I loved your first version of Buffy Fiction - but I have to say Acadian - this is so much better!!!! That break you took has rejuvenated you!!! AWESOME !!!!!

That was a good section of character and world building, you bring the guild to life as a place where people live but don't always stay at as they travel to learn. I liked hearing what they were all doing, it made good reading and gave them real characters and aims, rather than standing around casting the odd spell and waiting for the PC to need them.

Now off to see Tar-Meena and presumably then to azura's shrine which is definately a must for all characters who use enchantments because charging is expensive. Giving us a reason why it costs so much and why you can't do it yourself fills in a rather gaping hole well. It's another thing the unusual tone of this story does, it's both tied to the game but also divergant in other respects (character interactions and the living world), but uses game mechanics as a how to guide. Then occasionally it fills in holes. Certainly it makes complimetary reading.

Well they are High Elves

Also love the description of "nuke it from orbit, it's the only way to be sure" Delphine Jend.

Anxiously awaiting the Azura daedric quest in which she gets another string in her bow, perhaps the last one she needs.

Chapter 21 was the second episode of our seven part miniseries, 'Child of Dawn'. Buffy and Ardaline each realized they are not alone in sometimes envying the appearance of others. Buffy then met with Ita Rienus, the Bravil guild recharger. After discussing and rejecting several possibilities to deal with the challenge of keeping her newly enchanted bow charged, Buffy decided the Daedra Lord Azura may be able to help.

Rider- The Bravil guild does indeed seem like a women's dorm! Yes, the two pretty elves are both dissatisfied with 'what Mara gave them'. Leave it to Kud-Ei, even from the Black Marsh to point that out to them. Thanks for the wonderfully kind words!

hazmick- Most of the important characters in Buffy's life are older and wiser. Ardaline is truly a peer - a young and unsure of herself elf, like Buffy. Goofy, giddy, girly slumber parties and all. Thanks!

treydog- Thank you. It is wonderful having the more mature Buffy sitting on my shoulder to help revise these older portions of her story. I have seen her gradually outgrow the self consciousness about her ears. She is also asking much harder questions that she did not ask in 1.0. "Why can't I learn to recharge my own weapons like Ita does?" is a reasonable question that forced us to ponder the issue.

SubRosa- 'Sweet interlude' - thank you so much. The mages guild, and particularly the Bravil chapter of course, is very important to Buffy the orphan. You are exactly right in assessing our reasoning on the ability to recharge weapons. It is a capability that Buffy can never learn, so we wanted to try and answer, 'why not?'. In some fairness to Ardaline looking so very, very tall - Buffy's height is modified down to the diminutive size of her male Bosmer brethren. So, a picture of the two of them together represents the tallest and shortest characters in her game. Yes, as you can see, Azura plays a role in our plot. Thank you so much for the nit so I could fix it.

mALX- I'm so glad you are enjoying 2.0. At first I was quite intimidated by the concept of heavy revisions, but I have now (with the help of Buffy and our wonderfully supportive friends here on the forum) come to embrace it. Her story will be very recognizable, but with (as you can see) some notable changes.

Olen- Thank you so very much for your kind assessment of the admittedly unique tone and nature of BF. Yes, as you say, we like very much to work with the game physics and mechanics, but beyond that, Buffy can and does take extraordinary liberties - as we will soon see.

MyCat- We have great fun when we write of or for Delphine Jend. She is quite the bubbly bundle of fireballs herself, as well as the Bravil chapter's fashionista. Very astute of you to note the basic tools that Buffy finds necessary to function as a mystic archer. She will need only one more type of trinketry after Azura's Star.




Raising my eyes from the campfire, I glanced westward beyond the peacefully grazing mare. The golden warmth that Superian and I had enjoyed for this last day of our journey was finally yielding to a chill in the air as the treetops of the Jerall Mountains finally claimed the sun. From my pack, I retrieved the copy of 'Modern Heretics' I had borrowed from Tar-Meena at the Mystic Archives. I turned to a key passage.

'. . .the times when Azura would hear petitions, from dusk to dawn, and that the offering required by Azura was glow dust.'

Reaching back into the pack, I exchanged my book for the required sample of will-o-the-wisp remains I had purchased from The Main Ingredient in the Market District.

Standing, I then walked the short distance past Azura's prayerful followers and presented myself before her shrine.

The stone form of a woman towered above me. Her arms were outstretched, a star in one hand and a crescent moon in the other. I reached up and placed my glow dust at Azura's feet, atop the round pedestal upon which she stood. Almost afraid to breathe, I stared up towards her face and waited.

"My hand attended the sunrise marking your birth." The feminine words of the Daedra Lord echoed from everywhere and nowhere. Her voice was somehow soothing, yet penetrated my consciousness as effortlessly as arrows passing through a ghost. "It was I who placed the inevitability of this meeting into your destiny. You are here to perform a service, which holds promise of discovery and reward. Long ago, five of my followers slew the vampire Dratik, but all were infected by the foul creature. Knowing their fate, they sealed themselves in the vampire's lair. Their suffering has weighed heavily upon me, for it has been almost a score of years since I touched your fate to preordain their salvation. Travel to the Gutted Mine. The door will open to you. Bring the peace of death to my followers, and you shall earn my gratitude."

I slowly retraced the few paces to my camp. I was torn between exhilaration and fear as I sat in front of the fire to think. Yes, I had been born at sunrise. The fact that Azura knew this, being a Daedra Lord and all, was no surprise. But why would she care about an insignificant she-elf from Bravil? And I wasn't sure at all that I liked the idea of someone touching my fate. I shrugged. Who could fathom the ways of a Daedra Lord?

Reaching for the copy of 'Modern Heretics', I again leafed through its pages and tried to focus on my purpose here.

'. . .quest, which, if completed, might have earned me the reward of Azura's Star, a Daedric artifact of legendary magical powers.'

Was this Azura's Star the same artifact Ita Rienus had spoken of? A reusable soul gem?

I granted that Ita had warned me of the risks. Tar-Meena had added her cautions as well. I knew little of vampires, having never encountered one. I had heard they possessed deadly strength and speed, favored dark places and could infect others with vampirism. I didn't remember my father at all, but apparently he was a hunter of them.

"Acadian," I began softly, "that we're here in pursuit of some artifact to help keep my bow charged is all my doing. I was so captivated by the idea, that I never asked your opinion. I'm sorry. Now you're stuck here with me, the eve before a battle with vampires. I don't mind telling you that I'm frightened, but of course you can feel that. I can't do this alone. I mean, I know you'll come with me wherever I go, but since I put us both at risk, I want it to be something we agree on. If you think it's a bad idea, my paladin, we will leave here at first light and not return." I stirred the fire with a stick, and stared at the flames for answers.

The paladin's initial response was a question. After a moment, I answered, "Well, I think so. My bow is powerful indeed, but it is for naught if I can't keep it charged. Being my only weapon, it eats a lot of soul gems. I don't know if there really is a good Daedric Prince, but from my research, Azura seems to come closest to that. Her task does indeed seem noble." I nodded my head. "Yes, Acadian. I do want this - but only if we're of one mind."

The moment I uttered the words, 'I do want this,' his decision was instant and unambiguous.

"Thank you, my paladin. I hope I know what we're doing."

A light snow was beginning to fall. I briskly rubbed my shoulders, then slipped on a ring that had a weak enchantment to help guard against the cold. I pitched a tent over my bedroll and staged Superian's tack, as well as my bow and quiver out of the weather. The campfire brightened and sparks jumped as I added several pieces of wood from the large pile I had gathered. Hopefully, the fire would survive the night.

I pulled the furs of a bear and wolf from Superian's saddlebags, then led the mare under the partial protection of a tree. With strips of leather, I carefully secured the bear pelt to her back for the night. Returning to the tent, I tugged off my clothes and crawled into the bedroll. After dragging the wolf pelt in with me, I twirled myself up into a little ball.

*

The morning sun provided scant warmth to augment the leather cuirass and greaves I wore. Snow crunched under hooves as we made our way up the short path to Gutted Mine.

When we arrived, I slid to the ground and patted Superian's shoulder as she rubbed the side of her long nose against my head. After a few moments, I steeled myself to approach the mine's entrance.

The ancient wooden door shimmered softly. Upon the touch of my hand, Azura's warding dissipated. As I drew the bow from my back, it responded with a brief glow of its own. The weapon had yet to be tested against a serious foe, but I was pretty sure that was about to change. I cast a spell, then blew a kiss over my shoulder to the massive pink glow that was now Superian.

I quietly entered the mine.

Patiently, I crouched in the cold dimness allowing my eyes to adjust. The air smelled of ancient dust, stone and the staleness of being sealed up for many years.

A subtle, but dark sensation grew within me, like vines silently grasping at the branches of a sapling. This feeling of an ominous presence was strangely familiar. I recalled the unforgettable sensation once before, as Superian and I had passed close to Castle Skingrad before my time at the University. I shrugged off the feeling now, as I did then, to perhaps something from my dinner that didn't agree with me.

A straight tunnel lay before me and there was one life sign ahead - distinctly humanoid. At the end of the tunnel, beyond the pink glow, appeared a soft flicker of light, perhaps from a wall torch or sconce. I crept forward.

