Drow (pronounced: /draʊ/ drow or: /droʊ/ dro)

The drow are the deep elves

Basic Information

Anatomy

In many ways, the drow resembled other elves or eladrin. Their bodies were wiry and athletic, while their faces were chiseled and attractive, though they were shorter and thinner than other elven sub-races. Due to a process of selective breeding that lasted for several generations,[10] the drow (especially nobles)[25] looked attractive[24] even in comparison to other elven subraces.[26] Though their alluring appearance could be used for seduction, it was more often utilized to instill fear.[24] According to the goblin Nojheim, the beauty standards of the surface races made them prone to turn a blind eye to the deeds of the drow, showing them greater leniency and acceptance.[27] Reports varied on the physical differences between the drow sexes. Some purported that females were generally bigger and stronger than males,[23] while others claimed the males had superior strength.[28] Both sexes varied in height from 4 feet and 7 inches to 5 feet and 5 inches (140 to 170 centimeters), averaging at 5 feet (150 centimeters). Males weighed between 87 to 157 pounds (39 to 71.2 kilograms), averaging 109.5 pounds (49.67 kilograms), while females were a bit lighter, weighing between 82 to 152 pounds (37 to 68.9 kilograms) and averaging 104.5 pounds (47.4 kilograms).

Growth Rate & Stages

Drow typically live Up to 750 years

Additional Information

Social Structure

The moral code of the average drow was informed by the teachings of Lolth.[24] From birth, the drow were taught that they were superior to other races, and as such they believed themselves to be the ultimate beings.[38][31] This mindset created an arrogance so strong that drow could be incapable of viewing other creatures as their equals,[31] including members of their own kind; almost every drow believed themselves to be the epitome of their superior species.[39] The treatment reserved for non-drow ran the entire gamut from pets,[40] to slaves, to grudgingly respected partners if they proved themselves a military match for them, though never equals.[29] As one might expect, this atmosphere of utter condescension meant that most drow generally felt entitled to do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted to do it.[29] If a drow was not where they believed they should be, their pride demanded they blame someone else (sometimes everyone else) for their incorrect position.[41] They were also taught that they should crush those beneath them,[38] for cruelty was seen as a method of self-validation. If someone could not defend themselves, as the logic went, they deserved to have cruelty inflicted on them, which would prove the superiority of the drow performing the torment.[42] They were a vengeful people by necessity, as not answering to slights with punishment was easily perceived as weakness by other drow, and was essentially the same as inviting exploitation, abuse, or even death.[36]
Most drow sought to rise in rank,[37] desiring the power over others that a higher station would provide.[36] Ironically for a race that put such a focus on individual merit, personal achievement and ability carried so little weight in their minds they had almost no notion of its worth. Military genius, battle prowess, magical capability, the ability to create, and all other skills had no intrinsic value to the dark elves. The idea of passion for one's career, and of an activity having worth in and of itself was alien; abilities and resources, whether obtained by training or granted by birth, only mattered insofar as it increased a drow's ability to advance in station, thus granting them more power over others.[22][43]
Given the scarcity of resources in the Underdark and the limited chances for advancement within their society, most drow had to be aggressively competitive.[44] They had a propensity for violence, which was their favorite, even instinctive, form of conflict resolution, and they managed to fight this urge when waiting for a more propitious time to strike.

Facial characteristics

Drow eyes could be of any color,[29] with bright red being the most common.[23] Pale shades[16] that appeared nearly white of blue, lilac, pink, or silver were also frequent.[10][25] Drow with green, brown, black, amber, or rose-hued eyes existed, but they were rare. Purple or blue eyes indicated surface elves and/or human ancestry.[23] The color of a drow's eyes could also be indicative of their current mental or physical state; drow eyes reddened when they were angry, and turned yellow when they were sick, poisoned, or under some negative magical influence.

GLOBAL ARTICLE ANNOUNCEMENTS BLOCK (SIDEBAR TOP)

Station: In all the world of the drow, there is no more important word. It is the calling of their—of our—religion, the incessant pulling of hungering heartstrings. Ambition overrides good sense and compassion is thrown away in its face, all in the name of Lloth, the Spider Queen.

DRIZZT DO'URDEN

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Eladrin
• Elves

Scientific Name

Udadrow

Origin/Ancestry

Eladrin

Lifespan

Up to 750 years

Average Height

Average height 4′7″‒5′5″ (140‒170 cm)

Average Weight

Average weight 82‒152 lb (37‒68.9 kg

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Drow skin tones ranged from dark grey,[29] jet-black,[23] and obsidian,[16] (with various shades of blue),[10][25][24] the albino drow known as the Szarkai being an exception.[23] Drow had white, black, or purple teeth, while their gums, tongues, and throats could be red, pink, or purple.[23] Drow eyes could be of any color,[29] with bright red being the most common.[23] Pale shades[16] that appeared nearly white of blue, lilac, pink, or silver were also frequent.[10][25] Drow with green, brown, black, amber, or rose-hued eyes existed, but they were rare. Purple or blue eyes indicated surface elves and/or human ancestry.[23] The color of a drow's eyes could also be indicative of their current mental or physical state; drow eyes reddened when they were angry, and turned yellow when they were sick, poisoned, or under some negative magical influence.[23]

Geographic Distribution

• The Underdark