Buffy the Bowgirl, Book 1, Thread 5, Do You Know the Way to Kvatch? Options

[Grits]

How lovely to start this episode with some words of hope from Buffy.

Since Buffy’s healing others comes at a personal cost, it was good to see her inner strength getting her through the ordeal. Also good to see her ready to move forward after her shared moment of grief with Sigrid. She may have been out of her element in the bailey fight, but she is shining again here.

I loved to see Savlian and Buffy linked by her fire resistance spell when they scouted the great hall. The orc knights’ clearing it made me grin. What a scene to imagine!

I found myself assigned to Savlian’s small group, along with two Anvil swordsmen and a young Kvatch archer named Jesan Rilian.

Yay, Rilian! I’m glad we’ll get to see him in action with Buffy’s group. I love Savlian’s stealth plan. So does Lildereth.

What a great episode to finish up in the bailey and get ready for the next push!

[McBadgere]

That was a heavy, intense and brilliantly done battle... ...

I can imagine that healing people that way would drive a person insane after a while... ...As impressed as I am with the idea of it, I can see that dragging a person down after a while...

Blimey matey...So amazingly written...

I'd say I'm looking forward to more, but we all know what's at the end of the corridor... ...

(I am looking forward to more of course, it's just an odd thing to say considering how brilliantly terrifying you've made this so far... )

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[TrisRed]

Now I could comment on everything I've read over the past few months, butt here is nothing I can say that hasn't already been said, so I shall share my thoughts with the most recent chapters.

KVATCH!

I'm so thrilled that you are writing this with such detail as I've always loved this quest.

I also loved the battle scene, it was very epic and amazing.

OLETA! Lissa's dearest mother is proving to be a possibly worthy ally. That's them Cristenn's for ya!

I also have to agree with Andrea with how cool I found Agronak defending his woman. So sweet

The next chapter of Lissa's journal is set in Kvatch, so I'm excited to see what you think of that!

Great writing. Oh how I've missed it

[Acadian]

In Episode 166, Buffy displayed the drawbacks and advantages conveyed by her empathic healing. Once the remnants of Savlian’s force reconstituted from the bloody fight to capture the gatehouse and bailey, they breached the castle and discovered its interior only lightly defended. Holding the main force in reserve within the great hall, small assault teams were formed to clear each of the castle’s three wings. After placing Lucilius in charge of the reserve, Savlian is leading a small band into the section of the castle containing the royal quarters.

SubRosa- Whew! I agree that a pause was needed after the chaos of clearing the gatehouse and bailey. Although Savlian splits his force in the game at this point, the way he has done so here is dramatically different of course. We can expect progress into the castle to diverge even more from the game going forward. I’m not surprised by Pappy’s choices in TF – he’s a wise man when it comes to tactics.

Rider- Thanks! I’m glad that Buffy’s abilities were able to help prevent another brave soldier being cast aside by the Legion for a bad leg.

KC- Thank you for noting the pros/cons that come with Buffy’s bless/curse of healing. I suspect that, with the gatehouse disaster still fresh in Savlian’s mind, he was loath to immediately send a large force into the great hall. In BF, orcs are frighteningly fast and I imagine Savlian was counting on that speed to help them escape should the hall have been trapped.

ghastley- Thank you. I’m trying to work with a fine line that includes solid tactical choices, yet leaves enough oversights and unexploited opportunities to prevent emasculating our Daedric foes. Fog of war and all that. Still plenty of excitement and a few surprises ahead.

mALX- Thank you for enjoying Buffy’s special way of healing. The scale of what she tried to absorb in the aftermath of the bailey and gatehouse overwhelmed her. Yay for our orcish champions!

Darkness Eternal- Thanks for noting the impact on Buffy of losing Arielle and Roliand, and your comments on friendly fire. I’m glad you have your internet back, and much appreciate your kind insights as we continue to post a new episode each Friday.

Grits- Thank you! As ever, you nailed all I was trying for in the last episode – the price of Buffy’s healing, ‘linking’ our dance partners by fire resistance into one fireball-deflecting unit, and the introduction of Jesan Rilian.

