Much fun was had with this installment. Tense and exciting, especially with a necromancer using her brain (well, a very tiny smidgen of it, at least) with that Detect Life spell.

Ice cold vengeance... As if I needed any more reminders not to make you mad, B.

And such stark contrast to the above! There's Buffy for you, she's just as likely to hug you as she is to eviscerate you. Thankfully, she made it quite easy to figure out where each side of the line is located.

And Buffy's archery knowledge remains as omnipresent as ever. I propose a challenge: Buffy the Blond Bravilian Bowgirl (of Brazil... I mean, Bravil) vs. Robin Wood, AKA Robin Hood (of Loxley).

I don't know about anyone else, but my money's on the gal!

And don't look at me like that for mixing up your origins, Buff, you're quite amazonian enough to warrant it!

This was one of the scariest moments for me in game the first time I played it - even on later playthroughs I felt tense opening that door, knowing she was coming for me.

Buffy's inner workings of her mind as she plots is one of the things I found most interesting about this chapter - Should I do this ... no, I promised myself I would ... VERY Buffy !!! Great Chapter, Awesome Write !!!

Well done with delivering swift justice (har!) to the Necros. The way to stuck it to them, by sticking one to a tree (sorry, sorry) was a nice tactical touch. My only question is: what type of arrows is Buffy using? I'd imagine the shaft would have to be either very thick, and thus heavy (unlikely considering the distance), or possessive of a high strength-to-weight ratio. Would common steel be functional in this regard?

Haute's remarks on Buffy's decision to deliver the post-mortem monologue are echoes of my own thoughts, so just imagine I said the same thing but used Awtwyr instead of Julian for a reference.

You're so brutal to necromancers... Buffy, I'm a necromancer are you going to brutally attack me?!

Great. Buffy no longer summons skeletons for necromancers!

I too had an "oh carp" moment when I entered the glade and faced numerous necromancers. Almost an early Buffy moment, much to my greaves dismay.

I'll also add another vote for rider's "put paid" rather than "put pay".

The "put paid to" vs "put pay to" is a regional thing, both are used equally in different areas of the country. Writing for Buffy, Acadian has to use whichever one Buffy would IMHO. Her thoughts/speech are subjective to her personality. I thought this whole chapter reflected what I have come to know of Buffy in reading her story for so long.

When Buffy stepped out that door - that necromancer came up talking in a normal tone of voice if not shouting - the two companions did not come running to see what it was all about. If they couldn't hear that, I doubt they could hear Buffy whispering. The story points out that they were probably assigned to guard access from the lake, which is why I always thought they didn't run to the cave entrance when the first necromancer was shouting at the player in game.

Buffy also hid in the bushes and scouted for others first using detect life - (finding them at quite a distance away) - before she whispered her hate message.

I think what is bringing up the whispering issue is that the story doesn't detail Buffy moving from the first necromancer and setting up closer to the others - which may be why it seems they would be close enough to hear her. When I played this quest the others were way back in the wooded fringes of the island.

I assumed she had crept closer, but Buffy uses that Long Bow (a modded bow) instead of the standard bows the game provides - she could hit a target further away and with more force than someone with the regular issued bow.

This chapter so reflected Buffy to me. She is no soldier, just a young girl with a big heart who just saw her friend killed right in front of her...she is understandably angry at the killer. Her reaction was very "human," it would be hard in such a circumstance for any of us not to want to spit on or curse at the one who just stabbed our friend in front of us - unless we were trained in the Rangers or Seals we probably all would, and even they may falter at a time like that.

I think Haute said it best, Buffy is not perfect - one of the things that makes her story such a joy to read for me. To me Buffy is more comparable to SubRosa's Teresa (Not a Hero) - perfectly adorable, perfectly Awesome - but other than that - not perfect. Real.

In Episode 78, Buffy found Wellspring Grove. Too late to prevent the death of another mage, she delivered on her promise to slay the remaining necromancers. She also reiterated her intent to complete a mage's staff for the dead student she had found and deliver it to his father at Harm's Folly.

Rider- Thank you for contrasting Buffy's skills with her emotions. She certainly runs on passion instead of discipline and would never make it as a Legion soldier! Her many flaws do indeed include wearing her emotions on her sleeve.

It seems also that I may not have done an adequate job of portraying the distances involved to be as great as I intended. For example, Buffy had to 'zoom in' on her targets to see more than pink glows, and her impaling arrow took fully a 'couple seconds' in flight. I wonder also if I have been remiss in emphasizing the prodigious range of detect life that she uses. Given the distances we tried to portray, and her expertise in stealth, she actually felt quite confident in her ability to remain hidden during that scene where she planned her next move and, yes, dribbled out some of her emotions.

I'll try to bear these things in mind going forward and appreciate you highlighting them. Oh, I also wanted to end strongly, with the fat lady singing skinny elf shooting, so I tried to engineer all her ruminations in during the middle of the episode. You are very right that she should guard against overconfidence. Somehow though I'm pretty sure she hasn't peed her last set of greaves.

Grits- Thank you for those kind words on how we tried to capture the disorientation and confusion of entering the grove. It was SubRosa that suggested during our first version of this story that Buffy occasionally run into mages who use detect life to counter her ability to hide. It makes perfect sense of course - much to Buffy's chagrin.

SubRosa- Thank you! We try to limit use of Teresa's trademarked faint smile®, but sometimes it is just the right thing at the right time. I'm so glad that you took our use of it here as a tribute to the stringy Bosmer. We could almost hear Teresa whispering, "Meet my friend nightshade."

King Coin- Thanks! Buffy bluffed about pinning Bejeen to the wall down in Leyawiin, but this was her first attempt to actually try the feat.

Thomas Kaira- Thank you so much for highlighting the often conflicting and always swirling contradictions of our lethally blond bowgirl.

Captain Hammer- Thank you! Buffy's armor-piercing arrows have a magically hardened slender tip and are enchanted with a disintegrate armor effect. We add a little fantasy license of course, and marauders are not safe from her. We have not put any thought into the type of arrow shaft, but would prefer that it be a type of wood characterized by low weight, resistance to warpage and high strength.

We're hoping that the following factors made pinning the necromancer to the tree plausible: He wore no armor to increase his weight. He was leaning directly against the tree, reducing shearing leverage on the arrow shaft. He had no established falling momentum to arrest - the arrow merely had to prevent him from falling. And most importantly, it's a magical fantasy world!

Zalphon- Thanks! Every necromancer Buffy has encountered has shown their eagerness to attack her on sight. If Zalphon could detect her before she struck, and declare himself, she would welcome him. Her doctrine applies.

MyCat- Thank you! Buffy's conjuration skill lags at this point in her story. For Book 1, she is stuck with scamps, skellies and ghosts. Thanks for being proud of our bowgirl for not wetting her greaves.

'Put paid' conjured the image to me of a clerk stamping 'paid' on an invoice, and I was trying to focus more on the act of applying payment toward a debt. Therefore I chose what I felt to be the creative phrase 'put pay'. I so appreciate your comment, as well as the comments from Rider and mALX on this. Given that my intent was not clear to everyone, I changed the phrase to drop reference to either term.

mALX- Thank you so much for your kind comments. You know Buffy better than anyone, and over a timeframe that spans even beyond her fanfic career. I'm so glad her passionate nature - flaws and all - came through clearly in this episode.



Golden wings, delicately laced with black, fluttered as they floated above the lavender petals of an elegantly lethal nightshade. Lightly dancing through the air, the tiny creature eventually selected the brilliant yellow of a dragon's tongue, and settled gently. After a few lazy flickers, the wings stopped and splayed open, like beautifully painted pages basking in the early rays of the sun. I wondered if butterflies were so beautiful because they spent their days visiting flowers?

"You're up early this morning, my butterfly." The words quite startled me, so mesmerized had I been by the little flower dancer. My head snapped toward the voice to see a beaming Boderi Farano.

