corvusalbus93

[corvusalbus93]

I was half expecting there to be a: “Read the full interview with Lord Szarr on page 3!”

Of course it could be someone under Cazador’s control/influence (because while one of the rich and powerful, he isn't automatically a patriar), but that is not as funny to me as the image of Cazador sitting down with a journalist and talking about vampires being silly superstitions – possibly before noting how the Gur "vagabonds" are the real danger.

“I remember, when I was new in the city, it must be two hundred years ago now, and they killed this poor, young magistrate in cold blood...”

[corvusalbus93]

The Sorcerous Vault-heist is well underway – don’t forget to bring a summons and check for fake walls.

Photomode Masterlist

[corvusalbus93]

Oh, I remember us touching on this conversation after Astarion’s siblings vanish, in some posts a while back.

As a player I was disappointed and annoyed, because of the character development so far, especially in the second half of Act 2. Of course, taking a step back, like you said OP, it makes perfect sense he’s regressing at this point in the story, for all the reasons you’ve listed.

Of course any Tav, doesn’t quite have the luxury of taking the cosy outsider’s view, looking at everything and every possible dialogue tree at their own pace, so I pictured Nizana specifically, as the Tav romancing him, quite frustrated. Angry even. Deeply hurt above all perhaps that he would use her and her feelings for him like this.

This is not a happy Nizana:

I figured she sees him not only falling back into old patterns, but actively trying to manipulate, guilt-tripping her into doing something that goes against her very nature. Sacrificing souls to a devil, not limited to, but including the spawns. Astarion only ever speaks of his siblings, but Raphael very clearly said “including”. We and our characters (should) already know it’s more than seven.

I honestly can’t say which dialogue branch is the worst; he comes across as manipulative in all.

Astation: You're not getting sentimental, are you? I thought you were with me on this. Tav: I just want you to be happy.

Astarion: Then you help me in this. Nothing would make me happier.

Back when I first played this, I wasn’t sure how his questline would continue, I had seen some context-less clips here and there, but was mostly blind. At that point, my thoughts were: “This is going to strain their relationship so much... I think they might break up.” I was seriously considering to roleplay a break up, if I felt the relationship didn’t make sense anymore. It really depended on how things continued.

And let’s imagine for a moment Astarion could have done the rite without help. Like even if turning into a full vampire didn’t bring out the worst in him and amplify it, if Astarion’s personality hadn’t changed at all afterwards – I still think Nizana would have broken up with him for doing something so morally abhorrent.

Even as players, getting to Rivington & BG can be a bit overwhelming with all the quests vying for your attention, everyone reminding you of how there is little time until the brain breaks free and I figured it wouldn’t be better for a Tav unaware of a player’s quicksave-powers.

After all, this conflict isn’t happening in a vacuum; there is so much else going on simultaneously that Tav has so manage... and look, Lae’zel/(insert alternative party member) just got kidnapped by Orin. So, my interpretation of this and the later post spawn-attack dialogue was that it was make-or-break for their relationship, with both on edge & stressed, both sides desperate to sway the other. Juicy, narrative drama – heartbreaking to roleplay.

This moment in the conversation they had after meeting Pale Petras and Dalyria at Fraygo's Flophouse was very frustrating for me, to be honest.

Not in a bad way, more like: “ohh what are you doing?!” ٩(๑`^´๑)۶

Last time I played I probably didn’t check all the lines, but now that I found this branch I need to vent a little.

If you suggest Astarion to just run away he (understandably) argues he doesn’t want to spend eternity as a fugitive, constantly fearing the shadows. And this ritual might allow him to walk under the sun, even after they deal with the tadpoles. But then…

Astarion: And you want what’s best for me, surely.

Just look at his eyes. He is being so obviously manipulative with this line it feels like a stab, especially after everything they’ve been through.

And yes, he says something similar in other branches, too. But this particular phrase sounded the worst to me, especially with that look in his eyes.