McBadgere- Thank you. Buffy has never had to deal with ‘mass casualties’ before and the limitations of her empathic healing were certainly on painful display.

Rihanae- I’m so glad you are doing better and back with us! I look forward to the continuation of Lissa’s story. I smiled at your comments regarding Oleta – we’ll feature the high priestess/mother of Lissa more after the fighting is done. Thank you also for noting the nobility of Sir Agronak; after all, he and his beautiful Orsimer fellow knight are destined to be Champions!

* * *

167 Frozen in Time

The soldiers with us were not skilled in stealth but, by quietly trailing ten to fifteen paces behind, the trio allowed Savlian and I to progress the way we had trained together. When we found a lone flame atronach in the castle library, a spell briefly immobilized the Daedra and stripped its resistance to the single poisoned arrow that followed. As we continued, more magic convinced a pair of scamps to fight each other until Slayer lethally congratulated the victor. It was satisfying to function as an effective mystic archer again after feeling like a liability much of the day.

Savlian stopped to study a section of wall, then assembled our small team. “Here’s the hidden door to Castle Kvatch’s most secure chamber – the vault for storing gold. This wall sconce acts as a lever to open it and was normally warded by magic.” He turned to me, “Can you see anything glowing behind the wall?”

“No,” I replied. “I’m unsure if the vault is clear or if it is simply one of those doors my magic cannot penetrate.”

“It’s a single room of medium size. Be ready for anything.” He then tested the sconce/lever, but nothing happened. “Good. It appears the warding is still intact. Buffy, can you dispel it?”

“I’ll try.” I loosed a spell that caused the sconce to move out from its base slightly. As a section of the wall slowly ground aside, I grabbed Savlian’s arm, “I can now see that something’s alive in there! The glow looks like that of a small Dremora, but it’s prone and not moving.”

With weapons readied, we all entered the room. On a table along one wall was the pink glow of a woman encased in a pale blue translucent block of . . . something.

“Countess Odalys!” Savlian turned to me. “You say she’s alive in there?”

Mystified, I nodded then shouldered Slayer and moved nearer. Her ‘tomb’ closely followed the contours of her form. Running a hand over the smooth surface I said, “It’s some form of magical ice that has been created around her. She appears unharmed except for this withered portion of her left foot that was not fully encased. Similarly, this lock of unprotected hair has turned white as snow. Whoever did this must have been in a hurry.”

“It smacks of Morandor’s handiwork,” said Savlian as he sheathed his blade. “Despite being an Altmer, the guildmagister and castle mage was renowned for his study of Nordic customs, including preserving the bodies of their dead.”

Jesan Rilian unnocked and quivered his arrow as he nervously eyed the Countess. “But to entomb a live woman?”

“He may well have saved her from the Daedra,” I remarked to the Kvatch archer. Turning to Savlian, I said, “I don’t know what will happen if I dispel the magic surrounding her. Would you like me to attempt it?”

“My decision may kill her, but there’s no mage or healer I would trust the Countess’ life with more than you, Buffy. I know she would want us to try. Yes, lift this tomb and save her for our city.”

“If I’m successful, she’ll no doubt need healing.” I removed both detect life rings to more clearly see my patient. After digging one of Pelena’s potions from my pack, I handed it to Savlian. “Here, have this elixir of restore magicka ready for me.”

“I understand.” He then posted the two Anvil soldiers just outside the vault to keep watch.

I slowly passed lavender glowing fingertips over the pale blue surface of the icy tomb. The hard substance did not melt into water; it simply evaporated.

Filling both hands now with white magic, I placed them on the Countess. The feeling was like jumping into Lake Arrius in the winter and I barely resisted the instinct screaming at me to withdraw my touch. I persisted through the bone chilling iciness until a pair of emerald eyes flew open and the woman’s body began shivering uncontrollably. I continued pouring healing magic into her.

By the time my magicka was exhausted and I reached out a hand toward Savlian, the Countess’ shaking had stopped. I upended the potion Savlian gave me then continued healing. Soon enough, the coldness left her and I focused on the pain I sensed from her left foot. I could not repair the damage to her withered toes but I was able to sever their ability to transmit sensation. Finally, I stopped my healing and stepped back. It was Savlian’s hands that steadied my cold body as fatigue and magicka began to regenerate.

“My. . . city?” The words scraped across my big ears like the crackle of dry leaves.

“Kvatch is almost free, Milady,” said Savlian as we carefully helped her up to a sitting position. I then felt him lifting a waterskin from my pack.

We carefully let our patient drink a small amount. As the deep chill I had absorbed from her continued to fade from my own body, I studied the noble’s face. The pale skin of a Colovian Imperial showed the experience and lines that marked her human life as over half complete. With her green eyes, regal cheekbones, raven hair – accented now by a single white forelock - and strong jaw line, the handsome woman looked every bit a Countess.

“Savlian,” the water had done wonders for her voice, “I recognize Jesan, but who is this young elf who has poured so much of her comforting skill into this old woman?”

“Forgive me, ladies,” said Savlian. “Countess Odalys Goldwine, this is Dame Buffy. Does Milady know what happened to our Count?”

“When your guards delivered word of the Daedra invasion to Ormellius and I,” she began, “they and the court’s mage quickly ushered us to our private chambers. Ormellius retrieved his sword and, while donning his armor, directed Morandor to escort me to the safety of this vault.” She looked down, shaking her head. When she raised her eyes, I could see them glistening. “I refused to leave my husband. The last thing I remember is Morandor touching me with a green glow filling his hand as Ormellius asked my forgiveness.”

“Milady,” I said, “it seems Morandor saved your life by carrying you here and entombing you in some sort of arcane ice. No doubt, it was he who then resealed the vault with you inside. I was able to dispel your shroud, but I fear the smaller three toes of your left foot that were not encased by the protective magicks have withered beyond what I or even Akatosh can heal. I have permanently blocked any discomfort, but you will retain a limp.”

She barely glanced at her foot. “How much time has passed? What happened to the people of my precious city. . . and Ormellius?”

Savlian replied, “Countess, we have yet to recapture the royal chambers, and you are in danger here.” He then turned to the young archer. “Jesan, escort Lady Goldwine to the chapel. As you do so, brief her on what has transpired since the Daedra invaded. Have word sent to the encampment for the castle steward, Badali Sendal, to join our Countess.”

We moved out into the passageway and, for a moment, I watched Jesan support the limping noble as they made their way toward the great hall. I then turned, slipped my rings back on and assumed a vigil for approaching threats.

Savlian had our team hold its position for a few minutes, allowing plenty of time for Jesan to escort the Countess clear of danger. We then continued deeper into the castle toward the royal quarters.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Jun 1 2012, 06:32 PM

[TrisRed]

What a gorgeous chapter of search and rescue. It it horrible to think of how long the poor Countess has been trapped for!

But Buffy and her magical ways saved the day! HOORAHH!!!!

I loved this:
'“My. . . city?” The words scraped across my big ears like the crackle of dry leaves.' Such beautiful wording that goes straight to my imagination. AMAZING!

But will they manage to rescue the Count? I can't wait for more!

This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jun 1 2012, 01:13 PM

[haute ecole rider]

What a surprise to find the Countess still living! Goes to show that hope is always a good choice even in the worst of times.

It has been a while since Kvatch fell to the Daedra, so it's not surprising that she lost the exposed part of her foot after so long without nutrition (and especially water). It's an intriguing idea, encasing someone in frozen formaldehyde to preserve their life. And not without significant risk, I see.

Our Buffy is back in her element as mystic archer/scout. I bet she is happy to be active in that way again, instead as a liability!

[mALX]

What an interesting twist having the Countess alive !! Absolutely LOVED this, and like Rihanae - loved her first words !! AWESOME WRITE !!!

[King Coin]

It was satisfying to function as an effective mystic archer again after feeling like a liability much of the day.
Oh I bet it feels good now to be doing something she excels at.

