Houndaer Tuin'Tarl

Houndear Tuin'Tarl was a former member of House Tuin'Tarl who learned about the Silence of Lolth and conspired to use the weakness of the priestesses to take over Menzoberranzan.

Description
Houndear wore rich silks and velvet garments, and had numerous magical charms and trinkets on his person. In his long, thick hair he wore crystals. He had close-set eyes and a prominent jaw.

History
Houndear was born to House Tuin'Tarl at an unknown date. At some point, he trained at Melee-Magthere under Ryld Argith and was proficient enough so that Ryld remembered him many years later. Dissatisfied with his place in life, and with the role of males in drow society in general, he joined a group of like-minded individuals who would meet from time to time in a abandoned fortress. One day, he witnessed priestesses die fighting gricks in the Bauthwaf when they should have been able to save themselves with their magic. Realizing what this could mean, Houndear and his co-conspirators attacked some priestesses to see what they would do and confirmed their suspicions. After this, he and the others took up permanent residence in the abandoned fortress and became renegades. Along with the Alhoon Syrzan, he formulated a plan to take over Menzoberranzen by inciting a slave revolt, assassinating powerful priestesses, and eventually replacing them as the rulers of the city.

Synopsis
In Dissolution, the first book of the War of the Spider Queen series, Houndear appears to Pharaun Mizzrym and Ryld Argith after they attack a Tier Breche patrol. He invites them to join his group, thinking that they were also upset with the balance of power in Menzoberranzan, and they agree. He explains his whole plan to them before Syrzan arrives and reveals that the two were intending to report back to the council.

Houndear has the two imprisoned and takes Ryld's greatsword, Splitter.The two manage to escape, however, and Houndear and his forces search the fortress for them. Eventually he stumbles upon Ryld in a meditative trance. Ryld wakes up and engages Houndear and his men, overwhelming them easily due to his heightened state. Realizing that all is lost, Houndear drops Splitter and surrenders himself to death.