They say that status is everything amongst the Drow; if true, here are the winners !
This list is far from definitive, and is also entirely subjective as it is an extension of the opinion of the writers. If you feel that you, or someone you know, should be on this list then e-mail us and let us know, along with a description of the character and their deeds etc, and we will consider each case on its merits.

Ilharess Alu’Rethi
Matron of the most numerous House in the CP gameworld, Ilharess Alu’Rethi combines ruthless efficiency with consummate personal skill. She has won the position of Faction Champion of the Teutonian Vipers, a position she gave to her Weaponsmaster as she was too busy. A tireless worker for the cause of her faction, she is a perfect example of how invaluable a loyal Matron can prove to be to a faction’s command team. It cannot be long before she becomes a high ranking part of that team.

Baraven Zommorod A’Tesh
They say it’s the quiet ones you have to watch. In Baraven’s case, they are absolutely correct, as he is one of the deadliest of the deadly, a Paladin of Llolth, one of the eight original Orthae Orbb Sargtlin. Baraven is Weaponsmaster of his house, having exceeded even his brother Krimfen’s skills. He wields two long swords and is regularly to be seen in the highly ornate Zommorod armour so disliked by his brother. His skills in the field of Corporeal Magic are legendary in their own right.

Canaris Tegredir (Full Bio)
High Impoceptor of The Paladins of Llolth, Marshal of V’elddrinnsshar, former Weaponsmaster of Gereshen, Weaponsmaster of Tegredir, Former Lord General of The Tarantulas, Leader of Uldor and hero of the Jhereg, StickssS’ personal bodyguard, and as many titles again. Canaris has done it all, fought it all, and lived through it all, somehow. His two scimitars have carved him a reputation to be proud of, he lead the Drow to victory in 1092, and is still the bane of any who stand against Llolth’s will. Whispers have it he may become Llolth’s chosen, The Deathbringer.

Ilharess Canthalian Zommorod A’Tesh
Matron of one of the most famous houses of all time. Canthalian is a ‘master’ (or mistress) of survival, leading her house through the worst days of Naxos D’Fey’s rule of the Tarantulas and then the destruction of the Malandanti. She has the uncanny ability to choose the right person for a task, and rules with a mixture of typical Llolthite outbursts and shrewd manipulation. She is quite obviously very senior within her faction, The Jhereg, but reportedly declined the opportunity to lead it following the overthrow of the Malandanti. A brilliant and lasting Matron, and an example to those who seek to become a Matron themselves.

Chazmyr
Formerly House Creotha’s Weaponsmaster, became Ritualist of The Paladins of Llolth and member of the first eight. Another fighter who prefers twin scimitars, Chazmyr is renowned for his mastery of battle magics and his stunning solo attacks on groups of enemies, often a long way from support. Possibly the most sinister of the Paladins. He serves with The Jhereg faction, most often alongside Baraven and Krimfen. Served as third in Command of the Tarantulas under Ilharess Saravay in 1096.

Cortella
High Priestess and later joint Matron of the Black Kite Clan, Cortella was a firm supporter of Gereshen in the early years of the Tarantulas, and reportedly still turns up from time to time. Mysterious, as with all Black Kite members, she manages to hold a highly impressive amount of information on any subject likely to be useful to her allies. Not one given to histrionics and blatant power grabbing, she seems to prefer advising others and ensuring her clan’s goals are met at the same time.

Degar
Charismatic leader of Lil Velkyn Z’ress, the V’elddrinnsshar based Mercenary band. Degar is flamboyant, humorous, and outrageous in his dress and behaviour, dressing in multi-coloured leathers, loud silks, and a huge sombrero-hat. He favours a cutlass when he has to fight, and is actually superb with it, but his reputation is built far more on perceptions and his band’s exploits than on identifiable actions of his own.

Ilharess Faeryl Gereshen
Former Third Daughter of Matron Saravay, as a Yathtallar Faeryl was exceptional in her zeal to serve her mother, her House and Llolth. She did everything from leading troops into battle to representing The Drow in rituals, from an extremely young age, and even during the darkest hours when Gereshen were under threat of extermination by Naxos D’Fey, Faeryl moved from camp to camp rallying support. When Saravay was taken up by Llolth, Faeryl took over the running of the House and was confirmed as Matron by Llolth herself after leading the defence of the city, personally. Now Matron of the most famous House of all, she is living up to the task of following in her mother’s footsteps, and her own developing strengths are of clear benefit to both her House, and the city.