The Countess! What an awesome addition to the quest! Buffy brought her back! But did not save her foot. I would have been shocked if she could after it has been out like that. I’m sure the mage was in a hurry.

Awesome chapter!

[SubRosa]

It is good to see the Buffster doing what she does best once more. After her trials and tribulations in the pitched fighting, it is a good reminder of why she deserves to be there.

The vault! Now my imagination is running wild. I can see the story take a sudden left turn, as Buffy and co. are revealed to be a group of brilliant thieves who have engineered the retaking of the city and castle only to gain the opportunity to plunder its gold. Buffy's Eleven. Of course we know Buffy would never do such a thing. But it is fun to think about nonetheless.

The Countess is alive! Bloody Brilliant of you Acadian. Ooorah! That I was not expecting at all! Just as brilliant is the method of her hibernation. I suspect you still remember the Stahlrim from treydog's Blood on the Moon, as I do, and were inspired to use something similar here.

[ghastley]

I'm glad she managed to just thaw the Countess and not freeze-dry her. I don't think she'd have liked total dessication.

Buffy could have used some resist frost potions while she healed the Countess. Restoring Magicka seemed to be the least of her problems.

Now since you've already changed the story to add the Countess, we don't know the fate of the Count. It's nice to have the uncertainty back!

[Grits]

Oh how exciting to have a vault with a surprise inside! Buffy was again in her element both as a mystic archer and as a skilled, empathetic healer.

It’s wonderful to see that Kvatch still has its great lady, marked by her ordeal but unbroken. Her first words made me want to cheer.

When she raised her eyes, I could see them glistening. “I refused to leave my husband. The last thing I remember is Morandor touching me with a green glow filling his hand as Ormellius asked my forgiveness.”

What a heartbreaking scene that must have been in the royal quarters. I imagine that desperate goodbyes were being said all over Kvatch at that moment. With the Count armed and armored rather than slippered and pajama-ed, I doubt that he fell hiding in his bedchamber. As ghastley said, it’s great to wonder what happened!

What a great episode! The Countess is awesome!

[Darkness Eternal]

So...the countess yet draws breath. Amazing.

The pale skin of a Colovian Imperial showed the experience and lines that marked her human life as over half complete. With her green eyes, regal cheekbones, raven hair – accented now by a single white forelock - and strong jaw line, the handsome woman looked every bit a Countess.

I already fell in love. Beautiful description of the countess here!

Savlian had our team hold its position for a few minutes, allowing plenty of time for Jesan to escort the Countess clear of danger. We then continued deeper into the castle toward the royal quarters

Awesome. I have a feeling we are getting toward the Kvatch conclusion! I can't wait!

[McBadgere]

Um...As the Countess asked...How much time has passed?...I must have blinked if it was mentioned earlier in the charge through Kvatch... ...

Fantastic episode with much coolness with magic...You know I love that sort of thing... ...

But aaamywho...Loved the idea of the suspended animation spell, shame it was so quickly applied so that some teenie parts were missed...A wince inducing good idea to show that it has been some time since all this started for them... ...

Fantastic stuff...Loved it...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[TheBrume]

That was an excellent description of the countess. And I could easily imagine the situation in the royal chambers.

I cannot wait for the next episode, I'm eager to see what happens next an if Buffy gets a Happily Ever After ending.

[Acadian]

During Episode 167, the small assault team clearing Castle Kvatch’s royal wing discovered a survivor! It seems Lady Odalys Goldwine had been magically entombed within a shroud of arcane ice and sealed inside the castle’s gold storage vault by the court’s mage. Buffy dispelled the protective magic and healed the chilled noble. Savlian then assigned one of his soldiers to escort the Countess safely to the chapel.

Rihanae- Thank you! I’m so glad the Countess’ first words captured your imagination.

Rider- Buffy certainly felt like she was more useful in this past episode than during that confusing mess out in the bailey! Thank you.

mALX- I’m so glad you liked our twist of having the Countess survive! As you can imagine, we’re beginning to foreshadow the future of Kvatch.

