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

[treydog]

A wonderful job of illustrating Buffy’s weaknesses and strengths.

The soul trapping description was quite vivid and worked very well. In fact, the whole discussion of “soul gems” and “detect life” was a treat and does a far better job of explaining TES magical physics than does the game.

Tar-Meena- “…and those of us fortunate enough to have tails.”

Now that is an absolutely brilliant bit of writing!

This whole installment was delightful.

[hazmick]

I enjoyed this chapter as it not only gave a good insight into Buffy's heritage but also explained some of the 'in-game' questions that all good gamers think about. You have done a great job describing the Arcane University as the busy place of learning it should be rather than the dull, empty place that we see in the game where people wander around being rude. Good job with Tar-Meena as well

[DarkZerker]

Yay, super happy fun time with Necromancy! It's a good play on how it actually works because in the original Oblivion...barely any explanation is given which makes me sad panda.

[Olen]

I second approval of the tail comment, very argonian (and true too, I'm sure a tail would be useful). And lots of useful rings, I can just sense that she'll need them all given time.

But really learning? So soon after starting uni? Though I suppose if the lessons were that good it would be an incentive. "How was uni?" Somehow answering "I made a magical ring and won't ever need a scuba set" is better than, "The [insert appuratus here] didn't work, again".

Once enchanted with a weak frost effect, I figured the hood was just perfect for keeping venison fresh while traveling.

Classic buffy, it appears that through lateral thinking she has invented the refrigerator. Much better to put wine in it than venison though.

aspect of my defective uniqueness

Is this referance to some mod or is it just in story for some as yet undisclosed reason?

[Destri Melarg]

I think our resident Sage has had occasion to teach in his distinguished career. The lesson on soul gems, soul trap, and detect life (or should that be ‘detect magicka’?) spells was as engaging as it was informative. The faculty in your version of the Arcane University is worth whatever the Guild is paying them. You can sign me up for classes with Delmar anytime.

I like the way that you are covering Buffy’s education through a mixture of narration and detail. Going through her day by day activities at the University would probably get old.

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.

That's our Buffy!

[MyCat]

Buffy seems to be getting a lot more out of university than I ever did. For me it was a fountain of knowledge where students go to drink.

Strangely my character can wear multiple rings and amulets too. (Thanks to what I learned about mods from the original BF. That just means that she goes into scarier OOO areas earlier than she could otherwise. It doesn't always end well.)

[Winter Wolf]

16 – Wow, this Buffy story gets better and better with each post. I really love the way that you are weaving in the new description into the Chorrol version. It is well in truly worth the extra effort of bringing it all across. Please promise me that the necromancer chapter (bloodcrust cavern) will scare the socks off me. Ha!

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.

Who would have thought that our deadly archer girl would be brought down by the mages guild? Lol. I would love to see here take on a wave of goblins dressed like that.

Like all round ears, he would have a short life span

A beautiful line that puts us right in the thoughts of our delightful Bosmer.

17 -

That I lacked the Beast Tongue special power and disease resistance of a Bosmer was no surprise.

How crazy it is that I never even realized this! For the last 10 months I have been following Buffy’s deadly bow and the growing body count that this has slipped my mind. Lol.

That is an awesome amount of thought and detail you have put into the story. The University lesson was a great read and more importantly a great instructional guide. I cannot help but wonder how the Uni managed to survive both Maxical and Buffy. I am surprised that the building is still standing.

[Acadian]

Chapter 17 found Buffy deeply into arcane academia as she learned things about herself, spellcrafting, soul gems, enchanting and alchemy. She also discovered a love for the old texts of the Mystic Archives.

SubRosa- Buffy, toga parties? You'll note how much she enjoys her bling in this screenshot!

Thank you for the wonderful observations. We tried to give the impression of some real learning going on, as well as attempting to address some obvious questions about how things work in the game; Not that we have it all figured out, but at least hopefully reasonable explanations for BF. Heh, she has always worried about carrying around venison (or crabmeat) in her warm pack - not anymore!

