Buffy the Bowgirl IV

Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 11:13 am

Welcome to Buffy's fourth thread!

Words cannot express the humility and gratefulness I feel as I review the humble beginning Buffy and I shared 100,000 words ago. With no fiction experience, but a truckload of passion for my character, my efforts have been gently and steadily encouraged by the wonderful readers of this forum. Although I have much to learn about the craft of writing, you have taught me enough that I feel worthy of continuing to present the story of my precious bow girl. The warm acceptance we continue to receive, brings a tear to this old paladin's eye.

Her http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1033100-chronicles-of-buffy-the-bowgirl/ thread covers chapters 1 - 25.

Her http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1045763-chronicles-of-buffy-the-bowgirl-ii/page__p__15167323&#entry15167323 thread covers Chapters 26 - 43.

Her http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1060173-buffy-the-bowgirl-iii/page__p__15393203&#entry15393203 thread covers Chapters 44 - 59.

Buffy is a Bosmer/Breton mystic archer who hails from Bravil. She travels accompanied by the spirit of an ethereal old paladin.

While traveling Cyrodiil to garner requirements for admission to the Arcane University, she was singularly struck by the selfless bravery of the beleaguered guard force at Kvatch, standing against a portal to Oblivion. Although terrified by the threats at Kvatch, she believes she will return to help. She has relentlessly worked to improve her natural skill with a bow, and to augment it with knowledge of magic. Her travels have gained her much experience and many friends.

Buffy's nature is perhaps best summed up in her own words:
"I have learned to survive in a harsh land, and I lay no claim to goodness." Defiantly returning his gaze, I continued, "killing with my bow is exhilarating, and I do not apologize for that. When my friends are threatened, I freely admit to rage, vengeance and even cruelty. I - I simply do not kill innocent people."

I recited The Buffy Doctrine: "If you are kind to me, I will love you dearly; if you are mean to me or my friends, I will likely kill you."

As we prepare to join Buffy, she is enjoying a break at home. Coincidentally, Bravil was selected for Cyrodiil's periodic tournament of archers, and has been temporarily transformed into quite the festive, bustling place.

In our last chapter, 59, Buffy got in some bow practice with her archery master (Daenlin) and learned a little more of his history with an old rival (Reman). It seems the source of the rivalry was a talented archer named Diana. Buffy also met a newly arriving competitor for the tournament named Alawen.

Thank you to those who were able to comment on chapter 59 before the thread was locked -

SubRosa- Your insight, as always, is so encouraging. Thank you.

treydog- High praise indeed. I so appreciate the encouragement.

hauteecole rider- Forlorn Watchman was not in the plans; however, I believe it may now be, thanks to you. Wonderful idea.

mALX- Thank you mALX for your inspiration and support.

bobg- I'm glad it feels a little like a renaissance fair. Thanks.

Foxy- Jeff Cooper's Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth is a well chosen reference, and I appreciate the comparison.

MyCat-Thank you so much for catching up and joining us. Yes, my first few chapters were humble. Should I ever republish, I would certainly want to revise them. Thanks.

Wolf- May the best Bosmer win!

Destri- Thank you for the wonderful words. I did some minor edits to my archived version per your suggestion, but Lady Leydenne locked us up before I could edit the posted version.

Digz Sorry the thread locked, but thank you so much for the encouraging comments via PM.


60 Bravil - The Tournament of Archers, Part 4

"Buffy!"

Pausing just outside the door of The Fair Deal, my head snapped towards the voice to see a bare-chested Orc. "Lum?" I remembered we had pulled arrows for each other behind the Fighters Guild in Chorrol on my last visit there. "It's great to see you again. Are you here for the tourney?"

"Sure am." Lum gro-Baroth cheerfully flashed his fangs and continued. "My brother Kurz is here too, although he seems to be spending more time in the taverns than on the shooting range."

"Welcome to Bravil, Lum." I then added with a grin, "I see you still don't own a shirt."

"Nah. Shirts are for sissies."

"Ha," I laughed. "Call me a sissy then. Are you and Kurz staying at the Bravil guild?"

