racism against black elves (non drow)

[punkorange]

My group is from a campaign world where surface elves are dark, almost black, and underdark elves are white from lack of pigment (like deep sea fish).
They will be going to forgotten realms soon, and I was wondering what kind of challenges they might face trying to fit into the realms. They are obviously good, and one even radiates it, but they do appear dark skinned which will mean they will be mistaken for drow, even though they do not look exactly drowish.

 

[Truth Seeker]

My group is from a campaign world where surface elves are dark, almost black, and underdark elves are white from lack of pigment (like deep sea fish).
They will be going to forgotten realms soon, and I was wondering what kind of challenges they might face trying to fit into the realms. They are obviously good, and one even radiates it, but they do appear dark skinned which will mean they will be mistaken for drow, even though they do not look exactly drowish.

From the onset...they will get the treatment of looking like Drow, but you didn't mention the hair color.

 

[Hand of Evil]

Look like a drow, die like a drow. But then, DROW! Run for the hills! But then this is the FR so as long as they are acting not evil no problem, they can walk the streets, kiss the girls/guy and have a good old time without issues.

It is up to your DM.

 

[diaglo]

does their armor or clothing have spiders and demons and other nasty creatures on it or acts of evil depicted?

do they talk or use words about killing or maiming or enslaving other races?

do they have two scimitars?

there is more to being a drow than just skin colour.

 

[Truth Seeker]

Look like a drow, die like a drow. But then, DROW! Run for the hills! But then this is the FR so as long as they are acting not evil no problem, they can walk the streets, kiss the girls/guy and have a good old time without issues.

It is up to your DM.

*sigh* So speaketh the HOE... .

 

[punkorange]

there is more to being a drow than just skin colour.

To me and you, but to the average farmer in Forgotten Realms a black skinned elf is probably evil.

 

[WayneLigon]

I'd load up on Protection from Arrows scrolls, some Cure Critical Wounds wands, and some Hats of Disquise. I think even in Waterdeep, Drow = Kill on sight.

 

[Sundragon2012]

Mortals being mortals however, in most cases I can see them assumed to be drow immediately by any and all save the most experienced drow hunting adventurers. Others just wouldn't know enough about drow at first glance to distinguith them from drow. I think a better question I think would be is there any reason in the world they wouldn't be treated like drow. Most creatures knowledgable of the drow would sooner be safe than sorry and fill em full of crossbow bolts as soon as that ebony skin showed itself.

Worldly characters and NPCs would have different reactions of course but I am referring to common humans, elves, dwarves, etc.


Chris

 

[diaglo]

To me and you, but to the average farmer in Forgotten Realms a black skinned elf is probably evil.

to the avg farmer who hasn't encountered a goblin much less a drow...

they would be elves.

the problem is the towns or cities where people have travelled and have stories about drow that would give the PCs trouble.

drow even in the FR are not known by everyone. they are supposed to be scarce on the surface.

 

[Aaron L]

Are they just dark skinned? Because, you know, drow are BLACK skinned. Like jet black. Unnaturally black, from everything Ive ever read. Not a tropical skin pigmentation brown, but obsidian black. So theyd probably look like darker wood elves.