The Book of Nine Swords:
By Slim Summers
Disclaimer:
Neverwinter Nights 2 belongs to Atari, Obsidian Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast.
Interlude: Book of Nine Swords – History
It has been more then a century since I first arrived on the world of Toril, however I know that one day I will depart it, whether by some miracle I return to my home world or journey to my god Kelanen's side in death. As a humble worshipper of the god of swords, I have endeavoured to follow his dictates and pass on my own limited knowledge of the Sublime Way to those of this world. I have taught a small number of apprentices where and when I could. At other times I attempt to finish writing this tome where I place all that I know of the Sublime Way. To all who desire to learn and grow, may this tome aid you in your journey.
by Esmerelle
Formally Lady Vizunika Del'Mars of Elindra
While many may call them selves a master of the ways of battle, be that with the blade or spear, mace or fist, they are as children to a follower of the Sublime Way or what is sometimes called the Nine-fold path. The secret lore that combines a warrior's inner strength, training and discipline into the perfect weapon.
Most inhabitants of the world of Faerun would deem the acts and deeds of a master of the Sublime Way to be magical, this is a false assumption. To follow the Sublime Way is to call upon the power inherent in the mind, spirit and body of every being – If they chose to develop it.
Before moving further it might be best to discuss some of the history of the Sublime Way.
In ages past on my world of Elindra, there were nine distinct martial disciplines. Each with their own focus and separate philosophy. Each fiercely competitive and derisive of the others. Any one of them was powerful in its own right but each was only a part of the whole.
It was the advent in ages past of the human named Reshar whom many now believe to have been the avatar of Kelanen the god of swords which led to the creation of the Nine-fold Path. The first recorded instance of Reshar's deeds is when he appeared before the Hobgoblin sword masters. Reshar passed every test and challenge they could think of, before they relented and gave him instruction. Thus began Reshar's journey.
From the Hobgoblins of Vrakessh, Reshar learnt the discipline of Iron Heart, said to be the most difficult school of blade work in our world and the one that requires the most skill.
From the Dervishes of the Tak-ta desert, Reshar learnt the discipline of Desert Wind, combining the movement of sword with the ability to channel his inner energy into flame and speed.
From the Elves of Avariel, Reshar learnt the discipline of the Diamond Mind, honing his mind and perception to allow him to act in instants of time that others can not even perceive.
From the Monastic Order of Lehan, Reshar learnt the discipline of the Devoted Spirit, allowing him to channels his own spirit and zeal into his blows.
From the Halflings of the Southern Isles, Reshar learnt the discipline of the Setting Sun, enabling him to turn his enemies' strengths to weaknesses and his own folly into wisdom.
From the Tengu of the Dark Forest of Sikal, Reshar learnt the discipline of the Shadow Hand, where he learnt the ways of deception, shadow and cold.
From the Dwarven Thanes of the Forsaken Mountains, Reshar learnt the discipline of the Stone Dragon, learning to channel the strength of the mountains into his blows.
From the inhabitants of the Abilar Jungle, Reshar learnt the discipline of the Tiger Claw, unleashing the savage instincts and fury that lie within all.
Finally from the Knights of the Grim North, Reshar learnt the discipline of the White Raven, where the strength of the individual is nothing in the face allies acting in concert.
In the space of three years, Reshar mastered all nine disciplines, a feat no one has come close to managing.
Author's Notes:
A brief description of the Nine disciplines that will be used through out the fic and most importantly: That is the LAST of the pre-OC chapters. Means I can finally get on with writing my adaption of the actual OC. For anyone who's made it this far and read the first few chapters of this fic, please be reassured that the next few chapters will focus less on non-NWN2 material and more on what is actually going on in the game.
Also the first chapter should be up sometime during the weekend *knocks on wood.*