Gallanther Of Tegredir
Swordmaster Gallanther is one of the ‘new breed’ of up and coming Drow Legends. Fearless in battle, he has been a stalwart member of House Tegredir’s surface unit since it emerged in 1099, was promoted into the Elite for his conduct on the battlefield, and has gone on from there. He is devoted to his House and Matron, single handedly confronted his House’s detractors in the Gryphons, lost a leg at the first battle of Frankonia , and was hand picked for the elite Gryphons Bloodguard, where he served with distinction. He also recently killed a Lich. Considered the likely successor to Canaris as Weaponsmaster of Tegredir, he also uses two scimitars.

Guderian Of Gereshen
Guderian is a swordmaster of very long standing within Gereshen, a grizzled veteran of countless patrols and the tedium of military routine. Guderian probably would not be included here were it not for the fact that it was he who returned many items to The Tarantulas when Matron Saravay was taken up by Llolth, and he led the last true group of Gereshen house troops to serve with the Tarantulas. Guderian favours longsword and shield or buckler, and has expressed his intention to remain a swordmaster of Gereshen rather than seek further advancement.

Guldor Of Gereshen
Another Swordmaster of Gereshen, Guldor worked his way up through the ranks, starting in 1092 where he led the famous final Drow charge that enveloped the Celtic army and sealed their fate. Guldor faithfully followed Canaris and Saravay through the ups and downs of Gereshen’s history, staying with the House when Canaris moved on, and still remaining with Faeryl’s succession. One of the most loyal and fanatical House members in a House of loyal and fanatical members, Guldor fights with longsword and scimitar.

Hellbron
Warmaster of The Tarantulas Warhost since around 1100, a former Paladin of Llolth, and former member of House Gereshen, Hellbron now serves in House Karrashmorr, lead House of the Tarantulas at this time. Hellbron is a steady leader, held in high esteem by most of his troops, and has done enough to be well known both inside and outside The Tarantulas.

Jaraxle
One of the more mysterious males of the original Drow / Tarantulas, Jaraxle turned up houseless but rapidly made himself useful to the fledgling group, eventually joining Morr’Den’Aar. Subsequently he joined The Stewards Guild, and transferred to House Gereshen. Jaraxle appears to be cursed with Lycanthropy, but is a deadly operator, well regarded by the Beastpack and the Drow alike. In more recent times it is believed he has concentrated more on his Guild than faction matters, and is thought to be a Lieutenant.

Ja’Alla of Gereshen
A later addition to House Gereshen in terms of surface operations, Ja’Alla wasted no time in becoming well known, increasing her Power when she became Faction Dark Incanter. She is definitely one of the more alluring females of recent times, and a favourite with the troops. A great supporter of Ilharess Saravay, but little has been heard of her since Ilharess Faeryl’s ascension to the throne.

Kalanar Creotha
Again, a more recent ‘up and coming’ Drow, Kalanar is now head Paladin of the Tarantulas chapter. A former House mate of Chazmyr, Kalanar has tended toward a cautious and measured approach, but has acted without hesitation and with ruthless efficiency on occasions. He was involved in an infamous incident which led to a Matron’s demise, but since no retribution has as yet befallen him one can only assume his actions were not unjustified. Unconfirmed reports suggest he now resides with House Karrashmorr.

Ilharess Karrashmorr
The current Faction Leader, Lady General and High Matron of the Matrons Council of the Tarantulas Faction. What Ilharess Saravay started, and then rebuilt, Ilharess Talos maintained, now Ilharess Karrashmorr has improved. She led the Tarantulas to victory on the Battlefield in 1101 (2001), and the Tarantulas Team won at the Heartland games in 1102. Famous already as a Matron who is highly active on the battlefield, she has proved that she can wield authority as skilfully as she can wield a mace. She is held in considerable respect not only by her own troops, but by many Houses of the old days. She has recently returned after having been kidnapped.

Krimfen Zommorod A’Tesh
The Ultrin Skree’kah, or beserker, Krim is the most volatile of Males, extremely dangerous and living on the edge of control. He is also one of the original Paladins of Llolth, and has continued on Llolth’s path with his brother Baravan and the rest of the House in the Jhereg. Winner of Mr Underdark 1095, Krim uses two longswords with devastating effect, but shuns the traditional ornate armour of his House, preferring to fight less encumbered in his standard House garb. He holds the rank of Patrol Commander, which would be senior Swordmaster in other houses.

