Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Kilsek of Sheverash 11-02-05, 02:20 PM	Hi guys, just like it says, I'm looking to make better drow encounters. So what sort of subtler abilities, feats, environmental things, and tactics do you recommend for memorable and dangerous drow encounters? Ones specific question: the DDM game almost always grants Drow some form of concealment and spell resistance. I'm a long-time DM, and while the SR is obviously part of the drow package, do you simply have your drow always cast darkness before or at the start of your fight to gain it (I assume that's the inspiration for the DDM ability)? I really want to create several a feeling of and several tiers of "marine/special forces/assassins" -like drow combing the Underdark where the PCs are exploring. I want them to be very stealthy, survivalists, have multiple skills to incapacitate their enemies before killing them (i.e. knockout poison), but also capable of holding their own in combat of all kinds, ranged and melee. Some things I've thought of so far... Environment (Underdark caverns) -more ledge and tunnel fight locations -more use of stalagmites/tites for cover and hiding Tactics -Heavy sniping, heavy ranged harrassment before closing, ambushes, gaining surprise, attacking from shadows and darkness, heavy poison use, heavy use of spells and poisons and items that reduce vision, hearing, speed, or slow or debilitate others (along the themes of their usual knockout poison) RP Themes -Heavy interest in slave trade, arms dealing, torture for information or pleasure, some politics between drow cities or the drow and other nearby factions or surface enemies Class levels -any combination of fighter/rogue/assassin/shadowdancer/scout Abilities, Feats & Items -any that enhance stealth, poison use, or surprise/sneak attack (i.e. other poisons, Alertness, Improved Initiative, Combat Expertise, Combat Reflexes, Staggering Strike) I'm focusing on the warrior-type drow for ideas right now. I realize the casters can be molded the same way with the right themed spell choices mixed in, but for now focusing on the warrior archetype.
(Psi)SeveredHead 11-02-05, 10:27 PM	Any race can use these tactics, except maybe the darkness spells. It's sad when I see DMs try to use "better tactics" for drow, not realizing that the MM entry for drow sucks and other races are just as cool. You should put the same effort into tactics for any other race, and ask that question instead.
Realms of Chaos 11-03-05, 10:16 AM	I beleive that it is the drow that worship Lolth, the spider diety. I also beleive that they need to perform special trials for her or else they are turned into spider-drow crossbreeds. I would not be surprised if they raised hairy and bladed spiders as pets. Drow probably use these Driders, Chitine, and Choldrith as slaves or otherwise exile them. It is very possable that these outcasts are plotting against the drow. Half-feind Draegloths probably serve as viceroys for Lolth and I could imagine a single Yochlol and troup of three Myrlochars run preistly affairs. (all unfamiliar creatures that I have mentioned are from Monsters of Faerun). It would also be fun to role play the communications between the Drow and Mindflayers. As for Tactics, drow are probably one of the few creatures that would give up seeing in color for a single preemptive attack. Drow spellcasters are likely to use gust of wind or quench to put out a torch or lantern before attacking. In areas naturally illuminated, Drow fighters probably use their darkness ability and then rely on the blindfight feat as they charge through it. They are also not above using Dancing lights to lure unsuspecting travelers over a cliff or into an ambush. Against elusive prey, they probably use faerie fire to keep them from hiding. Indeed, their darkvision and resistance to spells makes them perfect for bounty hunters or slavers. I hope that I gave you something to think on.