One of the most important choices for building a character inBaldur’s Gate 3is race. While race doesn’t affect players in the way it does in traditionalDungeons & Dragonsand stat bonuses aren’t predetermined, it can affect certain scenarios and interactions. Especially in the first act of the game, players will often find that their chosen race will determine many NPCs' first impression of them, and all the races have exclusive dialogue unique to them.
The drow are a subspecies of elves, but considered their own race in theBaldur’s Gate 3character creator. They originate from the Underdark, and are notorious for their ruthlessness and brutal upbringing -drow can even be considered much crueler than gith, and players can witness firsthand the ferocious nature of gith society early in Act 1. Though many players may be hesitant to play a drow character due to their perceived nature or Underdark origins,the drow are actually one of the most fun races to play.
Playing As A Drow Turns Goblin Interactions Into A Breeze
The Drow Are The Only People Goblins Respect
In conversation with goblins, playing a drow character will often quickly result in the best outcome and shield players from having to make major persuasion or intimidation checks. In drow societies, goblins, ogres, hobgoblins, and other creatures of similar nature act as servants towards them, meaning thatgoblins tend to see drow as their superiors - especially female drow, since they are also heavily matriarchal.When players encounter the goblin camp or blighted village, having a drow in their party - or someone disguised as one - is essentially a free pass through these areas.
It’s not news to anyone that thedrow receive some of the most hatebased on their race inBaldur’s Gate 3- many do not feel inclined to trust them due to their violent reputation. However, it is not particularly hard to bypass first impressions, and players don’t necessarily have to play as an evil-aligned drow. In general, it appears that the negative implications of playing a drow aren’t very prevalent, meaningplayers can enjoy the race bonuses and a horde of adoring goblins at the same time with little to no drawbacks.
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Drow Weapon Training (Proficiency with shortswords, rapiers, and crossbows)
Dancing lightscantrip
3
Faerie fire(first level spell)
5
Darkness(second level spell)
However, if players do want to do an evil playthrough, then a drow is arguably the best race to pick. Not only is it easier to gain respect from goblins, but Minthara will give the player the warmest welcome out of any other race to a female drow, referring to the player as a “sister.“Any drow player planning on raiding the grove with her in Act 1 will have the easiest time convincing the Absolutists to their sideand recruiting Minthara in Act 2.
Drow Have Unique Interactions In The Underdark
The Underdark Is The Home Of The Drow
Though many interactions on the surface will involve characters being discriminatory towards drow, in late Act 1, players are given the option to travel to Moonrise Towers through themountain pass or Underdark. The latter is where the drow, deep gnomes, and duergar call home, andthere are many interactions in this area unique to the drow and its subraces. Most players will notice the “Baldurian” dialogue tag when speaking to NPCs, but for Underdark residents, this is replaced with “Underdark.” The only other race not from Baldur’s Gate are the githyanki, since they are extraplanar.
Hidden Baldur’s Gate 3 Item Uncovers Dark Lore Implications
Hidden in the Underdark are multitudes of monsters, villains, and treasures, but one player found a disturbing secret in the underground.
For example,thePhalar Aluveis a sword obtainable in the Underdark which has inscriptions relating to Eilistraee, one of the two drow goddesses inBaldur’s Gate 3. A cleric of Elistraee will recognize the writings - a cleric of Lolth will as well, but as seen inDark Urge Diaries' YouTube video above, will receive a much more hateful narration regarding the sword. They will also experience some unique dialogue involving intervention from Lolth herself as a warning to not anger her again.
West of the Selunite outpost in the Underdark, players can find a drow NPC called Dhourn. Female drow of the “Noble” background - such as Minthara, though she cannot be used in Act 1 - can earn an inspiration point by intimidating him and upholding the drow matriarchy.The drow have some of the most dialogue choices associated with them, even rivaling the githyanki, who are hugely involved in the overall plot of the game.
Drow Have Some Of The Most Interesting Lore In Faerûn
Baldur’s Gate 3 Features Two Rival Drow Goddesses
As aforementioned,there are two members of the drow pantheon who are relevant inBaldur’s Gate 3: Lolth and Eilistraee. Lolth is an evil deity known as the Spider Queen, often being portrayed similarly to a drider. She is a paragon of the cruel nature of drow, reveling in violence and bloodshed. Eilistraee is her daughter, and denounces everything her mother stands for - she is good-aligned and allied with other deities like Selûne. She values freedom, song, dance and beauty - her worshipers are often among those who seek an alternative to the rest of drow society.
InDungeons & Dragons, Lolth is part of the Dark Seldarine pantheon, while Eilistraee is a member of the Seldarine pantheon. InBaldur’s Gate 3, these pantheons are narrowed down to these two deities, and the subraces of drow are Lolthsworn and Seldarine.Lolthsworn drow are typically identified by their red eyes, and Seldarine drow have pale blue eyes, but this is not a mandatory preset in character customization and players can choose whichever physical attributes they like. Lolthsworn clerics cannot choose any deity other than Lolth - meanwhile, Seldarine clerics are the opposite and can worship any deity besides Lolth.
The drow have a lot of unique story choices throughout the game. Though the way other characters typically respond to drow may be a shock for players unfamiliar withDungeons & Dragons, they may even be a good choice for those who are new to the game, given how easily they can progress through areas like the goblin camp in the first act. Though compared to other races, the drow seems to be a decently popular choice among players, those who haven’t played as a drow are missing out on some of the best gameplay opportunities inBaldur’s Gate 3.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Developed and published by Larian Studios, Baldur’s Gate 3 is an upcoming role-playing game set to release in August of 2023. Players will create a character to embark on a large-scale journey and can do so solo or cooperatively with a friend. Combat is a turn-based style this time around.
