Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

14 Pages V  1 2 3 > »   
Reply to this topicStart new topic
> Buffy the Bowgirl, Book 1, Thread 1, Do You Know the Way to Kvatch?
Acadian
post Jun 16 2010, 11:52 PM
Post #1


Paladin
Group Icon
Joined: 14-March 10
From: Las Vegas



Welcome to the adventures of Buffy the Bowgirl!

My name is Acadian. Buffy is an elven mystic archer that I have the pleasure to travel Tamriel with.

This is Book 1 of her journal. It begins with Buffy being briefly incarcerated in the Imperial Prison, and ends as she attempts to bring freedom to the city of Kvatch. It is a sprawling story that will require 176 episodes, spread over five threads. Appropriately, I have nicknamed Book 1, 'Do You Know the Way to Kvatch?'

Buffy's personal journey is more important than her destination. Our writing style is character-driven. I help Buffy write her journal because I have a truckload of passion for her, not because I am a writer. We take plenty of liberties with quests and NPCs, but only few liberties with game mechanics because there is an aspect of 'how to / mystic archer guide' woven into her stories. Therefore, we tend to eschew earthly things and stick rather closely to Nirnian physics. In Buffy's world for example, a skilled archer can 'zoom in' on her target and cause her enemies to 'turn green' with poison. Buffy has never been to medieval Europe or ancient Rome, and her world does not resemble those places.

I thank you so much, should you find our humble effort earns and maintains your readership. My hope is that Buffy will worm her way into your heart, as she has mine. tongue.gif

Edit: Buffy has completed this book as of August 2012, and I would like to think that the reading of it is a satisfying experience - both complete as well as suggestive of sequels. For those newer readers who would like to catch up to us in one short sitting, you might find this helpful: Buffy – The Executive Summary Thread.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 28 2012, 12:33 PM


--------------------
Screenshot: Buffy in Artaeum
Stop by our sub forum!
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Acadian
post Jun 16 2010, 11:53 PM
Post #2


Paladin
Group Icon
Joined: 14-March 10
From: Las Vegas



1 Buffy Goes to Prison


City Swimmer grabbed my shoulder and winked an orange eye at me. "Okay, Buffy, you practice your sweet talking to distract the merchant, and I'll nip us some lunch. Ready?"

I nodded, and the two of us entered the small shop. My Argonian friend began innocently looking at merchandise, while I walked up to the Imperial behind the counter.

"Well, what brings you two ladies to the Imperial City?" The merchant seemed pleasant enough.

I looked up at him and batted my eyelashes like City Swimmer had taught me. "I'm from Bravil and I've never been to the big city before."

The Imperial frowned. "And just where are your parents, young lady?"

This wasn't exactly working like my dear reptilian friend told me it would. Maybe I needed bigger eyelashes, or more work on how to flutter them. "My father's been gone since before I can remember. He never returned from one of his expeditions. Mother said he was a vampire hunter."

The Imperial looked down at me, appraisingly. I knew what he was staring at, and felt a flush of warmth rise to my face. I hated my big pointed ears. That's why I usually kept my hair pulled back into a ponytail to try and cover them up some.

"A Bosmer vampire hunter?" the merchant scoffed.

"He was a Breton. It's my mother who was Bosmer."

"Was?" His voice softened somewhat. "She's gone too?"

I nodded sadly, looking at my shoes. "Yes, she died five years ago when I was twelve. Since then, the people of Bravil have helped me get by." I shrugged. "The only thing I really know how to do is hunt with my bow, thanks to a kindly archery master named Daenlin. I survive by hunting, to sell the meat and furs."

He frowned again. "Well, I'm sorry, blondie." He looked over my shoulders at the quiver of arrows and towering longbow on my back. "This is a store - you know, paying customers? This city is full of poor street urchins. The last thing I need in here is some Septimless underfed little forest nymph. If you don't have any gold then-" The Imperial's eyes suddenly snapped towards the far end of his shop. "HEY! Put those back!"

I spun around to see City Swimmer drop the two apples she was trying to steal and run for the exit. Grabbing a club from under his counter, the merchant jumped towards the door with surprising speed. He managed to grasp the fleeing Argonian's tail and spun her around, such that he now blocked her escape. "Thieving lizard. I'll show you!" he angrily spat. The Argonian raised her hands to soften repeated blows from the falling club, while trying desperately to get to the door.