The thin tautness against my shin alerted me, but not before the tripwire snapped. I frantically spun around and threw myself to the ground. After a moment, I lifted my face and looked back over my shoulder. I could see the spiked metal ball still slowly swinging from its chain. The trap had made little noise. Quietly regaining my feet, I waited for the pounding of my heart to slow.

The life sign ahead started moving towards me. The glow stopped, perhaps ten paces away, and I heard a voice that was as feminine as one could expect from an Orsimer. "Although you do not show yourself, I can smell your presence. Tell me, can you somehow sense me as well? Are the legends true?" I heard the unmistakably chilling sound of steel slowly scraping free of scabbard. The orc then resumed her advance.

Confused by her words and panicked at her approach, I lifted a glowing fist and disappeared. Pressing myself tightly against the shadowy wall of the stone tunnel, I tried to breathe silently.

The steel-clad orc slowly continued past me, long sword at the ready. Before she was ten paces beyond me, she stopped and sniffed the air.

I was glad my selection of arrows included both broadheads and a small number of arrows with bodkin-shaped hardened tips that were enchanted to weaken and pierce armor. Thanks to my partitioned quiver and the relentless drilling of Boderi Farano, I was quite adept at using differences in shaft length and fletching to quickly select my desired arrow.

I didn't wait for the orc to turn around. My arrow pierced the back of her cuirass and I was reaching towards my quiver for another. That the orc remained standing after being struck by the powerful bow was testimony to the stoutness of her race. The enchantments did stun her however. As she staggered to face me, the left side of her chest was pierced by my second arrow. The intentional off-center impact spun her around violently. Still, she remained on her feet.

As she again turned to face me, her roar of pain and rage echoed down the tunnel. Leveling the tip of her blade, she charged.

By now I had nocked my third arrow, opting for a riskier shot using a broadhead; however, at this range I knew I couldn't miss.

As soon as I released my bowstring, I heard facial bones cracking. The orc's head snapped back and the tail of my arrow, now deeply imbedded in her face, scraped the low ceiling of the tunnel. Dead on her feet, her massive body fell away from me. The pink glow was gone even before I heard the clatter of steel meeting stone.

Recasting my spell, I verified there were no nearby life signs. I slowly exhaled into the silence. Only then did I allow myself to feel, instead of just thinking and acting as I had been trained. Tremors of fear and relief washed over me as my heart gradually slowed its pounding. I lowered a hand to check, and noted with some satisfaction that my greaves were dry.

After several minutes in the dark, I slipped on a ring that provided a small radius of illumination around me. The ring of light was less bulky than a torch. It could also be quickly removed if necessary - faster than dispelling a cast light effect. I knelt to inspect the body.

The Orsimer features were strangely distorted and her skin was a pale green. So, Buffy, this is a vampire. I searched the body and collected some of the dust that covered her corpse. Removing the ring, I returned to the dim shadows. That strange sense of ominous presence had lessened with the vampire's death.

I recalled her words. She could smell me?

I had bathed in the cold waters of Lake Arrius just the day before. I ran my nose along one arm. After undoing a couple of the top buckles, I sniffed inside my cuirass. Finally, I whispered indignantly, "I hardly smell badly."

Poor Buffy still can't tell the difference between smell and stink!!!

Exciting, the fight was very good, it showed her using her brain to win the fight. All that training must be paying off though I noticed that she didn't use any poison or spells, just the bow. Nicely written too, lots of quoitables.


I shall restrain myself to just this line. I love it, and it fits her perfectly.


It appears she has some ability to sense vampires. And there's legends about it maybe. Could Azura be behind this, or perhaps a family thing seeing as her father hunted them. And what became of him anyway... There were enough hooks liad in this part to land a barrel of fish.

The final line is so Buffy.

Nit:
That strange sense of ominous presence had lessoned with the vampire's death. - lessened?

Finally, Buffy the vampire slayer. If she meets the count of Skingrad I hope she will control herself, he is such a kind person. I loved your description of wrapping Superian in bear fur, and the description of the vampires face.

Delightful, evocative imagery in both these passages.





The training that no one at the Arcane wants to talk about- bladder control. Perhaps Buffy should follow one of the primary rules for reading Maxical- and Ada- and Adryn- and Edward- and Ra'Jirra before she enters dangerous places.

Buffy has a bit to learn about how vampires hunt- she needs to combine her knowledge of forest creatures with the fact that vampires are hunters, too. And all the best hunters (except men and mer) have superb olfactory senses.

The nugget that Buffy’s father was a vampire hunter adds a great deal to this quest.

Buffy's decision to consult her paladin after- not ignoring him- (perhaps becoming overly-focused on her goal?)- was a very nice touch. And his Socratic response- unwritten, but clear from the context, was also an illustration that our bow-girl is her own person, most definitely NOT a paper doll.

Nits:



The chill must have affected the typist’s fingers, as well…



For some reason, this does not scan for me. It was not the bow that allowed her to stand, but her innate strength. How about:

“That the orc remained standing even after being struck by the powerful bow was testimony….”



Probably preference rather than rule, but I would expect to see “cast” here.



“lessened”

Like Buffy, I had no problem with the first vampire just within the entrance, and like Buffy, I killed her much the same way (attacking from ambush, not necessarily with a bow). Please tell Buffy to be careful - they get harder the deeper you go. The last two down in the bowels are difficult, mostly because the layout of the place makes it hard to get a clear shot from a safe distance. Perhaps Old Bones could be helpful? Just a suggestion.

That closing paragraph made me laugh out loud! How many of us have done just that? Oh, and checking the greaves for wet spots is classic Buffy! Whew, not this time, or she'd be far more stinky!

the treetops of the Jerall Mountains finally claimed the sun
This was a lovely turn of phrase.

I love how you worked Azura into Buffy's past, making this quest almost her birthright. It changes it from being just a quest to get a magic goodie to something personal. It also makes me wonder if we will see more of Azura in Buffy's future.

The use of the Resist Cold ring was a good touch for sleeping in the winter. It is one I have never gotten around to in the TF, but will be there sooner or later.

A subtle, but dark sensation grew within me, like vines silently grasping at the branches of a sapling. This feeling of an ominous presence was strangely familiar. I recalled the unforgettable sensation once before, as Superian and I had passed close to Castle Skingrad before my time at the University.
Dum, Da, Dum, Dum! Here is a bit of foreshadowing! One wonders if Buffy's strange feeling is somehow related to being touched by a Daedric Princess?

A heart-pounding battle with the first vampire! More foreshadowing of Buffy's strange feeling in her dialogue, and lovely touch of her being able to smell Buffy's warm blood. My only possible nit is on using the term bodkin for Buffy's armor-piercing arrows. Archaeology has found that bodkins were made of iron, so in spite of their drill-like shape, they were too soft to pierce armor. It was a relatively narrow, barbed type made of steel that the English appeared to use against armored targets. I suggest simply using a more generic term for Buffy's armor-piercers, as you do with her broad-heads.

And finally, dry greaves! Yay for Buffy!

By the Nine!

No, by Azura! by Azura, by Azura!

You should write a comedy.

Now let me see, where was I?

Grey Melbourne day – check.
Hot cup of tea in hands – check.
Catching up on one of my favourite girls on the net – check.

Who said that only Kud-Ei could have that sort of fun?!!

18 -
I can see that Buffy is certainly progressing beautifully with her bow skills and illusion. Boderi is exactly the task master that Buffy needs. Combine that with the love and friendship of Daenlin and that is a deadly combination.


I remember when I first played Oblivion I could never understand the point of having a door in the Uni that I couldn’t use. Eventually I went to uesp and realized that it was part of the add-on. Lol.

I have been wondering for some time when the screenpics would come back?? I really miss that addition to the journal. Thanks for the Uni yearbook!!

19 –
A placid guard dog?!! That is certainly a first. There must have been a sedative in the deer meat he was stealing from the fire. Lol. It was a lovely idea to show more of the caring side of Buffy. She only kills when there is justification. Very interesting what you say about facing them unarmed. I must try that!


Delightful writing! After her meeting with Falcar I can understand Buffy’s apprehension.

20 –


A beautiful line!


A cool bit of background here. Daenlin doesn’t want to juggle soul gems and decides to palm the bow off onto his customers. At an exorbitant price, of course!


Buffy’s disconnected thinking and speech pattern always makes me smile. The depth of her character really comes across in your writing. Bravo!

21 –

Very clever interpose. It worked perfectly in the conversation!!

I also loved the smooth working in of the Azura quest. Everything here flows naturally onwards. Awesome!!

22 –
Delightful use of description in the Gutted Mine. You really nailed the creepy, claustrophobic feel of that place. And that first wire trap is something that all silent, sneaky characters seem to hit (at least those who do not use night-eye). The accidental tripping of it really allowed you to bring the first encounter alive, especially this –


Wow! The huge, female orc just about to turn around and face Buffy. That is a moment straight out of Hollywood. Very atmospheric!!


My first impression is that this is because Buffy used a wolf pelt to sleep under the night before.
Right or wrong? Now I am not sure!!

