Buffy the Bowgirl, Book 1, Thread 1, Do You Know the Way to Kvatch? Options

[Destri Melarg]

"I've read the investigation of Kalthar's death prepared by the assistant magister of the Leyawiin branch. In it, Agata describes an interesting magic you used to dispatch the traitorous mage. Why do you think I selected you to assist Roliand and Arielle? Speaking of battlemages, those two inform me that you arrived at the Brina Cross Inn on foot, but departed by horse." Her right eyebrow remained elevated.

I present this to finally and permanently squash any idea that you aren’t good at plotting in Buffy's story. In one brief paragraph you tell us that Agata still handles the mundane tasks in Leyawiin, Carahill is extremely well-informed in guild matters and put a great deal of thought into sending Buffy to the Brina Cross Inn, and that Buffy’s Cobra’s Dance and Call of Corsair are so out of the ordinary that experienced battlemages feel the need to comment on them, which also marks Buffy’s admirable growth as a mage. I'd say that's quite a bit for what is essentially four lines!

Your Carahill is the one that the game should have given us! Now we see how and why she was able to dispatch Lorgren Benirus. In your capable hands the Anvil branch truly shines. I thought that the last chapter was my favorite so far, I may have to re-evaluate!

[haute ecole rider]

"Well, Audeius," I placed my hands behind my back and leaned forward coyly. "I wouldn't want to annoy you or anything, but I thought I would stop by the stables." Managing to suppress a giggle, I then wheeled off towards the corral, tossing words over my shoulder. "I want to make sure no one was trying to sleep with my mare last night."

Mwah, Buffy! Good shot, girrrl!

I loved this chapter. It seems you and I have the same ideas about Carahil too. Guess great minds really do think alike!

Loved the little tidbits here and there, like Norbert getting his goods from overseas, and the comments about Oaken-Hull's wife, and Thaurron's adorable Sparky.

[D.Foxy]

The trouble with trying to sleep with a Mare
is that, frequently, people will ... Stare
For what you're trying to do there
Simply isn't big enough for her to feel square
So since your dong cant be that long -
AND - face it - you really aren't that strong
Don't even try it - it won't even tickle
And if she gets annoyed, you'll be in a pretty pickle!!!

[Olen]

A good rest part to show her in Anvil and to develop the mages there. Carahil was well developed as how a guild head should be, her having Buffy give a lecture was an inspired idea and really showed who she is, as well as showing that Buffy isn't so inexperianced as she was.

I do wonder what she will amke of the arcane university though.

[Ornamental Nonsense]

I've found that one element of this story continually strikes me: the strictly in-game setting. In general, I don't particularly like this approach to stories, because they usually come off as flat, but I've found Buffy to be rather endearing as a character. There's also the fact that by basing your story in the game's reality (a reality that includes its share of oddities), you've managed to provide a rather humorous commentary on the game's quirks. I mean that in the most complimentary way, and it's one of the reasons that I think your story works.

For instance, in the first chapter where Buffy and her friend are trying to steal apples, the shopkeeper goes a bit berserk. I mean, it's only two apples, and he's going to club someone to death over it? Good grief, but that's what can happen in the actual game. As such, the fact that you point out how unbelievable that is through Buffy provides a critique of the game's mechanics, at least to me. Whether it's intentional or not, I really enjoy this aspect of your writing, and I look forward to seeing more of it.

Keep writing!

[mALX]

I am trying to catch up, Buffy, Destri, Hauti, and Remko - you all have posted so many chapters since I was last on here that it will take a while to catch up - just letting you know "I'm on it!" Lol.

[hazmick]

brilliant, you have portrayed Carahil in a different light than the somber altmer I usually find in the guild hall.

I can imagine those two imperials red faces, Audeius will think twice about racism in the future I hope, lest Buffy come back to Anvil.

well done with this chapter, i hope there are many, many more.

[Winter Wolf]

Sorry to go over the old stuff but I just have to!!!!

