(A collection of books written by my main character in Oblivion - titles are underlined. I'd appreciate comments from people more experienced than I)

Vampires of Cyrodiil - An anolysis, By Lorcka of Summerset

There are a number of men in the Imperial City, of whom I count myself, who have dedicated themselves to the extermination of the creatures known as vampires throughout Cyrodiil. This group is known as the Order of the Virtuous Blood. Know then, dear reader, my own position on this issue and my qualifications for writing on it.
However, know also that the common perception of vampirism as something that instantly transforms the affected race into a raging monster, for all races can be infected, is inaccurate. I believe there are three distinct types of vampire which should be considered. Let us know our enemy, then. First of all, there are those I call the 'Savage'.
These 'Savage' vampires do fall in line with the common perception of vampires as mindless animals, for that is what they are. Driven insane by their disease, driven rabid by their thirst for blood, they live a meaningless existence in abandoned caves, ruins and sewers. What should be done with these unfortunates, who were not always so? The answer is clear. They need to be put out of their misery, as in their current state they are a danger to all. These vampires are easy to spot, due to their fury and squalid conditions in which they live.
The second type is the 'Deceiver'. This type of vampire is distinct from their mindless brothers in blood, but no less dangerous. These are the vampires that walk among us, outwardly civilised but inwardly corrupt. Their veneer of civility is a mask for their nocturnal activity, feasting on the blood of innocents. It is this type I slew when I became a member of the aforementioned Order. How to spot this danger? Know the symptoms. Do they have red eyes, but no Dunmer ancestry? Do they have pronounced cheekbones? Have they got no eyebrows? Look closely at the teeth also for the tell-tale fangs of the vampire. Are they nocturnal? Do they appear particularly charming, or suddenly apt at illusion? If the answer to all of these questions is yes, the person may be a vampire. Please note that not all vampires may be nocturnal. In the early stages of disease and if the vampire has recently slaked his bloodlust then Magnus is not feared.
The third type is the 'Remorseful'. These are the vampires that regret their being and suppress their very nature. In Stendarr's name, I will not elaborate further on these unfortunate souls who lock themselves away for our protection.
So, what is to be done? I caution any citizen against taking unilateral action against a suspected vampire. Contact the Imperial Watch if you suspect that the laws of the Empire are being violated. Vampires have a natural resistance to ordinary weapons, however if you are a mage know that you may best defend yourself by using fire spells. Those not apt in the College of Destruction should reach for any scroll of fire damage or enchanted fire weapon if in imminent danger of an attack by a vampire. If you believe you have been in contact with a vampire make haste to a healer as soon as possible, especially if you feel fatigued.

Addendum - recently there has been a fraudulent claim made by an amateur writer of the Black Horse Courier, in an article entitled 'The Champion's Dark Secret' that I myself was once a vampire, or perhaps still am. I repudiate these claims in the strongest possible terms as a transparent attempt to muddy the reputation of the late but controversial Arch Mage, Hannibal Traven, by association. Those who doubt my sincerity are welcome to examine my brown Altmer eyes, or join me for a walk through the Gold Coast in the bright heat of Sun's Height. The article also makes specious claims about rocketing rates of thievery and murder during this supposed vampirism, insinuating that the writer was somehow involved. As there is not a shred of evidence to support this wild claim I leave judgment to the reader.

I like three things in particular:

1) the voice, well maintained and entertaining.

2) Sticking with lore, little refrences appeals to my inner lore nerd.

3) A different format and way of writing.

The whole story flowed, and I hope you keep up with the story.

Thank you very much! You are too kind to this first time foray. I based the format on the books that exist in the Elder Scrolls universe and I intend to perhaps continue my character's publishing career, as it makes sense that someone with the experience that he has (and the scholarly inclination of a mage) would become a prolific writer of books.

Edit; Thank you very much also Bmont3779, the subject of Vampirism was intended to be only the first published work by Lorcka of Summerset, but I may indeed continue to address the 'split personality' and 'redeemer/rejecter of the dark past' that is part of my character.

