There have been some developments lately, at last. I’ve found a group of traveling companions heading towards a larger settlement, Trade Town, and more importantly finally away from these dreary outskirt villages. We're quite the group all together, a perceptive but avaricious wizard, a self made cleric & forge master, and an upbeat storyteller with a wide array of mysterious powers. And me, who they know me as Niaelo, the high elf traveler from a distant land learning the local customs and making my place in the world.
I've shown them I can defend myself and have some magical ability, but nothing more for now. I believe my appearance is enough to explain my abilities to the humans, for now. C'Nut on the other hand, I cannot say; his concerns seem to lie elsewhere, if he has any concerns at all. These adventurers aside, there is a gnome inventor traveling with us and two human fishmongers. The fishmongers may have some value for their knowledge of the local customs and landscape. The gnome's mind is full of strange mechanical ideas, a language I don't understand.
Also in the group was a man called Father Niles, a priest of the Stranger. He made a pathetic attempt to kill me during the night. I suspected treachery or subterfuge from his behavior during our travels and the clumsy orc raid, but not something quite so blatant. Clearly, these surface dwellers have much to learn about ambushes and assassination. Given the circumstances, my new found companions could have suspected me for murdering him but did not. Could they be so naive to trust me? Or each other? It's a feeling I can't imagine. Perhaps their kind are generally trusting, it's yet to be seen.
It's a shame Father Niles resisted my command, interrogating him would have been more informative than hearing about his cult from the fishmongers. Apparently, they prey upon travelers under the guise of companionship and shared struggle on the road. Childish. I managed to sketch Niles' ritual tattoos here despite C'Nuts burying him. I should learn more of the Stranger; I'll need contacts in both high and low places in the months and years to come.
Perhaps the wizard Chet aside, they do not appear to suspect me for being other than what I say. Perhaps it's not in their nature to suspect such a thing. Chet is of little concern however, he can be handled easily given the right pressure or attention. Beskar may prove useful to produce bartering chips with the Deepway Merchants, should I need to contact my kin. Despite my efforts, proximity will mean they will eventually learn of my true heritage. Gaining more of their "trust" before that happens is key if I'm to leverage their skills in the future. Niaelo the Drow, the tragic refugee fleeing the underdark, is almost ready for that day. I need just a little more time.
I'll need to cultivate this image ahead of time for it to land; acts of petty kindness, concern for their surface customs, interest in their goals, and a sense of companionship will all be needed. My heritage will obviously explain any awkwardness they detect when that day comes. It will be in their interest to keep my nature to themselves, as I'll make clear. Who would trust those who consort with my kind? They will believe my pathetic backstory, but I will say surely others will not, and so cannot be trusted with knowledge that would endanger me. A solid foundation for future cultivated perspectives that will serve my purposes.
Trade Town will show me much about this area, its people, and my new companions. I must remember my timeline cannot be rushed, ultimate success is more important than short term gains. It’s yet to be seen what exactly my companions want from this land too.