"Yeah," Lum then lowered his voice and leaned closer, "but, I'm glad I'm not in the Bravil chapter. The guild commander they have here is crazy. It's like the guy is running a Legion training camp. I heard that just a week or two ago, he had some stringy wood elf who wanted to join the guild out back by the targets. Yelling in her ear while she was trying to shoot, he was. Apparently, the little red head managed to maintain her cool, and kept hitting the target." The muscular green fighter curled his lip, then drove his right fist into his open left hand with a loud smack. "I'd have opened a bag of whoop-ass on him if he tried that with me."

"So you would have gotten distracted and not hit the target, right?" I teased.

Lum opened his mouth, then closed it and scratched under his headband. He then smiled sheepishly and said, "well, maybe you've got a point." The Orc looked up at the sun, now low in the west. "I'd better go shoot some holes in one of those targets myself while there is still a little daylight left. Several of us fighters are going to try our hand at qualifying in the morning."

"Good luck, Lum." I watched as he headed for the training area behind the Fighters Guild. I didn't know the commander of the guild well, but I knew something about training under pressure.

"Faster Buffy!" my University advisor said sternly. "I want to see magicka forming in your hand even before you release that arrow. Shoot, then cast. Again!"

"Boderi," I whined, "my head, shoulders, hands and fingers hurt. We've been chasing arrows with spells all morning!"

"Is that what you're going to tell a charging ogre?" the Dunmer snapped in my ear. "Not now, I have a headache? Your unarmored little butt can only take about one hit from such a beast. I don't care if you hurt; I want you to survive. Now shoot, Apprentice!"


Dispelling the image from my mind with a smile, I turned and entered The Fair Deal.

"Hi Nilawen, how's business?" I said cheerfully.

"Oh Buffy, you wouldn't believe how busy it's been." The pleasant Bosmer blew loose strands of black hair from her face. "This is the first break I've had all day. Long hours, but the gold's good with so many people in town for the tournament. What can I get for you dear?"

I plopped the beautiful leather-bound journal that Mazoga had given me onto the counter between Nilawen and I. "This one's full. Any chance you have a book with blank pages back there?"

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Buffy%20I/ScreenShot251.jpg

Nilawen looked at my old journal. "Well, certainly nothing as fancy as that, but yes I believe I do." She produced a simple book from under her counter. "So what number is this one?"

"This will be my fourth journal," I replied while flipping through the blank pages. "It's perfect Nilawen, but I'm kind of broke right now. I need to make some potions tonight to sell. Can you hold it for a day or so?"

"Don't be ridiculous Buffy. Take it now and pop back in when you get a few septims."

"Thanks Nilawen." I slid the old and new journals into my pack. Nordinor and Aradroth were seated in the corner talking quietly. Jerking my head towards them, I looked questioningly at Nilawen.

"Oh, those two." Nilawen shook her head but smiled. "Nordinor has it in his head that he's going to manage bets on the tournament. He's been trying to talk Aradroth into helping him."

"A bookie?" I giggled as I turned towards the two. "So Nordinor, who's favored to win?"

The elves looked up from their scraps of parchment that covered the table they shared. Nordinor replied. "Well, Daenlin right now, but we still have two more days of qualification rounds before we know who the ten finalists will be."

"And Aradroth?" I frowned, "I hope you're not the bookie's muscle."

The assassin pierced me with his gray eyes, but said, pleasantly enough, "Like Nilawen, you cluck and worry too much. I'm merely advising Nordinor." The assassin then pointed to his bow leaning in a corner and lifted an eyebrow. "Remember, I will be trying to qualify as well, and it wouldn't do for me to be overtly involved in the bookmaking end of things, now would it?"

"Buffy," Nordinor injected, "I know bookmaking and Aradroth knows archery. He's my subject matter expert. We're running a legitimate operation here. Why I've even received a permit from the castle, signed by the Count himself. I'm as official as my good friend Hundolin, who runs book for the Arena."

"Why Nordinor," I said with genuine surprise, "I never would have believed you to cut the Count in on one of your enterprises. What kind of a take does his pompousness, Count Terentius require?"

"Twenty per cent, but not to worry," Nordinor smiled smugly, "I'll get that back. The Count is too deeply into his cups and debauchery to notice that he indirectly funds a good portion of my other-"

"That's quite enough Nordinor," Nilawen interrupted sternly. "Just because Buffy knows how to keep her mouth shut, doesn't mean you need to burden her with your illegal secrets." Wagging a finger at Nordinor, she continued, "every time a guard comes in here, I'm tempted to turn you in, but I bite my tongue because you pay the rent for your room on time. Buffy doesn't need that dilemma."