Lorca,

First of all, it is wonderful to see you over here in fanfic.

The story is wonderful and the writing is error free. Your character has a sophisticated and dark tone that perfectly fits the subject. I think this is some quality work.

If I might suggest, consider breaking up your paragraphs by spaces in between them (like this post). Given the nature of the forum presentation, stories seem much easier to read that way.

I was hoping this is merely an introduction to a story, perhaps about the adventures of a vampire slayer in Oblivion. I am quite partial to stories based on Oblivion and I could certainly imagine great potential here; However after reading your comments, I see your intent. That is certainly an interesting concept and provides your character much freedom to provide his perspective on a variety of subjects.

Write on! :goodjob:

Thanks very much Acadian, I've had the idea for a while now - the character you see in my avatar is one with a wealth of stories and experience to draw on in a rather unique light, with his own agenda.

I appreciate your point on paragraphs. I was writing in the style of the factual in-game books, which rarely break up paragraphs with spaces, but it is perhaps clearer.

I'm glad I've bucked your expectations. These are the kind of books you could see actually in an Elder Scrolls game as opposed to being just a narrative based on one. I don't know how widespread this premise is in fan fiction, but I hope to bring a unique take on it.

Yeah, you finally wrote it! It sounds great, and you already ended it with a hook so I can't wait to see the next chapter! So glad you decided to write it, I will definately be one of your readers.

A book written by the character you see in my avatar. Thoughts and comments welcome.

A Wizard's Walk, by Lorcka of Summerset

It has often been said that Altmer are the most arrogant of all races. Many Dunmer consider their fellow mer to have lost touch with their ancestors, instead putting their faith foolishly in towers and magicka. The descendants of the Ra'Gada hold a particularly strong bias against wizardry, possibly due to a folk memory of magicka being a part of the destruction of their homeland, Yokuda. Like the Ashlanders of Vvardenfell they believe wizards and Altmer in particular to be soft and foolish. I have heard it said that the combination of Altmer and mage leads to the "worst kind of arrogance.".

It is not my intention to rebuke this viewpoint. Indeed, I have seen many examples of this in my fellow mages, from condescending scholars at the Arcane University to rogue mages who have no tolerance for those not inclined to magicka. It is rather my intention to demonstrate that this is not always the case, that students of magicka are able to follow Mara's command to "live soberly".

I pondered how to demonstrate this, how to best use the arcane arts to follow the commands of the Nine Divines. I finally decided to simply walk, to utilise the gift that Phynaster taught my people. I set about an ordinary journey from my summer home in Anvil to my main residence in Skingrad, a journey that anyone might take. However, to best identify with those who have the most legitimate grievances against the lofty views of the typical Altmer, I decided to disguise myself as a beggar. In Anvil's docks, among the rotten crates and barrels I found my attire for my journey; a tattered sack-cloth shirt, linen trousers that had seen better days and sodden pigskin shoes too small for me. I placed all my magical trinkets, silk robes and glistening armour in a safe vault and donned my uncomfortable attire. I left my horse, Heart of Darkness, at the Horse Whisperer stables, where she looked delightfully out of place set against the White Horses sold there. I then began my journey. In order to better disguise myself I cast a little-known illusion spell to give my face the appearance of age and poverty.

Commencing my walk along the Gold Coast, taking in the spectacular views across the Abacean sea to Stirk and Hammerfell was almost enough to make me forget my purpose. However, it was not long before my journey was interrupted. A Khajiit highwayman had been lying in wait to set upon helpless travellers like myself. Brandishing an impressive glass battleaxe, though paradoxically clad only in fur armour, he demanded one hundred drakes for my life. Remembering my guise, I pleaded poverty. It mattered not to this villain, who replied with a cackle "...this one will kill you for free.". I faced a dilemma. Stripped of all weapons, I had only my magicka to defend myself. This was not in keeping with my guise. In this moment of doubt I took heart in the commands of Talos, who asks us to be bold against evil and to protect the people of Tamriel. I could not allow this rogue to continue his wicked ways, posing a danger to all citizens. Appearing to cower before him, I readied a fire spell in my hands. As he charged, I pressed my palm against his chest, unleashing magicka as a burning touch which blasted the crook backwards, the pain of the fire causing him to drop his axe. His fur armour was of no protection as he smouldered on the ground. I lay his charred and contorted body out of view in accordance with the guidance of Arkay.

