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Zireael
Master of Realmslore
Poland
1190 Posts |
 Posted - 02 Oct 2010 : 14:12:35
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I was long thinking about making a race of elder drow, much more powerful than normal dark elves. Somewhat like the sidhe [ELH] are to the elves, but not exactly on the epic side of things.
Ka'Narlist might have been their creator, like he created the sahuagin, in his many experiments.
So far, my ideas are:
- crossbreeding with demons (see Layers of the Abyss scroll)
- crossbreeding with deep dragons (dragonblood template, forget which one)
- crossbreeding with illithids/aboleths (no specific template?)
- some wild tauric creature with scorpion or spider as base animal
Any ideas? Mechanical, fluff, whatever - I really need your input to make this work!
Zireael
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SiNafay Vrinn, the daughter of Lloth, from Ched Nasad!
http://zireael07.wordpress.com/ |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2010 : 14:45:57
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I've tinkered with something like this myself, but I haven't really proceeded past the "formative idea" stage.
For what it's worth, the concept I'm working around with is a small group of "elder, lich drow" who were, in the time just prior to [and then during] the Descent, the first high priests of Lolth. The Seldarine sought to "punish" these high priests for the audacity of their worship, but it was cruel Lolth who ensured their "survival" by granting a portion of her corrupting power of chaos as the 'Araushnee-to-Lolth' change overwhelmed her divine form. These elder drow priests were forced to welcome lichdom -- decreed by the Queen of Spiders -- as a means of maintaining a ready reserve of her divine power once she had adjusted to her new status.
So, as I said, it's still a formative idea, and will likely either be altered or ignored wholesale, eventually, once I find the time to work on it further. |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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Zireael
Master of Realmslore
Poland
1190 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2010 : 18:06:13
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| Five thousand years? Eight thousand? I've got the dates somewhere. The date of Araushnee's fall was in the Crown Wars timeline on WotC site, and the Descent is in FRCS. Or in any Faerun history site on the net. |
SiNafay Vrinn, the daughter of Lloth, from Ched Nasad!
http://zireael07.wordpress.com/ |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2010 : 18:47:11
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| Hmm. I've never actually seen the date of her fall anywhere. Wonder why it wasn't included in any of the time-lines in the books? It's not listed in either FRCS or Cormanthyr, or in any other book source I know of. And the depiction in Evermeet left the time frame kind of vague. Do you remember where on the WotC site it was? This is the only site I'm really familiar with for FR history and lore. (And to be honest, it's the only one I'd really trust...) |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2010 : 18:55:19
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| There's a half-illithid template in the 3e Underdark sourcebook, and any of the various pseudonatural templates could do for half-aboleth. I rather like the idea of Araunshee/Lolth's earliest and vilest devotees being dragged to hell with her. There's also that race of albino drow that were mentioned in the 3e Drow book (I think) which might be worth a look. Potential racial powers might include shape changing (spider-drideroid-drow, mabye?) shadow conjuration/manipulation (potentially enough to get up Shar's nose?), and generally souped up versions of normal drow powers (flight instead of levitate, etc). |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2010 : 19:06:31
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| One could mix it up with araneas for a hybrid race. Aranea descended drow with a few spider-like powers or abilities. Natural spider-climb, ability to make webs, venomous bite, etc... I had toyed with this idea when I was working on a scene for my drow tale on Chosen of Eilistraee, where an aranea keeps playing with the dark elf, suggesting she wants to mate with him. It made for some interesting possibilities, since they do have a humanoid form that usually resembles the nearest race- in this case, drow. An aranea-blooded drow would make a natural choice for a drow race tied more closely to Lolth, as there was some obscure lore (sorry, don't remember where I found it, though it was some sort of forum thread about their possible origins) suggesting the araneas were her "children". |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2010 : 19:27:07
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Its funny...
Not precisely on topic, but... in a piece I was doing (but never finished) for the Elven netbook, I needed a 'narrator' who would have known the Ilythiir well and still be around.