Look at her face – she’s not having it too.

But here… I think he understands this as well.

But he can’t help falling into safety of the familiar patterns he’s been using for so long. He is back in the city where everything remind him of his life before. He has just had to face his siblings. And his old self reflected in them. He is back under Cazador’s suffocating presence. The inevitable final confrontation is right ahead.

And the pressure he’s under is immense. He wants to be safe, to be powerful and free. Maybe even to be able to give something back to the person he loves.

He has barely started his path to the healing, but this all is too much too soon.

It hurts to see him like that. Maybe I should be angry. And yet – I just can’t hold it against him. Not when I see where it’s coming from.

I’m sure Roanael knows that too, and she’ll just keep being there and asking the right questions, gently reminding Astarion that there’s another path – the one that leads to light, not darkness.

[corvusalbus93]

Hang on – Salty killed what?

...how? Sir, I tip my witch hunter hat to you. Please tell me someone made fanart of that.

[corvusalbus93]

Used picrew for something else and decided to try to make one of myself. I'm don't really like posting pictures/photos of myself, but this should give you an idea (sady couldn't make the hoody black).

Hi.

[corvusalbus93]

Thanks for another tag @izumiphoenix

Never used picrew before. Continuing the “holding each other’s’ hearts” , here are Nizana and Astarion.

The drow, who loves to dance beneath the moon and the vampire, who relishes to bathe in the sun.

@izumiphoenix and @rivereverie : I just noticed, but I love how we couldn’t decide on what hair matches his, but all three of us were like “yeah, that’s his shirt.” XD

I tag @oonalovesastarionssimpleplan - if you're interested.

i made elenion in this picrew last year and thought i posted it as part of a tag game but now i can't find the post anywhere, so... i went and made briala too so i could post them together!

i can never remember for sure who likes to do picrews but i think this one is soooo cute and i'd love to see people make their OCs in it (if possible since this one does only have human skin tones) so i'm turning it into a tag game 💖

no pressure tagging: @ignistigator @ranger-jahen @bg3screenshotdump @waterdhaviancheeses @rosenfey @akaikami-cherryblossom @starlightweave @scint1llat3 @taruruchi @crowander @starsthoughtsonthings and anyone else who sees this and wants to do it! (interact with this post if you'd like me to make sure i tag you in OC tag games)

[corvusalbus93]

Karlach is ready to fight at the coronation.

Just that they’re surrounded by Steel Watch and Wyll’s father is in the crossfire...

Photomode Masterlist

[corvusalbus93]

Tav assures Lae’zel they will get the hammer... by breaking into the House of Hope.

Jaheira *That’s what we’re doing?*

Astarion (already used to this) *Of course that’s what we’re doing*

Photomode Masterlist

[corvusalbus93]

Now I want that to be an inside joke within the party:

No longer using the idiom "elephant in the room". From now on it's "let's address the exsanguinated boar in the room"

[corvusalbus93]

I have a new nemesis and it’s this gods damned shirt.

[corvusalbus93]

Hi @izumiphoenix , going it as a reblog, cause I wanted to elaborate a bit on her personality, since you mentioned integrity and kind heart.

In many RPGs you are put in the role of someone on their first adventure, and I really liked the idea of Nizana already being a seasoned adventurer. So, while still young for an elf/drow, still having that wanderlust and boundless energy, she’s like 110 years old and has the education & experience of an 80 year old travelling monk (“...a restless life with no constant but her convictions.”).

By the time BG3 starts she already has gone through her major character development, from fearful, angry girl, ostracised for just being what she is – to learned monk, who had a lot of time for introspection and was able to forge connections again.

Still, she can relate to Astarion, when he’s angry at the injustice of the world, no one showing him kindness, because she’s been there. There is probably some AU, where she never left Neverwinter and ended up a more cut-throat version of Nine-Fingers. But she did leave and was taken in by a monastery, matured and now knows how much even a simple act of kindness can change a life - or the trajectory of it. She can’t change the world, but she can make a difference for the people in her reach; in a way the pays the kindness that saved her once forward.

