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House Baenre pronounced: /ˈbeɪnrBANE-ray[6] was the first drow house of Menzoberranzan, and had been for centuries—as long as anyone in the city could remember.[7]

History[]

The story of House Baenre's ascension to the premier rank in the city was not known to any living drow; the only person who might have known the true history of the house is Yvonnel Baenre, the former Matron Mother who took power in −7 DR.[3] Even with the death of Yvonnel Baenre during the failed invasion of Mithral Hall in 1358 DR, the first house's power could not be usurped; Triel Baenre, the first and most powerful daughter of Yvonnel Baenre, took her mother's place as supreme ruler.[8]

Soon after the death of Yvonnel, House Baenre was at the weakest it had been for centuries.[9] During the Silence of Lolth in 1372 DR and 1373 DR, particularly during the slave revolt and then siege of Menzoberranzan by the duergar, Triel struggled to secure her hold over both her house and the city. She sought allies along the other houses, particularly House Xorlarrin,[10] and cultivated a close ally relationship with House Mizzrym.

During the Siege of Menzoberranzan in 1372-1373 DR, there were only seven wizards of House Baenre: Gromph Baenre, Nauzhror Baenre, Julani Baenre, Grendan Baenre, Noori Baenre, Zoran Baenre, and Prath Baenre. However, Julani was killed towards the end of the siege when his lightning bolt cast through a scrying gem on Nimor Imphraezl reflected back on him.[11]

Triel was not able to hold on to power forever. In 1383 DR, Quenthel Baenre, Triel's younger sister, became matron mother.[2]

Activities[]

The main strength of House Baenre lay in clerical prowess; Lolth favored the first house strongly, responding (comparatively) generously to their prayers, and the house was also able to boast many high priestesses, including Quenthel Baenre, who held the crucial and influential position as Matron Mistress of Arach-Tinilith.[12] Gromph Baenre, the Archmage of Menzoberranzan, was also a member of House Baenre, which significantly increases the influence of the house both politically and militarily, as he held sway over Sorcere.[13]

The Black Claw Mercantile Company was a trade consortium based in Menzoberranzan and primarily owned by House Baenre.[14]

The Baenre Compound[]

House Baenre occupied the highest tier, a ledge called Qu'ellarz'orl, in the main cavern of Menzoberranzan. It was made up of twenty stalagmites and thirty stalactites. A central stalagmite, called the Great Mound, housed the Baenre nobles and the house chapel.[15] There was a balcony surrounding the Great Mound where stalagmites and stalactites met.[16] The compound was roughly oval in shape, three-eighths of a mile long and a quarter mile wide, and surrounded by a magnificent and magical fence, appearing as a silvery spider's web around the general blue hues of the Baenre compound. This fence stood 20 feet high and acted as the house's main defense; anything touching the fence would become stuck fast until the Matron Mother willed it released. It was impossible to pass through the enchanted fence without the aid of the spider mask, a magical item in the possession of Gromph, the Archmage of Menzoberranzan[17]—assuming, of course, that one was able to avoid the guards posted around the fence.[15]

The house chapel was a domed shape and featured an illusion created by Gromph that switched from spider to drow female. This statue was based on Gromph's lover, Sosdrielle Vandree, but it once took on the appearance of Liriel Baenre as sign of Lolth's favor.[18]

The matron mother's throne was formed of an enormous adamantine spider. It was magical and contained a symbol repelling any attack.[19]

Notable Members[]

House Baenre

Members of House Baenre: Dantrag Baenre, Gromph Baenre, Bladen'Kerst Baenre, Quenthel Baenre, Methil El-Viddenvelp, Yvonnel Baenre, Triel Baenre, Vendes Baenre, Jeggred Baenre, Jarlaxle.