Sorry about the large post, brother. Have I been gone that long??!!

That scene with the vampire was a huge opening for this quest - Awesome !!!!!

Chapter 22 was the third episode of our seven part miniseries, 'Child of Dawn'. Buffy entered the Gutted Mine on behalf of Azura. The words of the Daedra Lord, and Buffy's first ever encounter with a vampire left her quite confused by things she doesn't understand.

Foxy- Buffy is quite concerned about what she might smell like to these vampires - and confused as to why they can smell her at all.

Olen- Thank you for highlighting this: "I hope I know what we're doing." I smile when I contrast that to her words from back in chapter two as I realize how much Buffy is growing: "Acadian, I sure hope you know what we're doing."

Her fight with the vampire was indeed pure bow. Things moved a little too quickly to apply a poison, and she often makes mistakes when she gets rattled or surprised. My hope was also to demonstrate that a lesser bow may have caused Buffy to lose that fight. I love your reference to laying lots of hooks. Buffy is horribly confused and will become more so before answers are forthcoming to her. I am hoping her readers are able to share in some of her confusion at this point. One thing I will confess is that we have no plans to delve into the mystery of Buffy's father. He is presumed missing as a result of his dangerous profession.

hazmick- I'm glad you liked the 'horse blanket'. I was trying to use Buffy's actions to show both the cold and how much she cares for her precious mare. Thanks so much for catching my typo.

treydog- Thank you for the wonderful words. Although Buffy revealed her father to be a Breton vampire hunter in chapter one, that was such a long time ago, and considering the current context of a pending vampire fight, I thought it wise to mention here as well. More coming up on how and why those pesky vampires seem to be able to smell Buffy. Similar to King Rislav's 'Call of Corsair', we will be manipulating small threads of lore into a hopefully plausible tapestry of Buffy Fiction. Thank you for the nits. I so appreciate you pointing them out so I could fix them.

Rider- I'm touched at your concern for Buffy as she progresses into the more dangerous parts of that mine - tough indeed for a no-melee archer. No doubt, Buffy will learn from her first fight and adapt. I expect she will make some mistakes as well - especially if she gets rattled. That her greaves are dry so far, is encouraging methinks. Thank you!

SubRosa- Thank you for the kind words. Yes, foreshadowing. From the uncomfortable feeling passing Castle Skingrad to events well beyond Book 1. Aside from hopefully earning a nifty trinket, Buffy will learn something about who she is. What she learns will not dominate her story, it will simply become a part of her.

Bodkins. I worked with your suggestions and will continue as we move forward. I had used the term 'bodkin points' without elaboration to try and save some words. I agree that 'bodkin points' is a pretty precise term that could certainly conjure iron earth arrows. I will try and use terms that better and more generically describe the aspects that pierce armor in BF:
1. Hardened materials or alloys that avoid excess brittleness. Tamriel has plenty of that.
2. A slender pointed tip that is short enough to avoid being bent or broken on impact. I actually quite like the root word 'bodkin' (dagger, awl, piercing tool, needle) to concisely describe the general shape while retaining a 'medieval fantasy' feel. Bodkin sounds better than sharp pointy thing to me. Similarly, excess use of 'armor piercing' reminds me of depleted uranium antitank rounds.
3. As arrowhead material becomes more sophisticated, so does armor. The equalizer is a mild disintegrate armor enchantment on the arrows themselves. Expensive, but worth it when needed.
As always, you really make me think through things. Thank you so much for your suggestions and helping me to improve BF!

Wolf- Thank you so much for the wonderfully encouraging words, my friend. That vampires can smell Buffy is not related to her warm blood or sleeping wrapped in a wolf pelt. Buffy is quite confused and more than a little concerned about that. More clues coming up.

mALX- Thank you for the kind words regarding the fight! I tried to build it around a very clear, even cinematic image in my mind.




As I crept into the small cavern, a pair of life signs began to glow from beyond the walls around me. I turned down a corridor to my left, but quickly discovered it was a dead end. Retracing my steps, I paused as I noted the only other exit from this chamber. The life signs were quite close within the maze of tunnels. I could hear women's voices echoing quietly through the rock, and strained to listen.

"Do you smell it, Nille? The scent of nightshade flowers where none grow."

"Aye, and it frightens me, for we both know who and what that hearkens. That which we have waited so long for now draws nigh. Only Our Lady Azura could unseal the wards to this wretched mine. I want the foul darkness that infests us destroyed - I want to fully die at last."

"I feel the same, sister. My spirit aches for salvation, yet I know the beast within me will try to kill the very messenger of death that Our Lady so mercifully sends."

"Please, Azura, allow the vampires within us to fall today. Let's go, Avita."

The glows were now moving my way and I didn't have time to deal with the swirling questions in my head. As they drew closer, the uncomfortable sensation that I now believed alerted me to vampires grew stronger.

I crouched and waited. The two glows rounded a stony corner and emerged in the same cavern as I. Forming a soft emerald globe, I loosed it at the closer vampire.

As the magic of illusion engulfed my target, the spell momentarily displayed the fur of her armor. She raised a short sword and snarled at her companion, "Jump on my blade while you can!"

The other vampire frantically shouted, "Nille! I'm on your side!" She then drew a dagger and spiked a fist above her head. I recognized the burst of white magic as a shield. As it descended, her simple skirt and blouse were briefly illuminated.

With the arcane display of lights complete, the mine was plunged again into near darkness. It was difficult to follow the cursing, swirling pink glows. I poisoned a broadhead arrow, set it to the nock and waited. Blades clashed repeatedly amidst cries of pain and anger.

The dance suddenly stopped with a loud moan, as one of the life forces faded and fell. I immediately loosed my arrow into the remaining glow. She was knocked to the ground, her short sword clattering across the stone floor of the mine. Before I could nock another arrow, she spoke to me. "My spirit will soon be free." The voice was Nordic, but soft and pained. "I thank you for my salva. . . ."

Her pink glow had yielded to my poison.

I quivered the arrow, then refreshed my spell. There were no life signs within range. The dark presence I felt was weaker - but not gone.

I donned my ring of light. The faces of the Imperial and Nord women were clearly disfigured. It was easier to see the vampiric characteristics on these women than it had been on the orc. Their skin color was odd. It was not the creamy white that one saw on noble ladies who despised the sun kissing their skin; rather, the vampires' complexions were almost a pale gray. The gaunt hollowness of their lower faces emphasized prominent cheekbones. With my thumb, I lifted the upper lip of one of the women to reveal small fangs. Similarly, I raised an eyelid to display an unusual pink eye color. These were features I would not forget.

By now I was convinced that I could sense vampires, and that they could smell me. The idea terrified me - the bowgirl who relied so heavily on remaining hidden. Nightshade? There was none currently in my pack, nor did any of my current batch of poisons contain its lethal toxin. I tried to console myself. Nightshade was pretty, and there were certainly worse smells to be associated with - troll dung or a beached slaughterfish in the sun came to mind.

As I collected vampire dust from the corpses, a thought occurred. Daenlin had taught me how to disguise my scent when hunting. It wasn't a very pleasant thing, but I wondered. . . . I rubbed myself down with vampire dust, then slid off my ring and melted back into the dark stone walls.

After more searching of the mine I found myself in another small chamber. Even through the rock walls between us, I knew the glow on the other side was a vampire. Exploring the tiny cavern revealed two dead ends and a rope with a weighted handle hanging from the ceiling. I pulled it, then quickly faded back into shadow. Part of the rock wall lowered, to the sound of stone scraping stone.

After the dust created by the moving rocks settled, I quietly proceeded into the newly revealed tunnel. The vampire's glow had retreated deeper into the mine. I wondered if my scent disguise was working, or if perhaps I was being led into a trap.

I cautiously entered the next chamber. This one was softly illuminated by several flickering candle lamps suspended from the ceiling.

The retreating vampire had joined the newly blossomed glow of another. They were quite near, but obscured by numerous support beams, tangled tree roots and rocky outcroppings. Getting a clear shot here would be difficult. I studied the pair of glows while pondering how to deal with this.

One of the shapes was very tall and slender like a high elf. The other was almost as tall, but quite massive - perhaps a Nord or Orsimer.

Patience bore fruit, as one of my foes crept into view. With her bow drawn, she scanned the cavern suspiciously. She was indeed an Altmer, and clad in a black robe. A green trail swirled from my fingertips and blended with the pink glow. Convinced to temporarily join my cause, she shouldered her bow, drew a short sword, and charged back towards her massive companion, yelling threats.

My right hand sought the quiver on my back, then hovered indecisively. It was Acadian that guided my fingers to the tail of an arrow that could pierce heavy armor. They were expensive and there were only a few in my quiver, but I didn't question his judgment. We didn't know what might come out of that cavern and it was best to be ready for anything. The slender, hardened tip was enchanted to weaken armor at the point of impact and improve penetration. I quickly coated the arrowhead with poison and fitted the nock to my bowstring.

By now the two vampires had set upon each other. The tall slender glow of the Altmer that I had commanded was quickly extinguished. The remaining vampire had not only summarily killed her, but was now racing my way!

