Buffy - Book 4, Drodda the Icewitch Options

[Acadian]

Welcome to Buffy’s fourth book! As ever, her tale of continuing adventure remains one that is character-driven with more focus on her journey than the destination. Buffy is a magically inclined Bosmer. She travels intertwined with the spirit of an old ethereal paladin named Acadian who sometimes offers advice. Sometimes she listens.

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 picked up shortly thereafter and chronicled Buffy's journey of recovery and self-discovery through Valenwood. Book 3 took place in Cyrodiil and saw the Oblivion Crisis finally yield to the dawn of a new Era – even as Buffy accepted the challenges of walking an ancient path of her own and becoming a paladin of Kynareth.

Books 1 through 3, in their 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 4 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. I welcome questions relating to her past though, that I may try and amplify or clarify things should our ‘review as we go’ approach prove wanting. More specifically, I want new readers to feel comfortable just jumping right into Book 4 without feeling obligated to read Buffy’s previous books first.

Book 4 joins Buffy in Cyrodiil shortly after the Oblivion Crisis. Soon, however, she finds herself confronted by a threat so vexing that the only path to resolving it will require the direct intervention of Kynareth, and for Buffy to forsake the life she knows.

I estimate that at one episode per week, Book 4 will require just under a year to post. My fervent hope is that you find our humbly offered efforts worthy of your time.

* * *

~ Part One – Cyrodiil ~

Episode 1

Reluctantly, I allowed my healing bond with Countess Odalys Goldwine to dissipate. She opened her eyes, saw the tears in mine and managed a weak smile. “Tell me the truth.”

I took her hand. “The wasting sickness that began in your foot has a Daedric taint. It strongly resists healing and has spread throughout your body. Were I to remove it now, it would destroy every organ it has infested. I’m sorry, Countess. Even with the assistance of Kynareth, I cannot save you.”

“Don’t blame yourself, Buffy," the Countess of Kvatch replied. "I will be at peace knowing that if anyone could have healed me it would have been you. Ironic,” a coughing spasm interrupted her words for several moments, “that Ormellius’ mage encased me in that magical ice to protect me from the Daedra. It almost worked.”

“I know they did their best,” I said. “Given the severe time constraint of Daedra breaking down the door, I’m not surprised that Count Goldwine’s court mage inadvertently left a small part of your left foot unprotected. That is how the wasting taint entered your body.”

“And I thought it was just an annoying limp I’d have to deal with.” Coughing wracked her body again as an attentive handmaiden quickly wiped away the blood it produced.

“In the months you’ve had since Kvatch was retaken from the Daedra,” I said, “you’ve largely restored this city to its former glory while inspiring your people. I’m sure the late Count would be proud. I know I will always be grateful for the mutual consolation we shared after both losing our mates. Let me ease your pain.”

“No,” she stayed my hands, “that will cloud my thinking and I have a request I must make of you while I still can.”

“I will do whatever I’m able Milady.”

“After I die, rule of Kvatch will be a ripe target. My city deserves better than the unproven offspring of some ambitious noble like the skooma-sucking son of Count Bravil.”

“I agree. How can I help?” I asked while trying to restrain a rising sense of panic. Please don’t ask me to try and become the Countess of Kvatch. As much as I love the city that Savlian Matius and I fought for and he died for, it harbors memories that are too. . . painful to make it my home. Not that the Elder Council would ever consider me – a Bosmeri orphan who can barely rule herself.

“I would like the Champions of Cyrodiil to succeed me,” she said. “Since moving to Kvatch and taking leadership of the Order of the Wolf, Sirs Agronak and Mazoga have proven their love for this city.” Her words were growing weaker and coming slowly now. “I have spoken with them and they are willing to accept the appointment if offered. I want you to be my advocate before the Elder Council. There will be resistance because they are orcs and neither is of noble birth. Will you do this for me?”

“I will advocate for you Milady, for I can think of no finer potential count and countess for Kvatch than Sirs Agronak and Mazoga.” Through her pain of trying to breathe, I could see a sense of relief in her eyes. “You must rest now.” As she almost imperceptibly nodded, I laid hands on her again.

I eased her pain then, mercifully, she slept. With her mistress asleep, the Countess’ handmaiden shifted her focus to me, bringing cool water, hot tea and fresh bread with soft cheese. We kept vigil through the night.

By dawn Countess Odalys was gone. “Join your Count in Aetherious now,” I said softly while her hands were still warm. As I left the Countess’ bedchamber, I was met by Sirs Mazoga and Agronak.

Their hopeful looks turned to despair as soon as they saw my face. Mazoga engulfed my shoulder with a massive hand. “Sorry, Buff.”

I tried to smile. “She died peacefully. I understand you're both aware of her request regarding a successor?”

Both orcs nodded. It was Agronak who spoke. “Countess Odalys was a fine ruler. We’d be honored if chosen to take up her mantle and finish what she started.”

I nodded. “I’m leaving almost straightaway to relay her wishes to the Imperial Council.”

