what is a drow

In Dungeons & Dragons, a drow is a subrace of elves that are dark-skinned and white-haired, and are connected to the subterranean Underdark. They are traditionally portrayed as generally evil and connected to the evil goddess Lolth, but more recent publications have explored drow societies unconnected to Lolth. Drow fighters are required to go through rigorous training in their youth, and those who fail are put to death. Drow constantly war with other underground neighbors such as dwarves and dark gnomes (svirfneblin), and keep slaves of all types - including allies who fail to live up to drow expectations. In the Forgotten Realms setting, the drow are also known as "Dark Elves" and are noted for their cruelty and powerful magic. They have generally high wisdom and intelligence stats despite their evil tendencies. The drow society is matriarchal, with powerful women in their communities serving as leaders. Individual houses relating to bloodlines often compete for power in society, with Matron Mothers heading these houses and pulling the strings. Men in drow society are treated as lesser citizens, and they dont own property and must marry into powerful households to gain power.