This drives her, combined with what I think is one of her greatest character flaws - her fear of losing people. Due to everything in her youth, especially the loss of her family, I picture her getting attached to friends very strongly, doing whatever she can to help and protect them, which it why this comes up in several of the test’s correct answers. In hindsight explains/adds an additional reason as to why she’s more direct/”aggressive” in trying to dissuade Astarion from the rite than Roanael.

Btw. Loved Roanael’s reaction to the “Offering wise druidic advice on how people should live -2”, because that is very much how Nizana feels, especially considering the monk specific lines in game.

Also really liked your addition of the actual dialogue Roanael would say; I had considered something like it, but my explanations were already so damn long and I had the short written – that had to be enough XD

The Dryad's Love test with your OC

Zethino the Dryad asks you how well you know your love interest. But what would the answers be, if your love interest was asked?

Rules: Think of three answers with approval, disapproval and explanation.

Thank you @izumiphoenix for tagging me.

Now I’m going to add a fourth answer to the first two, since each companion has at least one question with four or more possible answers… and I couldn’t decide which to cut. I’ve also included which Zethino would count as correct answers ★. In the “canon” storyline, Astarion is the one answering, but I wrote these so any companion or OC could be the respondent.

You can read the fully written one-shot here, if you’re curious how Astarion answered (plus a little fluff). Funnily enough I’d started writing it a couple weeks back and now had the perfect reason to finish it up.

~ Nizana Tav(orite) ~

Zethino: “Nizana: a restless life with no constant but her convictions. Listen. Think. What achievement would grant her peace?”

1 - Knowing her soul forever and safely out of Lolth’s grasp. ★ +1

In some D&D lore is was stated Lolth has claim on all drow; not sure if still canon, but Nizana knows little about any drow culture and religion, due to having grown up as an orphan, so she doesn’t know either. As she despises Lolth, she’d rather make sure her soul is going to another afterlife than whatever the spider goddess offers.

2 - The Absolute and the Chosen Three defeated. +1

While she does want to stop them, it’s more an obligation, a mission, not so such personal fulfilment, so Zethino doesn’t count it.

3 - Those she loves being safe and happy. ★ +2

Nizana deeply cares for her lover and her friends, knows what they all struggle with, and worries for them. Even without the tadpoles she’d have come to Baldur’s Gate to help them, and she hopes their trust in her is not misplaced.

4 – To be viewed and celebrated as the model drow. -2

Nizana had to struggle with prejudice against drow her entire life, since she was an urchin in the streets of Neverwinter. She wants to be seen and judged as a person, be accepted, not set some new bias.

Zethino: “Any life is a difficult and tumultuous thing. You have shared many hardships. And still found moments of respite. When is Nizana happiest?”

1 – When she feels the bones break beneath her fists. -1

While she is a monk, who loves a good fight and enjoys the adrenaline rush, the act of taking a life doesn’t bring her joy. Depending on circumstances perhaps satisfaction or relief – it is often a necessity after all.

2 – Around the campfire with her friends, sharing stories and re-enacting them. ★ +1

She learned in a monastery of Oghma, not only a god of wisdom and knowledge, but the patron of bards; she knows a thing or two about storytelling. And with friends like Wyll and Karlach around it’s all the more fun and yes, even some acting might be included.

3 – Alone with the one she loves.  ★ +2

Admits all the turmoil, she craves the quiet moments with the one she loves. To be able to confide and be confided in in turn, to be herself, no pressure, judgment or expectations – and she hopes her love feels equally at ease around her.

