House Despana

Race: Drow
Classes: Any, yet classes with shadow-play are favored
Alignments: Any Evil or Neutral
Deity of worship: Vhaeraun
Enemies: Lolthites, the Seldarine, Bryn Duraz and much of the Threshold of Dominion
Allies: The Sea Raider Covenant


Overview

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Known throughout Onyx Cove for their exotic imports, the Drow of House Despana make claim to a considerable amount of wealth. Just how much; however, is a tightly kept secret - outside of the mansion they reside in, a clear beacon of how successful the Drow have become.

The imports of House Despana have become the most sought after in the entire region: the rarest of gems, spider-silk clothing, and even mithral are just some of the items House Despana brings to the Cove. In truth, the Drow almost control the whole Cove: without them, trade would be at a stand-still.

Outside of trade, the Drow of House Despana keep to themselves: plotting, always looking for an opportunity to expand the Ilythiiri society. While most suspect this, the Drow rarely give themselves away: they make no open trouble for the other factions and merchants of the Cove. Their work is done in the shadows, with diplomacy in the open.


Dogma

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The shadows of the Masked Lord must cast off the tyranny of the Spider Queen and forcibly reclaim their birthright and rightful place in the Night Above. The existing drow matriarchies must be smashed, and the warring practices of twisted Lolth done away with so that the drow are welded into a unified people, not a squabbling gaggle of rival Houses, clans, and aims. Vhaeraun will lead his followers into a society where the Ilythiiri once again reign supreme over the other, lesser races, and there is true equality between males and females.


Ranks

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Instead of a formal ruling structure, the House has a council of five for decision making. Beyond that, there are assigned positions, with a head of each one. Each of these heads, as representatives of their branch, serve in the overall decision-making of the House.

In contrast to Lolthite society, each head is formally elected via popular vote every ten years - except for the Top Assassin, as s/he is determined by skill.

The following is a list of the available jobs in the Vhaeraunite society:

I. Clergy Ranks

1. Twilight's Herald (High Priest / Priestess)
   
2. Nightshadow (Priest / Priestess)
   

II. Merchant Ranks

1. Financial Adviser
   
2. Merchant
   

III. Warrior Ranks

1. Sutrinos (Commander)
   
2. Sargtlin (Warrior)
   

IV. Assassin Ranks

1. Ul'Veldriss / Ul'Veldruk (Head Assassin)
   
2. Shebali (Rogue)
   

V. Mage Ranks

1. Ul'fearuk (Archmage)
   
2. M'elzar (Mage)
   

Joining the Ranks

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Prove your faith to Vhaeraun and you're in. Outside of that, the Drow actively convert non-believers to Vhaeraun at every available opportunity. In their eyes, the best way to do this is through offspring, which allows them to teach the truths of Vhaeraun to a fresh mind.