Sorry for the absence, everyone. It's been an extremely stressful few days for me. I've gone over most of the troubles already in the Coffee Shop thread, but I've also been quite tied up with a >1000 word essay for my English class, as well. Since I don't like to work on two writing projects at once, so I had to let the Fan-Fic go for a little while.Prior commitments come first.
Thankfully my weekend starts tomorrow, so I'll probably be able to get back to writing this soon enough. I'll aim to be back in gear here by then.
Just want to let you all know what's going on.
Full Version: Light through Darkness
@haute ecole rider: It is all part of one of the central themes of my story, that true heroes must suffer at the hands of the weak. Matius is without a doubt a hero, so now he must suffer the wrath of that weak-willed politician Ocato. It was a purely political arrest, in order for Ocato to have an excuse that he did something about the Kvatch crisis. But he isn't fooling anyone despite the Courier's slant in his favor, he obviously took the easy way out.
@SubRosa: Criticism? That? No, you've just described everything I hoped to get across to the reader about Dere in this particular part. He is not a hero, and has a long way to go before he can become one. What you have described and debated is, to put it simply, exactly what I wanted you to see. For that, I consider your words to be complimentary, and as such I thank you very much for your insight.
Nit be picked.
@Acadian: Having the Oblivion Crisis occur through secondhand information and rumors has become something of a trademark in this tale, but it will eventually have a direct affect on our Bosmer. Still, all the major events are presented in the background, and I do this primarily so that I can keep my readers on the same page as my timeline. Just in case there was any doubt, though, it is now mid-Hearthfire.
@mALX: True, that, but Dere is still only that ordinary guy. He is intelligent, but he is no hero, and his temper tantrum at the end of the nightmare illustrates this. SubRosa is correct with everything she says, because what she is describing is exactly what Dere's character is and what I want it to be.
@Grits: I'm afraid things will not stop there. Things have only just started to get horrible.
@all: Thank you all for your insight into Dere's character.
next: Persuasion, and not in that ridiculous "Wheel of Fortune" variety!
The courtyard outside the chapel of Mara had become completely unrecognizable in my absence. What was once a relatively muddy emptiness had been transformed into a city of tents, dazzling my eyes with every color of the rainbow and more. This struck me as quite out of character for this city of drab, rotted browns and greens, occasionally broken by the white pinpricks of fungus growing wherever their voracious roots could take hold. Nevertheless, I appreciated the idea that this city was getting a bit more lively, even if no one was yet here to occupy the brand new city-within-the-city.
“What’s going on over there?” I asked Faith, pointing towards the tents. She had insisted in accompanying me to the Mages Guild, perhaps just in case some Brotherhood bowman was hiding behind the Lucky Old Lady or something. Tadrose was too busy in the forge today to come, and she didn’t seem willing to tell what she was in such a hurry to accomplish.
“The Tournament of Archers,” Faith responded. “It’s being held in Bravil this year. They’ve only just started putting the site together, mind you. Soon, this entire courtyard will become a fairground, and the city will be inundated with travelers here to observe and compete.”
A tiny stab of remorse gripped me at this point. I was most likely going to miss this event. It would have been quite nice to see Cyrodiil’s best battle each other in such a test of skill and precision.
“Shame we’re going to miss it,” I then voiced my concerns. Faith then fixed my with a small smile.
“It’s alright, you won’t be missing anything,” she replied, an attempt at reassurance not completely hiding a certain grimness on her words. “Daenlin always wins. He’s been Champion Archer for the past seven years now.”
“Who’s Daenlin?” I asked.
“He’s a Fletcher,” Faith answered. “He runs an archery shop here in Bravil and offers training to those willing to pay and members of the Fighters Guild. Occasionally he takes a long-term student under his wing as his apprentice, though it is rare for him to do so.”
“Why?”
“He only teaches his deepest secrets to the best, and he’s very picky,” Faith responded. “Some are saying that his latest apprentice is quite talented, though. I will admit, it would be a spectacle to see those two face off against each other on the targets.”
“No doubt, it would be,” I replied somberly. “If only we could stay a little longer.”
“But you know we can’t do that,” Faith reminded me, pushing open the small wooden gate leading to the Bravil Mages Guild. “We’re right on the doorstep of the Brotherhood here, and frankly I’m quite surprised they didn’t find you.”
Suddenly, I felt a bit of sympathy toward Kud-Ei. She may have sent me to Oblivion, but at least she knew how to keep her mouth shut. It was too bad I would never be able to thank her for that, I thought as I made my way inside. Faith did not follow, as she had told me on the way that once I was here, she needed to return to Cyrodiil City once again.
The guild hall remained more or less as it was when I first arrived, only this time Delphine was deep in conversation with Henantier at the dining table. Kud-Ei was in her usual solitary chair in the corner, reading. Glad for the relative privacy this would allow, I made a cautious approach.
“Ah, hello again, Associate,” Kud-Ei spoke the moment she saw me, spreading her book on her lap. “I never got a chance to thank you for all your help with getting Henantier back to this world. Are you here for your recommendation?”
“Actually, no,” I replied. Kud-Ei’s gratuitous face quickly melted into one of confusion at my words. “I have a different request.”
“I see,” Kud-Ei replied cautiously. “Well, let’s hear it then. You did me a great service, after all, so I see no reason why you shouldn’t have a say in the matter.”
“You know of the Guide network that has been under construction?”
Kud-Ei responded by nodding slowly, while at the same time narrowing her eyelids.
“I’d like to use it,” I finished.
“You’d have to wait until the network is finished, I’m afraid,” Kud-Ei responded in a tense voice. “It’s too risky for us to teleport a full-grown man right now.”
“Unfortunately, this really can’t wait,” I pressed.
“Then perhaps you would care to tell me why it is so important that you use an unfinished and potentially unstable teleportation grid?” Kud-Ei asked me. Her eyes were now glued to mine, and her gaze seemed to bore into my soul. “Why not take a carriage to wherever you wish to go?”
I faltered under her gaze. She was looking so deeply into my own eyes that she would likely catch any falsehood I was stupid enough to utter, and I would expect no less from a woman as good at secret-keeping as her.
“This teleportation network you’re building... it’s based on Ayleid Arcana, correct?” I inquired.
“Parts of it,” Kud-Ei responded. “How did you know that, though?”
“I saw a book in passing in the Cheydinhal guild’s library called ‘The Ayleid Steps’,” I told her, recalling an old story my father had told me. “The steps are part of a network of old teleportation stones. Would I be correct in assuming you are studying the steps for your own network?”
“That would be rather disturbingly accurate,” Kud-Ei replied, now slightly unnerved. “So, what are you trying to tell me?”
“My family has always had an interest in the Ayleids,” I answered, pushing the edge I now had, “My father worked for the Archaeology Guild uncovering and exploring their ruins, and I am looking to study their culture and Arcana when I arrive at the University. It would be quite a boon for my studies for me to experience what you are doing here, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Funnily enough, I would not,” Kud-Ei replied sternly. “Ambition is one thing, but what you are proposing is simply foolish. Who knows where you would end up if we tried, and how would I explain it to the council that one of our members was found in Colovia and his limbs in Daggerfall?”
Her reservation was starting to irritate me. When Henantier was at stake, she didn’t seem to put much by Guild regulations, she just grabbed me, shoved me into his dreams, and said ‘get him back’.
“I thought you were rather good at not telling them anything they don’t need to know?” I bit back. “I’m sure Henantier would agree with you there.”
Kud-Ei’s expression became unreadable after my utterance, and a very loud silence followed. It didn’t occur to me that I was speaking until I had already finished, and what I had told her she would definitely not take well.
