Buffy's Basket of Potpourri, Musings, ask Buffy, etc Options

[mirocu]

Great Buffy Pixie of the Month! Careful, Acadian. Or I´ll just might right-click on it and choose "Save" !

I do like that little elf and I´m glad she´s still around!

-Hello, Buffy!

[mirocu]

Dearest Buffy,

I write this letter from Morcant the Witch´s cottage. As I understand it, we just missed each other in the City the day I left for Cheydinhal. But you´d be happy to learn that I took the idea you had of using Frost as a light source and made my own spell and I must say, I quite like it! And this is important when you raise your skills; never forget to listen to the younger ones. Unfortunately, many Warlocks fail to do this out of pride and thus they often miss out on these interesting things.

I will soon make my way down to Pell´s Gate for a visit, and I suspect I will stop by my home at the Waterfront before a visit to the town of Chorrol. Maybe we will see each other then? If not, I wish all the best for you, my dear friend!


Regards,
Lothran the Nordic Dunmer


ADDENDUM: Oh, and give Superian my best!

[Acadian]

mirocu - Thanks! Gosh it’ll be time for a new screen of the month imminently! I’ll let Buffy thank Lothran for his kind letter.

ghastley - That cat is neither summon nor companion. It is a persistent cat brought into the world by touching a magical figurine. It has a very good AI and stealth, that we’ve tweaked to almost perfection regarding attack/hold back. Thank you!

mALX - Aww, thank you, mALX! Yes, that was Bruma where Buffy was warming her hands.

SubRosa - Thank you! Buffy gets too frazzled and worried about shooting her helper to really use her bow once the melee really starts. Her general tactic is to get in fairly close and try to hop around behind her helper using touch/healing spells if her helper’s closer, and immobilizing spells if things flip around and the baddie gets within touch range.

Grits - As ever, your kind words are such a source of warm encouragement! Inside the Orrery is a (Dwemer) mechanical model of what seems to be a moving solar system. It is quite the dynamic noise and light show!

DE - Yes, Zelda! I’m so glad you like that green outfit, as it is one of her faves! Thank you for your always kind words!

KC - Thank you. I join you in liking the almost magically intense eyes of that cat that really quite glow when hit by light.

* * *

My dear Lothran,

Kyne found Superian and I on the road just west of Skingrad, with the early sun to our backs. As the white dove gently lit upon my shoulder, I was overjoyed to know that it meant a letter from my dear friend. Thank you for the kind words about the frostlight spell that we now share, but I confess the inspiration came from my friend, Aravi. She told me about a handy effect she has learned in Skyrim called ‘magelight’.

I’m terribly sorry I missed you at the University. The flowers you left in my apartment though, warmed my heart and brought a smile. Alas, it seems we’re headed in opposite directions yet again. But Kynareth’s cool breeze tells me that winter approaches and I know what that means to you. While I find the cold to be a challenge, I embrace the fact that it generally anchors you to Bruma – where I know there is always a warm bear pelt waiting for me by your hearth.

I’m delighted that you spent some time with Morcant. I expect she helped you tap into your inherent ancestral guardian ability to discover other spirits – some with four legs. She has helped me as well. Even though her magicks and mine are very different, I believe she quite understands my heritage. She has helped me to blossom some of the deeply instinctive ancestral memories of my mother’s tribe.

As ever, I travel with the happy image of snowflakes dancing in your white hair.

Your wandering elf,
Buffy

* * *

Acadian here. On another thread, mirocu and I were discussing the ‘frostlight’ spell that Buffy mentioned above. It is simply 3 frost damage on target for 30 seconds. The beauty is that it sticks to any surface, lingering and providing gentle, targeted illumination for its duration. It's helpful to look into dark corners, check suspicious areas for traps or simply to provide light when Buffy cuts an arrow from one of her victims. Mirocu asked to see some screenshots of Buffy using the spell and that is the nature of the following three screenshots, taken in Cursed Mine, just west of Skingrad.

Is that a rock or a chest over there in the dark?
Let me toss a frostlight spell over there.
Ahah. It was a rock, but I now see a chest next to it!