KC- Thanks! I’m gratified that you also approve of our decision to introduce Lady Kvatch.

SubRosa- I’m humbled by your kind words. Stahlrim is a term that eludes Buffy, but it was certainly on my mind as I deviously sealed up Lady Odalys. Hopefully, I was vague enough to avoid any precise lore concerns about the nature of our ‘azure arcane ice’.

ghastley- Heh, given how Buffy dries her clothes, I too am glad we didn’t end up with a noble raison instead of a countess! Buffy’s a whiz with poisons but she, well, sucks when it comes to brewing potions. She generally has to buy them from more skilled potion makers and normally limits her pink vials to dispel, restore magicka and restore health. In this case, it took all her magicka and then some to dispel the icy shroud and heal the countess within.

Grits- I thank you so much for, despite the short introduction, already seeing that Countess Odalys is one of Cyrodiil’s few nobles who is fully worthy of their title.

Darkness Eternal- I so hope to show Odalys as a grand lady, and very much appreciate your kind words here. We are indeed drawing close to concluding the battle for Kvatch. The city will be free in two more episodes (including today’s). Buffy will then require an additional seven or so episodes to wind down Book 1.

McBadgere- Regarding the length of Kvatch’s siege, you did not blink or miss anything at all, my friend. I have always been intentionally vague on the small number of years the siege has lasted. Buffy met Savlian very shortly after the Kvatch Oblivion Gate opened. On one hand, I don’t want to shortchange the time it took for Buffy to subsequently earn her fantastic Arcane University education. On the other hand, I've always been concerned about the calendar ticking away with poor Savlian standing his deadly watch and waiting for the substantial help that Buffy took so long in delivering. By such measures as invoking the protection of Akatosh over his chapel, shrouding the Countess in arcane ice and having Jauffre assassinated before he could act on what Buffy shared about an heir, I’ve tried to somewhat manage the impact of the long time frame.

Ideally, Buffy would have completed her University training before the crisis ever began so we could pace our story better but, for better or worse, we chose to somewhat more closely follow the sequence one sees in the game. I also like to think that Daedra Lords perceive time quite differently. Perhaps Dagon was satisfied to simply allow the trapped Martin’s human lifespan to expire in a few short decades - ensuring the Dragonfires would never be lit. It has not occurred to Buffy that the brave actions of she and her hero at Kvatch may be akin to kicking a nest of hornets. Sorry for building a watch when you asked what time it was. Thanks for your patience.

TheBrume- Given that the situation in the royal chambers was pieced together by Buffy’s knowledge of the arcane, combined with some disoriented memories shared by the Countess, I’m so pleased it was clear. Thank you.

* * *

168 You’re Soaking Wet

With the two Anvil swordsmen trailing almost a dozen paces behind, Savlian and I continued deeper into the castle. We had not gone far when I reported, “I see three glows ahead at quite some distance. I’m sure one is a scamp and another looks like a Dremora. The third is large like a frost atronach, but appears to have a long muzzle and tail.” I closed my eyes, allowing countless pages of University study to flash before them until I found reference to what I sought. With a small gulp, I looked up at Savlian. “The only Daedra I’m aware of fitting that description is called a Daedroth. I’ve never seen such a beast, but texts I’ve read infer they may know some simple magic.”

“The four of us should be able to handle three foes,” replied my Imperial. “If not, we’ll lead them back to the awaiting teeth of Lucilius’ reserve in the great hall.”

Savlian navigated us through the confusing maze of narrow corridors until he stopped and pointed down a straight section of passageway that loomed before us. “This hall ends with a pair of tall double doors that open to the royal quarters.”

I replied, “That’s where the life signs I’ve been watching appear to be.”

“You still make them to be three Daedra?” After I nodded, he continued, “Inside, we’ll find a large sitting area and smaller adjoining bedchamber.” Turning to the two swordsmen behind us, Savlian signaled the number of foes ahead and for the soldiers to maintain their following distance.

We then crept forward.

