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- Kynareth introduced Buffy to Carsomyr – the weapon every one of her paladins has carried. Once Buffy grasped the weapon in its native great sword form, it learned her nature/aspirations and transformed into a magic staff. She learned the basics of how to use the new weapon before Kynareth called her training for the day complete with the promise to move on to spells the following day.

*

Renee- When Buffy thought Kynareth was giving her a giant two handed sword, the little elf almost wet herself. Yes, Carsomyr is quite a magical weapon – even more so in the form of a staff. Regarding Buffy’s speech patterns, she is quite skilled in speechcraft (part of the way she compensates for her unimpressive stature) and is acutely aware of who she is talking to. Though her default speech is quite informal, you’ll notice she shifts readily from more formal to informal speech mannerisms based on who she’s talking to. You may also notice that both Kynareth and Acadian consistently speak more formally. Similar to what you may have noticed with Blood Raven in SubRosa’s wonderful fiction. Not using contractions is one example of this. And, as requested, a couple screenshots: Carsomyr and Blocking

SubRosa- I couldn’t resist going with the most famous weapon name in all of paladin lore. The concept of using a staff to help focus one’s magic is one I borrowed from you – thank you! We wrestled mightily as to whether to have Buffy begin her ESO adventuring as a staff wielding mage of Holy Light or a bow wielding Forest mystic archer. Eventually (beyond this book) she will master the ability to move from one to the other.

ghastley- One thing I love about ESO is the almost limitless flexibility the game’s outfit/costume system allows. You can wear what you need to for performance but make it look however you want. Buffy literally changes the appearance of her outfit, hair and bling/accessories countless times a day to suit her environs or mood.

Rider- Thank you! Buffy has always loved the idea of summoning/unsummoning her weapon. Currently, she spends her time almost evenly split between a templar staff healer and a warden bow healer. Both work well. She finds the former is easier to master and more group friendly; the latter is more complex to learn and does more damage. The feel is quite different though and she enjoys moving from one to the other. The ability to move among classes is also a survival requirement. Being a dynamic online game, classes are subject to changes for the good and bad. If one class changes for the worse, it is nice to have others already developed that continue to work well. In the long haul, it is almost a comically circular process. Nerf one class out of favor. Wait a year or two and it gets buffed back into favor.

Lopov- Killing Firkraag to get Carsomyr in BG 2! I know it well! Thanks. Buffy does favor summoned weapons. Much nicer than having a staff or bow glued to her back when not fighting. It also allows her to not openly display her weapon but never be caught without.

Grits- Thank you! I’m so glad that Buffy’s potential dismay at being offered a massive great sword came through clearly. Fortunately, Acadian knows her well enough to quickly intervene.

* * *

Episode 9

Kynareth and I stood facing each other in her grotto. “Close your eyes and open your mind, young paladin. I shall bestow my blessing of Holy Light upon you.”

As I felt her hands upon my face, magic flowed into me. Images of Magnus traveling across the sky. Its gentle warmth caressing my skin. A concentrated beam of light being channeled into the chest of a clannfear until the beast burst apart. Casting spells with the knowledge of how to use this new magic to both heal allies and damage foes.

Presently, I heard, “Open your eyes,” and Kynareth lowered her hands.

I looked up at her. “I feel several quite unfamiliar spells now at my disposal.”

She nodded. “Let me tell you what each of them does. Then we will spend some time letting you familiarize yourself with them.”

“Spell Power Cure is a passive ability that you now inherently possess,” she began. “Whenever you heal yourself or an ally, their damage is increased for several seconds. Some of your active spells can provide continuous healing, allowing you to keep this effect active for an entire battle. You can readily verify when it is in effect by a lavender glow surrounding the arms of those affected.”

“Regeneration is your first of five active spells. To cast it, spike your staff vertically into the air. It will seek up to three allies within visual range and provide them with continuous healing for a moderate duration.”