Ah, HEAT warheads on arrows, eh? Quite the touch friend Acadian!!

I liked the eavesdropped interaction between the two vampires. We both learn more clues about Lady Nightshade, a.k.a Buffy the Bowgirl Vampire Slayer, and had the opportunity to see the pair as people rather than simple monsters. The reference one makes to the beast within her was classic vampire lore. A good touch to add as it explains that they are driven to commit horrors by something monstrous within them which they cannot control.

We also see an example of excellent tactics to use in the game. Cast a Frenzy on one of a pair, then wait in hiding and shoot the one that is left.

At the first mention of Daenlin teaching Buffy to disguise her scent, I was wondering if she was going to cover herself in deer urine!

The idea of Disintegrate Armor on an arrow is an excellent one! The game has arrows that do elemental damage in it already. It would be natural though for all manner of effects to be possible. How about a Damage Fatigue arrow on a blunt point (knockout arrows), or a Dispel Magic arrow to use against people wearing bound armor, weapons, or shield spells? Sadly they do not give us any way of enchanting arrows ourselves. Sounds like a good idea for a mod though...

I always get excited about Buffy using the frenzy - and never remember to do it when playing! ARGH! Great addition to the series!

This was an exciting continuation to the quest for Azura’s Star. I liked everything about it, from the revealing dialogue between two of the vampires, to Buffy’s contemplation of her apparent “vampire-sense.”

The combined magic and archery show that our elf has learned some useful tactics.

Perhaps the most “Buffy” moment of all was:



"Well, perhaps I smell, but at least I don’t stink!"

And, to quote mALX- Cliff-hanger! AARGH!

Loves it!!

This chapter catches Buffy's true persona. And I always wondered what vampires did when you cast a Frenzy spell and now I know...

Outstanding description of the quest. I think you did a great job describing the mess that is the basement of the mine. Buffy's Frenzy spell is one I never think to use when confronting more than one enemy. Geez!

And another cliffhanger! Don't keep us waiting too long!

It's important to improve penetration, wait...ignore that.

that was a good chapter, brilliant descriptions of spells and arrowheads. rubbing vamp dust on Buffy was a good touch, and a new fashion statement perhaps? we'll see.

The vampires talking to one another and asking for death was a good touch, quite emotional.

Exciting stuff there, quite a choreographed feel to it and some clever use of tactics. Well described too which was most enjoyable. Disintegrate armour on an arrowhead, there's an idea. You could even put frenzy on one, or turn undead (there's a spell I never think to use).


Oh dear. That's sooo last year. Just everyone uses nighteye now, it's the in thing.

My only slight confusion was at the vampires, while I liked the way you showed them as people and understand that they might attack prey on sight I don't get why, given that they want to be defeated, they didn't damage their own equipment or something like that to make them easier to kill (or kill eachother even?). Just an observation.

Another Buffy Chapter, another laugh.

Bring peace to the poor tormented vampires.... okies *twack*
Wonderful as always

Chapter 23 was the fourth episode of the seven part 'Child of Dawn'. Buffy continued deep into Gutted Mine, destroying vampires on behalf of Azura. We left the bowgirl with a cliffhanger; it seemed she was being charged by a very large, very fast vampire.

All- Buffy did indeed major in illusion at Boderi's Academy of Mystic Archery. The take away of course is that she is getting rather adept at manipulating the minds of her foes in a variety of ways. Although similar in some ways to frenzy, she was actually using the command humanoid effect in the above episode. A frenzied target will attack the nearest actor, requiring distance considerations to ensure the target does not attack Buffy. It works of course, but can be a tad risky in close quarters. A commanded target will only attack Buffy's enemies - even leaving her side to seek out nearby foes. If there are no nearby enemies, the commanded target simply stands calmly, allowing Buffy to attack up to three times before turning hostile.

I try to resist saying something like 'cast a command humanoid spell', although I came close at the end of the above story with: 'The tall slender glow of the Altmer that I had commanded was quickly extinguished.' I suspect any confusion may have been a combination of my vague wording the first time Buffy used the spell, and the well-known popularity of frenzy for starting fights. Forgive me for perhaps being a touch vague in describing the effects of her spells sometimes - I will try to creatively and more accurately suggest the intended effect in the future, thanks to the wonderful feedback here.

Foxy- Thank you. When fighting heavy metal foes, and I caution Buffy that a longbow is a poor tool for piercing plate armor, she smirks, reaches into her quiver and says, "Watch this!" - I just had to figure out a somewhat plausible explanation.

SubRosa- Thank you so very much for drawing out the tortured duality of those vampires. Nille and Avita hated what they were, but struggled unsuccessfully against the urges and self preservation of the beasts within. They found themselves unable to undermine or intentionally lose the fight to Buffy.

Disguising herself while hunting - yup, you were thinking just like Buffy; she couldn't find any vampire urine, so she settled for their dust. It seems a little inconclusive, but Buffy thinks it worked.

I thank you for the inspiration you provided that led us to come up with disintegrate armor as part of the whole armor piercing arrow explanation.

mALX- Thank you! Buffy forgets lots of things in the heat of battle too, but her focus is on bow + illusion so she usually does ok with those. She has trouble trying to remember that sometimes a summons can help though, so we know what you mean.

treydog- Thank you. Yes, I was hoping for some display of her fancy University training as well as trying to deepen the mystery - or in her case raving confusion - over the whole business of vampires and how they relate to Buffy. Despite being in a scary dungeon with more important things to worry about, Buffy was relieved that if she had to smell, at least it was like a pretty (albeit lethal) flower.

Zerker- I'm so glad you're enjoying this!

Rider- Thank you. Your warnings to not underestimate that dungeon are wise indeed. As you say, it's a tough layout with a tough crowd. Whew! It looks like four of the beasts are down. By Buffy's count, only one left. How hard can it be? *nervous gulp*

hazmick- Thanks! I'm so glad you enjoyed Buffy's tricks, and that we were able to bring a little depth to the vampires.

Olen- Thanks of the nice words on tactics. On night eye, Buffy's preference in dungeons is to use ambient light, seeing her world primarily as pink glows. Her vulnerability with this is approach is traps - by moving slowly and knowing this weakness, she can usually (ouch) find them before they find her. She carries a couple torches and her rings of light and night eye. She typically eschews the torches and dons one of the rings only when needed. In this case she wanted to see the true colors as she examined her defeated foes, unhindered by that blue cast. She tends to use the night eye ring when she needs to examine something, and there are foes nearby - also for underwater work sometimes. Night eye is certainly a wonderful tool though.

The vampires longed for defeat indeed. I suspect they were extremely limited in their ability to undermine themselves for several reasons:
1. The humanity that remained within them was overpowered by the powerful urges and survival instincts of the vampiric beasts within.
2. If they gave up or killed each other off, the quest would be no fun.
3. If they took off their armor and attacked in their underwear, it would add a severely humorous aspect to a serious quest.

Zalphon- Thanks! I'm glad you're finding some humor in our bowgirl's misadventures.

Remko- Thank you for the kind words!


The pink glow was big all right - and despite the rattle and metallic clanking that sounded like plates of heavy armor, the vampire was approaching at an astonishing speed.

As he stormed from his cavern and presented a clear shot, I drew the silk bowstring to my cheek and loosed the enchanted arrow. The slender, hardened arrowhead pierced the steel of the orc's cuirass with a small burst of orange magic. The impact, along with my bow's enchantment, stopped the armored monster in his tracks. I could see his green skin darkening, as my poison quickly flowed into his body. My hand was already sliding a second arrow of the same type from my quiver.

The bow's drain speed effect was powerful, but of short duration. The orc shook his head as if to dispel confusion, then resumed his charge.

By the time he advanced a few more paces, I had loosed my next arrow. He again staggered briefly, then relentlessly continued his rush towards me.

He was too close for a third arrow now. The dancing cobra, that had decisively turned the tide of several fights to my favor, swirled from the fingertips of my right hand. In addition to its poison-like damage I figured it would put the orc on the ground for a few seconds - long enough for me to bring my bow to bear again and even call forth a command spell if needed.

I stood in horror as the vampire ignored the paralyze effect, his charge unabated. Pale red eyes clearly reflected torment and fury as the long sword in his right hand swept straight out to one side, preparing to swing.

My left hand came up as Daenlin had taught me. Simultaneously, Boderi Farano's training caused white magic to flash into my bow, strengthening it to meet the oncoming attack. I braced myself to block, even as I began to form a spell that could command the vampire.

The orc's horizontal slash mercifully slammed into one of the nearby wooden support beams with a thunderous explosion of splinters and dust. The mountain of green flesh and heavy armor bearing down on me however, did not stop. His body struck my reinforced bow and I was swept from my feet. The growing spell in my right hand fizzled as the vampire's momentum drove both of us into the wall behind me.

There was a flash of light, then I was swallowed by silent blackness.

I was fighting to breathe as I awoke under a crushing weight. Struggling, I managed to push and shove the dead monster that covered me until I could gratefully fill my lungs. Then I kicked and wormed my legs out from underneath the orc until I was able to sit up. I drew both knees to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. My shaking became uncontrollable, then turned to sobs.

