Homebrew Drow Species Details

Another prominent core of drow society is sexism and matriarchal rule. Male drow is perceived as worthless and all positions of power within drow communities are held by females. Male drow lives at the whims of their female superiors and can be legally killed in the same vein as putting down a pet. This culture is so oppressive of its men that many of the “good” rebel drow are male, seeking merely to escape from the persecution of matrons that would have them put down if they stayed.

In many ways, the drow resembled other elves. Their bodies were wiry and athletic, while their faces were chiselled and attractive, though they were shorter and thinner than other elven sub-races. Due to a process of selective breeding that lasted for several generations, the drow (especially nobles)looked attractive even in comparison to other elven subraces. Though their alluring appearance could be used for seduction, it was more often utilized to instil fear.

Were it not for one renowned exception, the race of drow would be universally reviled. To most, they are a race of demon-worshipping marauders dwelling in the subterranean depths of the Underdark, emerging only on the blackest nights to pillage and slaughter the surface dwellers they despise. Their society is depraved and preoccupied with the favour of Lolth, their spider-goddess, who sanctions murder and the extermination of entire families as noble houses vie for position.

Drow grows up believing that surface-dwelling races are inferior, worthless except as slaves. Drow who develop a conscience or find it necessary to cooperate with members of other races find it hard to overcome that prejudice, especially when they are so often on the receiving end of hatred.

Drow Traits

Drows have charcoal or obsidian coloured skin, and white is the most common hair color among drow, but almost any pale shade is possible. Drow tend to be smaller and thinner than other sorts of elves, and their eyes are often a vivid red.

Superior Darkvision

Accustomed to twilit forests and the night sky, 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 colour in darkness, only shades of grey.

Ability Score Increase

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

Keen Sense

You have proficiency in the Perception skill

Fey Ancestry

You have an 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.

Drow Magic

You know the dancing lights cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the faerie fire spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so 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.

Language

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.