Knights of the Nine - New Kvatch, Attempt at fan-fic Options

[Grits]

His horse's name is Uncle. Priceless.

Aah, the rats! Somehow that’s as bad as the freakin’ monster outside.

Deaconsson sighed. Maybe whoever comes from that host outside to re-take the fort will be content with removing the knights and leave the staff alone. Maybe.

What a chilling thought.


“Sir Ralman!!” Ordan shouted, “It is most impolite and insensitive to eat the cheese of people so endangered!!

LOL. Cheese.


I love this story. I remember who J’drell, Thedret, Kelleryn, Caroline, Aeirawen, and Gellert are, but I had forgotten about Niil Deaconsson and General Oholin. Thank you for the detailed Previously on KOTNNK. An extra reminder is way better than forgetting!

[mALX]

I enjoy your light and rapid writing style a lot, but can def see (and agree with) where Acadian is coming from about the lack of identification with the many characters.

Because you have many years with these characters, you know them intimately - can visualize them in your own mind easily.

We have had only seven chapters with them, and are having to try to imagine what they may look like or sound like when they speak.

If (as in Acadian's example) you had used known game characters and just molded them into the role you wanted them to play - we could easily visualize your characters too, and it would greatly increase the immersion into the fantastic story you have written about them.

Because you are not using known characters (but are essentially creating the new characters from scratch and your own imagination) - it would really help readers bond closer with your plot if they could visualize your characters too.

To me, the most memorable character so far was Ras’sheena. You gave the readers a full chapter of getting to know her, visualize both her looks and personality. In that one chapter we came to care about her and be immersed in her life.

I think what Acadian is trying to say is - even in your light/rapid writing style you could develop these characters a little more so we could feel we knew them as well as you do.

Your imagination is brilliant, that is very clear in your writing. Maybe a bit ADHD, I've wanted to ship you some Ritelin a couple times - but that is part of your genius, as is clear in your rapidly moving plot.

I agree with Grits, Thank You so much for the detailed "Previously on KOTNNK!" That helps me keep up with your intricate plot weaving a lot better!

[Acadian]

After seeing mALX’s comments, I realize how much more tactfully smooth she can be than I.

I truly enjoy your story and smile all the way through it. With your delightful talent, clever humor and gracious manner, you are such a wonderful addition here and I feel fortunate that you grace us with your story. Oh, my fave character is Caroline. I have a fondness for knights of the feminine persuasion.

I certainly hope my intent to be helpful came through as such, and that you can forgive any rough edges or overdoing it in my comments. Please be at ease, my friend. You needn’t worry about my continuing support of your wonderful story!

[McBadgere]

*SNIIPPPP!!*....

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Nov 16 2012, 05:00 AM

[McBadgere]

*SNIIIPPP!!!*

Except for this old one....

"As for the voices...I just use the game ones mostly...Probably easier... ..."

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Nov 16 2012, 05:00 AM

[Acadian]

Oh, that is a great idea and will be very helpful as a scorecard. Well done!

I’m looking forward to your next episode more than ever, now that I’m all armed up with your wonderful character guide. I shall call it the Kotinkipedia!

[jack cloudy]

Oh, I like this a lot. Like everyone else has already said, the prologue gave a rather amusing account of being in the wrong place at the wrong time at the wrong side. The actual story so far is nice too. Maybe it moves a bit slow, but I like how it gives an opportunity to flesh out the relations and all the friendly jabs between the characters.

Now I'm just wondering how Robert, Tiber and the gang will get involved with the events at the fort. And how the knights get out of their sticky situation for that matter.

[mALX]

That will help me a lot, thank you so much !!!

[McBadgere]

Konitkipedia... ...Most excellent...

Jack Cloudy, cheers for reading!!... ...Glad you liked it...As for Tiber et al...Well, we'll get there...After Christmas, but we will... ...

For now...This...



Previously on KOTNNK...

In the study of Commander Robert McWylde at his apartments within the Knights’ Bastion at New Kvatch, an extraordinary meeting is taking place between the Commander, The Archmage of the Unseen University – Seri Ormandin, his Bodyguard, Maloryn and Tiber Septim. Septim has said that all the humans that took part in the ceremony to light the Allfire (a magical barrier) will be given gifts of some sort. And the Commander’s involves stopping time and – apparently – one of the other divines, Stendarr...