Tears eventually yielded to the realization that I sensed no more vampires here.

Everything hurt. A pair of soothing potions eased some of the pain. I ran both hands over myself to make sure I still had all my parts. There was a small amount of blood from around my neck and right shoulder - probably just scratches. Miraculously, nothing seemed broken. Boderi had insisted that my bow-blocking spell include a shielding effect for my body. I figured that explained why I had survived being caught between a charging orc and a rock wall. And yes, somehow my greaves were still dry.

I stared, in awed amazement, at the body of the orcish vampire sprawled next to me. Extending my thumb and fingers as I counted, I tried to add up how much it had taken to kill him: Whatever harm his companion did; one poison; two arrows, each with my powerful bow's enchantments; and finally, the venom from Cobra's Dance. I slowly shook my head, figuring he must have died about the time he drove me into that wall.

"Worthy foes? I damn well guess they are!" I inspected the mighty bow that had staggered, delayed, knocked down, burned and killed its way through this den of vampires. I would not have survived with a lesser weapon. Even now, it was undamaged and had over half its powerful charges remaining. It didn't seem right to thank Mara for the dark magic I had employed to enchant the bow, but I certainly had no lingering doubts about my choices.

I tried standing. My head began to swirl and I quickly grasped a support beam to steady myself. I could feel something else. . . coursing through me, as if carried by my very blood. Something evil. I cast my healing spell several times. My arms, legs and even my head felt better, but the sick feeling was still there.

I looked at the dead vampire before me and was struck by a chilling thought. Was I a vampire now? Would I need to seal up the exit and spend eternity here in the cold tunnels of Gutted Mine? I opened my mouth and ran my fingers along my teeth - no fangs. How much time did I have?

My mind started racing. Who would take care of Superian? Would Acadian stay with me? What about - Buffy, stop it! Take a deep breath and think.

I took my advice.

Ok. I remembered from my restoration classes that vampirism was a disease. Could it be cured? I quickly dug through my pack until I found the root of a mandrake plant. I hoped it would purge this disease as it had cured other minor illnesses for me. After a few bites, I chased the bitter taste with another soothing potion. Quickly, I could feel my body rejecting the evil. "Thank you, Mara," I whispered.

I turned my attention back to the orc, I recalled him charging right through Cobra's Dance. It had very nearly cost my life to learn that vampires cannot be paralyzed. A search revealed an ancient parchment note around his neck. I carried it closer to one of the suspended candle lanterns.

'My name is Ghola gro-Muzgol. My companions' names are Aranalda, Nille Elf-Daughter, Avita Cassiana, and Umar gra-Khar. The vampire Dratik died by our hands, but the price was dear. Those into whose hands we have fallen, we thank you, and pray your favor. We served Lady Azura. Bring these, our last words, to Her Shrine. We praise Her with the full fountain of our devotion. Our destinies were written in the stars, that our souls and reason be slain, and our world lost forever. None can escape Her Fate. But let us be remembered at Her shrine, and in the hearts of Her servants. It is only by fate that any life ends, and only by chance that it is mine. . . not yours.'

The cutting edge of Ghola's long sword was still deeply embedded in the support column that had intervened on my behalf. With both hands on the grip, and one foot against the wooden beam, I tugged and wrestled the blade free. Gently, I laid it next to the noble orc who had come so close to killing me. "Be at ease, Ghola, you are free now." I then commended his spirit, and those of his companions to both Mara and Azura.

I hoped that the chamber in which Ghola had killed that Altmeri archer - I guessed from the note that her name was Aranalda - was the last area of this mine to be searched. Perhaps I would find answers there. So much had happened that I didn't understand. "Acadian, although you can't read my mind, I know that you can see my actions and feel what I feel. Can you sense the discomfort within me when vampires are near?"

He could.

"It seems they can detect me as well, only by scent - they said I smell like nightshade to them. Remember that first orc asked me if the legends were true? Those two women I overheard called me a messenger of death. Acadian, all this is making my head spin! Do you understand any of it?"

The old paladin was as mystified as I, which further deepened my concern.

"Who am I?" I then shuddered as I added what was probably a better question: "What am I?"

From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

Woo eee...


Ok, heart pounding less now. Can write...

PHEW that was...CLOSE!!!


And I LOVED that screenshot. How the heck did you make that Orc so big? He's easily THRICE Buffy's weight!!! And how did you get that pose???

Acadian! Please don’t scare me like that! First, the charging mountain of a vampire-orc smashes into our tiny elf. (My greaves stayed dry after that- barely.) And then she finds blood- on her neck!- and I’m thinking “Oh, dear,” (or words to that effect.) And now she feels something swimming in her veins. Thank the Nine for her University training and the mandrake root.

As is so often the case, if I highlighted everything I liked, I would simply reprint the entire episode. But if I must choose:



That is so typical of our bow-girl- thinking of her horse and her paladin…. But then we see her growing ability to use reason instead of simply reacting.



Simply wonderful.



One problem solved, and a deeper mystery presents itself.

This whole installment was brilliantly written. I think I need to go lie down until my heart stops trying to gallop out of my chest.

I love that screenshot !!!!!! It took me forever to see Buffy - HOW did you do that? ARGH! AWESOME chapter!!!!

"I cast my healing spell, my legs, my arms, even my head felt better. But the sick feeling was still there." Excellent view on how heal spells work.

When fighting heavy metal foes,
This made me imagine Buffy fighting Judas Priest or Iron Maiden...

The slender, hardened arrowhead pierced the steel of the orc's cuirass with a small burst of orange magic. The impact, along with my bow's enchantment, stopped the armored monster in his tracks. I could see his green skin darkening, as my poison quickly flowed into his body.
A very eloquent way of describing the armor-piercing arrow, as well as the game mechanic of turning green when poisoned.

Phew, that was a close fight! Poor Buffy learned that vampires are immune lots of things, including paralysis, and learned the full value of Boderi's training. Likewise, she was a smart vampire hunter, and brought a cure disease with her her.

Finally, we leave Buffy confronting this new, strange relationship she has with vampires. You certainly leave plenty of room open there!

phew, too close. I know she will reject the idea of a sword but could you have a word with Buffy about getting something to re-enforce her bow---even if it's a dagger or some destruction magic.

good screenshot to finish, more please.

Now that was an exhilerating part. And a lesson in vampire killing, have a cure disease on hand and don't rely on paralysis. Though she did remember the most important detect creature. Still a very good fight, having Buffy win it somewhat by luck certainly makes her seem less invulnerable.

And then more mystery. What is this connection with vampires? I'll certainly be reading to find out.

1st. of all, brilliant. Loved the way Buffy handled the vampires
2nd. Hilarious screenshot

Chapter 24 was part five of Buffy's seven part miniseries, 'Child of Dawn'. She managed to kill the final vampire in Gutted Mine for Azura, yet her frustration continues to grow. She can still make no sense of the confusing things she is learning about herself as it relates to vampires. She hopes for some answers in the final chamber of this mine.

Foxy- Thanks! The screenshot took heavy command console work to get, since Buffy actually did that quest so very long ago. We restyled Buffy's hair and equipped her with low level gear. We resurrected Ghola, killed him, added low level gear to his inventory, then had him equip it. Buffy is small - rather than the 1.0 of a Bosmer woman, she is 0.9 like a Bosmer man. We then bumped the orc up to 1.2 for the shot (1.1 is Altmer size) for a dramatic effect. Finally, we have a pair of posing mods (Actors in Charge and OSR) that helped Buffy get into position. I'm so glad several readers enjoyed it.

treydog- Thank you for picking up on all the things I was trying to do here. The next chapter provides some of the answers Buffy seeks.

mALX- I'm so glad you enjoyed the screenie. Buffy is quite the little poser and seems to enjoy our 'photo session quests'. Her play is well ahead of her story, so we are not advancing her game when we go out. Rather, we are enjoying sessions that involve studying the scenery/NPCs to support the story, clearing non-quest dungeons, visiting her friends throughout Cyrodiil and photo shoots. She is also much more active in the writing and editing of her journal, and normally sits on my shoulder as we work.

Zalphon- I'm glad you enjoyed Buffy's description of how her healing spell worked. Thank you.

SubRosa- Thanks again for your help in improving how armor piercing arrows can work in BF. Yes, the turning green when poisoned, like 'zooming in' with her bow, is a nod to how her game works - thanks for your support on that stuff. I know we walk a unique line between reality and TES fantasy. Thank you for the compliment on the fight. Having listened to the masters here, I visualized the scene, then wrote what Buffy and I saw.

hazmick- Thank you so much for your concern about our fragile glass cannon. Buffy is quite touched. Embracing bow and magic in Buffy's world means some compromises. She will never be very good with fire/ice/lightning or armor, for example, and will continue to eschew any weapon besides her bow. Her potential for a direct damage spell lies in her natural abilities with restoration. She promises to develop a strong absorb heath on-touch spell for underwater fighting and emergencies that illusion can't solve.