I couldn't find exactly what I needed of course, but by bending canon a wee-bit I came up with this: The Elven Lich (Baelnorn) that gaurds the Calimemmnon Crystal is assumed to be a moon Elf (IIRC), but that is just a cover for his true origins. He was an Ilythiir himself, and had actually become a Baelnorn just prior to the events leading-up to the descent.
My assumption was that the Dark Elves were just a physically (and temperament-wise) darker off-shoot of the Sylvan (Green) Elves that had settled Toril first. This was before the GHotR was released, so that assumption panned-out, and theoretically a lich/Baelnorn of Ilythiir blood, or any other 'creature' that would have been the result of a 'changed' Dark Elf (like a Lycanthrope - think templates here), would have kept its oriinal appearance and not been affected by the curse (given that their appearance would have already been altered by whatever template is being applied).
Sooooo... since no-one alive today would actually know what an Ilythiir looked like, and especially not an Ilythiir Baelnorn, the one in Calimshan could have been easily mistaken for some other type... like a Moon elf (or whichever one he is said to be in canon).
You just need to to accept that the creature became a lich long before it was given this 'sacred duty' (which seems more like a punishment to me, and thus fitting, I think).
Anyway, just threw that little twist in so that I could have a 'current' NPC tell about the Ilythiir in my article, which was never finished anyway.
But I guess he might be considered an 'Elder Drow', except with the Baelnorn template applied. Like I said, not precisely on-topic, but since I'm not using it anymore I thought someone else might get some mileage out of it (like having him know something that the party needs). Given the convultedness of the 4th edition Elven heritage, I find it all the more plausible - perhaps Moon Elves are really the result of the single Moon-Elf (Sharlario) breeding with the 'lesser' Wood elves (making FR's Moon-Elves an Eladrin/Sylvan crossbreed, which is meaningless except as a historic note).
Hmmmm... Sharlario..... Nahhhhhhh  |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 02 Oct 2010 19:30:05 |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2010 : 20:01:29
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Hhm. Interesting idea, but I think the Illithir idea was already covered in the LP novels. Or at least the dark elves before they became drow. An elf visiting Illithir was mentioned in Evermeet, and I seem to recall that they were described as VERY dark Moon elves in appearance. And thee were a few of them "living" in the 'kirras from Miyeritar. I'm interested in pursuing that track, perhaps finding more of the Lore Gems from the days before the Descent. Perhaps, there could be a hidden stash of them in the first drow settlements, as they would have carried them with them after the Descent. Or, to use an idea from my homebrew world, the Lore Gems might have rejected their owners after they became drow and were no longer in the favor of the Seldarine (further indication of Corellon's displeasure...) And the gems have been hidden away like those of the Miyeritar survivors, waiting for new owners.
As a side-thought, I'm wondering if the dark elves might have simply come to Toril from Fairie earlier than the other elves- maybe banished as a result of connections to the Unseelie Court? That would make sense from the standpoint of their temperament. |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2010 : 20:28:39
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IIRC, I was going that way - spinning them as a 'darker' breed of Sylvan Elves - with the stuff I wrote before that series saw the light of day.
Never read LOP - I was informed it would "hurt my brain". 
Faerzress as 'Drow-Nip'... seriously? 
Some authors should learn not to use previously established lore as toilet paper. Faerzress-nodes were used in the same manner as Mythalars were used by the Netherease - read the 2e MM. Drow-items are/were psuedo-magical in nature.
Which could lead to speculation on why they needed to develop a new method of powering their magic - perhaps without their 'god of magic' (Corellon) their Elven Items & Spells lost their power? Either they were unaware of Mystra and her Weave, or she simply did not exist at that time (Sacrilege!)
And I hope at least some of this proves helpful in designing 'Elder Drow'. Maybe, like the Shades, they found an alternate 'power source' before their fall.
