Drow

The Drow, or Umbrari in the old tongue, are a reclusive and formidable subrace of elves who dwell in the shadowed under-realms of Aigusyl, far beneath the surface lands touched by sunlight. Born of ancient elven bloodlines but shaped by a covenant with older, darker powers during The Fracture War, the Drow embody the harsh beauty and peril of subterranean life.

With obsidian skin, silver or white hair, and eyes like burning amethysts or pools of pitch, the Drow are as striking as they are secretive. Their grace rivals that of their surface kin, but is tempered by a culture forged in eternal twilight, where strength, cunning, and loyalty to one’s House determine survival. Their cities—hewn from black stone and glowing crystal—hang from cavern ceilings or rise like thorns from the abyssal deeps. Great metropolises like Vael’thoryss and Nyr’Khalas are wonders of arcane architecture and deadly intrigue.

Drow society is structured around powerful noble houses, matriarchal in nature, each vying for divine favor and political dominance. Many still revere ancient spider-goddesses, forgotten abyssal entities, or shadowborn spirits from before the Aether Accord. While some Drow have turned to surface gods, many cling to the old covenants, believing their survival and sovereignty are tied to honoring these darker pacts.

Despite their feared reputation, Drow are not inherently evil. They are complex and diverse—pragmatic, proud, and fiercely loyal to kin and kind. Among them are scholars of deep magic, blade dancers of terrifying elegance, seers who read the echoes of stone, and rebels who seek a different path under the starlit world above. Though many surface dwellers distrust them, those who earn a Drow’s respect find an ally of unshakable will.

The Drow’s relationship with other elves is strained—viewed with suspicion, disdain, or fear. Yet some surface Elf lineages remember when they and the Drow were one people, before the ancient rift carved them apart. Whispers persist of a future prophecy—a reunification under a twilight crown, where sun and shadow might walk side by side once more.

Until then, the Drow remain in the depths—watching, waiting, and weaving their fate in silence.

Basic Information

Growth Rate & Stages

Mature ~100 years old

Behaviour

Drow that follow their society's norms often see other species as lesser beings.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Drow have an incredibly powerful darkvision as well as keen senses.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Drow are a matriarch-driven society. Often choosing women for positions of power over men.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Demon
• Elf

Genetic Descendants

• Weaver

Scientific Name

Feaus sapiens demonus

Lifespan

~750 years

Geographic Distribution

• The Underdark

PHB

Drow

HUMANOID

Drow Traits

Size: Medium (5-6ft)

Speed: 30ft

As a Drow, you have these special traits.

Darkvision

You have Darkvision with a range of 120 feet.

Elven Lineage

You are part of a lineage that grants you supernatural abilities. You know the Dancing Lights cantrip.

When you reach character levels 3 you learn the Faerie Fire spell and at level 5 you learn the Darkness spell, you learn a higher-level spell, as shown on the table. You always have those spells prepared. You can cast it once without a spell slot, and you regain the ability to cast it in that way when you finish a Long Rest. You can also cast the spell using any spell slots you have of the appropriate level.

Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for the spells you cast with this trait.

Fey Ancestry

You have Advantage on saving throws you make to avoid or end the Charmed condition.

Keen Senses

You have proficiency in the Insight, Perception, or Survival skill.

Trance

You don’t need to sleep, and magic can’t put you to sleep. You can finish a Long Rest in 4 hours if you spend those hours in a trancelike meditation, during which you retain consciousness.