“You tread a fine line, Associate,” Kud-Ei’s voice hissed in anger. “I suggest you choose your next words with care, or you might find me less willing to allow you to remain with us at all.”
Kud-Ei was making her staggering intellect quite well known to me at this point. This made all the planning I had done at the Fighters Guild last night seem fruitlessly feeble. No doubt she would see through any attempt I would make to blackmail her in a heartbeat. It was small wonder she managed to get me recruited to venture into Oblivion assist Henantier. I didn’t think it would be very likely that I would be able to continue this conversation for much longer, I needed to end it here.
“Listen,” I began, “I understand that you take your position quite seriously. I also know that you know the value of a man in your debt. I did help you, yes, but I also know that what I’m asking of you is far too much for me to bank on, especially since you barely even know me. If you help me with this, it is quite possible I would be able to help you in the future.”
“And you are trying to say what?” Kud-Ei requested of me. Her voice was no longer hissing and she had widened her eyes slightly, so I knew now I was walking the right path.
“I am offering to indebt myself to you,” I answered. “Never mind that recommendation anymore, what I’m asking is far beyond the scope of a signature on a piece of parchment. If you allow me to do this, then I would be well and truly yours.”
Kud-Ei said nothing for a very long time. All I could hope for was that she was considering my request, but at the same time, I knew what I was asking of her could get both of us thrown out of the Guild. She was right in being skeptical of keeping such a secret, as she barely knew me.
“You say you have interest in the Ayleids?” She then asked.
“Yes.”
“And that you would be willing to do anything if I agree to this?”
“Correct.”
“No matter the danger?”
I hesitated for a moment, after the Dreamworld, I didn’t know what to expect when it came to Kud-Ei’s definition of danger. Nevertheless, I really didn’t have much choice in the matter.
“No matter the danger.” I repeated, hoping to Y’ffre I wasn’t going to regret doing this.
“Very well,” Kud-Ei responded. “I think I might have a use for you.”
@SubRosa: Criticism? That? No, you've just described everything I hoped to get across to the reader about Dere in this particular part. He is not a hero, and has a long way to go before he can become one. What you have described and debated is, to put it simply, exactly what I wanted you to see. For that, I consider your words to be complimentary, and as such I thank you very much for your insight.
Nit be picked.
@Acadian: Having the Oblivion Crisis occur through secondhand information and rumors has become something of a trademark in this tale, but it will eventually have a direct affect on our Bosmer. Still, all the major events are presented in the background, and I do this primarily so that I can keep my readers on the same page as my timeline. Just in case there was any doubt, though, it is now mid-Hearthfire.
@mALX: True, that, but Dere is still only that ordinary guy. He is intelligent, but he is no hero, and his temper tantrum at the end of the nightmare illustrates this. SubRosa is correct with everything she says, because what she is describing is exactly what Dere's character is and what I want it to be.
@Grits: I'm afraid things will not stop there. Things have only just started to get horrible.
@all: Thank you all for your insight into Dere's character.
next: Persuasion, and not in that ridiculous "Wheel of Fortune" variety!
Chapter 7-2: The Game of Persuasion
The courtyard outside the chapel of Mara had become completely unrecognizable in my absence. What was once a relatively muddy emptiness had been transformed into a city of tents, dazzling my eyes with every color of the rainbow and more. This struck me as quite out of character for this city of drab, rotted browns and greens, occasionally broken by the white pinpricks of fungus growing wherever their voracious roots could take hold. Nevertheless, I appreciated the idea that this city was getting a bit more lively, even if no one was yet here to occupy the brand new city-within-the-city.
“What’s going on over there?” I asked Faith, pointing towards the tents. She had insisted in accompanying me to the Mages Guild, perhaps just in case some Brotherhood bowman was hiding behind the Lucky Old Lady or something. Tadrose was too busy in the forge today to come, and she didn’t seem willing to tell what she was in such a hurry to accomplish.
“The Tournament of Archers,” Faith responded. “It’s being held in Bravil this year. They’ve only just started putting the site together, mind you. Soon, this entire courtyard will become a fairground, and the city will be inundated with travelers here to observe and compete.”
A tiny stab of remorse gripped me at this point. I was most likely going to miss this event. It would have been quite nice to see Cyrodiil’s best battle each other in such a test of skill and precision.
“Shame we’re going to miss it,” I then voiced my concerns. Faith then fixed my with a small smile.
“It’s alright, you won’t be missing anything,” she replied, an attempt at reassurance not completely hiding a certain grimness on her words. “Daenlin always wins. He’s been Champion Archer for the past seven years now.”
“Who’s Daenlin?” I asked.
“He’s a Fletcher,” Faith answered. “He runs an archery shop here in Bravil and offers training to those willing to pay and members of the Fighters Guild. Occasionally he takes a long-term student under his wing as his apprentice, though it is rare for him to do so.”
“Why?”
“He only teaches his deepest secrets to the best, and he’s very picky,” Faith responded. “Some are saying that his latest apprentice is quite talented, though. I will admit, it would be a spectacle to see those two face off against each other on the targets.”
“No doubt, it would be,” I replied somberly. “If only we could stay a little longer.”
“But you know we can’t do that,” Faith reminded me, pushing open the small wooden gate leading to the Bravil Mages Guild. “We’re right on the doorstep of the Brotherhood here, and frankly I’m quite surprised they didn’t find you.”
Suddenly, I felt a bit of sympathy toward Kud-Ei. She may have sent me to Oblivion, but at least she knew how to keep her mouth shut. It was too bad I would never be able to thank her for that, I thought as I made my way inside. Faith did not follow, as she had told me on the way that once I was here, she needed to return to Cyrodiil City once again.
The guild hall remained more or less as it was when I first arrived, only this time Delphine was deep in conversation with Henantier at the dining table. Kud-Ei was in her usual solitary chair in the corner, reading. Glad for the relative privacy this would allow, I made a cautious approach.
“Ah, hello again, Associate,” Kud-Ei spoke the moment she saw me, spreading her book on her lap. “I never got a chance to thank you for all your help with getting Henantier back to this world. Are you here for your recommendation?”
“Actually, no,” I replied. Kud-Ei’s gratuitous face quickly melted into one of confusion at my words. “I have a different request.”
“I see,” Kud-Ei replied cautiously. “Well, let’s hear it then. You did me a great service, after all, so I see no reason why you shouldn’t have a say in the matter.”
“You know of the Guide network that has been under construction?”
Kud-Ei responded by nodding slowly, while at the same time narrowing her eyelids.
“I’d like to use it,” I finished.
“You’d have to wait until the network is finished, I’m afraid,” Kud-Ei responded in a tense voice. “It’s too risky for us to teleport a full-grown man right now.”
“Unfortunately, this really can’t wait,” I pressed.
“Then perhaps you would care to tell me why it is so important that you use an unfinished and potentially unstable teleportation grid?” Kud-Ei asked me. Her eyes were now glued to mine, and her gaze seemed to bore into my soul. “Why not take a carriage to wherever you wish to go?”
I faltered under her gaze. She was looking so deeply into my own eyes that she would likely catch any falsehood I was stupid enough to utter, and I would expect no less from a woman as good at secret-keeping as her.
“This teleportation network you’re building... it’s based on Ayleid Arcana, correct?” I inquired.
“Parts of it,” Kud-Ei responded. “How did you know that, though?”
“I saw a book in passing in the Cheydinhal guild’s library called ‘The Ayleid Steps’,” I told her, recalling an old story my father had told me. “The steps are part of a network of old teleportation stones. Would I be correct in assuming you are studying the steps for your own network?”