Andzrel Baenre
Weapon master of House Baenre, Commander of the Army of the Black Spider.[20]
Aumon Baenre
Son of Quenthel and Elderboy; at Melee-Magthere in 1484 DR.[21]
Beniago Baenre
Betrayed by Tiago Baenre's father, he joined Bregan D'aerthe and became a leading lieutenant.[22] He eventually became the disguised High Captain of Ship Kurth in Luskan.[23]
Berg'inyon Baenre
Youngest son of Yvonnel. He replaced Dantrag as weapon master. He later became a member of Bregan D'aerthe.[24]
Bladen'kerst Baenre
Second daughter of Yvonnel, killed in 1358 DR near Mithral Hall by Gandalug Battlehammer.[25]
Dantrag Baenre
Weapon master, killed in 1357 DR by Drizzt Do'Urden in Menzoberranzan.[26]
Doquaio Baenre
Secondboy, son of Yvonnel Baenre, deceased. He was killed by reflected kinetic energy during the attempted sacrifice of Jarlaxle as the third living son.[27]
Gromph Baenre
Eldest son of Yvonnel and Archmage of Menzoberranzan.[28]
Grendan Baenre
Tenth-year apprentice at Sorcere circa 1373 DR with a flair for illusion. He was considered handsome.[29]
Jarlaxle Baenre
Leader of Bregan D'aerthe.[30]
Jeggred Baenre
Son of Triel Baenre and the demon Belshazu.[31] Killed in the Demonweb Pits during the Silence of Lolth by Quenthel Baenre.[32]
Julani Baenre
Master of Evocation at Sorcere.[29] He died circa 1373 DR when his own lightning cast through a scrying gem reflected upon him.[11]
Liriel Baenre
Renegade mage/cleric who left the city in 1361 DR with the Windwalker to wander the surface.[33]
Maignith Baenre
Female captain of the Baenre house guard. [34] She had a healing mace and was killed by a fireball assassination attempt on Triel circa 1373 DR.[35]
Minolin Fey-Baenre
Wife of Gromph Baenre beginning in 1484 DR.[36]
Minthara Baenre
True Soul of the cult of the Absolute.[37]
Merith Baenre
Second highest-ranking priestess in house in 1361 DR and considered for the position of Mistress of Arach-Tinilith but not considered well-schooled enough politically. She was adopted into the house.[38]
Myrineyl Baenre
Quenthel's oldest daughter.[39]
Nauzhror Baenre
Triel's first cousin one removed, abjurer, Master of Sorcere, house wizard, and acting Archmage of Menzoberranzan in 1372 DR.[40] He was plump and wore black robes and a perpetual smirk. His familiar was a plump, hairy spider.[41]
Noori Baenre
Female high-born cousin to Triel Baenre. She was one of the few exceptions to the rule of only males at Sorcere circa 1373 DR. She was permitted to study magic at Sorcere rather than become a cleric of Lolth at Arach-Tinilith.[29]
Prath Baenre
First-year apprentice at Sorcere circa 1373 DR.[42] He was very stocky and loyal to Gromph Baenre, slicing his own pinky when a piece of flesh was needed for a spell during the Siege of Menzoberranzan.[43]
Quenthel Baenre
Mistress of the Arach-Tinilith and the Matron Mother post-Spellplague.[2]
Sos'Umptu Baenre
Keeper of the Baenre House Chapel.[38]
Tiago Baenre
Grandson of Matron Mother Yvonnel and former weapons master Dantrag.[44]
Triel Baenre
Eldest daughter of Yvonnel and former matron mother pre-Spellplague.[45]
Velkryst
House patron in 1484 DR; formerly a wizard of House Xorlarrin.[46]
Vendes Baenre
A particularly cruel priestess of Lolth, killed in 1357 DR by Drizzt Do'Urden in Menzoberranzan.[47]
Vrellin Baenre
One of Triel's nephews. In 1373 DR, he was lieutenant of the house guard and wore two braids.[48]
Waerva Baenre
Priestess.[49] She was presumably killed by kobolds in 1372 DR.[50]
Wilara Baenre
Personal attending priestess to Triel circa 1373 DR.[40]
Yerri'thal Baenre
"The most accomplished swordsmith in all Menzoberranzan."[51]
Yvonnel Baenre
Former matron, killed in 1358 DR near Mithral Hall by Bruenor Battlehammer.[52]
Zal'therra Baenre
Cousin of Triel, commander of the rearguard of the Army of the Black Spider in 1372 DR. She was a foot taller than Triel and was a good 30 pounds heavier. She was the most promising of Triel's cousins.[53]
Zillak
Prime assassin of Gromph.[54]
Zoran Baenre
A second-year apprentice at Sorcere circa 1373 DR whom Gromph Baenre considered annoying. He was tiny and wore a topknot. He also had a wand of wonder of which he was exceedingly fond.[55]

