The Drow were introduced to Dungeons and Dragons with 1st edition. They are first mentioned in the First Edition Monster Manual under the description of Elves. Specifically there is a very short paragraph indicating that the “Black Elves” are only a legend. They dwell beneath the surface in a strange subterranean realm. They are reported to be dark skinned and evil. Tales picture them as weak fighters and powerful magic users. That is all that is mentioned about them. No statistics were provided nor any other details.
Drow in 1st Edition Dungeons and Dragons
A few years later another monster compendium was released called the Fiend Folio. The Drow were introduced as a new NPC race. Between the publication of the Monster Manual and the Fiend Folio a number of modules were published which introduced the Drow as an evil race responsible for manipulating the Giants into a war against men. In a later module called Descent into the Depths of the Earth the Drow are detailed more fully. This module also introduces the concept of the Underdark.
But First Edition did not provide the Drow as a playable race until the release of the Unearthed Arcana. It was offered again as a player race in 3rd Edition and 3.5 and then in 5th Edition.
Drow are an evil race in Dungeons and Dragons
At least in the early editions they were. Something about living in the Underdark tends to make it’s inhabitants generally evil in nature. Not all creatures that live there are evil. But most tend to be.
It has been said that the Elves drove the evil and selfish among them from their midst. Constant warfare between the good and evil elves led to these Dark Elves withdrawing to a world underground. During their centuries underground they developed powerful magical skills.
All this being said….there are some Drow that are not evil. This is a very small percentage of the race. Most of these are aligned in some form of Neutrality. But a few are even Good aligned. These good and neutral Drow tend to worship other deities than Lolth.
Drow are constantly scheming
Plans within plans are the one constant thing about this race. They are always looking for ways to increase their power. And revenge against their good cousins is never far from their minds. Drow females tend to be more powerful magic users and priests than their male counterparts. It is often these females that lead the group and make the plans.
Drow are creatures of the darkness
They live in a place where darkness is the norm. They greatly dislike bright light. In fact…they cannot stand being in sunlight. They will usually use slaves or third parties to their bidding on the surface when needed. They may make occasional incursions on the surface but usually will do so at night.
Cities in the Underdark
Drow live in huge cities beneath the surface. They hollow out enormous caverns to make their homes. Some of these cities are thriving metropolises with high walls to protect them. Drow use spiders and other nasty things to protect their citadels from enemies.
Adamantine Weapons and Armor
Drow use their own weapons and armor crafted from Adamantine. These items have magical properties while used in the Underdark but lose these properties quickly when exposed to sunlight.
Politics of the Drow
Drow do not always work well and play well together. When they do work together they can be a formidable foe. They usually will only do so to defeat a common enemy or for their own survival.
The Drow are divided into noble families. Each is ruled by a matron. Prestige of the noble house is the goal at all times and in all dealings. The object is always to raise the house’s prestige over that of the other houses. The highest ranking members of the house are always blood relatives. All of the lower and middle level drow are from weaker families that have sworn loyalty to the house. Slaves make up the rest of the house.
The Demoness Lolth is the true ruler of the Drow
Most Drow worship the Demoness Lolth. Lolth was first introduced during the same Giant Series of modules mentioned previously. Specifically she has her own module for 1st Edition called Queen of the Demon Web Pits.
As Lolth is female so are her high priests. And so are Drow leaders. Males can fill most roles in the Drow society but houses are ruled by a Matron. Males can also not be priests in Drow society.
Lifespan of the Drow
Drow, like their Elven cousins, live far longer than humans. A typical lifespan of a Drow might be as long as 750 years. Many matrons live far longer lives. Most live as long as 1000 years. But a few, which are shown favor by Lolth, may live for several thousand years.
Personality of the Drow
Most Drow live their lives with one goal in mind. How do I increase my own station in life? As a result Drow have certain characteristics which can be expected during any encounter:
- Angry – As a whole they do not like the fact that they have been relegated to the dark places of the world. Violence against others is natural for them.
- Arrogance – Drow nearly always feel superior to others.
- Cruel – Cruelty is second nature for them. Torture of enemies and slavery are common in Drow society
- Paranoia – Drow are constantly trying to improve their station in life. As a result when they move up others will lose prestige. They are right to be paranoid. For other Drow are always out to get them.
- Not very trusting – Drow do not trust others easily. While they sometimes form alliances they nearly always keep a close eye on these allies.
- Vengeful – Drow have very long memories. And they believe in paying back their enemies
Drow are a dangerous enemy for adventurers exploring the deep places of the earth
The Drow have many enemies even in the Underdark. Their position there is never totally secure. Some of these enemies are powerful and dangerous. But the Drow are not without their own dangerous qualities. They have enslaved many races. And they have a few allies in the darkness.
Most Drow will not be encounter outside of the Underdark. But a few Drow have been known to tunnel upwards and enter the lowest levels of some dungeons closer to the surface. When such Drow are encountered the adventurers should beware the magical abilities and the natural magical resistance of this race.
Often the Drow may be discovered to be behind evil plots which extend into the surface world. When such plans are unraveled one might find themselves facing these Dark Elves in the deep tunnels of the Underdark.
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