Homebrew Drow Species Details
“I’d never imagined I could be so terrified yet at the same time so captivated,” Wiseglade said softly, with shackles around his wrists. The very hand in front of his face could barely be seen through the thick blanket of mist filled darkness that surrounded the travelers as the intimidating Drow soldiers led them to their homeland deep in the caverns of The Nether.
Four slender spires rose from the city’s corners like glistening spindles, their glossy black marbled walls lit by massive torches atop each one. Graceful yet ominous arches, swooping from spire to spire, soared through the air. Crafted by the labor of whomever the Drow could capture to add to their slave ranks, they were strong enough to hold the weight of an army, and imposing enough to make one think twice before trying to attack it. The high cavern walls and ceilings held it’s people willing prisoners in it’s shadowy depths — the aura of the people’s hatred practically oozing from the cities core.
— Beatrice & Howard Wiseglade, Tales of the Nether
Drow are startling at first glance, and are no less so on the inside. They (for good reason) are widely known as a malice filled people, who’s ambition is driven by their hatred for the outside world, and by greed leading them to even have no loyalties to even each other — many times stepping on the heels of their fellow brothers in a heartbeat if it meant the individual would benefit from it.
Aside from their morals, (or lack thereof) their practices are also a factor in Drow being more than just a little unwelcome in the circles of surface dwellers. It’s no secret that Drow are devout users of black magic, far more than just dabbling in the dark arts and all the blood magic, ritualistic humanoid sacrifices, and demon pacts that go along with it.
Hauntingly Beautiful
With their dark, angular features, and a permanent scowl on their face, Drow are intimidatingly beautiful. Even though most would agree that they’re frightened, something about the dark elves’ beauty just won’t let them look away. They are the same size as humans, ranging from 5 feet tall to well over 6 feet. They are more slender than humans, weighing only 100 to 145 pounds. Males and females are about the same height, and males are only marginally heavier than females.
Dark Elves’ pupils are usually red, black, or yellow, though in some more uncommon cases there have been dark elves born with green, blue, or even no pupil at all, — just a completely black void. Hair can be any shade ranging from black, gray, silver, or white. Skin coloration also includes anywhere from pure black to different shades of gray and silver, though there have been rare cases in history of Drow children being born with porcelain white skin. While possible, it’s so rare that two drow with this trait have never been alive at the same time. These individuals are usually put on a pedestal by the Drow elders, believed to be a gift from Lolth with a higher purpose. Like normal elves, Drow have no facial and little body hair. They favor dark yet elegant clothing, usually in the color black, and they enjoy extravagant crowns and other jewelry that looks more like weaponry than accessories, and could probably be used as such if needed.
A Closer Look At Drow Culture
All Elves, including Drow can live well over 700 years in their own underground sanctuary away from the rest of the world. They spend the majority of this time indulging in whatever hedonistic pleasures their hearts may desire. More than anything, they want wealth and power, feeling as though it’s their right to take it from whoever they want since it was taken from them by the other elves so long ago. They are temperamental and often seek out violence, finding amusement in causing whatever chaos they can. Drow are haughty people, but make no mistake, do not lack the skills to back up their feelings of superiority. They are ambitious and will do anything it takes to achieve their goals with flawless precision. They are quick to aneed, and even quicker to carry out their revenge for being wronged.
Drow trust no one, and in return, no one trusts them. When any kingdoms are brave, or in most cases, desperate enough to seek an alliance with the Drow, it goes without saying they must be prepared to have their backs stabbed at any given moment. Drow are only loyal to those who will benefit them in some way for as long as it will do so, and no longer. Of course, they could be slaughtered for stepping foot in Drow territory before they even have the chance to ask if the Queen sees fit — even if’s for no other reason than her own entertainment.
Drow will usually prefer death than backing down from a fight, though that’s usually not necessary, since Drow’s martial expertise paired with their dirty fighting tactics almost always grant them the victory in whatever battle they wisely choose.
Thriving in Exile
The Drow were driven out of their homeland with the rest of the elves thousands of years ago, but they refused to give in and die out. They instead made a home for themselves deep within the many underground passageways under the surface world where they have not only adapted to their new surroundings, but thrived there. Their main city is a sprawling metropolis of black marble in a massive underground cavern. Their location was chosen perfectly for their dealings with the thieves guild, and whatever other shady organizations that may operate underground, away from the ever watching eyes of the laws of the land.
The few Drow who do choose to stray from their homes usually work as thieves, assassins, smugglers, or bounty hunters. Even if they wanted to do something more legal, Drow are not generally welcome by the common masses, and so being the easier option, a more disreputable job is usually the way to go for a wandering dark elf.
UNWAVERINGLY RUTHLESS
Dark elves didn’t build the empire they now reside in by the the sweat of their own brow. On the occasion that they decide not to murder every citizen of whatever farm town they decide to pillage, they take the not so lucky survivors back to the underground, and force them to join the ranks others kidnapped just like them as Drow slave laborers. This, among other things has bred fear into the hearts of the surface dwellers concerning the Drow.