Allies[]

El-Viddenvelp ("Methil")
An illithid who served Yvonnel Baenre. [56]
Kyorli
Gromph Baenre's rat familiar.[57]

Family Tree[]

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Yvonnel
Baenre
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Sosdrielle
Vandree
   
   
Gromph
   
   
Minolin
Fey
Triel
   
   
BelshazuBladen'KerstDoquaioJarlaxleQuenthel
   
   
VelkrystDantragVendesSos'UmptuBerg'inyonAndzrel
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
LirielYvonnelJeggredMyrineylAumon
   
   
   
   
Tiago
   
   
Saribel
Xorlarrin

Appendix[]

See Also[]

Appearances[]

Novels
Sourcebooks
Other

External Links[]

References[]

  1. Ed Greenwood (July 1991). The Drow of the Underdark. (TSR, Inc), p. 108. ISBN 1-56076-132-6.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Brian R. James, Eric Menge (August 2012). Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 37. ISBN 978-0786960361.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Brian R. James, Eric Menge (August 2012). Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 35. ISBN 978-0786960361.
  4. Bruce R. Cordell, Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, Jeff Quick (October 2003). Underdark. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 162. ISBN 0-7869-3053-5.
  5. Richard Baker (May 2003). Condemnation. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 16, p. 286. ISBN 0786932023.
  6. Christopher Perkins, James Haeck, James Introcaso, Adam Lee, Matthew Sernett (September 2018). Waterdeep: Dragon Heist. Edited by Jeremy Crawford. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 4. ISBN 978-0-7869-6625-7.
  7. Richard Lee Byers (August 2003). Dissolution. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 9, p. 129. ISBN 0-7869-2944-8.
  8. Elaine Cunningham (July 2003). Daughter of the Drow (Mass Market Paperback). (Wizards of the Coast), p. ?. ISBN 978-0786929290.
  9. Richard Baker (May 2003). Condemnation. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 3, p. 47. ISBN 0786932023.
  10. Richard Baker (May 2003). Condemnation. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 16, p. 288. ISBN 0786932023.
  11. 11.0 11.1 Lisa Smedman (February 2005). Extinction. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 24, pp. 241–251. ISBN 0-7869-3596-0.
  12. Richard Lee Byers (August 2003). Dissolution. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 2, p. 17. ISBN 0-7869-2944-8.
  13. Richard Lee Byers (August 2003). Dissolution. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 1, pp. 5–6. ISBN 0-7869-2944-8.
  14. Ed Greenwood (1992). Menzoberranzan (The City). Edited by Karen S. Boomgarden. (TSR, Inc), p. 26. ISBN 1-5607-6460-0.
  15. 15.0 15.1 Philip Athans (2008). A Reader's Guide to R. A. Salvatore's the Legend of Drizzt. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 123. ISBN 0-7869-4915-5.
  16. Lisa Smedman (February 2005). Extinction. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 13, p. 127. ISBN 0-7869-3596-0.
  17. R.A. Salvatore (July 2006). Starless Night. (Wizards of the Coast), p. ??. ISBN 0-7869-1606-0.
  18. Elaine Cunningham (July 2003). Daughter of the Drow (Mass Market Paperback). (Wizards of the Coast), p. 205. ISBN 978-0786929290.
  19. Lisa Smedman (February 2005). Extinction. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 7, p. 66. ISBN 0-7869-3596-0.
  20. Richard Baker (May 2003). Condemnation. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 13, pp. 226–227. ISBN 0786932023.
  21. R.A. Salvatore (March 2014). Night of the Hunter. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 52. ISBN 0-7869-6511-8.
  22. R.A. Salvatore (March 2013). The Last Threshold. (Wizards of the Coast), p. ?. ISBN 0-7869-6364-6.
  23. R.A. Salvatore (August 6, 2013). The Companions. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 339. ISBN 0-7869-6371-9.
  24. Philip Athans (2008). A Reader's Guide to R. A. Salvatore's the Legend of Drizzt. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 57. ISBN 0-7869-4915-5.
  25. R.A. Salvatore (August 1995). Siege of Darkness. (TSR, Inc), p. 323. ISBN 1-7869-0164-0.
  26. R.A. Salvatore (August 1994). Starless Night. (TSR, Inc), p. 310. ISBN 1-56076-880-0.