"Stop!" I yelled, "She already dropped the apples!" The merchant ignored my pleas and kept hitting my friend. I thought he was going to kill her. Without thinking, my bow jumped into my hand and I loosed an arrow into the side of the merchant's chest. Just like a deer in the forest, he fell. City Swimmer ran out the door.

The shopkeeper wasn't moving. Blood was seeping from where the deeply imbedded arrow protruded, and trickled into a slowly growing pool on the wooden floor. I had never shot a man or mer before, and just stared at him, my feet frozen in place.

Before I could decide what to do, a mountain of gray armor charged into the shop, booming, "Stop right there, criminal scum!"

My sputtering attempts at sweet talking only resulted in the soldier sternly adding, "You're under arrest." He then drew his long silver sword to emphasize the point.

Having heard horrible stories about the Imperial Prison, I swallowed hard, and made a choice.

I tried to bolt past the soldier's left side and out the door. As soon as I took my first step however, he extended his shield arm in a vicious bash.

The blow knocked the wind from me and sent me flying. An explosion of light and pain erupted as I hit the nearby wall. The wooden planks of the floor were rising up to meet me as if in slow motion, but I was powerless to stop myself from falling. My world collapsed into a field of silent blackness.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Dec 9 2012, 04:47 AM


--------------------
Screenshot: Buffy in Artaeum
Stop by our sub forum!
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
SubRosa
post Jun 17 2010, 12:50 AM
Post #3


Ancient
Group Icon
Joined: 14-March 10
From: Between The Worlds



Buffy is Back!

I loved this:
Maybe I needed bigger eyelashes,

And this bit of setting-friendlyness was an excellent touch!
Septimless underfed little forest nymph

It is so good to see my favorite Bosmer/Breton Dame back in action. Have no fears about reposting from the start. It has been great fun reading OHDH, Interregnum, Rales, etc... again. It is like curling up in front of the monitor with an old friend.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Jun 17 2010, 02:13 AM


--------------------
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
D.Foxy
post Jun 17 2010, 02:11 AM
Post #4


Knower
Group Icon
Joined: 23-March 10



EX-Ce-llent old friend!!! YAY!!! One more storyline here to read!!!

Just one nit though...wouldn't a ponytail reveal rather than hide pointy ears? I would have thought the way to hid pointy ears was the afro hairdo.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
haute ecole rider
post Jun 17 2010, 03:42 AM
Post #5


Master
Group Icon
Joined: 16-March 10
From: The place where the Witchhorses play



Nah, the afro wouldn't work. If Buffy wears her ponytail low at the nape of her neck, it will cause the side hair to cover the tops of her ears. Take it from someone who's done that (though no pointy ears in this case, sorry).

Acadian and Buffy! Welcome back! I'm glad you enjoyed your long break and had a chance to relax and have fun! I'm always up for a re-read of your tales, and I'm sure new readers will enjoy meeting Buffy for the first time.

Again, the first chapter is as wonderful as I recall it. Short, sweet, and straight to the point.

Yay!


--------------------
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Remko
post Jun 17 2010, 09:44 AM
Post #6


Finder
Group Icon
Joined: 17-March 10
From: Ald'ruhn, Vvardenfell



Let me put my down feelings on how I feel you returning to writing on Buffy (and finishing the archery tournament
): WWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
biggrin.gif biggrin.gif



--------------------
Strength and honour, stranger!

User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Zalphon
post Jun 17 2010, 02:36 PM
Post #7


Knower
Group Icon
Joined: 17-March 10
From: Somewhere Outside Plato's Cave.



Buffy is a good character, heh. She needs to find the master-speech trainer laugh.gif.


--------------------
"You have the same twenty-four hours as me; don't be mad just because you don't use yours like I do." -Tupac Shakur
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
treydog
post Jun 17 2010, 07:36 PM
Post #8


Master
Group Icon
Joined: 13-February 05
From: The Smoky Mountains



The old dachshund limped to the door of the small house in Bravil. It had been a long, difficult journey. The roads and forests of Cyrodiil were not safe, especially for a tiny, ancient dog. There were plenty of creatures- two-legged as wells as four-legged, who would be happy to make a meal out of him. But that was all in the past now, and his destination was in view.

