Drow, Lolth, Monsters

Drow – What Everybody Should Know About Drow

Wondering about the sadistic and wiley Drow?

Here is everything you need to know about the DnD Drow Subraces.

Contrary to popular belief, the Drow are a triple-split people, some choosing the Spider Queen, Lolth, some following Lolth’s daughter, Eilistraee, and some following the heart of the Jungle. They have a variety of challenge levels and are generally found making themselves a home in the Underdark, the frozen north, or the jungle to the south.

No matter where they are, or who they follow, the drow are elves. And are, therefore, badass.

What They Are

Drow are a dark version of elves. Some are evil, some are not. Depends on which type of drow you are talking to and who they follow (if anyone).

Udadrow (Drow)

These are the most common and recognized drow. and probably the ones you came here looking for, so let’s go ahead and cover them first.

Main characteristics:

Generally live in the Underdark
- Usually in Drow cities like Menzoberranzan or Ched Nasad
Extreme feminists
Cruel and super evil
Super into Lolth, major fanatics (Like this and this!)
Thrive in chaos and want to be the best
Will kill you for fun
Can be turned into Driders
Drizzt Do’Urden
Regularly kidnap people for slaves
Have special currency

Aevendrow (Starlight Elves)

These drow decided they weren’t about that chaotic life and chose to travel north instead of underground.

Main characteristics:

Generally live in the North, specifically in Callidae
Very secretive, and will literally make you forget things
Followers of Eilistraee, but not exclusively
Very carefree and happy people
Will welcome and feed you, then make you forget you were ever there

Lorendrow (Greenshadow Elves)

Despite being set up in a jungle, these drow are known for being quite scholarly. Definitely too intelligent to be spending their time living in the Underdark amirite.

Generally live in the southern rainforests, specifically in Saekolath (the place of shade)
Super duper smart
Favor green clothing (like any self-respecting accountant)
Love nature, but in a classy modern way (fully dressed)
Outsiders know very little about them
Will be amazed that you found the place, then give you some deep wisdom

So although there are three different types of drow, they are all well hidden and not much is known about them by your typical adventuring party.

But the overall thing that a Drow is, is a delicate instrument of death.

How They Became That Way

All elves were originally created from the spilled blood of the God Corellon when he fought against the Orc god Gruumsh, after that all the elves kind of split off and did their own thing.

The drow were originally part of the elven race, but they were cast out and driven underground due to their worship of the spider goddess Lolth, who is considered evil and corrupt (after she tried to kill her husband, the above-mentioned god, Corellon). Their descent into the Underdark, a vast network of underground caverns, marked the beginning of their transformation into the drow, a society characterized by cruelty, cunning, and a strict matriarchal hierarchy.

Over time, the drow developed their own culture, separate from their surface-dwelling elven kin, and became known for their dark skin, white hair, and affinity for shadow and darkness. Eventually, they became their own subraces (as elves do).

Udadrow (Drow)

Origin: The Udadrow’s culture and society were shaped by their exile to the Underdark for following the spider queen (Lolth), where they adapted to the harsh environment and became masters of survival in the darkness. Their worship of Lolth is central to their identity, influencing their societal structures, beliefs, and behaviors.

Aevendrow (Starlight Elves)

Origin: The Aevendrow splintered off from the main drow race long ago, seeking a different path away from the influence of Lolth. Their environment in the north has led to a unique culture that is more contemplative and less aggressive, with a focus on survival in the icy wilderness and a reverence for the stars. Most have chosen to follow and base their society around the goddess Eilistraee, it is unclear if she was part of them leaving the main Udadrow lifestyle, or found them afterwards.

Lorendrow (Greenshadow Elves)

Origin: The Lorendrow represent a return to the drow’s elven roots, focusing on the natural world rather than the oppressive influence of religion. This divergence likely came about as a result of some drow rejecting the darkness of the Underdark and seeking a way to live in the light, even if it meant dwelling in the shadows of dense forests.

How They Live

The living conditions and lifestyles of the Udadrow, Aevendrow, and Lorendrow reflect their environments and cultural values. Here’s how each group lives:

Udadrow

Environment: The Udadrow live in the Underdark, a vast and dangerous network of caverns and tunnels deep beneath the surface of the world. The Underdark is a perilous place filled with dangerous creatures, treacherous terrain, and almost perpetual darkness.
Society: Udadrow society is highly structured and hierarchical, with a strict matriarchal system where female drow, especially those who are priestesses of Lolth, hold the most power. Noble houses dominate drow cities, engaging in constant political intrigue, backstabbing, and power struggles. Male drow typically have lower positions but can still wield significant influence through martial prowess or magical skill.
Cities: Udadrow cities are grand and sinister, often built within massive caverns with towering structures, intricate bridges, and elaborate temples dedicated to Lolth. These cities are heavily fortified to defend against both internal strife and external threats. The architecture often incorporates dark stone, magical lighting, and elements that reflect their connection to the spider goddess.
Daily Life: Life among the Udadrow is one of constant vigilance and ambition. Individuals must navigate the dangerous political landscape, where betrayal is commonplace, and failure often means death. Slavery is also a common practice, with the Udadrow subjugating other races, and occasionally their own race, to serve their needs.

