Houses of Menzoberranzan

[shoonvii]

Here's a list of the first 25 houses of Menzoberranzan with their allies and rivals listed.

House Baenre
First House of Menzoberranzan


Chief Alliances: Gains strong support from House Faen Tlabbar (#3), House Xorlarrin (#4), and House Agrach Dyrr (#5), although the greatest amount of immediate support can be received from the houseless rogues of Bregan D'aerthe. Also allied with minor houses Vandree (16th), Millithor (21st), Dhaazir (22nd), Pharn (24th) and Abaeir (25th).

Chief Rivals: No house would openly reveal enmity for House Baenre, but House Barrison Del'Armgo (#2), because of its ranking and because it hasn’t apparently sealed any pacts with Baenre, has been closely watched by the powerful First Matron Mother.


House Barrison Del'Armgo
Second House of Menzoberranzan

Chief Alliances: House Barrison Del'Armgo has no known allies within Menzoberranzan.

Chief Rivals: Quietly, House Baenre (#1) seems to be Barrison Del'Armgo’s principle rival. No other house really poses any threat to the superbly trained forces of the second house, though they do fear a conspiracy between Faen Tlabbar, Xorlarrin, and Agrach Dyrr, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th houses respectively, all allies of House Baenre. Also, House Vandree (16th) seems in line for trouble. Watches minor houses allied with Baenre, such as houses Millithor (21st), Dhaazir (22nd), Pharn (24th) and Abaeir (25th).

House Faen Tlabbar
Third House of Menzoberranzan

Chief Alliances: Strong supporter of House Baenre (#1); has longstanding truce with House Xorlarrin (#4). Also allied with minor houses Vandree (16th), Millithor (21st), Dhaazir (22nd), Pharn (24th) and Abaeir (25th).

Chief Rivals: Faen Tlabbar worries most paranoically about attack from Houses Agrach Dyrr (#5) and Mizzrym (#6).

House Xorlarrin
Fourth House of Menzoberranzan

Chief Alliances: Has been known to aid the activities of House Baenre (#1); has longstanding truce with House Faen Tlabbar (#3). Also allied with minor houses Vandree (16th), Millithor (21st), Dhaazir (22nd), Pharn (24th) and Abaeir (25th).

Chief Rivals: The Xorlarrins worry most about attack from Houses Agrach Dyrr (#5) and Mizzrym (#6).

House Agrach Dyrr
Fifth House of Menzoberranzan

Chief Alliances: Supporter of House Baenre (#1); has longstanding truce with House Mizzrym (#6). Also allied with minor houses Vandree (16th), Millithor (21st), Dhaazir (22nd), Pharn (24th) and Abaeir (25th).

Chief Rivals: House Agrach Dyrr covets the position of House Faen Tlabbar (#3); it tries to remain ready for an attack from any quarter.

House Mizzrym
Sixth House of Menzoberranzan

Chief Alliances: House Mizzyrm has pacts of alliance with all seven of the other ruling houses; it intends to honor those with House Baenre (#1) and House Xorlarrin (#4). It has also cultivated relationships with many of the minor houses; however, these might be dissolved at any moment it seems convenient for the Mizzrym interests.

Chief Rivals: House Mizzrym is envious of the position of House Faen Tlabbar (#3), and is working toward its destruction.

House Fey-Branche
Seventh House of Menzoberranzan

Chief Alliances: House Fey-Branche has long practiced fawning adulation for the houses of higher status; it has no formal alliance, but is recognized for lackey potential by Houses #1-6.

Chief Rivals: As the seventh house, Fey-Branche fears attack from many lower ranking houses who desire a position on the council. Most particularly, House Duskryn (#9) is perceived as a threat.

House Tuin'Tarl
Eighth House

Chief Alliances: House Tuin'Tarl is known to be weak, and thus no other house is willing to recognize an alliance with it.

Chief Rivals: As the eighth house, Tuin'Tarl fears attack from many lower-ranking houses, most particularly House Duskryn (#9).

House Duskryn
Ninth House

Chief Alliances: House Duskryn has formed a solid alliance with House Srune'Lett (#10).

Chief Rivals: Because of its numerous troops, House Duskryn fears no house beneath its station; it has many offensive desires, including attacks against House Fey-Branche (#7) and House Tuin'Tarl (#8).

House Srune'lett
Tenth House

Chief Alliances: Srune'Lett has tried to form several alliances recently, including a
bond with House Faen Tlabbar (#3), and House Duskryn (#9). None of these initiatives has met with success. The Srune'lett have accepted peace initiatives from House Mizzrym (#6), but have been rightfully suspicious of their sincerity.

Chief Rivals: Srune'Lett attracts the interest of many ambitious, lower-ranking houses, including Druu'giir (#13) and Hunzrin (#14). The house is cautiously going along with House Mizzrym with plans to strike against House Xorlarrin (#4).

House Horlbar
Eleventh House

Chief Alliances: House Horlbar has long had a cooperative relationship with House Kenafin (#12).

Chief Rivals: The house is one of the chief plotters against House Tuin'Tarl (#8).though that fact is not known to the Tarlyn.