Carefully, he nosed the door open and scented the air. Empty. He looked to the corner where a bow should stand and saw fresh marks in the dust. She was gone- but she had been here. And she would be back. With a contented sigh, the old dog found a spot before the hearth and laid down to wait.


Welcome back, my friend. And welcome back to Buffy, as well. You have been missed.


--------------------
The dreams down here aren't broken, nah, they're walkin' with a limp...

The best-dressed newt in Mournhold.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
MyCat
post Jun 18 2010, 03:55 AM
Post #9


Evoker

Joined: 20-May 10



Buffy's back!

(I was working on a picture of Buffy, but she had to shave her head smile.gif I hope to post it soon.)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Destri Melarg
post Jun 18 2010, 11:24 PM
Post #10


Mouth
Group Icon
Joined: 16-March 10
From: Rihad, Hammerfell



Merandil’s voice cut through the smoke and embers, “rider approaching!”

Things were quiet enough that Savlian Matius felt comfortable taking his eyes off of the flaming abomination that lent a blood-red cast to the sky and barred the gate in front of his beloved Kvatch. Despite the best efforts of the endless hordes of daedra that sprang from the darkest corners of Oblivion the barricade still held. Perhaps this rider brought news from the Imperial City. Perhaps the Elder Council, finally roused to the plight of Kvatch, had sent word of imminent aid. He turned toward the path leading down the mountain to the sound of approaching hooves.

Through the red-tinged haze he saw what at first appeared to be a shadow. As it drew closer it shifted into the form of a great black stallion whose head remained high even with the smell of death all around him.

Savlian could not suppress the smile forming on his face. His voice was a reverent whisper.

“Superian?”

Upon the stallion’s back rode a slender figure in a hood and cloak, a bow of familiar design rested easily on one shoulder.

Only years of training kept Savlian from behaving in a way wholly inappropriate for the Captain of the Kvatch Guard. Even so he could not keep the joy out of his voice as he called out.

“Buffy!”


Welcome Back, Acadian!


--------------------
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Acadian
post Jun 19 2010, 05:02 PM
Post #11


Paladin
Group Icon
Joined: 14-March 10
From: Las Vegas



Chapter One found Buffy on the losing end of a confrontation with an Imperial Legion soldier.

SubRosa- Thank you so much for the encouragement and warm reception to our return!

Foxy- I'm so glad to have you reading. You were instrumental in turning me from a true novice into an adequate storyteller. Rider is exactly correct; the unmodded Oblivion ponytail is low and loose, and camouflages those ears fairly well. You would be correct of course for most 'high' ponytails as well as many tightly drawn back ones. *Acadian stuffs the blond ponytail back up under the Templar helm*

Rider- Aww. . . thanks so much for the kind words. Buffy appreciates the authority of another woman supporting her hair choices. wink.gif

Remko- Thank you for the enthusiastic welcome back! We still have the draft I shared with you where Buffy meets Zerina, complete with music! - many chapters in the future now.

Zalphon- Thanks for the loyal support, Z. Heh, Buffy will get much better at the sweet talking stuff later. She will always have her awkward moments, but she will also get to where she can sometimes display some pretty impressive verbal dueling skills.

treydog- Rest assured, my friend. There will always be a softly crackling fire in her hearth and a comfortable spot on Buffy's bed for the wonderful little dachshund. She quite adored his visit. That Buffy could inspire fan fiction about her story from a writer of such magnificent talent is so very humbling. Thank you.

MyCat- Since mALX and I are the cause of you joining this forum, I am very pleased to be able to now continue the story for you. I'm so flattered to have you reading and look forward to your picture. The wonderful Ayumifan recently drew a great picture and sent it to Buffy. It's from Buffy's 'Let's get naked dinner party' with Lady Leyawiin. Ayumifan calls it Excellent Wine.

Destri- WooHoo! Thank you, my friend! I shall have to save that jewel for about 100 chapters, then paste it right in! You certainly made Buffy swoon! Methinks you have concisely nailed her destiny. If she didn't have such a short attention span and become so easily diverted, she would get there much quicker. tongue.gif Please see the latter part of my comments to wonderful treydog, for they apply to you as well. I am in awe of your talent and so humbled by your support.