I smiled at my University advisor. "Boderi! I was so hoping you would come to the alchemy garden this morning. I know it is a favorite place for both of us." I patted the spot next to me on the wooden bench. "Sit with me?"

"Of course." The Dunmer gracefully seated herself beside me. "I just breakfasted with Raminus Polus. Your news of the necromancer attack at Wellspring is quite the talk within the Council of Mages." She placed her hand over mine and narrowed her red eyes. "Tell me the rest of the story."

Not one to keep secrets from Boderi, I willingly provided the details of my poignantly dangerous trek through the cave and grove at Wellspring.

"Buffy, I'm proud of you. I feel badly that we did not talk about countermeasures for being discovered while invisible. It seems my illusionist discovered at least one solution on her own however. You are quite the planner - I doubt you will be surprised by that again. I'm also delighted that you're learning how to objectively evaluate your own skills and weaknesses." The Dunmer cocked her head, raised an eyebrow and added, "Now, out with it. You may have some skill with verbal dueling and masking your emotions, but you forget how well I know you, my Apprentice. What's troubling you?"

"Am I that transparent?" I replied.

Boderi smiled affectionately. "Only to me, Buffy."

I lowered my voice. "Boderi, can I trust Raminus? I mean, after I investigated Wellspring for him, he said he would take my case to the Council of Mages and try his best to get me some help for Kvatch." I frowned and continued, "He said he would get word to me in Bravil, but that it would likely take more than a fortnight! Sometimes it seems that by the time I get everything together it will be too late. Now another delay. I know I must sound like a pouting child, but I can't help it."

"Patience," Boderi said gently as she gazed toward the flowers. "This delay is a lifetime to your delicate winged friend over there, but merely the flutter of an eye to us. You have seen but a score of summers, Buffy. Raminus, on the other hand is more than twice your age. I suspect I look twice your age as well; but in truth, I am several times that. If you do not get killed, you will learn to see humans age before your eyes. Time is bittersweetly different for us, as elves."

Boderi looked into my eyes and continued, "My point? I've seen Raminus grow from Apprentice to Master Wizard, and I know well his strengths and weaknesses." She squeezed my hand. "The Council of Mages is in turmoil over this organized necromancer attack against our own facilities. In the midst of this, getting assistance for your hero in Kvatch will require skill and, yes, some time. You could have no better advocate on the Council though, than Raminus Polus."

Boderi stood, as did I, and we hugged. The beautiful dark elf said, "I'm off to teach my class," then she turned and glided away. My eyes wandered back to the flowers in the alchemy garden. The butterfly was gone.

A score of paces later, I entered the Chironasium. "Good morning Delmar," I said cheerfully to the old enchanter.

"Well hello Apprentice, I haven't seen you in here for quite some time." He had two amulets in one hand and a pair of small soul gems in the other. Laying them upon a nearby table, he continued, "What can I help you with this morning? Another bow to enchant? Perhaps some more magic rings?"

"I don't mean to disrupt if you're working on a project," I said, looking at the items he had just set down. "I mean, I can come back if you're too busy."

"Nonsense." His grin flashed teeth rivaling the color of his white robes. Glancing at the amulets and soul gems, he added, "These are just going be lake striders to help the new grove attendants get to Wellspring a little more easily. No hurry, what's on your mind?"

"Delmar, can you make me a mage's staff?"

The Redguard's chin dropped to his chest as he stared down at me. "Buffy, did I hear you right? I've never known you to use any weapon except a bow."

"Oh, it's not for me." I then told him about finding the body of young Apprentice Arnaud Northwode in Wellspring Cave, and of the promise I had made. Slipping Arnaud's letter from a pocket within the folds of my skirt, I showed it to Delmar.

The Enchanter had listened intently. Now, he studied the letter. "Hmm, let's see. . . and you're going to give this staff to his father, eh?" After I nodded, the Redguard continued, "Farm, goblins, probably wild animals. . . ahah! We'll make a staff that casts fireballs - something a farmer can use. How's that sound?"

"I think that's an excellent choice," I said. "It seems that Arnaud hoped to specialize in destruction. In fact, according to his University records, he even wanted his body burned to ashes should he perish. The Headmaster has said the guild will honor that request and even provide an urn for his remains. I intend to deliver that to his father as well. I guess Arnaud liked fire."

"Good. It's settled then. Now, where's the wood for this staff?" An expectant eyebrow climbed his forehead.

Dropping my pack to the floor, I pointed. "It's in there. Um, it'll take me a minute or two to find it." I knelt by my pack and started rummaging.

After a few moments, Delmar scratched his balding head and said impatiently, "By the Nine, Buffy! How hard can it be to find a staff that's taller than you are?"

I could feel a warm flush as it rose above the top of the white peasant blouse I wore. Having no doubt that my neck, face and even the pointed tips of my ears displayed my discomfort, I said sheepishly, "Well, I have lots in there. You know, stuff."

Placing one hand on his hip and pointing a finger from the other at me, Delmar admonished, "Look, young lady, when you talked me into placing a feather enchantment on your pack long ago, I told you it was to make it lighter for you to carry - not so you could just jam more things into it." He then chuckled and shook his head. "Tell you what, I'll just go work on this other project. You let me know when you find the staff." He scooped up the amulets and soul gems then wandered over toward one of the enchanting altars, shaking his head. "Women," he said softly to the wall in front of him.

By Mara, Buffy! How hard can this be indeed? There was only one place in the pack a staff could fit; all I had to do was find my magic bag.

I figured it was a good thing that my rings, poisons and potions were in quick access pouches I had added to the outside of my pack. Finding anything else though was, well, a little bit of a problem.

I started pulling things out and tossing them on the floor. Azura's Star was always on top. Then out came blue shoes, black and gold shoes, a repair hammer, my buckskin halter top, russet felt shoes. . . .

Ahah! No, that's my alchemy bag. Still kneeling over the pack, I blew at the loose strands of hair that had fallen in front of my face. I then continued adding to the growing pile of items on the floor.

. . . burgundy blouse, Arena raiment, skirts, buckskin boots and greaves, sandals, more blouses, several dresses, two bottles of Tamika's. . . .

I glanced over toward Delmar to make sure he couldn't hear me, then muttered under my breath, "All right Acadian, you can just stop that silent laughing. I know we have to get lots better at organizing this pack. Maybe we can work on it later, but teasing me about it right now isn't helping things one bit!"

"There you are!" I squealed. "Oh, isn't that always the way - right at the very bottom." I pulled the magic bag from my pack and began adding its contents to the floor as well.

"Hmm, Peryite's Spell Breaker shield - I really need to drop that off with Tar-Meena at the Archives. Journal, ink pot, quiver, quills, Slayer. Oh, enchanted arrows - I almost forgot about those. Spare bowstrings and more arrows. . . . Finally!" I slid the staff out of the bag, still amazed how things like a staff or Slayer could fit in there to begin with. I shrugged, guessing that's why it was called a magic bag.

Proudly, I held up the gnarled length of special wood. "See, Delmar? I told you it was in there."

The Redguard approached with a grin, shook his head again and took the staff. Looking at the floor, he added, "Now, clean up this mess and come back tomorrow. I'll have the staff ready then."

"Thanks," I said, still slightly embarrassed. I spent the next hour or so trying to get things back into my pack in a little more organized fashion.

* From Buffy's scrapbook:
Screenshot
Screenshot

"...By Mara, Buffy! How hard can this be indeed? There was only one place in the pack a staff could fit; all I had to do was find my magic bag. .."

Hmmm...HARD...staFF...only ONE PLACE to fit...

(forgive me old friend - tension at work brings out Mr. Dhertee Innu Endo)

I love the changes you made to this chapter, the perfect solution to my gripes on the earlier version !!! This is wonderful, I am so glad you took my (rare) displeasure into account on this chapter, this is so much better !!! WOO HOO !!! And my fave screenshot is Buffy sitting on the bench in the garden - Beautiful !!!

