AKA dark elves due to their gray skin and Underdark residency. They
have an appreciation for beauty, which is reflected in their
architecture, fashion, and possessions. Despite being separated from
their surface-dwelling kin, there is a distinct elvish touch to their
cities. They are known for their skill in magic and their equipment made
of adamantine and mythril is highly desirable.
Most are raised in a society that worships Lolth, the Demon Queen of Spiders, who rules them strictly and manipulatively. Menzoberranzan enforces a matriarchy headed by Lolth's priestesses and divides everyone into houses which are pitted against each other. Every move is political, and politics are cutthroat and rife with mind games and underhandedness. Everyone learns early on that they must look out for themselves and trust no one. Working together is usually only done to destroy a common foe or ensure their own survival.