Laan'Ithil (Ethnicity)

The Laan'Ithil, Moon Elves or Free Drow are a relatively new race having split from their underdark dwelling cousins only a few centuries ago. They are often still greeted with the same courtesy as their underdark dwelling kin but beyond pale eyes and purple skin could not be more different.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The surface drow speak a variation of Elvish as at least a second language and many know how to speak Undercommon though it is rare to hear it spoken as they deem it the language of Lolth.

Culture and cultural heritage

The drow have always had those who would turn their back on Lolth but they were always kept quiet or executed but after the insurgance gained ground and the Laan'Ithil finally split completely they turned their back on Lolth's teachings, now they are lovers of art, culture and company. Though they often are compared to their underdark cousins the Laan'ithil have almost completely turned their back on war though they remain set to protect their new found way of life from whomever may threaten it.

Common Etiquette rules

Unlike their underdark dwelling cousins the Laan'Ithil are a peaceful and somewhat whimsical race. They tend to be adventurous and take great thrill of their relatively newfound freedom. Great banquets and celebrations are a regular occurrence amongst their people and they will find any excuse to break into celebration.

Common Dress code

The Laan'Ithil prefer simple clothing with elegant patterns made from fine materials. They tend to wear lots of darker colours with accents in purples, yellows and blues. Their clothing emulates their love for the moon and what it represents to them.

Art & Architecture

When they first surfaced from the underdark many Laan'Ithilian didn't know how to build from surface materials and at first their buildings were similar to those in the underdark but with time and careful diplomacy with neighbouring civilisations they learned to build more appropriate buildings with materials they had available. Now they favour taller buildings with steep roofs to allow for the heavy rain that frequents the region. White, light blues and purples feature heavily in their architecture and any stone building that can be made with bright materials generally is.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

A newcomer is always greated with open arms almost the point of annoyance as everyone wishes to welcome them first.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

A new born above ground is a wondrous occassion to the moon elves and they bathe the baby in the moons glow on the very night they are born so that they have their first taste of freedom almost as soon as they are welcomed into the world.

Common Taboos

Speaking in Undercommon is reserved for very strict circumstances and is frowned upon basically anywhere and worshipping Lolth is always treated with exile.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Though they have split away from their dark underground roots the surface drow are still breaking away from their culture, they still favour long flowing lines in both their artwork, architecture and their clothing. Lighter more purple skin-tones are desirable in both men and women.

Gender Ideals

Women have the control in Drow society and the surface Drow are now different. Almost all positions of power are controlled by women but gradually that is beginning to shift as men gain more equality.

Related Organizations

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