Mages in Drow society

[Quecty]

Anyone curious about the way arcane magic seems to be viewed among the Drow?Talking to,say,one of the merchants in the Ust Natha bazaar,occasionally uses the audio dialogue "The path to supremacy for a male lies either in the bedchamber,or the books of the mages."

Also,if,say Nalia or Imoen talk to the Drow wizard outside Deirex's tower,he says "...I have never heard of a Drow female mage before.I must be mistaken...".It's also indicated that there's a guild of some sort for mages in Ust Natha (for men only?).

Seems strange that,seeing as only women are allowed in the priesthood,that they wouldn't reserve use of arcane magic for themselves as well,or take up the art (men are permitted to serve in the temple only as guards).

[Nippy]

I think it actually applies to the charming of people using spells to advance oneselves in the eyes of others. Only an idea.

[fable]

Seems strange that,seeing as only women are allowed in the priesthood,that they wouldn't reserve use of arcane magic for themselves as well,or take up the art (men are permitted to serve in the temple only as guards).

But that argues from a magic-centric position, one which implies magic is of great power. I suspect the Drows would reply that the gods they worship, particularly their spider goddess, grant much greater power. And they'd point to their history, and the vicious successes they've had against other races, as proof of this.

[beaver_cheese]

Any of you read R.A.Salvatore's books? Or fought against Drizzt, perhaps? Drow have very high magic resistance, so mages aren't as tough in a drow society as they would be elsewhere. Priestesses, on the other hand, are supposed to have those snake-head whips, so they can melee when needed.