Olen- Thank you. The many obstacles in that dungeon are frustrating for a ranged attacker. We decided to let one of those wooden support beams actually help Buffy. Fortunately for her, the orc chose to try a wide slash in a confined area rather than a thrust.

I so appreciate your (and everyone's) patience as we have built up some mystery, and hopefully let you share in Buffy's confusion regarding vampires and how they relate to her. I promise some answers in the following episode as we delve into an odd blend of TES and BF that is uniquely Buffy.

Remko- Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed how Buffy survived the vampires, and her screenie.




A search of the final chamber within Gutted Mine revealed a dust-covered stone coffin and an ancient text. I lit both the nearby wall torches and sat down with the book. Opening it, I found fragile parchment pages quilled in what appeared to be blood:

I was born Dratik, at the dawn of the Third Era when Tiber Septim ruled the newly united provinces. As the son of a wealthy noble in the Court of Cheydinhal, I was privileged, and wanted for nothing. As I grew to maturity, I was blessed by Arkay to capture the heart of a raven-haired maiden with flashing ruby eyes and silken blue-emerald skin. Sadene and I were soon joined, and rendered each other complete.

As time passed, our passion intensified, and any separation became intolerable. We became obsessed with any threat to our togetherness, including untimely death or even the natural expiration of our long Dunmeri lives. We grew determined to conquer mortality.

As word of our inquiries and research traveled, we were not surprised one morning to discover a parchment had been slid under our door. The cryptic invitation was accompanied by a map to Redwater Slough, well to the south.

It took several days to reach the cave, but behind its bloodstained door we found our answers.

We readily accepted Hindaril's offer, and joined the Altmer's den of vampires. The clan included almost a dozen, but Sadene and I were the only two turned to darkness by Hindaril himself. He gave us the full gift of his ancient line - eternal life.

Hindaril explained that the immortality we enjoyed was not absolute.

Ancients were well-advised to deal cautiously with Daedra Lords, for should they direct it, we could be destroyed by their followers. It was, after all, from the loins of Malog Bal and the rape of a Nedic virgin that all vampires originally spawned - at least according to Hindaril.

The only other threat to an ancient was to suffer defeat in combat at the hands of a Slayer. Every vampire instinctively knew the threat posed by these mysterious women, and our keen senses recognized the scent that announced their presence. They could detect us well. How they did so was unknown, since masking our scent could not deter them. Slayers often possessed minor powers that aided them in battle. They could not be turned to vampirism; porphyric hemophilia, when contracted, simply produced severe illness until cured. Hindaril proudly proclaimed that over the centuries, he had killed two Slayers.

As Sadene and I began to discover our power, the newly heightened senses we enjoyed impassioned not only our lovemaking, but fueled a rampaging bloodlust. We reveled in the slaughter of men and mer under the stars, and for over a decade, our immortality allowed the unopposed carpeting of eastern Cyrodiil with blood.

Whispered rumors began to drift up from the wounded land that our reign of terror had attracted the attention of the Slayer, Vianele.

As Sadene and I traversed a small meadow one night, the sweet deadly scent of nightshade announced the approaching threat. The small Breton suddenly appeared in the moonlight, and lifted a glowing hand. As she opened her fist, a brief burst of sunlight burned our eyes, skin and minds. By the time we recovered, she had reappeared behind us. Flashing a pair of flaming blades and moving like a cat, she turned upon my love.

Knives of blue ice flew from the fingertips of Sadene's off hand, while her short sword parried many of the Slayer's fiery slashes and thrusts. I answered the attack with my katana, powered by vampiric strength and speed.

I paid the ultimate price for victory that night. My precious elf, along with our dream of everlasting love, lay destroyed in my arms.

I loosed a roar to Masser and Secunda that shook the very trees. My fangs tore into the soft, still warm throat of the dead Slayer to feed my rage and try to gain some of her power. Immediately, I spat her blood from my mouth as it seared my lips and throat.

Dawn was approaching. I waited to embrace the sun with Sadene, that it might claim me as well. Although her body turned to dust and slipped through my fingers under the early burning rays, no such relief would come for me. I roared in pain as my skin burned and blistered, but death still avoided me. Finally, the searing torture forced me into a nearby cave. My charred flesh regenerated in the darkness as I waited for night to fall.

Empty and alone, I returned to Redwater Slough.

Immortality was suddenly an endless nightmare of loneliness. From the depths of my despair, spawned hatred for Hindaril. It was he who had given Sadene and I this gift, now turned curse.

I set upon him with my katana, but a battle between two ancients could not deliver the death I now sought. His skill exceeded my own however, and I was driven from the cave.

My night wanderings eventually yielded to permanent refuge in a ruin that had been named Fanacas by the Ayleids. I became obsessed with ending the curse of an everlasting life without she who gave it meaning. All thoughts and effort were bent to this task.

I reasoned that if cured, I could cast my life aside and join Sadene. The witches of Glenmoril were believed to know the secrets of curing vampirism. A midnight visit however, revealed they knew not how to cure an ancient. In my rage, I slew most of the coven. Gathering the books in their camp for study, I retreated to Fanacas.

A Slayer had destroyed my Sadene, so it followed that they were the subject of my next line of research. What little I knew of them was from the teachings of Hindaril and my own devastating encounter. The Glenmoril texts provided some additional insight.

All Slayers possessed Bretonic blood, be it pure or mixed, and were born at the precise moment of either sunrise or sunset. What hand of fate selected them from among women that met these criteria was unknown.

Slayers enjoyed one or more unique minor abilities, with seemingly no pattern to what those powers might be. I recalled that Vienele had the rare talents of smoothly wielding two blades at once and calling forth magic to fill the air with damaging sunlight. The texts reported that another Slayer could walk upon the surface of lakes and rivers without magic, thereby luring vampires to a watery grave. A power attributed to one Slayer was the ability to cast spells with perfect efficacy, unhindered by even the stoutest of armors.

My research in this area was for naught however. There was no information on where or how to find a Slayer. The only one I was aware of had died by my hand. I cursed the uncontrollable beast within. While insufficient to save my mate, it had managed to kill the Slayer and condemn me to eternity alone. If only Vienele had vanquished me along with Sadene. . . .

Frustrated, I set aside thoughts of cures and Slayers. I delved into the only other possibility - Daedra Lords. After much study, I sought the shrines of several. I traveled at night, spending my days in caves among rats and fellow creatures of darkness.

Malog Bal simply laughed. That I was an ancient was something to be relished, not destroyed.

Clavicus Vile responded similarly. He further volunteered that I would get no relief from his colleague, Mehrunes Dagon. It seemed the Daedric Prince of Destruction was more interested in creating creatures of terror than destroying us.

I turned to what some might consider the more noble of the Princes. One by one however, they refused to even grant me audience, as I was an affront to nature. I bitterly retreated to my lair at Fanacas.

The relief of true death continued to elude me. I bathed in self-pity, tortured by time. Emperors came and went - it meant nothing to me.

There came a time when an audacious thought pierced the fog of my despair. A known way to destroy an ancient was at the hands of devout followers set to the task by a Daedra Lord. I had failed at pleasing one of them to do this very thing. Could I anger them to it? Could I manipulate a Daedra Lord? I was emboldened by the fact that I had nothing to lose.

Within the span of a fortnight, my plans were completed and I traveled to Gutted Mine - almost within moons' shadow of the Shrine to Azura. I hoped my very presence, so near the Daedra Lord that referred to me as a foul creature, would encourage her to set followers upon me.

My intent was to imply that I had selected Gutted Mine as a permanent abode, and I put on quite the starlit show of announcing it. As an ancient, I was not without influence in the mortal world. It had taken threats and gold, but I managed to have several stone coffins and an array of supplies delivered that very night. As final payment to those who transported the items, I tore out their throats, then added the bodies to a large bonfire outside the mine.

As the smell of burning flesh wafted into the night sky, it further announced my unholy presence. I held the expectation that I had affronted Azura enough to generate a reaction.

I had influenced conditions towards my own destruction in many ways. When it came to actual combat preparations however, I discovered there were limits to my control over the beast within. Despite my wishes, the vampire would not allow me to discard my katana or add my armor to the fire. I also knew that when confronted by Azura's followers, I would be powerless to quell our vicious response. Despite my wishes, the beast would not willfully perish.

I retreated into the mine before Azura's precious time of sunrise.

As I quill what I fervently hope to be my final entry in this journal, all I can do now is wait. And hope.

Sadene, my Love. . . . My black heart aches for you. I ask that Arkay forgive our attempts to manipulate that which is his. I trust the blessing of death to reunite our spirits.

From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

You have created and developed a new character in the space of one chapter, I cannot describe how brilliant this chapter is. The red writing is a good touch and you have answered many questions people have about Azura's quest and vampirism in general. Hurrah for Acadian.

P.S I'm glad to hear that Buffy will take more care in the future.

This was AWESOME!!! You created a whole side story for that quest that is so detailed it feels like I watched the movie! This is so great Acadian !!!!!!!! WOO HOO !!!!!!!

Where is the bow-down emoticon? I need several dozen of them to convey my reaction to this piece of writing. You have written an entire "story within a story" here, complete with characters, plot and emotional impact.

