Relationships between Drow, Zhents, and others

[Math Mannaman]

Well, one of our DM’s is beginning a Evil FR campaign….let the intrigue and treachery begin! It will be fun to see if we can make it through a full gaming session…lol

For some PC research im doing, I was hoping some of you might help me figure out a few things…

I’m trying to better understand the relationship between the Zhenterim and the Drow. IS there one? I would think that the Black network would be interested in at least trade with the underdark. Anyone know the story?

Also with the drow, and the churches of Bane, Cyric, and Xim(?). I would like to know how they might interact.

And finally - dugadar and drow. Are these races ever allies?

Any of you thoughts would be appreciated~

[Ripe]

I’m trying to better understand the relationship between the Zhenterim and the Drow. IS there one? I would think that the Black network would be interested in at least trade with the underdark. Anyone know the story?

As far as drow of the Underdark are concerned, Black Network would be interested in trade with the drow, but that trade would be conducted in special places like Mantol-Derith, not directly with Underdark drow cities.
As far as drow of House Jaelre or Azukovyn Clan that currently reside in Cormanthor, that relationship could be anything that your DM decides. There is no evidence of that conection in FRCS, but we are still awaiting for book detailing Dalelands, Cormyr and Moonsea region.

Also with the drow, and the churches of Bane, Cyric, and Xim(?). I would like to know how they might interact.

Well, in any of the Lolth controled drow cities it is a crime punishable by death to worship any deity but Lolth (even if I do not belive that extend to people worshiping Selvetarn). In reality that rule is enforced only as far as drow are concerned, other races are (to a point) allowed to pray to their own gods.
Keep in mind that at present (1372/1373 DR) it is crime punishable by swift death (if you are lucky) to be a member of Black network and worship any god but Bane.

And finally - dugadar and drow. Are these races ever allies?

Hard to say. That depend on current situation.

[stramoski]

Drow and grey dwarves do get along, as well as they get along with any outside their respective races. Occasionally, they come into conflict, but peaceful trading relations are the norm... In what I've read.

Keep in mind, Drow look at themselves as People, and everyone else as "Ilbith", the drow word for non-people, and the same word describes feces...

Dueger are just as arrogant..

Any relations, with anyone, are strained...

[Rob-hin]

Yup, Drow and Duergar somewhat respect eachother.
Naturally they both see the other as less then themselves... but at least they are more then the durt they view others to be (this goes mostly for the Drow).

From Drow POV:
Respect for the Duergar but still inferior to themselves.

Duargar POV:
Dislike to all including their own, unless they can profict of another. Can't stand the Drow because the Drow mock them.

They don't work together though, they trade at most.
The Duergar recently even destroyed the Drow city of Ched Nasad...

[Ripe]

Originally Posted by Rob-hin

The Duergar recently even destroyed the Drow city of Ched Nasad...

And they did it as while working as mercenaries for a Drow house from Ched Nasad.

[Rob-hin]

True that, but it can't be good for their relationship with the Drow.
Just like the Drow house can't get the better out of this... but I haven't read anything about that (or just forgot).

[Math Mannaman]

Duergar and the Wyrmskull Throne

I am going to play a duergar, who is actively seeking out the throne…..
This is an excerpt from the old adventure:

Unfortunately for the dwarves of Clan Ghalmrin (and by extension all the dwarves), the only beings
currently eligible by blood-relation to the old kings of Shanatar (and thus, the only legitimate candidates to inherit the Throne and the leadership of what once was Shanatar) are among the dwarves. hated enemy,
the duergar. Among the three dwarves who appear in this adventure, only Bapar is aware of this embarrassing difficulty, and he is intent on keeping it to himself until circumstances demand otherwise. Ultimately, if events leave him no other option, he will attempt to destroy the Throne before letting it fall into duergar hands. For the time being, however, he is content to put his faith into the possibility that a way will be found to return the power of the Throne and scepters into proper dwarven hands.

For those not familiar with the Throne, it is an artifact from old Shanatar, with great power. There are also the “ruling Scepters” that accompany it. Most of these are lost, though a few are in Dwarven hands, including the duregar:

The Barakuir/Holorarar Scepter: The scepter of Barakuir, which also served as the scepter of Holorarar after the Iron Kingdom.s fall, carries the shield mark of Laduguer, the duergar god. While the scepter currently lies in the hands of War King Olorn Ridaugaur, the duergar ruler of Underspires, he cannot access any powers beyond using it as a magical club. He has sent many agents and scholars throughout the Underdark, seeking out words of power so he can claim the Wyrmskull Throne. which makes him all the more dangerous, as he is the last of the bloodline of Taark Shanat, though distantly through more than 100 generations.

I have been trying to find more information in this “War King Olorn Ridaugaur”. Anyone know more about him, or the underspires? The “underdark” book is vague at best about the Underspires….

[Ned Flanders]

Originally Posted by Ripe

As far as drow of the Underdark are concerned, Black Network would be interested in trade with the drow, but that trade would be conducted in special places like Mantol-Derith, not directly with Underdark drow cities.
As far as drow of House Jaelre or Azukovyn Clan that currently reside in Cormanthor, that relationship could be anything that your DM decides. There is no evidence of that conection in FRCS, but we are still awaiting for book detailing Dalelands, Cormyr and Moonsea region.


Well, in any of the Lolth controled drow cities it is a crime punishable by death to worship any deity but Lolth (even if I do not belive that extend to people worshiping Selvetarn). In reality that rule is enforced only as far as drow are concerned, other races are (to a point) allowed to pray to their own gods.
Keep in mind that at present (1372/1373 DR) it is crime punishable by swift death (if you are lucky) to be a member of Black network and worship any god but Bane.


Hard to say. That depend on current situation.

Is Selvetarm actually worshipped. I believed it to be the avatar of Vhaerun.

[Ripe]

Originally Posted by Ned Flanders

Is Selvetarm actually worshipped. I believed it to be the avatar of Vhaerun.

No, Selvetarn is a god in his own right. According to Faiths and Pantheons (and 2nd ed Demihuman Deities)he is son of Vhaeraun and Zandilar and is known as Champion of Lolth.

[Ned Flanders]

Cool. I didn't know.