The document discusses different aspects of elven subcultures, focusing on Drow elves. It describes the origins of elves from the god Corellon Larethian and the six main elven races. It then provides details on Drow elven culture, including their matriarchal society ruled by priestesses of Lolth, the Spider Queen. Drow elves reside in underground cities like Aglarond and have dark gray skin and white/gray hair. Their culture emphasizes lust, sex, and arachnid imagery due to worship of Lolth.

1. Subcultures: Elves Lye Lyestone/DeeBee Tigerauge/Lucinda McLeod/Vesna Velde

2. Overview Three sections Historical Sociological Psychological

3. Did you say Elves? Elves are an ancient race and their existence stretches further back in time than even they can remember. Whenever their creation, it is generally assumed Corellon Larethian created them. Corellon Larethian = the protector and preserver of life. God of music, poetry, magical study, dance and even combat.

4. Corellon Larethian The elven race are believed by some to have sprung from the drops of Corellon’s blood that were shed in battle with Gruumsh, the god of the evil orcs, but there is dispute with others that claim it was against Lloth , a demonic, spider-like goddess. There are also those few who believe the deliberate creation of the elves from Corellon’s blood to fight the evil spawned by their eternal enemies, the orcs and the dark ones such as Lolth and Her ilk – the Elven Drow race. Regardless of the diverse theories, most elves worship Corellon Larethian in some form, and many revere the being of light, life, and goodness as their primary faith.

5. The Elven Races There are six known sub-races of elf: HIGH : Slim, lithe, tipped ears, clear skin, sky blue eyes, dark hair. Most common and thus appear in many fantasy settings. Most magically developed. AQUATIC : Greenish skin, traces of silver, sea green-blue hair. Webbed fingers and toes, carry spears, tridents & nets. DROW : Dark Elves; depraved, evil subterranean race of elves, jet black/gray skin, pale hair & red eyes. Exposure to bright lights can cause blindness.

6. Elven Races contd... GRAY : Cloud/Mountain Elves; aloof, reclusive, mediate & contemplate life. Taller than most elves, silver/pale golden hair, amber/violet eyes. SYLVAN : Wood elves; muscular, coppery red/golden yellow hair. Hunters or bowyers. WILD : Barbaric offshoot of high elves. Mostly untamed, known as Grurach —darker brown skinned elves, found in the desert/deep tropics. *Most elves in SL are of the Drow variety, therefore the main focus.*

7. Drows

8. Historical & Social Aspects Drow are often exquisitely beautiful but with deadly elegance & grace. They generally lack empathy, are ruthless and find pleasure inflicting pain upon others. Skin/Hair: Dark grey/pale blue. Hair is usually white or grey in stark contrast to their skin colour. Eyes : Blood red; although sometimes pale eyes can be seen. Language : ‘Drow Speak’

9. Drows

10. Gender Roles/Religion The majority of Drow societies follow Lloth’s—the spider queen’s—teachings. This drow society is matriarchal and militaristic, with strong religious foundations, ruled by the most powerful drow priestesses. Women hold all positions of power and responsibility in government, the military, and in the home. Males, however, are treated as servants, and even the highest ranking male is still ranked lower than the lowest ranked female. Men’s duties are to fight and guard the land, and if they wish to gain a greater status and sense of power in drow society, they can become priests or wizards.

11. Lloth: Spider Queen

12. Residency Banished to the Underdark (underground) In SL role-players normally reside in Aglarond or Avilion; Lloth worshippers reside in caves in Aglarond & Thraldom. In Lloothian cities, due to their affinity for arachnids, many spiders and similar creatures dwell among the communities; spider webs decorate walls, dimly lit areas, eerie atmosphere. Arachnid art, sculptures and fashion can be seen throughout Drow communities.

13. Aglarond

14. Structure/Rankings In a Lolth-dominated society, The Matron Mother , or Ilharess , is both queen and high priestess that dominates each noble House and carries on the family name. She holds the authority over every member of the House and must be obeyed and shown the utmost respect. Beneath the Matron Mother are her daughters. Usually priestesses of the leading deities they worship. All females of the mother's blood, in order of their age, follow in rank, although they wield no authority. Below the daughters come the male officers of the House; the weapons master, House wizard, and the patron (current companion of the Matron Mother). Even the highest ranking males are still ranked lower than the lowest ranked female

15. Psychology Lust and sex play a large part in the psychology of elves in SL; the purpose is to release tension and to demonstrate a feeling of closeness with other elves. Elves have artistic tendencies, are technologically phobic, kind and honourable people with high levels of integrity. They are dreamers who seek life through fantasy.

16. Inside: Human Brain

17. Inside: Elf Brain

18. Real Life Psychology Research has determined that the reasons why individuals role-play online games are: Relationship factor: develop meaningful relationships that are supportive. Immersion factor: gain joy from story telling, both on their own & with others. They forget RL worries and lose themselves in the fantasy world. Escapism factor: temporary escape from RL problems. For example, lack of social skills, sexuality, lack of personal contact, among others.

19. Achievement factor: achieving goals and accumulating possessions online which gave them a greater sense of self worth & self-esteem. Manipulation factor: objective being to obtain the feeling of power, superiority & comfort by controlling others—however, not particularly a factor for Elf RP. Other factors that are not included in the findings include: entertainment from RP, language experimentation platforms, provides a means to practice handling of sensitive issues for RL et al.

20. Curious? Our Wiki: http://bhs3000.pbworks.com/BHS-Subculture-Group:-Elves More links: http://bhs3000.phttp://bhs3000.pbworks.com/Interview-with-Elissidrin-Elven-Queen http://frontiernet.net/~jamesstarlight/3eElves.html http://www.nj-pbem.com/data/Gods/elvengods/CorellonLarethian.htm http://www.angelfire.com/rpg2/roleplaynexus/drowcampaign/Lolth.html http://drowcampaign.roleplaynexus.com/drowpersonality.html http://tsamaris.com/?page=Matron%20Mothers%20and%20Worthless%20Males http://www.realms.force9.co.uk/UD/drow/dcult.htm