Nordinor blinked, and said seriously, "You're right of course, Nilawen." He then broke into a large smile, as if to change the mood and added, "Buffy, I assure you that all my illegal activities are perfectly legitimate."

Nordinor and I laughed, Nilawen chuckled and even Aradroth let slide a sly smile.
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roxanna matoorah
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 11:12 am

WOO and HOO!!! More Archery fun, a slew of serendipiditious characters, and Buffy with a passing mention of Sub Rosa!!!

Now what could be better???

:D
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trisha punch
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 4:26 pm

"Is that what you're going to tell a charging ogre?" the Dunmer snapped in my ear. "Not now, I have a headache?"


You are a bad person- I thought I would be safe from uncontrolled snorting and guffaws if I read about Buffy while at work....

However, that is also a reminder to all us would-be adventurers to make sure of our preparations beforehand. I have had archer characters go through a long stalk, then run out of arrows because the target was tougher than expected (or because there were more targets)...

I absolutely loved the way you made the conpleted thread/journal an integral part of this.

And then there was the verbal cameo of a certain stringy Bosmer, plus the impolitic (but accurate) description of His Drunkeness, the Count of Bravil.
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Elizabeth Davis
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 8:14 pm

Congrats on thread IV Buffy and Acadian !!! I never pictured Lum with a bow, what an image! Lol. Glad to see Teresa gliding into the story, and Aradroth back too !!! I am loving this tourney storyline !!!!! I agree with Treydog, that was a great touch with the journals!
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cutiecute
 
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Post » Sat Oct 16, 2010 12:08 am

"Buffy, I assure you that all my illegal activities are perfectly legitimate." :rofl:

I sure do love how the tournament is shaping up. Competition is coming in from all around, and Buffy seems to know most of them. What a worldly young bosmer you have. I love that Buffy gets a new journal every time we switch threads, it is just plan fun. I almost feel no obligation to even mention the quality of your writing. It has become one of the staples in every post you make. I am yet again impressed, and just can't wait for the next post. :goodjob:

~Digz~
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Leah
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 9:21 pm

Fourth one already... Congrats m8! :icecream:
Since I don't have any critique I'll just stick some more feather in your a.... I mean- where the sun don't shine. :bigsmile: Wonderful chapter!
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stephanie eastwood
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 1:28 pm

'Renaissance Fair'. That's the term I couldn't remember until my wife reminded me later. I've been reading this to her (a stroke four years ago makes it difficult for her to use a computer) and she is coming to love Buffy too. Amazingly she has gone from zero interest in such things to being a collaborator on the Angel series.This gathering of the-best-of-the-best archers amid a festival setting keeps getting richer and richer with shady merchants and bragging competitors.
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Karl harris
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 10:22 am

Congrats on Thread IV! A new book! Yay!

The headache comment cracked me up! Woke the cat up and almost dumped a cuppa hot tea on my lap!

I loved Lum's reference to a certain -umm- Fighters Guild chapter head. Yeah!

And I've run out of arrows, healing potions, magicka spells, had my lone sword broken,, and still have more dremora than I could count. That's when I RUN FOR THE HILLS! (or hobble, in Julian's case!)

Oh, and don't worry about the cat. She needs to lighten up.
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Pumpkin
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 1:37 pm

Yay! Buffy is on to journal four now, and the tourney continues. I am glad you are taking your time with portraying the tournament, allowing it to span multiple posts. That allows us readers to truly savor it.

Hmmm, I wonder who that stringy wood elf was that Lum was referring to? ;)

This line really jumped out at me, and gave me more than a faint smile:
What kind of a take does his pompousness, Count Terentius require?

That is another one I will have to steal! :P



and Buffy with a passing mention of Sub Rosa!!!


Ummm, no. I am not a stringy wood elf, and I have never been to Bravil.
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Antony Holdsworth
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 4:31 pm

Ummm, no. I am not a stringy wood elf, and I have never been to Bravil.