* * *


Chapter two not only needed to be completely rewritten (as did chapter one), but also required expansion into two chapters. To preserve our original chapter assignment, I shall call the two parts 2.1 and 2.2. Future chapters should require only minor editing and I hope very much not to expand the chapter count with any future chapters.


2.1 The Great Escape


I awoke to a horrible stench, and the damp, bone-piercing cold of a stone floor. Ok, Buffy, keep your eyes closed and don't move; you really don't want to get shield bashed again. There was silence.

After a few more moments, I squeaked my eyes open just a crack to see dimly lit grey walls. Opening my eyes fully, I lifted my head. There was a door made of iron bars. Looking up, I could see a small window, also barred, that explained the source of light. With a bolt of terror, I realized I could only be in one place - the Imperial Prison.

Barely choking back tears I began to survey things. I still had all my parts attached ok, but my head sure hurt. Climbing to my feet, I felt quite faint and had to go back down to the floor.

I got up again, much more slowly this time and began looking around. There was another prisoner in the cell across from me, a Dunmer. I tried to talking to him, figuring that might make me feel better.

"Look at the pretty little twig," he crooned with an evil grin, "how's it feel to know you'll never dance among the trees of your precious forests again? The guards will be coming for you soon." He laughed cruelly and his voice turned harsh. "Yes, that's right - you're going to die in here, wood elf."

I sat down at the little wooden table in my cell and began to cry.

Shortly, I heard voices, and the metallic jingle and clank of armor approaching. Oh please Mara, don't let that Dunmer be right. Let them pass me by; I am but a small, insignificant she-elf.

A torch appeared in front of my cell, revealing three soldiers and an older Imperial dressed in elaborate robes. One of the soldiers seemed to be in charge. She said menacingly, "you there, prisoner. Step away, back by the window. We won't hesitate to kill you." This was it. I was going to die. My heart didn't know whether to race or stop as I backed up until bumping into the wall behind me. They unlocked the door and came in.

The older man stopped and stared at me. His voice was kind. "Do not be afraid, prisoner. We will not harm you." He introduced himself as Uriel Septim, Emperor of all Tamriel! How was I to know? And his guards were not going to kill me.

There I was, dressed in rags, dirty and I knew my hair was a mess. I was also sure I didn't smell too good. He didn't seem to care. In fact he talked to me as if I was someone that actually mattered. My face was familiar from his dreams? Why would he dream about dirty-faced elves? It seemed the Emperor and his guards were trying to secretly flee the city.

The woman soldier caused a section of stone wall to slowly grind aside. One of the others, a Redguard, took his keys from the sword belt at his waist and removed my wrist irons. "Looks like this is your lucky day, prisoner."

As quickly as the group had entered my cell, they disappeared down the newly opened dark tunnel.

With the magical wrist irons no longer blocking my spell casting, I rubbed my fingers together and was rewarded with a soft glow that formed in my hand. I felt a little less helpless.

Just like Marz, one of the priests of Mara had taught me, I closed my eyes and allowed magical energy to build up in my right fist. I then raised my hand above my head and opened it. A soft and soothing glow of white light slowly cascaded down my arm and all the way to my toes. My aches and pains were eased.

I gulped and stared down the dim passageway the Emperor and his party had taken. Wherever it led had to be better than where I was.

Suddenly, a breeze came through the small window of my cell and I felt a presence very near or beside me, or perhaps all around me. Whatever it was, I could sense it meant me no harm. It felt calm and benevolent - and old. Somehow I could feel it was urging me not to follow so quickly; perhaps stealth was a better choice.

The presence seemed strangely familiar, but I couldn't imagine why. I was sure I was crazy or maybe still suffering from recently being shield-bashed, but I was in no position to refuse help from any source at this point. I decided I would welcome the assistance. But, what was it? I looked around at the emptiness in my cell. I didn't understand why, but the name fell easily from my lips as I whispered, "Acadian, I sure hope you know what we're doing."

Off I crept, down the dark stone tunnel.

I heard shouting and the sounds of fighting ahead. Stopping, I pressed myself deeper into the shadows. Shortly, silence returned and I slowly continued.

The squeaks gave me but a moment's notice before a pair of giant rats bounded into view. I started backing up, and fire instinctively flew from my fingertips - over and over again. Smoke, light and the acrid smells of burning fur and flesh filled the air. Fire blasted harmlessly into the walls ahead several times before I could make myself stop casting.

