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Hymn
Senior Scribe
Sweden
514 Posts |
 Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 01:23:53
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When, where and how did the drow come by their own special kind of magic. I guess what I mean by this is did Lolth grant it to them somehow or was it allready inherent from their ancestors of old, the SSri-tel-quessir.
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Sauro moki kara ochiro - Even monkeys falls from trees.
The path that leads to truth is littered with the bodies of the ignorant - Miyamoto Musashi |
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Melfius
Senior Scribe
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 01:44:59
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| Drow magic comes from the same place that 'Surface' elven magic came from originally. Remember, the drow were originally surface-dwellers. They came (according to Elaine Cunningham's brilliant work Evermeet: Empire of the Elves) from Tintageer, which exists on the Plane of Faerie. From here, all elves learned magic in the same way. It wasn't until later that the drow went to war against their brethren and were driven from the surface. |
Melfius, Pixie-Priest of Puck - Head Chef, The Faerie Kitchen, Candlekeep Inn
"What's in his pockets, besides me?"
Read a tale of my earlier days! - Happiness Comes in Small Packages |
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Hymn
Senior Scribe
Sweden
514 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 02:07:08
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| Yes but how is it then that when they all learned magic in the same way that the drow have such an aptitude for their "vastly" different magic infact the only elven race with spell like abilities. (except possibly the star elves ghost touch ability) |
Sauro moki kara ochiro - Even monkeys falls from trees.
The path that leads to truth is littered with the bodies of the ignorant - Miyamoto Musashi |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 02:39:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Hymn
Yes but how is it then that when they all learned magic in the same way that the drow have such an aptitude for their "vastly" different magic infact the only elven race with spell like abilities. (except possibly the star elves ghost touch ability)
Though there's no real evidence for it, my theory is that when the drow were forced underground, Lolth sorta reached out and gave the entire race a tweak to better enable them to live in the Underdark.
Of course, it could be that they have actually evolved their abilities, thru continual exposure to the radiations of faerzress... I don't like that idea as much, because a few tens of thousands of years is hardly enough time for a race to evolve significantly, but we do have cases in the Realms where a race has evolved that quickly. |
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Hymn
Senior Scribe
Sweden
514 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 02:57:20
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| Hmm, yes I thought on the idea of the proximity of the faerzress as well but came to about the same conclussion as you did Wooly. |
Sauro moki kara ochiro - Even monkeys falls from trees.
The path that leads to truth is littered with the bodies of the ignorant - Miyamoto Musashi |
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Melfius
Senior Scribe
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 03:31:39
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| I concur. I was going to mention the Underdark radiation, but it kinda slipped my mind while I readied the kitchen! |
Melfius, Pixie-Priest of Puck - Head Chef, The Faerie Kitchen, Candlekeep Inn
"What's in his pockets, besides me?"
Read a tale of my earlier days! - Happiness Comes in Small Packages |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4689 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 03:55:43
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Based on what limited information i have, the 3.x design of Drow is genectics. Perhaps the radiation acelerated it, perhaps one or more of the Deities also had a hand in it,
Drow grow up quicker, true they die sooner as well. Have a much higher fertility rate then their surface kin. Real Life genectics do not apply to a fantasy world.
As I understand it, in design of 3.0 there was discussion about a surface Drow as well as an underdark Drow (lost of certain abilities for away from the radiation too long, something that was in 2nd) and the idea was rejected.
It appears the design team went with Drow is Drow no matter where they live they have Drow blood and abilities. That this traints are passed on to their children even half blood.
Edit: There is also a culture factor of Drow teaching their children to use they abilities early including the spells their blood grants them. Includes of course language and weapon skills which are not the result of genes, but instead of culture. |
Edited by - Kentinal on 13 Jan 2005 04:15:41 |
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Lady Kazandra
Senior Scribe
Australia
921 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 05:53:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Of course, it could be that they have actually evolved their abilities, thru continual exposure to the radiations of faerzress... I don't like that idea as much, because a few tens of thousands of years is hardly enough time for a race to evolve significantly, but we do have cases in the Realms where a race has evolved that quickly.
Unless there was a mutation in the evolutionary path of the drow which allowed the abilities. The drow of present day Faerun may simply be the offspring of these distant mutant-drow ancestors. Of course, if such an event did occur, there would likely be some kind of lore around relating to such an occurence . . . whether it be ancient racial tales or part of some extensive history of the surface elves who witnessed the sudden change.
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"Once upon a time the plural of 'wizard' was 'war'." -- The Last Continent, by Terry Pratchett |
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Hymn
Senior Scribe
Sweden
514 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 10:36:40
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How about some kind of strange permanency spell they cast upon themselves. Seeing as how the Deep Imaskari made a rapid and powerful alteration of them self to fit in to the Underdark better. Although it would be hard since they where taken away their most gainful asset to do so when they turned drow to begin with, the high magic.
hmm, re-reading Races of Faer�n I stumble upon this passage.
[Quote from page 35, Races of Faer�n]
The Spider Queen and her fellow exiles (with the notable exception of Elilistraee) granted the dark elves of Ilythiir great magical powers, fiendish allies, and support in return for their allegiance, and the Ilythiiri wreaked great havoc among the other elven realms.
All though this happens before they are actually forced down into the underdark and gets cursed by Corellon. But it gives Woolys first idea abut them being granted their poweres by Lolth some gain, if she did it once she can do it again. |
Sauro moki kara ochiro - Even monkeys falls from trees.
The path that leads to truth is littered with the bodies of the ignorant - Miyamoto Musashi |
Edited by - Hymn on 13 Jan 2005 10:38:23 |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4689 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 13:04:14
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Sometimes text gets carried over from the last Edition, however that quote (or simalar text) I do not find. Which leads to one problem.
Eilistraee's write up which in part says.
"Drow Traits: +2 racial bonus on Will saves against enchantment spells or effects, darkvision, entitled to a Search check when within 5 feet of a secret or concealed door as though actively looking for it, +2 bonus on Will saves against spells or spell-like abilities."
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"As a drow, Eilistraee also has the ability to use dancing lights,darkness, and faerie fire each 1/day, caster level 60th."
She appears to have all the same abilities as Lolthian Drow do.
Now there might be ways to include all Drow having Drow blood, but harder to explain why Eilistraee has it if the powers come for only forces of the Evil deities.
All Drow are desendents of those transformed, that those that stayed loyal to the Dark Maiden being weaker died out over the years. New followers coming from the ranks of the transformed. |
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warlockco
Master of Realmslore
USA
1695 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 19:21:46
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quote:
Originally posted by Kentinal
Drow grow up quicker, true they die sooner as well. Have a much higher fertility rate then their surface kin. Real Life genectics do not apply to a fantasy world.
My understanding was that all elves were "adult" by the time they were in their late teens/early twenties. But Surface Elf culture has their kids endure a century long Teenager period. |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4689 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 20:25:25
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quote:
Originally posted by warlockco
quote:
Originally posted by Kentinal
Drow grow up quicker, true they die sooner as well. Have a much higher fertility rate then their surface kin. Real Life genectics do not apply to a fantasy world.
My understanding was that all elves were "adult" by the time they were in their late teens/early twenties. But Surface Elf culture has their kids endure a century long Teenager period.
Perhaps they reach the size of an adult at the same age, however last time I checked, Drow are Adults about 40 years earilier then most other Elves. Avariel being a notable exception as they live very short time comparied to other elves. |
Edited by - Kentinal on 14 Jan 2005 13:30:48 |
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Lina
Senior Scribe
Australia
469 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2005 : 10:39:19
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| Well my theory is the survival of the fittest. Drow that were forced underground had to rely on their own skills for survival in the harsh and dangerous environment of the underdark. Apart from the monsters lurking in the underdark, mages also had to watch out for schemeing rivals and family members, and in a female dominated society who were willing sacrifice all for power and Lolth's favor, these male mages either had to be strong, cunning and powerful or die. |
“Darkness beyond twilight, crimson beyond blood that flows! Buried in the flow of time. In thy great name. I pledge myself to darkness. All the fools who stand in our way shall be destroyed…by the power you and I possess! DRAGON SLAVE!!!”
"Thieves? Ah, such an ugly word... look upon them as the most honest sort of merchant."
-Oglar the Thieflord |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2005 : 05:33:19
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I might be taking this too literally, but in Evermeet by Elaine Cunningham, Lolth is cast down from godhood and becomes a demon, then she mates with the leader of the Ilithiryi, and their children are the drow, i.e. all drow are at least in some small measure demonic in nature, thus accounting for their abilities. This also means that striclty speaking the drow are not Illithiryi either.
As I said, I may be taking this a bit too literally. Elaine herself has mentioned that people asked her why elves didn't spring from Corellon's blood in the novel when he fought Grummsh, and she told them it was a creation myth and they were thinking too literally . . . |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2005 : 06:12:38
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quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
As I said, I may be taking this a bit too literally. Elaine herself has mentioned that people asked her why elves didn't spring from Corellon's blood in the novel when he fought Grummsh, and she told them it was a creation myth and they were thinking too literally . . .
Best way to view the novel is to recall it was a series of stories collected by a bard to give to his love. Some wonderful tales of mythology/history, which may or may not be completely accurate. |
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Alhoon
Acolyte
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2005 : 23:18:09
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Isn't the word drow a take from the elven original, which I can't recall at this time, which means fallen or dark, or somthing to that effect. So wouldn't that mean that originally the Illithiryi, who were Lloths, at the time Araushnee's, followers to begin with anyway and shared her unique skin color. So when the Illithiryi were cast down to the underdark many pacts with dark powers and a combination of the faerzress helped to "cement" those abilities into there blood and make them passable to there offspring. And with more high birth and training those innate powers can grow to substantially more significant abilities.
And drow brains are tasty, but not quite as delectable as human. |
::SLURP:: |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2005 : 23:41:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Alhoon
Isn't the word drow a take from the elven original, which I can't recall at this time, which means fallen or dark, or somthing to that effect.
Dhaerow which means traitor I believe. So, which would you rather be called, dhaerow or vyshaan? |
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khorne
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1073 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2005 : 13:44:02
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quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
[quote]Originally posted by Alhoon
So, which would you rather be called, dhaerow or vyshaan?
dhaerow, without a doubt, because I despise sun elves. |
If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy |
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Mareka
Learned Scribe
Canada
125 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2005 : 21:07:22
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quote:
Originally posted by khorne
dhaerow, without a doubt, because I despise sun elves.
Why? Isn't it super when sun elves are played just so the player can be a racist ...ahem... to everyone one he meets, as well as the other players? It makes for great party unity. |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2005 : 01:31:18
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quote:
Originally posted by Mareka
Why? Isn't it super when sun elves are played just so the player can be a racist ...ahem... to everyone one he meets, as well as the other players? It makes for great party unity.
Sounds like some people get off playing characters they can use to cause disharmony within a party and players. |
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Mareka
Learned Scribe
Canada
125 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2005 : 20:34:05
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quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
Sounds like some people get off playing characters they can use to cause disharmony within a party and players.
It seems some players feel this creates more 'dynamic' role playing. <shrug> |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 04 Apr 2005 : 03:29:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Mareka
It seems some players feel this creates more 'dynamic' role playing. <shrug>
So that's dynamic...very interesting...Good luck in the future with these players. |
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Shadovar
Senior Scribe
785 Posts |
Posted - 05 Apr 2005 : 01:37:44
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If the drow are that strong in magic, does their powerful magical abilities explain their strong magical resistances?
Well I heard that the drow are originally surface elves that fell afoul of their own kin over trifles and ideology, that they were banished to the underdark in a series of wars which i am not too sure of their names. |
We have fostered trust, recruited loyalty, and gathered the faithful. We have trained thousands. Our legions can cover the land, fill the sky and travel through the darkness. We can hunt any and all that would deny our heritage. Now is our time, now is the time of the Dark Reign(Rain) of the Empire of Shadows.
- High Prince Telemont Tanthul, Lord Shadow
In a speech given to the citizens of Shade Enclave
At the celebration of the Shinantra Battle victory when he revealed that he was THE Lord Shadow of legend. |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 05 Apr 2005 : 01:39:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Shadovar
Well I heard that the drow are originally surface elves that fell afoul of their own kin over trifles and ideology, that they were banished to the underdark in a series of wars which i am not too sure of their names.
Crown Wars. If you can find a copy of Lost Empires of Faerun, it covers in detail the series of events that led to the dark elves leaving the surface world. |
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elven_songstress
Learned Scribe
126 Posts |
Posted - 06 Apr 2005 : 23:02:01
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| I believe that there magic resistances come from dwelling in the Underdark, in 2nd edition a drow child was often annointed with oil of magic resistance to grant it such later in life, or prehaps that was just until its natural resistance kicked in. I am not completely sure. |
We need to be reminded sometimes that a sunrise lasts but a few minutes,but its beauty can burnin our hearts eternally." |
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Shadovar
Senior Scribe
785 Posts |
Posted - 07 Apr 2005 : 02:43:56
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| Perhaps their magical resistances origin explanation is true, thanks for the reply, elven_songstress. |
We have fostered trust, recruited loyalty, and gathered the faithful. We have trained thousands. Our legions can cover the land, fill the sky and travel through the darkness. We can hunt any and all that would deny our heritage. Now is our time, now is the time of the Dark Reign(Rain) of the Empire of Shadows.
- High Prince Telemont Tanthul, Lord Shadow
In a speech given to the citizens of Shade Enclave
At the celebration of the Shinantra Battle victory when he revealed that he was THE Lord Shadow of legend. |
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Drow Magic
