The Legion of the Crimson Flame
One of the most dangerous jobs within elven society is that of a ranger in the deep reaches, one who keeps the borders of the Underhollow safe and who roves into the deep reaches to scout or search for rare resources: one of the Legion of the Crimson Flame. Recruits can come from all walks of Underhollow life and, because the job is so important to the security and safety of the Underhollow, can rise sharply in caste if they distinguish themselves. In recent years with the reappearance of the oura’thir, a major effort has been made to recruit those blessed with a companion.
This makes it an attractive option for members of the lower castes with ambition. Some are attracted to the perceived glamor and nobility of the rugged and dangerous work. Still others are convicted criminals; keeping a watch on the borders is such a dangerous occupation that it is sometimes offered as an alternative to execution or exile.
Nobles often join the ranks to prove themselves, especially members of families with a military background. This is a relatively common choice for third- or fourth-born who are unlikely to see any substantial inheritence, and it's not unheard of for an individual to rise through the ranks in the Legion, retire a decorated hero, and found an entirely new noble line on the fame and fortune they earned in service.
The Order of the Crimson Flame are primarily scouts. They serve as such in wartime, but in peacetime (as the Underhollow is currently enjoying) they can range far afield (much farther than any other Underhollow citizen or even the rangers) to find resources for the Underhollow, keep tabs on threats be they creatures of the caverns or enemies of the elves, and raid distant settlements for supplies. Close to home, they can investigate dangerous situations, protect high-priority people and goods, and help keep the peace.
Joining the Legion isn't difficult- there are recruiting offices in several districts, and in the major settlements of the Underhollow. The recruit simply shows up, passes a physical in a vague attempt to make sure basic training won't kill her, fills out some paperwork, and gets fitted for her uniform and kit. Lying about who one is and where one is from is something of an accepted tradition, though recruiters do make an attempt to avoid egregious amounts of trouble by accepting escaped criminals or runaway nobility. Most of them do, anyway.
When that process is complete, the recruit is shipped out for basic training which, as a matter of procedure, never happens where she claims to be from. The Legion keeps several bases throughout the Underhollow where recruits can be sent to train.
The Legion is a motley lot. Most all of them are fighters of some stripe; the brass does attempt to make sure that all of their members at least know which end of a sword to hold. But the... irregularity of the recruiting process and the nature of the job itself means that a great deal of leeway has to be given.
Some general roles that a drow might find themselves occupying withing the Legion are below, but this is by no means an exhaustive list.
Enlisted:
Even a rank-and-file ranger commands a great deal of respect and interest from the general populace of the Underhollow (Some people just love a man or woman in uniform). It's your job to keep up with the presentability and repair of your kit, and to go and do as you are told by your officers. In times of war, you're a frontline fighter. In times of peace, you're who is sent to deal with trouble when it crops up, or on patrol to see that it doesn't.
Officer:
Oh, the most thankless of jobs. There are several ranks within the Legion, ranging from Private on up to General, but most who serve are among the enlisted ranks (Private through Warrant Officer.) It is their task to make sure the rank-and-file are fed, clothed, and where they are supposed to be, doing what they are supposed to be doing. Generally one achieves this status have done something to distinguish themselves, though some of them regret having done so.
Medic:
Some particularly dedicated or talented individuals in the Legion pursue the path of the healer. Any recruit with a talent for healing magic is strongly encouraged to join this division.
Magus:
Those gifted in more destructive magics are particularly valued, and this is especially truewhen paired with an oura’thir that can keep them safe while they cast their spells. Indeed, there isn't much that will make a mob of goblins wet themselves and flee faster than an oura’thir whose keeper is flinging fireballs. Because this particular style of fighting requires a slightly different training regimen, mages with oura’thir who are recruited into the Legion are most often gathered into one detachment, but may be assigned singly or in small groups to patrols of non-magically-inclined soldiers.
