Drizzt Do'Urden was born in the vast Drow city of Menzoberranzan, one of the most beautiful sights of the Underdark. Those not of the drow who have seen the city never live to tell of it's breathtaking splendour or the wonders they have seen.
Menzoberranzan, like all the other Drow cities, is ruled by the Matron Mothers of the eight most powerful families within the city. These Matron Mothers are powerful clerics of Lloth the Spider Queen, their evil deity and they rule in her name. They answer only to Lloth and their rule is absolute.
Drizzt was born on the day that House Do'Urden ascended into this hierarchy by eliminating House DeVir, a rival house. As the third born son of Matron Malice, Drizzt was to be sacrificed to Lloth to guarantee victory.
During the battle Drizzt's older brother, Dinin, assassinated House Do'Urden's eldest boy and wizard, Nalfein. Lloth now had her sacrifice to ensure victory and Drizzt was spared. Matron Malice now resided on the ruling council, as was Lloth's will and House Do'Urden had naver known such power!
The ensuing years were hard on Drizzt as he was under the ever present watch of his three older sisters, Briza, Maya and Vierna, all powerful clerics of Lloth, and wrong doings were always rewarded with the bite from the multi-headed snake whips. Upon coming of age Drizzt was trained by the finest Weapon Master in Menzoberranzan - Zaknafein Do'Urden. The camaraderie between Drizzt and Zaknafein quickly developed as both seemed to look at the world of the Drow through the same eyes. Eyes that questioned all the beliefs that were held so dear to the dark elves. Both had honour and ethics that sounded like an insult to the malevolent ways of the Drow. Little did Drizzt know that Zaknafein was actually his father and shared his views about the Drow but had never had the courage to forsake his people and their evil ways.
Drizzt spent a number of years at the three Academies in menzoberranzan to learn the skills needed by all Drow. Although he received training at Sorcere and Arach Tinilith, most of his training was at Melee Magthere, the fighters guild. He excelled himself, wielding his two scimitars in hypnotic poetry and quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest swordsman in Menzoberranzan.
Soon Drizzt began to patrol the borders of Menzoberranzan like the other young Drow warriors of Melee-Magthere. Drizzt always took point on these patrols into the Underdark, along with Guenhwyvar a magical panther summoned by another student, Masoj Hun'ett, a powerful wizard from a rival family. Drizzt and Guenhwyvar complimented each other's fighting style perfectly. They fought as one and vanquished many foes. Masoj Hun'ett had only ever used the magnificent animal to serve his darkest goals.
On one daring night-time raid to the surface Drizzt finally came to understand the truth and horror of his people. The patrol came across a group of unarmed elves singing and dancing and slaughtered all of them, including females and children. Drizzt held true to his beliefs and showed his compassion by sparing the life of a child by hiding her beneath the body of her slain mother.
This action brought House Do'Urden into disfavour with Lloth. After finding out about Drizzt's deceit, Matron Malice decided to sacrifice Zaknafein to her Queen. He went willingly, paying for the supposed sins of Drizzt and hoping that his son would be spared. Matron Malice hoped that by removing the influence of Zaknafein, Drizzt would at last succumb to the evil ways of the Drow. The sacrifice of Zaknafein happened while Drizzt was out in the tunnels of the Underdark and upon his return to Menzoberranzan, Masoj Hun'ett tried to kill Drizzt by using Guenhwyvar. The panther refused to kill his friend and Drizzt was forced to kill Masoj in self defence. When Drizzt discovered what had happened to his father, he took Guenhwyvar with him and fled from Menzoberranzan into the Underdark and self imposed exile.
