The Silversilk Matriarchy
An Authoritarian empire of Drow, exiled from Arcadia for following Lelixa, goddess of order and authoritarianism. Think Soviet Russia's "We're all in this together!", but with a strictly enforced caste system and even more despotic implementation.
Structure
The Silversilk Monarchy is defined from the top down. At the top level is the Highest Matron, the absolute authority and most coveted position in the empire. Each Highest chooses her successor from the Matrons of the Inner Houses; the most successful and obsequious families which follow her. Other Matrons jockey for position by proving their worth to the throne through service, each holding status in how well they "Fulfill their Role." Beneath them are the daughters of the matron, ranked roughly in order of seniority, and beneath them the Serving classes, shown favor based on the success and value of their purpose.
Culture
The Silversilk culture is one with a near absolute lack of social mobility after your first year of life. Each individual is raised with the purpose of service to the nation, ideally taking pride in their reduction to a cog in the great machine. Dissidence is corrected via extreme punishment- commonly a trip to the Spider Box. Severe infractions may be punished with exile, a near death sentence- or worse, exile proceeded by transformation into a Drider.
Outsiders to the culture are viewed with contempt for their failure to adhere to their roles- to a Silverblood, slave taking from the surface world is simply a way of ensuring that the feeble surface dwellers get off their rears and contribute to the suppression of the dangers of the Underdark.
However, while harsh the culture is not without it's simple joys. Inversion festivals are common, such as the Black Masquerade or the Wormlight Firedance- where citizens hide their faces and forget their roles for a time, free to release their inner chaos without fear of reprisal. Beyond that, the games and theatre of the Silverbloods are quiet and reserved if public- or if in private, every bit as lively as that of the surface kingdoms. Such displays of emotion however, are shown only to those most trusted and respected. In all other places, the mask stays on.
Public Agenda
In the Highest Matron's Speeches, she declare that the Monarchy exists to serve the people, ensuring their society flourishes in the dangers of the Underdark and pushing back the dangers of The Illithid Remnants. In their eyes, they are the last bastion of True Civilization, and the only reason the surface dwellers can exist at all.
Our Roles Fulfilled
Founding Date
2997 FS
Type
Government, Leadership
Alternative Names
The Drow Empire, The Nightakers, Those Slaving Bastards
Demonym
Officially: Silverbloods. Slang: Skulkers
Government System
Dictatorship
Location
Related Ethnicities
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments