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

[Acadian]

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

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

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

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

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

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~ Part 1 – Welcome Back to Cyrodiil ~

Episode 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alas, such was not the case here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As the Daedra battled, I nocked an arrow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Lopov]

A great story with a neat and satisfying conclusion.

Like before, I once again liked the effect of lanterns lighting up, as in a confirmation of Buffy's path. The final sentence is very 'powerful'.

Buffy would fare well on exams, considering how clever answers was she providing to the Arch-Mage.

I admit that I'll miss weekly Wednesday stories.

Now where's a teaser for Book 4?

[haute ecole rider]

This is a nice wrap up to what has been a journey of recovery and heart's ease after the trauma of such deep loss. I liked how the Divines recognized Buffy as Kyne's Chosen.

As an aside to Renee, being strict carnivores is not so bizarre - cats are obligate carnivores, so why not Bosmer? Yeah, I know, they're essentially omnivores forced into an all meat diet, but with care it's not so bad. And how is that different from a vegan diet?

I have my Bosmer drink mead, because mead is fermented honey, a product of bees. Does she drink wine or ale? No. Just mead, and of course, rotmeth. Which is why her ESO rotmeth brewery has three different kinds - red meat, fish, and insects . . .

As far as cannibalism goes . . . well, in some cultures it is practiced as a ritual - the dead is consumed in order to keep them among the living - their essence, anyway. And headhunter tribes consume the brains of fallen enemies as a way of asserting dominance over them. That's in our human lore, not Nirn! Also when no other meat is available and people are dying of starvation, wouldn't it be wasteful to let the meat of the dead rot into the ground or be consumed by blowfly larvae?

Sorry about that, I just have so little to say except what a satisfying end to Buffy's sojourn in Cyrodiil. What's next? Fourth Era Skyrim? Or a little bit of time traveling back to the Second Era?

[SubRosa]

Wow, it is chapter 37 already. I had to look back to make sure this book started at chapter 1. Time really flew past!

“Use Nature's gifts wisely,” I stated. “Respect her power, and fear her fury.”
Sounds like wise counsel for people who are not Paladins as well.

I loved the evolution of your world-building with the Bosmer here, and how it makes room for many different ways of being a Bosmer.

I also appreciated how Traven deliberately tested Buffy there.

And a very nice wrap up as Buffy fully steps into her new path in life. Now I cannot wait to see what comes next!

Tbh, part of me does seriously contemplate the possibility of a Buffy/Stormcrow crossover someday. As crazy as that might sound. One of the reasons I introduced the sanctum in the Witch House was so that one day January could use it (probably not intentionally), to travel between alternate universes. Just like its maker Keziah. Someday I can see a long story arc where January travels from world to world, trying to find her way back home. Nirn could very well be a stopover in that journey.

[macole]

This book has been a great joy to read. I am glad it was Kynareth that took Buffy as paladin. Knight Arcana, I like the sound of that.

[Acadian]

Previously- In the final episode, Buffy was called to the University’s chapel and questioned by several of the senior staff regarding her new allegiance as Kynareth’s paladin. Buffy acquitted herself well and accepted an invitation to join the Order of the Lamp.

*

Renee- Prior to Book 3, we simply maintained that the Green Pact did not exist in Buffy Fiction. After playing ESO we decided to make room for it by, as you saw, crafting other solutions to the Wild Hunt curse. I was glad we were able to craft a relationship with nature for Buffy’s Clan that is much more akin to that of the American Indians. As SubRosa taught me, and I heartily endorse, lore exists to support our stories, not hinder them.

Thank you so much for the enthusiastic support you have provided throughout this story and for readily asking questions that arise, particularly about things from Buffy’s past so I could provide reviews as required.

Lopov- It has been such a pleasure having you along for this story! One of my intents in that final episode was to show the Divines quietly at work as Buffy realized it was knowledge and confidence imparted by Kynareth under that oak tree that enabled Buffy to so adeptly respond to the Arch Mage’s challenge. And, of course the lanterns brightening at the very end.

Rider- Thanks for your wonderfully supportive comments throughout! As you noticed, during this book, Buffy grew from pitying herself and self-destructive behavior over the loss of Savlian to gradually using her memories of him for productive purposes. Like recalling some of the organized warfare things she learned from him and using his death as inspiration to literally do whatever it took to heal Agronak.

Though we have no definite plans, I expect we’re likely to read of Buffy next in the Second Era. One objective of Book 3 was to allow us to comfortably move beyond TES IV if desired.

SubRosa- Thanks for your endorsement of how Buffy handled the question about Yffre. I know you and I have both agreed on how ludicrous and impractical the Green Pact would be in practice, so a more. . . elegant alternative for Buffy was certainly called for. In ESO the Green Pact is very evident in Valenwood but many Bosmer simply blow it off. I’m pleased we were able to come up with a couple alternatives for differing clans.

I’m glad Traven’s ‘test’ for Buffy seemed effective without making him look too much like a jerk. My thinking was that the Arch Mage considers it a big deal to ensure his knights would stop even (especially) him should he advocate the use of magic for evil purpose.

A coop fic effort between January and Buffy could be great fun! I remember what a pleasure it was working with you on our Tournament of Archers. And both ladies do have quite a bit in common in terms of still having much to learn, being impatient, struggling a bit with self-confidence and, above all, having a good heart.

macole- Thank you for joining us on Buffy’s journey! I too think Kynareth was a good ‘fit’ for Buffy. Long ago, I had vague visions of somehow incorporating the Order of the Lamp as a way for Buffy to combine the love of her guild with being a knight. Calling them knights arcana seemed to make perfect sense and sound pretty cool too.

All- I have updated our Executive Summary thread in my subforum to include a concise summary of Book 3. I’ll let this thread rest here for a time, then move it to our subforum. As I mentioned to Rider above, no fiction draft is in the works at this point, though I think it likely that more of Buffy’s story remains in our future. Thank you all again for the wonderful and warm support for Buffy’s fiction!

[Grits]

Episode 35: My hearts hurts for Baurus. I’m glad that he made an appearance here. Equestria and the University, two places that will help Buffy hit her refresh button! Ah, a wordless message from Azura. Glad to see she is still in the picture.

Episode 36: Kyne’s breath, I love a University breakfast! Buffy’s day with Kynareth was just perfect.

Episode 37: That simple ceremony wrapped things up beautifully. It was a delight to follow Buffy through the end of the Third Era. As she steps out of the chapel as Dame Buffy, I wonder what adventures she will find next!

[Acadian]

Grits As ever, thank you for your kind and supportive words. You have been a wonderful supporter of my little elf with the gift of graciously always knowing the encouraging words I need. As I've mentioned above, no definite story plans in work. So much potential out there though! If I had to guess, I expect the next we hear from the buckskin mage of Kynareth will be either from the Second Era.

My plan with Book 3 is to let it rest here another week then quietly move it to the Acadian fanfic subforum.

[Renee]

Thank you so much for the enthusiastic support you have provided throughout this story and for readily asking questions that arise, particularly about things from Buffy’s past so I could provide reviews as required.

Ha, sorry about all those questions, my mom used to be a journalist and she'd go out and interview people, I think that's partially where that comes from. But also, I had a lot of curiosity because I wasn't around for the first book.