House Kenafin
Twelfth House

Chief Alliances: Holrbar (11th)

Chief Rivals: Tuin’Tarl (8th)

House Druu’giir
Thirteenth House

Chief Alliances: none

Chief Rivals: Srune’Lett (10th)

House Hunzrin
Fourteenth House

Chief Alliances: Baenre (1st)

Chief Rivals: Shobalar (15th)

House Shobalar
Fifteenth House

Chief Alliances:

Chief Rivals:


House Vandree
Sixteenth House

Chief Alliances: Baenre (1st), Millithor (21st), Dhaazhir (22nd), Pharn (24th), Abaeir (25th)

Chief Rivals: Barrison Del’Armgo (2nd)

House Symryvvin
Seventeenth House

Chief Alliances: Baenre (1st), Barrison Del’Armgo (2nd)

Chief Rivals: none

House T’Orgh
Eighteenth House

Chief Alliances:

Chief Rivals:

House Godeep
Nineteenth House

Chief Alliances:

Chief Rivals:

House Auvryndar
Twentieth House

Chief Alliances:

Chief Rivals:

House Millithor
Twenty-first House

Chief Alliances: Baenre (1st), Dhaazhir (22nd), Pharn (24th), Abaeir (25th)

Chief Rivals:

House Dhaazhir
Twenty-second House

Chief Alliances: Baenre (1st), Vandree (16th), Millithor (21st), Pharn (24th), Abaeir (25th)

Chief Rivals:

House Freth
Twenty-third House

Chief Alliances:

Chief Rivals:

House Pharn
Twenty-fourth House

Chief Alliances: Baenre (1st), Vandree (16th), Millithor (21st), Dhaazhir (22nd), Abaeir (25th)

Chief Rivals:

House Abaeir
Twenty-fifth House

Chief Alliances: Baenre (1st), Vandree (16th), Millithor (21st), Pharn (24th), Dhaazhir (22nd)

Chief Rivals:

[The Dude]

Dem's a lot o' houses. So we gots ta memorize 'em all?



--

Seriously, this is handy reference. Will you have a printout available? There seems to be a lot of info attached to this campaign. Might not be a bad idea for you to start a Drow Campaign binder... if you ain't already dunnit.

[shoonvii]

Yeah, I'll prolly hand out a few things. Most of the stuff I put up here is stuff you don't need to know, just thought it might be interesting info and stuff to check out when you're not at the table or don't have a handout to look at. Might spark some ideas, etc.

I knd of looked at the amount of info in the Waterdeep campaign and saw some potential here.

[The Dude]

Seems like House Dhaazir is in good company, having alliances with Baenre, and houses three through five, maybe six, and Vandree (16th house). I have a feeling we'll be tussling with House Del'Armgo.

The 17th house, Symryvvin, seems to be in a compromised position, having allainces with Baenre and Del'Armgo. Seems like Dhaazir might be able to exploit that somehow.

Hmmmm... anyone?

[The Dude]

How the hell do you pronounce house three? Faen Tlabbar... that seems weird... is it 'tel-a-bar,' you think? I hope it's not 'tuh-labber.' That evokes the word 'flabby' for me.

[shoonvii]

I say it like "tle-bar", emphasis on "bar".

House Symryvvin is kind of an anomaly. Matron Symryvvin is a wizened old crone and the highest ranking priestess of the city, yet her house has held steady for centuries and shows no ambition for advancing itself. House Symryvvin's clergy are know for their studious pursuit and of creating new prayers and spells and their hermit-like mages are fanatically dedicated to the pursuit of higher magic.

The house is considered blessed by Lolth and all other houses fear that to move against them would put them on the wrong side of the goddess. House Symryvvin has been called the "eyes of Lolth", watching over the city inconspicuously, detached from the chaos.

Houses Baenre and Barrison Del'Armgo are both allies to Symryvvin - despite their hatred of each other - because they both actively court House Symryvvin.

[shoonvii]

I figured I would do an update for the Houses for 4th Edition. This is 100 years after our campaign. I've been thinking of reviving the drow again.

House Baenre
First House of Menzoberranzan

UPDATE: Quenthel slew her sister Triel some 90 years ago and became Matron.


Chief Alliances: Gains strong support from House Faen Tlabbar (#4) and House Xorlarrin (#3), although the greatest amount of immediate support can be received from the houseless rogues of Bregan D'aerthe. Also allied with Houses Vandree (8th), Dhaazir (20th), and Abaeir (21st).

Chief Rivals: No house would openly reveal enmity for House Baenre, but House Barrison Del'Armgo (#2), because of its ranking and because it hasn’t apparently sealed any pacts with Baenre, has been closely watched by the powerful First Matron Mother.


House Barrison Del'Armgo
Second House of Menzoberranzan

Chief Alliances: House Barrison Del'Armgo has no known allies within Menzoberranzan.