Rider- Thanks for the nits, so I could fix them!

Finally, it was nice to lay out exactly what it means that Buffy had a Bosmer mother and Breton father.

'Those of us fortunate enough to have tails.' I was trying to cover all the 'sort of humanoid' races. Men and mer often imply this just fine, but not when talking with an Argonian or Khajiit of course. I'm glad it lent a smile to the otherwise grim subject of necromancy.

treydog- There was a lot of 'data' to weave into this episode, ranging from Buffy's heritage to some unique minor powers she has, to explanations of how certain aspects of magic work (at least in her BF world). All this while trying to provide the impression of time passing and learning being accomplished without overusing 'tell vs show'. I'm glad it seems to have worked.

hazmick- I'm so glad you share our view that the University should be more than simply providing access to altars and distributing MG quests. Thank you.

Zerker- Thank you. "We're learning how to summon skeletons in class, Tar-Meena. Why are necromancers so different from us?" That is a question I have wondered forever and I'm glad Buffy asked it.

Olen- Thank you! You ask a wonderful question that requires a touch of detail to answer. Buffy does have those two minor special abilities - multiple rings and no spellcasting penalty for armor -

In her story, the origin of these special abilities is intentionally a small mystery at this point. How and why she has them will become clear in about six to eight episodes, so let me keep mum for the moment on that.

In her game, those abilities are provided by a pair of small mods. The no armor penalty mod is handy for an illusionist who, for fashion reasons, fancies leather boots with her clothes or sometimes wears the Arena raiment. The multi-ring mod allows her to focus the few enchantments she wants on her rings instead of on the massive wardrobe that supports frequent outfit changes to suit her task at hand.

In reality, Buffy has completed the adventures that comprise this, her first book. Despite over 400 hours of play however, she has intentionally not completed quests beyond this book. We spend our days enjoying a myriad of wonderful activities and exploration that do not advance any quests. At level 20, she is near her top design level (four major skills that she will never touch cap her at level 23). She typically wears no rings in town. When adventuring, she normally wears a pair of powerful detect life rings (she will get those in a dozen chapters or so). When necessary she will briefly augment her fingers with a utility ring such as water breathing or night eye. She actually uses very few enchantments beyond her utility rings and bow. She was born with a Breton's resistance to magic and can easily boost her poor armor rating via potion or spell for the rare times she needs it.

Destri- Thank you. I must admit that, at my age, I tend to identify with the professorial faculty at the University more than the students. Hopefully, Buffy's sharp elbow is enough to remind me of her younger perspective. Thank you for endorsing the tough choices I made regarding tell (to cover time and ground) vs show (to maintain some vibrance).

MyCat- I am humbled that your character was inspired by the original BF to install the multi-ring mod. It is comments like this that keep us grounded in the fact that it is indeed our intent to include a touch of 'how to play a mystic archer' in our story. Thank you for affirming that!

Wolf- Green bags, humans as ' short lived round ears', no Bosmeri special powers for Buffy, lots of lessons. . . Thanks so much for the wonderful comments! Except for her odd manner of dress, Buffy fit right into the University and was a compliant student. It's that little wildcat prankster that nearly turned the place upside down!

*
And now, the final episode of 'The Arcane University' -

* * *

18 The Arcane University Part 3- Practice and Field Trips

In addition to endless classes, reading and study, there was practice. And practice, followed by more practice. I spent hours trying to master what Boderi called 'chasing my arrow'. She meant shooting an arrow, then rapidly following it with a spell. The practice targets were rapidly and repeatedly pierced, then demoralized. As soon as I could do that pretty well, she made it harder. 'Chasing my spell' - I would cast a soul trap spell for example, then nock and shoot my arrow into the target as quickly as I could. Boderi said both techniques would serve me well. I was amazed at her expertise in combining magic and weaponry. She could also be quite the taskmaster. . . .

"Again, Apprentice!"