13 - I loved Buffy and Superian down on the Anvil coastline and along the beach. A beautiful piece of imagery there. What is it about Buffy and water?? That girl must have spent her childhood living in the treehouse for waaay too long.

14 - You pulled out a classic there. Buffy dressed as a travelling merchant!!! The image of a 90 year old gypsy woman came straight to my mind, bent over with her whole caravan weighing down upon her back. Sorry brother, but your awesome tale does strange things to me.

15 - "It's a family talent. You should enjoy meeting my brother, Thernd. He keeps half a dozen or more working imps. Uses them to patrol the Valley of Horses, just below the gate to the Arcane University."

Wow!! That is incredible. Why did nobody think of this earlier??

[Acadian]

In Chapter 15, Buffy was corralled for a few days of recuperation after successfully completing her final University recommendation for the Anvil guild. Fully healed now, she seems ready to report to the Arcane University.

Remko- Buffy would never leave her primary guild in Bravil, however she was quite taken by the gruff, but wise and caring leadership of Carahil.

SubRosa- As ever it seems, you affirm so much of what I'm trying to do. Your memory for detail is astounding, my friend. The next episode could certainly have been named 'The Green Bag', but with apologies to Jean M. Auel, I couldn't resist a different name. Thanks for pointing out those nits so I could fix them.

Destri- Thank you for the kind words on our plotting. If I'm getting better, it is because this time Buffy is sitting on my shoulder asking pointed questions like 'why would I do that?' or 'how would he know that?' Perhaps I am learning. Yes, Carahil just exuded competence to us.

Rider- This was Buffy's first encounter with someone picking on her race. I was proud that she was able to respond with humor, despite having her self-confidence weakened. I know that Julian and Buffy like Kud-Ei. I'm delighted to hear that it sounds like Julian will like Carahil as well. I had fun trying to 'show' Carahil without having Buffy 'tell' us about her. Sparky! The impish little scenesetter for the upcoming story. You, of course will recognize where the next episode got its name.

Foxy- Buffy has had a couple of lovely touches of prose written for her by our friends here, but she is fairly bouncing and prancing that you have written a poem for her! She was quite tickled by the picklish subject. Thank you!

Olen- I'm so glad that Carahil's 'tough love' came through with an emphasis on what a fine leader she is. Next stop, Arcane University.

Ornomint- Thank you so much for the kind words! Yes, Buffy does indeed stick close to the physics of Nirn instead of earth for her tactics and skills. This is because there has always been an aspect of 'how to play a mystic archer' in her stories. Now that the rather linear tutorial and University recommendations are complete, we will begin to see that her penchant for sticking close to game tactics does not apply to game NPCs or quests. She is not averse to modifying or even inventing quests/NPCs.

I hope there is a slight tongue in cheek aspect to her story (after all, with a name like 'Buffy'… ).

mALX- A hearty welcome back to you! Please don't feel rushed. I know you are a great friend of Buffy, and that you will catch up as you can.

hazmik- If there is something to like in someone, Buffy can often worm it out of them - so it was with Carahil. Beneath the somberness, she found a wonderful caring leader. Thanks for appreciating Buffy's response to the Imperials' comments on Bosmer.

Wolf- Thank you! Yep, Buffy loves the water and fell right in love with the beach at Anvil. She's just glad she survived that mage fight with Caminalda. I'm glad you like the concept for the Valley of Horses - Buffy's next stop!

* * *

16 The Arcane University Part 1- The Valley of Horses

The Legion soldier I met along the massive bridge had told me how to get to here. Once the endless stone connection between Weye and Imperial Isle finally ended, Superian and I had made our way south past the ships, warehouses and shanties of the Waterfront port until we now stood on the banks of Lake Rumare, staring east into the Valley of Horses. Thaurron had described it, but I was unprepared for the beauty of the sight before us.

Nearby, an old paint mare was placidly drinking where gentle waves licked the shore. Further up the valley I could see a beautiful chestnut gelding grazing peacefully. Several imps slowly drifted across the valley on leathery wings. Superian's ears perked forward and I felt her muscles ripple beneath me as she saw the small sentries, but after glancing at the other unconcerned horses, she relaxed.