Pardon me while I study your technique so I can steal - ah, learn from it.

This is simply a brilliant achievement, Acadian. Enough so that I barely realized that I missed Buffy- at least until I saw the screenie.

Wow... nicely done. You got the tone of the journal bang on but kept a narrative going too, and a good story it was. It also cleared up a few questions (though posibly raises more) about Buffy's background and abilities.

It also raises questions about exactly how an ancient differs from a regular vampire given that those in the mine had no trouble killing eachother but were infected by an ancient... Interesting. Somehow I doubt we've seen the last of that.

Very detailed and with an interesting moral side, they commited their crimes in the name of everlasting love, does that make it better or worse?

My only nit would be the colour - I find the alternative skin for the forum easier on the eye but the red is completely unreadable in it. Not that it's a huge problem seeing as it's the work of a moment to copy and paste into notepad (though lucidia console always makes my eyes feel runny).

Dratik's bloody journal! This was an especially good touch, and well worth spending a segment on it. For starters it provides a nice, neat bowtie around the entire plot of this arc, showing how it all began in the first place. At the same time it also puts an elven face on the vampires, who are too easily portrayed as simple monsters. Finally, it sheds more light into Buffy's own unique and mysterious nature.

I can't wait for the next chapter! Looks like Buffy inherited a trait from her Breton Vampire hunting father. A mystery is unraveling in Buffy's life. Perhaps our cute, sweet little Buffy will unlock the true potential of her Slayer traits, and become stronger, but still be our little Buffy, ha ha!

I feel terrible that I haven’t been here to comment on each chapter in your Child of Dawn miniseries as you posted them. But, on the bright side, I get to read each one now and comment on them as I go along:

20 Child of Dawn Part 1 – Will You Take Me Hunting?

This marks quite an auspicious beginning. I am reminded of Gandalf and Bilbo sitting in Bilbo’s house in Hobbiton reminiscing before the ring rears its ugly head and the Fellowship is formed.

Count me with haute and ‘Rosa. I can’t look at Daenlin without thinking of Buffy either. The natural flow of conversation led him to recount the tale of Buffy’s birth, and gave us a brief glimpse into the strength of the bond between them.

I look forward with great anticipation to what comes next

21 Child of Dawn Part 2 – Can You Teach Me That?

First of all I like the exaggerated height of Altmer women. I hate it when the standard of beauty is uniform throughout any given world. Nerussa, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful women in all Cyrodiil . . . and so are Carwen, Falanu (albeit a little creepy), Dar-Ma, Shamada, Branwen, and, in her own way, even Mazoga (though it would take a prodigious amount of Tamika’s before I would even consider getting too close to those tusks).

Ooops, sorry. . . reverie done, on to the chapter at hand:

I really liked the fact that Ita refers to the occupation of enchanter/enchantress as a ‘calling’. As described it doesn't seem like something the usual mage would have any part of. A skill that robs him/her of the ability to cast spells can’t be popular in the dorms of the Arcane. The question of what it must have taken within her to answer this unusual calling could form the basis of a whole new work of fiction. I hope Buffy gives some serious thought to the idea of pursuing knowledge in this area. The spells that she relies on for survival can all be handled through the enchanting of clothing and jewelry, but the ability to recharge her own bow without the need for a filled soul gem could be priceless to her.

I found SubRosa’s speculation on the nature of Azura to be fascinating. Her conclusions, especially the drawing of a parallel between dawn, dusk, and magic sound perfectly in keeping with the entity who cursed an entire race of Chimer.

I hope Buffy has some very absorbent breeches on hand. Those vampires can be tough.

22 Child of Dawn Part 3 – I Hope I Know What We’re Doing

Oh well, I was half expecting each of the chapter headings to be in the form of a question.

This is more an observation than I nit:

This was beautifully said, I have read it over at least a dozen times to savor the music made with words here. But it does raise the question of why an immortal Daedra would mark time as Buffy understands it. It also says much for Azura that she would reward her loyal and steadfast followers, not with the favor of an honorable death, but with the curse of being undead and sealed in their vanquished foe’s tomb until the one she ‘preordains’ to save them comes of age to do the job. Ach, Daedra!

Your plotting in this is excellent! I was just beginning to exhume some half forgotten memory of Buffy’s strange history with vampires when I was given the reminder that Superior was a vampire-hunter. I was also reminded of Buffy’s feeling in Skingrad at the perfect time. These little triggers shine like sunlight in the dank bowels of the Gutted Mine and are an insistent reminder of everything I love about Buffy’s story.

23 Child of Dawn Part 4 – The Shade Of Night

I had to stop reading just to write this. Capturing the POV of Nille and Avita was fantastic! Their yearning for death, the mysterious smell of nightshade, the knowledge that the beasts inside of them would fight for survival, all of it worked wonderfully. This is my first encounter with this quest in which I genuinely feel for the noble souls turned into vampires. May Buffy’s aim remain true! Now back to the story . . .

Okay, done. More wonderful tactics on display here, the use of the Frenzy spell, Disintegrate Armor arrows. Great stuff, as always. And now that last Orc, *Gulp*!

24 Child of Dawn Part 5 – What Am I?

Buffy’s first experience with Porphyric Hemophilia is one for the books. Your description of it as ‘something evil twisting inside her’ was especially chilling. Thank Mara she had the foresight to carry mandrake root in her pack. I had no idea that eating the raw root alone could cure disease; I always just blend it into a potion.

Tying up the tragic saga of Azura’s faithful worshipers with Ghola’s note was also very effective. I imagine the five lit candles above Azura’s shrine will always have a special resonance for Buffy.

And I think it is perfectly clear what Buffy is . . . a Vampire Slayer! (Sorry, couldn’t resist)

25 Child of Dawn Part 6 – The Journal of Dratik

I knew as soon as I read the chapter heading that I was going to enjoy this one.

Ha!! Turns out I was right in my characterization of Buffy from the last chapter!

Is it just me, or is there something decidedly creepy about the screenshot of Buffy reading this journal while sitting on a coffin?

The journal itself was just great. It is obvious that someone has been consulting the wiki about vampirism in Tamriel. All of your research has borne ripe sweet fruit, my friend. This chapter just sings.

The bad news is that it serves as an eloquent moratorium on any thoughts you may have once entertained regarding plotting as a weakness of yours!

MORE!!!

Chapter 25 was the sixth episode of 'Child of Dawn'. Buffy discovered the journal of Dratik - the very vampire that had caused so much trouble for Azura and her followers. The journal provided many answers to the swirling questions confounding Buffy.

hazmick- My goodness! Thank you so much for the kind words!

mALX- Thank you mALX. In order to get the 'whole' Dratik story in one episode, it involved some 'telling', but I'm so glad it worked ok! Yay!

treydog- Such wonderful praise from a master! Thank you for endorsing that we provided the answers via a short story. It was quite foreign being outside my bowgirl's POV.

Olen- Thank you. I limited how far I delved into the vampires, and am certainly no expert. It seems unclear whether Dratik turned Azura's followers into ancients or not. Since they were destroyed by Buffy (a Slayer), I guess they could have been ancient or normal vampires. It was fun writing Dratik. I found him unabashedly dark, but nevertheless somehow compelling. I'm sorry the font color didn't work too well for you. I only tested it on the forum's primary background.

SubRosa- Thank you! I really found Dratik a paradox of some serious evil that almost pulls at one's heartstrings. Ah, the power of love - even when taken to such dark places.

Grizzly- Welcome, and I'm so glad you found your way over from that other forum where Buffy is such a chatterbox about her silly quirks and tactics. I hope so much you will stay with us. Buffy can appear sweet, as you say. Of course she can also slowly torture a highwayman to death for attacking her precious mare. Like many of us, her nature is a confusing paradox. Her youth and naivete prevent even her from understanding it. Thank you for the kind words!

Destri- It is so gratifying to earn your approval of this storyline so far! I must confess that as I crafted Dratik's journal, I nervously pondered your reaction. We have a habit of taking a few threads of lore, then weaving in significant license as we create a uniquely 'Buffy' tapestry (as with King Rislav's Call of Corsair). Thank you for endorsing our blend of TES lore with BF.

All- Now, the conclusion to 'Child of Dawn'.




As I closed the ancient vampire's journal, I placed it into my pack. It answered many questions, but created several more. I stood, my limbs stiff, and released a burst of white magicka over my head. As it settled, my pains from being orc-crushed, followed by sitting too long, were eased. Removing a lit torch from the wall, I made my way towards the living world outside Gutted Mine.

Crisp air filled my lungs. I squinted against the brilliant sun that filled the sky and sparkled up at me from a fresh covering of snow. Superian approached. Her snorting disapproval of the vampire dust that covered me could not deter my fierce hug. I buried my face in her neck for several minutes, savoring her warm scent of precious life. Only then did I brush off the remains of Gutted Mine as best I could. I had to use a nearby snow-covered boulder to assist my aching climb up to her saddle. She then carried me slowly back to Azura's Shrine.

I placed the parchment containing Ghola's last words at Azura's feet.