I continued along the Gold Road, uneventfully taking in the sights of the Valenwood border. It was not until I had passed the third Kvatch that I was required to call upon the gifts of Magnus once more; a soldier of the Imperial Legion was locked in combat against a mountain lion. These creatures are thick in County Kvatch, quick and agile predators. I rushed to help the Legionary when I heard a snort and a rustle in the bushes. A Minotaur Lord rutting, ready to maul us both. Any traveller encountering one of these creatures is advised to run. Armour is no obstacle for them. As I had no armour, I was free to use the College of Illusion to control the minds of beasts. I cast a command spell on the lumbering monster, a yellow glow confirming its new allegiance. It charged at the lion, goring it in one motion of its vulgar head. The Legionary turned to face the giant, but before he could sink his blade into its flesh I destroyed it with a compound spell I won't elaborate on. I cast a healing spell on the brave soldier and bade him good day, as he stoically continued on his way to Anvil.

The rest of the journey was fraught by the hidden bandit camps that plague the West Weald. Using the College of Illusion I turned these criminals against their former conspirators, using Destruction to finish the survivors. I arrived in Skingrad under Masser's shadow.

I have learned three lessons of this journey. The first - followers of Syrabane, your arts can and should be used not in secrecy, but openly and to protect your fellow citizens. Only by doing this can we shake the stigmas that haunt our arts. Secondly, that the Imperial Legions need to be bolstered. Had I not been there, the brave servant of the Empire would have died a violent death, alone. Where was his support? Where were his brothers? Think on this. Thirdly, to all bandits, robbers, thieves and villains, take heed! The next helpless traveller you set upon may not be so helpless after all. Renounce your wicked profession and seek wisdom from the Nine.

Great to see you continuing with your series of books. A wonderful idea by the way.

I recommend you contact a moderater and ask about multiple threads. I believe you can only have one fanfic thread open at a time. Pending a moderater's advice, you might incorporate this in to your previous thread as a continuing series of books. Alternatively, you could just have your old thread locked if you are done with it I suppose. I would ask the mods about it though.
EDIT: I see the threads have been merged. Wonderful!

Your book is great. Well written with a deliciously Altmer scholarly tone.

A couple very minor thoughts for your consideration:

I'm guessing you mean uncomfortable?



Remember I have never played Morrowind now.... Your story is set in Oblvion/Cyrodiil. I have heard the terms gold and septims, but never drakes in Cyrodiil.


I think you want turned


These are short and delightful reads. I hope you will continue. :foodndrink:

Thanks for the slight spelling adjustments, a story that has been tweaked will leave these relics from time to time. Drakes are referenced in Oblivion (for example http://www.imperial-library.info/obbooks/pale_pass_crumpled_note.shtml), I take it to be a rather old and/or foreign term for gold/septims, not out of place coming from the mouth of a Khajiit brigand.

I'll PM a mod to clarify the rules, my admittedly new understanding was that 2 ongoing RPs/active stories was against the rules, but if writing more that one book (the OP is the book, bar the italics which is mine - it is not ongoing or active) in separate topics is also forbidden I'll ask for them to be merged into 1 topic, "Books by Lorcka" or somesuch.

I stand corrected on the drakes. Thanks for enlightening me. :icecream:

Not my intent to pick on the typos. I just appreciate it when someone points out one that slips through in my stuff.

It's no problem, I'd tell someone their flies were down too. Keep one on your literary toes, so to speak. I've sent a PM to a mod on the multi-thread issue.

Edit; Thanks to Rohugh for thread merge/retitle.