“That would be rather disturbingly accurate,” Kud-Ei replied, now slightly unnerved. “So, what are you trying to tell me?”
“My family has always had an interest in the Ayleids,” I answered, pushing the edge I now had, “My father worked for the Archaeology Guild uncovering and exploring their ruins, and I am looking to study their culture and Arcana when I arrive at the University. It would be quite a boon for my studies for me to experience what you are doing here, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Funnily enough, I would not,” Kud-Ei replied sternly. “Ambition is one thing, but what you are proposing is simply foolish. Who knows where you would end up if we tried, and how would I explain it to the council that one of our members was found in Colovia and his limbs in Daggerfall?”
Her reservation was starting to irritate me. When Henantier was at stake, she didn’t seem to put much by Guild regulations, she just grabbed me, shoved me into his dreams, and said ‘get him back’.
“I thought you were rather good at not telling them anything they don’t need to know?” I bit back. “I’m sure Henantier would agree with you there.”
Kud-Ei’s expression became unreadable after my utterance, and a very loud silence followed. It didn’t occur to me that I was speaking until I had already finished, and what I had told her she would definitely not take well.
“You tread a fine line, Associate,” Kud-Ei’s voice hissed in anger. “I suggest you choose your next words with care, or you might find me less willing to allow you to remain with us at all.”
Kud-Ei was making her staggering intellect quite well known to me at this point. This made all the planning I had done at the Fighters Guild last night seem fruitlessly feeble. No doubt she would see through any attempt I would make to blackmail her in a heartbeat. It was small wonder she managed to get me recruited to venture into Oblivion assist Henantier. I didn’t think it would be very likely that I would be able to continue this conversation for much longer, I needed to end it here.
“Listen,” I began, “I understand that you take your position quite seriously. I also know that you know the value of a man in your debt. I did help you, yes, but I also know that what I’m asking of you is far too much for me to bank on, especially since you barely even know me. If you help me with this, it is quite possible I would be able to help you in the future.”
“And you are trying to say what?” Kud-Ei requested of me. Her voice was no longer hissing and she had widened her eyes slightly, so I knew now I was walking the right path.
“I am offering to indebt myself to you,” I answered. “Never mind that recommendation anymore, what I’m asking is far beyond the scope of a signature on a piece of parchment. If you allow me to do this, then I would be well and truly yours.”
Kud-Ei said nothing for a very long time. All I could hope for was that she was considering my request, but at the same time, I knew what I was asking of her could get both of us thrown out of the Guild. She was right in being skeptical of keeping such a secret, as she barely knew me.
“You say you have interest in the Ayleids?” She then asked.
“Yes.”
“And that you would be willing to do anything if I agree to this?”
“Correct.”
“No matter the danger?”
I hesitated for a moment, after the Dreamworld, I didn’t know what to expect when it came to Kud-Ei’s definition of danger. Nevertheless, I really didn’t have much choice in the matter.
“No matter the danger.” I repeated, hoping to Y’ffre I wasn’t going to regret doing this.
“Very well,” Kud-Ei responded. “I think I might have a use for you.”
Hmmm, I wonder why it is so important to him to use the teleport ... and why she is so adamant against the use of it? Great Write !!
Many people know that IRL history, 10,000 Parthians destroyed a Roman army of nearly 40,000 under Crassus at Carrhae, including killing Crassus himself. What many people do not realize is that the exceptional Parthian commander - Surena - was himself murdered by his king. It seems he had become too popular afterward. Ocato appears to be following in the Parthian King's footsteps...
Brotherhood bowman was hiding behind the Lucky Old Lady
I loved this little nod to a certain bowman who can often be found lurking near the Lady.
There is a Tournament of Archers taking place in Bravil! Poor Derelas is going to miss it! Granted, staying while it was going on would have made him extremely vulnerable to another assassination attempt.
how would I explain it to the council that one of our members was found in Colovia and his limbs in Daggerfall
While that would be embarrassing for Kud-Ei, I suspect that Derelas might find it even more discomforting!
“I think I might have a use for you.”
Uh oh, this looks bad. Unless she just wants Derelas to go fetch a staff for Ardaline...
nits:
She was looking so deeply into my own eyes that she would likely catchy any falsehood
That tricksy Argonian slipped in an extra "y" at the end of your catch!
Brotherhood bowman was hiding behind the Lucky Old Lady
I loved this little nod to a certain bowman who can often be found lurking near the Lady.There is a Tournament of Archers taking place in Bravil!
Poor Derelas is going to miss it! Granted, staying while it was going on would have made him extremely vulnerable to another assassination attempt. how would I explain it to the council that one of our members was found in Colovia and his limbs in Daggerfall
While that would be embarrassing for Kud-Ei, I suspect that Derelas might find it even more discomforting!
“I think I might have a use for you.”
Uh oh, this looks bad. Unless she just wants Derelas to go fetch a staff for Ardaline...
nits:
She was looking so deeply into my own eyes that she would likely catchy any falsehood
That tricksy Argonian slipped in an extra "y" at the end of your catch!
I'm just now beginning your story, so I am commenting on Chapter One. Hope you don't mind. 
I like how you begin the story with a nightmare. It's a great way to draw in the reader and set me up for mystery. I also love how you made Weye a half day's journey from the Imperial City, as well as making the city the bustling capital it would have been, if it were real. It makes the world so much more believable, and that's something I've sort of done with my own story, making the Shivering Isles, it's cities, and it's buildings somewhat bigger, as well as making them more populated.
The way you described his entrance into the city--all the sounds, people, and sights.... It was excellent. The more detailed, the better, and you did a wonderful job with it.
I also liked how you set us up for the Emperor's murder with the people speaking at the end of the chapter. (At least, that's what I'm pretty sure they were discussing.) The hinting is great, leaving us to wonder--is this what they are talking about? Or are you going to throw us off, and it's really something else? Of course, everyone else reading your story already knows, but I'm still just beginning, so no one give it away, please!
I look forward to continuing with your story here, and I will comment whenever I can.
I like how you begin the story with a nightmare. It's a great way to draw in the reader and set me up for mystery. I also love how you made Weye a half day's journey from the Imperial City, as well as making the city the bustling capital it would have been, if it were real. It makes the world so much more believable, and that's something I've sort of done with my own story, making the Shivering Isles, it's cities, and it's buildings somewhat bigger, as well as making them more populated.
The way you described his entrance into the city--all the sounds, people, and sights.... It was excellent. The more detailed, the better, and you did a wonderful job with it.
I also liked how you set us up for the Emperor's murder with the people speaking at the end of the chapter. (At least, that's what I'm pretty sure they were discussing.) The hinting is great, leaving us to wonder--is this what they are talking about? Or are you going to throw us off, and it's really something else? Of course, everyone else reading your story already knows, but I'm still just beginning, so no one give it away, please!
I look forward to continuing with your story here, and I will comment whenever I can.
A pretty tense discussion between Dere and Kud-Ei with some very high stakes. Nice that Dere was able to adjust his verbal dueling tactics in mid stride.
If Dere gets scattered all over Tamriel, I guess his promise won't matter. If he survives however, he is indebted to the secretive Kud-Ei. On the other hand, I would not be surprised if Kud-Ei exacts her price before allowing the teleportation. So many neat ways this could go!
Too bad it looks like Dere and Faith will miss the tournament.
If Dere gets scattered all over Tamriel, I guess his promise won't matter. If he survives however, he is indebted to the secretive Kud-Ei. On the other hand, I would not be surprised if Kud-Ei exacts her price before allowing the teleportation. So many neat ways this could go!
Too bad it looks like Dere and Faith will miss the tournament.
