I automatically fail saves versus puns and rhymes; so sue me. Also, I guess everyone knows how I pronounce "drow" now (rhymed again!).
Anyway, a friend of mine has requested a solo campaign in which he'll be playing two characters. Both of them will be drow. As astute and long time posters will know, my drow are substantially different from the norm. The major differences are as follows:
Surface-dwellers. My dark elves do not live deep beneath the ground, but dwell on the surface just like normal elves. However, you're not likely to mistake a drow-held land with an elven land. Anywhere the drow inhabit is a frozen hellscape. Though they are certainly comfortable in naturally frozen lands, the drow are more known for using power magic to enchant and curse their territory with supernatural cold.
Necromancers. The drow have unrivaled power over the dead. They are completely enamored with curses, as well. From bestow curse to ray of enfeeblement to feeblemind; anything that can be construed as a hex of some sort is attractive to the drow.
Gift-givers. The drow's standard operating procedure is to keep a cadre of allies at all time, allies whom they have bribed and subverted with magic such as rings and enchanted weapons. Intimidation also certainly plays a role, but later in the process.
But what I don't have worked out yet are the statistics for these dark elves. I don't think the drow in the Monster Manual are the best match for the feel that I've tried to create. Further, I'd like to make dark elves a viable player option, which means no more than a +1 level adjustment. I'm not too worried about any traditions I may be treading on here; I've trampled on so many in creating my homebrew, what's a few more? :P
So my question to you, Paizonians, is this: what racial statistics should the drow possess aside from the standard elven traits*? I'm thinking that Cold Resistance 5 is a good starting place. Something to make them particularly adept at necromancy spells would be good, too. And perhaps a bonus to Bluff checks, perhaps Diplomacy to boot? Regardless, I think I'd like something a little more creative than "+1 caster level on necromancy spells and effects" or the like.
Thoughts?
*I've changed the standard elven abilities, too; but I'm happy with those changes and they are currently beyond the scope of this discussion.
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Arctic Elves
The arctic landscape is dotted here and there with permanent fog banks caused by subterranean heat interacting with snow and ice or warm springs steaming in the freezing air. Hidden in these oases of warmth are the ancient settlements of the elves.
Racial Traits
Arctic elves have the general arctic racial trait described above and all elf racial traits, with additions and exceptions as noted below.
-2 Strength, +2 Dexterity: Arctic elves look down on physical exertion, preferring quick action when necessary.
+2 racial bonus on any one Craft skill (chosen by the character at the time of creation).
+2 racial bonus on Survival checks made in arctic environments: Arctic elves are naturally adept at staying alive in the harsh conditions of their homeland.
No racial bonus on Search checks.
No special ability to notice a secret or concealed door within 5 feet without actively looking for it.