Cultural Conundrums: Drow by Vrinpict Fiyuntyziunrak

Welcome to the first installment of what I hope to be a long running series of interviews, where I, Vrinpict Fiyuntyziunrak, attempt to learn about the various cultures that exist in Andunor!

This first interview will be focused on the Drow, a powerful and merciless race! Assisting me with my work is none other than Szordrin Sh'yalva, who seems to have his head square upon his shoulders, and was more than happy to teach me about his culture.

Drow culture seems to be filled with many mysteries, and many surprises! When Szordrin began the tour of his house's many holdings, he mentioned a common problem for Drow. Market crashes. According to Szordrin, one must always be wary of a potential market crashing through the stone above you, at any moment!

Other than the Drow's interesting economic practices, he enlightened me with my very first tour of a T.E.N.T. which has a lovely view behind a large, and obtrusive, manor! Little did I know, a Drow manor was our next destination. He brought me into his estate, and gave me a long lesson in the history of his house, which I enjoyed greatly. It cannot be overstated how cordial Szordrin was, when showing me the various corpses, and statues, therein.

When the tour was over, and we could finally get to the meat of the interview, I began to ask the hard-hitting questions that you, dear reader, surely wish to have answered. Bear in mind, I have no knowledge of the Drow, and this is my first time sitting down with one and discussing culture. That being said, I have heard -some- things, and asked Szordrin about various topics. I will be paraphrasing, with a direct quote here and there.

When questioned about the dietary habits of Drow, Szordrin informed me that they are opportunistic devourers. They will normally eat whatever they get their hands on, whether that be humanoids, or vegetables. It is also a racial norm to avoid Baven Sh'yalva's cooking at all costs. I am astounded that one man's cooking could be so poor that an entire race knows to avoid it... but I trust Szordrin, and will take him at his word.

Another question, dear reader, is about the pigmentation of Drow. How is it that there are so many different skin tones, when there is no light from above? The answer is simple. Szordrin explained that a Drow's pigment is a product of rock consumption, and that the darker a Drow is, the more respected they are in their society.

When do Drow grow their third arm? This is a question I have had for a while, since hearing about the phenomenon from an old Tribe member. Szordrin explained that it was a silly question, because Drow are born with a singular arm. When the Drow become thirty years old, that arm is then amputated, to allow room for two more arms. I am thankful for his expertise on the subject.

This next question, is perhaps one that every reader has had for Drow at one point in time. The hair... is it natural? Szordrin explained that it is not. Drow hair is made of spider silk, and is rewarded for faithful worship of Llolth. Yes. You have read it here first, all Drow are naturally bald. However, this raised the question... what of the bald Drow? Szordrin recommended I talk to an expert, but I was unable to reach Kethan, a Professionally Bald Drow, for comment.

When questioned about Drow's fascination with feet, Szordrin had this to say, "They're a bit bony."

It seems the females use them as tools to show disrespect to the males, particularly by grinding them atop prostrating males in a show of dominance. It is an interesting ritual, but works well to cow the males into submission.

I will now end this account with the "What Did I Miss?" Segment, where Szordrin gives his opinion on questions I have yet to ask!

He started strong, by expressing his hatred of Vhaeraunites! He -really- wanted me to put that in here! Szordrin was also directly quoted as saying "There is no ceiling above our heads." and I certainly hope there is, because I don't think Andunor would survive a Drow Market crash otherwise.

Lastly, Szordrin wishes the readers the worst, and most painful of deaths.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you survive that death, to read the next installment of Cultural Conundrums.

        Day 27, Month 5 (Mirtul), 182 AR (1382 DR)
        Vrinpict Fiyuntyziunrak