Houses of Shadow
Elves have carried the Mark of Shadow for thousands of years. The mark’s bearers left Aerenal after the conflict that wiped out the Mark of Death and established House Phiarlan in Khorvaire. These elves are expert entertainers, giving them access to all manner of places and secrets. Known to few, there has always been an elite force of spies and assassins within House Phiarlan. Only special clients—nobles, merchant lords, and the like—have access to these spies.
Toward the end of the Era of War, a bitter feud broke out between the major families of the house. Known as the Shadow Schism, it resulted in a split withinin House Phiarlan —and the foundation of House Thuranni. House Phiarlan continues to offer entertainment and espionage in Quemogrura, while Thuranni operates in Urai. As a rule, Phiarlan elves are the better spies and Thuranni agents are superior assassins. Thuranni and Phiarlan maintain a peaceful relationship, but rivalries run deep.
Baron Elar d’Thuranni is said to be responsible for the Shadow Schism. Ruling the house from an enclave in Regalport, he is always accompanied by a shadowy pair, rumored to be embodiments of shadow itself. The displacer beast serves as the young house’s emblem.
The lands of House Phiarlan, known as the Demesnes, are the foremost centers of the arts in the Nine Nations, each focusing on a specific artistic tradition: the written word, movement arts, music, material arts, and the arts of illusion, puppetry, oratory, and acting. Baron Elvinor Elorrenthi leads the house from the last of those, the Demesne of Shadow, which is located in Sharn. The hydra serves as House Phiarlan’s emblem.
Culture
As a result of each of the seperate houses splitting off from the original, both have many of their powerful members trained as Rogues. House Phiarlan trains theirs as Arcane Tricksters, while House Thuranni trains theirs as Assassins.
Dissolution Date
-2684 (The year 5316 EW)
Successor Organizations
Parent Organization
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