Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Drow

Medium · Humanoid · CR 1/4 · Neutral Evil

Source. 5e 2014 Rules
Armor Class
15 (chain shirt)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
13 (3d8)
Challenge Rating CR
1/4

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
10
+0
DEX
14
+2
CON
10
+0
INT
11
+0
WIS
11
+0
CHA
12
+1

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Medium
Type Humanoid
Alignment Neutral Evil
XP 50
Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)
Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)
Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)
Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)
Passive Perception 12

Skills

Perception +2 Stealth +4

Languages

Elvish, Undercommon

Environments

Underworld

Traits

Fey Ancestry

The drow has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put the drow to sleep.

Innate Spellcasting

The drow's spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 11). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: dancing lights
1/day each: darkness, faerie fire

Sunlight Sensitivity

While in sunlight, the drow has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions

Hand Crossbow

Cost 1

+4 to hit, range 30/120 ft (9.1/36.6 m).

Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 hour. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the target is also unconscious while poisoned in this way. The target wakes up if it takes damage or if another creature takes an action to shake it awake.

Shortsword

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

About Drow

Drow is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 1/4. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 13 hit points (derived from 3d8).

Drow has communication capabilities including Elvish, Undercommon. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Drow

2 tips available

When using Drow in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

  • Minion Strategy: Use as scouts or minions for larger threats
  • Group Tactics: Group 3-4 together to pose a moderate threat

Player Guide: Facing Drow

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

  • Easy Target: This creature is weak - focus on other threats
  • Group Threat: Multiple can be dangerous - use area attacks

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 31 XP
  • Hard: 46 XP
  • Deadly: 62 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Drow?
Drow has a Challenge Rating of 1/4, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.25.
What type of creature is Drow?
Drow is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Drow speak?
Drow can communicate in Elvish, Undercommon.

Related D&D 5e Content

Related Creatures