I love what you have done to this chapter !!! Awesome Write !!!

I wondered if butterflies were so beautiful because they spent their days visiting flowers?
What a charming notion! The screenshots from Buffy’s scrapbook bring me so much enjoyment.

”If you do not get killed, you will learn to see humans age before your eyes. Time is bittersweetly different for us, as elves."
I’m glad Boderi pointed this out, as it’s also been on my mind. I think it probably colors all human/elf relationships, more for the mer than for the man.

Unloading the entire pack onto Delmar’s floor had me in stitches. Especially the two bottles of Tamikas, for some reason that struck me as especially hilarious. I guess when you carry a magic bag inside an enchanted pack, stuff really can accumulate. I should probably stop wishing for a handbag-of-holding! Wait a minute, officer, my license is in here somewhere…

First let me counter some of the things that were said earlier.

I knew those two necromancers were a very long way off from the cave exit. I've played the game often enough to have a good sense of the distance involved (thanks to leveled detect life spells and a consistent AI).

But I've had animals and people move from where I expect them to be to stand right next to me while I was preoccupied with something else. And if Buffy is busy spilling her hatred out onto a dead body, those two guys could move from their initial positions and discover her. Julian's fought enough goblins that she's nodding heartily at my words. Buffy may have tons of woodscraft skills (no, not may, but does) but her emotions are still very powerful, and they were running at high volume during that conversation. It's just prudent to take care of business first, and save the chit chat for afterwards. After all, the dead necromancer isn't going to move from where Buffy put her down. Those live ones can.

I'm not saying your writing is suffering because of it. No, just the opposite. That scene got me and Julian sitting tensely on the edges of our seats, muttering under our collective breaths about clearing the area (in this context, the entire island) first. That's how effective your writing is. And that's not the first time I've read it!

Now on to new business: Grits already said all the things I wanted to say about this wonderful segment. I loved how it moved from Boderi to Delmar, and how nonchalant Delmar was about all the things lurking in Buffy's bag o'holding. He strikes me as the sort of man who's very familiar with chicks and their propensities for carrying their entire lives' worth of possessions in a handbag 'just in case.'

As with haute, I loved the opening paragraph that you spent on the butterfly. One part of Buffy's nature.

I love the name Lake Strider for the water-walking amulets that Delmar is making.

I see you also addressed the issue of Arnaud's remains in BF 2.0. It looks like Buffy will be taking more than just a staff north with her.

Poor Delmar, faced with the horror of the contents of a woman's purse! Again, I just love the pic of all her stuff splayed out across the floor!

still amazed how things like a staff or Slayer could fit in there to begin with. I shrugged, guessing that's why it was called a magic bag.
Indeed! I see I am not the only one who could resist the urge at taking a poke at the game, where you can put a six foot staff in a clamshell!

I echo above about the butterfly scene, wonderfully evocative!

I see Buffy's endless bag of tricks certainly knows no bounds. Me? I'm slightly more mundane than to use the Bag of Holding. Besides, Rusty makes a fine companion in my travels.

Who is Rusty? Well, that's a spoiler for another time.



I'm sensing that this one might be getting about as full as your travel sack, too! Might want to start looking into a new volume soon.

Oh, by the way, B, you really should consider getting at least your clothing organized. I know that may be asking way too much at this point, but it would be such a shame if those delicate wine bottles smashed... and I'm not even talking about everyone thinking you're a drunk if that happens! I hear wine stains are REALLY hard to remove, especially from white.

I recall someone (probably centuries ago when I was at University) explaining how the reason that the item you needed to find was always at the bottom of the bag was the second law of thermodynamics. I imagine the addition of magic only makes it apply more.

What was never quite explained was how you wouldn't find it there, if that was the first place you looked. Things are always in the last place you look for them, after all.

@TK: I've dropped bottles of wine a number of times in the game and never broken one yet. Apparently they're not fragile in Tamriel, so Buufy needn't worry about stains.

I really liked how Buffy had to dump everything on the floor to find a gigantic section of wood! If my character had to do that there would be a lot more weapons on the floor.

Ah, the "contains my entire life" scenario of many a woman's purse. That also applies to some guys I know with their various briefcases or appropriate substitutes.

When I play D&D, we change the name from "Bag of Holding" to "Your Girlfriend's Purse" for any use of such item. When two girls joined, we changed the name to "Purse of Either Player 4 or Player 5" to be more inclusive. I've been admonished for this.

Episode 79 found Buffy back at the Arcane University. Raminus Polus had agreed to represent her request for Kvatch assistance before the Council of Mages. Buffy was frustrated however that it would take at least two weeks before Raminus would get word to her in Bravil once the Council had met on the matter. She also delivered the unenchanted wood to have a mage's staff crafted with the intent of delivering it to the father of a young mage that perished in the Wellspring attack. She now has a day to spend in the Imperial City before the enchanted staff is complete.

Foxy- I figured Buffy's search for a magical piece of wood would bring you 'round. Thanks!

mALX- I'm so pleased you liked the screenshot of Buffy looking at the alchemy garden. It is one of my faves also. Thank you for liking this episode and the changes! For readers not familiar with BF 1.0, the concern mALX refers to is an improvement for 2.0 in how we deal with young Arnaud's remains.

Grits- I'm so glad our butterfly scene danced effectively, and thank you for your kind words about our screenshots. I think your handbag analogy is spot on! Thank you also for highlighting Boderi's observations regarding life spans that are so relevant to an elf smitten by a human.

Rider- Thank you for appreciating the large amount of baggage Buffy carries. I toyed at simply breaking with a * symbol to change scenes between the alchemy garden and Chironasium so I appreciate you affirming our scene transitions. Having enchanted Superian's saddle pad with resist frost, Savlian Matius' shield with resist fire, and Buffy's pack with feather, I expect poor old delightful Delmar is no longer surprised by some of the things Buffy pulls out of her pack. She has to carry lots of, you know, stuff!

SubRosa- Considering Buffy's nature and the beauty of the garden, the butterfly was too wonderful to not share. Given your own superb creativity with aspects of TES life, I am honored that the term Lake Strider worked well. Arnaud's remains - yes, cremation is the answer and by tying it to his interest in destruction I wanted to portray it as not a particularly prevalent custom. I loved your response to Buffy's 'stuff' being strewn about.

Thomas Kaira- Given your own potent command of description, I am humbled that you were impressed by our attempt to 'paint' a butterfly. When I add up the weight that Buffy carries, it is actually not much (clothes are light) and easily distributed between her pack and Superian's twin saddlebags. The primary benefit of her magic bag of holding for our story, is that it can accomodate objects too large fit into her pack (Slayer, quiver, staff). Thank you! Yes, Buffy will need that beautiful new journal that Mazoga gave her in just a few more episodes.

ghastley- Thank you! Who can fathom the mysteries of feminine physics and how it relates to carrying the so many required items of daily life?

King Coin- I'm glad you liked sharing the scary secrets of Buffy's pack! Yes, I understand Aravi is quite the weapons mistress. Short blades and bows if I recall. Thank you.

Captain Hammer- Thanks! I got a chuckle from your D&D antics. Given all the teasing - even from Acadian - Buffy's glad she didn’t open up her alchemy bag where her shampoo, conditioner, soap, perfume and all that other important stuff lives among the mushrooms and flowers.



"And he thought he could beat you!" The Redguard boomed out a laugh. "Ha! We'll scoop what's left of him into a barrel and ship it back to Skyrim. Well, as long as those Nordic knuckleheads are willing to keep trying the Gray Prince, we'll keep raking in the gold. Good job. Here's your take."

Agronak gro-Malog's sword dripped blood on the stone floor of the Bloodworks. The Grand Champion of the Arena made no move to take the proffered bag of gold from the Blademaster. "Give it to his family, Owyn."

