Homebrew Abyssal Drow Species Details

The Abyssal Drow are a fearsome and enigmatic hybrid species, blending the cunning and grace of the drow with the unrelenting power and cruelty of demons from the Seven Hells. Their existence is the result of dark unions forged by drow matriarchs who sought to harness infernal might to dominate the Underdark. This dual heritage makes Abyssal Drow a living embodiment of shadows and flame, wielding abilities born of both their fiendish and elven bloodlines.

Physical Characteristics

Abyssal Drow possess a striking and otherworldly appearance. Their deep ebony or ashen gray skin is often marred by subtle infernal markings, such as faint glowing lines or infernal runes that pulse with energy. They inherit horns of varying shapes, from subtle nubs to elegant curves, and their glowing eyes—ranging from fiery oranges to spectral violets—betray their infernal nature. Their ethereal beauty is matched only by the aura of danger they exude, marking them as both alluring and perilous.

• Skin: Dark tones like deep ebony or dark gray, occasionally with faint red, violet, or purple undertones. Some bear infernal sigils or markings that glow when they use their abilities.
• Eyes: Fiery shades (red, orange, gold) or glowing violet, reflecting their infernal heritage.
• Hair: White, silver, or jet black, with streaks of crimson, lavender, or gold that hint at their demonic bloodline.
• Horns: Small to medium horns, curving slightly backward or upward, often blending seamlessly with their aesthetic.
• Ears: Pointed and elegant, maintaining their drow ancestry.
• Other: Some may have small patches of scales, claws, or a faint infernal glow on their hands or feet.
• Size: Medium.
• Speed: 30 feet.

Origins & Society

Abyssal Drow are often seen as either cursed or blessed, depending on one's perspective. Born from dark pacts between drow priestesses and infernal lords, they were initially created as elite warriors and assassins to enforce the will of their Lolth-worshiping kin. However, their dual nature—part drow, part fiend—led to divisions within drow society. Some matriarchs see them as prized champions, while others view them as abominations that threaten the purity of their lineage.

Most Abyssal Drow live on the fringes of drow civilization, forming their own isolated enclaves known as Houses of the Hellborn, where infernal lineage dictates status and power. These societies are divided between those who embrace their fiendish nature and those who fear the corruption of their blood. Some rise to positions of power within traditional drow cities, serving as enforcers or demonic emissaries, while others are exiled, forced to carve out their own place in the Underdark—or the surface world.

Cultural Practices

• Ritual Branding: Many Abyssal Drow undergo painful rites to enhance their infernal markings, signifying their rank and achievements. These sigils glow when they invoke their powers.
• Infernal Contracts: Some Abyssal Drow continue their ancestors’ legacy by forging personal pacts with devils, gaining whispered guidance or visions that shape their fate.
• Houses of Fire & Shadow: Their societies are split between those who embrace their infernal heritage and seek to dominate the drow underworld, and those who reject it, fearing that their demonic blood will consume their souls.

Common Alignments

Abyssal Drow tend toward Neutral Evil, Chaotic Evil, or Lawful Evil, as their infernal bloodline often drives them toward ambition, cruelty, or conquest. However, some defy their heritage and lean toward Neutral or even Chaotic Neutral, seeking freedom from the expectations placed upon them. Very few are Good, though rare individuals struggle against their darker instincts.

Common Faiths

Most Abyssal Drow follow the darker deities of their heritage:

• Lolth, the Spider Queen – Worshiped by those who remain in drow society, often as priestesses or assassins.
• Asmodeus, Lord of the Nine Hells – Followed by those who seek power through infernal bargains.
• Mephistopheles, the Lord of Hellfire – Favored by warlocks and magic users who wield hellfire and dark sorcery.
• Bhaal, the Lord of Murder – Revered by assassins and those who embrace bloodshed.
• Shar, the Mistress of the Night – Some, particularly those exiled from drow society, turn to Shar for solace in their shadowed existence.

A rare few Abyssal Drow reject the darkness within them and seek out gods of redemption and light, though they are often distrusted by their own kind.

Age: 

Abyssal Drow mature at the same rate as regular drow, reaching adulthood around 100 years of age. However, their infernal heritage grants them extended lifespans, often living up to 1,000 years.

Size

• Abyssal Drow are similar in build to other elves, standing between 5 to 6 feet tall and weighing 100 to 170 pounds.
• Your size is Medium.

Speed

• Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

 

Abyssal Drow Traits

The Abyssal Drow inherit abilities from both their demonic and drow lineage, making them versatile and potent individuals.

Hellborn Shadows

Abyssal Drow are the result of ancient, forbidden unions between drow and the infernal denizens of the Seven Hells. This duality is at the core of their existence, granting them a blend of shadowy agility and hellish resilience. They move like whispers in the dark, yet strike with the ferocity of a raging inferno.

Their natural connection to both the Weave and infernal energies allows them to call upon unique powers. From weaving lightless illusions to summoning hellfire, Abyssal Drow navigate the world with an aura of elegance and danger, making them unpredictable and formidable allies—or adversaries.

Ability Score Increases:

Your Dexterity score increases by 2. Your Charisma score increases by 1.

Darkvision:

Accustomed to life in the Underdark, you have superior darkvision. 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. Unlike standard darkvision, your vision is not limited to shades of gray—you can perceive faint hues in darkness.

Hellborn Shadows:

You have an innate affinity for both the darkness of the Underdark and the fires of the Hells. You know the Thaumaturgy cantrip. At 2nd level, you can cast Hellish Rebuke as a 1st-level spell once per long rest. At 6th level, you can cast Crown of Madness once per long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Fiendish Resilience:

Your infernal bloodline grants you resistance to fire damage.

Demonic Ancestry:

Your lineage shields you from effects that would manipulate your mind. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.

Sunlight Sensitivity:

You have disadvantage on attack rolls and 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.

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Heritage Options

Abyssal Drow inherit different aspects of their infernal lineage. At 1st level, choose one of the following heritages, representing the fiendish influence within your bloodline.

Wings of the Hellborn

Your infernal ancestry has gifted you with dark, bat-like wings. You have a flying speed of 30 feet while you are not wearing heavy armor. Your wings blend into your form, folding seamlessly against your back when at rest.

Claws of the Abyss

Your hands bear razor-sharp claws, remnants of your fiendish heritage. Your claws are natural weapons, dealing 1d6 slashing damage. Additionally, once per turn when you hit a creature with your claws, you can channel your abyssal fury, dealing extra necrotic damage equal to your proficiency bonus.

Infernal Sigils

Your body is inscribed with glowing infernal runes, pulsing with hellish energy. These sigils grant you the ability to manifest their power in combat. When you deal fire or necrotic damage with a spell or attack, you can cause the damage to ignore resistance once per short or long rest. Additionally, when you take damage, you can use your reaction to flare your sigils, forcing all creatures within 10 feet of you to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier) or become frightened of you until the end of your next turn.