Oblivion's Edge, An Elder Scrolls Fan-Fiction Options

[Zalphon]

My apologies readers, I am currently experiencing "Writer's Block" and will require some time to think up more material. My sincerest apologies...

[Acadian]

No worries, been there, done that.

There is no doubt that you will be back, and we'll be patient.

[Zalphon]

Chapter Six: The Necromancer

When we left after morning came, we left with haste. The sun was at its highest point when we saw a traveller on the ground. Quick-Strike warned cryptically, "You should be careful." However, I had sworn an oath when I became a knight to protect the weak.

When I got over, the traveller begged, "Please, don't kill me. You can have all of my septims, just don't hurt me." Her voice was soft and scared.

"Miss, I have no desire to cause you harm," I replied as I gave her my hand. She gripped it and lifted herself up. The young, breton girl wore a black skirt, a black blouse. Her eyes were sky-blue and her skin was very light.

"I-I-I am a necromancer," she wimpered. "Please, don't kill me." I had never seen Quick-Strike move as fast as he did. The Argonian darted over to her and lifted the Breton off the ground by the throat.

"Prepare to die, Necromancer," He scowled.

"Release her," I commanded.

With a sigh, he did. "She deserves to die," he hissed. "She dominates those who can't defend themselves."

I glared at him and asked the girl, "What is your name?"

"Evangeline M--Mortalitis," she stuttered. "Master-Argonian, I am a very weak necromancer. My mentor was a lich named Z-Zalphon. He left me though, due to something involving the daedra."

"Zalphon?" Quick-Strike gasped. "Zalphon Broodikus?"

"Y-Yes," Evangeline managed to say. "He taught me how to perform some basic spells, such as summoning skeletons and lesser zombies and bonewalkers. Zalphon also gave me this book, he said he wouldn't need it anymore."

The Breton pulled out a black-leather bound book which on the cover had the words "Nex Somes," written on it in blood.

"The Spellbook of Zalphon," I gasped. "The spells in there must be powerful enough to turn armies of well-trained soldiers into skeletal warriors."

"I haven't been able to read any yet," she gulped. "They're extremely complex."

J'skooma growled, "Bad-magic is bad magic. J'skooma no like this book."

Quick-Strike threatened, "I guess you're with us now, Evangeline. If you harm a hair on Kalian or J'skooma's heads, I'll break every bone in your body and force-feed you your liver."

The Necromancer nodded and we began walking once again.

[Acadian]

Good decision, Kalian!!!!

WooHoo! Evangeline's here! Just what your story needs. A girl - I'm partial to them after all.

The last time you wrote a story with Evangeline in it, I got quite into it. Don't drop this one.



This post has been edited by Acadian: Jun 21 2010, 02:28 AM

[Zalphon]

This is ret-conned Evangeline, heh.

[Zalphon]

Chapter Seven: The Tormented

A knight in steel-armor walked past us. High in the ebon-sky was the silvery moon and the hundreds of stars. He accidently bumped me. "Excuse me," he said sadly. "I wasn't paying attention."

"Stop at once," Evangeline commanded. "Vampire, remove your helm." The nervous knight removed his steel helmet to reveal long, black hair over his snow-white skin. He had a full face that was thinner than most with light-red eyes.

"Madam," he asked. "Are you going to harm me? I am merely a travelling Knight of the Nine."

"Liar," Quick-Strike scowled. "They don't allow the living dead in their ranks and they were disbanded in the two-hundred thirty-second year of the fourth era.."

"Well, I was four-hundred and fifty years ago. My name is Adam Draconis, I am a vampire yes, but I hate it so dearly," he replied. "Long ago, I had a wife, two wonderful children, a family. Now I am a wretched night-walker."

"A Knight of the Nine?" I asked. "They're an ancient order of knights who I studied as a boy, can I please learn from you?"

"If you prove the goodness in your heart," Adam nodded. "The Knights taught me many spells in restoration and many spells in all the schools and how to fight."