Dwarves. “While there’s not much good to say about their kind, a Drow is always true to his word in at least one regard. When he says he’s going to kill you, you may as well start planning your funeral. Not that that’s a good thing, but it’s damn well all I could think of ”
Halflings. “Drow? Never met one, and I hope I never am able to give you an opinion from personal experience.”
Humans. “Fascinating aren’t they? So secretive too… you could go an entire lifetime and never cross paths with one. Part of me wants to explore that city of theirs, while the other wants to keep my head. Ahhh… I suppose my curiosity will have to go unquenched.”
Elf Names
Elves are considered children until they declare themselves adults, some time after the hundredth birthday, and before this period they are called by child names.
Of the many differences in practice between Drow and elf kind over the years, names are one of the few things that have remained the same. Once reaching their declaration of adulthood, an elf selects their adult name, although those who knew him or her as a child might continue to use the birth name. Each elf’s adult name is a unique creation, though it might reflect the names of respected individuals or other family members. Little distinction exists between male names and female names; the groupings here reflect only general tendencies. In addition, every elf bears a family name, typically a combination of other Elvish words. Some elves traveling among humans translate their family names into Common, but others retain the Elvish version. The only difference in Drow naming, is reserved for very special dark elves that have been recognized by the elders, and sometimes even by Lolth herself. These elves are given a name by whatever authority has deemed them worthy, and this is considered an honor.
Child Names: Erei, Viha, Dei, Ilo, Fenr, Innol, Loa, Meln, Noi, Naerix, Kyrn, Raen, Rem, Saih, Sylvin, Thiia, Voln
Male Adult Names: Aknos, Aeggu, Aendath, Alron, Amliel, Bhinzehu, Bylvon, Culrik, Ervass, Enefri, Evish’ron, G’emdradh, Halmuth, Honderi, Himov’en, Ilnari, Isimvo, Lerodhien, Murkarth, Phobien, Panephias, Quarukho, Rosolu, Rholend, Syvil, Thandmor, Thymdyrn, Tiervis, Vamthor
Female Adult Names: Adra, Altha, Anastaria, Andraste, Apothra, Bethrynna, Birel, Caelynn, Daethmir, Ennya, Fenrir, Illia, Jassnara, Keyrnin, Leshan , Liea, Marienna, Mhy’lei, Navarra, Qhobithri, Quallia, Sadneir, Shiverra, Shavessa, Serrana, Thedria, Thea, Ula, Vardesha, Valanthra, Xania
Family Names (Common Translations): Amakiir (Gemflower), Amastacia (Starflower), Galanodel (Moonwhisper), Holimion (Diamonddew), Ilphelkiir (Gemblossom), Liadon (Silverfrond), Meliamne (Oakenheel), Naïlo (Nightbreeze), Siannodel (Moonbrook), Xiloscient (Goldpetal)
Subrace
Ancient divides among the elven people resulted in three main subraces: high elves, wood elves, and dark elves, who are commonly called drow. Choose one of the two subraces presented below or one from another source. In some worlds, these subraces are divided still further (such as the sun elves and moon elves of the Forgotten Realms), so if you wish, you can choose a narrower subrace.
THE DARKNESS OF THE DROW
Were it not for one renowned exception, the race of drow would be universally reviled. To most, they are a race of demon-worshiping 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 favor of Lolth, their spider-goddess, who sanctions murder and the extermination of entire families as noble houses vie for position.
Yet one drow, at least, broke the mold. In the world of the Forgotten Realms, Drizzt Do’Urden, ranger of the North, has proven his quality as a good-hearted defender of the weak and innocent. Rejecting his heritage and adrift in a world that looks upon him with terror and loathing, Drizzt is a model for those few drow who follow in his footsteps, trying to find a life apart from the evil society of their Underdark homes.
Drow grow 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
Your elf character has a variety of natural abilities, the result of thousands of years of elven refinement.Ability Score Increase
Your Dexterity score increases by 2.
Age
Although elves reach physical maturity at about the same age as humans, the elven understanding of adulthood goes beyond physical growth to encompass worldly experience. An elf typically claims adulthood and an adult name around the age of 100 and can live to be 750 years old.
Alignment
The drow are an exception to the rule that elves are mostly benevolent, merciful creatures; their exile into the Underdark has made them vicious and dangerous. Drow are more often evil than not, preferring practices such as enslavement and blood sacrifice in service to their goddess of the underworld, Lolth.
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 feet.
Superior Darkvision
Accustomed to underground caverns for all your life, you have flawless vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in even pitch black as if it were broad daylight, giving you great advantage over other races in poorly lit situations.
Drow Pedigree
You have proficiency in the Perception and Intimidation skills.
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.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common, Undercommon 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. Meanwhile under common is the shared language of thieves, drow, and all other likes of scoundrel that may need a common tongue to discuss their shady dealings with each other without needing to worry about prying eyes and ears intruding in their business.
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