A filly, younger than Superian and full of energy, pranced along the beach towards the southern edge of the valley's boundary. One of the watchful imps fluttered to a stop in front of her with a show of sparks. The filly apparently decided to heed the guardian and turned with a snort. She raced back into the safety of the valley, the sun dancing across her glossy black coat. With tail raised high, she circled the grazing gelding, trying to entice him into chasing her.

Superian and I slowly made our way along the valley floor. Deliciously tall grass waved gently in the breeze. Ahead and high above us, I could see a stone bridge spanning the gorge between the city and the walled spires of the Arcane University. A large barn and several smaller structures came into view underneath the shade cast by the bridge. Just past the buildings, a gated sturdy fence severed the east valley from the west. Beyond the fence, I could see a bay stallion sniffing the air.

Superian and I drew to a stop in front of what appeared to be the office for the stables. Adorning the front of the building was an ornately carved wooden sign. Its whimsically painted purple and white letters proclaimed the name, 'Equestria'. Beneath the sign, in a chair propped against the building, a Bosmer eyed Superian. Slipping the pipe stem from his mouth, he slowly rose to his feet. "She's a beauty, that one. Looks fast too. Got a name?"

"Superian, and my name's Buffy. You must be Thernd?"

"Aye, that I am. The name fits her." The Bosmer set his pipe on the wooden chair and approached calmly, offering himself for inspection. Despite the well-worn leather boots and simple work clothes, he looked like an older version of his brother, with the same kind and sparkling brown eyes. Superian lowered her head curiously to the elf, and seemed to accept him. Without protest from the mare, he gently stroked her nose with callused hands, then glanced up at me. "Be ye a new student here to learn some magicks?"

"Yes. Your brother Thaurron said you have a way with animals, and it seems Superian agrees. I'm hoping to board her here during my time at the University."

Thernd chuckled. "Thaurron? Does he still have that useless house imp that eats table scraps and does nothing to earn its keep?" I nodded with a grin. He swept his arm around the valley, indicating the small winged sentries. "Now there be some working imps. Pity the varmint that strays into the valley to molest these horses. Aye, Buffy, ye may consider Superian enrolled at Equestria."

"That sounds perfect. I think she'll love it here."

"I intend to see that she does, Lass. Now slip down from that beautiful animal and let's step inside to talk about her care and mundane matters of the purse. Then I'll send ye up the foot path aside the bridge to the gates of the University. Ye'll be looking for Headmaster Raminus Polus once ye passes muster with the battlemage on duty."

*

"I have received recommendations from the guild halls throughout Cyrodiil. You have done very well for yourself. You may now enter the University. As a full-fledged member of the Mage's Guild, I also promote you to Apprentice." Raminus Polus smiled broadly as he gave me the robes indicating my new rank. "Try them on after you find yourself a place to store your things and a bed in the living quarters. Come find me in my office as soon as you settle in and we'll talk about your program of studies."

I left the ornate lobby and proceeded deeper into the University until I found the crowded mage quarters. After claiming an unused bunk and sea chest, I tried on my new green robes. Moving a small looking glass up and down in front of me, I frowned. Oh Buffy, this will never do. I looked like an elf in a green bag. I put my bow and quiver on my back. They caught in the folds. Then the baggy sleeves got in the way when I tried to grab an arrow. Finally, when I walked I almost tripped over the hem. Well, maybe it would get better. I put my bow, quiver and other stuff away. What had I gotten into? I headed out to find the Headmaster's office.

"Ah, now the real work can begin." If Raminus thought I looked silly in my green bag, it was to his credit that he didn't say so. He gestured towards a chair and folded his hands on the desktop in front of him. "What do you hope to accomplish at the University, Buffy?"