Whoehahahahahhaha! :rofl: :rofl:
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Etta Hargrave
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 8:29 pm

I think you've outdone yourself with this one. From Buffy's conversation with Lum (and the references to Teresa and Pappy) to Buffy's remembrance of her own training under the stern, yet caring Boderi (the headache line was indeed priceless). Then we follow her into the Fair Deal and the bit with the journals which was just plain magic. And to close it out, the conversation with Nordinor and Aradroth in which they poke fun at the count while laying odds on the tournament. Nothing was undone or unsaid. There was an infectious sense of fun that permeated this entire chapter and made me smile through the very last line. What a way to kick off thread IV! :celebrate:
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Emily Graham
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 6:49 pm

Bravil has now been taken over by stringy wood elves. Especially those with pale skin and bright red hair. Run while you can !!

I fell off my chair here when I discovered that Aradroth has a moonlighting job on the side. Ha, ha. Fantastic. :twirl:
Ah, so now I understand why they have been leaving me out of their conversations.....
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Chloe Botham
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 1:05 pm

Thank you. I read the latest instalment twice because it deserved it.

I love how much character you inject into even the most minor NPCs.

I must add how much I appreciate the almost poetic thread closures by Leydenne, especially the first thread closure.

My continuing readership is assured (That sentence sounds wrong; never mind).
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Music Show
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 1:11 pm

Thanks for the overview at the top that is a nice idea. In this story, I really felt like I was right there with Buffy, seeing, hearing and feeling what she does. I liked her flashback. How do I bet? Can I bet on the women?
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Lewis Morel
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 8:42 pm

In chapter 60, Buffy discovered that the Fighter's Guild contingent would shoot for qualification on day two of the three day qualification period. She also learned that the slightly shady Nordinor would be running a bookmaking operation for the tournament.

Foxy- Safe journeys friend Foxy! We will all miss you. :wave:

treydog- Thank you. Yes, headaches, journals, stringy Bosmers and pompous counts.

mALX- Thanks so much for your wonderful support. I'm glad you are enjoying this storyline. :)

Digz- As always, I rely heavily on you for sharing what you see. You help keep us on target. The end of thread journal reference has become a tradition now!

Remko- Thanks Remko. Stay tuned, my friend.

bobg- I'm so honored that Mrs bobg is enjoying Buffy! Wow! It's also great that she helps you with Angel - how neat! Thanks for the kind words. :)

hauteecole rider- Whew, I'm glad you told me not to worry when that headache comment disrupted our feline friend. :biglaugh: I'm so glad you got a laugh though. Thanks!

SubRosa- Thanks for the encouragement; particularly that you enjoy that the tourney will span several chapters. This tournament is quite the challenge for me at managing subplots and things that have to be presented in a fairly precise order. Your advice and support have been priceless (not to mention the light cameos). ;)

Destri- Wow! Thank you for the summary of what you picked up on. That is so helpful to me! That you said the chapter had an infectious sense of fun just made my week! :twirl:

Wolf- Thank you so much for the temp loan of your wonderful Aradroth. I hope you like what his role in the tourney will be.

S'lider- Thank you for the kind words on character development of minor NPCs. I also agree that Leydenne is wonderful - she's my hero and has been for a couple years now. I can't count the times she has helped me.

Koala- I'm glad you found the thread-opening summary helpful. Thanks!


61 Bravil - The Tournament of Archers, Part 5

"I want you to tell me what you know about closing an Oblivion Gate," I said calmly to Ungarion after the last customer left his shop for the evening.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Buffy%20I/ScreenShot254.jpg

The Altmer blinked and stared down at me. Producing a key from his vest, he stepped to the door of A Warlock's Luck and locked it before replying, "funny you should ask Buffy. I was quite hoping you would stop in." He gestured towards a chair. "Please sit. Wine? Tamika's if I recall?"

"Tamika's would be fine, thanks," I replied as I slid into the chair.

After pouring wine for each of us, Ungarion eased into the chair across the small table from me. "First Buffy, a toast in honor of your return to our fair city." After the soft ring of silver goblets faded, he continued with a practiced smile, "I think we may be able to do business."

"I'm broke Ungarion, but I was hoping for your help. I'm going to try and close that gate at Kvatch. There are brave people risking their lives trying to stem the flow of Daedra from the Deadlands."

