[GREYHAWK] The Drow of UnderOerth

[Ubiquitous]

The Drow of UnderOerth
By Deco...@aol.com (Josh Raup)

The Drow in the world of Oerth (Greyhawk) were first introduced in the D
series of modules. Not much was ever produced beyond those modules
(including Q1). This was a great injustice to a major race of the Underdark
in Oerth. I have come up with a much more detailed look at the Drow of
Oerth.

The Drow of Oerth are similar to their cousins on the myriad of other
worlds, Faerun, Tekumial, et al. The society is a matriarchy, and Lloth is
their diety. Unlike the Drow of Faerun, the Drow of Oerth are smaller in
number, and more secretive in their actions. However, they have made
advances that other Drow only dream about.

Drow in Oerth have four major cities. The largest, and "capital" of the
Underdark is called the Vault. This was first introduced in D3 Vault of the
Drow. However, it was not big enough to be the center of Drow civilization,
so I expanded it. The Vault is @2/3 the size of Menzoberanzan in Faerun,
with the equivaelent population. The top eight noble houses of the
Underdark have their main centers here, along with sixteen merchant houses,
allied with the lesser houses of the Underdark.

Second in size and importance is Djakarti. This is the major trading center
of the Drow, and is located relatively close to the surface. The general
population is more cosmopolitan than in other Drow cities, including many
surface races, and is considered an important information center. It is
also the route through which supplies are sent to the surface outposts.

Next is Drendelshar, a smaller city on the frontiers of the Drow realm. The
city is a classic style military encampment, much like any border city on
the surface. The city is protected by an assortment of walls and wards.
Their proximity to several Dwarf holds and surface Elf garrisons makes the
appearance of any strangers unwelcome at best, and a sacrafice at worst.

Last is Lloigoria, a medium city, much removed from the normal politics of
Drow society. Lloigoria is the center of mystical research and theological
study for the Drow. Several universities and schools produce the finest
Mages and priestesses in the whole Underdark. It is also the location of a
permanent planar gate.

The Drow of Oerth have done what few Drow societies have ever done,
establish permanent surface garrisons. They have established forts near the
mountains in Bissel, Geoff, and along the Kewl River in the Lortmils. These
are permanent fortifications, and are relatively recent in their
completion.

Most surface nations are unaware of these, or they would have acted to
prevent their establishment. However, these represent a change in the
balance of power, not only in the Underdark, but on the surface as well.

Top 20 Houses of the Underdark The Vault
1. Tormtor 11. Aleval Noble Houses
2. Eilserv 12. Undreth 1. Tormtor
3. Kilsek 13. Freth 2. Eilserv
4. Godeep 14. Halevan 3. Kilsek
5. Djakar 15. Arkenheld 4. Godeep
6. Baenre 16. Everhate 5. Djakar
7. Noquar 17. Zauvir 6. Baenre
8. Fey-Branche 18. Kenafin 7. Noquar
9. Despanya 19. Melarn 8. Fey-Branche
10. Milithor 20. Barrison del-Armgo

The Matron mothers of these eight houses represent the ruling council for
all the Drow. Of course there is the usual ammount of turn over in
membership.
Merchant Houses:
1. Prism (Milithor) 9. Mushrooms (Aleval)
2. Morel (Barrison del-Armgo) 10. Bars (Undreth)
3. Coiled Whip (Freth) 11. Urn (Zauvir)
4. Crescent (Halevan) 12. Horsetail Mushroom (Melarn)
5. Puffball (Tormtor) 13. Gem (Despanya)
6. Hook (Eilserv) 14. Star (Noquar)
7. Shelf Fungi (Fey-branche) 15. Lozenge (Baenre)
8. Chain (Djakar) 16. Bone (independent)

Most of the merchant houses are allied with a major house, and for many
this is their only source of information on the dealings of the ruling
council.

The exception to this is the House of Bone, an information gathering house,
with centers everywhere in the Underdark.
Djakarti
Noble Houses:
1. Djakar 6. Barrison del-Armgo
2. Tormtor 7. Halevan
3. Baenre 8. Noquar
4. Eilserv 9. Everhate
5. Freth 10. Milithor

This is the power center for house Djakar. They have been in power here
since the founding of the city. Several houses have tried to topple them,
but so far none have succeeded. It is the combined efforts of Djakar and
Tormtor that have established the surface outposts.
Drendelshar
Noble Houses:
1. Kilsek 6. Aleval
2. Djakar 7. Tormtor
3. Godeep 8. Kenafin
4. Milithor 9. Baenre
5. Fey-Branche 10.Eilserv

House Kilsek is the most expansionistic of the houses. They often sponsor
expeditions to search out new sites to settle, and expand the Drow realm.
Lloigoria

Noble Houses:
1. Milithor 6. Despanya
2. Tormtor 7. Kilsek
3. Baenre 8. Kenafin
4. Melarn 9. Godeep
5. Undreth 10.Fey-Branche

House Milithor controls the two major academies, the Great Temple of Lloth,
and the Universitas Magicus. They also have control over the two major
fighting societies (male/female). Guldor, the Master of the Universitas, is
rumored to be a consort to Matron Akordia Milithor. Lloigoria is the
spiritual center of the Drow, and many a powerful Matron comes to make a
sacrafice at the Great Temple.