1.8 - Curse.





...There is little doubt that the explosion was centred on what was the Jend’s house, and that whatever caused it was of a power previously unknown. There is literally nothing standing for almost a mile in every direction. Trees, rocks, parts of the house, all were thrown outwards by whatever occurred there. It can be assumed that Mr. Jend was in the house as witnesses saw him enter the property earlier that evening, and his habit was to stay there until next day. Unfortunately what will take some time to ascertain is whether anyone else was in there with him. Perhaps some of the G.T.M.R. operatives can do further testing.


- Preliminary report from the devastation at the house (and surrounding areas) of Michel Jend, near to Bravil. Investicatar Liiaric Jend (no relation). 15th Sun’s Dusk 3E 483.





Archmage Ormandin,

Thank Julianos I found this first. I believe it’s one of Delphine Jend’s old notebooks. As it’s covered in indestruct wards this makes it a more likely idea. I’ve marked the page I think is relevant, but having read through the notes I must say this - DO NOT READ THE WORDS THERE OUT LOUD! To cut a long story short. I believe it’s a cousin to Delphine Jend’s Enemies Explode spell, but it’s much worse. It could be called a Doomsday spell. Well, for whoever casts it it is anyway.

It’s “I” explode.

If you go by the notes, it’s a Word spell, not quite a Nordic Thu’um as it’s in Altmeri but close enough. Anyway, the effect is, it excites the all the thaumaturgia cells in the body individually, at the same time, and then explodes it all. For a layman that is bad enough...If you - or anyone at the University - did it I suspect there would be little of Imperial City left. I'm going to assume that whoever was in the house with Jend was the one who said the words, as Bravil is still standing.

I’ve sent it to you as quickly as I could, you need to hide it away somewhere. If it got into the wrong hands and all that.

Yours, Lii.

P.S. Jenna says “Hi!”.

- Letter from Liiaric Jend to Archmage Seri Ormandin. 22nd Sun’s Dusk 3E 483.



Archmage Seri Ormandin was having the strangest couple of days. Given what the Altmer had seen in his time, calling these days strange was going some. He’d watched his oldest friend, one that Ormandin had known since the other’s childhood, channel the power of a God to light The Allfire, a magical barrier that somehow protects them from dangers posed by Oblivion and all other dimensions. He’d then volunteered his services to Lady Helen Royal, Chief Hospitalier at the College Hospitalier, to assist the recovery of those most affected by the ritual. With the help of several of Cyrodill’s top healers as well as Sirs Avita and Marn Areldur, Sub-Commander Brellin and himself, all but the high-priest of Zenithar had been saved. Barely. Seri didn’t think it best to mention quite how close to death his friend had been.

Having stayed to see Commander McWylde recover at astounding speed, enough that Helen Royal had released the Commander to his quarters with a roll of her eyes and a “Begone!”, he’d stayed – at Robert’s insistence - to catch up on everything.

Then came the news about Marrick Gellert at Fort Freedom and everything was war planning with McWylde’s wife and top echelon Knights. Once all plans and contingencies had been addressed the two retired once more to McWylde’s apartments.

They had stayed talking in the living room but soon after midnight the Commander had fallen asleep, so the Altmer had seen him covered in a blanket, then suggested that if McWylde’s assistant Tauren came in to complain once more then the Archmage would turn him into a scamp, and then Ormandin allowed his bodyguard get some sleep himself.

The Archmage had sat and read a few of the Commander’s books. He’d just finished Brellin and Sir Gukimir’s proposal for the designs of New Kvatch - which seem to have been followed pretty much as was drawn, though a great deal of New Kvatch was still to be built, with most of the resources so far going into the most important of the buildings – when the Commander had woken. One breakfast later and Archmage Seri Ormandin sat at a table with not only the Commander of the Knights of the Nine, but – apparently – two of the said Nine.

Strange days indeed.

---------------------------

“How dare you call me thus, impudent child.” The God Stendarr’s first words to Tiber Septim had been.

“Oh, so now I’m a child eh?” Septim had grinned, “And we used to be such good friends.”

“Release me,” The God of Mercy’s eyes had glowed, “NOW!”