"Suit yourself, Champ. I hope you're not going soft on me." Owyn then noticed me standing quietly near the entrance to his office. "Well, if it isn't Buffy the miniature gladiator. What? Are you here for a tea party? If you're looking for a match, you'd better get outta that dress."

Owyn had one eyebrow raised waiting for an answer, but Agronak curled a lip above one tusk in what I had learned from Mazoga was an orcish smile.

"Not today, Owyn," I said. "I won't be fighting in the Arena anymore. I came to see if you want my raiment back."

Owyn frowned, then rubbed his chin for a moment. "Well, to tell you the truth, I always figured you were too small to make it in this business. You did okay for yourself while you were here though, kid. Keep the raiment. We don't get much call for them in your size and besides, you earned it. In fact, you're welcome in the Bloodworks anytime. Now, both of you - out of my office."

Once Agronak and I were in the main area of the Bloodworks, he engulfed my shoulder with a massive hand and looked down at me. "So, I gather you found what you were looking for here?"

"I did, Agronak. The Arena taught me much about facing down my fears, but fighting for sport is just not for me. Besides, there are so many two legged varmints out in the real world that I'm sure my fighting skills won't atrophy." I then craned my neck to look up into his eyes. How about you? Have you thought any more about what I said when I was here for my last match? Turning your mighty blade from entertainment to noble purpose and becoming a knight?"

Agronak steered me to a bench and we both sat. He stared at the training dummy reserved for his use. "I must confess I do find this life more and more pointless. I nurture and watch fighters grow, only to find my efforts rewarded by having to kill them in the sands of the Arena. But at least here, people respect me. Besides, like I asked you before, who would make an orc a knight?"

"The Count of Leyawiin," I replied. I took one of his hands in both of mine, causing him to look at me. "One of my best friends is a knight in the Order of the White Stallion. She is a powerful and noble Orismer named Sir Mazoga. The Order is short handed and would welcome your help."

"Leave the Arena? Travel to Leyawiin?" The Grand Champion's eyes almost seemed to harbor fear. "Oh. . . I don't know, Buffy. I've been here for almost a decade."

"And how long will you stay here entertaining timid souls who are not fit to carry your shield?" I said. "Will it be another decade, perhaps two before some young buck kills you? Or if you survive, do you hope to become Blademaster so you can send countless young warriors to their deaths for sport? What will that accomplish? Agronak, there's a whole world beyond the Arena, and it's waiting for a true champion like you to make a difference."

The orc's eyes searched mine for a long time, and I could see the conflict waging within. Eventually he responded, "I'll do it. How do I get there?"

"I would travel with you, but I must leave tomorrow for Harm's Folly to deliver some bad news." I reached into my pack, pulled out two scrolls and unrolled one. "I did buy you a map at the Copious Coinpurse today however." With a finger, I traced a route south along the Green Road almost to Leyawiin. "Right here is the Lodge for the Order of the White Stallion."

He took the map and studied it as I dug into my pack again to produce my quill and inkpot. After scribing a short letter onto the other parchment and blowing the ink dry, I handed it to Agronak.

He read the letter aloud:

Dearest Sir Mazoga,

Please extend consideration and hospitality to Agronak gro-Malog, Grand Champion of the Arena. The powerful Orsimer is highly skilled with a blade and wishes to become a knight. I ask that you offer your wisdom to him regarding this matter. Should you find his spirit worthy, by whatever trials you deem prudent, I hope you will present him to Count Leyawiin for dubbing into the Order of the White Stallion.

My warmest regards to you, dear friend.

Buffy

"So this Mazoga is a real knight?" Agronak asked as he rolled up the letter.

I nodded. "You will find no one in all Cyrodiil more worthy of the title. Deliver that letter to her, and I would suggest you call her Sir Mazoga."

"Buffy, I feel awkward asking your advice. It's just that I've been here in the Arena for so long. I don't know much about the outside. I know how to fight of course but, when there is no gate or announcer, how do I know when? Who is friend and who is foe?"

I was surprised to realize that this mighty orc was quite out of his element beyond the Arena. I believed I could understand his apprehension of the unfamiliar. I smiled gently and took his hand again. "It is your wisdom about controlling my fears that helped me survive during my matches here. I'm honored that you would ask my advice now. If you get attacked of course, you fight back. Beyond that, I use what I call the Buffy Doctrine to help me know when to fight. I think you might find it useful. Would you like to hear it?"

"Indeed I would," he said, lifting a dark eyebrow.

I recited my doctrine: "If you are kind to me, I will love you dearly; if you are a threat to me or my friends, I will likely kill you." I then added, "You don't need an announcer, Agronak."

The orc rubbed a thick finger over one tusk for a moment, then nodded his understanding. "Any other advice?"

Studying Agronak's face, I tried to read his character. I remembered his words from the last time I had seen him: "I need a sturdy woman who can hold her own with a blade. A powerful sparring partner. An Orsimer woman."

The eerily similar words of my friend Mazoga also came clearly to mind: "I could give my heart only to a knight who is stronger than I. One who can defeat me in combat with a blade. A powerful and noble Orsimer."

Oh dear Mara. I hoped I was doing the right thing for Mazoga. I knew perfectly well that I was meddling in affairs of the heart - something I knew so little about.

Finally, I issued a gentle warning in response to the Grand Champion's request for advice. "Only this," I said quietly, "remember my doctrine well. Know also that Sir Mazoga has been kind to me and I love her dearly."

Buffy's warning Agronak? I guess she has found her confidence! And she bought the map at Thoronir's shop before talking to him,which means she was pretty sure how it would go.

I believe this is an all-new chapter, so now I'm hoping for an encounter between Agronak and Alessia Caro in the future. Maybe Buffy is, too.

An all-new chapter!! AWESOME !!!




Buffy knows a lot about heart, just not affairs !!! GAAAAH, I just don't want to have the image of Orc kissing ... or worse ... stuck in my head, lol. I love this new path Buffy is on, matchmaker!! Oh Terentius and Indarys - watch out !!! Awesome Chapter !!!






WOOOOOT !!! I never thought of that !!!!

I never thought of the Grand Champion having trouble knowing when to kill! Good chapter! Aravi would approve!

Never forget, I learned from the best.

Very creative, having Agronak go to Mazoga's side and leave the arena. That surprised me a bit.

Just so long as Buffy doesn't walk in on them "sparring." Wait... bad images! Argh!

Harm's Folly, eh? No strangers to misery, are they. That must be one horribly unlucky family...

Oh, and Ghastley, I work in foodservice, so I know just how fragile mundane wine bottles can be. The main reason the game's bottles are made out of magical super-glass is because of physics limitations. However, I can envision Tamika placing spells on her bottles so they would not break if dropped, so I do see your point.

Buffy the Matchmaker!

I see both Buffy and Agronak touch on just the exact issues I have with the Arena, which is why I've only done the storyline twice, and only with those PC's that also did Thieves' Guild, Dark Brotherhood and SI. All of my others have not been interested in killing for sport, especially since that could be your friend out there on the sand, damn it!

I have a good feeling about Sir Mazoga and Agronak the Grand Champion. But I am resolutely keeping any images of the two of them together out of my mind for the moment. Too early in the day for me!

I’m pleased that Buffy is through with the Arena. Especially since she gets to keep her raiment with the matching boots. Sir Mazoga and the Grey Prince, oh my goodness. Yay Buffy!!

Agronak: "How do I know when to kill?"

Buffy : "I have a doctrine to follow. 'If you are mean to me or my friends, I will kill you'."

Later, Mazoga: "Countess Leyawiin, this is my friend Agronak. I would like you to make him a Knight of the White Stallion..."


GAAAAAH !!! Agronak's first mistake in the outside world !!! GAAAAAH !!!


Just kidding, Acadian - I blame the dogs for driving me stir crazy, lol.