Obediently, I sat, then tried to arrange the excess green material that was attempting to swallow me as I composed my thoughts. "Well, Master Wizard," I began, trying to sound older than I was, "I'm an archer. I want to study magic so I can be a better archer. I hope to see the signs of my enemies before they can see me. I want to be able to confuse or even incapacitate them so I have the time and distance to shoot my bow. Most of all, I want to be able to make a powerful magic bow."

Raminus looked up slightly over my head at the wall behind me. Deeply in thought, he rubbed his chin for a few moments. Then his eyes met mine again. "I think I understand. Normally, I would recommend you start by having a mages staff made that reflects your style. Given your aptitude and preference for bows however, let's forego that." He continued, "There are several sections of the University that support different aspects of magic, ranging from the study of arcane texts to alchemy, enchanting and, of course, spellcrafting. In addition, there are instructors who lecture on topics of their expertise."

Raminus paused and lifted a silver cup to his lips. The Imperial had handsome features and a pleasant manner. His dark hair was laced with streaks of gray. Like all round ears, he would have a short life span, and I estimated his to be over half complete. The simple robes did not look like a blue bag on him at all. He gestured at a tray with silver decanter and cups, and raised an eyebrow questioningly. I smiled politely and shook my head as he continued, "Key to your course of studies however, is an advisor. These are experienced members of the staff whose expertise relates to the goals of the students they mentor. Given your, ah, unique aspirations, I would like you to report to Boderi Farano. She is a battlemage, and you will find her in the Mystic Archives. She will be your advisor."

He glanced at the small stained glass window, then rose to his feet. "It is getting late though. You should rest after your long trip."

*

"Good morning, Buffy." The mer had smooth blue-green skin, piercing red eyes and black upswept hair. Her small and gracefully curved ears rose to delicate points. "I'm Boderi. Raminus told me what you hope to achieve here, and has selected me as your advisor. I think I can help you. I'm familiar with the elegant but lethal synergies that one can create by augmenting conventional weaponry with magic. No two mages are alike. Do not let anyone try to convince you that wearing a robe and slinging fireballs is the only path for a mage. Do you have any questions before we begin crafting your path?"

Instantly I liked Boderi, and not just because I envied her ears. I looked at her brown blouse and linen skirt. Then I looked at where my hands would be if not hidden somewhere inside my sleeves. "Do I have to wear this green bag?"

Boderi chuckled and her eyes sparkled. "No, child. You may wear whatever you please."

I felt much better. Boderi then informed me that our first step would be the testing and evaluation of my abilities. I would start as soon as I got out of that green bag.

And so my arcane education began.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Aug 11 2010, 11:21 PM

[D.Foxy]

Ah, our Buffy!!! Always thinking of her trousseau...that's our Buffy all right...after all, if she didn't worry about what to wear and what she was wearing, she wouldn't be Buffy!!!

[SubRosa]

Buffy is being educated! Next up, the Clan of the Cave Mages?

Equestria and the Valley of Horses is a wonderful new addition to Cyrodiil! The imp sheep dogs were a simply brilliant idea! Of course who but a Bosmer would run such a place? Finally, tying Thernd in with Thaurron from Anvil was an excellent way of bridging the two chapters.


I sat, then tried to arrange the excess green material that was attempting to swallow me as I composed my thoughts.
I loved this!

Finally, a subtle touch there with Boderi's samll, distinctly non-Bosmer ears. Seeing little pieces of Buffy's self-consciousness are delightful, as they quietly show us that she has vulnerabilities.

[treydog]

15
Interesting choice of reading material for Carahil- one strong, politically savvy woman reading about another….

"First things first. Lift your blouse."
Carahil is probably the only one who could say that and not get a first-hand lesson on Cobra’s Dance. Except for maybe a certain Captain at Kvatch.

And credit to the head of the Anvil chapter for pushing Buffy to expand her horizons beyond simply being a Mystic Archer. I love your concept of the Mages Guild as it should be- with everyone required to add their knowledge to the general fund.

Buffy- 1000 Bigoted guard- 0. She shoots, she scores, she grinds her opponent’s face into the mud. And the crowd goes wild.