"Boderi," I moaned, "my left arm's tired. I'm not as strong as you."

"I don't care that you're tired," the Dunmer snapped, "I care that you're alive." Her voice then softened somewhat, but her eyes lost none of their fiery determination. "Buffy, you possess the indomitable spirit of a dragon, but the frailty of a butterfly. That is a hazardous combination."

Boderi lowered her steel short sword. "Look, I know you're a sniper that thrives in shadow at long range. Nevertheless, there will be times when you are forced into close quarters combat. That's what I'm trying to drill into you today. I can work with your refusal to use melee weapons. In fact, eschewing blades allows us to focus exclusively on developing your bow, and the magic skills necessary to support it. I'm going to forge you into a mystic archer that can survive in combat, young lady. Is that clear?"

The raised eyebrow that accompanied her question did not invite debate, or even words. I nodded rapidly.

The Dunmer continued, "Muscle memory. It's not enough that we crafted a spell to strengthen your bow like a powerful shield. The casting of it needs to be an instinctive reaction. The very act of raising your left arm to block must trigger magicka to flow into your bow without even thinking about it. That takes practice. Even more so for you, since you're not used to casting with your left hand." Boderi raised her blade. With red eyes flashing, she barked, "Again!"

I lifted my left hand defensively, and magic raced down my arm. When it reached the bow clenched in my fist, the white glow burst and enveloped my weapon. Boderi's blade hit the brightly glowing bow squarely. The impact jarred my shoulder, but I was otherwise unharmed. Just as importantly, close inspection revealed my bow to be undamaged. Thanks to this new spell, I hoped never again to have a bow staff cracked or damaged beyond repair when I was forced to block with it.

"Better, Apprentice." Boderi pushed a pitcher of water into my hand. I greedily drained it and set the pewter vessel on a nearby table in the practice room. "Now," she continued, "you can't block your enemy to death. You must be able to quickly shift to the offense. This time, after you reinforce your bow and block my blade, use your right hand and cast a weak charm spell to simulate that you've paralyzed me. I'll kneel as soon as you do that. Within two seconds of my knee hitting the floor I expect to see your arrow slam into the training dummy behind me. Remember- block, immobilize, shoot." She raised her blade.

*

My favorite part of the training was what we called 'field trips'. There were some things that just couldn't be done so well inside the University. These outings were also welcome breaks. Sneaking into the basement of The Main Ingredient, I mapped out the Market Sewers and popped up in the alley over behind Edgar's Discount Spells. Exploring and hunting the hills and caves of Imperial Isle, I practiced my growing skills.

Superian loved the Valley of Horses, and Thernd was wonderful with her. Every day, the mare and I spent at least a short time together. I made sure to show her my growing skills and new spells, so she would become used to them. After all, the wonderful education I was getting was for both of us. I became convinced that it was the bond forged between Acadian and I that had opened my mind to the path of mystical communication with Superian.

The old paladin was with me constantly, and he never seemed to tire of my prattling on. Boderi had earned his respect, and I knew he was glad that she was my advisor. When not beating on me with her sword, the beautiful and wise dark elf could actually be quite kind.

Upon learning that Rohssan, at A Fighting Chance, had finally taught me how to repair magical items, Boderi and I began to enchant weapons. We made several magic bows so I could try different enchantments during my training outings. Boderi insisted every bow include a brief soul trap enchantment, and that I carry an assortment of small soul gems. It quickly became clear that my preference was for bows that delayed, confused, frightened or immobilized foes. I left the powerful grummite bow unenchanted for now.

Several mornings, I woke up feeling strangely more capable. I attributed it to the amount of practice my skills were getting. Somehow I was becoming wiser, more nimble on my feet and better able to control my own will. Each time this happened, I donned my blue raiment and, like a moth drawn to a torch, reported to the Arena for a match. I had no idea why I felt compelled to do this, especially considering how frightening it was. I didn't ask my advisor or even my paladin, I just marched off and did it - butterflies and all. Regardless, I survived, leaving grim testimony to Boderi's lethal lessons in the bloody sands of the Arena.

