DROW (FORGOTTEN REALMS/D&D) - BONDAGE/BDSM/SLAVERY STORY POTENTIAL?

[bondagefreak]

I've been debating whether or not to open this thread for many years now. About a decade ago, I published the opening chapters of a Drow-themed story on the Forgotten Realms section of Fanfiction.net. I have long wondered how such a tale would fare here.

I'd just like to test the waters and see what sort of reception (if any) such a story would garner here should I choose to develop one in the future. How many of you are familiar with the Drow? Specifically, the Drow depicted in Elaine Cunningham and R.A.Salvatore novels. Are there lots of Forgotten Realms/D&D readers/gamers on here? Or is the setting very niche on this board? Are you very familiar with the Drow, passingly familiar or not at all familiar with them?

* WHY DO I BRING DROW UP? *

I think the story potential (specifically for mature/erotic BDSM/SLAVERY/BONDAGE themes) is unparalleled. Think about it. Sexy, matriarchal Lolth worshippers, with an affinity for psychological manipulation & torment, physical/mental domination, and the subjugation of other races...including humans - whom they find hopelessly (yet sometimes alluringly) fragile, weak and naïve. Inter-house wars, politics, jealousy, treachery, kidnappings, assassinations, and the deep taboo surrounding love/compassion/affection.

The potential for F/M, M/M, M/F and even F/F in the context of drama/romance/BDSM narratives seems positively endless.

* SO WHY NOT JUST PRODUCE SUCH A TALE? *

To put it simply, the lore surrounding Drow is very extensive and spans 40+ Forgotten Realms novels. I have little interest in producing a tale that needs to handhold an audience that is entirely composed of readers with no prior knowledge of this lore.

I would only consider developing such a tale if a reasonable number of readers were already familiar or passingly familiar with the Underdark setting. Having those readers help out in the comments, most notably by answering questions and shedding light on aspects of the lore that might be puzzling to new initiates, would go a long way in motivating me to go ahead with such a project.

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO ANSWER THE THREAD POLL
COMMENTS ARE, AS USUAL, MORE THAN WELCOME

* SEE COMMENTS & POSTS BELOW FOR POSSIBLE STORYLINE PLOTS *

[Red86]

Unfortunately while I can say I recognized the name Drow, D&D is something I've personally never gotten into and so I'd have very little to no knowledge of any storyline that follows it. Doesn't mean I wouldn't be interested should you write a story like you are describing. In fact just this little questionnaire has peaked a little curiosity. I just wouldn't be able to comment on anything actually relating to the D&D storyline.

[Volobond]

As a nerd about rope/BDSM and tabletop roleplaying games, I am pretty familiar with the drow. I know about House politics, the traditional gender roles and Lolth worship (one of the interesting ideas is the Theater of Pain in some drow settlements that explicitly utilizes pain play/bdsm/edgeplay for entertainment), and even the alternative cults of Eliastraee and Vhaerun within drow culture.

So... yeah, I could act somewhat as a glossary.

[gag1195]

Obviously, the Drow lend themselves very strongly to an F/F and F/M story, given the matriarchal/House Matron society where the Drow men are seen as second class citizens, and the men (and women) of other races are seen as even less than. And the bondage is almost perfectly baked right in with their in-canon slavery, torture, and training, along with the web/net from Lolth the Spider Goddess. I think there's a lot of potential, especially from a faith/religious angle. Perhaps involving worshippers of Lolth's children, Vhaeraun (god of thievery, male drow, assassinations) or Eilistraee (goddess of freedom, moonlight, and beauty). Or play into Lolth's hatred of Corellon and the other Seldarine. (Or if we are digging deep with 4th edition lore, pull in The Raven Queen stealing the domain of fate from Lolth...)

That being said, obviously, I would be very interested in what you do with an M/M focused story. There's a lot of potential for nuance to work with!

[ShadowHusky]

To piggy back off of gag1195; while they do lend themselves rather heavily towards a primarily dominant female status, it would be interesting to see how you write the male domination in this particular subject. The way you write bondage in a more historical sense is fascinating, so it gets me interesting in how you would do so in a fantasy setting.

[bondagefreak]

Unfortunately while I can say I recognized the name Drow, D&D is something I've personally never gotten into and so I'd have very little to no knowledge of any storyline that follows it. I just wouldn't be able to comment on anything actually relating to the D&D storyline.

No worries, my friend. Actually, D&D has no storyline. It's just a setting or a ruleset, if you will - basically, parameters that sort of dictate the basic/standard appearance of different races/monsters/areas, etc.