And the diplomatic (and wise in the ways of women) Acadian answers a question with a question, as all the best mentors do.

Ah, Thaurron and Sparky and one of Buffy’s greatest concerns about going to the University is what will happen to Superian. That is so perfectly Buffy.

16
I spy a paint horse! But she is a mare rather than a gelding, so perhaps they are “just good friends?”

Loved this entire chapter, from Equestria to Buffy’s self-consciousness…

[haute ecole rider]

You have accomplished so many wonderful things with this chapter, from the Valley of Horses to Boderi meeting Buffy and assuring her that wearing that 'green bag' is absolutely unnecessary!

I keep picturing Thernd as a little, pug-nosed, freckled faced red-headed Irish man. You know, the sort that loves his Guiness and can hold his own in a bar fight? The kind of guy that can tell dirty limericks until you're blue in the face? Yes, that sort of guy. All of that just from his dialogue. I don't know how close my picture of him is to yours, but that's what I have in my head.

And Raminus Polus! Just a class act all the way. I really liked how you presented him.

Boderi Farano comes across as a lovely woman/womer with a strong sense of practicality and independence. I think Julian would have liked her as well.

@treydog: The two paints may have been friends back when they were growing up at Wild Eye! Who knows?

[Olen]

This piece keeps surprising me, it follows the game mechanics fairly completely and the quests went more or less as seen but then occasionally it goes off in it's own direction. Like not bothering with the mages staff (as if all the recommendation quests weren't go-fetchy enough) and bringing in new characters and quests which fit within the game. It leads to a unique feel which I like, the slightly parodic tone and Buffy's characer fit in with it brilliantly.

And a new character, another bit of th competant face of the guild. Boderi sounds very practical and I look forward to seeing her teach Buffy new things, I'm also interested to see how you deal with either the necromancers or the oblivion crisis when one kicks off.

One question: it the arcane university system based on anything? My experience of university is far less organised - they probably wouldn't notice if I turned myself into a newt and would only be interested in research funding if I did (indeed I didn't technically exist last year).

[Destri Melarg]

I get the distinct impression that Thernd has a pot o’ gold that he’s hiding somewhere in the Valley of Horses. That’s probably what the imps are really protecting!

I love the way that you have expanded Buffy’s initial steps into the Arcane University. Raminus comes across as a competent and caring headmaster, as opposed to the slightly addled bureaucrat that the game gives us. I find myself sharing Buffy’s fondness for Boderi, I wonder if we will learn what her specialty as a battlemage is (I’m betting it’s not the bow). I am also eager to see what course of study Boderi recommends for the young archer now given into her charge.

[MyCat]

I looked like an elf in a green bag.

That's what I feel like sometimes! Or at least my character.

[hazmick]

i loved the description of the valley of horses, my argonian is yet to own one of the fine beasts (he's scared of them) and i also enjoyed the green bag, all adventurers need to look they're best and i don't think anyone can make apprentice robes look good

[Acadian]

In Chapter 16, Buffy discovered the Valley of Horses with its wonderful stables. She then settled into the Arcane University to begin her education.

Foxy- Yes, Buffy can get preoccupied with her wardrobe.

SubRosa- I see you are familiar with the origin of 'Valley of Horses'. I'm so pleased you thought it added to things. In game, Buffy stages Superian under that very bridge, while in the IC, to avoid the other stables run by that horse-snacking orc! We felt the beautiful mare deserved better than a lonely bridge to stand under. Thank you for the wonderful comments!

treydog- Thank you for pointing out some of the aspects in the last pair of episodes that you liked. Your words are like a soothing potion that helps keep us on track.

Rider- Thank you! I love your observations. I grinned as I read your vision of Thernd. I wanted to give him a 'voice' and he emerged as sort of a horse-absorbed leprechaun. I have always seen Raminus Polus as a class act, and am glad you liked him. Yes, Boderi will persist as another important influence on Buffy.

