Interested in hearing from anyone who has already run this AP, but also just folks who like brainstorming.
I have a Cheliaxian ex-slave halfling PC in my party, so I anticipate Corla is going to get more attention (and more questions) than most. I'd love your help to brainstorm a richer Corla backstory with me. Her character art screams plot hooks (eyepatch! and why is she still wearing rags if Viralane is such a prideful character? Wouldn't even her servant be better cared for?). She's likely to get left behind and interrogated by parties after Viralane's escape even for parties who aren't drawn to her earlier on.
Missing an eye can certainly speak to her former masters in Cheliax. There's a bit during dinner that says Corla is very self confident and not humble, so that takes out that logical explanation for her looks.
Currently thinking Corla was previously better cared for, and her clothes are a clue into the pair's lack of funds. Plus why Viralane never changes out of the one fancy costume she has left. Maybe the missing eye is from one of the rough places they performed to try and get around Viralane's curse, and can foreshadow Corla not letting her mistress stick around at all when Cracktooth's tavern turns sour on her.
My guess is that Corla has been in and out of slavery in Cheliax for a number of years. She may have dabbled in some thieving guilds or even Thamir Gixx (who she sometimes prays to), but she seemed more resigned to the nature of things and looking after herself. She doesn't like the way things are, but doesn't think she can do much about it.
That changed when Viraline not only took her in, but also declared her free from slavery. Given that nearly all of her human interactions ranged from indifferent at best to abusive at worse (probably lost an eye due to a beating after getting recaptured), Corla found a new courtship with the opera singer (whether this is romantic or platonic may be up to you). Even as egotistical and self-centered as Viraline is, Corla was probably treated better than she ever has been in her life. She also gets to see a side of Viraline that could be considered kindness and affection (even if it may not be genuine).
Viraline in turn trusts her as her maid and bodyguard that can spy on people or turn away unwanted company, something that Corla is only too eager to perform to show her loyalty. Her previous times when she was freed helped hone her skills for such a job.
Basically Corla is enamored by the one person who has shone her more love than she ever received in her life, even if it's a one-way street.
As for the clothes, Corla probably took a pay cut to make up for the limited amount of gigs they can have now. That or Corla may not like fancy clothing.
Thanks! Bringing up an even one-sided courtship might spark some interesting conversation in my party. I like the idea of having some anti-Cheliax behavior in escapes before her freedom.