Drow
The Drow, also known as Dark Elves, are a sub-race of elves that are native to the Underdark. They are typically characterized by their blue, grey, or purple skin and pointed ears akin to their surface-dwelling cousins.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Drow are first and foremost a type of elf, which means they have all the stereotypical elven features. Drow tend to be tall and lithe, and almost supernaturally beautiful. Even a drow down on their luck will pull off their rags with grace and dignity.
The main physical distinction between drow and other elves is their skin color. Drow tend to have very dark skin, sometimes reaching a pure charcoal black. Others have a range of dark grey colors, verging on dark bluish hues. You’ll also often see drow depicted with dark purple or even close to lilac skin tones.
Drow eyes can be of literally any color, though bright red is the most common. They’re also commonly very bright or near white in color, which often leads to a misconception that they have purely white eyes with no iris.
Finally, drow hair is usually a very bright color that contrasts with their skin. Silver, pure white, or pale yellow are all common hair colors. They usually wear their hair long and decorate it with pins or webbing in dedication to the spider queen.
Genetics and Reproduction
The drow were believed to be more fecund than the rest of the elves. In truth, their fecundity was the same as that of other elves, but they had a higher readiness to birth as many children as possible during their lifespan. For example, in the evil Lolthite society, on average, a female drow with an active career under her belt gave birth to about ten children before she lost the ability to birth more. However, the constant strife kept their numbers low, dropping their actual rate of population growth to dwarf-like levels.
Additional Information
Social Structure
A prominent core of drow society is sexism and matriarchal rule. Male drow are perceived as worthless and all positions of power within drow communities are held by females. Male drow live 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.
Overall, drow culture values nobility, “good breeding”, strength, and devout worship of Lolth. However, nine times out of ten a drow player character will have to be a rebel or outcast drow. Drow that abandon their society by choice are conflicted souls, raised in a culture of pure evil and grasping for meaning in an outside world that spurns them for the acts of their brethren. Outcasts may try to integrate or will perhaps try to work their way back in through some unspeakable act of violence or betrayal in Lolth’s name.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Drow live primarily in the Underdark.
Average Intelligence
Drow were intelligent even when compared to other sentient creatures. This was due to selective breeding over several generations and to the necessity of being analytical and observant at all times to survive in their society.
However, the drow were not wiser than other races. Their upbringing in secluded societies, with little contact with the outside, as well as the indoctrination of Lolth's dogma, made them close-minded.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Like most elves, drow have both a first and a surname taken from the melodic elvish tongue. Their names can be either masculine or feminine, though due to the drow subjugation of their males drow male names have become gradually more feminine.
Male Drow Names: Bemril Uloavae, Fildiirn Oussath, Gulmyr Araburden, Jaezkiir Helvion'lyr, Jalynryn Zolinn, Quevryn Arabarn, Rizhrys Torval, Ruaphrin Baenreaer, Syrdar Glaurach, Zaknaston Tlin'eztice.
Female Drow Names: Aunrae Blundyth, Baltana Rrostarr, Felynlene Telinath, Ginbreena Despth, Laeyana Mizzruil, Larithra Baenani, Larniss Baenath, Malice Filifar, Nhilymma Baenrret, Urmesyne T'soavae.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Drow love Lolth! Lolth is the Spider Queen, the patron deity of the drow and a nasty customer you might have seen before as a major antagonist in multiple books. Lolth is essentially the reason the drow are drow. Long ago numerous elves began worshipping the spider queen and were banished into the underdark by their saner elvish cousins. The countless generations in the dark made them what they are now, and Lolth added in the spider motif. Drow cities reside in the underdark, formed from strict hierarchies dedicated to their own ego and keeping the blood flowing for their patron Lolth.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
Up to 750 years
Average Height
4'7" - 5'5"
Average Weight
105 lbs
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Dark blue, black, purple, grey
Related Organizations
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