Malar Deul'naus
To the outside world, the Drow are a secretive, dangerous, and untrustworthy culture. They are prone to backstabbing and gossip to resolve personal issues and politics alike. Ever-shifting power means that allies and stability are short-term concepts.
All of these accusations are true, but they are not all that the drow are. The tradition of Malar Deul'naus provides a new perspective into the lives of dark elves.
A Malar Deul'naus ceremony is a combat performance between two individuals that serves as a public declaration of trust. Couples, close friends, business partners, and leaders look forward to participating in this thrilling display of magical prowess that is held once a year. The ceremony isn't open to outsiders- even the drow's closest allies, the Dwarves, are neither invited to or informed of the celebrations.
The Malar Deul'naus is an intimate and vulnerable practice. This intimacy makes the ceremony favorable for couples who want to prove their relationship. Even failed matches are consumed by witnesses with glee. While others may participate for different reasons such as proving an alliance or testing a long-standing friendship, rumors are sure to circulate about the nature of the relationship of any participants.
Execution
Two Drow engaging in a Malar Deul'naus match could easily be mistaken for a fight to the death. The participants begin their match with a bow and then launch into fervent combat. Both people attack with all of their might, favoring flashy displays of magic. Neither party defends, allowing their faith in the other to be their only safety.
In an ideal match, no blood is shed. Each attack is skillfully and intentionally missed. This is a show of both intention and magical control. The closer the strike comes without hitting the opponent, the more in-sync the participants are. Couples who successfully complete a Malar Deul'naus are seen as unbreakable.
When one or more participants is injured in a Malar Deul'naus, it is known as a failed match. Failed matches are wonderful sources of gossip that are greatly enjoyed by observers.
Observance
The Malar Deul'naus ceremony occurs once a year and is widely celebrated even by those who are not participating. The arena of the Malar Deul'naus is surrounded by stalls and merchants offering merchandise unique to the occasion.
Popular among scorned drow (and there are many scorned drow) are Masks of the Betrayed- renditions of traditional drow masks that bear injuries of previous failed Malar Deul'naus fights.
Related Ethnicities
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