Drow

Archives of Nethys: Drow

Male Names: Arcavato, Drovic, Firyin, Kaelmourn, Mirrendier, Pharnox, Syrendross, Zov

Female Names: Belmarniss, Cylellinth, Ilvaria, Johysis, Loscivia, Tyvorhan, Ulumbralya, Volundeil

Drow are elves twisted by time, circumstance, and the influence of malevolent forces in the depths of Golarion. Originating from surface elves who refused to abandon their homeland during the Age of Legend, they retreated into the Deep Dark of the Calphiak Mountains. There, exposure to subterranean energies and the awakened influence of Rovagug corrupted their appearance and nature. The resulting drow possess dark, often lavender-hued skin, red or pale eyes, and an inherent drive toward cunning and ambition.

Half-drow, born of drow and human parents, inherit some of these traits but are often seen as outsiders in both human and drow societies. They are rare and frequently stigmatized, though they may carry latent potential for leadership or magical talent.

Drow share the slender, graceful frame of their elven ancestors but are smaller on average than surface elves. Their skin ranges from deep violet to ashen lavender, and their hair is usually white, silver, or pale gray. Eyes are strikingly red, white, or pale blue, lacking visible pupils. Drow move with a natural agility, and their features often carry an unsettling perfection. They favor elegant, dark clothing that blends with the shadows of their underground homes.

Drow society is matriarchal and hierarchical, governed by noble houses led by powerful female leaders. Male drow often serve martial or specialized roles, while female drow hold positions of authority, magical mastery, and political influence. Houses engage in elaborate schemes, intrigue, and rivalries, often under the patronage of a demon lord. Power, cunning, and ambition are prized above all else. Drow who fail to conform to societal expectations risk exile or death.

Drow maintain a strong sense of superiority over other races, treating many as tools or inferiors. They tolerate or even ally with races that share their ambitions or cunning, such as hobgoblins or orcs, but harbor deep hatred toward elves and surface dwellers. Half-drow are generally distrusted, even within drow communities. Despite this, drow may cooperate with other underground races when mutually beneficial.

Most drow lean toward chaotic evil, valuing power, survival, and personal gain above compassion. They channel emotion and passion through ambition, manipulation, and sometimes violence. While some drow worship deities of darkness or trickery, others follow philosophies emphasizing personal power, strategy, and cunning over divine intervention.

Drow often become adventurers due to exile, personal ambition, or the pursuit of power. Males tend toward stealth, martial, or arcane-focused roles, while females often assume magical or leadership-oriented classes. Both genders excel at spellcasting, manipulation, and strategy. Half-drow adventurers often seek acceptance or mastery over the powers inherited from their drow ancestry.