"Quick-Strike," I said aside to him. "We could use an additional hand. He seems goodly enough."

"I won't kill you, Vampire," Quick-Strike hissed. "But you must be willing to take a solemn oath."

"Yes, of course," Adam smiled. "I would be honored, Argonian."

"Quick-Strike," he scowled. "I am the Grandmaster Quick-Strike of--"

"The Nine's Shadows. Is it really you? I would be honored," the Imperial Vampire kneeled. "Sir, if I may be of any assistance, do let me know."

"Swear to me, that you'll never harm a hair on my J'skooma or Kalian's heads and you may travel with us," Quick-Strike demanded.

The Vampire swore the Oath. "Milord, the sun is beginning to rise, may we reach shelter in a nearby cave?"

"N--" Quick-Strike tried to say.

"Yes," I interrupted as I began to walk towards a nearby cave. I was growing to be quite the leader. I had an Argonian Assassin, a Khajiiti Mage, a Breton Necromancer, and now an Imperial-Vampire Knight in my service. Now the real question was, would my companion be enough to stop the Crisis?

[Acadian]

What a fascinatingly motley band! Each a full blown story in their own right. It almost seems like a wonderful party of the type one might build in Baldur's Gate II, lol. Some brilliant imagination here, and fun to read.

Very powerful last paragraph.

Nice job, Zalphon!

This post has been edited by Acadian: Jun 22 2010, 02:23 AM

[Zalphon]

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II?

Sir Kalian Broodikus - A young-adult Dunmeri Knight who is doing this for the good of Tamriel. He is humble and noble. The question about Kalian is will his trustingness and naiveness get him killed or bring him much fortune?

Grandmaster Quick-Strike - An ancient Argonian Assassin who has defended Tamriel for centuries and will only stop when he is dead. Will the argonian finally forgive himself for what he did half a millenia ago?

Arch-Mage J'skooma - An ancient Khajiit Mage who is a close companion of Quick-Strike. They've fought together for generations. Will the mad-khajiit ever recover his sanity?

Evangeline Mortalitis - A young Breton Necromancer who has a stutter. She is very calm and gentle, however, she'll kill for her friends (and her studies). Will she meet her former mentor?

Sir Adam Draconis - An ancient vampire who once served the Knights of the Nine. After he became a vampire, he went off in search to continue his duties. He prays to the Nine daily and looks at a small portrait of his family when need-be. Will his vampiric nature consume him?

And I'm glad you liked the last paragraph.

[Zalphon]

Chapter Eight: My Followers

When I awoke, I heard Adam and Evangeline arguing. "You're a bloody vampire, and you claim to serve the Nine? Arkay, the God of Life and Death is one of the Nine," she hissed. "Listen, Vampire, I will decapitate you if you hurt that Dunmer. I...well...it's unimportant."

"You have feelings for Kalian?" He asked. "I respect the man for his wisdom and lack of prejudice. Evangeline, he won't want you, he's too restless."

I decided to continue eavesdropping. Evangeline rebuttled, "Yes, but he's so sweet, I'm sure I can tame his wild heart."

"Unlikely," he shook his head. "He doesn't have any feelings for you, he doesn't even trust you. You're a necromancer, nor do I blame him."

The Breton ran off, I heard her sobs. Then I got up and donned my armor. It was dusk. "Adam," I called. "What was that about?"

"Sir, she insulted me for being a vampire and then threatened my life. She also claims to have feelings for you, don't trust the kwama-scum," he explained. "I don't due to her choice of study."

"Kalian," Quick-Strike stated. "He's right."

"I know," I sighed. "She's a necromancer, but I feel some good in her heart."

The Argonian lifted his palm to his face and dragged it down. "I'll be watching," he growled as he sprinted into the shadows. J'skooma was nowhere to be found either. These are my followers, yet I have a feeling by the end of my journey Evangeline or Adam will be dead, due to the other...