More books will be published soon!

I like how he tries to at least weaken the stereotype of Altmer being stuck up and that a altmer being a magicka expert such as a wizard or other positions are even more stuck up. His character however seems to be experienced and wise so how old do you set Lorcka? Also to add to that with the avatar of Lorcka when I read your(his) works I don't picture him in madness armor at all. But a bit of a combination in formal and armor wear.

Being as he is an expert of magicka from what I've read madness armor isn't the best for a wizard, instead it is for the frontlines assault being able to take arrows and sword bashes. From the 2 recent stories though it seems Lorcka never sees these type of battle but more of the 1 on 1 to 6 battles that any skilled mage can handle even without any armor. I'm actually suprised he doesn't have a staff of some sorts to help him.

Something I would like to see is maybe a screenshot of him writing his works at his home. In his comfortable clothes. THats the only thing that bothers me from your stories is the avatar since it seems so out of touch from his words. Its like seeing an argonian saying " I like the swamp of my home tribe" and his stories of the disease ridden and monster infested black marsh but only to see the image of himself is him in a rich and diverse house that seems to be up in Skyrim or Bruma.

But thats my opinion.

Thanks for your reply, I'll address a couple of your points;

He is relatively young (in gameplay terms the age slider is about a quarter of the way along). As a master of Restoration and an Altmer his age is more difficult to discern than at first obvious, although I view him as being around 50-60 years old. For those wondering, the name is 'Lorcka' rather than 'Lorca' primarily because my very first Oblivion character was 'Lorca', an Imperial Rogue. Plus I thought 'Lorcka' sounded more Altmer-esque.

His journey from Anvil to Bruma was not a typical journey for him - he purposefully stripped himself of armour and weapons, forcing him to rely on magicka in order to prove a point; that magicka was no more profane than the bow, axe or sword. His profession is "War Mage", a custom class of all the magics bar Alchemy, with Heavy Armour. Ordinarily, for example, he would not be able to make full use of Illusion, which is why he exploits this power in the clothes of a beggar.

I did have a number of screenshots of him in Rosethorn Hall reading and brewing potions in simple robes (one of which was my avatar for a while), unfortunately I lost them after a reinstall. Thanks for your interest, if you feel I have answered anything unsatisfactorily please challenge me on it.

Next story coming soon!

I am so glad you are writing, your stories bring to life a moment in time! Great Story!

A longer book, this time. Now with illustrations! As always, please let me know what you think.

Destruction and Madness

By Lorcka of Summerset. Illustrations by Astia Inventius.

Although I have not set foot upon the sands of the Blessed Isle for many a year, rumours reach me of the prevalence of Daedra worship in my homeland. A screed was recently written by Alessia Ottus, entitled "Profane Secrets of the Crusader", aiming to discredit my motives in questing for the Crusader's Relics and smiting Umaril the Unfeathered. It concluded that the relics should be under the care of the Legion, not a knight with a questionable past. Among the more serious charges were allegations that I have made servile offerings to all the Princes, from the King of [censored] to the Webspinner. More serious was the charge that I consider myself some sort of brother to the Comforter of Men, Sheogorath. I will address these points in reverse order.

On the second, I read with curiosity that Ms. Ottus had not one credible proof for this outrageous claim. It is true that I have visited the Madhouse, or Shivering Isles, for reasons of an alchemical, scholarly and practical nature. To elaborate, the ingredients in the planes of Oblivion have properties not seen in flora of Nirn. Secondly, I considered it my duty to investigate any potential threat to the heart of the Empire. Thirdly, the materials of the Isles provide greater protection than even the strongest steel or mithril of Nirn. Her evidence for this ludicrous claim is based on second-hand overheard ramblings of madmen and the words of Dark Seducers and Golden Saints. She would take the words of the insane and the Lesser Daedra over the Champion of Cyrodiil? I humbly ask my dear readers to make up their own minds on this charge. If you still doubt, I bid you enter the Isles and look upon the Madgod, if you are blessed by Sheogorath.

