Elzear’bith is an *idiot*. If she could play the long, subtle game, she could expand her influence beyond Black Mountain by doing occasional favors for the "good" people that she can cash in later. Furthermore, there are plenty of evil types on the surface that would appreciate such plays and they could be tempted into worshiping Lolth. Lolth herself wouldn’t likely hold these surface worshipers in high regard… but more worshipers is more power and more potential for chaos.
Is the Drow Queen referencing "Puff" or is it just coincidence?
Well, the *author* is certainly dropping that reference. Not sure the phrasing means much to the characters themselves.
Elzear’bith is an *idiot*. If she could play the long, subtle game, she could expand her influence beyond Black Mountain by doing occasional favors for the "good" people that she can cash in later. Furthermore, there are plenty of evil types on the surface that would appreciate such plays and they could be tempted into worshiping Lolth. Lolth herself wouldn’t likely hold these surface worshipers in high regard… but more worshipers is more power and more potential for chaos.