Homebrew Dark Elf (Drow) Species Details

Amidst the haunting glow of the Underdark, where shadows cling to the walls like silent specters, a drow carefully observes from the chasm's edge. Jagged rock formations jutted from the rocky terrain. The natural luminescence revealed scars on the cavern walls, silent witnesses to a war waged beneath the surface. Dark elven architecture, once proud, now lay in ruins, a testament to the tragedy that has befallen this dark domain. Nearby, the companion absorbed the heavy silence, patiently waiting for a response.

"The aftermath of battle does not resonate cries, nor screams... for the dead seek nothing more." The quiet words lingered, then swallowed by the somber expanse. With nothing left to say, they continued forward.

— E. B., Beneath All & Above Nothing

Drow are a race of captivating darkness, residing in the shadowed depths of the Underdark—a realm both perilous and enchanting. Their cities, carved into the subterranean stone, boast an eerie beauty amidst the perpetual twilight. In this light-starved domain, where silence echoes louder than words, drow navigate a society marked by intricate webs of intrigue and power, driven by an unyielding ethos that scorns weakness and embraces strength.

Enigmatic and Alluring

Drow, in stark contrast to their surface-dwelling Elven kin, exude an otherworldly allure with a captivating and mysterious appearance. Slightly shorter than humans on average, ranging from well under 5 feet tall to just over 6 feet, drow possess a lithe and graceful build that sets them apart. They are more slender than humans, with a weight ranging from 100 to 145 pounds. Notably, there is minimal variation in height and weight between males and females, emphasizing their uniformity in physical stature.

Drow exhibit a wide array of skin tones, including dark grey, jet-black, and obsidian, often accentuated with various shades of blue, reflective of their Underdark origins. Their striking features extend to eyes that gleam in captivating hues of lavender or red. Drow possess no facial and minimal body hair. In the shadowed folds of the Underdark, drow don clothing that seamlessly blends the practicality of their environment with a touch of refined allure. Adorned with symbols echoing their subterranean heritage, each garment becomes a silent declaration—a tapestry weaving together both function and elegance. Each choice in their attire whispers of the strategic decisions made for the looming challenges of survival in the depths below.

The Endless Desolation

With a lifespan surpassing 700 years in relation to their Elven kin, drow possess a unique and complex perspective molded by the shadowed depths of the Underdark. Drow exhibit an oscillating nature between neutrality and malevolence. Scarce in amusement and with curiosity tinged by a more sinister undertone, they remain unfazed by the world's trivialities. Slow to form connections, they harbor long memories and respond to insults with disdain or vengeance—reflecting the intricate dynamics of power within their society.

In stark contrast to the flexible and diplomatic approach of surface elves, drow are known for a more ominous reputation. Violence is not merely a last resort for them but a readily wielded tool for dominance. Distrust, a natural consequence of the perilous environment, permeates their interactions, as survival often depends on suspicion. Drow do not retreat but confront challenges head-on, showcasing martial prowess tempered in the harsh crucible of the Underdark. Proficient in both the sword and bow, they employ not just physical skill but also a keen strategic sense, adding a shadowed sophistication to their martial endeavors.

Outsiders and Death

Encountering a drow is unlikely without stepping foot into the Underdark. Drow hunt and grow food amidst the confined depths. Slavery is a common practice among drow and they are indifferent to what species can be enslaved, yet they believe their own race to be superior to others. A society built on a strict hierarchy enhances the belief in concerning one's self with their own strengths and power. Contact with drow civilization is extremely rare and very limited due to little to no communication with the Underdark.

If a drow is discovered outside of their own lands, interaction will very likely be met with violence. Majority of drow-kind are Lolth-sworn and will eradicate those who don't follow their Queen of Spiders. On the rare occasion of encountering a drow not sworn, one should still remain vigilant for drow are cautious by hostility.

The Perilous War

Drow are imprisoned by an ongoing war both internally and externally to their domain. In the aftermath of the Crown wars, Lolth had corrupted dark elven kind creating the traitorous drow that exist currently. The shifting struggle for power in the Underdark has led to a never-ending conflict between Lolth-sworn and Seldarine drow. Occupied with survival and combat, dark elves rarely escape the Underdark in pursuit of adventure or other unnecessary feats.

INDIFFERENT AND CAUTIOUS

Drow are very indifferent of non-drow due to their few affiliations with others. Although they have little relation to outsiders, they are cautious and combat ready when facing the unknown.

