Drow of the Underdark PDF - Everything You Need to Know about D&D 3.5's Most Feared Race
Drow of the Underdark 3.5 PDF Download
If you are a fan of Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 edition, you probably know about the drow, or dark elves. They are one of the most popular and intriguing races in the game, known for their dark beauty, sinister culture, and powerful magic. Whether you want to play as a drow hero or villain, or face them as an enemy or ally, you will find a lot of useful information in Drow of the Underdark, a sourcebook that explores every aspect of these mysterious creatures.
drow of the underdark 3.5 pdf download
Drow of the Underdark is a 224-page book that was published by Wizards of the Coast in 2007. It contains everything you need to know about the drow, from their origins and history to their society and psychology. It also provides you with new options for creating and playing drow characters, such as skills, feats, spells, invocations, classes, prestige classes, equipment, magic items, monsters, NPCs, and more. It is a must-have for any D&D 3.5 player or DM who wants to add some depth and flavor to their game.
But how can you get your hands on this amazing book? Well, you could buy it from Amazon or eBay, but that would cost you some money. Or you could borrow it from a friend or a library, but that would limit your access to it. Or you could download it for free online from a reliable source like Archive.org or Neocities.org. That way, you can enjoy it anytime you want without spending a dime.
In this article, we will give you a brief overview of what Drow of the Underdark has to offer, along with some examples and tips on how to use it in your game. We will also provide you with the links to download the PDF version of the book from two different websites, so you can choose the one that suits you best. So, without further ado, let's dive into the dark and fascinating world of the drow.
Chapter 1: All About the Drow
The first chapter of Drow of the Underdark gives you a general introduction to the drow, their culture, their history, and their psychology. It answers some of the most common questions and myths about these elusive beings, such as:
What do the drow look like?
Where do they live?
How do they organize themselves?
What do they believe in?
What do they want?
How do they behave?
You will learn that the drow are a subrace of elves that were banished to the Underdark, a vast network of caverns and tunnels beneath the surface of the world, after a civil war among the elven gods. There, they adapted to their harsh environment and developed a complex and cruel society based on the worship of Lolth, the Spider Queen, a goddess of chaos and evil. The drow are divided into different houses, or clans, that compete for power and prestige, often through assassination and intrigue. The drow are also known for their mastery of magic, especially shadow magic and spider magic, which they use to enhance their abilities and manipulate their enemies.
The first chapter also introduces you to the main features of the drow racial traits and abilities, such as:
Their darkvision, which allows them to see in complete darkness up to 120 feet.
Their light blindness, which makes them dazzled in bright light.
Their spell resistance, which gives them a chance to ignore the effects of spells and spell-like abilities.
Their spell-like abilities, which include dancing lights, darkness, and faerie fire once per day each.
Their weapon proficiencies, which include hand crossbows, rapiers, and short swords.
Their favored class, which is cleric for females and wizard for males.
Finally, the first chapter gives you an overview of the different types of drow settlements and factions, such as:
The city-states, which are the largest and most powerful drow communities, ruled by a single house or a council of houses.
The outposts, which are smaller and more isolated drow settlements, often used for mining, trading, or raiding.
The nomads, which are groups of drow that wander the Underdark in search of resources or adventure.
The renegades, which are drow that have abandoned or been exiled from their houses or cities, often living as outcasts or rebels.
The surface raiders, which are drow that venture to the surface world to plunder or explore.
The surface dwellers, which are drow that have permanently settled on the surface world, often in secret or in disguise.
Chapter 2: Drow Options
The second chapter of Drow of the Underdark gives you a wealth of new options for creating and playing drow characters, such as skills, feats, spells, and invocations. These options allow you to customize your drow character with different abilities and styles that reflect their background and personality. Here are some examples of what you can find in this chapter:
Skills
This section introduces two new skills that are useful for drow characters: Hide in Plain Sight and Use Magic Device. Hide in Plain Sight allows you to hide even when being observed or without cover or concealment. Use Magic Device allows you to activate magic items as if you had the required class feature or ability score. Both skills are based on Charisma and are considered class skills for all drow classes.
New Feats
This section presents 46 new feats that are available for drow characters. These feats cover a wide range of topics and themes related to the drow culture and magic. Some of them are general feats that can be taken by any character who meets the prerequisites. Others are specific feats that require a certain class or prestige class. Here are some examples of these feats:
Feat NameDescription
Blend into ShadowsYou can use your Hide skill even when there is no shadow nearby.
Deceptive IlluminationYou can use your dancing lights spell-like ability to create illusions.
Hand Crossbow FocusYou gain a +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls with hand crossbows.
Master of PoisonsYou can apply poison to a weapon as a swift action and are immune to poison.
Spider CompanionYou can summon a spider as an animal companion.
Vow of the Spider QueenYou swear allegiance to Lolth and gain a +2 bonus on Will saves against her spells and abilities.