The quiet click under Savlian’s boot barely preceded a rumbling from above us. Before I could react, he drove me ahead and to the floor. His body covered mine just as the roof behind us began to collapse. I heard him grunt with pain and felt more weight added to his as several pieces of stone fell upon us.

Moments after a quiet stillness rejoined us, Savlian was struggling to his elbows so I could better breathe the dust-laden air. He then managed to free us from the heavy debris, get to his feet and pull me to mine. Most of the trapped roof had fallen behind us and our retreat was now blocked. We could hear muffled groans from the completely buried pair of Anvil soldiers. Before our hands could even begin to move some of the rubble, I had to report, “We’re too late. Their glows have faded away.”

Savlian’s right eye barely twitched, but it was my business to understand him like no other could. An almost imperceptible slump visited his broad shoulders. So much death – that he no doubt felt responsible for. Promising myself that I would pleasure away all his cares when this day was done, I forced my attention back to our predicament.

Elven fingers quickly traveled along Slayer’s staff and silk string, verifying the bow had not been damaged. I then lifted one fist and summoned an ethereal spirit. “This ghost will keep watch, scanning for foes during the few moments it will take me to heal us.”

Savlian nodded, adding, “And I’ll check our armor for major damage.” As I eased our bruises, he removed a gauntlet and ran one hand over me. About halfway down the inspection, his voice picked up a sharp edge of concern. “You’re soaking wet. Are you bleeding?”

I didn’t feel injured, so my first thought was that perhaps I had peed my greaves. After careful self-examination however, I replied, “No, but all my potions were crushed by that falling roof trap.” As Savlian tugged his gauntlet back on, my quick check inside his pack revealed the two healing vials he carried for us had also been broken.

My ghost mournfully lifted its wispy arms and dissipated as Savlian trained his gaze on the double doors ahead of us. Rippling jaw muscles and narrowed eyes betrayed what I knew to be righteous fury at the terrible cost exacted by this long day. Old battle-scars marking the face I loved, and countless others hidden by his mail, reminded me that this man was capable of bold or even rash action. I had learned to trust his wisdom and judgment though – particularly when it came to my welfare.

Finally, he slowly shook his head and announced, “Too damn much attrition. We need to clear enough of this rubble to retreat, then come back with reinforcements and conduct a proper breaching operation.”

I breathed a sigh of relief and vigorously nodded my agreement.

Savlian continued, “Given all the noise created by that trap, those Daedra inside the royal quarters have to realize we’re out here. Perhaps they’ve chosen to defend rather than attack, mistakenly believing themselves to be outnumbered by the force at their door. To be on the safe side, I’d like you to seal them in there while I begin moving debris.”

I promptly did so. No sooner had the pale golden light of my warding spell faded however, when the double doors illuminated again – from the other side. A moment later, they burst open to reveal an angry scamp.

Once my command spell swirled into the small Daedra, it turned and loosed the ball of flame it had formed back into the royal quarters – presumably at one of the other two glows.

I was stunned to see the fireball instantly answered by one the size of a small house! As the inferno subsided, it revealed the hapless scamp’s charred and smoking remains.

“Savlian,” I urgently whispered, “that much fire could have only come from the hands of a very powerful Dremora mage.” Acutely aware of my understatement, I nervously added, “You saw how easily the warding I placed on the doors was dispelled. If my magic gets cursed, I-I have no potions to remove the effect.”

“I know, my elf.” The stones he had been lifting were back on the floor. Legion steel and Kvatch shield once again filled his gauntleted hands. “Our foes have now chosen to engage though, and our retreat is blocked.”

I pointed. “That mage’s glow is moving cautiously. Our other target – the big one with the tail - is farther away and stationary.”

From the recesses of the room ahead we heard the deep gravel of a Dremoran voice, “You will not survive, mortals.” The pink glow was augmented by the sight of black robes only for a moment. Then a wall of fire billowed our way.

The approaching flame was too large, and the passageway too narrow, for us to dance aside. “Behind me, Buffy!” ordered Savlian as he lifted his shield and lowered his head.