This was a nice surprise, and more than a bit of a relief seeing Agronak guided from the Arena to a new life (and one hopes a new chance on life, given what we know happens to him in the game.) So it looks like Buffy may be changing her name to Emma? It is very sweet of her to meddle in the lives of Agronak and Mazoga, with the hopes of bringing them together.

I did buy you a map at the Copious Coinpurse today
And it probably came from some poor sod's grave!

I would suggest you call her Sir Mazoga
A good suggestion!

Agronak is not Mr. Elton.

Loving this. I didn't know that Buffy could be so diplomatic.

Well I am finally through the first ten chapters of Thread 1. All I can say is WOW! You have an amazing talent for weaving a very enjoyable tale. The items I would recount have already been commented on and complimented, so I won't reiterate what has already been said. But I will reiterate...WOW!

Well, Buffy, I'm going to call her Madam Magoza... *Picks up liver* I see why you advise that.

Interesting installment. Only one thing stood out for me, though:

The possible children of Agronak gro-Malog and Mazoga.

Imagine them, running around in Leyawin. And as Knights-Errant of the White Stallion, our proud Orsimer parents will have to present them to the court for formal events. Great therapy for the Countess of Leyawin, I'd imagine.

And Captain Hammer wins +9,000 Oblivions.

PROBLEM, COUNTESS?

Episode 80 found Buffy in the Imperial City awaiting completion of the mage's staff she intends to deliver to Harm's Folly. She resigned from the Arena and, surprisingly, convinced the Grand Champion to leave the Arena and pursue a knighthood with the Order of the White Stallion in Leyawiin.

ghastley- Thanks for noting the implication of Buffy buying a map for Agronak even before talking with him. Her little wheels have been turning ever since Mazoga stated what she wanted in a man. Issuing a warning to Agronak shows Buffy's deep concern for Mazoga, and that her dragon mouth is still trying to write checks her butterfly butt can't cash.

mALX- Thank you! We'll try to keep romantic scenes involving the orcish sport of tusk locking to a minimum.

King Coin- It just seemed natural to me to incorporate a little naivete in Agronak as a price of being cooped up in the Bloodworks for so long. Also, to help balance his magnificent power and skill. Thanks!

Thomas Kaira- Thank you. Buffy so hopes that her meddling doesn't stuff everything up. She'll be nervously waiting to hear from her friend Mazoga.

Rider- I'm so glad that Buffy's maturing views on the Arena struck a chord with you. Although she has outgrown it for the reasons you mention, Buffy is grateful to the Arena for three things: It helped her earn gold to get home from prison so long ago. It taught her to better manage her fears. She got a beautiful blue outfit!

Grits- Aww, thank you! Yes, Buffy likes that little blue outfit. Gosh she sure hopes she's helping Mazoga and not just mucking things up!

SubRosa- Thank you. Buffy chose the Copius Coinpurse because she still feels badly about killing the previous owner. Besides, Thoronir is short enough she can look him in the eye! I'm afraid her nose for business is not quite keen enough to really wonder about why his prices are so low.

MyCat- Thanks for picking up on Buffy's growing diplomatic skills. She tried to learn some of those things as she hung around the Court of Leyawiin.

Rick- Thank you for the kind words! I'm delighted that you are catching up with us!

Zalphon- *shudder* Yes, fighting alongside Mazoga is scary enough. Buffy can't imagine the terror of being on the receiving end of Mazoga's mighty blade. Thank you!

Captain Hammer- Thank you. Oh my goodness yes! Little green knights running around the Court of Leyawiin! Seriously, I hope the Grand Champion passes muster with Mazoga and perhaps the knights can do some 'erranting'.

Cardboard Box- Thanks for popping in! Sadly, I don't think anything can really fix that Countess, but I don't think she'll cause too much trouble in Buffy's story.



Careful to control the flames of my torch, I knocked on the wooden door and took a pace back. Although the house was built of stone, the roof was straw.

"Hello? Who are you? What do you want?" The old Breton who appeared in the doorway was understandably surprised by a caller to his isolated farm, particularly at night.

"My name is Buffy and I'm from the Mage's Guild. Are you Corrick Northwode?"

"Why yes, I'm Corrick." The weathered face turned from suspicious to anxious. "What's happened to Arnaud? For the Guild to pay a call out here must be bad news. Is he hurt? Did he get himself into trouble?"

I took a deep breath and said as gently as I could, "Corrick, I'm afraid Arnaud was killed while on an important assignment for the University. I-I'm sorry."

The farmer winced, but did not break as he closed his eyes. After a few moments, he opened them again. "How?" he asked quietly.

"Arnaud died bravely, during an attack on one of the University's facilities." I then added, "None of his assailants survived."

"I. . . forgive my manners, young elf. You must be exhausted and hungry after your trip. Welcome to Harm's Folly." He motioned toward a reflection of moonlight on the surface of water in a nearby trough. "Please, tend to your horse then come in. I'll warm some stew."

*

"Thank you for the meal, Corrick. The stew was delicious," I said truthfully to the Breton seated across the table.

"Kayleen's recipe," he said sadly. "My late wife." Rubbing his hand over the ceramic urn that bore the symbol of the guild and contained the remains of his son, he continued, "It means a great deal that you were able to return Arnaud home to me. Thank you."

"You're welcome," I replied. "Arnaud's records at the University said that if he perished, he wanted to be turned to ash and brought to you."

"Aye, he was fascinated by fire," said Corrick. "It'll be nice to have him home with me tonight. I'll place him in the ground next to Kayleen's grave tomorrow. She'll be happy to have him near." He looked again at the gnarled length of enchanted wood I had placed on the table next to Arnaud's last letter. "My son always dreamed of being a mage. I'm sure that staff would have meant much to him. Thank you for ensuring it was completed." He then managed a flat smile. "Could you show me how to use it?"

The question caught me off guard. "Well, I think I understand how they're supposed to work. I've never actually used a staff, and I'm afraid I didn't pay much attention during those classes. I'll see if I can figure it out and teach you without setting your roof ablaze." My smile faded. "Corrick, it's horrible what happened to Arnaud, especially after losing your wife. How did Kayleen die, if I may ask?"

The Breton's face turned hard. "Goblins. Damn things have a clan or tribe or whatever they call themselves. They showed up and moved into nearby Exhausted Mine a few years ago. We've always been able to fight them off when they would send a scout or two snooping around. One day about a year ago, Arnaud and I returned from selling our crops to find a war party had attacked the farm and. . . killed my Kayleen." The Breton finally allowed a tear to slide down his leathery cheek.

"Corrick," I got up and stepped around the table until I stood next to the seated man, "I don't know if I can help with your kind of wounds, but would you like me try?"

He looked up at me. I could see pain, confusion and hope warring within his eyes. After a moment, he nodded slightly.

Focusing on what I imagined Corrick's pain felt like, white energy began to surge deeply within me. I felt it travel up through my shoulders and out along my arms. When it reached my hands, they began to glow with a white aura. I placed one on each side of Corrick's face. I could sense a broken leg that had healed long ago, a gentle spirit and a heart full of pain. As the healing magic passed from me to him, I could feel some of that pain being transferred to me. Overwhelming sadness and loss swept over me for several moments. Finally I could take no more and let go, breaking the bond between us. Exhausted, and in tears myself, I looked at him hopefully.

"Buffy, I do feel a little better, somehow." Corrick tentatively touched a cheek with his hand. "Whatever you did, I thank you."

Suddenly, I heard the neighing cry of Superian and my blood ran cold.

Corrick shouted, "Goblins!" and jumped to his feet. Plucking a mace from above the mantel of his fireplace, he quickly covered the distance to the door.

Grabbing Slayer and my quiver, I was on Corrick's heels as we burst out of the farm house.

Under the light of both moons, I could see Superian rearing and flashing her powerful front hooves at a single goblin.