The most popular D&D setting (by far) is the Forgotten Realms setting. Most popular D&D games/books (like Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, the Drizzt books, etc) all take place in the Forgotten Realms setting. D&D is just the rulebook for authors and gamers. It basically dictates "ok, Drow look like this, Orcs look like this, Mind Flayers look like this"...etc.

Thanks for commenting, though. If ever I do give this a go at some point, I'll be sure to give you a heads-up.

[bondagefreak]

Obviously, the Drow lend themselves to a very strong to an F/F and F/M story, given the matriarchal/House Matron society where the Drow men are seen as second class citizens, and the men (and women) of other races are seen as even less than.

To piggy back off of gag1195; while they do lend themselves rather heavily towards a primarily dominant female status, it would be interesting to see how you write the male domination in this particular subject. The way you write bondage in a more historical sense is fascinating, so it gets me interesting in how you would do so in a fantasy setting.

I definitely can't argue with that. I may have a bit of a different outlook on it, though. Don't get me wrong, the potential for F/F is definitely there (think fallen Priestess or suspected Eilistraeean kept captive and tormented by a Matron or High Priestess). However, out of all the possible gender roles, I genuinely happen to think F/F would be the least prevalent of the four options. I would estimate F/M, M/M and M/F as being significantly more widespread in this setting.

Unless very influential or wielding significant arcane power, most males would be extremely reticent about courting a Drow woman. It would be seen as borderline suicidal. A possible exception would be a powerful noble male flirting with a female of lower stock. But even then, it's sort of taboo and an exception rather than the norm. The dangers of courting their own kin would often lead male Drow to seek out companionship elsewhere - brothels, slaves, etc.


Take into account that most of the slaves inhabiting major Drow cities (eg: Menzoberranzan, Ched Nasad, etc) are overwhelmingly of the goblinoid races (Goblins, Orcs, Bugbears, etc) or Dwarvenkin/Gnomekin (Duergar, Deep Gnomes)...all of which the drow find positively repugnant - not only physically but psychologically as well.

Elves are, of course, either killed on sight or brought to the Underdark to be sacrificed to Lolth. That basically leaves Humans as the only viable outlet for Drow men seeking any form of "companionship".

Humans are simultaneously loathed and exoticised for being quaint, foolish, naïve, emotionally fragile, easy to manipulate and even easier to break (all things that the Drow are not). The rarity of humans in major Drow cities (due to being difficult to keep, physically fragile, needy & high maintenance + short lifespans) also adds to their exotic allure.

It would be fully within established Drow lore for a high-ranking male noble (eg: a house Weapons Master or a First son) to take a physically pleasing & pliant human (either male or female) as concubine or as personal bedroom slave. Such matters are well beneath a Matron. She would probably not care (or possibly even encourage such a thing) unless it distracted the male from his duties or some form of overt/dangerous affection for the concubine was suspected...in which case it would end very badly for the human.


The M/M or M/F potential is quite high if you add in jealousy from other slaves, nobles using the human as a pawn in their sick games, the possibility of a Matron's daughter taking interest, jealousy between territorial males, house warfare, tests of loyalty, and last but not least, the sheer number of inhumane expectations and protocols Drow subject their slaves to.

It could make for extremely rich, BDSM-themed storytelling.

As a nerd about rope/BDSM and tabletop roleplaying games, I am pretty familiar with the drow. I know about House politics, the traditional gender roles and Lolth worship (one of the interesting ideas is the Theater of Pain in some drow settlements that explicitly utilizes pain play/bdsm/edgeplay for entertainment), and even the alternative cults of Eliastraee and Vhaerun within drow culture.

So... yeah, I could act somewhat as a glossary.

Awesome! Somehow I knew you'd show up on here

[Ossassin]

Fairly familiar with Drow.
Sounds very logical to me, and hierarchical systems rarely are just one above all.
Often as you describe would privileged lessers in a system be rewarded in ways which further enforce the divide, and frankly I could see always risqué acts of kindness or submission occurring rarely among the powerful as well.
Yeah the premise makes total sense to me.

[Bradstick]

I would love to see a story about this! Depending on how much you want to go into lore, our main character could be completely ignorant of the underdark. Like a Nobel’s son who was far too sheltered only to be captured and taken underground.

As the story progresses, the rest of us who are familiar with the genre and give some clues about the lore while the main character remains unaware. Totally up to you though. Take this story however you see fit!

I will admit, the Drider, half drow half spider, absolutely turned me on. I would absolutely hope to see one of them at some point if you do this series.

I think this idea has a lot of merit and could be fun for both readers and you as the author!