Kuralleth Gereshen
‘The Drow with Purple Hair’, House Patron of Gereshen under Saravay, and also one of the original Paladins of Llolth, Kuralleth is an outstanding swordmaster who replaced Canaris as Patron, but the two are not rivals. Kuralleth’s crowning achievement came when he walked through an entire unit of Low Elves, slew their leader for his cowardice on the battlefield, and then calmly walked back through the onlooking unit, armed only with a knife ! Kuralleth prefers to use bastard sword and buckler, sometimes with a knife as well. So far he has not been removed from the House nobility by Ilharess Faeryl.

Manshtyn Gereshen
Former Firstboy, and House Wizard of Gereshen, brother of Faeryl. Manshtyn is not only a powerful mage, but a political animal as well, adept at the wheeling and dealing of Drow society at the top level like very few others. Manshtyn enjoyed the full favour of his mother, and appears to continue to enjoy that support from his sister. He is also quite good with weapons. Known to have very good links with most high powered Drow mages, as well as some none Drow ones.

Moonstar Moor’Den’Aar (deceased)
Former Weaponsmaster of House Moor’Den’Aar, and in fact a quite competent fighter, Moonstar was Canaris’s major rival for a few years around 1092 - 1094. He apparently ran the Stewards (Assassin’s) Guild for a while, and attempted to use it against Gereshen. The Beastmen, involved at the time, instead dealt with Moonstar. Moonstar was in fact far more of a political individual than perhaps he realised, although he regularly planned and executed assassinations. His spirit was finally banished by his own house in 1096, although there have been rumours of sightings since.

Mora’Tar
The Acolyte, most famous member of The Unseen House, one of the most dedicated males in the Tarantulas Faction, Mora’Tar has worked ceaselessly behind the scenes for many years to ensure the smooth operation of the faction Command etc. Now, his many talents have made him noticeable, perhaps more so than he might be entirely comfortable with. A consummate diplomat amongst other things, Mora’Tar treads the tightrope that is the Drow male’s lot with considerable skill and ease.

Mourn
Lieutenant of ‘D-Branch’, Lil Velkyn Z’ress, Mourn is considered to be psychotic, even by Drow standards. He can be deeply charming one moment, and be wiping his blade clean on your fast cooling corpse the next. Probably a Commoner in origin, from the meaner streets of V’elddrinnsshar, Mourn is fanatically loyal to Degar (see above) and Lil Velkyn Z’ress. He usually fights with longsword and shortsword, or shortsword and knife. He also specialises in throwing knives.

Pyrus Zommorod A’Tesh (deceased)
A mage and ritualist of considerable skill, if not diplomacy. Pyrus represented the Jhereg as their Conclave member, as well as chief mage, although he coveted the position of Chief Ritualist despite the post being held by a higher ranked female, Yathtallar Sirantae Tegredir. Pyrus was young, and sometimes headstrong, but highly thought of for his skills. He unfortunately became cut-off from support during a skirmish in Frankonia, and was killed by either Undead or Greenskin forces.

Quesralfein Talris
Apprentice to Canaris, Quesralfein is a fierce warrior dedicated to his chosen path of becoming a Weaponsmaster. Most famous for leading the skirmishers in 1093, despite the crushing defeat the side suffered, he managed to salvage the vast majority of the troops and get them safely away from the massacre and past so called allies who were lying in ambush as well. Quesralfein, as with many trained by Canaris, carries two scimitars but actually prefers to fight using polearms, with glaives being his favourite. Believed to have left V’elddrinnsshar to take a Guard Captaincy in the fabled Temple City when Shianna Gereshen left to become a Temple Mistress there.

Yathtallar Rauva Gereshen (deceased ?)
Rauva was eldest daughter of Ilharess Saravay and one of the more martial High Priestesses of the city. She regularly went out and about without guards, although often in the company of mighty Demons or fell Deathknights, and was most often to be seen in fine black scale armour. She regularly used enchantments to change her appearance to that of a surface dweller, either human or elven. She fought with longsword most usually, and is believed to have been killed during an ill fated patrol in the Underdark between the Temple City and V’elddrinnsshar, although no body was ever recovered.

Ilharess Sabrae Mlezzir
Sabrae has had an interesting career. Her House first appeared in 1094 and immediately allied closely with Gereshen, Sabrae becoming quite close with Ilharess Saravay. House Mlezzir (later Mlezzir-Gerret) was very large in terms of surface trained troops, and went from strength to strength, although she and her Priestesses narrowly avoided capture by the Caladonian Bears that year due to some very prompt action by her own troops and Gereshen. In 1095 she courageously stayed with the Tarantulas in order to provide Gereshen with inside information when Naxos D’Fey almost destroyed the faction, and Mlezzir became second House of V’elddrinnsshar. When Saravay returned in 1096, Sabrae became her second in command, and held that post until Mlezzir retired from the surface. They have subsequently returned, and their young, devastatingly attractive Matron will no doubt lead them on to new heights of glory.

