Kaylia, The Accountant (I)

[Original Publication by Scholar Vaerlin]

Kaylia, Company Finance Administrator Penned 1184 PC

Syndicate influence and action have been felt throughout the

lands since time beyond memory. They have been successful, they have suffered dereliction. Often the state of this Company, as it is sometimes termed, relies upon those who compose it's membership.

This tome regards one such individual, who has in her time

helped to ensure vast profits. Her name is Kaylia, a Drow who fled from prosecution, and eventually made her way into the Overworld.

Kaylia was born to a minor bloodline in the Drow haven, Xymerria. Her family name was not revealed, though she said there were many. Hers was a family peculiar to the mainstream culture in that they worshiped the individual parts of their Spider Queen - Lloth - rather than the whole as is traditional. Her sect worshiped the womb and venom specifically.

This eventually lead to self-imposed exile when a new

Matron Mother campaigned to consolidate the various factions which had emerged. Her family fled to escape the flames of persecution, choosing instead to settle in the Underdark near Anduin.

This occurred whilst the Silent Hand, as is Kaylia's moniker, was still involved in her studies. By her own admission, Kaylia was a poor student. In fact, she claimed to have no great aptitude for any of the subjects she was taught. She was no warrior, her magical prowess was minimal, and her academia only slightly improved.

She was unmotivated. And yet, it was found that she was

particularly gifted in doing what she was told. Her family broke from the traditional chaos of Drow lifestyle, and instead imposed upon her the need for obedience. Loyalty was required from a young age. Further, due to her distinct unremarkability, she could almost disappear even in plain sight.

She was the perfect spy. Her talents were employed in

just such a fashion, and she was oft sent out to explore the lands above and report on their doings. However, her nature was not to be cast aside so easily. She was never quick to return, nor were reports ever particularly revealing.

Eventually, she stopped going back. At the time, she

believe Malanith, the patron god of Guile, to be the Overworld representation what she believed. She quit the safety of her native Underdark and arose to seek his favor.

Her transition to life above ground was not easy. It

took decades for her to adapt to the light, the variations in moisture, the changing temperatures. She took to wearing heavy robes, maintaining an equilibrium about her person as best as she was able. She settled in Miruvhor, learning of the various races. Money and its many uses were taught to her.

But she lacked ambition. Her interest only was in survival. She began to network, seeking out people who could do for her things she could not, or would not, perform herself. She had a natural ability to understand social groups. She found that it was lucrative to be the weaker aspect of a party. In her words, "Everyone needs a confidence boost [it was] a commodity that sold very, very well."

(continued in Kaylia, The Accountant Book II)