[bondagefreak]

I would love to see a story about this! Depending on how much you want to go into lore, our main character could be completely ignorant of the underdark. Like a Nobel’s son who was far too sheltered only to be captured and taken underground. As the story progresses, the rest of us who are familiar with the genre and give some clues about the lore while the main character remains unaware. Totally up to you though.

Oh, you know me. I'd have it no other way.
I know the original post just says "Drow-themed", which sounds very vague, but I have zero interest in producing an entirely Drow-centric narrative. For one, it would be really out of place on this forum, and secondly, I just don't think it would be relatable to the readers or all that interesting story-wise. Besides, it's already been done to death (see all the R.A.Salvatore novels).

No, as briefly elaborated in my response to @gag1195 and @ShadowHusky I would definitely want to approach this from a human POV. Something we can relate to.


Your main character idea sounds fun. On that note, there is a rather stark divergence between the long-established lore (novels & past video games) and new games like BG3 - in which literally everyone you encounter is non-human

It was always long established that the surface world was very heavily human-dominated and that humans pretty much outnumbered all other major races combined. Large cities were always shown to be almost completely human, with the occasional Halflings blending seamlessly into the human population. The countless books & novels also made it somewhat clear that most humans would have never seen a non-human. The Dwarves are busy in their mines, and the Elves have retreated deep into their forests, leaving human encroachment virtually unopposed.

Compared to the long-lived races, human lives burn short and bright. Empires and governments rise and crumble in the span of a decade. Human collective memory is (much like in the real world) extremely short. To the vast majority of humans, the other races would be mere afterthoughts, and the Drow would be nothing more than silly boogeyman stories to spook children before bed.

"Go to sleep, or them nasty Drows will come git ya."


Knowledge of the Underdark would be limited mostly to scholars, mages and the like. The rest of the human populace would be virtually unaware/uncaring of anything going on outside their own respective nations, let alone several kilometres below ground. So yeah, your premise would be very plausible, though it would hardly need to feature a sheltered noble's son to even make sense. I think the ignorance would apply to a whopping 99.9% of the human population - all of which, like in the real world, would be caught up in busy schedules and keeping up with an ever-changing, fast-paced system.

Humans do in years what other races take decades & centuries to accomplish. No time for pondering the existence of make-believe boogeymen (Drow) or their obscure Spider-cult. Lolth who? Never heard of him

I will admit, the Drider, half drow half spider, absolutely turned me on. I would absolutely hope to see one of them at some point if you do this series.

How positively nefarious of you to like those poor, tormented abominations!

[WhereAmI]

Isn't a DROW a type of flat bottom boat on the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean ?

[Pup Wingletang]

Whilst I do read a good amount of fantasy it is more of the Wheel Of Time/Game of Thrones/Cosmere variety so I had to pick the first option as I've never encountered the Drow.

Most fantasy has a lot of world building in it and starting any new series puts you at the beginning with everything to learn and you usually pick it up pretty quickly.

Setting a story in an already established world doesn't mean your readers need to know every little detail of the entire world to enjoy the story. You just need to sprinkle enough exposition at the right moments to explain the key elements that are relevant to the story you are telling. I think so long as you understand the basic motivations of the characters all the rest is just background.

[bondagefreak]

It's difficult to get an accurate sample reading, since I'm guessing most of the users coming across this thread are choosing to click 'back' instead of voting for the appropriate "no" option on the poll. But at least we've identified 12 users in under 24h with at least passing knowledge of D&D. That's not bad. Obviously still niche, but not to the point of being completely alien.


Since we're in Tugs Talk and this thread is here to help me gauge a potential audience, I'm going to go ahead and admit that the other main concern I have is content-based. Several of you don't respond particularly well to darker dramas and/or more oppressive settings & antagonists (Captured by Vikings, The Twink & The Jock, Bound & Gagged, etc). Seeing as how the Drow would make Brad (from B&G) look like a small-time villain, I'm genuinely left wondering how you guys would stomach a gloomy narrative set in the Underdark.

Question: Would it being pure fantasy instead of real-life/historical-based make it more palatable to you guys?

[WhereAmI]

Ho to the fantasy idea. Some of the real stories in here are hard to believe let alone some the made up ones resembling real life. Lets stay with humans tying up humans not mugworts and AZZCRACKISTANIs coming back to life and tormenting us.

[bondagefreak]

Ho to the fantasy idea. Lets stay with humans tying up humans...

Um. Ok. But if fantasy is not your cup of tea, then why post on this thread multiple times?
We're supposed to refrain from discussing this because it does not appeal to you personally? I don't get it.
Different tastes for different people. If we don't like something, we're generally encouraged to move on.

[Guardianbound]

I have no knowledge of Drow lore but I'd love to see more fantasy themed stories on the site, it just opens up so many more possibilities in terms of the character dynamics and plot devices.

