Wvaske: Current-truth cleanup (issue #2): move change commentary to edit summaries/Talk; session citations become numbered references

2026-09-15T18:39:16Z

Current-truth cleanup (issue #2): move change commentary to edit summaries/Talk; session citations become numbered references

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:39, 15 September 2026
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	The party's first significant encounter with drow occurred during [[Session 45]] and [[Session 46]] in the depths of [[Garmok's Mine]].		The party's first significant encounter with drow occurred during [[Session 45]] and [[Session 46]] in the depths of [[Garmok's Mine]].

	===Drow Raiding Party (Session 46)===		===Drow Raiding Party <ref name="s46">[[Session 46: The Underdark Expedition\|Session 46]].</ref>===
	A drow raiding party led by Commander [[Vyran T'sarran]] was hunting [[Svirfneblin]] in the lower tunnels when they encountered the party. The drow force consisted of:		A drow raiding party led by Commander [[Vyran T'sarran]] was hunting [[Svirfneblin]] in the lower tunnels when they encountered the party. The drow force consisted of:

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	[[Category:Underdark]]		[[Category:Underdark]]
	[[Category:Factions]]		[[Category:Factions]]
			== References ==
			<references />

	[[Category:Enemies]]		[[Category:Enemies]]

Wvaske: Renamed 'Viren Tharin' to 'Vyran T'sarran' (5 occurrences)

2026-01-18T23:55:15Z

Renamed 'Viren Tharin' to 'Vyran T'sarran' (5 occurrences)

Wvaske: Created comprehensive Drow race page

2026-01-18T23:41:04Z

Created comprehensive Drow race page

New page

'''Drow''' (also known as '''dark elves''') are a subterranean race of elves dwelling in the [[Underdark]], characterized by their obsidian-black skin, white or pale hair, and distinctive red eyes. Once exiled from the surface world, they have built a cruel and intricate civilization in the lightless depths, dominated by worship of the demon goddess Lolth, the Spider Queen.

==Physical Description==
Drow possess distinctive features that set them apart from their surface-dwelling elven kin:

*'''Skin:''' Obsidian-black or deep purple-black, smooth and unmarred
*'''Hair:''' Stark white, pale silver, or occasionally pale yellow; often worn long and elaborately styled
*'''Eyes:''' Vivid red, violet, amber, or pale lilac; adapted to complete darkness
*'''Build:''' Slender and graceful like other elves, typically standing 5 to 6 feet tall
*'''Lifespan:''' Exceptionally long-lived, often reaching 700 years or more

Their distinctive appearance makes them immediately recognizable to those familiar with [[Underdark]] denizens, and their presence on the surface is almost always viewed with suspicion and fear.

==Society and Culture==
'''[FR Canon]''' Drow society is one of the most complex and ruthless civilizations in Faerûn, built upon foundations of cruelty, ambition, and absolute devotion to Lolth.

===Matriarchal Hierarchy===
Drow society is strictly matriarchal, with power concentrated in the hands of female priestesses of Lolth:

*'''Matron Mothers:''' Powerful priestesses who rule noble houses with absolute authority
*'''Noble Houses:''' Constantly scheming and plotting against one another for status and power
*'''Male Drow:''' Considered inferior to females; serve as warriors, wizards, and servants
*'''Commoners:''' Live in constant fear of their noble overlords
*'''Slaves:''' The lowest caste, captured from other races or born into bondage

===Cities and Settlements===
The drow have carved magnificent cities from living stone deep within the [[Underdark]]:

*'''Menzoberranzan:''' The most famous and powerful drow city [FR Canon]
*'''Ched Nasad:''' A great drow metropolis built on stalactites [FR Canon]
*'''Eryndlyn:''' City of Shimmering Webs [FR Canon]
*'''Smaller Outposts:''' Scattered throughout the Underdark, often near valuable resources or strategic locations

These cities are architectural marvels, illuminated by magical faerie fire and adorned with intricate spider motifs. They are also places of constant intrigue, assassination, and political maneuvering.

