Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Sarlax 01-24-05, 02:15 AM	http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ebds/20050124a This is a great shard on the history of both the House and of the elves. In particular, it reveals more of how the world sees the House today: they are almost entirely believed only to be master entertainers. Knowledge of their espionage is very uncommon. It is also noted that the marks can appear across bloodlines simultaneously. Likewise, more is revealed of House Vol. Its necromantic traditions predate the Undying Court. "In time, the Priests of Transition won the support of the majority of the Aereni. The path of the deathless relied on the veneration of life, while many saw the work of Vol as preying on the living to prolong the life of a few." We also gain some idea of what's known of Erandis d'Vol's survival: most believe she perished with the rest of the line.
Flame_Drake 01-24-05, 02:31 AM	It also may explain why lady vol was turned into a lich, so she would survived even if she could not escape the onslaught of the elves. Seems to make more sence then making her a lich and then hiding her away.
polt 01-24-05, 03:42 AM	I like it, a lot of fluff, nice :) But i didn't see anything about why Thurrani and Pharlian split up?
The White Sorcerer 01-24-05, 04:10 AM	Now I know where that Elorrenthi in Elvinor Elorrenthi d'Phiarlan's name comes from.
Somebloke 01-24-05, 04:20 AM	I love this sort of thing....three paragraphs of stats in the book....pages upon pages of background and flavor. Lovely.
MarkB 01-24-05, 04:37 AM	Excellent article. The more detailed look at Aereni history and tantalising glimpse into the Xen'drik rebellion was fascinating, and I'm sure this information will come in very useful for future campaigns.
Just another user 01-24-05, 07:11 AM	I like it, a lot of fluff, nice :) But i didn't see anything about why Thurrani and Pharlian split up? That is why it says "part one". :)
FuzzCube 01-24-05, 08:21 AM	An amazing dragon shard. I really liked the first glimpse we got of Aerenal history - the split of the elves into 3 factions: 1) Aereanal elves (and the Valenar). 2) House of Vol. Evolved into the Blood of Vol (and the emerald claw). 3) Phiaralan house. A related idea: We know that Vol is the last blood member of house Vol, but what if other non blood members of the house survived as undead, or were raised by Vol and continue to serve her to this day. For example Vol raised her butler as an advanced Zombie. The captain of the guard became a ghost. Can become a nice comic twist if the PCs ever meet Vol in person (at epic levels).
The White Sorcerer 01-24-05, 09:33 AM	An amazing dragon shard. I really liked the first glimpse we got of Aerenal history - the split of the elves into 3 factions: 1) Aereanal elves (and the Valenar). 2) House of Vol. Evolved into the Blood of Vol (and the emerald claw). 3) Phiaralan house. Actually, more like 4 factions. The Transition followers, the Tairnadal, Vol, and the phiarlan.
Streamweaver 01-24-05, 09:58 AM	On the topic of the house but not related to anything said here so far... I know they want to say that the spying activities of the house aren't general knowlege, but it may have been more of a help to we DMs if they didn't call it the Mark of Shadow since that basically screams spy.
qwykee 01-24-05, 11:47 AM	On the topic of the house but not related to anything said here so far... I know they want to say that the spying activities of the house aren't general knowlege, but it may have been more of a help to we DMs if they didn't call it the Mark of Shadow since that basically screams spy. True, if you take it in that connotation, but "shadow" also refers to shadow magic a subschool of the school of illusion which is often used for entertainment purposes. Now I have to hide before the run-on sentence police catch me.
ieattrollsforbreakfast 01-24-05, 11:56 AM	Another excellent Dragonshards :D I really enjoyed this, mostly because the Dragonmarked Houses are one of my favourite parts of Eberron, and Phiarlan is one of my favourite houses. The history was great, can't wait to see the next part!
Streamweaver 01-24-05, 12:06 PM	True, if you take it in that connotation, but "shadow" also refers to shadow magic a subschool of the school of illusion which is often used for entertainment purposes. Now I have to hide before the run-on sentence police catch me. Yep it definitly can mean other things. The other nuances of the word aren't really at issue here. I've yet to meet a player who upon hearing the term Mark of Shadow didn't immediatly say "so that's like spies and assasins right?"
Hellcow 01-24-05, 12:35 PM	I know they want to say that the spying activities of the house aren't general knowlege, but it may have been more of a help to we DMs if they didn't call it the Mark of Shadow since that basically screams spy. The Phiarlans actually use their mark for entertainment purposes. Illusion is typically refered to as "shadowwork", and disguise self, minor image, and shadow conjuration are all used by Phiarlan actors and artists. As for the other powers of the mark, given that they aren't sold, most people don't even know what they are. People think of the Mark of Shadows as granting the ability to shape shadows - which is exactly what they see the Phiarlans do with it on stage. And yes, there's much more to come about the operation of the house.