[ureniashtram]

Ah, yes. Fights between companions before their journey always makes the story more fascinating.

Great job, Zalph.

[Acadian]

Thanks for the summary of your party make up. Nice and concise review.

Nice interaction between Adam and Evangeline.

Kalian does indeed seem to be a leader. You are doing a good job with him as a strong character.

The Argonian lifted his palm to his face and dragged it down. "I'll be watching," he growled

Zalphon, this is a very cool and sophisticated description. It really stands out. Wow!

Nice job!

[Zalphon]

Funny isn't it? A Vampire and a Necromancer hate each other. One is a member of the living dead, one controls lesser living dead. Kind of ironic if you think about it. They both serve a similar cause, too.

Kalian is the descendent of "The Knight." Lord Nerevar Indoril shared a similar skill. They were both great leaders. "The Knight" revered Moon-and-Star (Nerevar).

My goal for Kalian is to make him appear as a strong hero, but with a compassionate side, too. He cares about all of his followers, Quick-Strike, J'skooma, Evangeline, and Adam. He'd die for any of them for he has a feeling that each of them has the right goals at heart...

[Zalphon]

Chapter Nine: The Vampire's Tale

The stars were high in the sky. They were shining, silver lights in the middle of the black sky. Adam said to me as we walked, "I have a secret I am obligated to tell you."

"What is it?" I asked. "You're a Knight of the Nine, you are a divine guardian."

As we walked, our armor clanked. The dirt road was dark in the night and we could hear a wolf howl. "I did a horrible act, long ago," he barely managed to say. "I did something you'll hate me for."

"I doubt that's possible, Sir-Knight."

His voice was a shameful tone as his head hung low. "I followed a man named, "Zalphon" when he slew the Knights of the Nine. He spoke of a 'purification' of the Knights of the Nine. He told me they were corrupted and we were the only ones who weren't."

"What?" I shouted. "You're the reason the Knights of the Nine are a forgotten Order?"

"Yes," he said glumly. "After we finished the 'purification' he tried to kill me with a spell, however somehow I survived. I think the Nine were watching over me as he cast a spell that engulfed my body in a shadowy maw."

"When I awoke," he continued. "I was a vampire. The one who turned me was an ancient wizard. He left shortly after. I have fed for over four-hundred years on the blood of marauders and bandits. I do not like my mortal form, but it has granted me the ability to atone for much longer."

Quick-Strike appeared out of the shadows and held the vampire above ground by the throat. His scaley fingers wrapped tightly around Adam's throat. "You killed the Knights of the Nine," he scowled. "You betrayed them. Sir Vladamir, Sir Kristopher, Lady Sylvar, Sir Krall, Sir Bearspirit, all dead by your hand. You killed all the knights, except one."

"There aren't any Knight of the Nine," Adam barked. "I watched Zalphon kill them."

"The most powerful Knight of the Nine isn't dead," he said as he pointed at me. "You must teach him the 'Old Code' and the 'Old Religion'. Believe it or not, Kalian. The Nine are a dead religion. Ever noticed how the Temple of the One is devoted to the Pantheon of the Daedra, and each city has a temple dedicated to a specific one."

"Quick-Strike, you do kno--," he managed to say.

"Yes, he will take the trials," Quick-Strike replied. "When he succeeds, he will find "The Knight's" ancient artifacts and use them to kill Zalphon. He is 'The Knight', but he must be slain..."

"I am ready," I stated. "I will destroy him to save Nirn..."

[Acadian]

Ah, more answers. And more flesh added to Kalin's quest.

I hope Q/S takes Kalin's cue and backs off on Adam a little. I hate to think about a 400 year old vampiric Knight of the Nine getting pissed off.

It has been a looonng time since I once did KOTN. I will be interested to see if you draw many parallels from the game. I'm not suggesting you do so necessarily, just curious to see where you go.

Nicely done, Zalphon.

