The Official Realms of the Dragon Homepage

The drow, often known as dark elves, are a mysterious and feared elven subrace that inhabits the vast subterranean realms of the Underdark. These dark-skinned cousins of surface elves have adapted to a life shrouded in shadow, far removed from the light of the sun. Their society is deeply enmeshed with their devotion to Lolth, the Spider Queen, a deity who embodies chaos, betrayal, and the survival of the fittest. Drow culture revolves around powerful noble houses like Claddath, Fey-Branche, and Teken'duis, each vying for supremacy through treachery, assassination, and political machinations.

The drow's ebony skin and stark white hair are subjects of much debate among scholars. Some attribute these features to ancient curses laid upon them by surface elves, while others speculate they arise from pacts made with demonic entities. Regardless of their origins, these physical traits symbolize their perceived moral blackness, a reflection of their ruthless and unforgiving nature. Mercy and compassion are alien to drow ethos; weakness is despised and often eradicated without hesitation.

Despite their cruel disposition, drow are nevertheless an elven race, retaining the slender, agile physiques characteristic of their kin, albeit typically shorter in stature. They possess an innate confidence in their superiority, fueled by their insular society's teachings and their devotion to Lolth. This arrogance manifests as disdain for other races, whom they view with contempt and seek to dominate when possible.

Their reputation as merciless and cunning foes makes them both feared and reviled, their name uttered with a mix of awe and disgust by those familiar with their ways. Yet beneath their cruel exterior lies a sophisticated society with complex traditions, including a rich but often deadly culture of intrigue. It is a harsh, survivalist world where betrayal and ingenuity are rewarded, and where the surface elves’ vibrant songs and laughter have long been replaced by the whispers of dread and the skittering sound of spider legs.

The Duergar, often referred to as Grey Dwarves, are a grim and isolationist faction that inhabit the deep tunnels beneath the massive and foreboding volcano in the land of Stygia. Their once shared history with the Mountain Dwarves is one of harmony and cooperation, living together in a mountain paradise that was a marvel of craftsmanship and natural beauty. However, a cultural rift tore them apart, leading to the Duergar's expulsion and subsequent retreat into the oppressive depths beneath the volcanic earth.

In the ages that followed, these shadowed tunnels became both their refuge and their prison. Cut off from the world and the sunlight, the Duergar adapted to their subterranean life, becoming pale of complexion, their skin ashen like the volcanic rock surrounding them. Over time, their hearts hardened, and their society became increasingly insular and xenophobic. They developed a reputation for being violent and unwelcoming to outsiders, fiercely protective of their dark dominion beneath the earth.

Cranogwyn, their underground city, is a testament to their craftsmanship and perseverance. Forged from the volcanic rock itself, its architecture is both awe-inspiring and unnerving, with structures that twist and spiral in sinister and labyrinthine patterns. The city is lit by the glow of molten lava, casting eerie shadows across the cavernous expanses and lending a hellish aura to the entire settlement. Its intricate tunnel systems are both a marvel of engineering and a nightmarish maze for anyone not accustomed to navigating them.

Among the Duergar, the most malevolent are known as the Apostates. This cult-like group worships the Nameless One, the malevolent deity of stone who embodies the harsh and unyielding aspects of their existence. The Apostates embrace the cold and unfeeling nature of their god, performing dark rituals and acts of devotion in the deepest chambers of the city. They wield significant influence among the Duergar, their reverence for the Nameless One echoing the cultural split that once divided their people and continuing to shape their identity.

The Duergar carry with them the weight of betrayal and survival, their legacy defined by their transformation into a race hardened by the volcanic depths. While their Mountain Dwarf kin relish the light and open spaces, the Grey Dwarves find solace in the oppressive shadows, their history and nature reflecting the unforgiving landscape they call home.

In the land of Mithras, nestled amid the towering peaks and beneath the sprawling caverns of the formidable Ironspine Mountains, live the mountain dwarves, a robust and resilient people who have thrived in their subterranean homeland for countless generations. Their ancestral city, Tyrniall, is a testament to dwarven ingenuity and endurance, a sprawling metropolis hewn from the very bedrock itself, filled with grand halls, intricate stonework, and the constant hum of the forges that burn brightly day and night.

The mountain dwarves are a proud society, known far and wide not just for their exceptional skill in mining, metallurgy, and stonecraft, but also for their unwavering dedication to their god, Mahar. This deity, symbolizing the essence of the mountain itself, embodies strength, stability, and the unyielding spirit of the dwarves. Reverence for Mahar permeates every aspect of their lives, from the ornate temples carved deep within the rock to the sacred rituals performed at the break of every new dawn.

At the heart of Tyrniall is the Order of Mahar, an esteemed institution that serves as both the spiritual and defensive bastion of the dwarven nations. This order is entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding Tyrniall, acting as its vigilant protectors and the diligent keepers of its divine and temporal affairs. Clad in armor as stout as the mountains, the warriors of the Order are a formidable force, their prowess in battle rivaled only by their deep spiritual wisdom. They are the living embodiment of their god’s tenets, commanding respect and authority throughout all the dwarven realms.