Deep Gnomes. “Only the weak endure simple labor. Deep Gnomes prove useful in this regard, yet their capacity for annoyance emerges when discipline falters.”

Duergar. “Choices are stark in our underground domain. Trading with the Duergar isn't a favorable relation, but a necessary one. The thin line between hostility and negotiation shapes our interaction and it isn't uncommon for that line to be crossed.”

Humans. “An assortment of unique and disturbing creatures. Humans are marked by inconsistency in their beliefs, ideals, and priorities. While they may find value in entertainment and excitement, their skills often fall short. It is crucial to remain vigilant around such unpredictable beings for their next act may lead to unfavorable outcomes.”

Drow Names

Drow are considered children until they declare themselves adults, some time after the hundredth birthday, and before this period they are called by child names.

On declaring adulthood, a drow selects an adult name, although those who knew him or her as a youngster might continue to use the child name. Most drow names originate from a given name or family name. Females may share both female and male names, yet it is unusual for a male to have a female drow name. In addition, every drow bears a family name, typically a combination of other Elvish words. Some drow traveling among humans translate their family names into Common, but others retain the drow version.

Child Names: Arae, Aly, Byrr, Char, Elaen, Isa, Kas, Pella, Rau, Shri, Sol, Triel, Umrae, Vesz, Vier, Yas, Zilv

Male Adult Names: Adindorl, Alakd, Antlyn, Barnozz, Belintra, Bhinimar, Chaszirahc, Divdaer, Duratar, Elaugrak, Elkyraen, G'eldzt, Istaghar, Kelvayas, Kronafein, Merlochar, Relonagh, Solfryn, Sornlyn, Tathdrin, Tazaun, Urlryn, Veszkah, Wehldax, Welvrar, Xunvry, Zaknyrr, Zeknolu, Zszton 

Female Adult Names: Akoraer, Alye, Aundia, Balisstra, Charra, Eclavace, Erelvrae, Faerjra, Haeldra, Hounavin, Iivinidria, Ilphwae, Irrxrya, Jysuit, Larmice, Maya, Olorylene, Pellanafae, Phyriia, Rauvda, Sbateyl, Shrithara, Suspoyss, Trielyndra, Umraewyss, Vierssysn, Yasxena, Zebeyzyne, Zilvnitra

Family Names (Common Translations): Aleanervs (Nobledepths), Arkenate (Mageway), Auvryrahel (Bloodgod), Demtor (Abyssmaster), Despund (Spider Kissedvictor), Eilstlar (Mysteryland), Kenana (Nightsworn), Noquett (Sacredmagic), Rilynth (Challengehouse), Zauafin (Webchild)

Dark Elf (Drow) Traits

Your drow character has a variety of natural abilities, forged by thousands of years of Underdark conflictions.

Ability Score Increases

When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one of those scores by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy.

The “Quick Build” section for your character’s class offers suggestions on which scores to increase. You’re free to follow those suggestions or to ignore them. Whichever scores you decide to increase, none of the scores can be raised above 20.

Age

Although drow reach physical maturity at about the same age as humans, the dark elven understanding of adulthood goes beyond physical growth to encompass worldly experience. A drow typically claims adulthood and an adult name around the age of 100 and can live to be 750 years old.

Size

Drow range from under 5 to over 6 feet tall and have slender builds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 ft.

Superior Darkvision

Accustomed to the depths of the Underdark, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 120 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Keen Senses

You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

Fey Ancestry

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep.

Trance

Elves don't need to sleep. Instead, they meditate deeply, remaining semiconscious, for 4 hours a day. (The Common word for such meditation is "trance.") While meditating, you can dream after a fashion; such dreams are actually mental exercises that have become reflexive through years of practice. After resting in this way, you gain the same benefit that a human does from 8 hours of sleep.

Sunlight Sensitivity

You have disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.

Drow Magic

You know the dancing lights cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the faerie fire spell once with this trait; you regain the ability to cast it when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can also cast the darkness spell once per day with this trait; you regain the ability to cast it when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Drow Weapon Training

You have proficiency with rapiers, shortswords, and hand crossbows.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Elvish. Elvish is fluid, with subtle intonations and intricate grammar. Elven literature is rich and varied, and their songs and poems are famous among other races. Many bards learn their language so they can add Elvish ballads to their repertoires