“No.” Was the simple answer.

McWylde and the Archmage had not dared look at the Gods during all this. Stendarr had appeared at the end of the table when Septim had called. He was the colour of ebony, like one of the nomad tribes of the deep deserts. He was dressed in blue finery, with an aristocratically large hat, complete with gold feather. The tracing on Stendarr’s Jacket kept moving, the golden lines waving along his arm, shoulders and chest like the curtains of an aurora McWylde had seen in Skyrim many years earlier. Robert thought it was this rather than the rage in the God’s eyes that was making him look down at the table.

“Since I’ve been - for want of a better word – back,” said Tiber, “I’ve been finding out what it is I’m actually able to do. You see Robert, the Aedra – The Nine – are all amazing beings, creatures of power that you can scarcely imagine.”

“Well I can imagine quite a lot.” Said the Archmage.

“Silence insect!” Bellowed Stendarr, “You will not talk when in the presence of one God, let alone two!”

Tiber’s face contorted with anger. He raised a hand and then closed it in a fist. Stendarr’s head drooped and he actually whimpered.

Tiber said between his teeth “Do not ever talk to my friends like that again.”

Then in an instant his rage was gone and he released Stendarr. Tiber then said to the Archmage, “Yes, I imagine you can, I can see the power in you. But the power of the Aedra.” He shook his head, “Anyways, what I’ve discovered is this. There are rules, without a capital, and then there’s Rules, with one. And with the exception of a couple of them,” he pointed at the other God, “They haven’t bothered to find out which ones are which. Lazy. So yes, maybe I am a child, but any parent will tell you that children will always try to push the Rules.”

There was a moment of tension. A feeling of the world trying to stretch somehow.

“STOP TRYING TO RUN!” Tiber shouted and was on his feet. “The others agreed to this! You WILL do as you have been commanded by Akatosh. You are supposed to be the God of Mercy for...Um...Our sake. Why did you say no? Not just to him,” Tiber pointed at McWylde, “But all of them?”

“I do not have to explain myself to you.”

There was a thump and then pages rustled as a book was being read. An older man with silver hair, dressed in a fine black suit was by the bookcase. He had intense blue eyes and features which seemed constantly close to either great rage or breaking into a grin.

Tiber smiled and inclined his head in greeting, the other did the same.

“Try me then.” The man - which the three mortals presumed was yet another God - said.

Stendarr looked to the man with something close to fear.

“I...Do not wish to. They have done nothing deserving of our gifts.”

“Really?” Said the newcomer shaking his head, “He and his beat everything that comes at them, sometimes with cost.” He said, pointing to McWylde, then out of the window, “Those people out there in this world that we created do everything we ask...”

“Not everyone.”

“No. Okay, not everyone. But enough. And c’mon, now the Allfire’s lit we can all have a bit of a rest no?” He grinned, then just as quickly, the grin disappeared, “What those people did was at risk of their mortal lives, your own high-priest was one of them, does that not mean something?”

“He does all that is required of him in my name, that should be enough.”

“Idiot. Do as you are told. For all of them Stendarr. I’ve got better things to do.”

With that, he disappeared.

Stendarr looked at Tiber. “The human took the curse on himself. I should not have to do this.”

“Yes,” replied Septim, “Very merciful, condemning an entire line for the actions of one prideful fool years ago, that had absolutely nothing to do with McWylde here. Did it not occur to you that there were two reasons that McWylde had absolutely no choice but to take the curse on himself? One, it was the right thing to do to save that man and his line...A line that really had no reason being cursed in the first place. And two, how the hells else was he going to get the Gauntlets? Hmmm? Stendarr, God of mercy left no choice other than ‘You and yours be damned forever’. Yes, very merciful.

“Remove the curse, now.”

“Damn you.” The God grabbed McWylde’s arm. Stendarr’s eyes glowed briefly.

It was impossible to say exactly how Robert felt. So much power and strength and life flowed through him at that moment. McWylde wanted to launch himself at the God, to make him pay for depriving him of this much of his life.

“Robert. Stay.” Said Tiber, “Stendarr, do you think me a fool? I can see you know? The line...The entire line, forever. Now. Do I have to call Akatosh back? He will be so pleased.”

Stendarr sighed angrily. Grabbed McWylde again and removed the curse forever.

“There will be consequences.” He said.

“There always are,” Said Tiber, “But not from you. If I hear that you are behind so much as a wafted bad smell in the direction of him, his or his friends. I will find you. And there will be war. And I fought many wars before Talos’ many gifts dug their claws into me. Is that clear? We were once friends.” He shook his head, “Do not let me keep you from your gift giving any further.”

And with that, Stendarr was gone.


-----------

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Dec 15 2011, 07:00 AM

[Grits]

The Kotinkipedia is perfect! The ‘Other Terms’ part is a great idea. Thank you for doing it.

Having stayed to see Commander McWylde recover at astounding speed, enough that Helen Royal had released the Commander to his quarters with a roll of her eyes and a “Begone!”,

Robert seems like a person of more than usual vigor even with the curse, and not an easy patient.

I was hoping that Stendarr would show up and do some curse-lifting!! What an attitude on that, uh, god. Stendarr the Reluctantly Merciful. I guess he has to be tough, though, or else it would just be mercy for everyone.

For some reason the names Jend and Jend (no relation) as well as the two Carolines really pleases me. I also like the touch of Skyrim with the aurora. I love when the new game adds more flavor to the world.

I enjoyed the update from Ormandin’s POV. His remarks make me smile, especially when they get him shouted at by a Divine.

And wow, Akatosh. Stendarr’s swirly jacket and Akatosh poking through the bookcase fit very well with my vague ideas that the Divines would be curious and watching their creations, even if not directly involved. Great chapter!!

[Colonel Mustard]

Just read through all of this and I've got to say that I'm enjoying this a lot. All of your characters have some excellent personalities established already, with my personal favourite definitely being Kelleryn and his 'extended family'. The ideas you've got going on here are varied and brilliant, but at the same time aren't that messy, instead somehow keeping together into one cohesive storyline which is so far genuinely interesting and entertaining to read.

If I've got one critique, however, it's that your writing can be somewhat...all over the place. There are a lot of jumps to different perspectives at times, and as these are quite short at times they tend to be a bit confusing; the most prevalent example of this was probably the moment with Madigan, when I found it hard to work out who he was or exactly where the setting was. My advice would be to slow down a bit and flesh out future parts with a bit more description (not too much, mind). It seems to me that you're getting swept away in the flow of the writing, and while that does lead to some wonderful stuff it might be wise to go back once you're done and look at it from a reader's perspective; that should probably be enough to deal with this problem.

Still, it's nothing all that major, and so far the story is progressing very promisingly; I'm looking foward to seeing what comes next.

[Acadian]

Oh, I quite enjoyed this three-way among the gods! The whole thing was very Sheogorathesque but with a wonderful bite. I especially liked when Tiber took Stendarr to task over his silly curse of Kellen’s line that Robert took upon himself – a delightful anchor point to the game. Mocking Stendarr’s mercy was brilliantly done! Glad to see that curse lifted and thanks for letting us know that the god #3 was the Dragon God of Time himself.

[Zalphon]

This is rare... The Nine's conversations in recordings

[jack cloudy]

Go Tiber, go!

I'm not sure what the self-destruct spell has to do with anything, but it was slightly humorous. And slightly worrying, considering that it looks like the Tamriel-equivalent of a nuke spell.

And I think that ingame the curse got lifted. But that was Talos/Tiber there as well. So yeah, Stendarr does come across as a bit of an unpleasant person.

And Grits, the curse is progressive if I remember right. It starts out light, then over the years you get so tired you can't even wiggle a finger.

This post has been edited by jack cloudy: Dec 4 2011, 07:40 PM

[mALX]

This chapter was fascinating! I see now that what I thought was Tiber Septim being evil was just him exerting his power - and that he used it for the good, lol.

Really cool intervention scene - wish that cure of the curse had been so well defined in game !! Awesome worldbuilding, and I agree totally with Grits on what she said - I also felt that the gods had to have an inordinate amount of curiousity and interest whether they intervened and dabbled in people's lives or not.

I do recall that curse being a progressive one for the members of that family, but when the Player took it on it didn't seem to progress at all (that I noticed).