On the second claim, I have nothing to hide and will boldly admit that her claims her are true. I had spoken to all of the Daedric Princes, with the exception of Mehrunes Dagon. If this surprises you, I beg your patience as I explain my reasoning. First of all, the scholar in me demanded it. How could any right-minded mage deny the opportunity of conversing with beings of such ancient power? The second reason is based on the words of a great man, "The gods can turn anything to good.". If the Mace of Molag Bal is kept out of the hands of wicked conjurers, is this not a good thing? If the Ebony Blade slays a bandit, is this not a good thing? I again leave judgment to the reader.

As I have mentioned, I had not spoken to the Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon. This brings me to the title of this volume, for it is an exploration of the second claim and a glimpse at the first danger. My justification was the same as that of my other forays into conversations with the Princes; knowledge. Leros Chael wisely advises us that "Knowledge of the enemy mage's mind is of the foremost importance. Once you know his mind, you will know his weaknesses". What greater enemy is there than Mehrunes Dagon? However, even if it was within my power to summon him, I would not, at the risk of another Mournhold. Instead, I decided to endeavour to meet him at the very seat of his power in Oblivion.

The great sacrifice of Martin Septim sealed the Oblivion Gates, forever. However, in my battles through the Deadlands, I had no chance to encounter the Lord of the realm. Know, dear reader, that the Deadlands consist of scattered, scorched islands set in a sea of flame, not an ordered plane. My first challenge was not only how to re-reach the Deadlands, but how to encounter Mehrunes Dagon directly.

Students of the College of Conjuration will be aware of the great mage Morian Zenas, who was able to traverse the planes of Oblivion. My contacts in the Arcane University allowed me to track down his apprentice, Seif-ij Hidja. Understandably he was reluctant to share his secrets, looking at me as one might look at a madman. Who would want to go back to the Deadlands, after all? I decided not to further stir painful memories and left him. The answer struck me when I was organising my weapons in Rosethorn hall. Thieves be advised, my housekeeper is very handy with Goldbrand. I have in my possession a powerful claymore I used to protect the Emperor during the invasion of the Imperial City. In my unthinking fury, I had slashed in futility at Dagon himself. Through the conspiracies of a rogue Telvanni, I also have in my possession Mehrunes Razor.

I have seen an arcane ritual being performed, through which I retrieved the Amulet of Kings, which allowed passage to what I believed to be a sub-realm of Mehrunes Dagon using the blood of a Daedra. Here, I had not only his essence in the Razor, but his very blood from his appearance on Nirn. I could use this as a 'compass' of sorts to orientate myself to the exact location where Dagon himself was seated. In the high Jeralls, using these artifacts, the blood of the Prince and a unique compound conjuration/alteration spell I was able to summon a part of his realm to Nirn. Alteration contained his realm in the form of a small portal beneath my feet. I will not elaborate further. In the cold I checked the buckles and seals of my armour for a return to violence. I concealed the portal with an illusion spell, lest a hapless traveller stumble across it.

The contrast to the cold mountain air of the Jeralls was jarring; the sweltering heat and the familiar smell, a sickly mix of ash, noxious gases and rotting meat. I was undoubtedly back in the Deadlands. I drew Dawnfang, although saw no Daedra in immediate sight. In front of me, and atop a twisting mountain of scorched stone, was a huge tower unlike anything I had seen in the Deadlands before. Dagon's Pleasure Palace.

Deciding that discretion was the better part of valour, I rendered myself invisible as I scaled the peak, skirting around Storm Atronachs and Spider Daedra. Ascending the peak, I found the path to the tower was blocked by three Dremora Valkynaz; Dagon's personal guard. The middle Dremora, clad as a warrior, saw through my cloak and spoke in distorted Dremora tones.
"You should not be here, mortal. By what right do you disturb us?"
I spoke frankly, knowing the Dremora fondness for plain speech and invoking the name of their master, which usually renders lesser Daedra more compliant. I also readied a shock spell in case I was forced to defend myself.
"I seek audience with your Lord and Prince, Mehrunes Dagon."
"You, mortal, wish to speak with the Most Puissant Lord? You are familiar to me. You alone entered the Great Gate and spoiled our chase of the Septim. I honour you for your courage. You make beg audience with my Lord, fettlekyn. Or your head may end up as His trophy."