Aevendrow (Starlight Elves)

Environment: The Aevendrow dwell in the far northern regions of the world, in icy, mountainous landscapes where the cold is severe and the nights are long. Their homes are often built in isolated, high-altitude locations where the stars are visible and revered.
Society: Aevendrow society is less rigid and more contemplative compared to the Udadrow. They place great importance on community and survival in the harsh environment. The Aevendrow have a more egalitarian social structure, with leadership roles often based on wisdom, experience, and connection to the natural and cosmic elements.
Settlements: Their settlements are designed to withstand the cold and are often built into the sides of mountains or within natural ice formations. The architecture reflects their reverence for the stars, with structures that incorporate clear materials or open ceilings to allow for stargazing. They might also have magical means to keep warm and sustain life in the frozen north.
Daily Life: The Aevendrow spend their days focusing on survival in the cold, hunting, and crafting warm clothing and shelters. They have a strong cultural connection to the stars and the night sky, often engaging in rituals or ceremonies that honor these celestial bodies. Their lifestyle is more peaceful and introspective, with a focus on maintaining balance with the natural world around them.

Lorendrow (Greenshadow Elves)

Environment: The Lorendrow live in shadowed forests, dense jungles, or other environments where they can blend seamlessly with nature. These environments are lush, verdant, and teeming with life, offering a stark contrast to the harshness of the Underdark or the cold of the north.
Society: Lorendrow society is built around harmony with nature. They prioritize a deep connection with the natural world, often forming small, tight-knit communities that live in concert with their environment. Leadership is typically based on a combination of wisdom, knowledge of nature, and the ability to protect and provide for the community.
Settlements: Their homes are often hidden within the forest, built into trees or camouflaged to blend with the surroundings. These settlements are designed to have minimal impact on the environment, using natural materials and magical means to maintain their hidden nature.
Daily Life: Lorendrow live a life of balance, focusing on foraging, hunting, and cultivating the land in ways that do not disrupt the natural order. They might be druids, rangers, or hunters, using their skills to protect their territory and ensure the sustainability of their environment. They have a strong spiritual connection to nature, often engaging in rituals that honor the land, the trees, and the animals they coexist with. Their lifestyle is more about preservation and living in harmony, rather than domination or control.

What Is Special About Drow

They have the differences of night and day between them, yet have the same appearances
They are sensitive to sunlight
They do not like Driders, not even the Udadrow.
- Driders are monsters who have failed in life and deserve to be looked down on, they were once followers of Lolth and possibly still are
They are all born with magic, every drow subrace starts with something
They are known for being experts in poison
They tend to lead toward female leadership
Duergar are their natural enemies
Although they all speak Elvish, they have unique dialects of where they are isolated to
Drow are extremely adaptable and tend to live in extremely harsh conditions
Despite their reputation for cruelty, drow have a deep appreciation for the arts, particularly music, dance, and sculpture.
Drow, like other elves, have incredibly long lifespans, often living for several centuries
They are exceptional warriors, particularly with light weapons like rapiers and hand crossbows
Many drow warriors are trained in the art of dual-wielding weapons, particularly assassins and rangers

What Combat Is Like

Combat with drow is often intense, strategic, and filled with surprises. Drow are cunning and highly skilled warriors who leverage their environment, innate abilities, and dark magic to gain the upper hand. Here’s what you can expect when facing drow in combat:

Ambush Tactics

Surprise Attacks: Drow prefer to strike from the shadows, using their superior darkvision and knowledge of their surroundings to ambush enemies. They often attack when their opponents are least prepared, using darkness and stealth to their advantage.
Scouting and Traps: Drow scouts are often sent ahead to gather information, set traps, and weaken foes before a larger engagement. These traps can include poisoned darts, concealed pits, and magical glyphs.

Poisoned Weapons

Drow Poison: One of the most feared aspects of drow combat is their use of poison. They commonly coat their weapons, particularly crossbow bolts and daggers, with a potent drow poison. This poison can incapacitate or paralyze opponents, making them easy targets.
Lingering Effects: Even if a victim survives the initial attack, the poison’s effects can linger, causing ongoing weakness or unconsciousness, which drow will exploit ruthlessly.