New Spells
This section introduces 16 new spells that are available for drow spellcasters. These spells are mostly related to shadow magic and spider magic, two of the most common types of magic among the drow. Some of these spells are exclusive to clerics of Lolth, while others can be used by any arcane or divine caster. Here are some examples of these spells:
Spell NameDescription
Armored VerminYou create a suit of armor made of living vermin that protects you from attacks.
Bebilith BlessingYou transform your limbs into claws and gain the ability to rend your enemies.
DridershapeYou assume the form of a drider, a half-drow half-spider creature.
Poison SpellYou imbue your spells with poison that affects your targets.
Shadow DoubleYou create a duplicate of yourself made of shadow that can act independently.
Yochlol BlessingYou gain the favor of Lolth and can change your shape at will.
New Invocations
This section introduces two new invocations that are available for drow warlocks. These invocations are also related to shadow magic and spider magic, and allow the warlock to use them as spell-like abilities at will. Here are the descriptions of these invocations:
Spider-Shape: This invocation allows you to assume the form of a Tiny, Small, Medium, or Large monstrous spider as a standard action. You retain your own mental abilities and class features, but gain the physical abilities and natural attacks of the spider form. You can remain in this form for 24 hours or until you change back as a free action.
Sudden Swarm: This invocation allows you to summon a swarm of spiders as a standard action. The swarm appears in an adjacent square and acts immediately on your turn. The swarm obeys your mental commands and remains for 1 round per caster level or until dismissed as a free action.
Chapter 3: Drow Characters
The third chapter of Drow of the Underdark gives you a guide on how to create and play a drow character in D&D 3.5. It covers the benefits and drawbacks of choosing a drow class or prestige class, the most common drow archetypes and personalities, and some tips on how to roleplay a drow effectively. Here are some highlights of this chapter:
Drow Classes and Prestige Classes
This section gives you an overview of the different classes and prestige classes that are suitable for drow characters. It explains how each class fits into the drow society and culture, what advantages and disadvantages it offers, and what role it plays in combat and adventure. It also provides you with some sample builds and suggestions for multiclassing. Here are some examples of these classes and prestige classes:
Class/Prestige ClassDescription
ClericThe most common and respected class among the drow, especially females. Clerics of Lolth are the leaders and enforcers of the drow society, wielding divine power and authority. They can cast spells, channel energy, turn or rebuke undead, and gain various domains and granted powers. They can also take prestige classes such as Arachne, Divine Champion, or Yochlol Temptress.
WizardThe second most common and respected class among the drow, especially males. Wizards of the drow are the masters of arcane magic, specializing in shadow magic and spider magic. They can cast spells, scribe scrolls, craft wands, and gain a familiar. They can also take prestige classes such as Arcane Trickster, Shadow Adept, or Spider Mage.
RogueThe most versatile and adaptable class among the drow, suitable for both genders. Rogues of the drow are the experts of stealth, deception, and skill. They can sneak attack, evade traps, use magic devices, and gain various talents and special abilities. They can also take prestige classes such as Assassin, Drow Judicator, or Poison Master.
FighterThe most straightforward and simple class among the drow, suitable for both genders. Fighters of the drow are the warriors and soldiers of the drow society, excelling in combat and tactics. They can wield any weapon and armor, make multiple attacks, and gain various feats and special abilities. They can also take prestige classes such as Dervish, Duelist, or Weapon Master.
WarlockThe most rare and mysterious class among the drow, suitable for both genders. Warlocks of the drow are the wielders of eldritch power, derived from a pact with a dark entity. They can cast invocations, blast foes with eldritch energy, detect magic, and gain various essences and shapes for their blasts. They can also take prestige classes such as Eldritch Disciple, Eldritch Theurge, or Hellfire Warlock.
Drow Archetypes and Personalities
This section gives you some examples of the most common drow archetypes and personalities that you can use to inspire your character creation and roleplaying. These archetypes and personalities are not meant to be stereotypes or limitations, but rather suggestions and guidelines that you can modify or combine as you wish. Here are some examples of these archetypes and personalities:
The Ambitious: This type of drow is driven by a desire to rise in power and status within the drow society. They are willing to do anything to achieve their goals, even if it means betraying or killing their rivals or allies. They are cunning, ruthless, and opportunistic.
The Devout: This type of drow is devoted to Lolth and her teachings. They follow her commands without question and seek to please her in every way. They are loyal, fanatical, and zealous.
The Rebellious: This type of drow is dissatisfied with the drow society and its rules. They seek to challenge or change the status quo, either by joining a different faction or by leaving the Underdark altogether. They are independent, adventurous, and defiant.
The Curious: This type of drow is fascinated by the world outside the Underdark. They want to learn more about other races, cultures, and lands. They are open-minded, friendly, and inquisitive.
The Hedonistic: This type of drow is interested in pleasure and enjoyment above all else. They indulge in various vices and luxuries without regard for the consequences. They are selfish, decadent, and reckless.
Drow Roleplaying Tips
This section gives you some tips on how to roleplay a drow character effectively and convincingly. It covers some of the most important aspects of drow behavior, such as:
Their attitude towards other races: The drow generally view other races as inferior or enemies. They tend to be arrogant, hostile, or contemptuous towards them. However, they can also be pragmatic, diplomatic, or manipulative when it suits their interests.
or treacherous when it serves their agenda.
Their attitude towards Lolth: The drow generally view Lolth as their supreme deity and mistress. They tend to be fearful, obedient, or devout towards her. However, they can also be resentful, rebellious, or heretical when they feel oppressed or betrayed by her.
Their attitude towards magic: The drow generally view magic as a source of power and advantage. They tend to be skilled, creative, or innovative with magic. However, they can also be reckless, wasteful, or addicted to magic.
Their attitude towards the Underdark: The drow generally view the Underdark as their home and domain. They tend to be familiar, comfortable, or proud of the Underdark. However, they can also be bored, restless, or curious about the surface world.
Chapter 4: Drow Campaigns
The fourth chapter of Drow of the Underdark gives you a framework on how to run a campaign set in the Underdark or involving the drow. It covers the challenges and opportunities of playing as or against the drow, the best sources of inspiration and adventure hooks for drow campaigns, and some sample scenarios and encounters that you can use or adapt for your game. Here are some highlights of this chapter:
Playing as Drow
This section gives you some advice on how to play a drow character or a party of drow characters in a campaign. It explains how to balance the advantages and disadvantages of being a drow, how to deal with the social and moral issues of being a drow, and how to make your drow character interesting and memorable. Here are some tips from this section:
Choose a suitable campaign setting: You can play a drow character in any campaign setting that features the Underdark and the drow, such as Forgotten Realms, Greyhawk, or Eberron. However, you should make sure that your campaign setting allows for some flexibility and diversity among the drow, so that you can have some room for creativity and personalization.
Choose a suitable campaign theme: You can play a drow character in any campaign theme that suits your interests and preferences, such as intrigue, exploration, combat, or horror. However, you should make sure that your campaign theme matches the tone and style of the drow culture and society, so that you can have some consistency and immersion.
Choose a suitable campaign goal: You can play a drow character with any campaign goal that motivates you and drives you forward, such as survival, revenge, redemption, or discovery. However, you should make sure that your campaign goal is compatible with your character's background and personality, so that you can have some coherence and development.
Playing against Drow
This section gives you some advice on how to play a non-drow character or a party of non-drow characters in a campaign that involves the drow as enemies or allies. It explains how to handle the dangers and difficulties of facing the drow, how to interact with the drow in different situations and scenarios, and how to make your non-drow character stand out and shine. Here are some tips from this section:
Prepare for the worst: You should expect that the drow will be formidable foes or unreliable allies in any campaign that involves them. They will use their magic, skills, tactics, and resources to gain an edge over you or manipulate you. You should be ready for anything and plan ahead for any contingency.
and motivations, and they will act accordingly. You should try to understand them and anticipate their moves.
Find your niche: You should identify what makes your non-drow character unique and valuable in any campaign that involves the drow. You should focus on your strengths and abilities, and use them to your advantage. You should also look for opportunities to learn from the drow and improve yourself.
Drow Inspiration and Adventure Hooks
This section gives you some sources of inspiration and adventure hooks for drow campaigns. It suggests some books, movies, games, and other media that feature the drow or similar themes and elements. It also provides you with some examples of adventure hooks that you can use or modify for your game. Here are some examples of these sources and hooks:
Drizzt Do'Urden: This is a series of novels by R.A. Salvatore that follows the adventures of Drizzt Do'Urden, a renegade drow ranger who escapes from the Underdark and becomes a hero on the surface world. The novels explore Drizzt's origins, struggles, relationships, and battles with various enemies, including his own kind. The novels are a great source of inspiration for playing a drow character or a campaign involving the drow.
Spider-Man: This is a comic book series by Marvel Comics that follows the adventures of Spider-Man, a superhero who gains spider-like powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider. The comic books feature Spider-Man's origin, allies, enemies, and challenges as he fights crime and saves the world. The comic books are a great source of inspiration for playing a spider-themed character or a campaign involving spider magic.
Aliens: This is a movie by James Cameron that follows the adventures of Ellen Ripley, a survivor of an alien attack who returns to the planet where she encountered the aliens with a team of marines. The movie features Ripley's courage, skills, leadership, and confrontation with the aliens and their queen. The movie is a great source of inspiration for playing a survival-themed character or a campaign involving the Underdark.
The Drow War: This is an adventure hook that involves a massive war between the drow and their enemies. The war can be triggered by various reasons, such as a prophecy, a betrayal, a rebellion, or a discovery. The war can involve various factions, such as other races, other drow houses, other Underdark creatures, or surface dwellers. The war can have various consequences, such as destruction, chaos, alliances,