Personally a more historical inspired setting helps anchor the story and imagery for me but I guess it's really a matter of good writing and scene setting. A wholly fresh setting is harder to pull off and write well while a historical setting makes it easier for readers to think about and research the references and backstory.

[bondagefreak]

Personally a more historical inspired setting helps anchor the story and imagery for me but I guess it's really a matter of good writing and scene setting. A wholly fresh setting is harder to pull off and write well while a historical setting makes it easier for readers to think about and research the references and backstory.

Awesome! I'll be sure to give you a heads-up if ever I go ahead with this. Keep in mind, though, that this would hardly be a fresh setting. Just a different take on a setting that has been very solidly established since the early 1990s. Just typing the word "Drow" online will yield tens of thousands of websites, countless images, art, novels and fanficts. Chances are, if you've played Western RPGs, you're already somewhat versed in the lore.

Researching the references would certainly be doable and easy for anyone interested enough in the narrative.

[Redman]

This sounds like a great idea, and I will read the crap out of it! I came to appreciate the Drow after DMing for a player that wanted to play one despite knowing we'd be above ground most of the time. Based on my understanding, I feel that M/F would be the least common dynamic, followed closely by F/F. Not impossible, but uncommon. Perhaps rare...

Also, don't feed the trolls unless you're prepared to roll initiative.

[bondagefreak]

This sounds like a great idea, and I will read the crap out of it! I came to appreciate the Drow after DMing for a player that wanted to play one despite knowing we'd be above ground most of the time. Based on my understanding, I feel that M/F would be the least common dynamic, followed closely by F/F. Not impossible, but uncommon. Perhaps rare...

Hey @Redman! Glad to hear it.
You're correct, M/F would indeed not be the most prevalent gender dynamic amongst the Drow themselves. I don't know if you've read the full discussion a few posts up, but it definitely could still happen, especially in a Drow/non-Drow (slave) dynamic.

With that being said, you would still potentially be interested if the story were M/M and Mature?


As for that guy in your D&D session who wanted to play as a Drow in a surface campaign...all I can say is yikes! Hope he had fun being blind and suffering massive penalties all the time

[Redman]

This sounds like a great idea, and I will read the crap out of it! I came to appreciate the Drow after DMing for a player that wanted to play one despite knowing we'd be above ground most of the time. Based on my understanding, I feel that M/F would be the least common dynamic, followed closely by F/F. Not impossible, but uncommon. Perhaps rare...

Hey @Redman! Glad to hear it.
You're correct, M/F would indeed not be the most prevalent gender dynamic amongst the Drow themselves. I don't know if you've read the full discussion a few posts up, but it definitely could still happen, especially in a Drow/non-Drow (slave) dynamic.

With that being said, you would still potentially be interested if the story were M/M and Mature?


As for that guy in your D&D session who wanted to play as a Drow in a surface campaign...all I can say is yikes! Hope he had fun being blind and suffering massive penalties all the time

I would definitely give it a read even if it were mature. There's not enough high fantasy on here.

As for my player, I gave him something special to counteract those penalties, which led to an epic joke at the table.
"My, what fine craftsmanship! But what is this makers mark? Oh-Ahk-Ley? Never heard of them."

[Stormee]

I'm gonna agree with Red86 here, I have only started getting into D&D and Baldur's gate as of last year so I don't know much of lore and everything around it. But I have been playing Skyrim for years so... yea.. Just been playing it slowly to my accord and struggling...

[Volobond]

Question: Would it being pure fantasy instead of real-life/historical-based make it more palatable to you guys?

I would definitely say so. I'm very able to separate fiction from reality, but I will say that a full-fantasy narrative is much more appealing when considering dark or extreme themes because I don't have to feel that cognitive dissonance of the real-life subtext.

[bondagefreak]

Alright, guys. I genuinely have no idea what sort of reception to expect, but I went ahead and published an intro chapter. My expectations are very low, but who knows? I may be surprised. Here's the link: ENSLAVED BY THE DROW

@Red86 @Volobond @gag1195 @ShadowHusky @Ossassin @Bradstick @Pup Wingletang @Guardianbound @Redman @Stormee

[KidnappedCowboy]

I am not all that familiar with the Drow, but after reading the first two chapters, you have me hooked. Please continue.

Your tale is reminiscent of my favorite story here, "Shadow of the Mountain," whose author @Charmides I wish would return with more tales.

[bondagefreak]

@KidnappedCowboy
I knew you liked the fantasy genre, but I'll admit, I didn't think this particularly grim setting would appeal to you that much. Glad you like it!