After tearful goodbyes, followed by a quick visit to Savlian’s grave, Superian and I were on the road and riding into the morning sun.

**

My hands fidgeted as I sat on the hard chair. I’m sure I would have been tapping my feet had they been able to reach the floor. I looked up at the guard posted by the door. “How long do you think before the Imperial Council finishes deliberating and gives me their decision?”

The guard quietly replied, “No way to tell, Dame Buffy. You made a persuasive case. There are many in the Legion who well-remember what you, Captain Matius and the Champions of Cyrodiil did to free Kvatch. For what it’s worth, I think those knights could provide the strength and inspiration to make that city flourish once again.”

“Thank you,” I said. “I hope the Council agrees.”

The door opened and I was ushered back into the Council’s chamber. Those holding the future of Kvatch in their hands sat on the far side of a wide table as I stood before them. I could not read their faces.

“Dame Buffy,” began High Chancellor Ocato, “the Council has reached a decision regarding the late Countess of Kvatch's wishes regarding her successor. Odalys could not have chosen a better advocate. You certainly made a strong case that her success in rebuilding Kvatch should lend great strength to her recommendation. Further, you spoke eloquently to the character of Sirs Mazoga and Agronak, gained through your long history of friendship and fighting by their sides. You also made a strong argument for the superiority of earning one’s noble title via deed instead of birth.”

I realized I was holding my breath and forced myself to breathe. Their words were encouraging. So far.

“That acknowledged,” he continued as my hopes sank, “the Council feels Kvatch would be best served with the Champions of Cyrodiil remaining at the helm of the city’s valiant order of knights. Further, with so many changes affecting the Empire, we feel the people need. . . stability, a feeling of normalcy regarding how the Empire has always done business. Therefore, during a subsequent deliberation, we shall choose the next ruler of Kvatch from one of the well-known and respected noble families of Cyrodiil. Please accept our appreciation for bringing the late Countess’ recommendation to us for consideration. This proceeding is concluded.”

My hands were behind my back but I didn’t need to see them to know how white the knuckles of my clenched fists were. Nor did I need to see the hot flush of anger that rose above the neckline of my buckskins to know the color that traveled up to my face and out to the tips of my ears. I looked at each Councilor. Round-eared Imperials with soft hands, every one of them. Not one had ever seen a day of combat. Easy, Buffy, Countess Odalys was an Imperial as well. That is not the problem. That these ignorant fools are leading the Empire is the problem. I need to restrain my tongue. Nothing good for Kvatch can come from a display of anger toward them. I swallowed hard and finally spoke, “Countess Odalys was a skilled leader and friend. I appreciate the opportunity to have conveyed her considered recommendation.” I turned and left the chamber hastily so they would not see the tears I fought to hold back.

[Acadian]

Previously- The Bravil Mages Guild branch decided to become an independent store selling much the same services they currently do. Buffy met with Kynareth. The two agreed that getting Buffy to the Second Era was possible and that Buffy was willing to go. Kynareth then described what could and could not travel with Buffy, as well as some of the differences in how magic and combat works in the Second Era.

*

Rider- Thank you! Yes, it looks like, under Kud-Ei’s superb leadership, the Bravil guild should be able to transition to a successful independent magic shoppe. Having a bow range so long you needed to zoom in to see the target in TES 4/5 was wonderful. As I’m sure you know, Archers in ESO can do fine but more as skirmish archers instead of snipers.

SubRosa- I’m glad you agree with how wise and skilled a Guildmagister Kud-Ei is – that is exactly how I’ve tried to portray her. That episode was a nice opportunity to review the length Buffy will go to for those she holds dear, as well as review her early rocky start with Mazoga. I will try to present the game differences between TES 4/5 and ESO as ‘realistically’ as practical, but some bits just come down to ‘that’s the way it is’ or ‘hey, its magic!’. No friendly fire in ESO is a perfect example. Further, ESO is a dynamic world that evolves; everything changes over time, including the details of combat.

Combat in ESO is satisfying but quite complicated and rather gimmicky, relying on careful character building/equipping and player skill with all the mechanics. None of that writes very well/realistically, so Buffy’s combat will hopefully be recognizable to those who play ESO and definitely feel ‘TES’, but with many liberties to avoid the MMO quirks of ESO. Thanks for reading!

Renee- Though Buffy will be gone, I suspect the Magic Emporium, under Kud-Ei’s leadership, will prosper – as long as she doesn’t try to expand or franchise it out to other cities. Losing all the stuff a girl’s gotta have to travel back in time will be tough for Buffy.

Bows in the Second Era have the same range as mage staves and that is shorter than we’re used to in TES 4/5. Although there are a couple tricks to boost bow range a bit, it is still way below where a zoom in feature to see your target is necessary. You are right that relying on a bow as your only weapon in ESO is challenging and can be quite frustrating for newer players. That said, with patience, practice and careful ‘build crafting’ details, a mystic archer can be very successful in ESO. As ever, thank you for your insightful comments. Your unique perspective often causes me to really think through and reexamine things.