Most of my field trips were local. One was not.

*

"Welcome back, Apprentice!" Boderi exclaimed. "I trust Bothiel ensured you received a new special power after you delivered the parts that allowed the repair of her precious Orrery?"

After a soft sigh, I replied, "She did."

Concern clouded Boderi's face. "Child, you look deeply troubled. What's the matter?"

"Well, it's just that Bothiel had asked the guild at Kvatch to do that same task quite some time ago. The only reason she gave me the job is because Kvatch is. . . ." My throat became thick and I blinked to hold back tears.

The Dunmer placed a steady hand on each of my cheeks and gently raised my face. "Buffy, even though you didn't know them, it's natural for you to mourn our brothers and sisters from the Kvatch chapter. Their loss breaks my heart as well. Thank the Nine that at least Sigrid survived. Had the invasion of Kvatch not happened, I suspect Morandor, the guild head there, would have asked you to complete Bothiel's task for your recommendation. In recovering the stolen parts to repair the Orrery, you have done well by the Kvatch chapter." She lowered her hands and turned to pour us each a cup of tea.

"Thank you Boderi. You always know what to say." I managed a weak smile as I accepted the warm ceramic cup.

"So tell me how it went, Buffy."

"Superian and I had to wander north of the Gold Road, from west of Skingrad all the way to the Abacean Sea. I certainly got plenty of bow and spell practice, but did I really need to go so far away to hunt bandits, wolves and boar? Oh, and I don't understand this special power at all."

Boderi started to explain. "Bothiel assigned you the task at my request. I had a couple reasons for-"

I interrupted, "Of course you did, my advisor, my mentor, my friend. I learned a long time ago that everything you do seems to have several purposes somehow all woven together."

Boderi smiled. "Field practice with your new equipment and skills was reason enough. There are several special powers the Orrery can grant, but all of them enable you to craft spells and enchant with the effect of 'drain attribute'. That's the other reason I sent you. I will leave discovering some of its potential to your post University studies; however, I would suggest you consider the possibilities of draining the speed of your opponents."

My eyes flew open wide. "P-post University studies?" I was not prepared for that.

"Yes," Boderi said, "you have proven yourself to be a wonderful young illusionist, and Kud-Ei will be proud of you. You also have an uncanny empathic ability to assess wounds and heal others; I encourage you to further develop this natural restorative talent. You have satisfactorily completed your lessons in alchemy, alteration, mysticism and conjuration."

"And destruction?" I asked with an apprehensive wince.

"You passed." Boderi chuckled as she set our empty tea cups aside.

"I'm afraid my fire spells are mostly good for lighting torches, cooking or heating bathwater," I pouted. "I'm afraid I'm not much better with ice or lightning. I guess I'll never be a Delphine Jend."

Boderi lifted a dark eyebrow. "And as fine a mage as Delphine the Destructionist is, she will never be a Buffy the Bowgirl." The Dunmer gracefully lowered herself to a nearby bench, smoothed her skirt and touched the spot next to her. "Sit with me." I did so, and she placed a hand over mine.

"You're a fine mystic archer. Like a battlemage, you have blended weapon and magic to devastating effect. Your talent for destruction magic does not lie with the elements. Keep practicing until you can master weakness to poison and efficiently cast your new drain speed ability. Only then, will the beauty of destruction magic fully merge with your path. You now have the knowledge and tools to continue your studies. Magic is a lifelong endeavor, Buffy. Your formal program of study here however, is complete." She then stood, as did I, and with feigned formality, stated, "Congratulations, Apprentice!"

I beamed. She smiled. We hugged.

I knew I would be back from time to time. In fact, I already had a very specific arcane project in mind. . . .

