Drow

placeholder

—

Male Names: Arcavato, Drovic, Firyin, Kaelmourn, Mirrendier, Pharnox, Syrendross, Zov. Female Names: Belmarniss, Cylellinth, Ilvaria, Johysis, Loscivia, Tyvorhan, Ulumbralya, Volundeil.

Cruel and cunning, drow are a dark reflection of the elven race. Also called dark elves, they dwell deep underground in elaborate cities shaped from the rock of cyclopean caverns. Drow seldom make themselves known to surface folk, preferring to remain legends while advancing their sinister agendas through proxies and agents. Though not inherently evil, malignancy is deep-rooted in drow culture, and nonconformists rarely survive long.

—

Drow are similar in stature to humans but retain the slender build and pointed features of elves. Their skin ranges from coal black to dusky purple, and their hair is typically white or silver. Eyes lack pupils and are usually solid white or red. Drow move with a lithe, graceful precision, exuding a subtly dangerous presence.

—

Drow society is traditionally matriarchal and hierarchical. Male drow primarily fulfill martial roles, defending the community or acting as agents of noble houses. Female drow hold leadership and authority, governing noble houses and overseeing military, political, and magical enterprises. Noble houses are tied to demon lord patrons, and politics within drow society are rife with intrigue, assassination, and betrayal. Survival and advancement require cunning, subtlety, and relentless self-interest.

—

Drow maintain a strong sense of racial superiority. Non-drow are either slaves, tools, or potential allies if they share similar inclinations. They cooperate with like-minded races such as orcs and hobgoblins, while shunning dwarves, gnomes, halflings, and other surface races. Drow particularly despise surface elves, whom they view as rivals, but may treat shadow-adapted races like fetchlings with cautious curiosity.

—

Drow are usually chaotic evil, valuing power, survival, and self-interest above all else. Compassion is rare, and vengeance and ambition guide most of their actions. While many drow follow no deity, those who do tend to venerate powers connected to darkness, trickery, or domination.

—

Drow often become adventurers, serving as spies, assassins, or agents of their houses. Male drow favor martial or stealth classes such as fighters, rogues, and rangers. Female drow gravitate toward leadership and arcane roles, including clerics, bards, wizards, and summoners. Both genders possess natural arcane talent, making them versatile and formidable allies—or dangerous foes.