The Drow Noble Houses Major

Each of the three throne cities of Lolth is ruled primarily by a small handful of powerful drow families. Rorrim is currently dominated by House Bastle, with the support of House Veskette and House Shivra. Managrah is dominated by House Valran, supported by House Lezyet, Chiran, and Florum. Finally, Brev is dominated by House Solerune, with support from House Thornet, and House Frenzeska. Each house secures its domination of their respective cities by contributing their sons (and unwanted daughters) to the city’s Legionary, and their daughters to the priestesshood. The Matriarch of each house is typically a high priestess of Lolth, and hopes that her most clever and ruthless daughter will one day take her place as the new seat of power in the city. At the same time, the composition of the Legionary is equally important, as in the event that one of the houses makes a move against another, the loyalty of the Legionary is vital to securing the city for their respective houses. If one of the houses starts to gain a majority in the Legionary, it causes a tension in the city, as the less powerful houses seek alliances in case the majority house makes a power play for total control, while the majority house suspects the other houses of planning a preemptive strike to prevent such a power move from occurring. If one house suffers major casualties, or is seen to be less fertile, the head of that house may attempt to pressure some of the less favorable daughters into military positions, an act that is seen as an insult, as it compares them to males and distances them from their goddess. This can backfire, if the scorned daughters betray their mothers and grandmothers, causing the balance of power to shift away from their blood family. Additionally, female military officers are often disliked by the mostly male Legionary, as they often lack the training or discipline of the rank and file and yet demand respect and obedience anyhow. That isn’t to say that a woman can’t find acceptance among the Legionary if she proves she’s more interested in strategy and tactics than politics and posturing. Noble drow males can escape military service if they show an aptitude for the arcane. Male drow wizards, warlocks, and sorcerers are valued by the clergy more for their optics than actual power, but they are left to their studies nonetheless.

Type

Geopolitical, Great house

Parent Organization

Throne Cities of Lolth

Subsidiary Organizations

• Eusocialists
• The Drow Highlanders

Location

The Underdark