Streamweaver 01-24-05, 12:40 PM	The Phiarlans actually use their mark for entertainment purposes. Illusion is typically refered to as "shadowwork", and disguise self, minor image, and shadow conjuration are all used by Phiarlan actors and artists. As for the other powers of the mark, given that they aren't sold, most people don't even know what they are. People think of the Mark of Shadows as granting the ability to shape shadows - which is exactly what they see the Phiarlans do with it on stage. And yes, there's much more to come about the operation of the house. As I said in my reply above I agree with the reasoning, and it's not a continuity problem. The issue is the in meta-game effect of the term Mark of Shadow and the fact that in my experience it pretty much lets players know right away that they are spies and assasins. Any attempt after the fact on my part to claim "no no, they are very talented entertainers who use their mark for theater" just solidifies the fact that they are spies and assasins. It's not a big complaint, I'm just saying it's a bit of a tip off and unfortunate.
nyysjan 01-24-05, 12:42 PM	while i didn't like all the material of the house Phialran (i like dark and twisted stories and high drama without all that crying and self pity) it was well written and informative so let as all praice the Infernal Bovine for the blessings he showers to his people :bow::bow::bow::bow::bow::bow::bow::bow: :bow::bow::bow::bow: (it seems i cant make smilies by just clicking at them i need to write them manually Odd)
Gurv 01-24-05, 12:44 PM	It is also noted that the marks can appear across bloodlines simultaneously. But keep in mind that those bloodlines were mixed ocassionally. For all we know, every Shadow Marked elf might still have a single common ancestor, even if that ancestor dates back centuries before the mark appeared. I know they want to say that the spying activities of the house aren't general knowlege, but it may have been more of a help to we DMs if they didn't call it the Mark of Shadow since that basically screams spy. It is yet another example of the settings lack of seperation for DM and player knowledge. All we can do at this point is hope that our players are capable of accepting "you don't know that" and roleplaying it as best they can. I'm planning on solving it by making their characters 'in the know' about a great deal of it and creating my own secrets. The other thing to do is to consider the written cannon to be "what the people think is true". Nothing fits the setting more than having a generally accepted fact be furthest from the truth. As far as the term 'Mark of Shadow' goes, I've made it clear to my players that many of the greatest Phairlan performers are Bard/Shadowdancers. They know what a shadowdancer is capable of, but they also relate them to skilled performers who use magic and illusion as part of their performance.
Blizzard_Bobsan 01-24-05, 12:48 PM	And yes, there's much more to come about the operation of the house. Pity we have to wait whole two weeks for the second part... Two long, bitter, dragonshardless weeks... Oh well, I suppose it isn't much easier for the dragonshard prospectors in the Shadow Marches, and at least we don't have alligators to worry about. But I miss the good old times when the Dragonshards were every week.
papytofu 01-24-05, 06:30 PM	Wowww. That's some really good work! Everybody praise Hellcow! :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: By the help of this dragonshards there's a new bard\rogue hoping to become assasin ( maybe I could take ninja and it would resume all that )in town! Phiarlans are even better than Zil gnome IMO. I can't wait any longer for part 2 and to know what made the Phiarlans to split up in two house. Is there will be a dragonshard about the Thuranni? I don't think it would be a good idea now i think of it, it should be about a completely different house(This Subliminal Ad is for Mr Baker : Vol...Vol... The house... or the religion... or just about Erandis... :D )
Splendide 01-24-05, 06:38 PM	Phiarlans are even better than Zil gnome Impossible.
Sarlax 01-24-05, 09:33 PM	Another thing to note: the article indicates that almost no person knows about the "survival" of Erandis d'Vol, but certain things seem contradict this. For instance (beware, possible spoilers): Garrow is described as one who seeks to prove his worth to Vol and be transformed into an undead creature. Does he know Vol exists? It certainly seems that he does, even though the Dragonshard and the ECS entry on the Emerald Claw say that only the highest-level members are aware of Erandis. The Heroic Characteristics chapter lists the Blood of Vol, but the way it's written suggests that even regular members know Vol exists. It's unfortunate that the ECS doesn't divide PC and DM information. It's hard to get an idea of what the Blood of Vol religion is like for the public, for instance, because every section on it seems to mention how it's secretly directed by Erandis d'Vol to restore the lost mark of death. I've found that players (at least mine) tend to be pretty honest about not reading "forbidden" sections; only player routinely borrows Dungeon Magazine from me to look at the art and read the comics, but later died in an adventure he could have had advanced knowledge of. If the ECS had a "secret info" section, I think it would be selling even better. But since the book is riddled with spoilers, at least two of my players have been turned off of purchasing it. Perhaps they can pick it up once they've played in the game and many of the ECS secrets have been exposed.
papytofu 01-24-05, 09:43 PM	The solution would be in four simple words I think : Player's guide to eberron. Please! To all the person that have the power to do that. Make a player's guide!!! I'm sure many player ( a kind of customer that you cannot touch by selling spoiler-riddled books. There's enough fan to make you have profits I think) Thanks to consider this. Maybe we could start a petition?
