Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

Triston Ebonhawk's Test


After　finding Triston in Candlekeep, Zorn and Triston headed towards the inn where they discussed art, wine, a little on Triston's religious beliefs and a few other formalities. Eventually, Zorn began to test Triston with a scenario . . .


Zorn smiles lightly as he begins to ask Triston Ebonhawk the first of possibly many Order questions.


"Alright then I shall begin."
"You are in a gallery full of art, observing the great pieces and marvelous paintings that have been produced throughout the ages. One of the pieces you come across however , is very unlike the others and catches your eye."

"There, on the wall, you notice a painting of Illmater, deity of healing and suffering. Illmater, in this painting, is extending holy arms out over worshipers and granting them care, healing, and blessings. "

"What would be the first thing you look for in such a painting?"

Triston taps his chin thought.

"First, I would wonder why this painting stands out amongst the rest? . . . Are there other darker pieces of art that allow this one to shine as a single paragon of holiness? "

"Perhaps there is. Actually, right across from such an art work is the polar opposite. Something considered the very essence of death. . . Across from this painting portraying Illmater is a painting of blood. Daggers are thrust into the skulls of naked individuals and a large portrait of, let us say, Bhaal or maybe Myrkul, depicting death, lurk out from the bottom corner of this picture."

"On the one hand, you have a picture showing Illmater's holy divinity, engulfing the souls of her followers and healing them of all their wounds, but on the other side, across from such an artistic display of holy divinity, lies the opposite, death and suffering from the hands of perhaps one of those darker gods. What would be the first thing you look for amongst these two paintings?


"Tis a powerful display, having symbols opposite each other... the circle of life, death destruction and pain on one side, with the life salvation and hope on the other side.


"Indeed, it is. "


I am of the opinion that art is a very personal experience . .. What emotions I would get from viewing these works would be much different than you or for any other person. . ."


"Go on. . ."

Zorn lets Triston continue to think if about anything else that was intended to be added to his answer.


" I think if I were to look upon that display I would think of the circle of life, and how we come into life from nothing and we leave with nothing.

"So you would not admire one over the other?"

"No. I could not admire one without the other . . . together they are complete. "

"So, with life comes death. Hand-in-hand, so to speak? Yes. "

"Yes, very much so. "

Zorn looks to Triston, a smile appears across Zorn's face.


"Do you want to know how I feel about the paintings?"


"Please, by all means. "


" I was going to say, I'd stroll up to the Illmater picture, and try to see how the artist painted all the holy light and curves and designs into the beings and their bodies, then I'd go over to the darker one and do the same. I would merely be comparing their aesthetics. "


"Hmm...Yes, they may have used a different style for each to portray different characteristics."


"Did they use water colors? Ink? Maybe even real blood! "
"But your answer was much more deep and inwardly thought out than I had thought it would be. I was just considering the craftsmanship whilst you didn't just look at one painting over the other. No, you looked at both and discovered a deeper meaning, without being an extremist.


"I try to observe art and many thing as objectively as possible. Allows for a clear interpretation I believe."


"Well, if anything is clear it is this:"

" I formally welcome you into the Order of the Dead Fish, should you accept. "

Triston smiles as he stands, extending his hand.

"I will humbly accept your offer. "

And thus, Triston became a member of the Order of the Dead Fish within inn at Candlekeep，




*Having found and spoke to the man he was looking for, Zorn spent the night at the inn within the Candlekeep walls. The very next morning he departed early and was last seen heading back towards the Friendly Arm Inn along the trade way.*

*Zorn can be seen wandering around Baldurs Gate posting signs up on various bulletin boards and other areas.*

To all interested: The Order of the Dead Fish are currently accepting members and planning our first official meeting. If interested, please come to the Elf Song Tavern and inquire within. The innkeeper should be able to guide you to me, or Ralston Dash. We are still looking for recruits, but we will be holding a meeting soon. don't be shy! Come and test your charisma and see if you fit right in!