*

Oh, there’s been a major development from the Shivering Isles! There is a new Madgod! His name is Henantier. Yes, the very same eccentric Bravil guild mage that Teresa had to rescue from his ‘Dream World’. He has asked that Buffy be his chosen emissary from outside the Isles. Buffy was so delighted to hear of the demise of Sheogorath that, with Kud-Ei’s permission, she readily accepted. Lord Henantier has ensured that whenever Buffy travels the Isles, it is under the constant protection of at least one palace escort. They've even issued her a snazzy outfit. The Golden Girls.

And finally, just a nice shot of the girl next door - who carries a sniper rifle.

[SubRosa]

Buffy and Lothran's frostlight spell is a brilliant idea! You continue to amaze me with how you combine magical effects in new and original ways.

Congratulations for Lord Henantier! Not to mention for Ambassador Buffy! She looks so tiny next to the other golden girls. But that is one snazzy looking sniper rifle on her back.

[mirocu]

Thank you so much for the incredibly nice pixies, Acadian! Buffy looks so cute in that Golden Saint armor And I´m sure her letter will make Lothran´s day even brighter

So it´s Ambassador Buffy now? Heh, who would have thought that considering her revulsion towards the Isles and its Madgod. But of course, if Henantier is the new Lord of the Isles then I understand her. So graceful of him to provide her with her own personal guard!

That little elf never ceases to amaze!

[King Coin]

I like seeing your creative little light spell at work.

Golden girls - Buffy should get a little bit of a tan. Unless she's white gold.

Last one - Love that bow. Very sleek and slightly recurved. Awesome.

This post has been edited by King Coin: Oct 3 2013, 12:53 AM

[Darkness Eternal]

So Aravi has shown Buffy a thing or two about magelight. Buffy can learn some new and interestings things from the northern province even if she has no desire to go there. To be honest that is a handy spell. For those with a weak eye in darkness it is very useful. I can see why Buffy likes it. Those caves have plenty of traps and places where an enemy can lurk. When she doesn't have time to scope out the place in the open she can use the spell to check for potential dangers.

The Golden Girls. Heh. I'm assuming Buffy looks up to them

As for the last picture I can say she definetly looks nimble and very deadly. Best damn sniper in Tamriel. I sure wouldn't want to be in her aim.

Great update, Acadian! And still waiting on Book II!

[ghastley]

Ro'Jhirr wants that bow! Much as he loves the Hatred's Soul bow, it's an ugly-looking thing.

Is that cottage over on the right from the Kvatch Rebuilt mod? And did the extra goblins kill Uuras in your game, or did you get to "coronate" him before they could?

[mALX]

@ Acadian - That spell is amazing! Did you make it yourself at an enchanting altar or is this a mod?

BWAAHAA! Buffy is wearing Maxical's "Golden Armor!" Now I know who stole it from the "Best Defense," ROFL !!! (Just Kidding, Buffy - I know you would never steal!)

This last shot is my favorite, believe it or not! The armor is outstanding, and Buffy makes a very shapely vision from behind. - Nice shots, all of them; and LOVE that spell!


*

[Grits]

Frostlight is such a great idea! Jerric wonders if it will stick to Nords the way magelights stick to mages.

Congratulations to Lord Henatier and the Honorable Dame Buffy! Mother Mara already crowned Buffy with gold, and now the Madgod has provided the rest of the outfit.

Girl next door: sleek, gorgeous, and deadly. And the bow is beautiful, too. (I am personally drooling over those boots. Buffy knows how to accessorize her sniper rifle!)

[mirocu]

Yet another fine Buffy of the Month pixie in your siggy, Acadian!

This post has been edited by mirocu: Nov 5 2013, 04:40 PM

[mirocu]

Dear Buffy,

It has been a long time since last we spoke, but rest assured you are never far away in my mind. I write to you now from the small settlement called Aleswell where I will spend a couple of nights before I once again gaze upon the gates of Bruma.

I always enjoy wandering in the Great Forest and through the marshes in the south, not to mention visiting the beautiful ports of Anvil or the highlands of Colovia. But as you know, my dear friend, there is something very special about my hometown. I have always felt a connection to that place ever since I first came to it in search of Ongar (please, don´t ask me why I needed to see him) all those years ago. It felt like I finally had found my true place which is not in Morrowind, I can assure you. Maybe Solstheim would do well too, that I cannot say, but I think I prefer the mountains over an island.