Chief Rivals: Quietly, House Baenre (#1) seems to be Barrison Del'Armgo’s principle rival. No other house really poses any threat to the superbly trained forces of the second house, though they do fear a conspiracy between Faen Tlabbar and Xorlarrin both allies of House Baenre. Also, House Vandree (8th) seems in line for trouble. Watches minor houses allied with Baenre, such as Houses Dhaazir (20th) and Abaeir (21st).

House Xorlarrin
Third House of Menzoberranzan

UPDATE:Was able to leapfrog over Faen Tlabbar to become the Third House by helping MAtron Triel Baenre put down rebellious Agrach Dyrr during Lolth's Silence.

Chief Alliances: Has been known to aid the activities of House Baenre (#1); has longstanding uneasy truce with House Faen Tlabbar (#4). Also allied with Houses Vandree (8th), Dhaazir (20th), and Abaeir (21st).

Chief Rivals: The Xorlarrins worry most about an attack from House Mizzrym (#5).

House Faen Tlabbar
Fourth House of Menzoberranzan

UPDATE: Bypassed by Xorlarrin. Faen Tlabbar has become increasingly fanatical in their worship of Lolth ever since, perhaps seeking vengeance.

Chief Alliances: Strong supporter of House Baenre (#1); has longstanding uneasy truce with House Xorlarrin (#4). Also allied with Houses Vandree (8th), Dhaazir (20th), and Abaeir (21st).

Chief Rivals: Faen Tlabbar worries most paranoically about attack from House Mizzrym (#5).

House Mizzrym
Fifth House of Menzoberranzan

Chief Alliances: House Mizzyrm has pacts of alliance with all seven of the other ruling houses; it intends to honor those with House Baenre (#1) and House Xorlarrin (#3). It has also cultivated relationships with many of the minor houses; however, these might be dissolved at any moment it seems convenient for the Mizzrym interests.

Chief Rivals: House Mizzrym is envious of the position of House Faen Tlabbar (#4), and is working toward its destruction.

House Fey-Branche
Sixth House of Menzoberranzan

Chief Alliances: House Fey-Branche has long practiced fawning adulation for the houses of higher status; it has no formal alliance, but is recognized for lackey potential by Houses #1-5.

Chief Rivals: As the sixth house, Fey-Branche fears attack from many lower ranking houses who desire a position on the council. Most particularly, House Duskryn (#9) is perceived as a threat.

House Melarn
Seventh House

Chief Alliances: Houses Horlbar and Kenafin - this House was formed by a union of these two Houses and remains allied with them. This House was formed originally as a cult worshiping Lady Penitent.

Chief Rivals: As the seventh house, Melarn fears attack from many lower-ranking houses, most particularly House Vandree (#8).

House Vandree
Eighth House

UPDATE: House Vandree clawed its way up to House #8, from #16 over the past century. Matron Mother Fiirnel'ther slew her mother in 1388 DR and killed many drow to make this happen.

Chief Alliances: Baenre (1st), Dhaazhir (20th), Abaeir (21st)

Chief Rivals: Barrison Del’Armgo (2nd)

House Duskryn
Ninth House

Chief Alliances: House Duskryn has formed a solid alliance with House Srune'Lett (#10).

Chief Rivals: Because of its numerous troops, House Duskryn fears no house beneath its station; it has many offensive desires, including attacks against House Fey-Branche (#6).

House Srune'lett
Tenth House

Chief Alliances: Srune'Lett has tried to form several alliances recently, including a bond with House Faen Tlabbar (#4), and House Duskryn (#9). None of these initiatives has met with success. The Srune'lett have accepted peace initiatives from House Mizzrym (#5), but have been rightfully suspicious of their sincerity.

Chief Rivals: Srune'Lett attracts the interest of many ambitious, lower-ranking houses, including Druu'giir (#13) and Hunzrin (#14). The house is cautiously going along with House Mizzrym with plans to strike against House Xorlarrin (#3).

House Horlbar
Eleventh House

Chief Alliances: House Horlbar has long had a cooperative relationship with House Kenafin (#12) and House Melarn (#8).

Chief Rivals: Lesser Houses.

House Kenafin
Twelfth House

Chief Alliances: Holrbar (11th)

Chief Rivals: Lesser Houses.

House Druu’giir
Thirteenth House

Chief Alliances: none

Chief Rivals: Srune’Lett (10th)

House Hunzrin
Fourteenth House

Chief Alliances: Baenre (1st)

Chief Rivals: Shobalar (15th)

House Shobalar
Fifteenth House

Chief Alliances:

Chief Rivals:

House Symryvvin
Sixteenth House

Chief Alliances: Baenre (1st), Barrison Del’Armgo (2nd)

Chief Rivals: none

House T’Orgh
Seventeenth House

Chief Alliances:

Chief Rivals:

House Godeep
Eighteenth House

Chief Alliances:

Chief Rivals:

House Auvryndar
Nineteenth House

Chief Alliances:

Chief Rivals:

House Dhaazhir
Twentieth House

Chief Alliances: Baenre (1st), Vandree (8th), Abaeir (21st)

Chief Rivals:

House Abaeir
Twenty-first House

Chief Alliances: Baenre (1st), Vandree (8th), Dhaazhir (20th)

Chief Rivals: