"The Descent"
We know very little of the llythiiri, or "Elves of the South", before
this crucial event. Even then they were known as "Dark Elves", for the
hue of their skins. They dwelt in jungles and hot forests of the south. A
proud, warlike, culturally advanced (some sages of other elven peoples
say "decadent") folk, the llythiiri attacked all neighbors, including
other elven tribes. Their cruel raids and depredations, ordered by
warlike nobility and the clergy of their two deities, Ghaunadaur and
Lloth, forced elves, humans, dwarves, and others to ally against them.
Defeated in a series of titanic magical battles, the dark elves fled
into underground warrens thay had earlier discovered. This event, known
as "The Descent", marked the end of the drow as a surface-dwelling race.
"The Dark Wars"
The warlike drow nature did not change when they escaped their
surface foes during "The Descent". In fact, they immediately launched a
series of wars to establish territories in the underdark. They began by
stealing and seizing dwarven magical items, and using them against the
dwarves establishing an enmity that is still strong today.
The drow then fought among themselves, noble against noble, priest
anainst priestess, for rule of their new realm. This all-out war ended
amid great magical explosions that brought the roof of the largest
dwarven cavern they had siezed, Great Bhaerynden. The ceiling collapsed
entirely, burying many drow and the shattered dwarven cities. The cavern,
now open to the sky, became known as The Great Rift. The surviving drow
nobles gathered what people, slaves, and equipment they could seize and
fled into the underdark in search of places to dwell. "The Scattering"
brought about the many rival, self-interested cities where most drow
live.
The following is an exerpt of the History of the Drow taken from the book written by Elminster.
DROW: The Dark Elves. Those Who Have Turned To Evil.
In elven tongues, they are referred to by several names: "tirl aukhbhet-ess","tuer lothnil", and "duiss aszbhar". All of these thanslate to "The Accursed".
The elegant, dark and deadly drow are a hated and feared race.
In the dangerous caverns of the Underdark dwell namy horrible monsters. Including the drow. Obsidian-skinned kin to elves, this fell race has won mastery of magic - and a cruel reputation. Small children hear whispered tales even before they are officially warned of Those Below.
In places deep beneath the land a wonderous dark and alien world is woven from the
fabric of dreams - and nightmares. This is the Underdark.
Here, in gem-studded caves and winding tunnels, turbulent waterways and
vast caverns, the creatures of the Underdark make their homes. Beautiful
and treacherous are these hidden realms, and chief among them are the
fabled cities of the drow.
Life in the dark elves' city has always been dominated by the worship of
their gods(goddess') and by the constant striving for power and position.
Yet in the shadows of the temples and grand ruling houses, away from the
Academy that teaches fighting and fanaticism, a complex and diverse people
go about the business of life. Here, the drow, both noble and common, live,
work, scheme, play, and - occasionally - love. Echoes of their common elven
heritage can be seen in the artistry lavished on homes and gardens, the
craftsmanship of their armor and ornaments, their affinity for magic and
art, and their fierce pride in their fighting skills. The drow, fey and
splendid though they are, have been twisted by centuries of hatred and
isolation into a parody of their elven forebears. Stunning achievement and chilling
atrocity: This is the cities of the Underdark.
While most Drow traditionally worship the Goddess Lloth, there are some who refuse to worship such evil and spite. Some Drow worship Elistree and other gods. We worship and honor the Goddess Shar. Our Lady helps us ease the pain of being who we are and to accept that many dislike us for what we are. We hide in the shadows and watch those around us, keeping track of our enemies and those who hate us. We seek to do no harm to those who have done nothing to harm us but we will protect ourselves and those whom have befriended us. To those who can accept who we are we are thankful. To those who would seek to harm us... Be Warned.
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