Hellcow 01-24-05, 10:08 PM	Another thing to note: the article indicates that almost no person knows about the "survival" of Erandis d'Vol, but certain things seem contradict this.... The ECS does leave the distinction between the Blood of Vol and the Emerald Claw somewhat unclear. My thoughts below. The religion of the Blood of Vol was not founded by Erandis d'Vol, though she and her followers are responsible for its spread into Khorvaire. It is not the worship of Erandis. It is derived from the necromantic traditions of the line of Vol, which as noted in this Dragonshard stretch back for tens of thousands of years. Those who know of Erandis see her as a champion of their faith, but they aren't actually praying TO her. Page 95 of the Sharn sourcebook gives some idea of what I see the typical Karrn peasant believing his faith is about. The Order of the Emerald Claw, on the other hand, is an extremist sect that serves Vol directly. I think the phrase "hidden to all but the top leaders" is somewhat deceptive. It's not the lesser members don't know that they are working for Erandis; "The Emerald Claw" itself is a reference to her, as she's a green half-dragon. But they've never met her. They don't know where she is. Many don't know that she even exists corporally: they DO think that she's a goddess. Furthermore, they don't really have any idea of her goals. They believe that the interests of the Order are first and foremost those of Karrnath - and that the power of the Queen of the Dead is the force that will lead Karrnath to glory. As you move up the ladder, you learn that Vol exists, but still don't know where. So Garrow knows of Vol and hopes through his actions to be admitted to the inner circle - the priests and magi who actually interact with Vol, and are privy to her true plans. Of course, one of the requirements to rise to this level is to place loyalty to Erandis above all things (including Karrnath). So: The Blood of Vol is a religion derived from the traditions of the elven line of Vol, based around the conquest of death and the power of necromancy to aid the living. Most of the followers know nothing about Erandis, but those who do see her as a champion in their battle against death, particularly honored for being the last of the line of Vol. The Order of the Emerald Claw is an extremist sect of the Blood of Vol dedicated to Karrn supremacy, whose members believe that the power of Erandis can lead Karrnath to glory. Needless to say, this may be clarified somewhat in future Dragonshards, since I do plan to cover all of the religions in time.
Gurv 01-24-05, 10:21 PM	My thoughts below. Thank you! That...is by far...the most useful thing I have ever seen written about the Blood of Vol. Such an awesome concept...so little information.
Wizardman 01-25-05, 02:37 AM	Hellcow, in terms of sheer, Oh-My-God! coolness, this outstrips the Gnomes of Zilargo dragonshard, and that says something. The best part of Eberron is how it meshes the reimagined old with the utterly new. This Dragonshard gives us a look at elven history, an insight into Aereni society past and present, an insight into the Vol/Undying Court split (including a very interesting tidbit about Erandis d'Vol herself), a brief look at the evolution of the Aereni and the Valaes Taern into two different societies, and a tantalizing glimpse of the elven rebellion, all wrapped up in a parcel explaining how House Phiarlan came to be, and how it serves as both entertainer and spy, which you have meshed in a manner that makes perfect sense. Take a bow, man. Take a bow. The only flaw? Waiting two weeks for Part Two, but that's not your fault.
Just another user 01-25-05, 04:16 AM	As I said in my reply above I agree with the reasoning, and it's not a continuity problem. The issue is the in meta-game effect of the term Mark of Shadow and the fact that in my experience it pretty much lets players know right away that they are spies and assasins. Any attempt after the fact on my part to claim "no no, they are very talented entertainers who use their mark for theater" just solidifies the fact that they are spies and assasins. It's not a big complaint, I'm just saying it's a bit of a tip off and unfortunate. This is, as you said, a problem of metagaming, the player knows they are Assasins because they are PC material, and so they must obviously be something "cool". And when was the last time that a PC character with Disguise Self was just an actor in his player concept?
Bangell 01-25-05, 05:53 AM	Best column ever, period. Every single one has been awesome and interesting, answering questions I didn't even realize I wanted to ask. :) The entire Eberron area is phenomenal, actually. I've probably been to it more in the last 2 weeks then I went to FR in 2 years.
