Secret Moondancer

The vast majority of drow were born and live in the depth of the Underdark, where the priestesses of the Spider Queen rule uncontrasted. Within their reach, the dogma of Lolth is the only way of life: every divergent or innovative idea, every other belief or faith is labeled as heretical, and drowned in the blood of those who dare to support or spread it. These persecutions lead to stagnation, and make very difficult for the drow to become aware of different faiths (let alone embrace them), but this doesn't stop the Dark Maiden from singing her call to all of them.

Some drow feel her loving touch, learning that there is a goddess of hope out there, one who cares about them and that will answer to their prayers. Choosing to live hidden in the very heart of Lolth's strength, some Sword Dancers strive to reach to these dark elves, to help them embrace Eilistraee, and find their way to a better place in the Lands of Light.

You are one of these drow, a Secret Moondancer. You felt the call of the Dark Dancer and chose to embrace what she stands for. You may have already fled to the surface, or be still living underground in a drow city . Perhaps you are a noble or priestess who fell out of Lolth's favor, only to be saved from your rivals by a Sword Dancer, finding the opportunity of a new beginning. Or you could be a commoner who grew weary of his or her life, and found solace and hope in the embrace of Eilistraee; or yet a slave or prisoner rescued by the followers of the goddess. Alternatively, you can choose to be one of her clerics, brave enough to risk your life to bring her light where few would dare. In either case, you live (or used to) in a drow city, dominated by Lolth, forced to act in utter secrecy and to hide your faith, in order to let it flourish.

Your safety is constantly on the line, endangering yourself and all you love, as to be caught is to be sentenced to death. You have to choose with extreme care when, where, and to whom you can bring knowledge of the Dark Maiden; and to be ever watchful of every detail around you and of those who might suspect of your heresy--a single misstep could bring to the worst. Despite all that, you still work to bring the hope that you have found to those who have not, and to teach children about Eilistraee, so that they may not have to grow without knowing what it is to be loved. Through your effort, the light of the Dark Maiden can shine even amidst the darkness of the Underdark.

However, the more you cleave to the goddess, the more the burden of the cruelty that permeates the life under the thumb of Lolth becomes heavier to carry. This may lead you to grow weary, scarred, somewhat cold in front of death and danger, or bitter with vengeance towards the priestesses of Lolth. Nonetheless, to face these hardships is a valuable lesson about the value of working together, of protecting each other, and of having someone that you can count on.

Your hope is to flee to a safe place along with all those you care for--or to bring the faith of Eilistraee to as many drow as possible and lead them to safety, if you are a Sword Dancer, or if this simply is your wish (not all drow who refuse Lolth want to leave the Underdark). You are not alone in this task, as the followers of Eilistraee offer their aid to refugees and outcasts. Over time, they have built networks of secret passages and (with the help of the magic of the goddess) portals leading to safe shrines. As a Secret Moondancer, you have been trusted with the knowledge of these passages, and with a tiny sword-pin or pendant be used as an identification token.

Skill Proficiencies: Skill proficiencies: Insight and one between Athletics, Persuasion, Deception, Acrobatics, and Survival.

Tool Proficiencies: Tool proficiencies: one musical instrument or one set of artisan tools of your choice.

Languages: Languages: Undercommon

Equipment: Equipment: a musical instrument or one set of artisan tools of your choice, a set of common clothes, a symbol of Eilistraee, a sword-token, a pouch containing 10 gp.

Suggested Characteristics

Below is a list of traits, bonds and flaws that Secret Moondancers are likely to have, and of ideals that many of them follow. Of course, they can also be replaced with characteristics of your own making.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I always try to accept the others simply for what they are, and to respect their choices (as long as they are not intended to bring harm).
2	I make treasure of all the bright moments that life brings me, and always try to bring a smile to people's faces, be they my friends or strangers.
3	My experience taught me to always help and care for those around me. No matter how dire the situation may be, no one that is counting on me will be left behind.
4	No matter how grim the situation may seem, I don't give up and nothing can shake my optimism.
5	I firmly believe that my actions are guided by the will of Eilistraee, and that even the most unlikely event can be a message from her.
6	I am ever watchful of my surroundings, and I never do anything without a plan. I always prepare a back-plan for when things go wrong.
7	I would never betray my friends, or reveal anything that could endanger them, not even under torture.
8	The time spent in the Underdark has filled me with a burning desire to see the world and make new experiences

d8	Ideal
1	Freedom: Everyone should be free to choose what to be, their faith, to express themselves and forge their own path in life. I will firmly oppose anyone who seeks to deny this right. (Chaotic)
2	Hope: Even in the deepest despair, when all seems lost, one can still find hope in all that is beautiful in life. We must fight to protect that light, and bring it those who are lost in the dark. (Good)
3	Kindness: We must try to help those in need, be it by offering food, shelter or protection, no matter what the personal cost. (Good)
4	Compassion: There is strength in showing mercy and compassion, rather than ending a life. Even the darkest souls can find the strength to embrace redemption. (Good)
5	Beauty and Joy: Life is meant to be celebrated and enjoyed. Song, dance and beauty are to be spread and nurtured, bringing joy and laughter to people, so that no moment is lost in the greyness of bore and melancholy. (Good)
6	Tolerance: We must strive so that all races may live in harmony and peace, united against evil and suffering, and that all people may be accepted for what they are. (Good)
7	Change: We must work so that the old, bloody traditions are lost and forgotten. Only then the drow may build their place in the world, and Dark Maiden's dream come true. (Chaotic)
8	Faith: I trust that Eilistraee will guide my actions. If I work hard, things will go well. (Lawful)

d8	Bond
1	My family (or children, or loved ones) is the most precious thing to me.
2	My family or loved ones had to remain behind when I fled my city, but I will return to lead them to a better place.
3	I owe everything to a priestess that helped me when I needed it the most.
4	A deep bond has formed between me and one (or a group) of my converts. (Sword Dancers only)
5	Eilistraee has sung to me, giving me hope in my darkest time. I find strength in her love, and solace in knowing that she watches over all her people.
6	Someone I love was killed (or enslaved) by a priestess of Lolth (or a noble drow). I will do anything it takes to avenge (or rescue) them
7	Everything I do is for the good of my people.
8	The faith of Lolth can only bring the drow to wither and selfdestroy. I am sworn to eradicate the influence of the Spider Queen wherever it rears its ugly head.

d8	Flaw
1	I can't help but be suspicious of everyone's actions. I am very slow to trust others
2	Whenever doing something major, I worry too much about what could go wrong.
3	I work to follow the teachings of my goddess, but old habits and mindset are hard to shake off.
4	All that I have experienced has made me weary. Although I try to help those who are suffering, I often react coldly to their pain.
5	I can act recklessly when I think that I and my friends are danger
6	I react aggressively to offense or threats, especially to those directed at my faith.
7	During my former life I was responsible of atrocious actions. I try to hide that from all whom I know
8	I can hardly resist the temptation to join revelries and pleasurable events when the opportunity arises.