Drow

All Powerful Melanin!

Touched by darkness, Drow are a very mysterious race. No one is certain where they came from. Some think they were experiments, while others believe they are a subclan of elves who journeyed to the shadow plane. Judging by their history and culture, comparable to their elven cousins, the latter is often considered truth. However, some theorists think that they feign ignorance to hide their secrets. Early reports show them appearing out of darkness, stealing from others, and taking refuge in caves. At first, the locals thought Drows were aberrations. There was a time when people hunted them while Drows snatched them into the shadows. It took some time and understanding, but slowly, there was peace, and Drows adapted to their new life in the material realm. Although, some still use their talents to work as hired thieves and mercenaries. Besides adventuring, Drows in a bakery or managing a tavern became more common. No matter how comfortable they may seem, Drows always follow a code. They will never reveal their ancient history. It is considered a guarded secret. Unfortunately, some elders refuse to pass down their knowledge to the next generation for fear of information slipping. This distrust leads to new shifts in drow culture and people forming destiny for themselves.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Drows almost have the same anatomy as elves. While there are tiny differences between them biologically speaking, the untrained eye will often confuse them.

Ecology and Habitats

Drows prefer to either stay in the shadow realm or live in caves. It is unknown why they want to stay there, but those who live in caves try to cultivate a new life. However, some live in cities to keep up with their careers.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Drows have a similar diet to elves. They don't require a lot of protein. Interestingly, there have been reports of some going without sustenance for days and only sleeping in caves. Some people theorize that some Drow can live off of mana and darkness.

Behaviour

Drows range from curious individuals to merciless attackers. This division in behavior has led others to believe that Drows are an emotional race. Which, to some degree, they are. But there are intricacies that only Drow themselves know of.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Drow society revolves around magic and markings. The number of markings they have and where they are shows their connection to the shadow realm. Those with higher levels of mana and ornate markings tend to hold a higher position in their clans. However, those who hastily try getting more end up might suffer consequences. There's a strange phenomenon where Drow become more aggressive as they gain markings. Some assume that the extra darkness causes an emotional imbalance. Those who can control themselves rise the ranks, while those who can't stay in lower positions or get kicked out. But, there's some intriguing fate for those in the lower ranks.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

It's hard to pinpoint Drow villages. Researchers know Drows prefer warmer caves and the shadow realm, but that's it. It is almost impossible to locate them in an area where light is scarce and caves layered with magic. If a Drow colony wanted its presence to be known, they were exacting revenge, or the clan found new territory.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Like their elven cousins, Drows have the innate ability to cast magic. However, they tend to have an affinity for darkness than nature. With how intertwined darkness and their soul are, it affects their other senses. The degree varies between them, but a constant is their eyes. But, I will debunk a common misconception. Their eyes are not sensitive to sunlight. There's naturally occurring light in the shadow plane. It is more accurate to say there's a constant flow of shadowy mana running through their system. When exposed to intense and sudden light, it causes discomfort.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Despite their cleverness, surviving in a world of darkness is a feat. Drows have often either tamed or made deals with the denizens of the shadow realm. They helped them hunt and survive, as Drow gave them knowledge and mana. While things weren't perfect, Drows and their culture have flourished within the plane.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Drow naming conventions depend on their clan and if they were born in the shadow realm or the material world. If they are born in their home dimension, they will receive a name that is a corruption of old elvish. In the material world, they get secondary names to help them fit into society. However, no matter where their last names will always relate to the concept of darkness and kin.

Average Technological Level

Drows haven't made any advancements when it comes to machinery. But with magic, they have made and discovered many spells and techniques. These discoveries involve using darkness in ways that average mages would marvel at. They also make use of different stealth magic.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Despite being a secretive bunch, Drows take pride in their culture. While it may have roots in elven society, several changes have occurred throughout the centuries. However, there's a cultural shift since some Drow prefer to live and learn more about the material plane.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

No matter which clan you find, all their customs and traditions are rooted in survival. If you find a society in the shadow realm, they will prioritize the cultivation of their magic and resources. While it may seem like survival of the fittest, any Drow knows they're stronger together. If they're in the regular world, they try to find a niche and trade quickly. In the search for independence, they sometimes end up being competitive.

Common Taboos

Researchers have found that the Drow do not like their secrets revealed. Those who leak information have been exiled or sometimes executed. Similarly, they do not tolerate outsiders sticking their noses in their business.

Common Myths and Legends

Drows have a few myths they have adopted from the shadowy creatures they made alliances with. One legend states an unnamed moon deity blessed with the only light in the shadow realm. Another one says an ancient predatory beast made the inhabitant all in their image and taught them how to hunt. Some people depict them as a combination of a bat and wolf chimera or a cat and spider.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Drows don't have the best relationships with other races. Because of misunderstandings, they tend to keep to themselves. Drows and elves don't get along mainly because elves consider them an offshoot of them and not a different species. Drows take this as a personal attack on their culture. But, even they know the value of communication and will often make deals and trade offers with others to get things they can't do themselves. Think of food they can't naturally get or different types of metalwork.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Drows come in shades of purple and gray but always have silverish or white hair. The markings that they have seem to hold great importance. From what little research people have done, it seems they don't choose where they put them. Drow markings are typically black or white.

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