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"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 02 Oct 2010 20:30:54 |
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Knight of the Gate
Senior Scribe
USA
624 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2010 : 20:42:40
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I actually have (as sort of a 'regional Elminster') an Illythir Baelnorn in my current campaign: He was the guardian/advisor of an Illythiiri noble house, and had been a Bealnorn long before the Descent. He is angry at the Seldarine for their 'abandonment' of the Illythiir (and especially so, since the Gold Elves weren't punished for the perfidy of the Vyshaan), angry at Lolth for corrupting his people, angry at the Drow for being so gullible, but most especially, he hate Malkizid for all of the above reasons all at once. Hence, he has a fortress north of Dun-Tharos (through which a great many of his people fled into the underdark). He intends to lure Malkizid there (using the PCs) and then to destroy him.
The PCs know nothing of all this, though the Gold Elf Loremaster is beginning to piece some things together.
Just an example of using a 'surviving' Illythiiri in a campaign.
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How can life be so bountiful, providing such sublime rewards for mediocrity? -Umberto Ecco |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2010 : 20:53:56
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Sadly, I read all three of those books, and yes, the last one did hurt my brain. Can't get those hours back.
Lol! Not "drow-nip", exactly, more like a drow- specific magnet, or a big "bug-zapper" effect. They're darwn to its pull and can't get free. I think their use of it to power their items was a side-effect of their fascination with it. If it has power to tap, why not use it, after all?
I do agree with you on that assessment, however. Some of the stuff in that trilogy was just tripe. And not even palatable tripe, at that. But I did like some of the ideas that it proposed for the loss of High Magic, and how the faerzress was used to replace it. I believe it had suggested that their loss of High Magic was part of the Descent, much like their change in appearance. Though if that was the case, why didn't they use the Lore Gems BEFORE they became "lost"? Why not reverse the effects mush earlier, when they still knew how? That was the thing I did not get. It certainly would have saved the non-evil dark elves a lot of headaches. And maybe even have kept Eilistraee from being killed in that series. I still tend to think of the dark elves as more closely related to the Moon elves than the Sylven(green) elves, however, considering they were given the same stats in 2nd ed., and share the same life-span. |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2010 : 21:16:07
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You know what? Just had a mind-boggling idea pop into my head... not sure if its good because its just in its infancy....
What if the Weave does not extend far underground? 
Interesting possibilities there...
The shadoweave being connected to 'darkness' is a given, but now we toy with the idea that somehow, the Weave needs light to work - Rediant energy.
like I said- this is just a spark of an idea - I have to think on this more. it may invalidate more lore then it fixes.
This could have some interesting side-possibilities for the Dawn Cataclysm and all that stuff concerning the tripatriate sun deity. Also effecs the lore of the War of Light and Darkness...
Hmmmmmm... just realized the name of that war makes even more sense in this light (no pun intended). |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 02 Oct 2010 21:16:31 |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4685 Posts |
Posted - 03 Oct 2010 : 03:58:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
You know what? Just had a mind-boggling idea pop into my head... not sure if its good because its just in its infancy....
What if the Weave does not extend far underground?
Interesting possibilities there...
The shadoweave being connected to 'darkness' is a given, but now we toy with the idea that somehow, the Weave needs light to work - Rediant energy.
like I said- this is just a spark of an idea - I have to think on this more. it may invalidate more lore then it fixes.
Very bad idea, many creatures live in the underdark that use magic, shadowweave is/was only to dedicated followers of one deity. Some of the spell users of the underdark oppose use of that deity.
Further if the Weave does not work 1 mile down (or 50 foot down) all surface characters would not be able to complete a spell casting. If you are to offer the counter of stored magic (which in some ways is required for magic items to work) you make it impossible for a PC party to relearn spells cast until getting high enough. |
"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon |
Edited by - Kentinal on 03 Oct 2010 03:59:19 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 03 Oct 2010 : 05:10:39
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| Just had a thought on this elder drow idea... What if the elder drow aren't a separate race at all? What if becoming an elder drow is a process? What if it involves years (decades, even) of study, seclusion, exposure to (and maybe ingestion/infusion of) faerzress to elevate a drow to something beyond other drow? |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 03 Oct 2010 : 05:16:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Just had a thought on this elder drow idea... What if the elder drow aren't a separate race at all? What if becoming an elder drow is a process? What if it involves years (decades, even) of study, seclusion, exposure to (and maybe ingestion/infusion of) faerzress to elevate a drow to something beyond other drow?
