Drow

Drow, also known as dark elves, are a subrace of elves known for their sinister nature and affinity for the shadows. They dwell primarily in the subterranean realm known as the Underdark, where they have built vast cities and maintain complex societies. Drow are characterized by their obsidian-black skin, pale white or silver hair, and piercing red or violet eyes.

Physically, drow resemble their surface-dwelling elven counterparts but tend to have a leaner and more graceful build. They possess exceptional agility, speed, and night vision, allowing them to move swiftly and silently through the darkness. Drow are renowned for their mastery of stealth and their proficiency in various forms of combat, including archery, swordplay, and the use of magic.

Drow society is deeply hierarchical and matriarchal, with powerful noble houses ruling over the common drow populace. They are notorious for their complex web of politics, rivalries, and intrigues. Drow culture is steeped in cruelty, treachery, and the worship of dark deities such as Lolth, the Spider Queen.

The drow are often at odds with other races, particularly the surface-dwelling elves, and frequently engage in raids, slave-taking, and acts of subterfuge. However, not all drow conform to the stereotypes of their kind, and some individuals may reject their society’s evil ways, striving for redemption or seeking a different path.

Encountering a drow can be perilous, as their proficiency in combat, arcane arts, and their mastery of deception make them formidable adversaries. Their innate magical abilities, such as the ability to create darkness or summon spiders, further contribute to their reputation as deadly foes.

Special Abilities

Fey Ancestry

The drow has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put the drow to sleep.

Innate Spellcasting

The drow’s spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 11). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: dancing lights
1/day each: darkness, faerie fire

Sunlight Sensitivity

While in sunlight, the drow has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions

• Shortsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
• Hand Crossbow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 hour. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the target is also unconscious while poisoned in this way. The target wakes up if it takes damage or if another creature takes an action to shake it awake.

Proficiencies

• Skill: Perception +2
• Skill: Stealth +4