights Lodge into something similar to what Buffy described. Though Buff and Zoga killed their boss, the Black Bow Bandits still persist but much diminished. Thank you!

SubRosa- I’m pleased you remember the twilight butterfly from the opening of Book 2. Buffy, of course, remains clueless but will discover who Dawn is later in this book. Glad you enjoyed Buffy’s observations while sailing down the river. Thank you!

Rider- Nice to hear that you enjoyed Buffy’s tour down the Niben via ship. I enjoyed presenting a glimpse of ship life through Buffy’s non-nautical eyes. I expect Buffy realizes that getting an audience with Count Caro is not likely with his city under siege from numerous Oblvion Gates. So just as surely as Julian would, Buffy will offer her assistance. Thank you!

Lopov- As I mentioned to Renee, Buffy’s pretty good with mundane uses of magic (like nighteye). Glad you enjoyed Buffy’s observations of life along the Niben. Thank you for pointing out my error on Torlin/Torval so I could quickly fix it. You are right; looks like some action ahead for the little knight. Thank you!

DE- I’m glad you enjoyed Torlin and some of the Imperial Trading Company ship names we came up with. The episode where Buffy reviewed her failures at romance was a powerful one for her – your endorsement of the episode means a lot. Coming from a master of description such as yourself, I am humbled by your kind words regarding Buffy’s observations along the Niben. I hope you will similarly enjoy Buffy’s observant walk through Leyawiin on her way to the castle in a few episodes – once she helps close that pesky Oblivion Gate! Thank you!

Grits- It was fun trying to ‘paint’ the dawn banks of the Niben as the Peony Princess sailed into County Leyawiin. By the time we got to her destination I’m glad Buffy’s exasperated reaction to yet another Oblivion Gate ‘fit’. I'm hoping the end of this next episode inspires another 'Go Dame Buffy!' Thank you!

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Episode 12

As I approached the flaming portal, I noted that spiked anti-cavalry barricades had been emplaced to channelize emerging Daedra into an awaiting formation of city guards. I recalled how Savlian had also used such chevaux de frise barriers to good effect during his lengthy defense against the Oblivion Gate at Kvatch.

“Dame Buffy?�

The familiar voice drew my eyes and attention away from the defensive arrangements. Errant strands of brown hair framed an exhausted face. Smudges of dirt, blood and Daedra innards stained the surcoat of Leyawiin’s guard commander. Caelia Draconis had been the first to provide aid to Kvatch. It was her example, and letters to counterparts in other cities, that helped swell Savlian’s forces to numbers that allowed the eventual recapture of his city. “Captain Draconis, I thought we had an understanding between us that did not require titles.�

Bypassing my extended hand she hugged me and, as we brushed cheeks, whispered into one ear. “Things are desperate here, Buffy.�

As we disengaged, my hand lingered at the small of her waist long enough to magically ease her fatigue. There was little I could do about how overdue she was for a bath. “How can I help, Caelia?�

“I could use another mage in the ranks,� she replied. As I glanced over the defenders, I recognized a journeyman in tan robes from the Leyawiin chapter of my guild. I returned S’drassa’s wave, but his feline grin contrasted with the drooping ears and limp tail that proclaimed his weariness. “Deputy Guildmagister Agata has managed to keep at least one of Dagail’s mages out here and has stopped by regularly to check on them and supply us with potions.� As Caelia’s gaze returned to the gate, she said, “Damn that Jovanah for charging in there by herself!�

“Jovanah?� I asked. It was then I noticed a small singed flag planted near the flaming portal. Its black dragon imposed over a red diamond background identified it as belonging to the Imperial Legion.

“County Leyawiin’s new forester,� lamented Caelia. “I know she wants to prove herself, but she picked a damn fool way to do it!�

The gate flickered briefly as a massive pale blue form emerged. S’drassa’s fireball was chased by half a dozen arrows – including my own – and the frost atronach quickly fell to join numerous other daedric corpses.