Once my pounding heart slowed, I stepped over the charred rats and crept forward towards the source of the fighting sounds I had heard. The woman soldier and a pair of men in red robes lay dead on the stone floor. Searching them yielded a pair of swords. I wasn't strong enough to do more than irritate someone with a blade, and wasn't about to try using one now. They were also heavy, so I left them. The little fire spell that Delphine Jend had taught me would just have to get me by for now.

Missing stones in the wall ahead revealed an opening to a cavern, which I entered.

Finding a worn leather cuirass and oversized boots that reeked of mildew, I was able to replace the prison sandals and sack cloth shirt I was wearing.

A Bow! The hand grip and ears were rusted iron, but it was a bow nevertheless, along with a quiver of arrows. I adjusted the old linen bowstring to improve its tension and hoped it would last more than a few shots. As I inspected the arrows, I had to cull out about half of them for warped shafts or damaged fletching. I loaded the good ones into their quiver.

With a supply of arrows on my back and a bow in my hand, I felt a lot more able to defend myself. More searching turned up a few healing potions. Good thing too, because in the next few chambers I was attacked by a fair number of rats and even a zombie. I picked up a small rusted dagger and decided to keep it with me. I couldn't fight with it, but it came in handy for cutting arrows from the bodies of those I shot. Some of those recovered arrows were still good enough to use again.

The sneak advice I got from Acadian seemed to be serving pretty well. I was able to shoot most enemies while hidden. For those that got too close, I put up my bow to block like Daenlin had taught me, and cast Delphine's handy fire spell.

Eventually, I heard voices ahead that led me to catch up to the Emperor. He talked to me some more about death and stuff I didn't fully understand. Emperor things I guess.

"Sire, we must continue," interrupted one of the Emperor's two remaining guards.

"Let me rest a moment longer, Baurus." Uriel Septim then turned to me again. "Tell me, do you know the Nine?"

I nodded. "The priests of Bravil taught me to love Mara. I don't know too much about the others."

"It is only by the grace of the Nine that I have ruled Tamriel for these many decades, but my time draws to a close shortly. Assassins have killed my sons, and I am next," he explained.

"Are you not afraid?" I asked.

"No trophies of my triumphs shall precede me. But I have lived well, and my ghost shall rest easy." He then sighed heavily and continued, "My end is written in the night sky. What do your stars say?"

"I-I don't know what you mean," I stammered.

"Tell me, when you were born," he commanded gently.

I wasn't sure what he was getting at, but he was the Emperor, so I dutifully replied, "Rains Hand, the nineteenth, Third Era in the year 415.

The Emperor smiled and nodded. "Younger than my sons. There will be troubled times ahead that jeopardize all of Tamriel, and the sign of the Mage shall guide your path. You are not the one who will save the Empire, but it cannot be saved without you."

"I don't understand," I said, truthfully.

"Nor can you at this point." He started to continue, I-"

"Sire, we must continue," repeated Baurus more insistently.

With a resigned look on his face, the Emperor nodded. He and his two guards resumed their trek through the maze-like rooms and passageways.

Having seen that Red Robes were drawn to them like moths to lanterns, I decided that staying well behind in the shadows was still prudent.

I lost track of them again and crept along in the shadows, alone.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Jun 19 2010, 10:01 PM


--------------------
Screenshot: Buffy in Artaeum
Stop by our sub forum!
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
haute ecole rider
post Jun 19 2010, 06:17 PM
Post #12


Master
Group Icon
Joined: 16-March 10
From: The place where the Witchhorses play



Ach, Julian would like to forget that headache, thanks very much!

And Buffy, prudence is the better part of courage. You kept going. Good girl!

That is a tough segment to write, the trek through the tutorial dungeon. I think you've done well with it. No need to dwell on every little thing. For Buffy, getting through it alive is the most important thing!


QUOTE
Eventually, I heard voices ahead that led me to catch up to the Emperor. He talked to me some more about death and stuff I didn't fully understand. Emperor things I guess.
Classic Buffy!


--------------------
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Zalphon
post Jun 19 2010, 06:27 PM
Post #13


Knower
Group Icon
Joined: 17-March 10
From: Somewhere Outside Plato's Cave.



Wow, I loved how you didn't use completely ingame dialogue. It was extremely well written. And MyCat and I have something in similar, we both followed Malx and you here.