4 – Exerting leverage on others. -2

This applies to two situations. One the one hand, her companions ask for her opinion and even advice at times, which she gives. However, she doesn’t want to make choices for them, pressure them into anything, though of course hoping her words will be considered. The other situation applies to their Illithid powers; she has made use of her tadpole to gather information or compel cultist. Yet while others would revel at such power, Nizana is disgusted by it, only doing it at all due to dire need or to keep up appearances/maintain their cover.

Zethino: “Once again we must see beyond what is in plain sight. To what may be hidden even to friends. For the heart heavy with burdens craves comfort. What weighs on Nizana, both day and night?”

1 – The expectations of those around her. ★ +1

Her friends and companions, her love – they all trust her, many look to her for help. And she does give it gladly, though she fears to fail their trust, and is well aware that sometimes you need to counter rather than blindly affirm. As the leader of the party, she also makes decisions for them all, and each companion can have very differing views. It’s a tightrope act each and every day.

2 – That she will never find acceptance or a place to call home. -2

Nizana refuses to believe that. Despite all the prejudice she faces, she’s met plenty of people across the decades she's been adventuring who accepted her, made lifelong friends and now a romantic partner. The world can be a wonderful place; there are kind people out there. Unless she chooses to, she will never be alone.

3 – To hold the fates of the many lives and souls in her hands. ★ +2

When all of this started it was a about a small group of strangers finding a cure for tadpoles. Now she leads them, is part of their personal journeys. Now her decisions will determine not just their fate, but that of the city, the Sword Coast, who knows how much of Faerûn. And perhaps even if the Illithid Empire will re-emerge. Nothing prepared her for that.

...

Everyone I know and follow has already done this, soooo... bye.

[corvusalbus93]

Zenthino’s Love Test

A short featuring the dryad’s love test in Act 3 between Tav and Astarion. This includes the three questions about Tav and how Astarion answers them... and how well he does on his turn.

You can also see check out the tag-game version with all possible answers if Tav were a NPC here. Also a related image taken in Photomode: “Peer Pressure”.

“Given what you describe, I’d say you were facing alioramuses. They are native to the jungles of Chult, if I’m not mistaken.”

The group was getting as far away from the djinni Akabi as they could, before he had a chance to let his anger out on anyone else. Astarion had finished recounting the tale of his little impromptu adventure, and as their resident monster hunter, Wyll could provide some insights. Lae’zel, meanwhile, was examining the trident Astarion had returned with, trailing somewhat behind.

“Could have very well been Chult – while I enjoy the warmth of the sun that was a bit too much,” Astarion noted as he wiped away some of the blood on his face; though he’d avoided most of the vicious beasts, one he’d needed to slay. He turned to Nizana walking beside him. “Were you actually going to fight the djinni?”

The drow gave him a meaningful look. “Do you really need to ask?”

“That is very sweet. And would have been very foolish.”

“From the one whose idea it was to pickpocket the djinni in the first place?” she teased back.

Astarion raised his hands, with a little shrug. “Well, it all worked out in the end, didn’t it?”

Nizana saw Wyll grin as he shook his head, before something else caught his attention. “Is that a dryad up there?”

Everyone looked, and on one of the stages ahead was indeed someone who appeared to be fey. Nizana had seen various visitors from the Faerie in her travels, but never a dryad. Her pale skin was adorned with vine-like lines, which glowed with the same light green as her eyes. Leaves and real vines served as her clothes, while branches sat atop her red hair like a pair of antlers. She seemed to be paying no attention to the people visiting the circus, her fingers running over the twisting and coiling roots of the tree beside her.

“I wonder what she’s offering,” Shadowheart chimed in, as the stage seemed empty, except for a small table with a bottle on it and two chairs.

“Come on, let’s find out.” Karlach ran on ahead, Scratch catching her excitement and joining her at the front.

No one stopped her - who could have - and all wordlessly agreed to follow, no tadpole conversation required. As they approached and Karlach practically leapt over the stairs, the dryad spoke, though still facing the tree.

