The introduction of Underdark slave characters was an experiment. We wanted to try to see if we could allow it, because many players had asked for it to be a viable way to have non-Drow characters in the Underdark. While there are other Underdark races like Svirfneblin, Duergar, or a few other rare variants like Gloura, people had been asking about allowing others down below.
When the experiment first started, the Admins made a mistake and didn’t write up guidelines. Because of this, there were a series of issues, and we are seeing the need to set down a set of rules as to what they can, and cannot do. Please do keep in mind that these are limited, enslaved characters. They are not the same as surface Adventurers, and they should not have the same rights and freedoms. If you are applying to play a slave character, you must read and agree to these guidelines.
1. Slave characters cannot join events without their owning character or another representative of their house present. A DM may reject a slave character’s participation on their own judgment rather than the usual first-come-first-serve basis. A slave character must inform the DM of their character’s status before the plot is to begin.
2. A slave character is considered property in the Underdark. As per IC reasoning, a slave character is a gladiator, a meat shield, or otherwise a useful tool to make a Drow character's life easier. They are not allowed weapons or armor in the Underdark without their owner(s) present in populated areas. These slave characters are allowed to be armed in dungeons. Any slave character that threatens a Drow character will face a storyline death, if not a permanent one.
3. Relationships with surface characters or other free entities are not allowed. This means no marriage, no elven bonds, and no intimate activity. Owning characters in the Underdark cannot afford for their property to have a chance for split loyalties. Relationships are still allowed with other slave characters or those attached loyally to their House.
4. Slave characters cannot join factions that do not have an Underdark component. Slave characters cannot spy on other factions. This is equivalent to our usual faction rules involving spying. Joining player groups is allowed, assuming that the leadership of said group is made aware of the character’s status and approves.
5. Slave characters follow the typical consent rules for the server. They can be ordered into a battle or to serve in some capacity, they cannot be ordered or forced into any intimate roleplay or other mature content that makes the player uncomfortable on an OOC level.
6. It is assumed that slave characters have a Geas or other form of control on them. This control presumes and explains why they are to return to their owning character, and why they cannot divulge or otherwise share their status with those on the Surface. The exact form of this control can take different shapes. It may be family or friends that are ‘hostage’ also in slavery, a magical control, brainwashing, or some form of biological control such as poison. It should be worked out between slave character and owner as/when appropriate.
7. Slave characters may be revoked or rejected from the server at any time for failure to follow these guidelines.
Slave characters may still:
We do not expect these guidelines to be written in stone. They are subject to change based on server needs, feedback, or other circumstances as they come up. This includes removing the possibility of playing slave characters if problems persist or grow after these guidelines are implemented.
As per adoption of these guidelines, characters that are currently enslaved have 2-4 weeks to decide if they are willing to abide by and follow these guidelines. This means the end date will be December 1, 2024.
If you or your character will NOT follow these guidelines, you are allowed three options:
Those that go to the surface may relay that they were a slave in the Underdark, but not divulge to whom, their disguises, or any other sensitive/’faction’ information.
What is a ‘retainer’?
In terms of the Underdark, they are typically surface mercenaries (Though they can be UD race characters.) These mercenaries have made a deal/contract with a Drow House or other Underdark faction, including the Zhentarim or Red Wizard branches in those areas, to do their bidding and keep their confidence. The usual faction rules apply in full. A retainer CANNOT divulge what goes on within a house, spread information of who their slaves are, disguises, or other sensitive information. A retainer character is allowed to freely be in Sschindylryn. They are, however, still required to have a minder or other chaperone in Maerimydra if they are not Drow.
When slave characters were first adopted, there were no particular rules put in place beyond the application, nor proper guidelines. Rykka, being kind to the rest of us, put together a reference document for potential slave characters. It is still a good resource and guide. However, she did not have any hand in making the original setup, nor these follow-up rules. We wanted to be clear that the implementation of slave characters was poorly done by the Administration and we’re attempting to make it better. To read her helpful guide, see the link here.