The Pickled Mermaid

Halsin often talks about balance, and I think that’s key to his stance on both nature and society. Both should have some internal degree of balance, but should also be balanced with regards to each other. Balance isn’t static. It requires effort to maintain and the actions of agentful beings will tip the system in one direction or another. I think it’s more accurate of his thinking to say the city is in a state of disequilibrium, as evidenced by an unusually extreme incidence of visible structural violence. If you let Kagha kill Arabella, Rath will make a similar argument. In his words, killing Arabella encourages disequilibrium because it will instigate more violence between the tieflings and druids. It creates conditions for a tit-for-tat revenge cycle that has the capacity to cause great disorder for little tangible benefit.

Yes, when you’re in Baldur’s gate, Halsin gives you a blanket statement about whether civilization and nature can even coexist. I read this as a knee-jerk reaction made in an emotional moment, not a well tailored 5 paragraph philosophical essay that perfectly reflects his thinking on nature/culture dualisms.

Gale: Truth

Astarion: How many hours have you slept this week?

Gale:

Gale: ...Dare

Astarion: Go to sleep.

If you’re still desperately thirsty after having some water, you probably need electrolytes. There are many options - eat a pickle, have a gatorade (or whatever brand you prefer), add an electrolyte packet to your water, sprinkle salt on some watermelon, make a fun drink with coconut water.

Grand Duke Wyll Ravengard, his treasured daughter Lily Aurora Ravengard, and beloved pet Scratch. Circa. 1498 DR"

My contribution to the BG3 Love & Marriage fanzine! Im honored to have been apart of this zine with so many other skilled artists and writers!