Magical Prowess

Innate Spells: Drow possess innate magical abilities that they frequently use in combat. Spells like faerie fire can outline invisible or hidden opponents, making them easier targets, while darkness creates an impenetrable shroud that blinds foes while drow move freely within it.
Magic Users: Many drow are skilled wizards, sorcerers, or clerics, often specializing in dark magic, necromancy, and spells that manipulate shadows. Priestesses of Lolth, in particular, are formidable opponents, capable of summoning demonic allies, casting curses, and healing themselves and their allies.

Hit-and-Run Tactics

Mobility and Speed: Drow are highly mobile and often use hit-and-run tactics to wear down their enemies. They strike quickly, inflicting as much damage as possible, then retreat into the shadows or use spells like Misty Step to teleport out of reach.
Coordination: Drow warriors are highly trained and work together seamlessly, often coordinating their attacks to overwhelm opponents. They are adept at flanking, surrounding, and isolating targets to pick them off one by one.

Superior Equipment

Enchanted Weapons and Armor: Drow often wield finely crafted and enchanted weapons and armor, made from materials like adamantine or mithral. These items are not only durable but often carry additional magical properties that enhance their combat effectiveness.
Magical Items: Drow frequently carry magical items like cloaks of invisibility, rings of spell resistance, or boots of elvenkind that further enhance their combat abilities.

Environment Manipulation

Terrain Advantage: Drow are experts at using their environment to their advantage. In the Underdark, they are familiar with every nook and cranny, using narrow tunnels, steep cliffs, and natural hazards to trap or corner their foes.
Shadow and Darkness: Drow are masters of manipulating light and shadow, often creating areas of darkness that blind their enemies while they move through it with ease. They may also use spells to control the battlefield, creating obstacles or hindrances for their foes.

Psychological Warfare

Intimidation and Fear: Drow are known for their psychological warfare. They may taunt, mock, or terrify their enemies, using their reputation as ruthless and cruel warriors to unsettle opponents before and during combat.
Mind Games: Drow are experts at deception and misdirection. They may feign retreat, only to lure enemies into a trap, or use illusion magic to create false images or sounds to confuse and disorient their foes.

Martial Prowess

Expert Swordsmen: Drow are highly skilled with light weapons, particularly rapiers, shortswords, and daggers. They often dual-wield these weapons, striking with deadly precision and speed.
Hand Crossbows: Drow often use hand crossbows, which are compact and easy to wield. These weapons allow them to strike from a distance with poisoned bolts, weakening or incapacitating their enemies before closing in for the kill.

Cunning Retreats

Tactical Withdrawals: If a battle turns against them, drow are not above retreating to regroup and attack later on their terms. They are pragmatic and will not waste lives in a battle they cannot win.
Escape Routes: Drow always have an escape plan, often using hidden passages, teleportation spells, or other means to withdraw quickly and live to fight another day.

Priestesses of Lolth

Commanders in Battle: In larger engagements, a Priestess of Lolth often leads drow forces, using her divine powers to bolster her allies and smite her enemies. Her presence on the battlefield can turn the tide of battle, and defeating her is often key to overcoming drow forces.

Divine Power: Priestesses of Lolth are among the most feared combatants in drow society. They wield divine magic granted by Lolth, which includes powerful curses, summoning demonic creatures, and abilities that manipulate the minds of their enemies.

The Monsters Know What They Are Doing also has a super great article on drider tactics which can be found here.

Who The Most Famous Drow Is

The single most famous drow in Dungeons and Dragons lore is actually a male (imagine that), Drizzt Do’Urden, there are multiple books, games, and possibly even a movie or two with his name. He was born an Udadrow, and with his birth was the fall of another noble house in Menzoberranzan.

Udadrow

Famous Drow: Drizzt Do’Urden
Famous For: He was born into the ruthless society of Menzoberranzan, one of the major Udadrow cities in the Underdark, but rejected the evil ways of his people. Drizzt is famous for his moral integrity, exceptional skills as a ranger, and his dual-wielding scimitars, Icingdeath and Twinkle. His story is one of redemption and struggle, as he constantly battles both his past and the prejudice of others due to his heritage. Drizzt’s adventures are chronicled in the popular “Legend of Drizzt” series by R.A. Salvatore.

In conclusion, drow are a pretty sick addition to any Underdark campaign or one-shot which we highly recommend!

If you have a sweet story or an idea to introduce a drow into your game, please comment below! We love to hear from you!

This concludes What Everybody Should Know About Drow.

Check out other tips For Players or For DMs to run your games with fun to the max.

Sources:

Dungeons & Dragons, The Legend of Drizzt Visual Dictionary by Michael Witwer
https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Aevendrow
https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Callidae
https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Lorendrow
https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Saekolath
https://www.themonstersknow.com/drow-tactics-part-1/