With these words the Valkynaz allowed me access to the seat of Destruction. The form of Dagon loomed in front of his palace, taller than his mercifully brief appearance on Nirn. Daedra can take form according to their will, so the discrepancy was of no surprise.

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/7877/dagon1.jpg.

What did surprise me was his reduction in size as I approached. Perhaps an attempt to tempt me to lessen my guard. I did not dwell on it further, for The Prince of Destruction is without subtlety. Before I could could address him Dagon spoke to me, in a clear, deep voice tainted by malice.

"A little mortal, in the heart of my power. A special little mortal, too. One who thinks he revels in victory. If you come to gloat to a Daedric Prince, you will die. I could crush you into dust."
"I do not seek death," I replied, "But seek to understand the mind of a god."
"Understand? A foolish endeavour. But I have heard your name whispered in the Waters by my brothers. By one of my brothers in particular, whose spread we halted by our eternal power. Curse-mantler, you understand better than most mortals the mind of a god. But in this place, you are of no consequence. Your actions are meaningless. The name of Mehrunes Dagon is said in hushed whispers across the realm of Mundus. I am the victor. I am the seed of change. You carry my Razor. A worthy bearer, perhaps, for you too are an agent of change and chaos, soaking the land in blood. You serve me whether you know it or not, mortal. Understand that, and be gone."

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/3443/dagon2.jpg

With that, I felt the cold of Tamriel once more, the portal cracked and useless beneath my feet. The Prince of Destruction was typically boastful, but unusually thought provoking.

I am destruction. I am Madness.

Spell casters are easily my favorite type of character, and well I love how you are writing about one. I understand that your character is the type that wears heavy armor, but still cool IMO. I also like how you have taken a different approach to an on going thread (which I like). Instead of following a character, step by step, through their adventures in Cyrodil you have chosen to make your character a scholar and simply posting his work here. Concider me an fan, and know that I am looking forward to more of your work.

Thank you very much, DiGNiiTy. What do you make of the latest book? I have tried to flesh out the character a bit more, drop in a few references to his armour.

Woh, that was savage. Great work, Lorca. I hope this is continued for a long time.

First of all I though it was funny that you made your lastest post at the same time I was typing my first response to your thread. Although I guess that is a bit off topic...

I rather enjoyed the latest book it was interesting how Lorcka claimed his only reason for visiting the madhouse was for scholarly reasons, and because the armor there was better. He used this reason, and his discrediting of her sources, to disprove Ms. Ottus's claims. Yet he openly admitted to having made offers to each of the Daedric Princes. Not to mention that his return visit to the realm of Mehrunes Dagon was an interesting read. Mehrunes mentioning how Lorcka was in possession of his dagger, and was perhaps a worthily wielder of the dagger. All of this was done as if painted with words, and that is always a good thing. I also liked the painting you posted so I say two thumbs up.

Consider Lorcka apart of my Elder Scrolls Universe as a famous author that my characters hear and read about.

This continues to be a very interesting concept, replete with tremendous freedom for you. I look forward to your scholarly Altmer sharing more lore and observations with us via this wonderful convention that so resembles our in-game books. :foodndrink:

This is my favorite so far - great writing!

And now for something a little different. From the Mystic Archives of the Arcane University comes this record. Regular programming to be resumed soon.

Contest of Will
Contributing editor: Lorcka of Summerset.