In any case, I would be delighted if you and Superian would like to visit me some time! If I´m on patrol at the moment, please try to restrain yourself from making too many practical jokes. I am an official guard of Bruma, even as an honorary guard, and the Countess demand that respect is shown to her loyal servants as well as to herself. If I´m not on duty however...

Be happy, be safe.

Your friend
Lothran

[Acadian]

Thank you, dear friends, for your warm support as Buffy travels Tamriel.

SubRosa- – Thank you! Buffy reminds me a bit of Tinkerbell, as she is always thinking and tinkering with creative ideas for custom spells. For example, she often casts a light spell on her summon/helper to help her look around after clearing all the foes out of a dungeon chamber; that way both her hands are free (to search bodies, containers and recover her arrows) and, if surprised, it is her much sturdier helper that will draw any attacks instead of her. Buffy now gets two Golden Saint escorts when in the Shivering Isles; one for her and one for Superian!

mirocu- When the Golden Saints offered a Buffy-sized light armor version of their outfits to Buffy, they earned a devoted friend! She’s simply delighted that, however he did it, Henentier got rid of Sheo. Thanks also for your kind words about our November screenshot of the month. And Buffy was so thrilled to get another letter from Lothran! She quickly quilled off a reply and I’ve included a copy below.

KC- Thanks. Again, Aravi’s mage light spell was Buffy’s inspiration for her little frost light spell. Ya know, Buffy’s envious of pretty much whatever she doesn’t have. . . her slight hint of sunkist color pales in comparison to those beautiful Golden Saints. Thanks for endorsing that bow; it’s one of two that Buffy is still torn between.

DE- Aww, thanks for your kind words! Yup, those Golden Girls sure knew how to win Buffy over with a set of their beautiful armor made just for her.

ghastley- Thank you! I kind of agree on the vanilla bows. The normal longbow style is kind of boring/uninspired and I’m not quite sure what they were thinking with the glass/ebony/daedric style to include almost ‘hinged’ points of weakness and imply the bow is made from metal. The elven bow looks nice but, after using modded bows by Nicoroshi, I’m spoiled and now expect a very slender bowstring that does not gap when drawn in first person. Good eye on the cottage from Kvatch Rebuilt. Yes, the goblins added in that new mine by the road create some interesting fights with the nearby bandits. Fortunately, we’ve ‘coronated’ all the Skingradsters that wander outside the gates (like Uuras).

mALX- – Thanks! That frost light spell was inspired by seeing Aravi use her mage light spell and from an old post on the BethSoft forum pointing out that, if frost is the main effect in a spell, its light will stick on surfaces and linger for the duration of the spell. So no mods required to make it!

Grits- Heh, if Buffy accidently hit Jerric with that spell, I’ll bet it wouldn’t make him very mad. Between how weak the spell is, Jerric’s resistance to frost and his birthsign, he probably would not even feel it. It seems when you hit a moving target with the spell it will light up the target, but when the target moves, the light and little snowflake effects remain in place and do not move with the target. Thanks for liking Buffy's black ranger boots; she found them at the Goddess Store after digging through a pile of very buxom steel-kini armors and high-heeled ‘combat’ boots.

* * *

Potpourri really is a fitting title for this update -

First, Buffy just managed to ‘shoot straight and ride a fast horse’ her way to 3000 hours of total game play since first arriving in Tamriel April 19, 2009. Her first 500 hours were pure vanilla. Her next 500 hours were after her first makeover with mods and during the same game. And the next 2000 hours (which required us to restart her game) have been played using her current look and custom race. She’s voracious about her play time!


Next, here’s a copy of a letter Buffy just sent. As you may recall, Buffy and Lothran have been penpalls (via PM at BethSoft) for years and I'm delighted that both characters are willing to begin posting their letters here.

My dear Lothran,

I was delighted when our summoned dove, Kyne, alighted gently on my shoulder to deliver your letter!

