The Drow

The drow is a genetic offshoot of the elven race that are primarily subterranean dwellers.  They seemingly vanished from the face of the earth around the fall of The Roman Empire, but for some reason have seen reason to concern themselves with the surface world in such a dire time.

Physiology

Drow are virtually identical to their surface counterparts when it comes to physiology.  There are some notable differences though.  The first major difference is that of skintone.  It is most often ebony.  Hair is also often white.

These are the only major physical differences that are readily spotted.  However, one major difference is how they have evolved to live underground.  This is in that of eyesight.  A drow has remarkable sight in low light conditions and can even see in the infrared spectrum.  However, their eyes are highly vulnerable to light, both natural and artificial.

Some drow have demonic mutations due to corruption on some level.  This varies tremendously though.

Culture

Drow culture is very theocratic and based on their religion.  The number eight is considered sacred as are spiders.  A major note is that they are matriarchal in nature.  Eight women rule a colony and their control is virtually absolute.

One major note about their culture is how both beauty and the ability to kill are honored.  Someone who can both appeal and is an effective killer will find themselves in a very good standing.

Another note is that the males of the species are heavily subjugated and, in virtually all cases, treated as cattle.  Sexual equality is not a luxury drow are familiar with.  Males are often killed shortly after birth as sacrifice to their gods.

Murder is also a way of life for the drow.  They are as likely to kill their own family members as they are their enemies.  This feudal nature has them often waging wars against other drow as much as they fight interlopers.

Regional Differences

Drow are found in both North America and Europe, but there are some notable differences in these regions.  The most notable one is that the drow of the Americas are more technologically advanced.  This is believed due to the fact that The Breed Empire, who firmly controls The Americas, is committed to whipping them out.  American drow have developed special pieces of technology for their fight, including a piece that combats their delicate eyes.  These ‘day-vision goggles’ are crafted through technomancy and conventional means, which then allow a drow to function on the surface in daylight conditions.

The drow of Europe are more magically advanced though, partly believed due to their traditions.  Another possible theory is that a demonic taint, spread by Soul-Drinker and his pravagen is corrupting the drow of Europe, which could possibly be hindering any technological advancement.  Another theory is that many of these colonies are corrupted to the point where Soul-Drinker could possibly create a large number of pravagen.  This could give him a large army that could easily control the European Wastelands.

Cities

Drow cities are always underground.  Depending on the size of the colony though, there can be major differences.  Most colonies can be divided into three levels: upper tunnels, middle levels and the undercity.  

The upper tunnels are primarily a defensive measure.  Several interlocking tunnels lead downward.  Several of these have sliding doors on them which can be used to create a massive and ever-changing maze.  The tunnels too are often occupied by drow with demonic traits, along with creatures like wendigos and, in the southern regions of The Americas, wyrms of South America.  The closer to the actual city, there are emplacements and tripwire mines designed to deter interlopers even further.  Most of these mines are similar to Claymore anti-personal mines.

The middle levels are major population centers.  Many buildings, several of which are hewn right out of the rock, occupy this level.

The undercity is very close to the mantle.  Very few drow go there unless they have to.  It is mostly occupied by slaves who are there to do mundane tasks to keep the rest of the city running.  Overseers are quite common here too in order to keep the slaves in line.

Magic and Technology

Unlike most species, drow have two types of technology when it comes to weapons.  One that is designed for primary use against surface interlopers and one used against other drow.

The weapons used against other drow are designed for causing maximum pain and creating as much a mess as possible.  These weapons primarily use circular saws as their ammunition and can quickly butcher most lightly armored targets in particularly gory ways.

The other weapons are conventional firearms, crafted from an extended study of surface weapons.  The most interesting part of these is that most of the bullets are merely a delivery system designed to penetrate armor.  Inside most drow bullets are a secondary bullet, which is the device that does the damage.  A rare version is actually a semi-sentient barbed wire, which butchers the insides.  One other piece they have developed out of necessity, is a universal silencer and flash suppressor.  This is a piece of technomancy which shapes to fit the surface firearm it is placed on.  It is important to note though, it is not 100% universal, as Breed Metal Storm technology is a mystery to them.

Magic-wise, drow are mostly necromancers and death magic users, but there are some who venture into demonology.  Their magical skills have also probably suffered the least because of their reclusive nature when it comes to the surface world.

Military

Tactics have changed little since their return.  They send in slaves first to test the enemy and then use frontal assaults combined with lightning raids.  Drow are very swift in these raids and it often destroys several supplies.

Conclusion

Despite being in small numbers now, due to rituals and infighting, the drow are still a very real threat in the world.