@mALX: He needs to use the teleporter because the Ancient is watching for him on the roads, as is the Brotherhood. It's too dangerous for Dere to travel by conventional means right now, and there is also the hope that using teleportation will help to throw his assailants off the trail.
@SubRosa: Poor Dere indeed, that tournament would have been an excellent test of skill for him... but he still has much yet to learn, and even more pressing matters to deal with. Especially now that he has committed himself to assisting a most secretive lizard who is not afraid of thinking outside the box.
Nibble be pickled.
@Lady Syl: Welcome to the show, I am very happy you are with us now and enjoying my tiny tale! I do not mind at all that you are commenting on previous chapters. I've been told that descriptive imagery is one of my strong suits, so keep an eye out for it in the future. Enjoy your stay!
@Acadian: Too bad Dere won't be able to see Buffy dueling against her master, or Teresa, for that matter. I wish this wasn't the case, but you know how it is with the people Dere has to deal with, all business, no pleasure, most loathesome for a Bosmer like him. As for the price, that is coming up shortly.
@all: As I am a large-scale forumite at that other forum, this will likely be the last story update I make in this thread, as I am trying to limit myself to 200 posts per thread (the limit that is enforced over at the other forum). We have come such a long way already, the Word document containing all the writing has gone over 150 pages now... single spaced (that's over 56,000 words)! Look for the next update to come in a new thread some time in the next week.
next: Anyone ever wonder why spellcasting in Morrowind is so different than in Cyrodiil? Me too.
“This is our library’s copy of ‘The Ayleid Steps’,” Kud-Ei told me, handing me a relatively unblimished book. The rather heavy volume was bound in tan leather and bore a familiar vine-like pattern on the front cover. “You will need to read it and study it, so that you might better understand what we are trying to accomplish.”
“Forgive me for asking,” I then voiced as Kud-Ei led me into a side chamber, Henantier hot on her heels after having been summoned by her to come with us, “but why are you using Ayleid Arcana? Why not use the system you developed in Morrowind?”
“Because that localized Mark-Recall network relies rather heavily on the natural Magicka of the land,” Henantier responded quickly. “Due to its proximity to Red Mountain, personal teleportation spells and levitation, two of the most difficult spells to master, are actually made quite easy to use in that area. Because of this, it was also very simple for the guild to adapt a special network of marks that certain mages would be able to recall customers to, all facilitated by the high volumes of natural Magicka present in the area.
“Cyrodiil, unfortunately, does not have such a luxury, as our native Magicka here is actually quite low. You can find allusions to this shortcoming all over the place. For example, it is near impossible to levitate or teleport here, and most of the Ayleid Arcana that you find, be it the Star Wells or Welkynd Stones, were specifically designed to combat Cyrodiil’s low native Magicka levels.”
“Then why is spellcasting supposed to be so much harder in Morrowind than here?” This made absolutely no sense, how could improved Magicka make it harder to cast spells?
“Because the Magicka is coming from different sources,” Henantier explained. “Cyrodiil’s Magicka is provided purely by Aetherius, the great hole in Oblivion torn by Magnus when he witnessed Lorkhan’s creation. In Morrowind, however, Magicka is being provided by Red Mountain, and it is a very different form indeed. For one thing, it blocks the Magicka provided by Magnus completely, and it is also extremely difficult for the body to absorb, especially for foreigners. Spellcasting also requires greater focus from the caster, and it is often hopeless for any foreigner to cast a spell while holding anything else in his hands.
“However, due to the nature of Red Mountain’s Magicka, it actually increases the casting difficulty of basic spells while lowering the difficulty for advanced spells. The Mages Guild still does not fully understand why, all we know is that it has something to do with the native Magicka of the land. Here in Cyrodiil, for instance, it is impossible for a novice spellcaster to cast anything more than a basic flare spell. But in Morrowind, novices can often exceed their spellcasting abilities to a point. Such spellcasting is rather prone to failure, but unlike here in Cyrodiil, it is possible for one to cast spells beyond their skill level thanks to, as we’ve christened it, Red Magicka.”
“Cyrodiil functions on Blue Magicka,” Kud-Ei added, “as it comes from the sky. But because of the change in Magicka, as we explained, spellcasting techniques that function well here do not work in Morrowind. Many mages have to start all over again when they move to the land.”
Henantier sure did love his practice, I thought, my head would soon be spinning from all the knowledge he was imparting, and which I was completely failing to take in. Red Magicka? Star Wells? Welkynd Stones? Was it really that different than the stuff here in Cyrodiil? Maybe one day I would find out, but until then, Kud-Ei now owned my time, so such a vacation would have to wait.
“However, although Red Magicka makes spellcasting much harder for the lay mage,” Henantier continued on again, “the fact that there is so much of it in the area allows for spells that rely on high native Magicka levels, such as Levitation and Teleportation, to easily function, and they do not seem to mind the change in form, either, which is surprising, but nonetheless appreciated. There is a reason why the Ayleid Stepstones are centered around their Star Wells, after all. It would be impossible to power them otherwise.”
“Anyways, back to the task at hand,” I finally spoke after what seemed like hours of prattling from Henantier. “After studying this book, what else do you wish for me to do?” I asked Kud-Ei.
“Find an Ayleid ruin, look for stepstones, and make an attempt to use them,” Kud-Ei responded. “All the details you need are in the book.”
“Forgive me, Magister, but isn’t Irlav Jarol leading an expedition to do just that right now?” Henantier asked, puzzlement showing in his eyes.
“If he manages to get results back and I’m still alive, I’ll eat my imp chips.” Kud-Ei returned, slightly irritably and shaking her head. “I am not willing to sit around waiting for that geezer, I want to get this project finished in a Man’s lifetime.”
“So you are asking me because-” I started, then Kud-Ei cut me off.
“-Because you get results,” Kud-Ei finished for me. “You rescued Henantier, and believe it or not, that means a lot to me and is mainly the reason I am allowing this. The guild needs results, and Jarol is just too slow a worker for me.”
We stopped. In front of me was a small, round marble stone, slightly indented in the middle, and just large enough for a grown man to stand on. Above it was suspended a glowing purple lantern, and a small plinth had been erected nearby, which Henantier now occupied.
“This is the Guide chamber,” Kud-Ei explained. “Now, before we send you on your way, there are a couple more things for us to go over. First, hand me your Recommendation paperwork.”
“Why?” I asked, rifling through my pack for a short period. “I thought this was happening at the expense of your Recommendation?”
“I keep my promises,” Kud-Ei replied briskly, snatching away the parchment. “Besides, I am quite certain that you will need access to the University, it will make our work much quicker at the very least, and I don’t want your time wasted.”
One quick signature later, and I was stuffing the parchment packet away in my rucksack once again.
“Second, we need to know where you wish to go,” Henantier added. “Any ideas?”
“Anvil,” I quickly replied, recalling the long conversation Tadrose, Faith, and I had last night. “So, what do I do with this, I just get on the stone and you whisk me away?”
Henantier and Kud-Ei exchanged meaningful glances, and a long silence followed. Something was telling me there was a ‘not exactly’ coming, and that I probably wouldn’t like it.
“Well…,” Kud-Ei began, her voice carrying a tone of mild discomfort, “there is a bit of an… issue we’ve been having trouble with lately. That’s why Delphine is here in this guild hall, but unfortunately we’ve had to let her go.”
“Why?”
“Because the chickens we were testing on had a rather nasty habit of turning into a cloud of feathers and blood after she performed her ‘tweaks,’” Kud-Ei responded quickly, explaining why the floorboards in this chamber were so well-scrubbed. “We’ve since had to rethink a few of our tactics, and this has had a rather unfortunate side effect. The teleport is perfectly safe for humans again, mind you,” she quickly added, raising her hands as my eyebrows shot into my chestnut locks, “we have tested that, but there is a bit of a… problem.”