As Corrick charged and swung his mace, the goblin easily turned the weapon aside with a leather shield. He then answered with a swing of his own mace that knocked Corrick to the ground.

Before the goblin could raise his weapon again, I launched an emerald sphere of magic into the dirt in front of me. Upon impact, the spell burst into a cloud that engulfed the entire area in a brief flash of greenish light.

Corrick, now struggling to regain his feet was not affected by the illusion. Superian and the goblin however, both stopped their hostilities and stood, passively awaiting my command.

Sidestepping quickly, to offset myself from both Corrick and my mare, I nocked an arrow and loosed it. From a range of less than three paces, the impact to the goblin's chest drove him to the ground where he gurgled in pain. I watched the blue arcs of Slayer's shock magic briefly dance over the green skin of Superian's attacker. Before the sparks could fully dissipate, Corrick finished the job with his mace.

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

And now we begin what is quite possibly my favorite chapter from BF 1.0 - Buffy's encounter with Corrick. For me, this chapter highlights the wonderfully warm-hearted kind person Buffy is, and juxtaposes that with the lethal blonde she has become. It also showed me creative ways (creative to me, melee fighter that I am anyway) to use magic in combat. This is the chapter that encouraged me to look for new ways to incorporate magic in my combat style in the game. For those reasons, it was my favorite chapter, and to date, it is still my favorite in BF 2.0, though the entire storyline thus far has been a wonderful, wonderful journey.

I liked how Buffy gave the news to Corrick, sparing him the ugly details of his son's death, and instead conveying that he fell bravely. It is bad enough news as it is, not to make things worse.

I'm afraid I didn't pay much attention during those classes.
Too busy staring out the window at the university garden and daydreaming no doubt!'

I could see Superian rearing and flashing her powerful front hooves at a single goblin.
That goblin just found himself on the wrong end of the Buffy Doctrine™!

And we see an example of the experienced Buffy in action. A Command Creature spell settles down the chaos, and gives her the clear opportunity to finish the goblin for once and all, without further harm coming to either Corrick or Superian.

At the same time this little dust-up shows us several things. That the goblins who killed Corrick's wife are still a real threat. It also shows us that Corrick is out of depth in dealing with them. He is a farmer, not a trained fighter.

Corrick’s words about Arnaud and Kayleen are just heartbreaking. I can see how Buffy would be moved to help ease his pain. Then seeing her empathetic way of healing was quite special.

Followed by battle, rawr! Buffy used a spell to quiet both Superian and the goblin, so she could use her bow safely! I still remember the Legion Rider and the mountain lion. It seems this bowgirl doesn’t need to learn lessons twice.

I particularly liked the idea of the command spell keeping Superian from getting in the way of an arrow. Oblivion's AI turns all non-ranged allies into liabilities when a fight breaks out. And the ranged ones shoot you in the back if you don't time your attacks right.

As SubRosa pointe out, you've got all the setup for the next part nicely decided in advance, looking froward to that!

I also liked that, Ghastly

Emotion runs deep here.

Where's a redhead named Willow when you need her the most? It would seem a delightful flicker of Ms. Summers has appeared within your words.

Buffy's continued reliance on magic remains ever-present, as well (as she is a mystic archer, after all). She has a play for everything, as well. If command doesn't work, paralyze em, and if that doesn't work, drain their speed. Finally, if all else fails, disappear and leave behind a Clannfear to busy your opponent while you're busy severing their spine.

This chapter displays Buffy's personality so perfectly !!! Buffy at her Buffiest !!! AWESOME CHAPTER !!!!!!

I'm predicting some goblin hunting in the near future

81 was the first episode of Buffy's four part miniseries, 'Harm's Folly'. She delivered the mage's staff and remains of Arnaud Northwode to his father's farm. Their after dinner conversation was interrupted by a goblin attack against Buffy's mare, just outside the farmhouse.

Rider- Aww. It was music to my ears to hear that you really like the Harm's Folly story because I have expanded it from three to four episodes in 2.0. Thank you so much!

Subrosa- Wow. As is so often the case, your insight provides confirmation that what I was trying to do here came through. Buffy surely was trying to give Corrick the impression that his son died bravely, perhaps smiting foes as fire blazed from his fingertips. Thank you.

Grits- I'm so glad you like Corrick's compelling story. We'll linger a bit more with it in this next episode. Thank you so much for recalling Buffy's sense of failure when that Legion rider fell to the mountain lion and her determination to learn how to do better.

ghastley- Thank you. Buffy is so glad she majored in illusion at the University! She tends to get flustered when surprised of course and illusion is often just the ticket that can bring her some time and control. Boderi taught her that if she can imagine a fight, she can plan for it and win it before it ever begins. Thanks to a lion slaying a Legion rider long ago, this goblin attack was such a fight.

Zalphon- Thank you very much! I'm delighted to see your new story 'Devotion' on the boards!

Thomas Kaira- Who'd have thought she'd ever have to use a staff? I'm sure her mind was off with Superian running in the tall grass during those classes. With her focus on bow, illusion and restoration, Buffy's conjuration still lags at this point in her story. I'm afraid she is relegated to the most basic summons during Book 1.

mALX- Thank you! When you say Buffy is at her Buffiest, it makes my heart sing!

King Coin- Goblin hunting? Oh my goodness, yes! She does have some more business with Corrick first though. Thank you!



I shouldered Slayer and turned to the farmer. "Corrick, are you all right?"

"I-I think so," he replied unsteadily as he slid the mace's handle under his belt.

My hand slipped into one of the quick access pouches on the outside of my pack and grabbed a potion. "Here, drink this - all of it." I then sparked my torch to life and offered it to Corrick as well. "Hold this with your free hand, please."

White magic filled my hands as they gently wandered over Superian's neck, shoulders and front legs to assess for any wounds. Sure enough one of her front shoulders was injured, no doubt by the goblin's mace. Nothing was broken however. I channeled healing magic through my fingers, slowly enough to control the rate and amount of pain that I received in return.

Physically and emotionally drained, and low on mystical power, I turned my attention back to the Breton. I had absorbed a fair amount of pain for one evening and hoped the healing potion was all he needed to recover. "Are you feeling better?"

"I am. Thank you Buffy, that potion was amazing. I can still feel it working." Staring at me, he added, "I couldn't help notice the pain on your face as you eased some of my grief after dinner with your magic. I saw it again just now as you worked on your horse. Does it hurt when you heal us?"

"Well, some. At the University, they told me I was an empathic healer; the Priestesses of Mara in my home town of Bravil have said the same. A very close friend, who is a paladin, calls it 'laying on of hands'." I shrugged and continued, "I'm just different I guess. I can heal a lot more pain than I receive, but sometimes I have to be careful. If my patient can drink a potion, it makes things easier for me." A little self-conscious about my healing, I unsheathed my knife and changed the subject. "I need to try and recover my arrow from this goblin. Then maybe we can drag his body away from both my mare and your homestead?"

Upon accomplishing those tasks and returning to the farmhouse together, Corrick said, "Let's get you back inside where it's warm."

I conjured a tiny cloud of icy fog in one hand and extinguished my torch. The farmer opened the door for us.

We sat quietly in front of the fireplace, dispelling the night chill that had crept into us while outside. I pointed to a large painting above the stone mantel. "Is that the Great Oak of Chorrol?"

"Aye." Corrick rose to his feet slowly and somewhat stiffly. As he snuffed out several burning candles inside his one-room home, he remarked apologetically, "I've got plenty of wood to burn for the fireplace, but these candles don't grow on trees." The Breton returned to his chair and continued, "It was many years ago that Kayleen and I came here from Chorrol to start this farm. We cleared a small plot of the rich land and built this house stone by stone. It was our dream. Arnaud was conceived and born here."

The Breton retrieved a dried tobacco leaf from atop the nearby chest of drawers and tore it into two pieces. Wadding up a portion, he stuffed it into one side of his mouth, offering me the other half.

