Menzoberranzan, often referred to as the City of Spiders, is one of the largest and most significant drow settlements located in the Underdark, an extensive, subterranean network of interconnected caverns and tunnels within the planet.
The city is known for being the home of Drizzt Do’Urden, a famous character in Forgotten Realms lore, who was created by the American author R. A. Salvatore.
Menzoberranzan is ruled by a council of Matron Mothers from the most powerful houses, with House Baenre traditionally holding the position of the first house for centuries.
The society is matriarchal, with female drow holding all positions of power and reverence, most of whom worship the spider goddess Lolth.
The city is not only a political center but also a center of learning and religion. The Academy of Menzoberranzan, which includes Sorcere (school of wizards), Arach-Tinilith (school for priestesses of Lolth), and Melee-Magthere (school for fighters), plays a crucial role in the education of the drow youth.