Unfazed, Caelia continued, “I’m loathe to send others inside. If Jovanah pulls that sigil stone, anyone not holding on to her will perish.�

I nodded my understanding. “How long has she been in there and how much water did she take?�

“The gate opened five days ago and Jovanah was first on the scene. She barely took time to plant her banner, so I’m sure she has no more than one skin of water.�

I sucked in my breath. “As a solo forester, she would have tried to sneak and avoid fighting. Those tactics, while slow, don’t require anywhere near five days to reach a sigil stone.� I shook my head. “If the Daedra didn’t kill her, then the relentless dry heat of the Deadlands and lack of water did.�

“You’re sure?� the guard commander asked.

“I helped destroy the first gate at Kvatch long ago. I closed another north of Bravil by myself just a few days ago.� I nodded sadly. “I’m sure.�

The officer winced and her face softened somewhat. “She would’ve made a fine forester had the eagerness of youth not outpaced her judgment here.�

“I’m sorry for the Legion’s loss, Caelia. What forces do you have with the training to close these things?�

“Leyawiin’s Knights of the White Stallion are so trained,� she replied. “They closed one of the nearby gates by securing the area, sending in half a dozen knights, killing every Daedra inside and claiming the sigil stone.�

I almost smiled as I recognized the tactics of Sirs Mazoga and Agronak. “They sound impressive.�

“Aye,� she agreed, “but they’re currently busy with two more gates flanking the river up Water's Edge way.�

“We sailed past,� I remarked. “One of those gates is already closed. Knights are still inside the other.�

“After already dealing with several gates simultaneously the knights will doubtless be exhausted and in need of healing – as well as repairs to their weapons and armor.� Caelia frowned. “I can’t ask them to close this one as well without rest.�

“What of Leyawiin’s chapter of the Fighters Guild?� I asked. “Have any of them received the Legion’s Oblivion Gate training up at the Arena?�

“A few of them have but Guildmistress Vilena Donton just ordered them all to Bruma. They left yesterday, offering no details of their mission.� She spat on the ground. “My guards aren’t trained for this, damn it! That leaves me with limited options – all of them bad. I could hold the line out here and hope that endless small waves of Daedra and exhaustion don’t attrite us to the point we become overrun before help arrives. Alternatively, now that we believe Jovanah has failed, I could send my sergeant of the guard with a detachment of soldiers into the gate to close it, and live with the ghosts of those who don’t return.� Her eyes glistened but her face was hard as steel as she stared at the flaming portal. “Or I can do what I know I must and lead the detachment I send into the gate myself. If I survive, I expect to be relieved of command for violating the Legion’s policy that a commander remain with the bulk of her unit. I’ll be damned, though, if I’ll send my soldiers into something I haven’t trained them for without me at their side!�

I understood Caelia’s dilemma about her location when splitting a command. Savlian had explained that commanders were expected to use subordinates to lead detachments. At Kvatch, however, no one had ever closed an Oblivion Gate or had any real idea of the hazards within. . . or if closing one was even possible. For reasons similar to those just voiced by Caelia, Savlian ordered that just he and I enter the Oblivion Gate there and attempt to close it. The Legion would say that, despite our success, Savlian made a reckless decision and violated policy. I, on the other hand, adored him for the selfless courage of his choice. Just as I respected the decision Caelia was prepared to make.

I made a decision of my own. “There is another way, Caelia. Leyawiin’s knights must be exhausted by now and, as you say, your soldiers – including you - are not trained for this task.� I looked up at the Imperial officer. “I am both rested and trained. If you can augment my one waterskin with the loan of another, I will close this gate.�

“Are you sure?� Her eyes reflected. . . worry, hope, fear? Perhaps all of these things, I decided.

“Yes,� I stated with all the authority and confidence I could muster. “My business in Leyawiin is with Count Caro and I’m quite certain he will not grant me an audience while his city is under siege.�

She handed me her waterskin. “We’ll hold the line out here. That’s one thing we’re trained to do.�

I added the skin to the other full one in my satchel, then slipped on three rings. The heat emanating from the gate instantly eased, and all nearby life blossomed into pink glows. “I should be back within a day. If this gate still stands after two, assume I have failed and continue to hold the line until you can send in a contingent of White Stallion Knights as soon as they've recovered from their current tasks.� Before Caelia - or I - could change my mind, I stepped off for the gate.

The last words I heard before entering the flaming portal were Caelia’s. “Good luck, brave knight.