[Zalphon]

Quick-Strike is a over five-hundred years old. And he has his own Order of the Nine's Assassins. Adam can try, but I don't think he'd win.

[Zalphon]

Chapter Ten: The Old Code

We rested in a nearby mine. It was abandoned, most likely due to the depletion of gold ore. When I awoke, Adam stood over me with his blade drawn. "Is it time?" I barely managed to grumble. "I'm famished."

"Yes, why yes it is," he hissed. "Zalphon grows more powerful with each passing day. The Old Code will begin now, Child of the Old Religion."

I nodded and donned my armor. It was slow, but I was tired. "What now?" I questioned. "Do we spar?"

"Indeed." Instantly, the vampire turned into a blur. The next second I was disarmed, after that I was on the ground with his blade pointed at my throat. His speed and strength wasn't believable.

"How?" I asked. "How did you do that?"

"I am a Knight of the Nine. My power is vast, but it is granted by my patrons. If I were to betray them, then I would still be physically powerful, but my spells that I rely on wouldn't be able to be cast," he explained. "After the Champion was felled. Long after, Talos took a mortal form of 'Wulf' and taught us how to channel divinity and how to make our prayers be able to heal and even burn our foes in holy flame."

"Wulf? The Nerevarine met that man in Vvardenfell. He asked him to carry a coin to Red Mountain," I smiled. "Was it truly Talos?"

"I know it was," he smiled. "I can tell you that, because he radiated with power. As if he was a Fountain of Endless Arcane Might. He taught us these, so that we could survive the War of Necromancy."

"When Mannimarco assaulted the Imperial City and destroyed the Arcane University in the fourth era, three-hundred, twenty-first year?"

"He knew we would fall without his help, so he taught us what was "The Knight's Code," and is now, "The Old Code." After Zalphon burned the archives of the Knights of the Nine, we lost all reference to it," Adam explained. "I am the last man who remembers that far back. Our spells are battle-prayers to the Nine."

"Interesting," I nodded. "When do we begin our training and not the history lesson?"

"When you learn," he scowled. "That you must remember history, or you'll be damned to repeat it..."

[Acadian]

Interesting background and creatively presented during an 'action scene'.

"Interesting," I nodded. "When do we begin our training and not the history lesson?"

"When you learn," he scowled. "That you must remember history, or you'll be damned to repeat it..."

I can just hear mALX saying "Ooh Zalphon, I loved this! Awesome!" - - and she'd be right.

I'm chuckling here. 'Old Religion'. I just couldn't help but think of such things as the Zakarumites and the Blade of the Old Religion (Gidbinn). Did some of your thinking here come from Diablo II? I know that we share a fondness for that game.

May I offer a suggestion on how you used a speech tag in the above quote? I would have done this: "When you learn," he scowled, "that you must remember history, or you'll be damned to repeat it. . . ." The differences are tiny: 1. comma after scowled since you are continuing the dialogue sentence. 2. decapitalize 'that' since it is a continuation of the dialogue sentence. 3. Four dots at the end instead of three indicating not only the trail off, but the end of sentence as well. 4. Spreading out the four dots - this is purely optional and done only because I think it looks better.

[Zalphon]

Yes, Acadian. Diablo 2 did have some of my thoughts

However, the Old Code is based off of paladins. Well the prayer-part is. Paladins of the Dungeons & Dragons Universi.

This post has been edited by Zalphon: Jun 27 2010, 03:12 PM

[Zalphon]

Chapter Eleven: The Holy Grounds

For weeks we studied in the caverns about the Nine. Evangeline enjoyed the time to read her spellbook, while Quick-Strike kept a close watch. J'skooma had many conversations with the mine about whether rat-milk cheese or minotaur steak tasted worse.

Adam questioned, "Who is the Aedric God of Air?"

"Kynareth," I responded. "Her domain is also over the natural woodlands as well."

"What is Stendarr's domain?" He barked.