I also have to agree with Grits on McWilde's rambunctiosness in spite of the curse, lol. If that was him in a weak state, all hell will break out once he gets his energies back - watch out anyone who is not on his good side, lol.

I never had much of an opinion either way on Stendarr (having only Oblivion as an example) - but in Skyrim I am finding out that the followers of Stendarr are royal ar$ks - have been tempted a couple times already to "accidentally" end a few of them in their self-righteous uppity-ness with a miss-cast spell, lol.

As always, your beginning letters are a huge highlight for me (sort of like Rachel's poems at the beginning of each of her chapters, lol). They set off the chapter enormously for me, as does your Arch Mage in this story. The undercurrent that is always connected to any sections regarding the Arch Mage is such a subtle humor woven into the story - I love that !!

The tie-in with the three Jends may not have been meant to be funny, but it had me in hysterics.

Also, the description of Stendarr was awesome !! (loved to see his submission/subjectiveness to Talos too, that was great!).

I have to thank you for your character "key" you added to chapter one - that is something I will refer back to till I get the hang of all the regular characters, lol. Awesome Write, and really looking forward to more !!

This post has been edited by mALX: Dec 5 2011, 06:42 PM

[McBadgere]

I read all your comments, I thank you all for them, and shall reply to them later...I know, a weird way of doing things, but there you go... ...I've just got back from the daughter's school's Glee concert and am a bit frazzled...She was brilliant btw...Did Fleetwood Mac's Everywhere...Ace!!...

Right...

New Parts!!!... ...


Previously on KOTNNK...

The forces of good...Well...Several knights anyways...have been cornered by an ancient and presumed extinct magic creature. They are still waiting and seeing what will come next...As is everybody else I think... ...I promise this is the last c*cking about part...Honest...Well...Probably...



1.9 Past.



I first picked up a sword as six. I’d been watching Daddy teaching Farn and Rhano in the back yard, so – of course – I had to have a go too! Daddy smiled then took the far-too-long-for-me-to-carry-sword off me and gave me a little wooden practice one to swing. It was one of the happiest days of my life.

When I was eight he told me, “Cal, I will teach you how to properly use a sword. But...You have to practice hard. Lots. Every day.”

“I will Daddy.”

“I know Cally. But there’s one more thing. You know about magic?”

“Yes.”

“Well, too many people use it to help them make things easier...Like carrying stuff, and running, and –“

“Lighting fires!!”

“Yeesss...Don’t tell your Grandma you did that...She might frown. Anyway, you can use it to help you with swords. But the thing is, if you don’t learn how to do it without magic, one day, you’ll be in a fight and you won’t have your magic. Then you’re dead.”

I’d frowned at that but then he went on.

“I will teach you how to use a sword, but you must never use magic when you practice. When I think you are ready, I’ll teach you how to use that too, but until then...Never...”

And he poked me on the nose and kissed the top of my head.

I never once in ten years used magic to practice. The day I beat Alix, Daddy took me to one side and said, “Now you’re ready.” Well, we couldn’t practice because I was crying so hard!

I love you Daddy. I miss you.



- Taken from “Wylde Girl”, the memoirs of Caroline McWylde. Knight of The Nine. 3E 486.




The blonde haired, blue eyed knight Marcus Jarn woke up and really wished he hadn’t. “No offence sir, but there’s better visions to wake up to. Is Royal still about for one?”

General Carodus Oholin smiled quickly then said “Yes, she’s coming now, and she’s going to have to put that shoulder back in. So I’d be more polite with her yes, Captain?”

“Y’s Sir,” Said Jarn, grimacing. “Sir, I have to report that they may be about to start something.”

The Nord General, Mazkay Dinai pointed towards the other knights and Kelleryn’s projection of the Yskraich and said “Is that your something?”

“Oh...How the hells are they doing that?” Jarn asked about the conjuration.

“Damned if I know.” Shrugged Oholin, “Anything else to report before I leave you to Royal?”

“We’re dead if we stay. There’s more turned up after you came up here. They’ve sent horsemen around that side to cut us off if we try to run. There’s another small-ish force coming around this side to try to get us. We missed two scouts. I saw them get back. Even without this damned Detect Life they’d have known how many we’ve got. Now...” He sighed deeply. “Gods only knows what they’ve got in store for that damned whatever-it-is.