Gez 01-25-05, 07:46 AM	Impossible. Exactly. Elves are already better fighters than everyone else (see Valenar), and better clerics than everyone else (see ascendant councilors). If they are, in addition, better rogues than everyone else... Combined with the old D&D bias of saying that they are, de-facto, better wizards than everyone else... Well, if that were to be, Eberron would fall into the same hellish pit where the Forgotten Realms have fell before. I'd like, for a change, a setting where you do not have elves that do epic things (battling dragons, becoming gods, flipping out and killing people without thinking twice about it) while all other, lesser races are there just to look puny in comparison. Eberron, so far, has managed to give coolness to other races than elves as well as to elves. This is a good trend, one that I hope will stay. If the Phiarlans are more skillfull than the Trust, it will be a big disappointment. Not that there's much room for comparison, anyway. You can't hire the Trust, so for all your Rent-A-Ninja needs, you'll look for the Shadowmarked houses. The ECS does leave the distinction between the Blood of Vol and the Emerald Claw somewhat unclear. My thoughts below. The religion of the Blood of Vol was not founded by Erandis d'Vol, though she and her followers are responsible for its spread into Khorvaire. This contradicts what is said on page 186 of the ECS. Unless one considers she, in fact, recreated it. After all, it was destroyed on Aerenal, and she created the cult back on Khorvaire.
Streamweaver 01-25-05, 08:13 AM	This is, as you said, a problem of metagaming, the player knows they are Assasins because they are PC material, and so they must obviously be something "cool". And when was the last time that a PC character with Disguise Self was just an actor in his player concept? I'm trying hard to find a point in this post. The only real question you pose here doesn't really show much of an understanding of gaming. This isn't about players, players arent the rest of the world, players are the heroes. We're talking about the rest of the world here. Gurv seems to have grasped the issue best so it's probably best to address his observation. It is yet another example of the settings lack of seperation for DM and player knowledge. This is a very keen observation and something I also think is pretty obvious. There isn't anything wrong with writing entirely for the DM, but it causes little wrinkles here and there like tipping off about the function Mark of Shadows. What I think Wizards is missing here is a big sales opportunity though. I know that many people running an Eberron game have taken time to write up a players primer of some sort for the setting. It seems to me like Wizards could have produced a brief players guide to Eberron and marketed it for 5 or 10 bucks and made some money. Hero system sidekick and a few other similar products come to mind that has done this successfully. In fact I would say they desperately need to produce some kind of player oriented and more reasonably priced product for the health of the setting. You wont find a bigger fan of Eberron than me but in all honesty the cost of the setting is too prohibitive to expect players to pick it up. Without a doubt people who are only slightly interested in learning more about the setting are not doing to lay down the 40 bucks (US) just figure out if they like it or not. I hope they consider a product like this in the future.
Gurv 01-25-05, 09:05 AM	This contradicts what is said on page 186 of the ECS. Not really. She didn't create the religion. She started the cult on Khorvaire. She prevented the tradition from dying with the rest of her family and their inner circle.
D.F. 01-25-05, 10:44 AM	One of my favourite Dragonshards- my only concern is the huge amount of time I'll have to wait for Part Two, now that the Dragonshards come out every other week now. :D However, everybody hail the Cow! :bow: :bow: :bow:
motorfirebox 01-25-05, 10:56 AM	this was a really, really informative dragonshard. lots and lots of apparently minor details that, when examined, turn out to be really important.
Hellcow 01-25-05, 01:27 PM	This contradicts what is said on page 186 of the ECS. Gurv is on the right track. The Blood of Vol is not exactly same tradition practiced by the line of Vol on Aerenal. It is based on those traditions. Erandis and the surviving allies of the line spread the religion among the Lhazaars and Karrns, who adapted it to their own cultures. So yes, Erandis did create the cult on Khorvaire - and to a certain degree, she created the religion, since it is not precisely the same as the traditions of her family. But it is based upon those traditions, which stretch back long before her birth.
KathyNoland 01-26-05, 05:35 AM	As all of you have said, it's really an awesome dragonshard. I'm waiting for the second part!!!
DJDave 01-26-05, 07:35 AM	Well House Phairlan was always going to play a major role in my campaign and this doesn't change that Funny the first NPC my party met was called Phiarlan and it's taken them sessions to work out what that means :plotting: :evillaugh
Ramses III 01-28-05, 07:54 PM	First: g0dz, this is brilliant! Kieth, you never fail to amaze with the depth of background development -- not just the details, but the way they mesh together so it's all a cohesive whole -- it feels so real. I appreciate the things you have newly explained, as well as the clarification on what services Phiarlan provides and to whom. The history is great and ties all the elf factions together in a nutshell. Ok, to the use of the word "shadow." Sure, it's a tipoff to players, but players have the option of playing Phiarlan characters. It's only fair they know what their character can do. As to the suggested problem of everyone else in the world knowing Phiarlan are spies from the use of the one word, that's a nonissue. As His Hellish Cowness has posted, the common people associate the word with illusion magic. There's no reason for them to suspect -- unless they are conspiracy theorists ;) . X-files in Eberron, anyone?