Wayfinder's Guide To Eberron PDF

CHAPTER 4 | THE MARK OF SHADOW 105

The Mark of Shadow ................................................

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— Lady Elara d’Thuranni,

shadow dancer

The Mark of Shadows lets an elf weave illusions
from shadows, crafting sounds and images to
distract or delight. The mark also allows its
bearer to draw on the shadows, making it an
easy matter to avoid detection or even disappear
while in plain sight. It is a valuable tool for an
entertainer, a spy, or an assassin.

THE HOUSES OF SHADOW

The elves have carried the Mark of Shadow for
thousands of years. The families that carry the
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out the Mark of Death and established House
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entertainers in the land, giving them access to all
manner of places and secrets. But the elves do
more than entertain. There has always been an
elite force of spies and assassins within the house.
Common folk know nothing of this. Only special
clients—powerful nobles, merchant lords, and the
like—have access to these shadow-marked spies.
Toward the end of the Last War, a bitter feud
broke out between the major families of the
house. Known as the Shadow Schism, it resulted
in a split withinin Phiarlan—and the foundation
of House Thuranni. House Phiarlan continues to
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west of the Mournland, while Thuranni operates
in Karrnath, the Lhazaar Principalities, and the
eastern lands. As a rule, Phiarlan elves are the
better spies and Thuranni agents are superior
assassins. On the surface Thuranni and Phiarlan
maintain a peaceful relationship, but rivalries
run deep.

DRAGONMARKED CHARACTERS

Here are a few examples of characters who carry

the Mark of Shadow.

House Agent Rogue. You’re a young

agent in House Thuranni. You’ve studied the

performing arts, but you’re far more interested

in the darker side of the house. At the moment

you’re building your skills and reputation as an

observer and investigator, but once you prove

yourself you hope you’ll get to be a player in the

shadow war.

Bard Entertainer. You’re a rising star. Your

performances have already earned you a name

across the Five Nations, and your fame will surely

only increase as you develop your talents. The

house has helped with your career, and they’ve

dropped hints to see if you want to get involved

in the other side of the house, but at the moment

you’re just in this for the music.

MARK OF SHADOW TRAITS

The Mark of Shadow only manifests on elves. If

your character has the Mark of Shadow, this is

their elf subrace.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma

score increases by 1.

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one musical instrument or the Performance skill.

Gift of the Shadows. When you make a

Charisma (Performance) or Dexterity (Stealth)

check, you can roll one Intuition die, a d4, and

add the number rolled to the ability check.

Shape Shadows. You know the UQVWZQTT][QWV

cantrip. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for

this trait.

Slip Into Shadow. You can use the Hide

action as a bonus action, even if you have no

cover or if you’re under observation. Regardless

of whether you succeed or fail, once you use this

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short or long rest.