Some kid tried to stop them letting it out. She-who-is-in-charge almost took his head off with her back-hand and released it. She’s an awfully confident lady that one.” Jarn raised an eyebrow, “Maybe we could have Marshal McWylde and Aeirawen wrestle with her before the end sir?”

Oholin snorted despite himself, but raised a finger of admonishment, “Stop drooling, it’s unseemly.”

Just then, Captain Sharneena Royal came through the fort’s entrance. Oholin waved the Orc over. “Royal, excellent. Dinai here will fill you both in on the plan...Such as it is. Royal, you need to put that shoulder back in. No need to be gentle, he’s a big boy now, he can take it.” Oholin looked at Jarn with a raised eyebrow. “Be polite now, ladies present.”


------------------------------------------------------------

“Drell, can you try and look beyond the Yskraich? Down towards that lot?” Caroline asked.

“Oooh...I can try.” J’Drell the Argonian looked beyond the monster down the causeway. “What am I looking for?”

“Just go along the front row, I want to see what we’re facing. See if I know Gellert’s second.”

As each new person was focused on, the projection instantly became them.

“Such an attractive mob,” Said Thedret, “Very dapper in their best slaughtering outfits.”

“Yesss,” J’Drell agreed, “But this all still feels wrong. Why were they all coming here? How convenient was it that Caroline got the info just now? Knowing full well we would come running. And how many of them we would take out before the end? It’s like someone’s trying to take as many problems out at once as they can.”

“Why would Gellert do that? He was here too, remember.” said Thedret.

“He wouldn’t,” said Caroline, “I think he’s been set up too. Dammit...I knew this was too easy after all this time.”

“You can beat yourself up later...” the approaching Carodus started to say.

“Wait!” shouted Caroline. “Go back.”

“How far?” asked a confused J’Drell.

“The last one.”

J’Drell looked back to the previous person. Kelleryn’s projected portrait showed an Imperial woman, in her late thirties, maybe her early forties stared up the causeway with intensity. She locked eyes with J’Drell briefly, started, then passed a hand in front of her face, which changed into that of a man. Not just any man though. Emperor Uriel Septim stared out at them.

“This is for my benefit.” Said J’Drell, “There’s no way she can know about this with Elfling’s gifts.”

That didn’t make Caroline feel any better. She ran through the fort gate and vomited.

Then she screamed.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Carodus watched Caroline go and shook his head. “She was there wasn’t she? At the end.”

“You weren’t there for the trials?” asked J’Drell.

Oholin shook his head. “I was dealing with stuff in Anvil. Tried to keep up using the Courier, but...Must have missed some.” He shrugged.

“Yeah, well,” Thedret continued, “Gellert ordered her killed ‘cause she’d found out what they were about to do, so two of them dragged her down to the lowest levels. One of them tried to rape her, and in the struggle she hit her head pretty bad. By the sounds of it she had concussion. But anyways. In the end, for some reason - Caroline said - that the other Dragon Company soldier killed the would-be rapist but left her locked in the cell. Then along comes the Emperor trying to escape down the tunnels. Well, you know what happened there.”

They heard Caroline scream again, but the purple life detect showed she was alone and so they left her.

“Caroline blames herself for not being able to save Septim because she either kept blacking out or her head injury wouldn’t let her focus her magicks. By the sound of it there were too many Mythic Dawn down there anyway. The pile of bodies that came out of there would make a legend in itself. Between Caroline, the two remaining Blades and The Emperor himself, they killed off enough that would have made a small army. The Dawn really were down to the last man, who then came through a hidden door. Stab an old man in the back. Very noble.”

“She couldn’t have stopped that, back someone into a corner then walk in from behind? No chance.”

The life detecting and head drill spells disappeared.

“The Yskraich’s going back to the woman.” Said J’Drell.

“Right, story time over.” Said Carodus, “Oreyn, stop making Shines and call your Uncles, we need them.”

Just then, Caroline came back. She looked down at the ground. “Sorry. The woman is Misa Treain. She was Gellert’s second-in-command back in the Dragon Company. Seems she’s never left. I’ve seen far more of that woman than I ever wanted to. She’s evil, vicious and brilliant.”