I did so, and even managed to cast a spell that surrounded us with more fire protection.

Flames completely engulfed us, then mercifully dissipated after but one or two long seconds. I frantically healed us. Thanks to my spell, the burns were minor and neither Savlian’s surcoat nor my hair had been set ablaze. I knew I was outclassed though; this mage’s destruction skill rivaled that of Delphine Jend!

“His glow keeps moving out of the doorway,” I lamented. “I can’t get a clean shot.”

Savlian made our choice. “If we stay out here, he’ll kill us long before help can get through the rubble behind us. Our only chance of surviving is to go in after him where I can put steel to flesh. Follow behind, and let me draw his fire.”

[haute ecole rider]

Sometimes you just have to grit your teeth and charge in! How many times have I done just that playing the game? It's amazing how easily those mages fall once you get close enough to smack 'em with your steel. It's the getting close that is the problem, as we can see in Buffy and Savlian's case.

Outclassed indeed! A fireball the size of a small house? Imagine the amount of magicka that cost! If Dremora mages follow the same rules as other mages (especially Breton and Altmer), I imagine this guy will eventually run out of juice. So how to get him to that point without getting kilt?

Sorry! This is your story, but I just can't resist imagining the different ways our beloved team of magic and steel can meet this latest challenge!

[ghastley]

And the best offense against a Dremora mage is ... archery!! How convenient, if he'll just stop hiding from her. Maybe command that Daedroth to go flush him out? Or is it too big a creature for that?

I notice that Murphy is fighting for the wrong side as usual. Collapsing masonry never seems to fall on the enemy, does it?

[mALX]

*


There was really too much to quote in this chapter! The first half was filled with several places worthy of quoting, the second half needed to be quoted in its entirety! Still, I can't leave without pulling these two out:

No sooner had the pale golden light of my warding spell faded however, when the double doors illuminated again – from the other side.

This was a visual, I could see and feel Buffy's reaction on seeing that happen. That's when you know S is about to hit the F big time and there is nothing you can do about it and no where to go since they were trapped. Maxical said, "Dear gods!" I was holding my breath till the end, then saw this cliffhanger:

Our only chance of surviving is to go in after him where I can put steel to flesh. Follow behind, and let me draw his fire.”

GAAAAH !!! URK !!! I will be biting my nails till next Friday! Totally AWESOME Write !!!!


*

[King Coin]

Sav sounds confident, but wait for him to see that Daedroth…
As a side note, I like hearing how Buffy sees the world. The general shape of glows tells her what she’s facing. I find myself guessing at what she’s describing.

Buffy and Sav got lucky, the other two soldiers weren’t unfortunately. And now they will have three Daedra to deal with momentarily. Potions destroyed, I almost wish it was just Buffy’s bladder.

Ah crap, the room is going to be a bad place with that Daedroth in there. The mage is no fool.

[SubRosa]

So Buffy is the Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest? I wonder if she has a dragon tattoo as well?

Whoa, that roof collapsing was a very near thing for Sav and the Buffster. Too near for the men behind them. This was another good call on your part, in more ways than one. First off you have taken the very environment - the castle itself and its poor state - and revealed it to be just as deadly an enemy as the Daedra. This is the sort of thing that most writers overlook, especially in war stories, even though damaged buildings are indeed prone to collapse. The deaths of the two Anvillians also reminds us once more that no one is safe. Especially now that Buffy and Savlian are outnumbered by the Daedra ahead!

Oh noes, crushed potion bottles! Funny, that never happens in the game. Well, at least that is less embarrassing than peeing herself! I do have to admit that was the first thing that sprang to my mind.

Savlian shows wise caution when he decided to retreat and come back with reinforcements rather than continue forward while outnumbered. Another good writing decision on your part when the Daedra took that decision out of his hands. The Scamp was a pipsqueak. But the mage and daedroth are going to give B&S some serious trouble. As the saying goes: Sometimes you have to roll the hard six. I cannot wait for next week, to see how the dice fly!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Jun 8 2012, 11:51 PM