Updated: 2026/03/29 00:56
Drow, or dark elves, are a subterranean subrace of elves, sharing their kin's grace, longevity, and keen senses. They are typically slender and slightly shorter than other elves, with dark skin, pale hair, and sharp, striking features. Adapted to life below the surface, drow possess keen vision in darkness and a natural affinity for subtlety and precision.

The Deepborn Drow: Deepborn drow are the traditional inhabitants of the Underdark, shaped by its dangers and unforgiving societies. They have obsidian to dark gray skin, stark white or silver hair, and glowing red eyes suited to the lightless depths. Life among the Deepborn is harsh and hierarchical, where ambition, caution, and strength are essential to survival. They tend to be distrustful, pragmatic, and often ruthless, viewing power as the surest safeguard against betrayal and death.

Deepborn Drow ability adjustments: +2 Dex, +2 Int, +2 Cha, -2 Con

Favored Class: Cleric (female), wizard (male). A multiclass deepborn drow's favored class does not count when determining whether they suffer an XP penalty for multiclassing.
Languages: Elven, Common,. Undercommon.
Bonus Languages: Abyssal, Draconic, Goblin, Orc.

Special Abilities

• Sleeplessness: Immune to spells and effects of the 'Sleep' subtype.
• Hardiness vs. Enchantments: +2 racial bonus on saving throws against mind-affecting spells.
• Skill Affinity (perception): +2 racial bonus to perception checks.
• Keen Senses: Elves make active Perception checks automatically and with no movement penalties.
• Darkvision: Drow are able to see in the dark.
• Weapon Proficiency (drow): Deepborn drow can use the shortsword, rapier, and light crossbow at no penalty.
• Light Blindness (Ex): Abrupt exposure to bright light (such as sunlight or a daylight spell) blinds drow for 1 round. Drow receive a -1 penalty to attack rolls and Perception checks while they remain in the affected area.
• Spell Resistance: A deepborn drow has spell resistance equal to 11 + level.
• Spell-Like Abilities: A deepborn drow with an Intelligence score of 13 or higher can use the following spell-like abilities. 1/hour - dancing lights, darkness, faerie fire. Caster level equals drow's class level.

Use Poison: Deepborn drow can use poison without making a dexterity check.