“For Cleansing Ritual you strike the heel of your staff upon the ground to brand a large area around you for a significant duration. Allies standing within your ritual receive continuous healing, moderate damage shielding and the removal of any ill effects – including curses. The spell also has a unique contingency; that is, if for any reason your spellcasting is disabled, this spell will automatically be cast.”

“You can cast Healing Ward upon yourself or any ally within visual range. It provides a very powerful ward and period of healing, but its duration is short and it costs a good deal of magicka. Unlike the warding provided to you when you raise Carsomyr to block, you can cast other spells while warded by this one.”

My eyes opened wide. “Ranged heals! Long have I dreamed of such. I’ve always had to touch my allies to heal them.”

She nodded. “Yes, but healing from distance is quite generic. It will keep an ally in the fight but is a far cry from the accurate diagnoses and precise healing you can accomplish by laying on hands.”

“My Lady. . . so far, what you have described focuses on healing, protecting and boosting damage. Do your Divine spells provide damage as well or will my attacks come purely from Carsomyr?”

“Both.” She replied. “As promised, Buffy, Holy Light excels at protecting and strengthening you and your allies. Even the last two spells I will describe, though primarily offensive, provide some degree of support.”

“To cast Blazing Spear,” she continued, “you direct Carsomyr toward a spot on the ground. A spear of Holy Light will leave the weapon and, upon impact, shatter. The resultant shards linger and continuously damage all foes within the burst area, breach their defenses and briefly immobilize less powerful enemies. Most of its damage is delivered upon its initial burst, so casting the spell in rapid succession can prove very effective at quickly damaging groups of enemies. It also restores both stamina and magicka to allies within its radius.”

A wave of relief washed over me. “Immobilizing enemies sounds like it will go a long way toward compensating for losing the ability to control foes with my illusion magic.”

She held up a hand. “As I said, Buffy, it will not control more powerful enemies. Nor, you will find, can it immobilize those who can fly.”

“But it is more powerful enemies that I fear the most,” I lamented.

She lifted my chin until our eyes met. “Buffy, you have doubtless noted that most of the spells I have given you include provisions to help allies. You are at your best when supporting strong warriors in front of you. You know this to be true from your experience fighting alongside Savlian Matius or Sir Mazoga. You may be wise to cultivate such an ally in the Second Era.”

I thought for a moment before replying. “Having someone besides myself benefit from the healing, shielding and damage boosting that these spells seem capable of does make sense. I will heed your words, My Lady.”

“One last spell,” she said. “Radiant Glory is also cast through Carsomyr and channels a concentrated beam of Holy Light that inflicts high damage to a single target. It also transfers some of that target’s health to you. The damage increases dramatically as your foe gets closer to death. It is expensive to cast and best used when your enemy is significantly damaged – or when you are cornered and heavily wounded. Now, while my descriptions are still fresh in your mind, try casting your new spells.”

I did so for a good part of the afternoon. I was used to channeling magicka down my right arm, gathering it in my fist then releasing it for normal spells. For these Holy Light spells, however, I held Carsomyr in my right hand, still channeled magicka through that arm but let it flow right into Carsomyr instead of gathering it in my hand. The weapon enhanced and focused that magicka before releasing my spell. During Carsomyr’s heavy attacks, the staff channeled some of its own seemingly limitless magicka to me. I began to learn how to use the new spells in combination with each other and even started to work out how to balance an effective tempo between staff attacks and spells that did not excessively deplete my magicka. Kynareth reminded me that my damage spells would not harm allies and informed me that neither would Carsomyr.

I paused to slip free the leather thong that restrained my ponytail long enough to capture the errant tresses which had escaped during my practice session. Pondering the impressive synergy between my new spells and weapon, I began to understand the wisdom of Carsomyr manifesting as a staff to help me.

Before I resumed, however, Kynareth stopped me. “You have done well, Buffy. Be assured there will be opportunities for combat to hone your skills before you locate Drodda, but I believe you will be ready to fight in the Second Era. Let me return you to Bravil. Tomorrow we will talk about the process of traveling back in time and decide when you will do so.”