“What?” I hesitantly asked.
Kud-Ei responded by looking towards a corner of the room. In that corner, two curtain-frames had been set up between a wooden pole to create a sort of box hiding the corner of the room. The curtains were drawn. I looked to Kud-Ei, then back to the curtains, then finally back to Kud-Ei again, and the stark reality dawned on me.
“You have got to be joking.”
“I’m afraid not,” Kud-Ei responded, her green scales becoming even greener as she pawed the ground with her shoe. “It’s a good thing Henantier has already seen you in such a state, otherwise, this would probably be most embarrassing for you.”
“And it still is!” I replied indignantly. “Just because he’s seen me disrobed before doesn’t make me any more comfortable about this!”
“If it helps, we can send everything you are carrying with you just fine,” Kud-Ei responded, looking towards a furiously blushing Henantier, “It’s just the clothing. We have no idea why, it just… gets left behind every time we try to transport someone. We’ve had to clear off the ground floor of the hall when testing for three days now because of this.”
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I was about to go through a temperamental teleporter naked into the middle of a crowded guild hall in a city I’ve never visited before. And that’s not to mention I had no idea how the people there would react to my sudden appearance, especially without any coverings. This was going to be the most exciting travel I have ever had, and I was going to hate every second of it, unless there was something that could be done on this end.
“Could I at least be afforded a private arrival spot, like behind the guild hall in Anvil?” I inquired, making my way to the curtained-off corner.
“We’ll be teleporting you to a small cave just beneath the castle,” Henantier replied. “Theres a couple stepstones in there that can receive you, and it should afford you enough time to get your clothes back on once you’re there.”
“Well, I guess I don’t have much choice,” I concluded grimly, wrenching the curtains closed.
@SubRosa: Poor Dere indeed, that tournament would have been an excellent test of skill for him... but he still has much yet to learn, and even more pressing matters to deal with. Especially now that he has committed himself to assisting a most secretive lizard who is not afraid of thinking outside the box.
Nibble be pickled.
@Lady Syl: Welcome to the show, I am very happy you are with us now and enjoying my tiny tale! I do not mind at all that you are commenting on previous chapters. I've been told that descriptive imagery is one of my strong suits, so keep an eye out for it in the future. Enjoy your stay!
@Acadian: Too bad Dere won't be able to see Buffy dueling against her master, or Teresa, for that matter. I wish this wasn't the case, but you know how it is with the people Dere has to deal with, all business, no pleasure, most loathesome for a Bosmer like him. As for the price, that is coming up shortly.
@all: As I am a large-scale forumite at that other forum, this will likely be the last story update I make in this thread, as I am trying to limit myself to 200 posts per thread (the limit that is enforced over at the other forum). We have come such a long way already, the Word document containing all the writing has gone over 150 pages now... single spaced (that's over 56,000 words)! Look for the next update to come in a new thread some time in the next week.
next: Anyone ever wonder why spellcasting in Morrowind is so different than in Cyrodiil? Me too.
Chapter 7.3: Stepstones of Knowledge
“This is our library’s copy of ‘The Ayleid Steps’,” Kud-Ei told me, handing me a relatively unblimished book. The rather heavy volume was bound in tan leather and bore a familiar vine-like pattern on the front cover. “You will need to read it and study it, so that you might better understand what we are trying to accomplish.”
“Forgive me for asking,” I then voiced as Kud-Ei led me into a side chamber, Henantier hot on her heels after having been summoned by her to come with us, “but why are you using Ayleid Arcana? Why not use the system you developed in Morrowind?”
“Because that localized Mark-Recall network relies rather heavily on the natural Magicka of the land,” Henantier responded quickly. “Due to its proximity to Red Mountain, personal teleportation spells and levitation, two of the most difficult spells to master, are actually made quite easy to use in that area. Because of this, it was also very simple for the guild to adapt a special network of marks that certain mages would be able to recall customers to, all facilitated by the high volumes of natural Magicka present in the area.
“Cyrodiil, unfortunately, does not have such a luxury, as our native Magicka here is actually quite low. You can find allusions to this shortcoming all over the place. For example, it is near impossible to levitate or teleport here, and most of the Ayleid Arcana that you find, be it the Star Wells or Welkynd Stones, were specifically designed to combat Cyrodiil’s low native Magicka levels.”
“Then why is spellcasting supposed to be so much harder in Morrowind than here?” This made absolutely no sense, how could improved Magicka make it harder to cast spells?
“Because the Magicka is coming from different sources,” Henantier explained. “Cyrodiil’s Magicka is provided purely by Aetherius, the great hole in Oblivion torn by Magnus when he witnessed Lorkhan’s creation. In Morrowind, however, Magicka is being provided by Red Mountain, and it is a very different form indeed. For one thing, it blocks the Magicka provided by Magnus completely, and it is also extremely difficult for the body to absorb, especially for foreigners. Spellcasting also requires greater focus from the caster, and it is often hopeless for any foreigner to cast a spell while holding anything else in his hands.
“However, due to the nature of Red Mountain’s Magicka, it actually increases the casting difficulty of basic spells while lowering the difficulty for advanced spells. The Mages Guild still does not fully understand why, all we know is that it has something to do with the native Magicka of the land. Here in Cyrodiil, for instance, it is impossible for a novice spellcaster to cast anything more than a basic flare spell. But in Morrowind, novices can often exceed their spellcasting abilities to a point. Such spellcasting is rather prone to failure, but unlike here in Cyrodiil, it is possible for one to cast spells beyond their skill level thanks to, as we’ve christened it, Red Magicka.”
“Cyrodiil functions on Blue Magicka,” Kud-Ei added, “as it comes from the sky. But because of the change in Magicka, as we explained, spellcasting techniques that function well here do not work in Morrowind. Many mages have to start all over again when they move to the land.”
Henantier sure did love his practice, I thought, my head would soon be spinning from all the knowledge he was imparting, and which I was completely failing to take in. Red Magicka? Star Wells? Welkynd Stones? Was it really that different than the stuff here in Cyrodiil? Maybe one day I would find out, but until then, Kud-Ei now owned my time, so such a vacation would have to wait.
“However, although Red Magicka makes spellcasting much harder for the lay mage,” Henantier continued on again, “the fact that there is so much of it in the area allows for spells that rely on high native Magicka levels, such as Levitation and Teleportation, to easily function, and they do not seem to mind the change in form, either, which is surprising, but nonetheless appreciated. There is a reason why the Ayleid Stepstones are centered around their Star Wells, after all. It would be impossible to power them otherwise.”
“Anyways, back to the task at hand,” I finally spoke after what seemed like hours of prattling from Henantier. “After studying this book, what else do you wish for me to do?” I asked Kud-Ei.
“Find an Ayleid ruin, look for stepstones, and make an attempt to use them,” Kud-Ei responded. “All the details you need are in the book.”
“Forgive me, Magister, but isn’t Irlav Jarol leading an expedition to do just that right now?” Henantier asked, puzzlement showing in his eyes.
“If he manages to get results back and I’m still alive, I’ll eat my imp chips.” Kud-Ei returned, slightly irritably and shaking her head. “I am not willing to sit around waiting for that geezer, I want to get this project finished in a Man’s lifetime.”
“So you are asking me because-” I started, then Kud-Ei cut me off.
“-Because you get results,” Kud-Ei finished for me. “You rescued Henantier, and believe it or not, that means a lot to me and is mainly the reason I am allowing this. The guild needs results, and Jarol is just too slow a worker for me.”
