Drow
Also called Drow, dark elves prefer to live in elaborate cave systems in the Ancient Heights in Eslira where they live in mostly secluded communities, as well as the Underdark underneath the highest mountain ranges. They are rarely seen outside their caves though feared for their abilities and cruelty that originated in their traditions. Most dark elves that come in contact with other civilizations work as assassins or spies resulting in a widespread mistrust against them. Their skin is dark in shades of black and dark purples and blues, starkly contrasting their naturally white hair. They are slightly smaller than the average elf, not growing over 1,70 meters. For them bodily and mental abilities are closely related with power and status, resulting in suppressing weaker members of the community. Thus slavery is a common sight in any drow community. In order to aquire more power most drow won't shy away from betraying their superiors in order to climb up in ranks. Whilst men are well trained warriors, female drow often turn to seducing their enemies to attack when they are least expected to.
Your Charisma score increases by 1.
Superior Darkvision
Your darkvision has a range of 120 feet, instead of 60.
Sunlight Sensitivity
You have disadvantage on attack rolls and Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of the attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.
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 onceand 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.
Matriarchal Society: Drow society is typically matriarchal, with females holding the highest positions of power, especially in religious and political hierarchies.
Worship of the Spiderqueen: Most drow worship the Spiderqueen, an ominous deity associated with darkness, trickery, and domination. This devotion deeply influences their society and moral code.
Ruthless Politics: Drow culture is known for its ruthless political intrigue, where betrayals, assassinations, and plots are common and often necessary for survival and ascension.
Harsh and Unforgiving: Mercy is seen as weakness, and individuals must constantly prove their worth to survive in drow culture. This results in a high level of paranoia and vigilance among them.
Loyalty and Betrayal: True loyalty is rare. Most relationships, even familial ones, are marred by potential betrayal, as drow value personal power over unity.
The Underdark Cities: The largest and most powerful drow settlements are often colossal cities hidden deep within the Underdark.
House Insignia: Members of noble houses often carry insignia or emblems denoting their allegiance. These can sometimes be enchanted for identification or as tools of status.
Rare and Feared Exiles: Drow who refuse to conform or turn away from their dark traditions might be exiled or hunted by their kin, sometimes finding refuge on the surface world.
Slavery: The drow maintain a slave-based economy, capturing creatures from other races, including humans, dwarves, and even other elves, to work in their cities or serve as sacrifices.
Playing a Drow
Ability Score IncreaseYour Charisma score increases by 1.
Superior Darkvision
Your darkvision has a range of 120 feet, instead of 60.
Sunlight Sensitivity
You have disadvantage on attack rolls and Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of the attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.
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 onceand 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.
Drow Lore
Origins and History
Ancestral Split: Drow are descended from the original elven race but were exiled to the Underdark after conflicts with their surface-dwelling kin, often tied to betrayals and allegiance to dark deities.Matriarchal Society: Drow society is typically matriarchal, with females holding the highest positions of power, especially in religious and political hierarchies.
Culture and Hierarchy
Noble Houses: Drow civilization is organized into noble houses, each vying for power and favor. These houses are ruled by powerful matron mothers who command loyalty and obedience.Worship of the Spiderqueen: Most drow worship the Spiderqueen, an ominous deity associated with darkness, trickery, and domination. This devotion deeply influences their society and moral code.
Ruthless Politics: Drow culture is known for its ruthless political intrigue, where betrayals, assassinations, and plots are common and often necessary for survival and ascension.
Social Dynamics and Alignment
Survival of the Fittest: Drow society values strength, cunning, and ambition. Those who fail to assert their power or maintain their status often face demotion or worse.Harsh and Unforgiving: Mercy is seen as weakness, and individuals must constantly prove their worth to survive in drow culture. This results in a high level of paranoia and vigilance among them.
Loyalty and Betrayal: True loyalty is rare. Most relationships, even familial ones, are marred by potential betrayal, as drow value personal power over unity.
The Underdark Cities: The largest and most powerful drow settlements are often colossal cities hidden deep within the Underdark.
House Insignia: Members of noble houses often carry insignia or emblems denoting their allegiance. These can sometimes be enchanted for identification or as tools of status.
Rare and Feared Exiles: Drow who refuse to conform or turn away from their dark traditions might be exiled or hunted by their kin, sometimes finding refuge on the surface world.
Relations with Other Races
Enemies and Allies: Drow are usually in conflict with surface races, especially elves and dwarves, due to historical animosity and raids. However, they might ally with other dark-dwelling creatures like driders, deep gnomes, and mind flayers when it suits their goals.Slavery: The drow maintain a slave-based economy, capturing creatures from other races, including humans, dwarves, and even other elves, to work in their cities or serve as sacrifices.
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