Olen- Thank you for the kind words! Please forgive me a few paragraphs of rumination. I have trouble describing or categorizing Buffy's story as well. Heck, I'm just lucky to try and keep up with her as she flits about.

The tactics and physics she uses are indeed quite close to her in-game world. Her approach and priorities regarding quests are not. The tasks she sets for herself will include quests that are in the game and some that are not. Even the in game quests she does will often reflect a fair amount of expansion and license. As you can see, Raminus Polus has already somewhat short circuited the mages guild questline, for now.

The death of the Emperor and the gate at Kvatch however, are important aspects of the game that we retain. Therein lies a dilemma. Although thrust into the beginning of the Oblivion crisis, Buffy lacks the maturity, wisdom, courage, skills and motivation to assist at Kvatch. Yet, it is rather unrealistic that Mehrunes Dagon and Savlian Matius would wait the next 100 or so episodes that it will take Buffy to gain the tools she needs to attempt closing an Oblivion gate. We will unabashedly rely upon the magic of the game that somehow allows prosecuting the Main Quest to be delayed without ill effect indefinitely.

This is decidedly a plot weakness, but it is absolutely critical to the story in this, her first book. It will be during her second book that we will deal with the post-Kvatch portion of the Oblvion crisis. I expect we will be able to do so with much more realistic pacing. Such is the beauty of learning from the wonderful writers here.

We are decidedly writing from the perspective that the journey is more important than the destination. My hope is for her story to be viewed more as a long-running TV show than a tightly plotted movie.

The Arcane University in BF is only based on my own idealized hopes and ideas of what it could/should be.

Destri- Heh, I just couldn't resist the non-TES accent on Thernd! During Buffy's 'school daze', she will learn some about herself, ask pointed questions about some aspects of magic, and be schooled by the wonderful Boderi in some bow + magic tactics. In order to limit her University time to two more episodes, we shall be doing some 'telling' that reflects the passage of time, interspersed with dropping in to a few live scenes of 'show + dialogue'. I hope it is effective.

MyCat- Thanks for reading! I guess Buffy has resolved once and for all whether she will become a robe-wearing mage.

hazmick- I'm so glad you enjoyed the Valley of Horses. It really wowed Buffy - unlike that green bag.

* * *

17 The Arcane University Part 2- Classes and Study

During the initial testing and evaluation of my abilities, I learned some things about being a half-breed. I already knew of course that no one would ever mistake me for a Breton. I was a Bosmer like my mother, albeit kind of a small one. I could expect a lifespan that might cross several centuries and had the Bosmeri eyes of an archer.

It was in my special abilities that the mixed heritage showed. I had good aptitude for magic and some resistance to harmful spell effects. We attributed that to my father, although I did not gain his Bretonic shield power. That I lacked the Beast Tongue special power and disease resistance of a Bosmer was no surprise. Despite the mystical bond I had with Superian, I had to rely on Kud-Ei's illusion spells to command even a mudcrab. As far as diseases, I recalled several times when City Swimmer teased me about my lack of hardiness. It seemed every time I got nipped by a rat while helping her search for food behind the taverns, she was dragging me into the Chapel of Mara to be cured of bone break fever.

I settled into a 'uniform' of sorts: Laced leather pants, a brown blouse like my advisor wore and leather boots.

Boderi guided my progress, as I learned additional spell effects. We then applied that knowledge and created spells using the altars in the Praxographical Center. At first, they were just weak ones that I could use to improve my magic skills. Later, I crafted stronger spells that had some real use and power. As a result of wearing boots, we learned that I was different than Boderi and other mages. Despite running around with bits of light armor, my spells were inexplicably just as effective as if I wore no armor at all.

The beautifully restful University gardens had been carefully cultivated to provide both a display of color as well as a vast sampling of useful herbs, flowers, seeds, roots and fungi. The instructors in the Lustratorium helped me study the plants and unlock more of their alchemical properties. Gradually, I developed the ability to mix a wide variety of helpful potions and poisons.