* * *

My University Yearbook:
Screenshot 1
Screenshot 2
Screenshot 3

This post has been edited by Acadian: Aug 15 2010, 06:52 PM

[hazmick]

"I beamed. She smiled. We hugged."- Brilliant that wrapped up the university very nicely.

Great screenies. Buffy the Bookworm, perhaps?

You have caught my interest with the next arcane project, it sounds quite exciting.

This post has been edited by hazmick: Aug 15 2010, 04:32 PM

[SubRosa]

A thoroughly delightful and informative chapter all in one! This chapter really shone for me in several ways. I am glad you went back and reworked and added so much to these early chapters, as they add much more depth to Buffy, the supporting cast, and the world.

Seeing the Buffster grow under the tutelage of Boderi was a wonderful treat. More than once I was reminded of a certain pale Bosmer learning similar lessons from her "Pappy".

I spent hours trying to master what Boderi called 'chasing my arrow'.
At MSU, this would be done with tequila!

The bow-shield spell was a very creative way of integrating the game's reality of being able to block with a bow, with the physics of the real world, where such a thing would destroy a strung bow. Nicely done! Also a subtle nod to the process of Buffy leveling up, and her customary arena match each time.

Oh, and that last picture was just priceless!

nits:
"Buffy, you possess the indomitable spirit of an adventuress,
adventuress sounds a little odd. How about lion or dragon instead?

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Aug 15 2010, 06:30 PM

[Olen]

That last screenie is brilliant

I agree with Subrosa that her leveling up is well handled, while it's clearly happening it would have been a bit too 'gamey' to have done it with her falling asleep and waking up better for unknown reasons, but it sits with the feel of the piece that she gets better as time passes - the arena matches (and general feel) conveyed that well, but subtley.

And now she's more of a finished product I wonder what she'll do. Shopping possibly...

[haute ecole rider]

I agree with others about that last screenshot. Still too familiar to me from years of hard studying!

It's not enough that we crafted a spell to strengthen your bow like a powerful shield. The casting of it needs to be an instinctive reaction. The very act of raising your left arm to block must trigger magicka to flow into your bow without even thinking about it. That takes practice.

Julian agrees wholeheartedly!

It's good that you show the Arcane University as being good for leveling up your magical skills, and having Boderi train Buffy in her combat skills as well. It all makes wonderful sense for our blonde mystic archer.

I too am wondering about Buffy's next arcane project!

[treydog]

Buffy's time at the University is wonderfully described, capturing the feeling of immersive learning.

I don't care that you're tired," the Dunmer snapped, "I care that you're alive."

Senior Trooper Carbo of the Imperial Legion heartily approves- “I intend to make you wish you were dead during training so you won’t be dead in battle.”

I became convinced that it was the bond forged between Acadian and I that had opened my mind to the path of mystical communication with Superian.

QFT

The detail you lavish on Buffy's skills, as honed and augmented by her studies is a textbook example (pun alert) of how to create and roleplay a custom character class. But it goes beyond that- it makes Buffy unique and special (of course, we already knew that).

[D.Foxy]

Ohhh.. that last screenshot brings back memories of looooong, long ago...


LOVE it! I am going to be wearing a silly grin all day!

[Destri Melarg]

The time away has given clarity to your vision, my friend. These expanded chapters of Buffy are brilliant!

Others have already said it well; let me add my voice to theirs: I could wallpaper that last screenshot!

“Buffy, you possess the indomitable spirit of a dragon, but the frailty of a butterfly. That is a hazardous combination.”

Boderi shoots and scores! Rarely have I seen a character so elegantly summed up.

[mALX]

You know which screenshot is my fave!!

[Acadian]

In Chapter 18, Buffy was schooled on the practical application of blending magic and bow. She was then assigned opportunities to practice her growing skills beyond the schoolhouse walls. Finally, she completed her studies and training at the Arcane University as a mystic archer, specialized in illusion.

hazmick- I'm so glad you enjoyed how Buffy wrapped up her University 'daze'.

SubRosa- Thank you for affirming our efforts to enrich BF 2.0.