Preface.
By Borissean, Wizard of the Mages guild.
One of the most common questions a spellcaster is asked by those unfamiliar in the arcane arts is “Which spell is the best?”, or “Which college of magic is the best?” I have heard it frequently by those wishing to know which of my spells would provide the best value for gold. It may seem like a sensible question at first, after all an ebony sword is objectively better than one made of iron, a glass bow clearly superior to one of steel and so on. However, many of my colleagues at the Arcane University would laugh at such a question. Recently I overheard a new apprentice conversing with Master Wizard Raminus Polus on this very question. Raminus gave the standard answer, that it would depend upon a host of factors. However, after conversing with him further we both admitted it would be an interesting exercise to try and answer at least the second question objectively. We decided upon a contest. Rather than risk the dangers of live magic we decided upon a structured debate at the university.

The Participants.
By Lorcka of Summerset.
After being informed by my Mages Guild colleagues of their curiosity on this question, we agreed that we first needed advocates from each college. Preferably masters of their discipline, so that they may best advocate their position. The advocate for Illusion was easy to find. Martina Floria, an Imperial master of Illusion and master enchanter for the Mages Guild. Through careful persuasion of the academic nature of the debate I was able to convince Dagail, a Bosmer master of Mysticism, to make the journey from Leyawiin. In my travels I encountered a most unusual Argonian master of Alteration, Tooth-in-the-Sea, who accepted the request to defend his discipline. The master advocate for Conjuration was more difficult to track down. He would only make the journey to the Arcane University with guarantees of anonymity. He permitted me to say that he is a Dunmer, and requested only to be known as O.S. Another Dunmer, one Bralsa Andaren, accepted the challenge of representing Destruction with enthusiasm. For Restoration, I asked the master Oleta, who declined on the basis that she would not use the discipline in any hostile way. In her stead, a Redguard healer, Kinther, cautiously accepted.

The Rules.
By Raminus Polus, Master Wizard of the Mages Guild.
Each participant is given the opportunity to speak, in alphabetical order. Due to his status as Arch-Mage and familiarity with all of the disciplines, the moderator will be Lorcka of Summerset. Over objections, the art of Alchemy will not be included for reasons of redundancy, as Alchemy replicates the effects of the disciplines being debated and therefore is not relevant to our debate. It has been unanimously decided that the wicked practice of Necromancy would not be a factor in the debate.