“This city of stone and steel is an endless scream in nature’s womb. I have felt no peace here. Until now.” She turned around, her glowing eyes briefly scanning the group. “There is a great love amongst you – Zethino senses it. Bring your leader to me, and we shall see if your love is that of ages.”

Oh no.

Nizana regretted not being further in the back as Karlach came for her and pushed her towards the dryad, her other hand reaching for Astarion. “Hey, you two – no hiding!”

“Hang on, why me!” Astarion protested as Karlach pushed him too.

“I doubt she just wants to talk with Nizana – you’ll be up sooner or later,” Wyll laughed.

Somewhat helpless in the face of such peer pressure, Nizana didn’t fight and gave up with a shrug. “I guess we have to play along? Look, maybe she really does just want to talk with me.” Astarion didn’t seem thrilled, but it was too late. When Nizana turned, she was in front of the dryad, who studied her for a moment. Her gaze was piercing, yet not in any way that was uncomfortable - Nizana simply had the impression she was looking far beyond appearances.

Zethino’s smile brightened.  “Your eyes, stira. There is pain, endless and deep. But also devotion – blazing like the sun. You’re in love, are you not?”

Nizana could practically feel more than a few knowing grins from her companions. While she and Astarion hadn’t flaunted their relationship, especially since they themselves were taking it slow as they figured things out, it was an open secret. It was a small camp after all. Karlach gave her a playful nudge with an elbow. Better play along, or she’d never hear the end of it. “I do love someone.”

“You are wise to admit it. When it comes to love, vulnerability is armour. Truth, a sword. And trust, a shield. I pray you wield all three, stira. Bring the one you love to me. I will look into your hearts and see if your love is eternal. Or doomed eternally.” That last part sounded a little daunting, and Nizana hesitated.

“Come on - do it!” Karlach cheered her on and she wasn’t the only one - even Scratch barked and Gale was looking quite intrigued as well.

“I’d quite like to see what this test entails.”

Nizana saw Astarion shift in the corner of her eyes. “Are you up for this?” Truth be told, she was a bit curious herself, despite being put on the spot, and hardly keen to have the others observe. She wondered if he felt similarly.

“Oh my love, how could I say no?” Ah - she knew that tone.

Now that she had their consent, Zethino stepped up, her words soft as a lullaby when she instructed them. “Close your eyes, little ones. Be still as stone to earth. And remember to breathe.”

As she’d done in countless meditations, Nizana closed her eyes and cleared her mind. What happened next, however, was unexpected. It was as if the world spun, no, as if she was pulled towards something, another place, the noises of the circus fading, replaced by birdsong and soughing water. It only lasted for a second, before Nizana found her footing again and dared to upon her eyes. What she saw caught her by surprise. She knew this place, or one like it. This was so much like the river they had first made camp at out in the wilderness, near the druid’s grove.

She was standing at the end of a tree trunk traversing the stream, just by the waterfall. How many nights had she practised her katas here beneath the moon? On the other side of the river, Astarion was looking around as well, recognizing it by the looks of it, before their eyes met. It seemed they were equally uncertain about what was going on, though he tried to hide it with a smile.

The dryad stood beside Astarion, evidently delighted by their surroundings, taking a deep breath. “Ah. Glorious. Your bond is sweeter than nature’s dew. I see you. Know you. But do you know one another?” She looked to Nizana and as she spoke, turned towards her love. “Astarion: a tumultuous past hides behind a mirthful grin. The heart is fraught, so let us begin with the joyous. When is he happiest?”

This is how they’d be tested? Alright; surely she’d be able to answer some basic questions about Astarion. Could the others still hear them? Was this just an illusion and the others were still observing? And even if they weren’t, how deeply was this dryad looking into their minds? Was this all in their minds somehow? That seemed most likely.

Maybe those were the wrong questions to focus on. Happiest. She’d seen him happy many times now, especially since he’d started to let his guard down around her more often. But openly, something that never failed to put a smile on his face, moments that allowed him to really let loose?