“Well, being good, vicious and brilliant, you’ll take her in a heartbeat won’t you?” said Carodus, “Although I suspect Jarn will pay good money to watch that.”

Caroline laughed and looked over to where the Imperial was being tended to by the Nord General and the Orc Captain.

“He can’t handle a sword” said Oholin, “but we’ll have him and Royal secure the gate. He can be the Respite Port. His Warvoid is probably stronger than even J’Drell here’s...”

“Oooh...Really? That would take some doing. I’ve been using mine for more years than you’ve been alive Oholin.”

“And?” asked the General with a raised eyebrow. “I’ve seen him fend off an entire mine’s worth of Goblins with it. Don’t start getting Warvoid envy now. You can go compare each other’s later...”

“What’s a Warvoid?” asked Kelleryn.

“It would take too long to explain...”

“Massive shield that only lets in what the caster wants,” said Caroline, “usually people. It absorbs magika and health from anyone that’s attacking it directly. Which needs controlling ‘cause you don’t want to take your friend’s. But anyone inside gets healed and their fatigue recharged. Hence the Respite Port. Oh and it also takes the kinetic energy from arrows coming in, turns it into to fire and burns the arrows up, or – and this is where it takes real skill – re-directs the arrows out at another enemy. Oh, and magic attacks recharge it. Unbeatable in the right hands.”

“Yes, and Jarn can keep it up all day...”

Thedret snorted, “Aeira would have a field day with that.”

“I can do that.” Said Kelleryn. Thedret snorted again. The others looked at Oreyn. “The spell, I can do that.”

J’Drell laughed. “Ha-ha-haaa, of course you can Elfling. We really need to talk soon.”

Just then the Wraith and the Ancestor appeared by them. Carodus jumped back. “Dammit!” He sighed and shook his head. “Can we finally get to the point? We’re really out of time here. They are coming. Now.”

“Yes they really are.” J’Drell observed. “Everyone up. They know we’re here, grab your gear. Oh, sorry General.” He flattened his fins to his head. “Force of habit.”

General Carodus Oholin sighed. His faith in the Nine was unshakable. His faith in himself was absolute. His confidence in the abilities of three of the six out here was without question. However we also have an old man, a shy Orc, a – currently - one armed knight and Oreyn...Whatever the hells he was. Oh, and the Uncles.

Still, Carodus had never played it easy. As the three others joined them, he quickly explained the plan to them all.

This was going to be interesting he thought to himself.

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Dec 15 2011, 07:00 AM

[Acadian]

“Caroline blames herself for not being able to save Septim because she either kept blacking out or her head injury wouldn’t let her focus her magicks. By the sound of it there were too many Mythic Dawn down there anyway. The pile of bodies that came out of there would make a legend in itself. Between Caroline, the two remaining Blades and The Emperor himself, they killed off enough that would have made a small army. The Dawn really were down to the last man, who then came through a hidden door. Stab an old man in the back. Very noble.”
I love how you did this, and plugged Caroline right in to the beginning of Oblivion.

’She’s evil, vicious and brilliant.”
“Well, being good, vicious and brilliant, you’ll take her in a heartbeat won’t you?”


Kewl magic shield power!

[Athynae]

WHEW!! Finally got caught up again! Fantastic stuff you've got going here Mac B. I am thoroughly enjoying the exchanges between the characters.

The scenes with Tiber, Stendarr and Akatosh were quite a joy!

Look forward to more, and I'll try to stay caught up....famous last words, lol.

[Grits]

Jarn raised an eyebrow, “Maybe we could have Marshal McWylde and Aeirawen wrestle with her before the end sir?”

Note to self: put down coffee before reading.

“He wouldn’t,” said Caroline, “I think he’s been set up too. Dammit...I knew this was too easy after all this time.”

Aha! And Warvoid envy. I was giggling at the same time I was ooo-ing over the spell. I’m guessing that Kelleryn might give everyone a surprise. It was great to get some background on Caroline, even though some of it upset her. Carodus is right, this is going to get even more interesting!!

[mALX]

The workings of your mind SO remind me of Foxy's !! Your touches of humor pop up in the oddest places - I love that! You manage to slide one subtle line into an intense scene and turn it on its ear! Great Write! Grits already called my fave lines, lol.