Let’s talk about Drizzt Do’Urden, the dark elf. He’s misunderstood and perpetually brooding. Drizzt makes dual-wielding scimitars look great. Despite arguments against it, he pulls it off. Is he still around? Yes, and he still has angst. Let’s explore.
Drizzt Do’Urden: Still Alive and Kicking (Literally)
For those who care, Drizzt is still alive. Not just in our hearts, though he occupies a special spot there.
- Baldur’s Gate 3 Confirms It: In Baldur’s Gate 3, look for hints. Larian Studios has confirmed Drizzt is out there. He is probably fighting evil and contemplating good. Faerun is still his home.
- D&D 5e Official Status: D&D sourcebooks don’t say “Drizzt Lives!” But he’s part of 5th Edition canon. Imagine D&D without him. Unthinkable!
Drizzt Deconstructed: Stats and Quirks
Want to know Drizzt’s stats? Here’s the lowdown:
- Age: A Century Old: Drizzt is about 190 years old. He left Menzoberranzan at 31. That’s young for a drow. They can live up to 750 years.
- Level: Upper-Tier Hero: In D&D 5th Edition, Drizzt is a Level 19 character. Close to superhero status but not quite Level 20.
- Class: Fighter/Ranger: Officially, he’s a Fighter/Ranger. But he’s in a class of his own. His skills extend beyond archetypes.
- Full Name: Drizzt Do’Urden: Say it with style. House Do’Urden isn’t a thing anymore, but that’s another story.
- Family Matters: Family is complicated for drow.
- Zaknafein Do’Urden: (Definitely Dead): His father passed away. Tragic backstory, you know.
- Cattie-brie (Wife, Not Drow): Drizzt is married to Cattie-brie, a human.
- Briennelle Zaharina Do’Urden (Daughter): She’s half-drow, half-human. Oh, and her nickname is “Brie-Zara.”
- Guenhwyvar: The Magical Panther: Guenhwyvar is a magical panther, not a regular cat. Drizzt summons her from the Astral Plane. He has a pocket dimension panther!
- Artemis Entreri: Frenemy: Artemis Entreri, later Barrabus the Gray, is Drizzt’s nemesis. Their rivalry involves deep philosophical debates masked as deadly combat.
A Dash of Drizzt History: From Underdark to Underdog
Drizzt’s story is classic. He broke free from a toxic family to find his own path.
- Origin Story: Escaping the Drow: Drizzt rejected the evil ways of drow society. Born in Menzoberranzan, he faced cruelty and worship of Lolth. He questioned things and felt empathy. So, he left the Underdark and its dark creatures behind.
- House Do’Urden: A Downfall: House Do’Urden fell out of favor with Lolth. House Baenre destroyed them. Family reunions? Probably awkward.
- Notable Deeds: Saving Friends: Drizzt has rescued friends and battled demons. He defeated Demogorgon in Menzoberranzan. Imagine that on a resume!
- Pronunciation Guide: “Drizzt Do’Urden” and “Guenhwyvar” are tricky. The internet has guides. Practice helps with D&D conversations.
The Legend Continues: Drizzt’s Literary Life
Drizzt’s adventures extend to novels.
- Series Status: Ongoing: The Legend of Drizzt is still running. More stories about him are coming.
- Lolth’s Warrior: The Latest: The 2023 novel Lolth’s Warrior is the finale of The Way of the Drow. Those looking to keep up with Drizzt should read it.
Drizztverse Expanded: Supporting Cast Spotlight
Drizzt has an interesting supporting cast.
- Zaknafein Do’Urden: The Dad Who Tried: Zaknafein was a skilled weapons master. He was a good influence on Drizzt, and his death shapes Drizzt’s story.
- Jarlaxle Baenre: The Rogue: Jarlaxle is a charismatic rogue and schemer. He’s around 400-500 years old and has a flair for style. He was meant to be sacrificed as a child, but it didn’t work out.
- Catti-brie: The Heart: Catti-brie, Drizzt’s wife, is a skilled warrior. She’s the emotional anchor for Drizzt and his companions.
- Wulfgar: The Reincarnated Barbarian: Wulfgar had a relationship with Catti-brie. He was reincarnated as Hrolf in the Tribe of the Elk, continuing his narrative.
- Artemis Entreri: Rescued by the Frenemy: We’ve discussed Artemis Entreri as Drizzt’s nemesis. But his narrative is much richer than that.
- Even villains need help at times. Jarlaxle rescued Artemis at one point. In the Forgotten Realms, even enemies can have complex relationships.
- Belwar Dissengulp: The Deep Gnome with a Grievance (and a Hook Hand): Belwar is a deep gnome who met Drizzt long ago. They encountered each other years later. In the interconnected Forgotten Realms, people run into others again.
Forgotten Realms Fun Facts: Bonus D&D Lore
Since we are discussing Drizzt, here are some extra D&D facts:
- Eilistraee: The Good Drow Goddess is Back: Eilistraee, the good drow goddess (daughter of Corellon and Lolth), is alive again after the Sundering (post-1489 DR). If you play a good drow, you have a deity to worship.
- Kelemvor: The God of Death, Briefly Deposed: Kelemvor, the god of death, faced difficulties. Cyric killed him when Cyric was mortal. But don’t worry, death is rarely final in D&D.
- Vecna: The Whispers Never Truly Die: Vecna, the lich-god of secrets, faced defeat. However, he was not destroyed. His spirit lingers in the multiverse, likely plotting revenge. Evil never rests, especially Vecna.
- Mystic Class: The Class That Never Was (Officially): Ever heard of the Mystic class in 5e? It is not a thing. Officially, “There is no Mystic class in 5E.” It was playtested but never published. So, don’t create your Mystic character yet.
- Baldur’s Gate 3 Romance Roundup: Shadowheart Steals Hearts: In BG3, Shadowheart is the top romance choice. Mystery and Shar-worship add intrigue to love lives.
- Astarion: Vampire Spawn Alert!: Astarion is a High Elf Rogue and a vampire spawn. If you are not cautious, he will transform you into a vampire spawn as well. Romance has consequences!
- Elf and Drow Lifespans: Living Long and Prospering (or Brooding): Elves, including drow, can live up to 750 years. There is ample time for adventures, philosophical debates, and honing brooding stares.
- BG3 Character Reunion Tour: Familiar Faces Return:Baldur’s Gate 3 brings back beloved characters. Jaheria, Elminster, and Volo will appear. Sarevok and Viconia also show up for some villainy.
- Balduran: Mind Flayer Mishap: Let’s not forget Balduran, the founder of Baldur’s Gate. He “of course turned into a Mind Flayer.” In the Forgotten Realms, city founders can turn into tentacled beings.
There you have it. A look at Drizzt Do’Urden, his companions, foes, and the greater Forgotten Realms. If you are a long-time fan or a curious newcomer from Baldur’s Gate 3, explore more about the brooding drow ranger and his legendary journey. Excuse me. I feel a need to create a dual-wielding ranger.