The moment finds you and I, not surprisingly headed in opposite directions yet again. Kyne found Superian and I approaching Leyawiin. Much of what the guild has me doing these days is filling soul gems and collecting magical scrolls and difficult to obtain alchemical ingredients (vampire dust, frost salts, daedra venin, etc) – tasks that few other mages seem willing to risk. As you know though, I get cranky when I don’t use my bow and, well, the powerful weapon was not exactly made for hunting deer. . . . Venturing into dungeons in search of supplies for the guild merchants seems to suit me though.

As you know, thin Bosmeri blood is not well-suited to the colder weather and it seems that during the warmer part of the year, you and I share a nature of nearly constant motion. The resulting travels result in our paths crossing all too rarely. But Ardaline says I’m an incorrigible optimist; at least in the winter, one of us is anchored in Bruma and even the snowy chill cannot keep me from a visit.

The residents of Bruma are fortunate to have your brave service during their coldest months. Have no fear of me disrupting your duties with a snowball; I get on well with and respect soldiers, and they have almost always been kind and helpful to me. Some of them even remember the small role I played as Captain Savlian Matius’ elven scout at Kvatch.

It’s funny the things that stick with us. My most precious memory of Bruma is you and I riding in the northern Jeralls – with snowflakes dancing in your white hair and the cold breath of Superian and Aetherius hanging in the air. Such a memory makes it impossible for me to let a winter pass without at least one visit to Bruma – and you. Be safe, my friend.

Your wandering elf, Buffy


And, finally, some random screenies since our last update:

Crafting poisons in the Riverhold guild.

Traveling north.

”Volanaro, have you seen Jerric recently?”

A visit to Falkreath. Thanks to ghastley for the wonderful ‘taste of Skyrim’ mod.

Our modded detect life shaders reveal the cloaked form of Superian right behind Buffy. Buffy is pretty creative at protecting her precious mare.

Close enough to home for Superian to almost smell Equestria in the Valley of Horses. Again, you can see the subtle detect life vapors trailing behind horse and cat. She really has to pay attention to detect foes outdoors in the daylight.

As the next shot shows though, the pink glow is still very effective in the dark. My humble attempt at an action shot. The swirling pink hints at the speed of these two combatants; the dead clannfear is lit up with his last display of reflect damage – not enough to save him from the black jaguar though. Buffy managed to cast a massive shield spell on the big cat early in the fight which likely helped ensure the outcome.

[Darkness Eternal]

Oh yeah. Buffy sure has been around, all over the place. Great to see Buffy's letters here. So Buffy is out and about, surely keeping herself busy by using her bow(lest she gets a bit cranky) and searching for the Mages Guild supplies. Nice!

Crafting potions! I wonder what she's making there. I can tell her feline friend is wondering too

From Elsweyr to the north. A not so great change, in my opinion. I'm sure Buffy may agree with me here. But when it something drastic or something as simple as seeing a friend, I don't think she'll let a little snow keep her away. I love her clothes, too. They look warm and cozy, a much needed comfort in that weather.

As always I like her clothes a lot, especially those boots. The style suits her very well and quite frankly I haven't seen any clothes Buffy doesn't look good in. She just seems to pull all of them off.

Getting a taste of Skyrim, huh? Besides Bruma, of course. Falkreath though is close to Cyrodiil, so there isn't much of a difference.

Wow. Creative indeed. I had to truly look into the picture and stare to see Superian right behind her. Clever way to conceal the trusty steed from harm.

Yeah, I see the pinkish vapors coming out from behind them. I like it. Has a subtle effect there. As ever, she's surrounded by some pretty great allies here.

Looks like the demon-lizard fell to the black panther. Through its own prowess and Buffy's shielding, the outcome favored the cat. I did want to see this battle play out though, but its great seeing some of it here.

Great update, Acadian!

[SubRosa]

Oh wow, I saw this before, then forgot to reply. Doh!

Buffy is looking cute in her wrap around crop top thingie. And with kitty!

It is a good thing she put on something a bit more substantial for the ride north!

Love her boots in the looking for Jerric pic.

I have always loved that Russet Felt outfit she is wearing in Falkreath.

Wow, I can barely see that detect life shader. It certainly is a lot more subtle than the normal one, that makes it hard to tell just what you are looking at because the glow is so intense.