--------------------
"You have the same twenty-four hours as me; don't be mad just because you don't use yours like I do." -Tupac Shakur
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
SubRosa
post Jun 19 2010, 06:38 PM
Post #14


Ancient
Group Icon
Joined: 14-March 10
From: Between The Worlds



I really can see the difference in editing. Especially with the spell-dampening wrist irons (an excellent, and very sensible, bit of world-building there), to Buffy's first meeting with her fairy godfather. Likewise with revealing the source of Buffy's spells (Delphine and Maran priests - perhaps you might replace the latter with an individual from the Bravil Chapel, such as Marz or Olava?)


I knew my hair was a mess. I was also sure I didn't smell too good.
Now that is total chickness, to think of those things. Guys take notes for when you write female characters


You are not the one who will save the Empire, but it cannot be saved without you.
OOooOh, this is a good touch! I like how you have aligned Buffy in this way, not as the lone Champion of Cyrodiil, but rather as one of many who have an important part to play.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Jun 19 2010, 06:39 PM


--------------------
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Olen
post Jun 19 2010, 07:01 PM
Post #15


Mouth
Group Icon
Joined: 1-November 07
From: most places



Good to see the legendary Buffy being posted. I've heard a lot about her and now I can read again.

Your style is interesting, embracing the game and game mechanics to the degree you appear to is somewhat unusual but youre pulling it off just fine. I'm not sure I could work in those constraints but you're producing a good story with them.

Nicely done.


--------------------
Look behind you and see an ever decreasing number of ghosts. Currently about 15.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Destri Melarg
post Jun 19 2010, 10:19 PM
Post #16


Mouth
Group Icon
Joined: 16-March 10
From: Rihad, Hammerfell



Haute beat me to the passage that I was going to quote, Zalphon already remarked on the subtle tweaks to the in game dialogue, and SubRosa pointed out the interesting meeting with Acadian and the great touch of having Buffy as one of many who will play a role in the saving of the Empire. All that’s left for me is to say that it is sooo good to have Buffy back!

And the outfit that she is wearing hunting spriggans in your sig . . . are we going to see that in a future chapter? (I hope!) hubbahubba.gif


--------------------
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Acadian
post Jun 22 2010, 05:24 PM
Post #17


Paladin
Group Icon
Joined: 14-March 10
From: Las Vegas



Chapter 2 (part 1) chronicled Buffy's progress halfway through the Imperial Prison with the party of Emperor Uriel Septim VII.

Rider- I agree that the tutorial dungeon can be a challenge to write, as it is so canned and linear. Coming from one who did such a masterful job with that, your words humble me.

Zalphon- Aww, thanks Z. Yes, we tailored the dialogue somewhat to fit.

SubRosa- High praise indeed. As always, you noticed everything that I hoped you would, especially, that Buffy's destiny is not to be the Champion of Cyrodiil. I agree with your recommendation, and edited to attribute Buffy's healing spell to Marz - thank you!

Olen- Thank you much for joining us, and the kind words. I hope that Buffy will grow to worm her way into your heart.

Destri- I'm so glad you are enjoying the story and like the minor tweaks this time around. Regarding her 'spriggan hunting outfit', Buffy changes clothes more often than she changes her mind these days, and now that I have introduced her to mods, her armoire, saddlebags and pack are bursting. I'm hesitant to edit too heavily while we are retelling her story, for fear of expanding chapters and never catching up! This will be a long ride - I estimate February to catch up to where she was on the other forum. In the meantime, I will try to periodically update the screenshots in our sig to reflect her more current activities and outfits, trying to avoid spoilers.

* * *

2.2 The Great Escape


As I approached the large cavern, I could see a goblin at the entrance, backlit by orange flames. I backed up as far as I could and opened fire, managing to kill him before he got to me.

Creeping back up and into the cavern, I could see another goblin. I shot him also, then turned and ran back down the tunnel I came from, while nocking a second arrow. I then turned and fired twice more, again killing the goblin before he could reach me.

Yet again, I quietly snuck along the now quite familiar approach back into the goblin lair, and could now see the smoke and flickering shadows cast by several fires. At the far end of the cavern was a third goblin, but this one carried a staff and wore a robe. He (or she?) looked like a dangerous spell caster to me. Fortunately I had found some wisp stalk and stinkhorn, along with a mortar and pestle. Thanks to Ardaline, in the Bravil mages guild, I knew how to use them.