The Event.
Lorcka of Summerset: Ladies and gentlemen, men and mer, apprentices seeking knowledge, I thank you for being party to this discussion. Let me welcome you all to the chamber of the Council of Mages. The intention is to decide the question “Which college of magicka reigns supreme?” I have the privilege of being the moderator for this debate. The advocate for Destruction, Bralsa Andaren, is invited to speak first.
Bralsa Andaren: To even the most ignorant of peasants it must be clear that Destruction is the most powerful application of magicka. Against any other master I can simply cast a weakness spell, then an attack spell. Then they drop dead. Against Kynareth’s creatures I can even forgo this first step, blasting fire from my fingertips. How can anyone hope to defend against such power?
Lorcka: Thank you. Dagail to speak next, on Mysticism.
Dagail: The Old Way, Mysticism, is a path. On that path are strewn any tools of increasing value. The tool we use to gather dying energy. The tool we use to move objects with our will and ultimately, the tool to turn the fury of others inwards. Mystics find patterns, we walk the path, we use the tools.
Lorcka: For Restoration, Kinthar.
Kinthar: There are few pursuits in Tamriel more rewarding than that of Restoration, especially in service of the Nine. The student of Restoration also walks a path, a slow path will vast rewards. The student of Restoration cam imbue their body in magical effects, or take them from others. Restoration is not only about simply restoring health, or curing disease, although my occupation as a healer encourages these effects above others. In battle Restoration can leech a host of properties from the attacker and fortify the caster’s defence. It is a great force for offense and defence.
Lorcka: The floor goes to Martina Floria, for Illusion.
Martina Floria: Illusion is all about change. Changing the way people think. The Illusionist can alter perceptions of reality at will, through casting. You can’t attack what you can’t see, after all. What good are the powers of others when the Illusionist can control the very thoughts and perceptions of others?
Lorcka: The advocate for Conjuration has the floor.
O.S.: The master of Conjuration holds control over powers beyond mortal control…over the creatures of Oblivion. Who can claim a more powerful ally than the immortal Daedra? The other Colleges foolishly ask that you fight alone, that you put yourself at risk. To summon a living shield to fight for you seems far more sensible, does it not?
Lorcka: Thank you. To conclude, Tooth-in-the-Sea is invited to speak
Tooth-in-the-Sea: Honoured ones, I ask you what good is the power to control perceptions of reality when compared with the power to control reality itself? The student of Alteration also has a number of tools at his command. Unlike the arcane tools of Mysticism, or the tricks of Illusion, these tools are far more useful to the practitioner who lives outside these. The power to walk on water, breath water, shield oneself from attack, alter the weight of objects…these are no mere tricks.
Lorcka: Thank you to all participants for your statements. I open the floor to question from the audience. Yes, the Khajiit in the apprentice robes…
Apprentice: Thank you, Arch-Mage. This one would like to know how any mage can feel confident casting against a mystic, given the chance of spell reflection?
Bralsa Andaren: Would you trust your life to chance? That is the gamble Mysticism asks you take.
Lorcka: The Nord, in the conjurer’s robes, your question?
Conjurer: Conjuration asks you to place your life in the hands of either Daedra or the undead. Isn’t relying only on Conjuration for the foolhardy, or the cowardly?
O.S.: No. The mind of the summoned creature is bound by magical links to the will of the caster. Unless the conjurer attacks the creature there is no way for the creature to break these links and turn.
Lorcka: Thank you. Another question from the audience…yes, the Nord, there?
Nord: I would ask Tooth-in-the-Sea a simple question, since Alteration has no offensive capabilities, isn’t it of limited use in battle?
Tooth-in-the-Sea: If all you are interested in is conflict, then the powers of Alteration may not be best suited for you.
Lorcka: A question from the Breton Apprentice?
Breton Apprentice: Yes, if I am allowed, what are the opinions of the speakers on Necromancy? Which discipline does it most closely resemble?
Lorcka: In the name of scholarly discourse I will allow this question.
Bralsa Andaren: It is an abomination. Those who would disrespect our ancestors should be put to death. Why it is not illegal in Cyrodiil I do not know.
O.S.: I’d agree with that. Those who speak in ignorance think that Conjuration and Necromancy are closely linked. This is not true. Conjuration can summon and control undead, summoning the spirits in corporal form. But profaning the remains of the dead? No. Never.
Kinthar: It is an ungodly pursuit. My forbearers found this when they encountered the evil Sload, stealing our dead from the islands off Hammerfell.
Dagail: Strife, corruption of the body and soul. Rending blood and bone for no good reason.
Lorcka: One last question. Yes, Imperial Battlemage?
Imperial Battlemage: Given the great concerns about the future of the Empire, which College of Magic do you think will be the most useful in the future?
Bralsa Andaren: Destruction. We see this trend already. Even the most simple-minded barbarian knows the value of enchanted weapons. The next step is to cut out the weaponry and simple harness the power for yourself.
Dagail: The past and the future are one through the secrets of the Old Way, child.
Kinthar: We must harness the power of Restoration in order to best serve the Divines. It is the clearest choice for the mage who cares about not only himself, but others as commanded by the Nine.
Martina Floria: Truthfully, I think either Mysticism or Alteration. Perhaps a combination of the two. Illusion changes minds, but those are the limits. Who knows what secrets are yet to be unlocked in Mysticism and Alteration?
O.S.: The Daedra are eternal. The Daedra are the future. Command and respect them, command the future.
Tooth-in-the-Sea: Mages of the future I hope will discover more uses for Alteration. Using it, we can alter reality to our will. I do not know if this will be a good or bad thing.
Lorcka: Thank you all for sharing your valuable perspectives on the various Colleges of Magicka.

3E435.

This is interesting, I like how you took each of the different NPC's personalities into consideration for their answers, really good!