  27. R.A. Salvatore (July 2007). Road of the Patriarch (Mass Market Paperback). (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 296–297. ISBN 978-0-7869-4277-0.
  28. R.A. Salvatore (August 2012). Charon's Claw. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 0, p. 8. ISBN 0-7869-6223-2.
  29. 29.0 29.1 29.2 Lisa Smedman (February 2005). Extinction. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 24, p. 243. ISBN 0-7869-3596-0.
  30. R.A. Salvatore (June 2005). Servant of the Shard. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0-7869-3950-8.
  31. Lisa Smedman (February 2005). Extinction. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 3, pp. 28–30. ISBN 0-7869-3596-0.
  32. Paul S. Kemp (February 2006). Resurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 363–364. ISBN 0-7869-3981-8.
  33. Elaine Cunningham (July 2003). Daughter of the Drow (Mass Market Paperback). (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 978-0786929290.
  34. Lisa Smedman (February 2005). Extinction. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 7, pp. 63–64. ISBN 0-7869-3596-0.
  35. Lisa Smedman (February 2005). Extinction. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 7, pp. 67, 73. ISBN 0-7869-3596-0.
  36. R.A. Salvatore (March 2014). Night of the Hunter. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 98. ISBN 0-7869-6511-8.
  37. Larian Studios (October 2020). Designed by Swen Vincke, et al. Baldur's Gate III. Larian Studios.
  38. 38.0 38.1 Elaine Cunningham (July 2003). Daughter of the Drow (Mass Market Paperback). (Wizards of the Coast), p. 28. ISBN 978-0786929290.
  39. R.A. Salvatore (March 2014). Night of the Hunter. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 17. ISBN 0-7869-6511-8.
  40. 40.0 40.1 Lisa Smedman (February 2005). Extinction. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 13, p. 128. ISBN 0-7869-3596-0.
  41. Richard Baker (May 2003). Condemnation. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 16, pp. 289–290. ISBN 0786932023.
  42. Lisa Smedman (February 2005). Extinction. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 18, pp. 181–182. ISBN 0-7869-3596-0.
  43. Lisa Smedman (February 2005). Extinction. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 18, p. 187. ISBN 0-7869-3596-0.
  44. R.A. Salvatore (August 2012). Charon's Claw. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 0, p. 11. ISBN 0-7869-6223-2.
  45. Richard Lee Byers (August 2003). Dissolution. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 1, p. 9. ISBN 0-7869-2944-8.
  46. R.A. Salvatore (March 2014). Night of the Hunter. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 54. ISBN 0-7869-6511-8.
  47. Eric L. Boyd (November 1999). Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark. Edited by Jeff Quick. (TSR, Inc.), p. 61. ISBN 0-7869-1509-9.
  48. Lisa Smedman (February 2005). Extinction. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 13, p. 133. ISBN 0-7869-3596-0.
  49. Richard Lee Byers (August 2003). Dissolution. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 4, p. 43. ISBN 0-7869-2944-8.
  50. Richard Lee Byers (August 2003). Dissolution. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 25, p. 364. ISBN 0-7869-2944-8.
  51. R.A. Salvatore, Michael Leger, Douglas Niles (1992). Menzoberranzan (The Houses). Edited by Karen S. Boomgarden. (TSR, Inc), p. 44. ISBN 1-5607-6460-0.
  52. R.A. Salvatore (August 1995). Siege of Darkness. (TSR, Inc), p. 324. ISBN 1-7869-0164-0.
  53. Richard Baker (May 2003). Condemnation. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 18, pp. 329–330. ISBN 0786932023.
  54. Philip Athans (August 2005). Annihilation. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 3. ISBN 0-7869-3752-1.
  55. Lisa Smedman (February 2005). Extinction. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 24, p. 244. ISBN 0-7869-3596-0.
  56. R.A. Salvatore, Michael Leger, Douglas Niles (1992). Menzoberranzan (The Houses). Edited by Karen S. Boomgarden. (TSR, Inc), p. 18. ISBN 1-5607-6460-0.
  57. Lisa Smedman (February 2005). Extinction. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 8, p. 79. ISBN 0-7869-3596-0.
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