I wrinkled my nose and shook my head. "Um, no thanks."

"I figured as much." Corrick managed a smile. "Kayleen hated the stuff too."

The flickering fireplace now provided the only light as the two of us sat comfortably together. Orange reflections danced softly upon the walls around us, making the small home feel warm and alive. "Thank you for trying to defend my mare," I remarked before taking a sip of cheap wine from the cup Corrick had filled for me.

"Horses are important out here, Buffy. Besides I probably owe you my own life. Listen, it's entirely too late for you to try and return to the big city tonight. I'd be pleased if you waited till morning to leave." Corrick added quickly, "As you can see, I have two beds. You're welcome to use Arnaud's. Please don't think-"

"Thank you," I interrupted, trying to ease the Breton's awkwardness. "I will stay the night. Perhaps tomorrow we can try and figure out how to use that staff. I don't question your intentions, Corrick. Besides," I teased, "I know some magic, and if you couldn't impose your will on that one goblin, I think I'll be safe."

The Breton replied sheepishly, "I guess you can see now why I haven't been able to get rid of those damn things. I've never been much of a fighter, and now with a few years on me, well," he sighed, "they're just too much for this old farmer." He leaned over and spat some tobacco juice into a metal urn on the floor by his feet.

I looked at Corrick. "What will you do? About the goblins, I mean."

"Probably die here." He shook his head sadly. "With Kayleen and Arnaud gone, I don't have much to live for. Besides, I guess I've had a good life. Not every man can claim to have been loved by a fine woman, tilled his own land, and raised a good son. I can't live here with those goblins, yet I can't leave either. Not with Kayleen, soon to be joined by Arnaud, buried next to the home we built together."

Corrick added a piece of wood to the fire, causing the small blaze to spark and flare a little brighter. I got up, refilled our stone cups and returned to my seat next to him.

"Farmers don't make a lot of gold, Buffy. For a long time I scrimped and saved, hoping I could hire the Fighter's Guild to clear Exhausted Mine." The Breton's eyes were moist as he continued, "Life has choices though. I don't regret it, but all my savings went toward getting my boy into the University. I'm sure some day those goblins will kill me; I'll then join Kayleen and Arnaud. Perhaps that is for the best."

We sat, silently watching the flames slowly dance before us for several minutes.

Finally, I said quietly, "I will clear this Exhausted Mine that threatens your farm, Corrick."

"I will clear this Exhausted Mine that threatens your farm, Corrick."
I had more than a faint smile on my face as I read this. The entire episode hurtles us to this conclusion. By the end, Buffy's decision was inevitable. Given who she is, there is simply nothing else she could do.

Yeah Buffy !!!! This was always one of my fave chapters in the original Buffy stories, love this chapter !!! Awesome Write !!! WOO HOO !!!

Well, the other Buffy-compatible options were:

"I've already cleared that mine" which would deprive us of another great chapter, and

"I'll wipe out every Goblin in Cyrodiil" which would deprive us of everything else.

Buffy's even taking us readers into consideration! (I suspect help from someone else in that decision).

I love the description of Buffy’s empathic healing. I hope Corrick can find his spark again, his situation is so sad. Sounds like it’s time for some goblin hunting!

LOL I'm glad Corrick didn't take offense.

Good chapter! I liked the description of Buffy's healing powers!

There isn't much for me to say that hasn't already been said. It's a beautiful place, but I can understand the luster has gone from it for Corrick now that he is all alone in the world. He's been deprived of all his reasons for living, and is adrift at the moment.

But death by Goblins certainly isn't the way to go. Just ask Julian. I'm glad Buffy is planning to handle things on that end. This is how one makes friends, especially the best kind. And there is no doubt Corrick Northwode will be one of the best friends Buffy will have.

(In the tune of Follow the Yellow Brick Road)

We're off to slay some goblins! Some wonderful goblins to kill! Their blood shall decorate the walls and we will all cheer you on still!

Go get em' Buffy! Vengeance will be had for this lonely farmer's grief. I suggest you restrict yourself to frost damage, as well (if possible). As you know, revenge is a dish best served cold.

ROFL !!! OOPS !!! In my head I am hearing this:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK0gXuifSAA


(Goodbye Yellow Brick Road)

82 was the second episode of Buffy's four part miniseries, 'Harm's Folly'. She decided to stay at the farm for the night with plans to try and teach Corrick to use his new staff the following day. Upon learning more about Corrick's woes however, she decided she would also clear nearby Exhausted Mine of the goblins that had been plaguing his farm.

SubRosa- Thank you! Buffy is intrigued by goblins and doesn't hate them any more than wolves. It was therefore important to build quite a compelling reason for her to go hunt them, and I'm so pleased it produced a smile of agreement from you!

mALX- Thank you for those kind words! How clever that your 'Goodby Yellow Brick Road' sings about a farm!

ghastley- Heh. I'm hoping to present a little depth to goblins in the next couple episodes. Thanks!

Grits- Thank you! Buffy's empathic healing is both a curse and a blessing. The physical constraints of having to touch her patients and receive some of their pain is the curse. Her ability to diagnose and even glimpse into the character of her patients is the blessing. Regardless, she has her paladin to both thank and blame.

King Coin- Buffy felt pretty safe agreeing to stay the night. Thank you for liking the powers and limitations of her healing.

Rider- Your kind words regarding poor dear Corrick let me know that my intent came through loud and clear. Thank you!

Thomas Kaira- Thank you! Buffy's mantle of vengeance and dark feelings of revenge are generally reserved for humanoids possessing the free will to choose the path of evil. She likens goblins to clever packs of wolves acting more on instinct than free will. Since she considers Corrick's claim on Harm's Folly to be greater than that of the goblins, clearing them will be a task that is necessary, but not one that will give her pleasure. Heh, on the frost damage recommendation, Buffy only really knows enough about frost to extinguish torches or perhaps chill a bottle of ale. She's gonna have to rely on what she does best: bow and illusion.



I stood in amazement, my mouth open. Displayed before me, in the first streaks of morning light, was all of Cyrodiil itself. I could clearly see the Imperial City, with its White Gold Tower reaching almost to the clouds. There was that horrible prison, where I had watched Emperor Uriel Septim die. Behind the city, I could see my Arcane University. Looking even farther to the south, I sighed as I wistfully imagined that I could even see Bravil.

"Now you understand why Kayleen and I chose this spot." Corrick Northwode pulled open the gate to his split rail fence around Harm's Folly. "Not a day goes by that I don't work this land and marvel at that view."

Closing my mouth and nodding silently, I removed the enchanted staff from my back. I looked to see that Superian was safely behind the farm house. "Okay, whatever we do Corrick, let's not point this thing at the straw roof of your home." Extending a finger, I added, "In fact, let's aim for that large stone down the hill there."

Directing the end of the staff toward my target, I thought about a fireball and began to feel destructive magic growing within me. No, Buffy, it's not supposed to take magicka; the staff should have its own power. Oh, I wished I had paid more attention at school. I concentrated on the staff and imagined fire flying from it. An orange spark or two popped out but simply fizzled to the ground. Trying again, with better focus this time, I was rewarded when each of the gnarled tips at the end of the staff began to flicker in unison. A fireball quickly formed and flew down the hill. I missed the intended boulder of course, but almost squealed with excitement nonetheless.

Within a few more tries, I could successfully shoot magical fire from the enchanted length of wood. By adjusting position of the staff's tail for alignment, I could even hit the target sometimes. Handing the weapon to Corrick, I tried to explain what I had learned.

The farmer progressed rather quickly. I guessed part of that was his Bretonic natural affinity for magic. Before the sun had climbed but a small way, he too was displaying some accuracy.

"Well done, Corrick!" I giggled then added, "especially given the poor credentials of your teacher. Okay, now I'll have you try it on a target that's alive - well, sort of."