I'm so pleased you liked Boderi's solution to bow blocking. See my comment to Foxy.

Thank you for the recommendation. I changed adventuress to dragon, which has already earned Destri's approval, thanks to you.

Olen- An Arena match per level up is a tradition that we retain to remind ourselves that, although Buffy doesn't fully realize it, she does live in a wonderful game world. Most of these fights take place 'off camera', but for the next one that makes it into the story, I expect she will actually count the notches on her raiment and indirectly let us know what level she is at the time. Thank you.

Rider- I'm glad you and Julian endorse the 'train till it's automatic' / muscle memory style of Boderi. Buffy is so very fortunate that her advisor is a hardnosed battlemage who understands how to use magic to make a weapon sing. Thank you!

treydog- Thank you for the wonderful words! We tried to show how and where Buffy learned the foundations for some of her key survival tactics. Thank you for agreeing about the hint of similarity in the relationships of Acadian-Buffy and Buffy-Superian.

Foxy- Thank you! It was you who, so very long ago, pointed out the flaw in Buffy blocking with her bow. It took us this long to sort out a proper TES solution.

Destri- High praise indeed from a master of prose. Thank you so much for appreciating Buffy's new appellation as dragon-butterfly girl. As you can see from the comments, the dragon part was suggested by wonderful SubRosa.

mALX- Thank you! You know a screenie is worth a thousand words!

*

Thank you for several wonderful compliments regarding the screenshots in Buffy's yearbook. Completing her 'undergraduate' work at the University marks the real beginning of Buffy carving her own unique path in Cyrodiil. She still lacks some of the tools and trinkets she needs to survive, so I expect her 'special arcane project' has something to do with 'what a girl wants, what a girl needs'.

* * *

19 A Secret Mission

As Superian eased into a small sunny clearing beside the Gold Road, I slid to the ground and silently began to creep the short distance towards Ra'sava Camp. Releasing a burst of magicka, I assessed the three pink glows that erupted ahead as two bandits and their dog. Finally, I had a spell to display life signs that had both the range and duration I needed. After quietly scouting around the camp, I settled into my chosen firing position and reached for the steel handgrip of the bow on my back.

Patiently, I studied the camp's inhabitants over the poisoned broad head tip of my nocked arrow. By concentrating on my target I had recently learned to greatly enhance the detail I could see at range. Presently, the farthest glow snapped into sharp focus as a Bosmeri archer. I smoothly applied full tension to the bowstring and loosed the arrow. The bandit's glow extinguished within a few seconds, but judging from his companion's quick and erratic movements, I was detected.

Without turning my back to the threat, I quickly backed out onto the road as I reached into my quiver. A leather-clad Redguard burst from the trees about ten paces in front of me. The bow's first strike caused her to stop, stow her mace and begin to run away. After retreating a couple steps, the fear enchantment wore off and she turned to charge again. By then, the magic bow released a second arrow, which restarted the process. She fell to my third arrow. The enchantment compensated for the lower damage of this steel-trimmed bow. Besides, I had better plans for my powerful old grummite bow. Ra'sava Camp was part of those plans.

I crept back into the brush. The dog's glow was stationary. I hadn't minded killing the bandits - in fact, I rather enjoyed it. I realized that given the opportunity, they would have gleefully returned the favor. The dog was another matter. Killing him would give me no pleasure. I figured he would attack me on sight though, and I did want his camp. I would not risk magically frightening him away, for I feared he would only skulk back at night to attack my mare and I.

I focused beyond my arrow's tip and the animal came sharply into view. In the bandits' absence, he was helping himself to the hindquarter of a deer on the cooking spit. I began to draw full tension, then stopped and eased the bowstring forward. For Mara's sake, Buffy, don't get soft; a lack of grim resolve is a good way to get yourself killed. I steeled myself and pulled feathers to cheek again, only to pause once more. Exasperated, I unnocked the arrow. I sighed, then blew a wayward strand of hair from my face. Oh, who knows? Perhaps with the pair of bandits dead, I might be able to sweet talk the dog.