Given my desire to craft a magical bow someday, I was not surprised to discover how much I enjoyed our classes on enchanting. . . .

"Who knows how to cast a water breathing spell?" All six of us seated in the Chironasium raised our hands. The old Redguard looked pleased and continued, "Today, we're going to learn how to infuse an item with a useful magic property. I need one volunt-"

My hand was in the air before Delmar could finish his request. White teeth contrasted with his dark skin as he flashed a grin. "I see Buffy is anxious to enchant something." He motioned me to his side. Fishing into the folds of his white robes, he produced a small gray item. "Here, do you know what this is?"

"A soul gem," I declared as I took the cool smooth stone. "I've seen plenty of them in the guild halls."

The Redguard nodded. "This is a petty soul gem, one of several types categorized by size and how much energy they can contain. Now, as you see, this one has a flat color. It will display a slight glow after we fill it. Buffy, have you learned how to cast a soul trap spell yet?"

"Yes, Boderi taught me last week."

"Good." Delmar raised his hand and released a lavender burst of magicka in front of him. A skeleton quickly materialized. "Hold onto that soul gem and cast your spell."

Magic flew from my right hand and engulfed the summon. Almost immediately, Delmar struck the skeleton with a bolt of lightning and the bones evaporated, accompanied by a distinctive, musical tone. The soul gem vibrated slightly in my hand, and it did indeed have a soft shimmer now.

"Well done, Apprentice," said Delmar as he held up my hand so everyone could see the results. "Now, before we move on, are there any questions about soul gems?"

"I understand they are destroyed when used," one of the two Altmer students in the class asked. "How are new soul gems created?"

"They are fashioned from simple granite," replied Delmar. "The rock is mined, then processed by artisans who deliver the carefully shaped stones to the University. Specially trained mages working in our east tower facility then infuse the stones with the magic necessary to finish the process. Although we use a large number of the finished gems right here, many of them are sold to magic merchants throughout the Empire."

A small Khajiit raised her hand. In response to Delmar's nod, she timidly asked, "Isn't it wrong to use the souls of other beings to create magic items or recharge our weapons?"

"Excellent question, Zahrasha," began the Redguard thoughtfully. "You see, the term 'soul gem' is horribly inaccurate, no doubt coined by those who fear what they do not understand. We are not capturing souls. Hence, the summoned skeleton who possessed no soul, spirit or life, was able to fill our gem just fine."

"What of deer and other creatures?" I interjected.

Delmar turned to face me and smiled. "Be at ease, Bosmer. Gathering the residual magic that animates the movement of a deer does not enslave its spirit any more than harvesting the flesh it no longer requires after death." The Redguard wrinkled his brow and scratched his bald head for a moment. "Think of it this way. You are capturing the same energy you see when using detect life - also an erroneous term. If you had cast a detect life spell, you would have seen the undead skeleton who just assisted with our class glow brightly. He had no life force however, simply a magical energy that animated his limbs. That is what we captured."

Delmar again reached into the folds of his robe, this time producing an unremarkable copper ring. "Now, class, follow Buffy and I over to one of the enchanting altars. Let's create a ring of water breathing."

As the weeks passed, I became quite adept with the altars. Boderi told me to delay enchanting a bow for now, so I focused on making other useful items. My many friends at school included several of the Imperial Battlemages that guarded the University. I managed to sweet talk Cassius Vinipter out of one of his blue hoods. They weighed almost nothing and he told me they took well to magic. Once enchanted with a weak frost effect, I figured the hood was just perfect for keeping venison fresh while traveling. I also crafted a small assortment of useful rings that could assist me around water and in dark caves.

While showing off my collection of rings to Boderi, we learned that I could wear several of them at once. It seemed other mages could only wear two at a time. As with my ability to cast fully powered spells wearing armor, we had no idea how to explain this new aspect of my defective uniqueness. I liked it just fine though, since it gave me lots of flexibility in what I could wear.