The mountain dwarves themselves are a reflection of the land they inhabit—sturdy, unwavering, and deeply connected to the ancient stone that cradles them. Rarely exceeding four and a half feet in height, their stocky frames belie an extraordinary strength and resilience. Their facial hair is a point of pride, a thick and luxurious feature that spans all genders, and is often braided and adorned with intricate metal clasps and beads, telling stories of family heritage and personal achievement.

Life in Tyrniall is as layered as the mountain strata it occupies. Below its bustling marketplaces and stately avenues lie networks of tunnels and mines that stretch into the earth's depths, rich with precious ores and brilliant gems. Within these tunnels, generations of dwarves have toiled tirelessly, their expertly crafted tools ringing out against stone in a harmonious symphony of work and devotion.

Despite their isolated existence beneath the hills, the mountain dwarves maintain trade and diplomatic ties with various surface dwellers, valuing practical alliances and the exchange of goods that such relationships bring. Their craftsmanship is highly sought after, and their armories brim with weapons and treasures coveted throughout Mithras.

Indeed, the story of the mountain dwarves and their revered city of Tyrniall is one of an unbreakable bond between a people and the rugged land that shapes them, a legacy of stone and spirit watched over by the ever-dedicated Order of Mahar.

In the mysterious shadow of the Stygian Foothills lies the quaint gnomish hamlet that signals the entrance to a world beyond human comprehension, the city of Gnilbin. This subterranean metropolis is not merely a refuge from the world above; it is an intricate tapestry of engineering wonder and arcane mysticism. Here, under the thick blanket of earth, gnomes have crafted a society that thrives on intellect and innovation.

The hamlet, nestled at the foothills’ entrance, is a charming vision of cobbled pathways and rustic dwellings, bustling with activity and curiosity. It serves as both gateway and guardian to the grand city hidden beneath, where the symphony of clanking machines and whispered incantations fills the air. Beneath the surface, the city of Gnilbin stretches into vast caverns illuminated by bioluminescent fungi and enchanted crystals.

At the heart of gnomish society are two revered intellectual factions: the Society of Scryers and the Society of Engineers. Members of the Society of Scryers delve into the mysteries of the universe, practicing sorcery to bend reality and foresee the unseen. Their experiments often result in strange phenomena and unique enchantments that echo throughout the tunnels. The Society of Engineers, by contrast, invests its energies into mechanical and scientific pursuits, designing complex machines and harnessing the power of steam and electricity to transform their hidden world.

Though small in stature, standing alongside their dwarven cousins, gnomes are characterized by their slender builds and nimble movements. Their skin tones range from a pale alabaster reminiscent of subterranean minerals to rich, earthy hues. White hair, often wispy and soft, crowns their heads, giving them an air of wisdom and age that belies their sharp wit and boundless energy. Yet, the most distinctive feature of these gnomes is their remarkable noses, with some reaching impressive lengths that have become the subject of study and admiration.

Despite their differences, all gnomes share a devout reverence for their deity, Gnoss, the god of knowledge, invention, and discovery. Temples dedicated to Gnoss are scattered throughout Gnilbin, where gnomes of all professions come to seek guidance, offer thanks, and pursue enlightenment. Their faith is not one of blind worship but of active pursuit; seeking to understand and unfold the mysteries of the world is viewed as the highest form of devotion.

Both magical and mechanical, the gnomes of the Stygian Foothills have forged an existence rich in intellectual pursuit and communal spirit. They find strength not in muscle but in mind, weaving a culture that celebrates the boundless possibilities of invention and imagination, all in the shadowy embrace of the earth.

In the majestic city of Serrllach, located at the eastern edge of the Manetheren domain, humans thrive under a unique blend of ambition, diversity, and resilience. This city, crowned by its splendid towers and steadfast walls, flourishes under the leadership of the royal siblings, whose lineage guides the community with wisdom and valor. The city itself is known for its fierce defenses, ensuring the safety and prosperity of its people.

Humans in Serrllach embody a rich tapestry of diversity, serving as a constant benchmark for the many races inhabiting the kingdom and beyond. Despite their average stature, closely resembling elves but with a more robust build and often slightly taller, humans provide a striking study in contrasts. Their skin tones vary widely, from deep earthy browns to the palest shades, and their hair exhibits a similar spectrum of colors, reflecting the city's openness to all forms of life and expression.

In this kingdom, humans are celebrated for their versatility across different vocations. While they may not claim mastery over any single domain, their adaptability allows them to excel in nearly any pursuit, whether that be scholarly, martial, or artistic in nature. This adaptability is particularly evident on the battlefield, where they are adept in all forms of combat. Yet, unlike other races that might specialize in certain areas, humans possess a unique form of strength in their ability to integrate and innovate from diverse combat techniques.

Perhaps what most defines the human populace of Serrllach is their intrinsic ambition. It is this driving force that sets them apart, enabling them to achieve their goals with remarkable efficiency and often surpassing expectations, even when compared to more physically or magically endowed races. Their ambition fuels a society that is both dynamic and progressive, constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Interestingly, Serrllach's humans hold a cultural acceptance of both good and evil as integral parts of their societal fabric, acknowledging the dual nature of existence. Unlike many other races, they often see the cooperation of these opposing forces as a means to achieve greater ends, adding further complexity to their moral landscape.

In Serrllach, the shared pursuit of success and the respect for diversity in every form drives this illustrious city to thrive, making it a beacon of human potential and paradox in the Manetheren domain.

Races of the Realms