===Religion and Worship===
'''[FR Canon]''' The vast majority of drow worship Lolth, the Demon Queen of Spiders, who demands absolute obedience and delights in chaos and cruelty:

*'''Priestesses of Lolth:''' Wield both divine magic and political power
*'''Spider Imagery:''' Permeates all aspects of drow culture
*'''Tests of Lolth:''' Trials and tribulations sent by the goddess to test her followers
*'''Sacrifices:''' Regular offerings to appease the Spider Queen
*'''Other Deities:''' Some drow worship alternative gods like Eilistraee (goddess of good drow), Vhaeraun (god of male drow), or Ghaunadaur (god of oozes)

===Cultural Values===
Drow culture emphasizes:

*'''Ambition:''' Advancement at any cost, including betrayal and murder
*'''Strength:''' Both martial and magical prowess are highly valued
*'''Cunning:''' Deception and manipulation are considered virtues
*'''Cruelty:''' Mercy is seen as weakness
*'''Surface Raids:''' Regular expeditions to capture slaves and resources
*'''Family Loyalty:''' Only within one's own house, and even then, tenuous

==Abilities and Traits==
'''[FR Canon]''' Drow possess several innate abilities that make them formidable opponents:

===Darkvision===
Drow have '''Superior Darkvision''' extending 120 feet, allowing them to see in complete darkness as if it were dim light. However, this adaptation comes with a significant weakness: '''Sunlight Sensitivity'''. In direct sunlight, drow have disadvantage on attack rolls and Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

===Innate Magic===
Many drow possess innate magical abilities that manifest as they mature:

*'''Dancing Lights:''' Can create magical lights at will
*'''Faerie Fire:''' Can illuminate targets with a purple flame outline
*'''Darkness:''' Can create magical darkness to confuse and disorient enemies

===Combat Training===
Drow warriors are trained from childhood in:

*'''Rapiers:''' Light, precise weapons favored for their finesse
*'''Hand Crossbows:''' Often loaded with potent poisons
*'''Poisoncraft:''' Expert creation and use of debilitating toxins, particularly '''drow poison''' (sleep-inducing venom)
*'''Stealth and Ambush:''' Masters of guerrilla warfare in underground environments

===Magic===
Many drow study the arcane arts, becoming accomplished wizards specializing in:

*'''Evocation:''' Destructive spells
*'''Illusion:''' Deception and misdirection
*'''Enchantment:''' Mind control and manipulation

==Relations with Other Races==
Drow are almost universally feared and hated by surface dwellers and many [[Underdark]] races alike.

===Surface Elves===
'''[FR Canon]''' The enmity between drow and surface elves (particularly moon elves and sun elves) runs millennia deep, stemming from ancient wars and the drow's corruption and exile. Surface elves view drow as irredeemably evil, while drow see their surface cousins as weak and foolish.

===Svirfneblin (Deep Gnomes)===
Drow regularly raid [[Svirfneblin]] communities for slaves, viewing deep gnomes as valuable workers and convenient targets. The deep gnomes have developed elaborate defenses and traps to protect their settlements from drow raiders.

===Duergar (Gray Dwarves)===
Drow and [[Duergar]] exist in a state of constant, simmering warfare over territory, resources, and slaves. Both races are similarly cruel and ambitious, making alliances rare and short-lived.

===Other Underdark Denizens===
*'''Mind Flayers:''' Cautious respect mixed with mutual distrust
*'''Aboleths:''' Generally avoided
*'''Derro:''' Occasional trade partners
*'''Surface Dwellers:''' Targets for raids, slavery, or elimination

==In the Campaign==
The party's first significant encounter with drow occurred during [[Session 45]] and [[Session 46]] in the depths of [[Garmok's Mine]].

===Drow Raiding Party (Session 46)===
A drow raiding party led by Commander [[Viren Tharin]] was hunting [[Svirfneblin]] in the lower tunnels when they encountered the party. The drow force consisted of:

*'''Commander [[Viren Tharin]]:''' Tactical leader who cast [[Faerie Fire]]
*'''Drow Priestess:''' Unnamed priestess who cast [[Darkness]] and used magical flight
*'''Drow Warriors:''' Multiple soldiers armed with hand crossbows and weapons

The drow interpreted the party's peaceful overture to the [[Svirfneblin]] as an act of alliance and immediately attacked. The battle was fierce but brief:

*[[Xanphina]]'s [[Javelin of Lightning]] killed one drow instantly
*The same attack knocked the flying Drow Priestess prone, causing her to plummet into an endless chasm
*[[Karma]]'s [[Moonbeam]] devastated multiple drow warriors
*The [[Svirfneblin]] guards joined the fight, attacking the drow from their elevated positions
*[[Xanphina]] delivered the killing blow to Commander Viren Tharin

===Ilyra Voss===
[[Ilyra Voss]], the drow researcher encountered in [[Garmok's Mine]], is a rare exception to typical drow behavior. She has separated herself from drow society to pursue academic research in relative isolation, suggesting she is either a rogue scholar or an exile. Her motivations and ultimate loyalties remain unclear.

==Appearance in Sessions==
*[[Session 45]] - First encounter with [[Ilyra Voss]]
*[[Session 46]] - Combat with drow raiding party led by [[Viren Tharin]]

==Notable Drow==
*[[Viren Tharin]] - Commander of drow hunting party (deceased)
*[[Ilyra Voss]] - Wizard researcher in [[Garmok's Mine]]
*Unnamed Drow Priestess (deceased)

==See Also==
*[[Underdark]]
*[[Svirfneblin]]
*[[Garmok's Mine]]
*[[Session 46]]
*[[Underdark Factions (Garmok's Mine)]]

[[Category:Races]]
[[Category:Underdark]]
[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Enemies]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:55, 18 January 2026
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	===Drow Raiding Party (Session 46)===		===Drow Raiding Party (Session 46)===
	A drow raiding party led by Commander [[~~Viren Tharin~~]] was hunting [[Svirfneblin]] in the lower tunnels when they encountered the party. The drow force consisted of:		A drow raiding party led by Commander [[Vyran T'sarran]] was hunting [[Svirfneblin]] in the lower tunnels when they encountered the party. The drow force consisted of:

	*'''Commander [[~~Viren Tharin~~]]:''' Tactical leader who cast [[Faerie Fire]]		*'''Commander [[Vyran T'sarran]]:''' Tactical leader who cast [[Faerie Fire]]
	*'''Drow Priestess:''' Unnamed priestess who cast [[Darkness]] and used magical flight		*'''Drow Priestess:''' Unnamed priestess who cast [[Darkness]] and used magical flight
	*'''Drow Warriors:''' Multiple soldiers armed with hand crossbows and weapons		*'''Drow Warriors:''' Multiple soldiers armed with hand crossbows and weapons
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	*[[Karma]]'s [[Moonbeam]] devastated multiple drow warriors		*[[Karma]]'s [[Moonbeam]] devastated multiple drow warriors
	*The [[Svirfneblin]] guards joined the fight, attacking the drow from their elevated positions		*The [[Svirfneblin]] guards joined the fight, attacking the drow from their elevated positions
	*[[Xanphina]] delivered the killing blow to Commander ~~Viren Tharin~~		*[[Xanphina]] delivered the killing blow to Commander Vyran T'sarran

	===Ilyra Voss===		===Ilyra Voss===
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	==Appearance in Sessions==		==Appearance in Sessions==
	*[[Session 45]] - First encounter with [[Ilyra Voss]]		*[[Session 45]] - First encounter with [[Ilyra Voss]]
	*[[Session 46]] - Combat with drow raiding party led by [[~~Viren Tharin~~]]		*[[Session 46]] - Combat with drow raiding party led by [[Vyran T'sarran]]

	==Notable Drow==		==Notable Drow==
	*[[~~Viren Tharin~~]] - Commander of drow hunting party (deceased)		*[[Vyran T'sarran]] - Commander of drow hunting party (deceased)
	*[[Ilyra Voss]] - Wizard researcher in [[Garmok's Mine]]		*[[Ilyra Voss]] - Wizard researcher in [[Garmok's Mine]]
	*Unnamed Drow Priestess (deceased)		*Unnamed Drow Priestess (deceased)

Drow - Revision history

Wvaske: Current-truth cleanup (issue #2): move change commentary to edit summaries/Talk; session citations become numbered references

Wvaske: Renamed 'Viren Tharin' to 'Vyran T'sarran' (5 occurrences)

Wvaske: Created comprehensive Drow race page