Notes on Dark Elf Roleplaying

Dark Elves, or Drow, are perhaps the most dangerous race in all of Derlith. 
Their true menace lies in their unpredictable and self-serving nature. Unlike 
other races that unite under structured evil or law, a Drow acts on personal 
desires above all else. Whatever brings the most misery, furthers their personal 
ambition, or pleases their dark god, Arachnus, is often the course they take.
In combat, Drow favor poisons that cause prolonged suffering, ensuring their 
victims die slowly and in agony. A Drow can never be trusted, as they are 
inherently treacherous, turning on allies the moment it benefits them.

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Hatred & Racial Superiority
Drow are intensely racist, viewing all other races as inferior, fit only for 
slavery or extermination. Cambions are an exception, with whom they occasionally 
ally. Drow respect their shared belief in strength over weakness and the Cambions¿ 
ties to dark gods, whom they see as kindred beings to Arachnus. Elves, however, 
are their most hated enemies. The Drow blame them entirely for their banishment 
to the Underdark and have sworn eternal vengeance. Drow warbands regularly raid 
elven tree dwellings, slaughtering entire communities under the cover of night. 
They revel in making their victims suffer, forcing elven parents to watch their 
children be tortured before being killed. Most other races are seen as future 
slaves, meant only to serve the will of the Drow. Humans, in particular, are 
considered a waste of existence, weak creatures created by lesser gods with no 
true purpose.

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Peer Relationship with Duergar
Unlike their relationships with most other races, the Drow and Duergar (help duergar) 
share a unique dynamic in the Underdark. Neither race trusts the other, but both 
recognize each other's strength, ruthlessness, and ambition. While they often 
engage in trade and strategic alliances, these arrangements are always made with 
caution and suspicion. Despite their mutual distrust, neither race views the other 
as inherently inferior - only as potential threats to be carefully managed. Conflicts 
between the two occur just as frequently as their collaborations, making their 
relationship one of pragmatism rather than loyalty.

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Reverence for Spiders
Drow hold spiders as sacred, viewing them as direct agents of Arachnus. Killing a 
spider is one of the greatest taboos in Drow society, and those who do so face 
severe punishment - or worse, the wrath of their god.

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Drow Society & Power Struggles
Despite their somewhat chaotic nature, Drow society is highly structured. It consists
of four major castes: Priestesses, Nobility, Warriors, Merchants, and Slaves. Each caste 
interacts, but strict hierarchy dictates their roles:
* Priestesses: To defy a priestess is to defy Arachnus. They control Drow society.
* Nobility: Almost all arcane spellcasters come from noble families. Many Drow of 
            high power can also be considered to be in the nobility.
* Warriors: Found in all castes, but they hold a caste of their own.
* Merchants: Essential for trade and acquiring wealth.
* Slaves: 99% non-Drow; elves are never enslaved - only executed.

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The Role of Arachnus & Nobility
Drow nobility depends entirely on Arachnus' favor. Each noble house is led by a High 
Priestess, and to lose divine favor is a death sentence. If a house falls from grace, 
other noble families will immediately move to destroy them. Wars between noble houses 
are frequent and deadly. If a house declares war and loses, they are considered weak 
in Arachnus' eyes and are eradicated by the remaining noble houses.

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Drow Leadership & Fear
Loyalty among Drow is based purely on fear. They do not lead through inspiration or 
charisma but through terror and domination. Because of this, a Drow will rarely command 
more than 20-25 individuals in mixed-race groups, as fear alone is not enough to 
maintain large followings. However, when leading only other Drow, fear of Arachnus
keeps them in line. The city of Oakspire is a prime example, where hundreds of Drow 
have gathered under a single cause - to reclaim the surface, or so rumors say...

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Key Traits for Roleplaying Drow
When roleplaying as a Drow, just remember the following: 
* They are selfish, backstabbing, and vengeful.
* They are chaotic in action but ordered in society.
* They are intensely racist and see other races as inferior.
* They are deceptive, manipulative, and untrustworthy.
* They are savage warriors who show no mercy - especially to Elves.
* They are devout to Arachnus and constantly fearful of his wrath.