Forming a sphere of magicka in my hand I tossed it in front of us. As a skeleton materialized, I said, "Get ready, but don't fire yet." I cast another spell to infuse the bones of the summon with a lavender glow that would help Azura's Star capture its energy. "Now Corrick, blast away!"

The Breton obediently launched a fireball from the staff. As the skeleton evaporated in flame, I heard the soft reassuring 'whoosh'. Removing the Star of Azura from my pack, I partially charged the weapon. We repeated this exercise several more times, resulting in a fully charged staff and a farmer proficient in its use. I handed Corrick several soul gems, each softly glowing with energy, and explained their usage. I then pointed toward the Imperial City, "Can you see the Arcane University?"

"Yes, just behind the city," Corrick replied. "Why?"

"The University can recharge your staff also, as well as sell you more filled soul gems." I continued gently, "Just to the left of the Imperial City, is a small island rising from Lake Rumare. It is the site of a beautiful grove called Wellspring. That is where the wood for this staff was grown. It is also where Arnaud died bravely."

Corrick looked toward the island, then at me. "Buffy, you've done much for me - and Arnaud." He shouldered the long weapon. "I seem to be a little better with this staff than my mace. I will come with you to Exhausted Mine. You have given me hope and confidence. Between the two of us, I believe we can eliminate those goblins once and for all."

"No, Corrick." I shook my head. "I believe you have a son to reunite with his mother. Don't worry though, I'm at my best when fighting alone, and I'll stay safely in the shadows. Besides," I smiled, "I need you to ensure no harm comes to Superian while I'm gone."

*

Two life forces began to glow at the edge of my twin rings' ability to detect them. Taking out my map, I figured I was halfway down the slope from Harm's Folly toward Exhausted Mine. The glows were likely goblin sentries. I crouched and quietly moved among the bushes and boulders until I had an unobstructed long-range view. The pinkish signs of life were near a rocky outcropping that could be the mine entrance.

After poisoning an arrow, I fitted its tail to Slayer's silk bowstring. As I concentrated on the distant glows, they snapped sharply into focus. Two goblins all right. One had a short sword and shield, the other a bow. After carefully aiming, I loosed my arrow at the archer. The missile struck the left side of the goblin's chest. His mouth flew open, but at this range it was a silent cry. The off-center impact staggered and spun him around, thereby confusing the direction my arrow had come from. I could see his body turning a deeper shade of green as he struggled to remain on his feet. Within a few seconds, he collapsed.

His companion launched into a frenzy of activity, searching for me. Confident in my stealthy perch and distance, I calmly watched and waited for him to give up. I used the time to review what I knew of goblins.

Not surprisingly, the Mystic Archives at the University had little information on them. I had fought them before, but not in large numbers. Under the supervision of Boderi Farano, I had even isolated and sparred with individual goblins to improve my ability to block and more effectively use my armor. What I knew about them was from limited first-hand experience and a conversation I now recalled with a goblin hunter named Parwen.

I first noticed the archer at the West Weald Inn in Skingrad. We were both Bosmeri women with bows, but there the similarity ended. The mail-clad Parwen had brown hair and eyes, a dagger riding on her hip and she quite filled the top of her cuirass. I consoled myself, speculating that perhaps her large breasts interfered with shooting a bow. At any rate, we struck up a conversation. While breaking bread and sharing a bottle of Tamika's, I learned that Parwen was a member of the Fighters Guild. She seemed quite familiar with hunting local goblins.

Based on what she had told me and my own experience, I found goblins rather fascinating. They had a tribal system, apparently centered around spellcasters called shamans. Territorial disputes were common, and their raiding parties were often led by warlords. Known for coordinating their efforts and a cooperative social structure, they even raised rats for food.

Unfortunately for Corrick, they were also known to raid farms for vegetables and attack anyone who was not a member of their tribe.

By now the distant pink glow, whose search efforts I was monitoring, had given up and returned to his sentry duties.

I had wondered, with their sophisticated culture, if goblins were some form of primitive cave mer. I knew however, that the Star of Azura considered their magical energy to be that of creatures. Likening them to extremely clever packs of wolves, I believed they lacked the degree of free will found in men and mer.

I might confess some satisfaction in killing evil beings that possessed a free will to choose their own path, such as necromancers or bandits; however I took no more pleasure in dispatching goblins than I did wolves or lions. Sometimes killing them was simply necessary. I had determined that, on behalf of Corrick Northwode, this was one of those times.

First though, I would ask the remaining sentry in front of the mine to provide me some training. After a few moments spent rummaging in my pack, I stripped off my buckskins and blouse. I then tugged on a set of light mail greaves, pulled my boots back on and donned a hardened leather scale cuirass.

I snuck down the hill undetected, stopping about thirty paces from the pink glow. As I rose from my crouch in the tall grass, I launched a spell at the goblin.

My new ally promptly sprinted to a position just in front of me and waited for my command. Making a small incision along his forearm with my hunting knife, I drizzled the contents of a green vial over the wound. The poison would permanently damage the goblin's strength, thereby reducing his ability to hurt me. After sheathing my blade, I gulped down two shield potions and unshouldered Slayer. I quickly reviewed the procedures I would use if more goblins emerged from the mine: Command my sparring partner to fight on my behalf, then summon a skeleton and disappear to seek a safe shooting perch.

As my illusionary control faded, the goblin raised his arms and shrieked a challenge.

Shielding magic flashed into my bow as I raised it to block the goblin's crude short sword. I practiced keeping my elbow flexed and tried to deflect his blows - as Mazoga had taught me. I maneuvered as I needed, careful to keep the entrance to the mine in sight. Once satisfied, I cast a spell on the goblin that caused him to fall limply to the ground.

Before he could recover from the paralysis enough to sense pain, I killed him with a single arrow. I did not hate goblins; rather, I respected them as creatures of nature, and worthy opponents. Besides, they had big pointed ears just like me.

The training session helped my blocking and even improved my ability to maneuver wearing light armor. I lamented the fact that I could not cast spells with even so much as an arrow or potion in my right hand. The only exception Boderi had ever been able to drill into me was a left-handed spell to reinforce my bow for blocking. I knew battlemages could loose devastating magic with a shield in one hand and a weapon in the other, but I could not.

There was so much more for me to master. That's why I sparred with goblins and lived with the bruises. It was the same reason I practiced with my bow and cleared chapel undercrofts until the calluses on my bow fingers bled. Almost every night before bed I practiced spells, stopping only when my hands were magicka-burned. Enough idle thinking, Buffy.

The arrow that I cut free from the body at my feet, once wiped down and inspected, made its way back into my quiver. Although the other goblin had broken the shaft of my arrow when he fell, I was able to salvage five serviceable ones from his quiver.

The entrance to the mine in front of me was marked by the skulls of men and mer on stakes; I had learned this was a common totem used by goblins. Nearby, grew green stain cup which was useful for poisons that could damage speed or even kill. I also found summer bolete - a key ingredient for my shield potions. I made a note to gather some of each once my task at the mine was complete.

After checking the tension and condition of my bowstring, I recharged Slayer, healed my bruises and took a long pull from my water bag. I then approached the old wooden door to Exhausted Mine.

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

Once again I find Buffy's musings on Goblins very interesting.

Sometimes I wonder if they are a form of corrupted mer from the Dawn Era that have devolved into beasts. IRL, as the difference between human and animal becomes more and more blurred, it's a fascinating subject that has me thinking at the oddest times.

I really do think Goblins have some type of intelligence. After all, they use magicka. And while Azura's Star may consider them creatures rather than humanoid, my work with animals makes me consider that distinction rather arbitrary. But a line has to be drawn somewhere, and unfortunately Goblins end up on the far side of that line.

Her lesson on how to use the staff was also interesting and quite fun. And the view! Yes, I was right, it is a beautiful place!