-Signed,

Zorn

Zorn went on a normal stroll through the Palace district. He decided to make a special stop at The Shelf of Many Books to look for a certain cook book. However, upon entering he discovered that Amelia Durante, a newly acquainted friend was also present.

He immediately struck up a conversation and began to help Amelia with her reading skills, as she was Foreign and could not speak common so well. Whilst assisting her in her language studies, Ralston Dash, the co-leader of the Order also coincidentally entered the library and the three exchanged greetings and small talk for quite some time.

Seeing that Amelia Durante was rather refined and elegant, Zorn and Ralston decided to allow her into the order, under the condition that she went through a specific initiation which will be revealed at the order's first meeting!

Thus, Amelia Durante has been considered a member, but perhaps if she fails to impress with the initiation . . . well, we'll all have to wait and see!

Zorn and Narsidia can be seen sitting in the Friendly Arm Inn chatting and gossiping away about past events and stories. Whatever they seem to be chatting about, the lady Zorn is speaking to has made it into the order and has passed whatever test Zorn presented to her at that time.

Telia Navra's Test


Zorn was speaking to Amelia when Telia Navra suddenly approached the two, having overheard Zorn's name. She introduced herself and her intentions and Zorn remembered who she was from a note he had received sometime earlier.

Zorn immediately put her to the test. Seeing how Telia Navra was built, he asked her if she could dance. Amelia an　Zorn watched Telia dance gracefully and wonderfully. It seemed that the first part of Zorn's test was indeed successful.

Amelia had to leave early, and Zorn continued his test. However, the second part was not so easy compared to the first bit.

"What is this?"　*Zorn points to something on the merchant's booth.

It's a woven fabric of some kind kind. Someone has paid attention to its design, and its not a rug you'd find in a commoner's home. I'd say it even looks slightly out of place here.



Zorn continued, seemingly a little pleased with the answer. " And what's this? " *he points to a golden coin left on the merchant's counter.*

A lump of gold, perhaps it was once an ornate piece of jewellery or decor but melted in some kind of fire.

Oh. jewellery. Can you tell me about your favorite gem or jewel? Can you describe that to me?

Telia describes a necklace in her possession.

"Alright. . . Let us take a look at something else... what about this? " *Zorn points to a large Wagon. *


Telia laughs. "Well it's a wagon. But I'm sure you want me to try and describe it? To be honest, I'm not sure what kind of wagon this one is. I suspect a merchant's but I'd honestly expect some sort of metal bars covering the windows or something. It looks like it would be easy to slip through!" *she notes the open windows on the wagon.


One more question. What　do you think about when you dance?

I don't believe anyone has ever asked me that.

Well, I have now!

Often, I think about.. the way my body moves, where I have my feet and my hands. Once I've established a rhythm my mind wanders away. Mostly, I think of how enjoyable it is to dance... *She says with a smile*.

Where does the mind wander? *His face perks up*

Its a feeling of freedom, of some sort. To endless skies and a purple haze... Really. I can lose myself in it sometimes.

"Endless skies and a purple haze! Describe that feeling some more!

With each of my movements there's color shifting and sparks appearing. Its all in my mind of course, no one else sees it.. or did you ? *She says jokingly.*

Of course, everyone sees things differently depending on what one does, but please. Go on! Tell me all the feelings you have whilst dancing!

*She looks slightly embarrassed* Is that truly interesting?

Very. The artistic value behind it is fascinating.

It's difficult to find words for the feelings. Its not something I've been thinking of. If I had, I'm sure I could explain it a lot easier.

Well, let me tell you what then.... I will give you some time to think of those words and the next time that we meet, perhaps in an order meeting or along the road somewhere, I'll ask you again. Think about those feelings and get back to me on them... After all, all of these questions I have been asking have been part of my order's little test...

Telia laughs softly. *

And so, Zorn gave Telia some more time to think about the answer. Telia was not admitted directly into the Order of the Dead Fish as she was given time to give her final answer and allow Zorn to make his final decision.