Which is very silly. I still think about the stick figure of Dal someone drew for me years ago, with fondness. It's not about the detail, it's about the joy of art, the connection between creator and recipient, and love of the characters.

Dal 🤝 Augustine: "Absolutely no magic anywhere near my brain or body, thank you."

Someone Dal can complain about magic to, yesssss >:)c
Although, Dal's gripe is more specific and personal in nature, with things like healing magic and enchantment, magic that messes with the body/mind.

I don't think Gloria's writer is on bsky but she's been my best friend and listening to me talk about various versions of Dal basically nonstop for over 13 years, and is always encouraging me and my creativity <3

Dal is able to rely on.

Some, like Gloria, become friends because they see Dal is hurt and scared and may or may not have a bit of an "I can fix him" thing going on.

Some, like Karlach, are determined to see that frown turned upside down and convince him he's FREE now.

Many kinds of friends.

4/4

if he wants to trust someone, he'll let them into his personal space, even if he's nervous.

Certain people, like Astarion, becomes his friends because they're alike. And enjoy recreational arguing. And blood.

Some, like Wyll, become friends because they're trustworthy, and someone

3/4

Questions about people, places, plants, animals, social rules, etc. He's new to the Surface World and doesn't really want people knowing he's pretty clueless, but will ask questions of people he views as trustworthy, trusting that they, in turn, will answer him in good faith.

Also

2/4

I think Dal gets along with Augustine! I think the Truthfulness helps, because Dal is just so hypervigilant about deceit. But Auggie doesn't sugarcoat things. The "uncomfortable truths" work in his favor there haha.
Dal is slow to call people friends but I am watching with interest

Bonus for BG3:

Dalamus' older brother, Nilaufein, is 70 years older than him, making him 270 years old at the time of BG3.

Dalamus and Nedvyllanna's son, Zektyrr, is only 2 years old as of BG3. Baby. Grub (affectionate). A molecule of an elf (said adoringly).

2/2

As someone who lived under Lolthite rule where Priestesses' words were basically law for 200 years, and knowing that his Matron wanted him dead, it's hard for him to entirely shake off the thought that he "should" have died, and that someone or something will try to correct his error.

2/2

I also have an idea for when they enter the Underdark, Dalamus suffers from some fungal pneumonia (he's had this susceptibility since childhood) that drains him pretty severely until he gets medicine or healing.

8/8

Everyone comes together in their own way to help his recovery, and several are even excited to see him awake and eating again.

I have a few more fics in the works that take place during his recovery period. It's a very important time for his relationship development with the others.

7/8

boost his blood replenishment and speed healing. He does so with some hesitation, but in the process learns the valuable lesson that asking for help is not a weakness. In fact, many are glad to help if they have the resources, and don't ask much in return. Not everyone, but many.

6/8

loves her, though doesn't realize it yet.

He can't be carried for fear of reopening internal wounds, and he can't walk for long even after he regains consciousness because of his lack of blood.

Gloria eventually convinces him to ask Flo for more healing, to

5/8