I coated the iron broadhead tip of an arrow with poison. Setting the nock, I drew partial tension on my bowstring to aim. It was a long distance shot, so I adjusted my point of aim above the goblin and just slightly to the right. I was satisfied that the high rocky ceiling would allow my intended trajectory arc and the arrow's path would clear the numerous stalactites that protruded down like teeth. Taking a normal breath, I let half of it out. I then smoothly drew full tension on the bowstring, which centered my aim point above the target, and loosed the arrow.

Turning, I again ran out of the cavern, counting. When I reached ten, I stopped, whirled around and reached into my quiver.

The second arrow wasn't needed.

Returning to the dead goblins, I found another bow. It wasn't any better than the one I had, but Acadian urged me to keep it. I strapped it to my back as a spare. An old chest contained a repair hammer; I was able to improve the condition of my equipment a bit before the hammer broke.

I was exhausted, starving and thirsty. I managed to choke down a couple bites of roasted rat meat the goblins had been cooking and chased it with the only thing I had to drink - a restore magicka potion I had found.

The staff carried by the dead goblin spell caster glowed when I touched it. I didn't know how to use it, but figured it was probably quite valuable. It joined the spare bow on my back.

I managed to catch up to the Emperor's party once again. There were dead Red Robes all around and the two remaining guards looked pretty concerned. The one named Baurus now seemed to be in charge. He called the other one Glenroy. They went off to scout around and left me to guard the Emperor. I didn't think a poorly equipped, small elf made for a very good bodyguard, but off the two armored Redguards went anyway.

The Emperor came over to talk again. More stuff about death and destruction that still didn't make sense. He was the Emperor though, so I just looked up at him and nodded like I understood. He then pressed his amulet into my hand, instructing me to deliver it to a monk named Jauffre. This monk apparently knew the location of the last heir to the throne.

All of a sudden a Red Robe burst through a secret door and summoned a suit of armor and mace. Before the Emperor could draw his sword or I could nock an arrow, the mace struck the side of Uriel Septim's head. There was a sickening crack, and the ruler of Tamriel fell. The assailant then turned to me, blood dripping from his mace. I nearly wet my pants, but managed to scream for help and began casting my fire spell as fast as I could while backing up. I brought my bow up in time to block the first blow of his mace.

Baurus came running into the chamber from behind my attacker. A slash to the unarmored area at the back of the assassin's legs crumpled him to his knees. The Redguard then yanked back on the full face helm, exposing flesh, and drew his katana viciously across the killer's throat.

Bruised, bleeding and shaking uncontrollably, I was still on my feet. Blocking with my bow had undoubtedly saved my life, but the staff of the weapon was now badly cracked, rendering it useless. I was glad Acadian had urged me to pick up a spare.

A pair of healing potions, ironically gathered from the corpses of Red Robes, eased our wounds. "I-I'm sorry I failed, Baurus. Thank you for saving me." I thought he might imprison me again for not protecting the Emperor. Rather than angry though, he seemed devastated. I guiltily lowered my eyes, unable to meet his gaze.

"I am a Blade, sworn to protect the Emperor," he replied slowly. "Captain Renault, Glenroy, and now the last of the Septim line - all dead. It is I who have failed."

I could feel the pain emanating from Baurus as he stared at the figure in royal purple robes, now dead on the cold stones beneath our feet.

We talked about the amulet, the heir and the Emperor's last words to me. Baurus explained I could find the monk Jauffre near Chorrol. Apparently, Jauffre was also leader of the Blades. Baurus then told me how to escape and what to expect in the sewers ahead, adding, "you may encounter rats and goblins, but that shouldn't give you too much trouble. From what I've seen, I'd guess you’re an experienced agent?"

"More goblins?" I gulped. "I don't know what an agent is."

After producing some items from a pouch at his waist, Baurus uncapped an inkpot, then handed me a quill and a parchment form to fill out. "I need some information so l can make sure a full pardon is issued for whatever you're in here for. I don’t want the Legion stopping you on the way to Chorrol."

I had no idea what most of the stuff on the form was. I mean, I could read; Nilawen had taught me how so I could help her with the bookkeeping for her store. I simply didn't understand many of the questions. It seemed someone did though. I was beginning to trust Acadian, so I just closed my eyes and let him guide my hands to fill out the form.