Ilharess Salix
Origional Matron of The Black Kite Clan, and as mysterious as the rest of the Clan, little is known of Salix other than that she is powerful, wise, was a very close ally of Saravay Gereshen, and was instrumental in the setting up of the original Drow group.

Ilharess Saravay Gereshen (Full Bio)
The most famous Matron of all, Saravay lead Gereshen on the surface campaigns from 1090 to 1099, and was High Matron of The Tarantulas in 1092 and 1096-99. She had every skill needed to ensure the best result for her people, and was very rarely given to even raising her voice. In fact, most who met her said afterwards that she was more scary the quieter she got. Saravay carried a small arsenal of weaponary from a wand of Death Bolts to a mace. There are far too many details to record about her here, so please see her entry and tribute gallery under ‘Quellar Gereshen’. Saravay was taken up by Llolth and became a Yochlol, or Handmaiden of Llolth, in 1099.

Sarigar
Leader of V’elddrinnsshar’s surface raiders, and ancient by Drow standards, Sarigar was rescued from becoming a Drider by Canaris’s intervention, when he persuaded Saravay to rescue him as a useful swordmaster and surface commander. Certainly, given Sarigar’s open distaste of all things to do with Llolth and her clergy, the surface is the only relatively safe place to have him !! He is a brilliant Shadow Master, his scouts able to remain totally unseen for long periods of time, and kill with incredible stealth. He dresses to suit surface conditions, in brown leathers and suedes, often wears a ‘shemah’, and carries a number of knives. He has also been known to carry a straight sabre, and fought along side Canaris (his former pupil at the Warrior’s Academy) in the great Drow victory of 1092.

Shar Nadal
‘Prince’ Shar is mistakenly thought by many to be Gereshen; he is in fact a cousin, son of Triel, Saravay’s sister. He began his surface career, as did many in Gereshen, in 1092 and organised the diplomatic and hospitality side of the Matron’s camp and tent. Far from being merely good with words, Shar is also deadly with weapons, and could easily become a swordmaster if he chose. He lead the skirmishers with Quesralfein in 1093, and was almost killed leading the Scouts in 1094 (he was resurrected after holding off Red Eye Vipers Elite by himself to give his troops time to escape). Shar fights with either two scimitars or a spear.

Yathtallar Shianna Gereshen
Saravay’s second daughter, Shianna led Gereshen in 1093 with her two sisters. Easily identifiable by her purple hair, she carries a thin bladed two handed sword which she used with deadly effect when her supposed bodyguards attacked her; she, along with sister Faeryl, killed them and those attacking Matron Moor’Den’Aar and Cortella. Shianna is believed to have accompanied her mother to The Temple City, and accepted the position of Reverand Mother at The Temple of Dark Divinity when Saravay was taken up by Llolth. She took her consort, Quesralfein, with her as Temple Guard Captain.

Ilharess Shinane Moor’Den’Aar
Matron Shinane was the first leader of The Tarantulas Faction, as Saravay had led the Drow in 1092 and set up the principle of a rotating leadership. The faction came into being in 1093. Shinane definitely looked the part, as stunning a Matron as ever sat on a throne, but was slightly let down by some members of her house, and a few difficulties in regional dialects. She oversaw the execution of Jackel, the biggest traitor to the Drow at the time, and did a creditable job of leading the faction that year. She had been around in 1092, and continued to lead her House, successfully, for many years, although never at quite the same level as in 1093. Shinane and her House bowed out around 1095-6. House Moor’Den’Aar was one of the original ‘big-three’ Houses, and Shinane one of the Matrons who set up much of the original faction.

Yathtallar Sirantae Tegredir (deceased)
Sirantae was the eldest daughter of Ilharess Zypheny Tegredir, and a fully fledged High Priestess and High Ritualist as well. She was Faction Ritualist to the Jhereg, carrying the post of Yendi, the first Drow to hold the post. Sirantae achieved much in a short career, and was without doubt one of the finest ritualists the Drow have produced. She was also quite capable of fighting, and did so frequently, favouring scimitar and sometimes mace. Sirantae was killed when the her former Faction Leader, now Undead, cornered her in a command tent and drained her life from her. Her body was returned to Tegredir by House T’Samris, and was buried with full military honours in V’elddrinnsshar.

