Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

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.

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