We stopped. In front of me was a small, round marble stone, slightly indented in the middle, and just large enough for a grown man to stand on. Above it was suspended a glowing purple lantern, and a small plinth had been erected nearby, which Henantier now occupied.
“This is the Guide chamber,” Kud-Ei explained. “Now, before we send you on your way, there are a couple more things for us to go over. First, hand me your Recommendation paperwork.”
“Why?” I asked, rifling through my pack for a short period. “I thought this was happening at the expense of your Recommendation?”
“I keep my promises,” Kud-Ei replied briskly, snatching away the parchment. “Besides, I am quite certain that you will need access to the University, it will make our work much quicker at the very least, and I don’t want your time wasted.”
One quick signature later, and I was stuffing the parchment packet away in my rucksack once again.
“Second, we need to know where you wish to go,” Henantier added. “Any ideas?”
“Anvil,” I quickly replied, recalling the long conversation Tadrose, Faith, and I had last night. “So, what do I do with this, I just get on the stone and you whisk me away?”
Henantier and Kud-Ei exchanged meaningful glances, and a long silence followed. Something was telling me there was a ‘not exactly’ coming, and that I probably wouldn’t like it.
“Well…,” Kud-Ei began, her voice carrying a tone of mild discomfort, “there is a bit of an… issue we’ve been having trouble with lately. That’s why Delphine is here in this guild hall, but unfortunately we’ve had to let her go.”
“Why?”
“Because the chickens we were testing on had a rather nasty habit of turning into a cloud of feathers and blood after she performed her ‘tweaks,’” Kud-Ei responded quickly, explaining why the floorboards in this chamber were so well-scrubbed. “We’ve since had to rethink a few of our tactics, and this has had a rather unfortunate side effect. The teleport is perfectly safe for humans again, mind you,” she quickly added, raising her hands as my eyebrows shot into my chestnut locks, “we have tested that, but there is a bit of a… problem.”
“What?” I hesitantly asked.
Kud-Ei responded by looking towards a corner of the room. In that corner, two curtain-frames had been set up between a wooden pole to create a sort of box hiding the corner of the room. The curtains were drawn. I looked to Kud-Ei, then back to the curtains, then finally back to Kud-Ei again, and the stark reality dawned on me.
“You have got to be joking.”
“I’m afraid not,” Kud-Ei responded, her green scales becoming even greener as she pawed the ground with her shoe. “It’s a good thing Henantier has already seen you in such a state, otherwise, this would probably be most embarrassing for you.”
“And it still is!” I replied indignantly. “Just because he’s seen me disrobed before doesn’t make me any more comfortable about this!”
“If it helps, we can send everything you are carrying with you just fine,” Kud-Ei responded, looking towards a furiously blushing Henantier, “It’s just the clothing. We have no idea why, it just… gets left behind every time we try to transport someone. We’ve had to clear off the ground floor of the hall when testing for three days now because of this.”
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I was about to go through a temperamental teleporter naked into the middle of a crowded guild hall in a city I’ve never visited before. And that’s not to mention I had no idea how the people there would react to my sudden appearance, especially without any coverings. This was going to be the most exciting travel I have ever had, and I was going to hate every second of it, unless there was something that could be done on this end.
“Could I at least be afforded a private arrival spot, like behind the guild hall in Anvil?” I inquired, making my way to the curtained-off corner.
“We’ll be teleporting you to a small cave just beneath the castle,” Henantier replied. “Theres a couple stepstones in there that can receive you, and it should afford you enough time to get your clothes back on once you’re there.”
“Well, I guess I don’t have much choice,” I concluded grimly, wrenching the curtains closed.
Ooh, so there's more to teleporting than just saying "Beam me up, Scotty!"
Interesting conversation about the difference in spellcasting between Morrowind and Cyrodiil/Oblivion.
Here's hoping Dere doesn't die of embarrassment when he arrives at the other end!
And off we go . . .
Interesting conversation about the difference in spellcasting between Morrowind and Cyrodiil/Oblivion.
Here's hoping Dere doesn't die of embarrassment when he arrives at the other end!
And off we go . . .
Chapter 2.2--Excellent, of course! I liked the scene with students signing up at the university, and the application with a sheet for recommendations--well written and believable. And of course, I enjoyed the drunken brawl at the inn, while they watched the scene... And again, your descriptions of everything is strong and detailed. Awesome!!!
I always thought spellcasting was so different between the two games because so many people complained about how badly it sucked in Morrowind to not have your magicka naturally regenerate, and so everyone had to use mods to fix that screw up. Not to mention the crap idea of spells failing to work at all. While I thought levitate was removed from Oblivion because with cities being in different zones than the rest of the world, if you flew up over the wall, you would see a big fat nothing on the other side. Not to mention not be able to truly go there, as you would still be in the city's cell. Plus Fast Travel is so much simpler than that confusing mess of marks, recalls, almsivi and divine interventions, guild guides, silt-striders, ships, and zillion other methods of teleporting the player around. But I could be wrong...
Still, you have woven for us a wonderfully complex and well-thought explanation for the differences in magic use. It might also be a contributing factor for the Empire having such a hard time conquering Morrowind, and vice-versa, because each side's magicians would quickly be rendered impotent upon passing into enemy territory.
You might even consider broadening this idea to other provinces and other forms of magic. You could tie it into the ancient towers in all of them: Red Mountain, White-Gold Tower, Adamantium Tower, Crystal Tower, High Hrothgar, etc... Perhaps each influences magic in a different way? The Nu-mantia Intercept gives some interesting ideas on this sort of thing.
I have been waiting for The Ayleid Steps to rear theirheads stones since I saw that Derelas's parents were in the Archaeology Guild. It seems that Kud-Ei might in fact be putting Derelas right onto the same path that his parents were upon before their deaths/capture.
Henantier hot on her heels after having been summoned by her
I see that as well as being an expert illusionist, Kud-Ei has some skill at conjuration as well. What was that, the Summon Geek spell?
I loved Kud-Ei's assessment of Irlav Jarol! I see I am not the only one who has embraced Cardboard Box's version of Irlav. Or was that taken from his shoddy handling ofVatican Vahtacen in the game? Either way it works, as it gives a sense of realism that the Mages Guild would not put the best man on the task, but rather the most connected one. Plus, I did detect a compliment of Derelas' abilities there.
The teleport is perfectly safe for humans again, mind you,
Seeing that Derelas is not human, I suspect he should be worried...
Finally, the naked teleporter is a wonderful bit of humor in what is otherwise a rather dark and somber story. I am wondering if Derelas should have been named Buff instead, given his own habit of winding up naked!
nits:
“Then why is spellcasting supposed to be so much harder in Morrowind than here?” This made absolutely no sense, how could improved Magicka make it harder to cast spells? From the little I have heard, spellcasting was supposed to be much more difficult in Morrowind than in Cyrodiil.
It feels redundant for Derelas to ask why spellcasting is harder in Morrowind, and then think the same thing in the last sentence of this paragraph. I think you can just delete the final sentence altogether.
Still, you have woven for us a wonderfully complex and well-thought explanation for the differences in magic use. It might also be a contributing factor for the Empire having such a hard time conquering Morrowind, and vice-versa, because each side's magicians would quickly be rendered impotent upon passing into enemy territory.
You might even consider broadening this idea to other provinces and other forms of magic. You could tie it into the ancient towers in all of them: Red Mountain, White-Gold Tower, Adamantium Tower, Crystal Tower, High Hrothgar, etc... Perhaps each influences magic in a different way? The Nu-mantia Intercept gives some interesting ideas on this sort of thing.