Clannfear goes flying! Way to go kitty!

[King Coin]

Riverhold, I do believe that is my favorite location from the Elsweyr mod you have shown me. And Buffy’s looking good! Aravi used that top as well on occasion.

North looks a little more suitable for this time of year however. Beautiful, and I like her big scarf.

Your detect life if very subtle. I like it!

Love seeing Buffy’s feline helper. I understand he/she comes in different shapes and sizes!

[ghastley]

In retrospect, I'm glad I made the Oblivion version of Falkreath before visiting the Skyrim one. I'd have been too concerned to provide the same services etc. As it is, they both have a Jarl's house, a smith, a tavern, and an alchemist. Skyrim doesn't have the same concept of chapels, but its Falkreath does have a Hall of the Dead that serves a similar purpose, with shrines of Arkay.

But I have no wood mill, or river to drive it. That's something that wouldn't change over time, as people don't have the power to change the landscape that much.

Fortunately, I didn't add any Ayleid stuff to mine, as that's totally absent in Skyrim, and Dwemer relics take their place.

Trolls do show up around Skyrim's Falkreath, and there are mines nearby, so it wasn't a bad stab in the dark.

It all makes me wonder how accurate the Elsweyr and Valenwood mods will turn out when Bethesda do those regions.

[Grits]

Wow, congratulations on your 3,000 hour anniversary! That’s wonderful! And thank you to Buffy and Lothran for sharing your letters.

Crafting poisons is an instant favorite! Buffy looks fabulous at work in the guild hall. Her jaguar companion looks like she’s behaving very well around all of those glass vials. I’m reminded of how Buffy brings Superian into the safety of caves when the situation calls for it. How lovely to see her animal friends as a real part of her life, not just called upon for transport and fighting.

Ooo, love the scarf in Traveling north. Buffy looks warm even without the dreaded bulky furs! I love seeing her with Superian.

I had such a grin over the looking for Jerric picture! I can imagine the towering Volanaro standing there as Buffy looks up and up at him. I’m sure that the velvet-clad Volanaro appreciated Buffy’s gorgeous outfit. The local Nords may dress like bears, but there’s no need for the mer to follow that example. I love how you caught Selena at work in the background.

Fun in Falkreath! Two blondes, twice as nice. (Jerric, where are you going? )

Thank you for sharing some of Buffy’s practical magic! I would never have guessed that Superian was right there. Buffy’s water-walk on other spell is one of our favorites. Par-tay on the lake! Lil often feels as if there’s a horse right behind her. Perhaps she’ll be inspired to turn him invisible.

Awesome shot on the bridge! You caught Superian and the jaguar in perfect step! That life detection is subtle indeed. A fascinating peek at the world as Buffy sees it.

That action shot along with the explanation provide a great example of how the powerful archer is also very much a mage. Buffy’s tactical planning is always inspiring to read about.

I’ve certainly enjoyed this wonderful potpourri!

[mirocu]

Fun in Falkreath! Two blondes, twice as nice.

I´ll say

I’ve certainly enjoyed this wonderful potpourri!

Me too. This thread is great for all things Buffy!

Speaking of the Bosmer, very nice December pic, Acadian! But wow, she really is short, isn´t she? Which is great as it makes her harder for enemies to spot

Btw, the bear blanket is all set up for you, Buffy!

[mirocu]

Dear Buffy

Winter is upon us and with that, ice and snow is all around. I have just finished my first guard shift for the winter, and a cold one it was indeed! I like it normally, but standing still for that long makes me wonder how good I would actually be in a fight, should anything come through those gates that shouldn´t.

I have decided to yet again pay some attention to Plundered Mine on the road to Bruma to ensure safe passage for everyone including yourself and Superian, should you decide to honor us with a visit.
I am also making plans to return to Pale Pass. Scouts from Bruma have told me the ogres have increased in numbers so every effort for scholars to visit it is met with heavy danger, so something has to be done and it has fallen upon me to do it.

Kyne is anxious to fly now so I must end this letter. I think she looks forward to wherever you are, it looks as if she knows you´re in a warmer place.

With wishes of safe journeys,
Lothran