“When he's elbow-deep in gore,” she decided with a playful smile.

She was rewarded with a laugh. “Guilty as charged. Sometimes literally...” Even now, there was still some fresh alioramus blood on his newly ‘acquired’ clothes. Hopefully Zethino didn’t know, or minded, that.

Still, feeling more confident about this test, Nizana took a few steps towards them, stopping when the dryad spoke anew. “Your bond beats in pleasure. It is an honour to behold. Many things delight the heart, but only one makes it sing. Tell me, what does he desire more than anything?”

Freedom, safety, connection.  They all felt right, and plenty more came to mind - she wasn’t sure which to pick. Her mind drifted to all the things they’d shared in private, or when she’d kept him company during his fitful reverie. Or when he’d tended to her injuries after Ketheric Thorm. She watched as Astarion’s eyes flitted to the dryad, wary. Yes, Zehtino claimed to know them, to look into their minds, but he was so guarded around everyone else; she could not be the one to lay him bare in front of another. If trust was meant to be a shield, how could she reveal what he’d confided to her in the small hours of night, when they were alone? But she knew that right now his heart yearned for something first and foremost, or he would find no rest. Something he had no trouble admitting to anyone.

“Revenge”

His eyes lit up, and for a moment he seemed almost giddy.  “Oh, yes. Yes please.”

She took a few more steps and when Nizana looked, the dryad’s smile seemed more subdued this time. “Our touch has been that of sunlight, but now we must ask the deep. The difficult. Fear sits in the soul of all - to tame it, we must name it. Astarion - what is his deepest fear?”

Nizana watched him tense, his own smile dropping. He had many fears, but they certainly were not meant to be shared, even less so than his desires. Nizana waited until their eyes met and gave the slightest shake of her head, before she gave her answer, tone teasing and light. “Breaking a nail.”

“Ha!” His body language relaxed in an instant. “Well, when you look this good...”

As Nizana took the last steps to reach the midpoint of the natural bridge, Zethino, who gave no objection to her answer, stepped back and was gone in the blink of an eye. A moment later, the drow heard the dryad’s voice coming from close behind her. “One has proven their insight – will you step as lightly? It is your turn. Nizana: a restless life with no constant but her convictions. Listen. Think. What achievement would grant her peace?”

There were several achievements, but in this very moment? Aside from stopping the Absolute and the Chosen? Defeating Cazador – knowing you are finally, truly free and no longer haunted by his shadow. Or chasing his dream.

Astarion grinned, his fangs flashing for a moment. “Having made sure that vile spider wretch has no claim on her soul.”

Yes, that too, undeniably. It was one of the first things she’d shared about herself, back when some of the others had commented on her odd behaviour for a drow. “The Second Sundering has changed much; my soul finally has some more options.” Frankly, she wasn’t entirely certain Lolth truly had claim on all drow souls unless one actively shunned her and found another patron, but it couldn’t hurt to make sure.

Astarion stepped onto the tree trunk and the dryad too seemed satisfied, as she asked her next question. “Any life is a difficult and tumultuous thing. You have shared many hardships. And still found moments of respite. When is Nizana happiest?”

He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, before she noticed a glint in his eyes. Even Nizana herself could think of various options, which all seemed equally correct to her. But which would he pick? “When she’s performing silly re-enactments with the others.” Well, it was effective escapism in these trying times – especially Karlach seemed to forget completely about her engine for a night, whenever Wyll and Nizana shared stories, their own or those of known heroes. And yes, sometimes the three re-enacted pivotal scenes.

Right now, however, Nizana wanted to roll her eyes. That was some big talk, from their most loyal audience, who never shied from correcting them. The Drizzt against Entreri retelling in particular came to mind. She would tease him about it later. Not here. “Perhaps – but do not think for a moment I enjoy our time together any less.”

