Drow

Andraous (Discontinued)    Sentient Folk    Kin Folk      Elves      Drow

Also known as Dark Elves, much to their displeasure, Drow have learned that to survive on the forest floor of the 'Elder Forest' one much be willing to do whatever it takes to survive. This has fostered a people that value one's strength and influence. Compassion is seen as a weakness, a way to be easily manipulated. As a result many Drow are driven by self interest. For Drow that are aren't as high on the social ladder they are constantly trying to seek favor from higher ranking individuals, leading them to be excellent manipulators and seducers.
Thanks to their dangerous territory and desire to expand their territory and power, Drow have excelled in combat, and are ruthless. Some of favorite weapons include crossbows, rapiers, and short swords. Poisons are also popular, both on the battle field and in politics.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Like all Elves, Drow are slender, bipedal humanoids. They are about the same height as a Humans, making them shorter than other Elves, but taller than Dwarves.

Biological Traits

Good with magic, though males are discouraged from using it.

Ecology and Habitats

Drow originated on the dark forest floor, and have started expanding their territory into nearby cave systems that lead to the 'Under Caves'. They now have vast cities in the 'Under Caves'.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The harsher understory and 'Under Caves' have forces Drow to adapt to a more opportunistic diet, which includes fungi, lichens, and fish.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Drow have a matriarchal and class oriented society. Their society is divided into 'Houses' which are lead by a matriarch and can contain several families, businesses, and military companies. There are dozens if not hundreds of noble houses in Drow society that are constantly trying to increase their influence and eliminate rivals via politics, treachery, seduction, and assassination. Matriarchs already at the top are often extremely paranoid, and will use fear and political might to stay there.
Some select houses, in their desperation to better their family lines, will sacrifice weaker children to the gods.

Facial characteristics

Drow have lost most of the pigment in their hair, making their hair appear white or even silver in color. Their pupil-less eyes often also appear white in color, though many individuals also have red eyes. Like all Elves, Drow have long, pointed ears.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Drow are one of the few sentient folk that are found in the 'Under Caves', but they weren't originally from there. While more and more Drow settlements have been popping up deep underground, they originated from the forest floor of the 'Elder Forest'. Many still live on the surface, and are preparing for the day they can take the canopy from their Wood Elf cousins.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Due to their time on the dark forest floor of the 'Elder Forest' and in the 'Under Caves' Drow have developed good night vision and hearing. This has come at a cost, however, for the Drow are now sensitive to bright lights. They can now barely tolerate being exposed to midday sunlight.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

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

Gender Ideals

In Drow society it is the women that take authority and leadership roles, while the men are home keepers an grunt soldiers.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Most Drow speak one of several Elven languages, and many have learned Merchant's Tongue.

Common Dress Code

In the darkness of the forest floor, Drow's white hair practically glows, and his highly visible to threats in both the canopy and on the forest floor. To avoid detection they often cover their hair when scouting or traveling.

History

Drow originate from a group of Wood Elves that were banished to the forest floor. Without the relative safety of the trees and vulnerable to the predators that stalked the ground, they took shelter in a nearby cave system. As time passed they ventured further and further in until they could no longer tolerate the bright light of the world above them. While the caves themselves were dangerous, the Drow were able to survive and eventually thrive in their new home. They never forgot about their banishment though, and still resent the Wood Elves.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

General Drow have no love for other folk and try to limit their interactions with them. They believe that since they are able to survive on the forest floor of the 'Elder Forest' they are superior to other folk, who are only good as potential slaves. They typically don't care for their slaves, and are more than willing to sacrifice them to save themselves.
Elves After being cast down to the forest floor, Drow came to despise Wood Elves, and resent High Elves. Eventually they began to raid Wood Elf settlements in the middle of the night, looting supplies and kidnapping children.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Elves

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Skin color varies from dusky purple, grey, and coal black.