"Thank you, Child of Dawn. The spirits of my followers are free, and henceforth, above my shrine, five bright candles shall burn forever in memory of their sacrifice. For your service, you shall retain the abilities I granted at the sunrise of your birth. Carry my token, and know that your name has joined a small list of women whose fate has been touched by my hand. Your obligation to me well-fulfilled, you are now free to chart your own fate."

There were indeed five candles above her shrine now. I had won the Star of Azura, but wasn't yet ready to try and deal with what I had learned about myself. After gathering wood for my campfire, I was starving and set out for a hunt.

The sun was westering, but still above the trees as I finished field dressing a buck some distance away from the shrine. His energy was safely stored inside Azura's Star. I had carefully removed the animal's hide and scraped it clean. A skilled artisan would be able to incorporate some small bits of light plate to reinforce key areas, and craft a fine pair of supple buckskin greaves for me. Given the number of wolves scouting the area, I was loathe to bring much fresh meat back to my camp. I cut six portions of venison. Two were safely wrapped in my blue hood of frost for the several days it would take Superian and I to get home. Four of the portions were to feed Azura's followers and myself that evening. The remainder of the deer's carcass would be very welcomed by the hungry wolves. Some of them perhaps had cubs to feed.

When I returned to the shrine, I distributed the venison, then retreated the few paces to my own camp.

Azura's other time of day had arrived, as I stoked up the fire and built a spit to cook my dinner. Stars gradually emerged to join Masser and Secunda in brightly illuminating the snow that blanketed the trees and boulders.

I held Azura's Star. The sound of fire crackling beneath the roasting venison was briefly augmented by a hauntingly musical note. The buck's life force had fed my bow, just as his flesh would sustain me and others. "Thank you," I whispered to his spirit.

With my bow and belly sated, I could no longer put off confronting the emotions that swirled within me.

My fate had been touched by the hand of Azura at the moment of my birth, and I was a Slayer. I had never even heard of such a thing. Frankly, I was not at all happy about it.

Yes, I could now feel an instinctive dislike for the foul night creatures, but traipsing around after them was no path for me. The only thing vampire hunting had earned my father was an early disappearance.

As a long range killer from the shadows, the fact that I could be smelled by vampires was terrifying. That I could sense the beasts was of no value to me; I was hardly going to go looking for them, after all.

My mind briefly flitted to Skingrad. I now realized the feeling I had experienced passing close by the castle, was my body alerting me to the presence of vampires. Were such beasts living beneath the very seat of power there? I had read that some castles had extensive underground tunnels. I wondered if whatever noble ruled Skingrad realized the danger? Oh well, if there was a threat, I was sure the city guard could deal with it without any help from me.

I figured my 'unique minor abilities' were that I could don multiple magic rings and cast fully powered spells while wearing armor. I had to admit I quite liked being able to do those things. I debated whether I should share what I now knew regarding the source of those special abilities with Boderi Farano. She had been as curious about them as I. My decision was to not decide that right now. I knew who I did need to talk with though.

"Acadian, I don't care for this Slayer business one bit. I guess we're supposed to feel a calling to seek out and destroy vampires. I just want them to stay away from me. Am I doing the right thing?" My brow furrowed as I poked at the fire with a stick. Several sparks leapt skyward, and my eyes continued upwards to the twinkling stars.

As was often the case, Acadian's silent answer was a question. What did Azura tell you?

I smiled. "Well, she said my obligation to her was done, and I could chart my own course."

And so you shall, my bowgirl.

The stalwart paladin might not always understand me, but by Mara, he unconditionally accepted me and my choices. "Thank you, Acadian," I breathed. "We're a team however; I almost forgot about that in my selfish pursuit of Azura's Star. Do you want us to become vampire hunters?"

I was getting pretty good at sensing the paladin's feelings when he chose to share them. Acadian had no more interest in chasing vampires than I did, and that realization lifted a massive weight from my small shoulders.

"It's settled then, and I feel much better." I then raised my face skyward and loudly declared to the moons and stars, "I am Buffy the Bowgirl, mystic archer of the mages guild and citizen of Bravil. I am not Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

Glancing at the bow that had saved my life in Gutted Mine, I gratefully placed my hand upon its staff. The wonderful weapon responded with a soft red glow, and finally provided an answer to the question posed by Daenlin just over a week ago. I nodded my agreement. "Yes, the name I reject for myself, will henceforth be yours. I shall call you Slayer."

I reached into my pack and retrieved my quill, inkpot and two journals - Dratik's and my own. By the campfire's light, augmented by Masser, Secunda and a clear sky full of bright stars, I began the task of updating my journal. As I wrote, I chatted to Acadian, and even hummed a quiet song. Like me, he seemed at peace now, content to let me prattle on.

As I finished transcribing the words of Dratik, I realized I would need a new journal myself very soon. "Acadian, I think we need to stop next at the University to drop off Tar-Meena's copy of 'Modern Heretics'. I'm sure she'll be able to find a new journal with blank pages for me."

I began putting things away and getting ready for sleep. As I fumbled with the somewhat unfamiliar buckles and straps to remove my leather cuirass, I noticed much of the chill had left the air. I continued chatting. "I'm not really ready to share Dratik's Journal with the University yet - that will come home with me, for now."

Home. Pulling off my boots, I sighed as the very word filled my heart with longing for the City of Mara. "After the Imperial City, can we go home next? Please?"

The paladin's mood was light and agreeable as he teased, Of course, Child of Dawn.

"Stop calling me that!" I was sure much of my rebuke's effect was ruined, as a giggle managed to somehow escape my tightly pursed lips.

As I tugged off my greaves I glanced at Superian, quietly standing under a nearby tree. "We leave tomorrow morning for the Valley of Horses, girl. Your visit with Thernd and Bandit will need to be a short one though. We need to get home." I then gratefully snuggled into my bedroll. Finally, I chirped, "G'night everyone."

From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot



I would be remiss not to acknowledge Buffy's round-eared namesake, so allow me to humbly do so. Thank you Buffy Summers - you are a wonderfully strong example of an independent, imperfect, courageous and feminine young woman; if all we were after for our Blond Bravilian Bosmer Bowgirl was alliteration, she could have been named Barbie or Bambi.

In Buffy Fiction (BF) 1.0, we only hinted at her dislike for vampires. In the 2.0 version of Buffy's romp through Cyrodiil, our tongue is still firmly in cheek, but we decided to more formally develop this aspect of her nature.

The timing, or placement of this miniseries at this early stage of Buffy's larger story was driven by her enchanted bow. It needed to be fed (Azura's Star) and named (Slayer). The fact that Buffy is a Slayer does not represent a 'career change' as I hope she has rather adamantly explained. Rather, it is simply a part of who and what she is. There will certainly be storylines where it will come strongly into play, but those are planned for the distant future.

Finally, Buffy mentioned that her journal is almost full. Long term readers of BF will recognize she is heralding that her next episode will open a new forum thread.

yet again you have delivered a brilliant chapter to us, I'm glad that the Bufster will not be pursuing the vampire hunting malarkey because we don't want her to catch the terrible disease and ruin that gorgeous face of hers

Argonians are better suited for hunting vamps anyway...

It's also good to hear Buffy communicating with your good self in this chapter, hooray!

That made me smile!

I've been remiss in commenting, but not in reading and enjoying Buffy's tale. Her encounter with the last vampire in the depths of the mine is as harrowing as my own experience, though my PC didn't get crushed!

I continue to enjoy Buffy's growth and maturing process and look forward to her new book!

Buffy's thoughts over the buck she killed revealed quite a bit about her. Not only did she take some for herself, but also used the meat to feed the Azurites, and she purposely left some behind for the wolves she saw prowling the countryside.

I am not Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Does that mean we will not be seeing Willow or Xander either?

Finally, a nice way of tying the quest, and Buffy's revelations about her nature, to her naming her bow.

Following upon the frightening (and revelatory) journey through the Gutted Mine, this was a welcome moment of reflection. You do perhaps the best job of anyone in explaining not just character motivations, but game dynamics/physics, as well.

Often I have read an Acadian/BF discussion of "why things work like that," and think "Of course! It makes perfect sense!" The result is a much more immersive and alive world.

Like haute, I enjoyed Buffy's declaration of her own identity. Perhaps my favorite part was this:



Good night, Slayer.

Good night, Azura.

Good night, Moon.

Good night, Stars.

Good night, deer.

Good night, wolves.

Good night, Superian.

Good night, Acadian.

Good night, Child of Dawn. Despite your protestations, I see the Order of the Virtuous Blood in your future.

A satisfying conclusion to what has been a very full story arc. Over the last several days Buffy has learned a great deal about herself and her capabilities. This episode in her life has the feeling of a harrowing, one that our favorite Bowgirl has successfully endured. The idea of beginning a new journal with the improved Buffy wielding Slayer is just perfect.

But first it’s a bath, then home, some Tamika’s, and a good hunt with Daenlin.

Ahh, wondrously written. Buffy is just such a unique individual, in a good way of course. Although I cannot for see the events of the future, I do see Vampires in her path. I have a feeling that some Vampires search for the legendary Slayers. Perhaps she'll run across Count Hassildor. I loved the Screenshot too, very nice.

-Grizzly