I shouldered the weapon to appear less threatening and readied a spell to paralyze the animal if I needed time to bring my bow to bear. Trying to appear calm and confident, I approached the camp. "My name's Buffy," I purred softly. As the dog noticed me, the fur on his back rose, but he did not charge. "Don't make me regret this. Choose to live." I was sure the dog cued more on my gentle tone than words, but the hackles lowered slightly and his flattened ears lifted.

There was a mere three paces between us when I squatted down and softly kissed the air a few times. "What's your name?" As he tentatively approached, I extended a hand, ready to paralyze or pet him. After a few suspicious sniffs, he sat down in front of me. A moment later, the dog's big head was leaning into my hand as I scratched behind his ear. There was no danger here.

As I stepped back to the road, I could see Superian standing patiently where I had left her. After a knowing glance between us, I turned and walked the few steps back to the camp. The sound of hooves followed me.

The dog and horse approached each other cautiously. I was still quite ready to immobilize and kill this dog if he threatened Superian. Two noses touched and I breathed a sigh of relief. "You pass inspection, dog. How about sharing some of your venison with a hungry wood elf? I have a thirsty mare who would appreciate access to your rain barrel as well."

It was late afternoon as I finished gathering firewood to augment the camp's meager supply. Ra'sava was going to be home, perhaps for several days. Satisfied with the condition of the camp, I finally sat down in front of the fire to work on my equipment and think. And wait.

I had camped here quite some time ago, while traveling west from Skingrad to earn my University recommendations. I remembered a cone of light connecting the sky to the ground had appeared nearby. Following the lavender beam to its destination, I had discovered it was illuminating a white altar in front of Fort Istirius. The pair of red banners draped over the altar were each emblazoned with a black skull and bones. I had seen the same symbol, colors reversed, on the robes of a necromancer deep inside Vilverin. Body parts of men or mer, in various states of decay, littered the area around the altar. Aside from being anxious to get away from the fort, I hadn't thought too much of it at the time.

Much more recently, as I retrieved dwarven artifacts for Bothiel to repair her Orrery, I noticed a similar light as I was traveling from Camp Bodean to the Gottshaw Inn. At the bottom of the cone of light was an identical altar in front of Fort Linchal. This time it made a bit more sense. I had recalled reading about such things in the Mystic Archives while at the University.

I stirred my campfire with an unusable arrow recovered from one of the bandits, and glanced at Superian as she peacefully grazed. The dog was comfortably curled up near the fire. I remembered asking Tar-Meena about the altars. . . .

"Sssshhh! We are hesitant to talk about necromantic rituals around here," Tar-Meena said, with the precise enunciation and expressive orange eyes that so endeared Argonian women to me. "My only interest in it is academic, but even that is discouraged." She had then looked around the stacks of the Mystic Archives to ensure no one else could hear us. "It is refreshing actually, to talk with someone who has a similar interest in what makes those crazy cultists do what they do. Read this, then we will talk more." She had handed me the book 'Necromancer's Moon'. "Falcar was the last one to be interested in this book but I am beginning to think, after Deetsan sent those black soul gems to the University, perhaps his interest was more than academic."

Well, things began to make sense when I read that book - more so after I talked to Tar-Meena again. I was sure the mysterious light was called the Shade of the Revenant, and I had surmised what the altars were for.

I became convinced I could make my own black soul gems. Boderi, my advisor at the University, had been mystified as to why I decided not to enchant my grummite bow. I had told her it was because the weaker bows forced me to let the enchantments do most of the work. The real reason though, was as clear to me as a sunrise over Niben Bay the morning after a storm. The most powerful enchantments were those created with a full grand soul gem. I had never seen a creature emit that much energy upon death, but I knew that men and mer did. The problem was that humanoid energy could only be captured by a black soul gem. It was simple, really - I wanted a bandit-powered bow.

