Drow

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Drow Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the Underdark, where light is a rare and precious commodity, dwell the enigmatic and feared Drow. These dark elves are a race shrouded in mystery and malevolence, their very presence a whisper of danger and intrigue. As your party ventures deeper into the subterranean labyrinth, the air grows colder, and the oppressive darkness seems to press in from all sides, as if the very shadows themselves are alive and watching.

The Drow are a sight to behold, their skin as dark as the midnight sky, contrasting starkly with their stark white or silvery hair. Their eyes, often a vivid red or violet, gleam with an unsettling intelligence, capable of piercing through the gloom with ease. Clad in finely crafted armor and wielding weapons of exquisite design, they move with a grace and silence that belies their deadly nature. Every step they take is calculated, every gesture deliberate, as if they are always one step ahead of those who dare to cross their path.

These creatures are not mere denizens of the Underdark; they are its masters. The Drow society is a complex web of intrigue and power, ruled by matriarchal houses that vie for dominance through cunning and treachery. Their cities, hidden deep within the earth, are marvels of dark beauty, illuminated by the eerie glow of phosphorescent fungi and the flicker of faerie fire. It is said that the Drow worship a cruel and capricious goddess, Lolth, the Spider Queen, who demands absolute loyalty and revels in chaos and betrayal.

Legends speak of the Drow's origins, tales of a once-noble elven race that was cast into the depths for their hubris and ambition. Over centuries, they have adapted to their harsh environment, becoming masters of stealth and sorcery. Beware, for the Drow are not to be underestimated. They are skilled in the arcane arts, capable of weaving spells that can ensnare the mind and shroud the senses. Their cruelty is matched only by their cunning, and they delight in toying with their prey before delivering the final, fatal blow.

As your party stands on the precipice of the unknown, the weight of the Underdark pressing down upon you, remember this: the Drow are always watching, always waiting. In their world, trust is a luxury, and mercy is a weakness. Tread carefully, for the shadows have eyes, and the Drow are ever vigilant, ready to strike from the darkness without warning.

Drow Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +2
• Stealth +4

Senses

• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 12

Languages

• Elvish
• Undercommon

Abilities

• Fey Ancestry: The drow has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put the drow to sleep.
• Sunlight Sensitivity: While in sunlight, the drow has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions

• Multiattack: The drow makes two melee attacks.
• Shortsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
• Hand Crossbow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 hour. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the target is also unconscious while poisoned in this way. The target wakes up if it takes damage or if another creature takes an action to shake it awake.
• Spellcasting: The drow is a 5th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 11, +3 to hit with spell attacks). It has the following spells prepared:
  • At will: dancing lights
  • 1/day each: darkness, faerie fire

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Battle Tips for Drow

The Drow, or dark elves, are cunning and formidable opponents in any campaign. Known for their agility, intelligence, and mastery of magic, they can pose a significant challenge to adventurers. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use Drow in battle:

Using Drow in Battle

• Ambush Tactics: Drow are experts in stealth and ambush. Use their natural ability to hide in darkness to set up surprise attacks. Position them in areas with low light or magical darkness to maximize their advantage.
• Magic and Illusions: Leverage the Drow's innate spellcasting abilities, such as Darkness and Faerie Fire, to disorient and control the battlefield. These spells can disrupt the party's formation and make it easier for the Drow to pick off isolated targets.
• Poisoned Weapons: Equip Drow with poisoned weapons to increase their lethality. The poison can incapacitate or weaken adventurers, making them easier targets for subsequent attacks.

Coordinated Attacks

• Teamwork: Drow often work in groups, coordinating their attacks to overwhelm opponents. Use a mix of melee fighters and spellcasters to create a balanced and versatile force.
• Flanking Maneuvers: Utilize the Drow's agility to perform flanking maneuvers, gaining advantage on attack rolls and increasing their chances of landing critical hits.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, Drow are not above retreating to regroup and strike again later. Use their knowledge of the terrain to escape and set up another ambush.

Fleeing and Survival

• Escape Routes: Always have an escape plan. Drow are adept at using hidden passages and secret doors to evade capture. Incorporate these into your dungeon design to give them an edge.
• Cover of Darkness: Use spells like Darkness to cover a retreat, making it difficult for adventurers to pursue. This can buy the Drow time to regroup or escape entirely.
• Decoys and Distractions: Employ illusions or summoned creatures to distract pursuers, allowing the Drow to slip away unnoticed.

By utilizing these strategies, Dungeon Masters can create challenging and memorable encounters with Drow, testing the skills and tactics of any adventuring party.