Sonnox Zommorod A’Tesh
Sonnox is Patron to Matron Canthallion Zommorod A’Tesh, and one of the few males able to stand out in a House with Baraven and Krimfen. He has bright red hair, possibly indicating a berserk streak, and is known to be a particularly adept assassin. He also has a tendency to get himself in to trouble; he tried to become Patron of both Zommorod AND Tegredir at the same time recently; neither Matron was amused, publicly anyway. Sonnox can also lead troops, as he proved very successfully against the Bastion of The Fey in 1099, when he led the Jhereg as they stormed the front gate and took the fortifications. He is another who uses two longswords.

Ilharess Talos
Matron Talos found herself in the un-enviable position of taking over the leadership of The Tarantulas from the highly popular Matron Saravay in 1099. Talos was very much a student of how Saravay had done the job, and worked hard to emulate her predecessor, but fate and circumstance rather combined to make matters very difficult for her. However, whilst Saravay’s period in charge can be seen as the re-birth of the faction, and perhaps Matron Karrash Morr’s tenure could prove to be the achievement of pre-eminance, Matron Talos’s achievement is no less than either in that she gave the faction stability and the chance to “catch it’s breath” so to speak. Ilharess Talos was reported as having gone to Llolth in 1101, but such reports are unconfirmed so far.

Ilharess Teken’Duis
Matron Teken’Duis and her House appeared around 1096-7 and made an immediate impact; like Mlezzir before them, they arrived in quite considerable numbers. Matron Teken’Duis herself was ambitious, keen and attentive, and it was clear she was destined for great things. She held posts and was a key council member during Saravay’s period, and became 2 i/c when Ilharess Talos took over. However, these two powerful and ambitious Matrons did not see eye to eye on matters, and House Teken’Duis departed the surface around 1100.

Uthergental Gereshen
Uthergental first came to the surface as a member of House Creotha, and began his rise to fame by challenging every Weaponsmaster in turn to a duel, except Canaris. He also won the Grand Melee, making him Faction Champion, and became the wielder of Khazaress, The Llolth Blade. Uther was one of the first eight Paladins of Llolth, and by far the tallest. He later moved to Gereshen when Creotha disintegrated. He wears facial studs and warpaint, an ornate breastplate, and when not using Khazaress he wields two sabres. There is a strong suspicion that he is at least part demonic, or insane, or both. In view of his phenomenal skills and loyalty, he is allowed to use the family name.

Ilharess Vindryss Naxos D’Fey (deceased)
If Saravay Gereshen is the most famous Matron of all time, Vindryss is the most infamous. Vindryss actually appears to have started on surface operations with Gereshen, but by 1094 she had got herself into the position of joint faction leadership, where she proceeded to alienate half of the faction. In 1095 she had driven Gereshen to camp away from the faction, so she declared them outlore and tried, unsuccessfully, to have them killed. During this time she sacrificed a priestess of Gereshen who was in Llolth’s favour, hence Naxos D’Fey lost the favour of the Spider Queen. Most of the Tarantulas turned against her on the battlefield, which she was forced to flee. She subsequently re-surfaced leading the Malandanti, which proceeded to turn every other faction against them, and were subsequently destroyed, with only Zommorod A’Tesh surviving in any numbers. Naxos D’Fey’s city was flattened when the ceiling of the cavern it was built in collapsed. Vindryss was killed. She will probably be remembered as overbearing, overly abusive (even by Drow standards), and self-obsessed. Few mourned her passing.

Yaskal Shiang
Formerly a Gereshen male, Yaskal is now Patron of House Rhea’Morda, Head Diplomat of The Tarantulas, and one of the most admired males in the faction. More than just a pretty pair of trousers, he is also quite handy with a sword. He is obviously devoted to Matron Resulka Rhea’Morda, and is well respected by his house troops as well. Yaskal is an excellent example to males of how hard work can ensure that you are rewarded.

Ilharess Zypheny Tegredir
Matron Zypheny is Matron of the 33rd House of V’elddrinnsshar, which does not sound much. However, Tegredir could probably destroy almost any House in the city except Gereshen if it chose to; it just has other interests. Zypheny is tall, quite quiet but obviously composed and powerful. She wears her hair short, and is equally adept with spells or her trusted mace and scimitar. She often carries a Staff of The Abyss. She has never missed a battle that she was on the surface for, and even took part in the almost suicidal charge by The Jhereg in 1099 against a Fey Ogre shield wall. As her House specialises in magic, so does she, and is adept in all three spheres. Zypheny is extremely devout and sensitive to the whims of the Spider Queen. She is also a very close ally of Ilharess Faeryl Gereshen, and was present when Faeryl defended the city and was confirmed as Matron Gereshen.