Alternatively, they could just simply be the result of male drow wizards who've so pursued their studies of the arcane arts without fear of retribution, that they've pierced some deeper level of understanding about how faerzress, magic, and drow biology, are all intimately linked.
The study itself, then, has seen them rise to previously undreamed of levels of power in drow society. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Zireael
Master of Realmslore
Poland
1190 Posts |
Posted - 03 Oct 2010 : 10:20:12
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Judging from the amount of replies, it was a good idea to post it here.
A friend of mine at Polish forum suggested the Elder Drow should embody the virtues of the drow race: beauty, ruthlessness, cunning and magic. Futhermore, they should be drow and succubi at the same time.
Personally I'm afraid that would cross a bit into aranea/yochlol territory.
And I guess I should try making a half-aboleth template :P
EDIT: Alystra Illiannis, try looking at this page http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archives and searching. It should still be there... I'm not saying it'd be easy to find, though, with all the layout changes.
And mind giving us a link to your story at Chosen of Eili? |
SiNafay Vrinn, the daughter of Lloth, from Ched Nasad!
http://zireael07.wordpress.com/ |
Edited by - Zireael on 03 Oct 2010 10:23:48 |
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Quale
Master of Realmslore
1757 Posts |
Posted - 03 Oct 2010 : 10:31:19
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It's really far from canon and the hybrid idea you have but
In my games I used parts of the story from the Malazan novels, the dark elves descended from the dark fey, rebellious ''children'' of the Nightsinger (Shar).
Vengeful for the loss of magical power to Mystery the sauroid creator race invoked the Ssharstrune ritual. In short Dendar the Night Serpent destroyed the Dark Court realms in the World Tree. Dark fey armies of Tiste Andii and Tiste Edur followed Dendar when it burst into the Prime. They attacked the serpentine descendants of the sauroid creator race. Scabandari of the Edur betrayed the Andii for the blood of Nagamat, which would make him a sort of a weredragon called the soletaken. The Edur were cursed for their betrayal and became the shadar kai. A few surviving Andii fled on a sauroid skykeep called the Moon's Spawn and hid amongst the Tears of Selune. Later the Andii were involved in the weaving of Miyeritar to Faerun and their meddling caused the Angardt split and Bright Nydra. That's how it ties to my Talfiric campaign. Other dark fey that remained in Faerie became the dark elves when Araushnee wove Anomaly into Destiny, playing the role of the Nightsinger, driving her a bit insane. |
Edited by - Quale on 03 Oct 2010 10:32:22 |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 03 Oct 2010 : 21:36:23
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| Ugh, my head hurts now from looking. Zireael, do you by chance have the title it's under? It would help immensely to know exactly what I'm looking for on that time-line question. And I'm so glad you asked about the story! It's in the second link in my siggy, along with its partner tale, both of which are also at Mickeys Tavern. (the site the link is to.) The First one is called Darksog, and is solely about the drow bard's younger years, and the other tale is called "Children of the Golden Flame" and also features my half-dragon twins. It's under the heading of Fantasy Stuff in the link to my forum on Mick's, along with an unrelated story about a female thief with a fondness for cats. Darksong is proving to be so long that I gave it a thread separate from the rest of my fantasy stuff, which is all on the other thread there. I have a few other things on that site as well, mostly my Marvel-related superhero stuff, but I'm also working on a werewolf-hunter web-comic there. Anywho, it's all in there for those who would like to read it. (And if you do, please drop me a PM to tell me what you think!) |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Zireael
Master of Realmslore
Poland
1190 Posts |
Posted - 04 Oct 2010 : 09:10:59
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I don't remember the title, but I checked my copy on HDD and alas, Araushnee's fall is not given there.
My idea right now about the Elder Drow is:
drow + half-fey + half-succubus (of this variety http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20060630a) + shadovar
These templates won't add one on the other, so I'll have to make a new race.
Anything else to add? |
SiNafay Vrinn, the daughter of Lloth, from Ched Nasad!
http://zireael07.wordpress.com/ |
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Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
Posted - 04 Oct 2010 : 14:05:46
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I like to say some banshees in Fearun used to be Ilythiiri sorcerer-matriarches, swordmaidens or priestesses. Some sages might consider them "elder drow". Ghostforms of darkelven warriors of the crown wars are certainly ancient enough to be consider elder drow aswell.
The Ilythiiri and Miyeritari elves lived a really long time without Lolths tyranny. Because of their close ties to fell dieties such as Ghaunadar and Vhearaun early dark elves might have been blessed with abberant grafts or divine relics of deciet and stealth. Earlier tribes of dark elves might have survived to passs on the ways of the Unseelie Court, who made them able to be darkly enchanting and haunt foes in their shadowy forests. After the first crown war Lolth and her Archdemons thaught or gave them vile spells, weaponry and tactics that work particularly well against "fairy elves".
If you extrapolate the Ilythiiri's past into what kind of people they would change into without Lolths influence I see a people that stand on equal footing with their unseelie archfey allies, with advanced magic that facilitates stealth, arcane fire-based industry capapble of extremely fast weapon production, they would be epxert trainers with a dark menagerie of evil forest creatures and building gothic-style dartree-fortresses. I still would give females strong positions of influence but not as extremely exclusive as the Lolthites are. They would be closely resemble normal moon or wood elves but be far more secretive and sinister. Perhaps their preferred weapons could be sharp elven axes for a refreshing change. The orc double axe is actually a elder drow invention perfected by in their duskblade/darkaxe academies!
Such a people could have survived by going into stasis or fleeing to a timeless plane on the Feywild. The Unseelie Court (any one know it canon location?) could have harbored such elder darkelves and for some reason (the destruction of Lolth through religious conquest/ or Corellon through the elimination of house Durothil and Moonflower) release them on Toril at a later age.
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My campaign sketches
Druidic Groves
Creature Feature: Giant Spiders |
Edited by - Bladewind on 04 Oct 2010 14:20:14 |
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Quale
Master of Realmslore
1757 Posts |
Posted - 04 Oct 2010 : 16:27:09
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Araushnee's fall was in -30 000 DR, it's in GhotR or LEoF.
The Descent of the Drow was in -10 000 DR or something
The Unseelie Court is in Phlegeton, Pandemonium
or in the Fury's Heart (3e), or in the Deep Wilds (4e)
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 04 Oct 2010 : 17:45:22
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I think I like the idea of metamorphosis over a cross-breed.
Not sure if you want to wander into the Realm of undead territory (using Fiends instead), but perhaps something akin to a psi-vamp, or even a 'living Lich' (like the Deathless of Eberron).
I just picture them having some sort of 'aura' - either fear or 'awe', and a slight ability to command normal Drow (saving throws apply - something along the lines of a priest's ability to turn).
You could have them become Shadovar, but thats been beaten to death. Something along the lines of Shades and Deathless, but more 'beautiful' (like fallen angels). Maybe even something akin to the 'Timeless Body' ability Monks get.
Just throwing ideas out there. For a Succubus/Drow crossbreed, you can try looking at the Diablo game's succubi - they're pretty cool, and have nifty names. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 04 Oct 2010 17:49:17 |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 04 Oct 2010 : 23:27:45
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| Hmm, I'm not sure if what anyone thought of my aranea-descent idea, but it would make for a great Lolth/Araushnee themed template. Just up their La LA by one and give them spider-climb and maybe extra limbs or something. (Multi-weapon feat would be cool to give them some new options, sort of like drow versions of Kali.) The venomous "kiss" could add to their sinister mystique, as well. Not a HUGE departure from the norm, but enough to make them a bit more scary. If you gave them web abilities, as well, you have a very dangerous opponent. note that I'm not talking about a true hybrid, but something descended from the two species, much like fey'ri or shifters. There's an entry in the 2nd ed. MM Annual FR volume of a spiderstone golem, and what I'm thinking of is reminiscent of those, but living drow instead of a golem. |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
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Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 05 Oct 2010 : 03:49:54
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
I think I like the idea of metamorphosis over a cross-breed.
Not sure if you want to wander into the Realm of undead territory (using Fiends instead), but perhaps something akin to a psi-vamp, or even a 'living Lich' (like the Deathless of Eberron).
I just picture them having some sort of 'aura' - either fear or 'awe', and a slight ability to command normal Drow (saving throws apply - something along the lines of a priest's ability to turn).
You could have them become Shadovar, but thats been beaten to death. Something along the lines of Shades and Deathless, but more 'beautiful' (like fallen angels). Maybe even something akin to the 'Timeless Body' ability Monks get.
Just throwing ideas out there. For a Succubus/Drow crossbreed, you can try looking at the Diablo game's succubi - they're pretty cool, and have nifty names.
I like it... Blend some fey abilities, add some suggestion/domination ability, maybe make them larger and stronger, and give them enough power that even most Lolthite priestesses are wary of them...  |
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jaelin910
Acolyte
Australia
18 Posts |
Posted - 06 Oct 2010 : 13:43:25
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mabey if the elder drow were like the driders in appearance and origin - made by lolth, and part spider.
but instead of it being a punishment(im assuming here that being made into a drider is a punishment) its a reward for centuries of absolute devotion or somesuch
im fairly sure that being a drider is punishment. i think i remember something to that effect in one of the earlier drizzt books.
im just not sure coz it could just be to make the drow in question more useful |
Edited by - jaelin910 on 06 Oct 2010 13:49:15 |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2010 : 05:10:34
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| I'm not a fan of going the drider route, with these elder drow.... In fact, a thought I just had was that drow wishing to become elder drow can't just figure out the ritual -- they have to be invited, by other elder drow, to be elevated. And part of the process is a bit of divine assistance from Vhaeraun. The elder drow would apparently be loyal to Lolth and would likely go so far as appearing to serve their Matrons, but in actuality, they'd worship the Masked Lord and advance his causes. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2010 : 05:51:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I'm not a fan of going the drider route, with these elder drow.... In fact, a thought I just had was that drow wishing to become elder drow can't just figure out the ritual -- they have to be invited, by other elder drow, to be elevated. And part of the process is a bit of divine assistance from Vhaeraun. The elder drow would apparently be loyal to Lolth and would likely go so far as appearing to serve their Matrons, but in actuality, they'd worship the Masked Lord and advance his causes.
I'm with Wooly on this one.
We've an opportunity to create something new here. I'd rather explore some alternate method for the creation of these elder drow, than follow what's gone before.
And on that note, and to expand a little on the Ol' Hamster's bit about Vhaeraun above... I just had my own thought about maybe having these potential elder drow -- as worshippers of the Masked Lord -- willingly working with receptive elder elves on the surface world in order to pierce the veil of understanding how greater magic and arcane focus can be achieved and maintained by these elder drow. In effect, these drow would be learning about how the surface elder elves achieve such levels of arcane mastery... and attempting to work it for themselves.
It's not too much of a stretch... since part of the dogma for Vhaeraun worship maintains that the drow should work with the other elven races in pursuit of knowledge and advancement. |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2010 : 05:59:38
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| Going along with your line of thought, you could even say these particular "drow" are interested in working with the Unseelie Court which would put them in touch with their "inner fey" so to speak. They could learn quite a bit... |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Elder drow & Ka'Narlist