Grits- Thank you for quoting Buffy’s rationale for accepting the quest before she even knew the details. Yes, she is quickly learning what she’ll have available to her in the Second Era. Over the next few episodes, Buffy will choose the general type of magic she’ll use, then gain a new weapon and some spells to serve her. Then it will be time for some goodbyes as she prepares to depart for her quest.

Lopov- I enjoy weaving actions in with dialogue like trying to give life to the mages’ dinner that they were indeed having a meal while talking. Thank you! Buffy’s combat will change greatly but her challenges won’t – destroying foes while trying to keep her fragile little body intact.

***

Episode 7

As Kynareth and I gazed across the Niben watching a beautiful sunrise, she said, “Buffy, I can bestow upon you one of several blessings inspired by my domains of sky and forest. Any one of them can adequately support you in the Second Era. They are the blessings of Storm, Holy Light or Forest.”

“That sounds like a very important choice,” I replied, “and challenging because I don’t know what they entail.”

Kynareth nodded. “It is your decision, but I may be able to help guide you. Can you describe how the roles of archer, mage and healer have evolved in your life?”

“As you know, My Lady, I was trained to the bow. Given my size and lack of strength, my archery master realized I would never be able to defend myself in close quarters with melee weaponry. That’s why he brought me to the guild of mages. With Kud-Ei’s instruction in illusion and, much later, Boderi Farano’s guidance at the Arcane University, I became an effective mystic archer. Over time, I have learned that I can survive without my bow. . . but not without my spells.” She nodded encouragement for me to continue. “Since healing Sir Agronak from the brink of death after the Oblivion Crisis and becoming your paladin, I’ve come to another realization. Though I need to destroy foes that would harm those dear to me, I know now that my true calling is that of a healer.”

She replied, “As a paladin, your ability to lay on hands enables you to heal as well as any priest, and better than most restoration mages when it comes to healing sickness or mending wounds after a fight. Because of the physical bond you must establish to use it, however, it is of little use during an active battle.”

“I know,” I lamented.

“My blessings offer, to varying degrees, the ability to provide healing during combat. Would that be of interest to you?”

My eyes lit up. “More than almost anything!”

Kynareth smiled. “I already knew your answers, Buffy, but wanted them to be clear in your mind as we discuss my blessings. Shall we begin?”

“Yes, My Lady.”

“Storm is much as the name says. It offers unparalleled damage. Much like a classic wizard, you would use the raw power of lightning to destroy your foes, while relying on magical warding and self-healing to protect yourself. Though not totally lacking at protecting or healing allies in combat, it primarily embraces the concept of a solo mage destroying her foes before they can destroy her.”

“The best defense is a good offence?” I offered. “While I need the ability to vanquish my foes, I don’t fancy the lack of a robust ability to protect and heal allies.”

“I thought you might feel that way,” she said. “Forest magic offers a better balance between damage and combat healing, albeit favoring offense. This blessing calls upon the magic inherent within my forests to bring both flora and fauna to your aid. It does require some timing to use properly and you would fight alongside a forest guardian.”

“That sounds a bit busy. . . but having a guardian occupy foes while I deliver damage from range might be quite helpful,” I commented.

“A wise strategy, Buffy,” she replied, “but know that sophisticated foes will recognize the guardian for what it is and focus their ire upon the mage responsible.”

I frowned. “Much like I focus my attacks on a summoner rather than their summons.”

Kynareth nodded. “The blessing of Holy Light is inspired by the power of Magnus itself to both nurture and destroy. It offers the most robust spells for combat healing. Several of its spells offer multiple simultaneous benefits. Even its offensive abilities provide some level of support for you and your allies while still providing solid damage.

“I quite like the sound of that. Can I choose more than one blessing?” I asked.

“Yes and no,” replied Kynareth with a chuckle. “While you can learn more than one, you may only have one active at a time. Changing among them requires me to lay hands upon you, as well as a period of quiet meditation on your part. It also takes time and practice to become proficient with each; time we perhaps do not have in abundance. Let us choose one for now and focus on mastering it.”

“Acadian,” I said, “every big decision I make affects both of us, and I imagine you have some experience with Our Lady’s blessings. I’d value your counsel.”

“Buffy, I have watched you evolve and grow over the years,” he began. "While you do need a balance between healing allies and conquering foes, I know the lengths you will go to in protecting others. I believe Holy Light best suits your goals.”

“My conclusion as well, Acadian. Thank you.” I then smiled and declared, “My Lady, I would ask for your blessing of Holy Light.”

Kynareth smiled. “A wise choice, Buffy. Elegant even. Now, are you ready to set aside much of the old and learn some new things?”

“I am.” I took her lead and stood when she did.

Kynareth looked around. “This place is rather exposed considering the unfamiliar displays that some of your training will entail. Take my hand and we’re away to a grotto near my shrine in the forest west of the Imperial City.”

As I took her hand, the world wavered and changed around me. Suddenly we were in a large cavern. There were gaps overhead that allowed enough light to support numerous mosses, shrubs, grasses and even a few saplings. “We will not be disturbed here,” she said.