The glint disappeared from his eyes, replaced by something softer as he subtly shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He wanted to believe her, when she said these things, but didn’t quite. Maybe he didn’t dare to yet, ever cautious – he was even hesitant to put a name on what they were. I don't know. But isn't it nice - not to know? But she did and hoped in time so would he.

After Astarion had taken a few more steps towards her, Zethino asked her third and final question. “Once again we must see beyond what is in plain sight. To what may be hidden even to friends. For the heart heavy with burdens craves comfort. What weighs on Nizana, both day and night?”

She watched his eyes narrow. Astarion knew the answer, she had confided in him in the days it had taken to travel here from the shadow-cursed lands. Likely, he too wasn’t keen on sharing something from such a private conversation, but Nizana didn’t feel it was something that needed to be hidden. And so she nodded once, silently giving her silent permission.

Astarion caught on, his frown fading. When he answered, his voice was lower, ever so slightly deeper - the tone he spoke in whenever they were amongst themselves. Alone. “That she suddenly finds herself holding so many fates in her hands. Countless lives.”

“And possibly failing them.” That very much included her companions, her friends – him. It was all so much. Nizana took a deep breath. “But I’m not alone. I couldn’t do this alone.” For a second, his gaze wavered, avoiding hers as she spoke those last words. He still doubted himself, his own strength; after centuries of being powerless, perhaps not too surprising.

But Astarion recovered quickly, a smile back on his lips when he took the last steps to meet her in the middle. “Well... You were right every time. I almost wish you hadn’t been, but you do know me...”

She gave him a loving smile in turn. “And you me.”

“I press my fingers to your bond and find a shield – impenetrable. It is... beautiful,” Zethino intoned solemnly. “But your bond is also young. Like a seedling, it will need a gentle hand in its tending, if it is to endure. Nurture it, and it will become a great oak, strong enough to last the ages. Your love is one few have – cherish it.”

Nizana eyes never left Astarion. “I will,” she promised, just loud enough for only him to hear. Through whatever was yet to come.

Only a moment later, the world shifted again as the dryad walked towards them. Nizana blinked, and the grove was gone, replaced by the stage in Rivington, as if they’d never left. They probably hadn’t. Astarion was once again standing beside her rather than in front, but she felt his fingers brush against hers.

Zethino saw them off with a few final words, her voice full of genuine warmth. “Go in peace, seedlings. And know that you made one whose heart was long quiet beat with love anew.”

[corvusalbus93]

The Dryad's Love test with your OC

Zethino the Dryad asks you how well you know your love interest. But what would the answers be, if your love interest was asked?

Rules: Think of three answers with approval, disapproval and explanation.

Thank you @izumiphoenix for tagging me.

Now I’m going to add a fourth answer to the first two, since each companion has at least one question with four or more possible answers… and I couldn’t decide which to cut. I’ve also included which Zethino would count as correct answers ★. In the “canon” storyline, Astarion is the one answering, but I wrote these so any companion or OC could be the respondent.

You can read the fully written one-shot here, if you’re curious how Astarion answered (plus a little fluff). Funnily enough I’d started writing it a couple weeks back and now had the perfect reason to finish it up.

~ Nizana Tav(orite) ~

Zethino: “Nizana: a restless life with no constant but her convictions. Listen. Think. What achievement would grant her peace?”

1 - Knowing her soul forever and safely out of Lolth’s grasp. ★ +1

In some D&D lore is was stated Lolth has claim on all drow; not sure if still canon, but Nizana knows little about any drow culture and religion, due to having grown up as an orphan, so she doesn’t know either. As she despises Lolth, she’d rather make sure her soul is going to another afterlife than whatever the spider goddess offers.

2 - The Absolute and the Chosen Three defeated. +1

While she does want to stop them, it’s more an obligation, a mission, not so such personal fulfilment, so Zethino doesn’t count it.