I adored studying the old texts in the Mystic Archives. Tar-Meena could make them come alive, and I became a voracious reader. I enjoyed a wide variety of subjects ranging from Ayleid culture and the Nine Divines, to the mysteries of Daedra Lords. I particularly enjoyed plotting the locations of various ruins and shrines from the books onto my map. I hoped I might visit them, and perhaps even discover more such places on my own.

Tar-Meena was also considered the University's authority on necromancy. She often received inquiries about the subject from the Council of Mages. One day, I asked her about the black robes. "We're learning how to summon skeletons in class, Tar-Meena. Why are necromancers so different from us?"

The Argonian quietly responded, "The skeletons and zombies of necromancers are not summoned or created from magic," her orange eyes widened, "but the actual corpses of men and mer that have been reanimated by black soul gems. How would you like it if, after you died, someone defiled your body as a toy to do their bidding?"

With a small shudder, I replied, "I encountered a necromancer once. He said he wanted to turn me into a plaything." I quickly added in response to the alarm registering on Tar-Meena's face, "Fortunately my bow was faster that he was. His lair was full of corpses. It was awful, Tar-Meena, but it makes more sense now."

"You are lucky to have survived, Buffy. If they can't find fresh corpses, they are quite willing to kill innocents to create them. I'm sure that is why Arch Mage Traven banned the practice of necromancy within the guild."

I wondered aloud, "Delmar said soul gems only capture the residual magic that animates movement, not souls or spirits. Are black soul gems different? I found two of them."

"How did you. . . oh, that's right. Deetsan's report said you were the one who discovered those black soul gems in Falcar's quarters." Tar-Meena shook her head. "They are different from normal soul gems only in that they can capture the residual energy from men, mer, and those of us fortunate enough to have tails. Necromancers apparently prefer to use them in their rituals because the humanoid magic that only black soul gems can contain is quite powerful, and it more realistically animates the corpses they work with. Enough of this unpleasant talk though."

This post has been edited by Acadian: Aug 12 2010, 05:23 PM

[SubRosa]

Buffy is at the Arcane University and is going to classes and studying? What kind of craziness is this? None of my characters ever had to do boring stuff like that there. It's a University, she ought to be going to toga parties!

Seriously though, it is nice to see the University as being an actual place of learning. Where in the game it is just a place to make spells and magic items. I see you are also using Buffy's learning as an opportunity to explain how somethings work in the game. Such as soul gems, Buffy's abilities, etc...

The scene with Delmar was particularly nice, as well as being informative (in that he shows the simple way to fill soul gems in the game, summon a critter and kill it). Likewise with your description of how soul gems are created and what they really do.

Buffy creating a refrigerator using a mage hood and frost spell was simply brilliant!


nits:
I'm sure that is why Arch Mage Traven banned the practice of necromancy within the guild.
This is a nit on the part of Bethesda. Why NPCs all say Traven banned necromancy is beyond me. If you look through The Black Arts On Trial, necromancy was never allowed in the Mages Guild, right from when it was founded by Vanus Galerion. It is just that there have been some archmagisters who have ignored the strictures against necromancy, and allowed it to go on.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Aug 13 2010, 04:02 AM

[haute ecole rider]

As far as diseases, I recalled several times when City Swimmer teased me about my lack of hardiness. It seemed every time I got nipped by a rat while helping her search for food behind the taverns, she was dragging me into the Chapel of Mara to be cured of bone break fever.

That's why I love playing Redguards! Getting sick is such a bore!

I settled into a 'uniform' of sorts: Laced leather pants, a brown blouse like my advisor wore and leather boots.

Sounds almost like Julian's 'civilian' uniform post-MQ!

"What of deer and other creatures?" I injected.

Where's the hypodermic needle? I think you meant interjected.

His lair was full corpses.

I think a preposition was so frightened of the dead it hid from you. Didn't you mean full of corpses?

They are different from normal soul gems only in that they can capture the residual energy from men, mer, and those of us fortunate enough to have tails.

Classic Argonian observation!