Drow

Drow, called “Dark Elves” by some, are the subterranean cousins of the other elvish races. They share the long, pointed ears and slim builds with their surface kin, but those Drow born and raised underground tend to be smaller overall. Drow have a characteristically striking appearance with dark skin and light hair, and are often considered exotically beautiful by other races. Skin tones range from jet black to silver or grey, but occasionally occur in dusky hues of deep blue or purple. Their hair is usually a very pale blonde, silver, or snowy white. The most common eye color is red, followed by white or silver, rarely in violet or black. Traits such as crimson or copper hair, brown, green, or blue eyes are often sign of having elvish heritage. Drow generally do not grow beards but some sport resplendent sideburns or occasionally a soul patch. Strengths include keen hearing, enhanced vision (including darkvision or Infravision in some cases), heightened speed and dextarity. Often enjoy a measure of resistance to magic, many studying arcane arts, and poison. Due to their enhanced senses and dark vision, however, drow are often easily deafened or blinded by loud noises and sudden flashes of light. Those that spend a majority of their time underground find themselves sensitive to sunlight.

The vast majority of drow are of an evil alignment, products of harsh traditions in an unforgiving environment. Ruling bodies are usually matriarchal, with males being considered second-class citizens. Unwanted male children and half-bloods are often sacrificed at birth. Young are taught from and early age to advance themselves and their house at all costs through any betrayal or subterfuge necessary leading to a race that tends to be xenophobic, militaristic, and imperialistic

Creation Story

Death rounded up an entire group of elves and plunged them into the black waters of the depths. They gasped and fought but Death would not come for them. The strong ones pulled the weak ones beneath them and used them to reach the surface. These Death claimed, touching them and filling them with the gift from Chaos. They became creatures of the deep, dealers of Death, long-lived for Death favored them but only the ones who served fully. The weak were either used by or killed by the strong. These Drow as Compassion so named them would serve as a grim reminder to the world of the necessity of Death.

Place in the World

The Drow call their home Micaruque, which means “lost cavern” in their tongue. While often called “The Underdark” in error, the caverns in which the Drow of Novus Ascending reside within are still considered to be on the surface in the grand scheme of things. Often the great Drow cities are a mile or two underground, a few thousand feet high and covering a couple of square miles. Micaruque is a tiny cave system in comparison, with room enough for only a couple of houses. Being so close to the surface, the Drow who choose to reside in Micaruque must generally be capable of behaving civilly with their neighbors. While most anyone can come and go uncontested from the public portion of Micaruque, the Drow take their privacy very seriously. The tunnel that leads to their homes and inner sanctum is always guarded.