I handed the parchment back to Baurus. He looked it over and said, "bowgirl? Well, I wasn't too far off. Still, I don't think you'll have any trouble." He studied the form again. "Well, Buffy from Bravil, here's the key to get into the sewers. The entrance is in the next room. Once you're outside, take care of whatever you need to do, and don't take any risks. When able, make your way to Chorrol. Good luck."

"Thank you Baurus," I said sadly as I took the key and left the brave Redguard who knelt down on one knee by the body of his Emperor. The beautiful white fur collar of the royal robes was now soaked with blood from the fatal head wound.

Smells. Rats. Goblins. Yuck. Daylight! Only a few slivers, but real sunshine ahead. Thank you Mara. Rusted and unused, the round gate required several kicks to finally creak open, exposing full daylight, fresh air and a beautiful lake.

I was so excited I started dancing around like a little, well, wood elf. That of course attracted the attention of a mudcrab on the shore of the lake who began clicking, hissing and moving towards me pretty quickly. Rather than reaching for an arrow, my right hand erupted in a stream of flames that both killed and cooked the beast.

Cracking the crab's shell open with a large stone, I ravenously ate the meat. A huge drink of the lake later, I felt a bit better.

At that point I could feel Acadian urging me to climb the hill up to the Imperial City.

I guess it was the pent up emotions of what I had recently been through and so many sudden changes forcing their way into my life. I'm sure that being exhausted didn't help. Waves of despair, anger and frustration surged within me.

Choking back a sudden urge to cry, I put my hands on my hips and defiantly threw back my head. "Look", I said angrily, "if we're going to travel together, we need to reach some understandings. You obviously know many valuable things about my world, and I believe you can help me; but just as obviously, you know nothing about women. We are going to have to work together here. I'm filthy, bone tired and I stink. I'm not going one step further without a bath in this nice lake."

Silence.

"Well ok then." I took off those putrid clothes and dove into the lake. Ten minutes later, I felt like a new elf as I reluctantly climbed out of the water. I spent a couple hours on the old wooden pier, scrubbing my clothes and the stuff I brought out of the prison. I figured maybe I could sell some of it for enough gold to help get me home.

The sun was now well below the top of White Gold Tower, which meant I only had a few more hours of daylight. I dressed as best I could and, with a small strip of cloth, tied my now dry hair into a ponytail. After carefully loading my pack, and strapping on the bow, goblin staff and quiver, I started the climb toward Imperial City.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Apr 26 2011, 01:37 AM


--------------------
Screenshot: Buffy in Artaeum
Stop by our sub forum!
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
haute ecole rider
post Jun 22 2010, 06:51 PM
Post #18


Master
Group Icon
Joined: 16-March 10
From: The place where the Witchhorses play



Just one question:

QUOTE
Cracking the crab's shell open with a large stone, I ravenously ate the meat. A huge drink of the lake later, I felt a bit better.

Did she leave enough water to bathe in?

Never mind, my question was answered a few paragraphs later! The way you ended this chapter is just classic Buffy!


--------------------
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Zalphon
post Jun 22 2010, 08:57 PM
Post #19


Knower
Group Icon
Joined: 17-March 10
From: Somewhere Outside Plato's Cave.



Buffy, Buffy, Buffy... To write the whimsical tale of the cunning Buffy is to create a master-piece. You do it very well, Acadian. I aspire to have a fraction of your talent. Also, is Buffy named after Buffy Summers the Vampire Slayer?


--------------------
"You have the same twenty-four hours as me; don't be mad just because you don't use yours like I do." -Tupac Shakur
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Olen
post Jun 22 2010, 11:08 PM
Post #20


Mouth
Group Icon
Joined: 1-November 07
From: most places



Great stuff, this piece has a unique tone which I think Zalphon described perfectly with whimsical. It's amusing to read and sometimes outright funny, Buffy's somewhat flippant tone is very readable and her observations are spot on.

Now you've seen off the dreaded tutorial quest I can't wait to see this develop.


--------------------
Look behind you and see an ever decreasing number of ghosts. Currently about 15.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post

14 Pages V  1 2 3 > » 
Reply to this topicStart new topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:

 

- Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 28th March 2024 - 02:10 PM