"Mercy. Although, he is also very just."

"It is time," the Vampire commanded. "Draw your blade and prepare for the first challenge."

"Yes, what must I do?"

The Ancient Knight said prayers and a burst of light filled the mine. The next second, I was unconscious. After I awoke, in a strange place. A Castle. Standing in front of me was Adam who smiled, "These are the Holy Grounds. Every Knight must pass the tests of the clerics and finally kill the daedra that hides in the shadows."

"What?" I asked. "What kind of tests?"

"The Cleric of Talos is fond of riddles, as is the Cleric of Mara. The Cleric of Stendarr tests how pure your heart is, while the Cleric of Kynareth challenges how blissful with the woodlands you are," Adam explained. "Once the nine tests are passed, the daedra is dead, and you vanquish the Guardian of the Portal, you may leave."

The stone walls of the throneroom were eerily cold. On the ground I saw blood and in the corner, I spotted a man in ebony armor with a sword through his heart. Well, through his skeletal ribs. "The price of failure is death," the Vampiric Knight warned. "Fail any test and your life is forfeit. Just as Squire Vladamir's was." The Imperial pointed to the man I just looked at.

I was about to say something, but then he dissapeared. I travelled up the cold, gray stairs and saw one of the clerics in the hallway. She smiled and wore gleaming, steel armor. "I am the Cleric of Dibella." Her beautiful body matched her words; her long, scarlet hair was like woven fire.

"What is your test, oh great Cleric of Dibella?" I asked politely. "I am a humble Squire of the Nine."

The Cleric gently kissed my lips, "You already passed, handsome. Dibella watch over you, oh wait, she already has." That was the first test? To be beautiful enough for the Cleric of Dibella? A little shallow of a god, but I smiled and walked past. With haste, I headed up the stairs to a bedroom. There a cleric stood.

A large Imperial dressed in shining steel armor and a warhammer strapped to his back frowned. The man was elderly, his hair was graying and his goatee was similar. "I am the Cleric of Stendarr, have you come to challenge me?"

"To take the tests of the Nine, Reverent Cleric," I responded. "I am a Squire of the Nine and must pass these tests to further my training."

"Indeed."

A small Bosmer girl jumped out and stabbed at me. She barely managed to cut into my thigh with the small, kitchen knife, but it stung. I grabbed the girl by the shirt and threw her. The Bosmer wimpered as a blood came from her forehead. "Y-Y-You hurt me," she cried.

I felt horrible, like the scum of Nirn. With a tear, I cast a restoration spell and she smiled. "Th-thank you," she said right before she turned to nothingness.

"You have passed, Squire. There is an ancient spell, where you channel holy energy to your hands to heal yourself or others," the Cleric explained. "Only Knights of the Nine can use this spell, it is called 'Lay on Hands'." He showed me the proper prayers to do it.

"Stendarr watch over you," he said as I left.

With a nod, I left and travelled down the stairs. I walked into the kitchen to find, yet another Cleric. The Cleric wore no armor, but instead wore a simple, black dress. Her pale skin and blue eyes made me think she was a Breton. "I am the Cleric of Mara, Consort of Akatosh, are you here for the tests?"

"Indeed, oh powerful cleric."

Walking in was a crying Imperial maiden. She looked to be in her young adult years. "Samuel, he's dead," she sobbed. "My wonderful husband is gone, out of existence, dead."

I hugged the woman and whispered, "He's in a better place, he'd want you to be happy."

She kissed me and responded, "Thank you." Then dissapeared.

"You passed," The Cleric courtsied. "Mara watch over you." With a smile, I had passed the tests of three of the Nine Divines. After I completed this, I had a feeling Adam would be rather...impressed...

[Acadian]

I quite liked this. The Nine are the Nine, so regardless of MW or OB orientation, this was comfortably familiar. Nice job of relating the tests to each divinity.

Well done, Zalphon!

I find myself hoping that you will reveal the remaining six tests.