"I care not for them, but you my dear, are another story." The oily merchant smoothed a hand over his brown hair. "Somehow you manage to move comfortably and discretely in many incompatible circles. You traffic in dark soul gems and black market goods, yet you are a respected member of the Mages Guild. You are well aware of the pathetic enterprises of Nordinor, but you do not surrender him to your friends in the city guard. I understand that Count Leyawiin has knighted you, yet you associate with Aradroth, whom I expect is of the murder-for-hire persuasion. Yes, you are a valuable ally indeed."

"I've never claimed to be of virtuous character, but I do know how to keep my own council." Ungarion knew enough about my activities with black soul gems to get me kicked out of my guild. I, on the other hand, could have him imprisoned based on my knowledge of his high-end black market operations. Yet, I had known the Altmer all my life and did not believe him to be completely without humanity. "Can you help me please?"

He studied me for a moment behind steepled fingers before replying. "I believe so Buffy. I will tell you what I know about Oblivion Gates."

"Thank you Ungarion." I expected that he had a reason for helping me, but I needed his assistance. "I know the gate is held open by a sigil stone, similar to the ones you used when we made my rings of detect life." The pair of rings, that had saved my life many times, had cost me two black soul gems and a very large sack of gold. "Where within the plane would I expect to find this sigil stone?"

After taking a sip of wine, Ungarion set his goblet down. "I should believe near the center, perhaps in a tower of some sort and probably well guarded."

Now we were getting somewhere. "How do I turn it off and what happens to me, since I'll be inside the gate, when it closes?"

"I don't think you turn it off, Buffy." Ungarion smiled, as if indulging a child. "I expect rather, that you remove the sigil stone from whatever it may be powering. As far as what happens to you, I don't know. I do believe however, that some of the ancient sigil stones I occasionally manage to get my hands on must have come from inside such portals. That would lead me to think that you could live through the process of closing one."

His last words echoed in my head. I stared into my goblet searching for the moments I needed to compose myself. Could it be possible to survive? I had assumed that my life would be the likely price for closing the gate. My head spun with excitement over the chance of a future after Kvatch. I forced aside the swirling possibilities with the promise to think on them later. Doing my best to manage a calm response, I replied, "that's wonderful news, and certainly more knowledge than I had. I thank you Ungarion. Is there anything else you can think of that might help me?"

"Needless to say, I would be most interested in purchasing the stone from you for a very hefty sum, should you succeed. I presume you are prepared for the Daedra that surely defend the approach to the sigil stone?"

I nodded, allowing a slight smile.

"Yes, I would imagine so. It seems you have tuned your fine University education and bow skills to the life of an adventurer." The Altmer refilled our goblets. "I'm retired from that business of course, and content now to deal in exotic trinkets and secrets." Ungarian smiled and placed his folded hands on the table. "Now, I have in good faith provided what knowledge I have on your gate to Oblivion. My hope is that you might entertain a similar request from me. Should you oblige, I have some information about your tournament that I am sure will be of interest to you."

I cautiously replied, "how can I help you, Ungarion?"

The smooth talking Almer rubbed his hands together. "I am interested in the profit potential inside that mysterious door in the middle of our bay. They say that anyone who enters, either never returns, or comes out completely insane. Over an ale or three however, one of the guards let slip that you seem to be an exception." Ungarion looked at me expectantly.

"What you hear is true. Beyond that door is a very different world. From what I can gather, it's the Oblivion plane of the Daedra Lord Sheogorath, called Shivering Isles."

"A portal to Sheogorath's realm? Amazing!" The Altmer rose, then returned after, placing bread, fruit and cheese upon the table. "Please, eat and tell me more. Why do you think that you are able to enter and return with your sanity intact?"

"I'm not sure Ungarion," I said between grateful mouthfuls. I hadn't eaten since Daenlin and I shared an early lunch right after shooting for qualification. "Perhaps it's because I completed Sheogorath's shrine quest for him." I recalled being quite angry with the bearded little Daedra Lord. What began as a harmless prank on the Khajiit of Borderwatch had turned out to be quite the cruel joke. "When I approached the mysterious door, I recognized the oddly accented voice of Sheogorath. He invited me inside, saying something about becoming his champion. I have no love for the Daedric Prince of Madness, and entered only out of curiosity."

"Buffy, this is fascinating. What did you find inside?" Ungarion lifted the bottle of Tamika's. "More wine dear?"

Shaking my head, I continued, "a large outdoor area called the Fringe, surrounded by high walls. I found a couple ruins of some sort and a small village named Passwall. Both the vegetation and creatures are unique. I haven't explored deeper into the realm."