I have been waiting for The Ayleid Steps to rear their
Henantier hot on her heels after having been summoned by her
I see that as well as being an expert illusionist, Kud-Ei has some skill at conjuration as well. What was that, the Summon Geek spell?
I loved Kud-Ei's assessment of Irlav Jarol! I see I am not the only one who has embraced Cardboard Box's version of Irlav. Or was that taken from his shoddy handling of
The teleport is perfectly safe for humans again, mind you,
Seeing that Derelas is not human, I suspect he should be worried...
Finally, the naked teleporter is a wonderful bit of humor in what is otherwise a rather dark and somber story. I am wondering if Derelas should have been named Buff instead, given his own habit of winding up naked!
nits:
“Then why is spellcasting supposed to be so much harder in Morrowind than here?” This made absolutely no sense, how could improved Magicka make it harder to cast spells? From the little I have heard, spellcasting was supposed to be much more difficult in Morrowind than in Cyrodiil.
It feels redundant for Derelas to ask why spellcasting is harder in Morrowind, and then think the same thing in the last sentence of this paragraph. I think you can just delete the final sentence altogether.
I Loved your detailed explanations on the workings of magic and magicka in this chapter !! Some real insights that are logical and intriguing !!
her green scales becoming even greener as she pawed the ground with her shoe.
GAAAH !!! Her blushes come out in her own Argonian colors !!! How smart and cool an idea !!
I was about to go ... naked into the middle of a crowded guild hall in a city I’ve never visited before.
HA! So Maxical was only half as bad for being topless in the refuge camps !! ROFL !!!
Another Great Chapter !!!
QUOTE
her green scales becoming even greener as she pawed the ground with her shoe.
GAAAH !!! Her blushes come out in her own Argonian colors !!! How smart and cool an idea !!
QUOTE
I was about to go ... naked into the middle of a crowded guild hall in a city I’ve never visited before.
HA! So Maxical was only half as bad for being topless in the refuge camps !! ROFL !!!
Another Great Chapter !!!
I finally spoke after what seemed like hours of prattling from Henantier.
You set the scene for this very well with the mage's arcane and rambling musings! Well done!
I want to get this project finished in a Man’s lifetime.”
Hee! That is a short time to us elves, no?
she quickly added, raising her hands as my eyebrows shot into my chestnut locks,
This was wonderfully written!
Uh oh. Another nekkid adventure to the musical strands of 'Tequila Guild transport makes his clothes fall off'. 
Nits:
“This is our library’s copy of ‘The Ayleid Steps’,” Kud-Ei told me, handing me rather heavy volume bound in tan leather and bearing a familiar vine-like pattern on the front cover.
I think you probably want to insert the word 'a' before the word 'rather'. While considering this sentence, let me offer a couple much more subjective thoughts. You may want to avoid repeating 'me' in close proximity, especially since it is so easy to fix. The sentence may also be a tad long and better served as two. Perhaps: '...Kud-Ei said as she handed me a rather heavy volume. It was bound in tan leather and bore a familiar vine-like pattern on the front cover.'
Henantier continued one again, “the fact …
I expect you want 'on' instead of 'one' in the first clause.
You set the scene for this very well with the mage's arcane and rambling musings! Well done!
I want to get this project finished in a Man’s lifetime.”
Hee! That is a short time to us elves, no?
she quickly added, raising her hands as my eyebrows shot into my chestnut locks,
This was wonderfully written!
Uh oh. Another nekkid adventure to the musical strands of '
Nits:
“This is our library’s copy of ‘The Ayleid Steps’,” Kud-Ei told me, handing me rather heavy volume bound in tan leather and bearing a familiar vine-like pattern on the front cover.
I think you probably want to insert the word 'a' before the word 'rather'. While considering this sentence, let me offer a couple much more subjective thoughts. You may want to avoid repeating 'me' in close proximity, especially since it is so easy to fix. The sentence may also be a tad long and better served as two. Perhaps: '...Kud-Ei said as she handed me a rather heavy volume. It was bound in tan leather and bore a familiar vine-like pattern on the front cover.'
Henantier continued one again, “the fact …
I expect you want 'on' instead of 'one' in the first clause.
Light Through Darkness Book One has ended.
Rejoin the tale in Book Two.
To recap the story thus far:
Chapter 1-1: Derelas, a Bosmer immigrant from Valenwood, has arrived in Cyrodiil hoping to join the Mages Guild. After a nightmare in Weye concerning strange ruined tunnels and malicious figures, he rose to make his way to the Imperial City, bound for the Arcane University. New to life in the big city, he was easily lost in the pell-mell crowds and criss-crossing streets, but he eventually found his way. At the same time, shadowed villains were hatching a devious plan, but for what?
Chapter 1-2: Derelas arrived at the Arcane University, and learned of the means through which he might attend. The Guild has set up a Recommendation reward system, that might be able to grant Derelas a scholarship to the University. In the evening after his visit, he met up with Fathrian Dresdan (Faith) over dinner at Wawnet Inn, and the wheels of destiny were set into motion.
----
Chapter 2-1: Another unpleasant dream later, Derelas is on the road to Chorrol for his first Recommendation. On the way he has a rather hairy encounter (no pun intended) with a Khajiit highwayman which is only just stopped by a passing patrol. This prompts Derelas to reminisce about his fencing training with his father, an archaeologist, who has since disappeared, along with Derelas' mother.
Chapter 2-2: Derelas' gleeful arrival in Chorrol is cut short by a shocking announcement: The Septim line has been assassinated. Though unrest is brewing, it is business as usual throughout the hinterland city, and Derelas finally has a chance to apply for the Mages Guild. After a brief demonstration of his magical skills, he is admitted, and is promptly set the task of dealing with a strange figure known as Earana. Derelas then learns of a mystical tome known only as Fingers of the Mountain.
Chapter 2-3: Earana accosts Derelas outside the gates of Chorrol for the book, but is dispatched by Faith before she can cause him harm. After giving the book to Teekeeus, Derelas makes his way back to the Oak and Crosier inn to get ready for his next journey. On the way, though, he bumps into a very drunk Reynald Jemane, who requests that Derelas travel to Cheydinhal to find a man who is impersonating him.
----
Chapter 3-1: The peaceful walk along the Black Road is cut short by the same highwayman Derelas encountered previously. After a violent tussle, Derelas kills the highwayman, fulfilling a Bosmer rite of passage in the process. He does not know it yet, but the nagging voice speaking to him, reassuring him that what he did was right, is his Spirit Guide, Equine.
Chapter 3-2: Derelas is melancholy over his murder, and is trying to figure out how to live with himself now that he has taken a sentient life. He eventually finds reassurance in the form of an old fisherman named Aelwin Merowald. In an attempt to dull the pain of lost innocence, Derelas agrees to help the crippled fisherman finish of his contract for an alchemist in Skingrad, and he is given an interesting ring in thanks. Later that night over dinner, Derelas is introduced to Nerussa, and learns of the elusive Shadowbanish Wine.
Chapter 3-3: Having arrived in Cheydinhal, Derelas meets the ever aggressive Falcar, who promptly sets him to retrieving a ring from the well behind the guild hall. Deetsan, however, is worried about what Derelas is getting into, and advises caution in performing the task. Thankfully, she discovered that the ring Derelas had been given by Aelwin would allow him to breathe underwater, so at least the danger for him would be slight. While Derelas dealt with the ring, Deetsan had a most unpleasant chat with Falcar, and Falcar stormed off.
