Ydranathiil

For a long time, the Free Races have believed the Drow to be a race of evil elves with black skin and white hair who live beneath the earth. Their culture is one of treachery and evil, regularly butchering and enslaving all whom they can reach. But this is not entirely true.
600 years ago, a group of Drow have come to the surface claiming forgiveness and atonement from their sins before Correlon, God of the Elves. They joined the Confederacy out of a desire for a society completely separate from any rulers apart from themselves.
The Atoned, as these Drow have been dubbed, are quite separate from their brethren in the Underdark. They have rejected Lolth and are campaigning to be recognized as equals by the rest of the Free Races.

Demographics

Races: The majority of the population is made up of drow who have left the Underdark in search of redemption before Correlon and the other elves. There is also a small population of half-elves; those being half-human, half-drow.

• Drow - 96%
• Half Elves (part drow) - 3%
• Other Races - 1%

Wealth Distribution/Classes: Most of the Drow live a middle class life, pursuing their passions and contributing towards their society. However, there are a few families that would be considered upper class, and a distinguished by their tendencies to live in stalactites and stalagmites as is traditional in the Underdark.

History

Approximately 600 years ago, a group of Drow refugees emerged from the Underdark into a large cavernous complex near the surface and established a community there. After spending a year establishing themselves and who they wished to be, they sent out emissaries to find the leader of the Elves and arrange for a diplomatic meeting. At what was later dubbed the Accord of Ydranathiil, the Matriarch of these Drow discussed peace with a diplomat from the [Elven Forests]. Claiming that they had seen the error of their ways, they had made an exodus from the Underdark in search of safety and redemption from the evils of their forbears. To prove themselves, the Dark Elves swore fealty to the Elven Gerent, destroyed all relics of Lolth within their possession and began to perform regular religious services to Correlon, along with regular trips into the sunlight to try acclimating themselves to the Surface.
After a century of supplication before the Elves of the Surfaces, the Elven Gerent proclaimed that these Drow had been forgiven by Correlon and would be allowed free passage throughout the [Elven Forests] and to proclaim their existence to the realms beyond.
Throughout Ydranathiil's existence, exiles and refugees of Drow society have trickled up into the city and have been welcomed with open arms and immediate fellowship.

Architecture

Most of the homes within Ydranathiil are built from a natural dark grey stone found within the cave. Keeping with their cultural traditions however, there are a few wealthy individuals who have carved their homes into large stalactites and stalagmites within the cave. Many of the color themes revolve around grays and blacks, with purple and red accents.

Geography

The city is built within a large cave near the Surface and within the [Elven Forests].

Alternative Name(s)

City of the Atoned

Type

Large town

Population

7,500

Inhabitant Demonym

Atoned

Location under

Iaphane

Owning Organization

Confederacy of the West

Related Tradition (Primary)

• Atoned Marriage Ceremony