"An elf with your curiosity?" The Altmer cocked his head. "Pray tell, why not?"

"Ungarion, you don't understand. The mayor of Passwall took me up to the passage that leads deeper into the Isles. The gate is guarded by a giant beast that is three times my height. His right arm ends in a massive sword instead of a hand. I watched as he easily slew a group of steel-clad adventurers." I shivered as I recalled the slaughter wreaked by the gatekeeper. "I know of no way to defeat him, and I surely don't care enough for Sheogorath to die trying. Besides, I have more pressing business in Kvatch." I reached for an apple and took a bite.

"Hmm. . ." Ungarion rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment while his eyes traced across the ceiling. "Have you come across any trinkets that might fetch a profit? Say, items that can only be found inside the Shivering Isles?"

"Well," I set down the apple, "the manner of dress over there is different, but I don't think you could make much gold from that." I decided not to share the potent alchemical possibilities with the black market. "There are creatures in the Fringe called grummites that remind me of gray goblins. They seem to have a tribal structure and are clever enough to make their own weapons and shields. Except for their bows however, the items they make seem a bit heavy and crude." As I swirled my goblet, I remembered something. "Oh, the general store in town sells several varieties of wine that I've never seen in Cyrodiil."

"Wine?" The Altmer lifted an eyebrow. "I'll tell you what Buffy. When your travels take you back there, I should love to see some samples of this grummite equipment as well those wines you mentioned. Several collectors I know, would be quite interested. I expect I could make it worth your while, and quite appreciate you enlightening me some about the mystery." He raised his goblet.

"You're welcome Ungarion." I smiled, and once more we touched goblets. "Now, your turn again. You mentioned some information regarding the tournament?"

"Ah, yes." Ungarion frowned slightly. Did I detect a slight squirm? "I recently sold an item, at a hefty profit I might add, that I believe might be of interest to you. Not that you would want the item of course, but rather that you will no doubt be concerned at the possible mischief it could cause."

I set my goblet down. "You have my attention, Ungarion," I added suspiciously, "go on."

"Well, truth be known Buffy, I am not without affection for some of my friends here in Bravil such as yourself and Daenlin. I also know that this archery tournament is important to both of you." Ungarion shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "The item in question is a very powerful magic scroll that will temporarily drain the marksman skill from its target."

I glared at the Altmer and snapped, "Ungarion, how could you! You know as well as I how difficult the use of such a scroll is to detect. In the wrong hands, it could sabotage the results of this tournament. I don't really care about the event, but it's important to Daenlin." I narrowed my eyes in anger and hissed, "Now, who did you sell it to?"

"I sold the scroll over a week ago," the Altmer replied sheepishly, his eyes grazing the floor. "It was only when the town began to transform for the tournament that the scroll's potential occurred to me. Truth be told, I feel a twinge of guilt now. In my business however, revealing the name of a customer has lethal consequences."

"You of all people should know better, and I'm furious with you! I-" Shutting my mouth, I continued to glare at the black marketeer. Calm down Buffy. At least you know about the scroll. I took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. "All right Ungarion, I don't want Daenlin's tournament getting sabotaged. I also don't want you or anyone else getting killed over it."

"Look Buffy, if my customer finds out that I'm behind your information, it will be my life." His eyes met mine, and I assessed his fear as genuine.

Ungarion was an accomplished mage. He was not without the ability to defend himself, yet he clearly feared this 'customer'. Whoever he had sold the scroll to was both ruthless and formidable. That was the only lead I had.

"Ok Ungarion," I finally replied, "the information you gave me about sigil stones will be helpful, and I do appreciate that. I'll ask around discretely and see if I can come up with anything about sabotaging the tournament - without revealing your involvement."
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josie treuberg
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 12:08 pm

Yaay! for Ungarion. I always liked him in the game. It is not often you find a high elf with a sense of humor like his. "Take a chance on the warlock's luck!" :)

The plot thickens as well. Buffy not only learns some valuable pieces in the Oblivion puzzle, but also of a much closer threat. Hmmm, now who might want to use a Drain Marksman scroll? Perhaps that orc Lum? Or maybe it is a certain stringy wood elf? Perhaps it is Nordinor, setting up his customers for a fall where he makes huge profits? The possibilities are endless!
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Curveballs On Phoenix
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 10:25 pm