I had kept Tar-Meena's book, and studied it now by the campfire. I waited until after midnight, frequently looking skyward south of the Gold Road. Be patient, Buffy. Maybe tomorrow.

I stared at the silver-gray fur of our new companion resting by the fire. He probably weighed more than I, and looked as much wolf as dog. Superian liked him though, and that was the best endorsement for what I had in mind. If he would follow us, I would deliver him to Thernd, the stable master at Equestria. I figured the dog would not only be good company for the lonely Bosmer, he would make a fine additional guardian for the Valley of Horses. "You didn't tell me your name, so I shall call you Bandit." Both ears and one eyelid raised.

The next day was spent napping, hunting, and checking the area between the camp and Fort Istirius for dangers.

Sitting by the fire that evening, I shared my kill with Bandit and hoped to see the Shade of the Revenant. I didn't know how long I might have to wait. Digging into my pack, I verified the three empty grand soul gems were there. I was glad I had put them into my magic bag within the pack, so they wouldn't be wasted capturing the energy of rats or mudcrabs by mistake. At one point, I nodded off and woke with a start. Afraid I might have missed it, I jumped to my feet and looked to the south. There was the eerie lavender beam of light! Scared and excited, I grabbed my bow and scrambled the short distance down the hill to Fort Istirius.

Standing under the light, I raised the stone cover of the altar and placed my grand soul gems inside. I remembered that part of 'Necromancer's Moon': '. . .when the heavenly light descends from above, hasten to His altars and make your offering, so that He may bless you with but a taste of His true power. Grand soul gems offered to Him will be darkened. . . .'

Next was the part I wasn't too sure about. Was there some sort of push block on this altar? Did I have to do something to make it work? No controls were visible. I peeked inside and my heart sank - the soul gems were still gray. I looked in the book again. Suddenly a phrase leapt from the page: '. . .cast your spells. . . .' That had to be it! But what kind of spell?

I blasted the altar with fire, frost and shock, lifting the cover to inspect my soul gems after each spell. Then I tried draining, damaging, healing and frightening it. Nothing. In desperation, I summoned a skeleton, but he just stood there, smirking at my frustration. I pondered the situation as I sipped a potion to help restore my depleted magicka. Soul trap? Well, that was worth a try.

Yes! One of my gems was now black. I quickly illuminated the altar in lavender magic twice more and grabbed my three brand new black soul gems. Even though there was no one near, I still looked around nervously and hid the gems in my magic bag. I then put the bag way in the bottom of my pack and started back to camp. Could I get kicked out the guild for this?

Next stop, Imperial City. I figured a visit to the Valley of Horses to deliver Bandit and stable Superian was in order. Then I was sure I could find a bandit down in the Market Sewers who would be happy to fill a black soul gem for me. Well, you know, once I explained that I needed his help to enchant my grummite bow.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Aug 19 2010, 06:23 PM

[hazmick]

"You pass inspection, dog."-I loved this line. A new friend to join the gang, how wonderful.

Finally someone has found a use for bandits. My Argonian friend has just rushed of to find some grand soul gems, and a new bow. I guess I should follow and keep him out of trouble.

[D.Foxy]

Heh, and I felt the same - vicariously - through my character when He made an illegal black soul gem. Thnx for the memories...

...continue, old Friend!!!

[haute ecole rider]

In the bandits' absence, he was helping himself to the hindquarter of a deer on the cooking spit.

Just like most dogs I know! He must be part Lab!

This is new, and very interesting. I liked how Buffy figured out the reason for those purple glows at certain spots around Cyrodiil.

I enjoyed reading about the dog - Bandit. I'm glad Buffy didn't kill him. At some point, Julian will acquire another animal companion, but the right moment hasn't arrived yet. So far she has to settle for just Paint.

Good idea giving Bandit to Thernd (my favorite Irish bar-fighter!) to add to the layers of protection around the Valley of Horses.

Overall, an enjoyable chapter!