3 - Those she loves being safe and happy. ★ +2

Nizana deeply cares for her lover and her friends, knows what they all struggle with, and worries for them. Even without the tadpoles she’d have come to Baldur’s Gate to help them, and she hopes their trust in her is not misplaced.

4 – To be viewed and celebrated as the model drow. -2

Nizana had to struggle with prejudice against drow her entire life, since she was an urchin in the streets of Neverwinter. She wants to be seen and judged as a person, be accepted, not set some new bias.

Zethino: “Any life is a difficult and tumultuous thing. You have shared many hardships. And still found moments of respite. When is Nizana happiest?”

1 – When she feels the bones break beneath her fists. -1

While she is a monk, who loves a good fight and enjoys the adrenaline rush, the act of taking a life doesn’t bring her joy. Depending on circumstances perhaps satisfaction or relief – it is often a necessity after all.

2 – Around the campfire with her friends, sharing stories and re-enacting them. ★ +1

She learned in a monastery of Oghma, not only a god of wisdom and knowledge, but the patron of bards; she knows a thing or two about storytelling. And with friends like Wyll and Karlach around it’s all the more fun and yes, even some acting might be included.

3 – Alone with the one she loves.  ★ +2

Admits all the turmoil, she craves the quiet moments with the one she loves. To be able to confide and be confided in in turn, to be herself, no pressure, judgment or expectations – and she hopes her love feels equally at ease around her.

4 – Exerting leverage on others. -2

This applies to two situations. One the one hand, her companions ask for her opinion and even advice at times, which she gives. However, she doesn’t want to make choices for them, pressure them into anything, though of course hoping her words will be considered. The other situation applies to their Illithid powers; she has made use of her tadpole to gather information or compel cultist. Yet while others would revel at such power, Nizana is disgusted by it, only doing it at all due to dire need or to keep up appearances/maintain their cover.

Zethino: “Once again we must see beyond what is in plain sight. To what may be hidden even to friends. For the heart heavy with burdens craves comfort. What weighs on Nizana, both day and night?”

1 – The expectations of those around her. ★ +1

Her friends and companions, her love – they all trust her, many look to her for help. And she does give it gladly, though she fears to fail their trust, and is well aware that sometimes you need to counter rather than blindly affirm. As the leader of the party, she also makes decisions for them all, and each companion can have very differing views. It’s a tightrope act each and every day.

2 – That she will never find acceptance or a place to call home. -2

Nizana refuses to believe that. Despite all the prejudice she faces, she’s met plenty of people across the decades she's been adventuring who accepted her, made lifelong friends and now a romantic partner. The world can be a wonderful place; there are kind people out there. Unless she chooses to, she will never be alone.

3 – To hold the fates of the many lives and souls in her hands. ★ +2

When all of this started it was a about a small group of strangers finding a cure for tadpoles. Now she leads them, is part of their personal journeys. Now her decisions will determine not just their fate, but that of the city, the Sword Coast, who knows how much of Faerûn. And perhaps even if the Illithid Empire will re-emerge. Nothing prepared her for that.

...

Everyone I know and follow has already done this, soooo... bye.

[corvusalbus93]

Peer pressured into doing the dryad love-quiz.

You can read the short, including Astarion’s answers, here!

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The djinni Akabi did not appreciate Astarion stealing his ring and sent him to the jungle. Tav is ready to throw hands, with Karlach holding her back, but she would have joined in if it had come to blows. Wyll tries to calm her down and think this through.

Scratch meanwhile went to search the circus and as soon as Astarion took the portal back, found him. The two return to Tav demanding Astarion be brought back and said vampire finds himself in the unusual position of having to defuse a situation.

“Now, now; no need for drastic measures.”

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[corvusalbus93]

The monk-spirit asked Tav to take on the curse, but with all that is currently at stake Tav didn’t want the risk of potential madness. A fight ensued and the spirit is gone, still cursed...

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[corvusalbus93]