Chapter 3-4: It turns out the ring Falcar asked Derelas to retrieve was specifically enchanted to keep the user from leaving the well. A previous member, Vidkun, had drowned in his attempt to retrieve it. Deetsan let Derelas know the worst once he returned (and vice versa), and Derelas then offered to clear up Falcar's quarters while Deetsan prepared a report to the Council of Mages about what happened. While Derelas cleaned up the Magister's quarters, he found a mysteriously locked chest of drawers...
Chapter 3-5: ...That contained nothing interesting. Trayvond the Redguard introduced himself to Derelas while he was putting some of Falcar's clothing that got left behind into the communal wardrobe, and Derelas inquired about the name Jemane. Trayvond pointed him to Newlands Lodge, where a man named Guilbert Jemane was staying. He was astonished to hear that Derelas had met Reynald, as he had thought his brother to be dead, and rushed away without a second thought. The day ended with a pleasant dinner, and a most disparaging meeting.
----
Chapter 4-1: Kvatch has been attacked, the city is destroyed, and the gateways to Oblivion are now open. It is a tense day in the Mages Guild, and Derelas, who wished to take the day off, reconsiders once he learns of Eilonwy's departure to find out if her parents survived. It begins to rain as Derelas travels, and desperate for shelter, he veers off into a large forest south of the road. This is not taken well by a mysterious Dunmer eying his movements nearby.
Chapter 4-2: Tension grows as Derelas fights his way through the Ancient Yews. Faith soon catches up with him, and after chastising Derelas, recommends that they leave. Unfortunately, this idea is put down when a troll comes smashing through the thickets, forcing them to run away deeper into the treacherous forest. They eventually find a cave, and Faith is able to drive the beast away with a torch. They way back shut, there is now no choice for the two but to fight their way through the Yews to escape to the south.
Chapter 4-3: After settling down for the night, Faith decides to investigate the cave and make sure they are alone. She then makes her way through the small cave, killing a couple spiders on the way. She discovers they are not alone, but are in fact sharing the cavern with another person. Hoping that remaining quiet will be enough, she returns to the surface to let Derelas know… and promptly starts bickering with him over who will watch the entrance first.
Chapter 4-4: Apparently the noise of the argument drew a bear up from the depths… as well as the person. After terrorizing Faith, Derelas uses his Beast Tongue to calm the bear down. Afterwards, he meets this mysterious druid of the forest, who introduces herself as Sibylla Draconis. Sybilla then introduces Derelas to his Spirit Guide properly, and Derelas learns of the connection they share, and also learns a bit about Spirit Guides from Equine.
Chapter 4-5: After preparing them for the journey ahead, Derelas and Faith set out to travel southward. Faith heartily dislikes Sibylla, which Equine expresses his disapproval of, and eventually she and Derelas row over it. Knowing that the worst thing that could happen at this point is to drive each other apart, Derelas tries, and succeeds, to apologize to and comfort Faith, who is hoping for something different with Derelas, but she does not wish to divulge further.
Chapter 4-6: Settling into a ruined tower, Faith and Derelas finally manage to get past their differences while enjoying the particular creature comforts often found by the lay adventurer. Previously in the day, they had a nasty tussle with a Moss Giant, who very nearly killed them until Derelas managed a small feat of spellcasting (which Dere is unsure of what happened) to calm the giant just long enough to for Faith to dispatch it.
Chapter 4-7: The two finally escape form the Yews, and Equine is off in the distance savoring the moment. After three days of hiking, the two finally learn of the latest news: Oblivion gates are opening all across Tamriel and travelers are being strongly advised to stay on the roads. After a rest, Faith directs Derelas to the Great Niben Bridge, and then sets off back to the Imperial City. She leaves Derelas a letter introducing him to the people she works for. Meanwhile, Teekeeus has a gift for the mysterious conspirators, and we learn of their vampiric nature.
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Chapter 5-1: Derelas arrives in Vergayun for a night of rest and relaxation after the horrors of the Ancient Yews. After a nice meal and a silent musing, he turns in for the night. Then, another nightmare hits, and he awakens to find assassins at his bedstand.
Chapter 5-2: Faith arrives in the nick of time, but Derelas is still wounded in the following fight. Upon learning the assassins are Dark Brotherhood, the town guard advises them to leave, and Faith recommends hiding away in the city of Bravil.
Chapter 5-3: Upon arriving in the squalid slum-town that is Bravil, Faith shows Derelas to the Fighters Guild before setting off again. Inside, Derelas is introduced to Tadrose Helas, and upon giving her Faith’s message, is vectored upstairs by her. He also learns of the fate of a certain city, and the rising of the Hero of Kvatch.
Chapter 5-4: Tadrose gives Derelas the story of his parents’ disappearance. They were lost while exploring the Ayleid ruins of Nornalhorst, and of Derelas’ father’s possessions, only his white-hilted saber was recovered. After giving Derelas his father’s blade, she advises him of the danger present to him in the form of the Ancient that has been following him for some time now and the Dark Brotherhood, who have opened a contract on his life. Once done, she prepares a letter to an unknown person.
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Chapter 6-1: Derelas’ wound has festered, and he has to rush away to the Chapel of Mara to have it mended by Marz. After a small discussion with her over how she came about her practice, Derelas decides to head for the Mages Guild since he’s here, and try for another recommendation.
Chapter 6-2: For his third recommendation task, Kud-Ei wishes for him to rescue Henantier from a situation he got himself into. After briefing Derelas (but carefully skirting a few details least he back down), she hands him the amulet to allow Derelas to access Henantiers dreams, and lays him to rest. Derelas then wakes up naked in a strange room bathed in red light.
Chapter 6-3: Henantier is in no state to talk, so Derelas needs to reason out what to do for himself. After a terrifying journey through a door, Derelas happens upon what can only be described as a test. Several harrowing puzzles later, Derelas finally manages to retrieve the first part of Henantier’s fractured mind.
Chapter 6-4: Derelas only has one task left now, the previous two being scary, but not extraordinary. In the final test, Derelas discovers that his own nightmares have begun to bleed into Henantier’s dreamworld. After being emotionally tortured, he is finally handed the final piece to Henantier’s mind, as well as a strange prophecy.
Chapter 6-5: Derelas rescues Henantier, but is extremely mad about what happened in the Dreamworld and blames Kud-Ei for his ailments. Unfortunately, before he has ample time to seethe, Tadrose accosts him and chastises him for getting lost. Little does he know it, but he had been gone for a full week. Faith meets back up with Derelas at the Fighters Guild to discuss a new development.
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Chapter 7-1: After discussing how Derelas could possibly leave a city so well connected to the Brotherhood, Derelas and Faith come up with the unfinished Guild Guide teleporters being constructed in Cyrodiil. Some planning later, Derelas enjoys a light breakfast while the news arrives. Kvatch is saved, but Savlian Matius is being made a scapegoat for all that happened there.
Chapter 7-2: The Tournament of Archers has arrived in Bravil. Unfortunately, Derelas is going to miss it because of the circumstances. After a hairy verbal duel with Kud-Ei, she eventually agrees to allow Derelas an early ticket to Anvil… in return for his assistance in a project.
Chapter 7-3: Henantier introduces Derelas to the many differences in spellcasting between Cyrodiil and Morrowind, and how the system for Guides Morrowind adopted won’t work in Cyrodiil. They are instead basing their teleportation off of the Ayleid Steps, an ancient network of teleporters constructed by the Heartland High Elves. Kud-Ei then hands Derelas his assignment, explore some Ayleid ruins, and see if he can figure out how the stepstones work. She sends him along with his third University recommendation, a new book, no clothing, and best of all, safety.
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@Everyone: Thank you all for your readership and support! All responses to your comments will be handled in the upcoming Book 2! In the meantime, please hold off any further comments until the next thread is posted, so that you may post them there.
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