Time for Daenlin to invest in some "absorb magicka" pants, or to carry "Spellbreaker" - that would pinpoint the caster too. Unless it will be Buffy seeing the spell being cast and jumping in front of it, thereby throwing her own ability in the tournament - but she already said she wasn't interested in it. ARGH !! Can't wait to find out what happens! I love this tournament storyline !!!
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Matt Fletcher
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 11:28 am

What a revelation. Of course the potential number of divergences spins off an infinite number of futures to keep us speculating; 'WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!'
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Anthony Santillan
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 2:08 pm

Acadian, you shock me. That is the most devious and delightful chapter you have written yet.
Now that I know that teasing the audience is not beyond you I shall have to guard my approach in future. :lol:

Just kidding, that was awesome. :woot:

Who could it be.....
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Hilm Music
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 11:41 pm

Well, well, well!

First a very shady wood elf.

Next, an old rival of Daenlin's.

Then the master of archery.

Along comes an old friend with information about closing Gates.

And now a potential cheat? Hmmm, I have my ideas!

Can't wait to see what happens next!
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dell
 
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Post » Sat Oct 16, 2010 12:59 am

"I care not for them, but you my dear, are another story." The oily merchant smoothed a hand over his brown hair. "Somehow you manage to move comfortably and discretely in many incompatible circles. You traffic in dark soul gems and black market goods, yet you are a respected member of the Mages Guild. You are well aware of the pathetic enterprises of Nordinor, but you do not surrender him to your friends in the city guard. I understand that Count Leyawiin has knighted you, yet you associate with Aradroth, whom I expect is of the murder-for-hire persuasion. Yes, you are a valuable ally indeed."


Ah, the dichotomy that is Buffy from Bravil!

While the identity of this potential cheat is something that we can all speculate about, I am more interested in Buffy's interior monologue and the revelation that hit me like an orc's warhammer. I had no idea that Buffy assumed that her life would be forfeit in the closing of an Oblivion Gate. It makes perfect sense, of course, how would she know otherwise? Still, the fact that she has worked so long and so diligently preparing herself for an act that she feels will kill her just goes to underscore the courage and nobility of her soul. Even after all this time you continue to add layers of depth to her character. When you say a 'truckload of passion for my character' you certainly aren't joking!
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Alycia Leann grace
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 11:17 am

Ah, the dichotomy that is Buffy from Bravil!

While the identity of this potential cheat is something that we can all speculate about, I am more interested in Buffy's interior monologue and the revelation that hit me like an orc's warhammer. I had no idea that Buffy assumed that her life would be forfeit in the closing of an Oblivion Gate. It makes perfect sense, of course, how would she know otherwise? Still, the fact that she has worked so long and so diligently preparing herself for an act that she feels will kill her just goes to underscore the courage and nobility of her soul. Even after all this time you continue to add layers of depth to her character. When you say a 'truckload of passion for my character' you certainly aren't joking!


This just needed to be said again it is so accurate. I felt the same surprise when I realized Buffy assumed her her life would end with the closing of Kvatch's oblivion gate. I love the SI references, and the possibility of a cheater is just plain awesome. I love archery and I can't wait for the last day of the tournament. Great work yet again my friend! :thumbsup:

~Digz~
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Kim Bradley
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:29 pm

Another thread... wow you have come a loooooooooooooong way. Just caught up 5 minutes ago. I'm not checking my email often enough to keep up.
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Melung Chan
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 8:08 pm

This was really interesting to read. Such a clever back and forth and a lot of neat information. I was surprised also to realise that Buffy thought that closing the gate might trap and kill her. No wonder she's been in no giant hurry and you could sense her apprehension about it!
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Ross Zombie
 
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Post » Fri Oct 15, 2010 8:47 pm

The conversation, along with all the atmospheric touches, was perfect. I particularly liked the way you handled the question of closing an Oblivion gate- and what happens to the person who does so... There is absolutely no reason why that knowledge would be common... until the Oblivion crisis, when was the last time a gate had to be closed?

Then there are the mysteries of the Shivering Isles and of who wants to drain who's Marksmanship?

And, via Ungarion's helpful summary, we get a nice sketch of Buffy's biography, fitted neatly into the narrative.
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Dona BlackHeart
 
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