History:
Cirque du Elephasi was formed by the elves of House Phiarlan almost 2000 years ago. Although it remains a mystery to whom actually formed the troop of traveling performers, it’s creative origins are credited to Kylaear d’Elephasi, an heir to House Phiarlan, from the Elephasi line. Since its formation Cirque du Elephasi has become the foremost circus in all of Eberron. The circus is best known for its amazing acrobatic feats, spectacular illusions, and stunning trained elephants.
Today:
Until 57 years ago Cirque du Elephasi was a completely elf enterprise, but today it is a conjoined effort of House Vadalis, Ghallanda, Jorasco, Lyrandar, and Sivis. Since the schism of the Mark of Shadow, House Phiarlan has gained complete control over the circus. House Thuranni openly completes with Cirque du Elephasi, with its circus, Cirque du Ombre. Cirque du Ombre specializes in darker, more haunting shows, and its trained lions and tigers. In many ways though Cirque du Ombre is still inferior to the original. Other Dragonmarked Houses do not participate in Cirque du Ombre.
Relations:
Cirque du Elephasi enjoys positive relationships with all dragonmarked Houses, with the exception of House Thuranni. It also has good relations most of the nations of Khorvaire. It tours every nation with the exceptions of Darguun, the Demon Waste, Droaam, the Shadow Marches, Valenar and Q’Barra. One benefit the circus does have over Cirque du Ombre is that they can tour in Thrane, where Cirque du Ombre cannot perform as the Church of the Silver Flame decided Ombre was too darkly themed. As mentioned above, five other dragonmark houses contribute to the show. House Vadalis provides mage bred animals for many of the acts. House Ghallanda provides safe and affordable food to the performers and guest, and the halflings have even created a full line of circus food. House Jorasco keeps all the staff and animals in the best of health and provides emergency care if a performer is injured. House Lyrandar provides airships for fast and efficient transportation, and the half-elves have created an incredibly elaborate and colorful galleon for the show. In addition the half-elves provide fair weather for the show. House Sivis provides all the paper advertisements to the towns before the show arrives, including thousands of handouts and posters.
Power Figures:
Cirque du Elephasi’s current matriarch is Lady Shaak Elephasi d’Phiarlan (CG Female Elf Bard 12). As Ringmaster she is always in the center of the show, often costumed as a angel. Other members of note include Lead-Mahout Amir Elephasi d’Phiarlan (NG Male Elf Bard 1 / Expert 5), Illusionist Triel d’Phiarlan (CN Female Elf Wizard [Illusionist] 9) and Lead-Acrobat Aeren Shol d’Phiarlan (CG Female Elf Rogue 3 / Expert 2). The other contributing dragonmarked houses also have leaders with above average skills and power within their respective houses and the circus.
Knowledge Checks (Nobility and Royalty)
DC Result
10 -The current matriarch and Ringmaster of the circus is Lady Shaak d’Elephasi, she is the granddaughter of the founder.
15-Kylaear d’Elephasi invented the circus 2000 years ago. He possessed the Mark of Shadow, and was held in much esteem within the House.
-Amir d’Elephasi is the current Lead-Mahout and is the son of the first elephant trainer of Cirque du Elephasi, he is widely considered the greatest elephant trainer in the world.
-Illusionist Triel d’Phiarlan is in charge of all the wizards employed by the circus. Nothing happens without her knowing.
-Aeren d’Shol is the Lead-Acrobat and is one of the most gifted gymnast on Eberron.
20-The motto of the circus is “Success is measured in two things: A child’s smile, and coin!”. The symbol is the three-elephant seal, symbolizing the original three elephants the circus started with.
25-The circus is protected by the Lillend, Ariel. She first took the circus under her wing 700 years ago.
Gather Information Checks
DC Result
10- The circus was established about 2000 years ago by the elves of House Phiarlan. Since then it has flourished and become the most popular show on Eberron. A total of six dragonmark houses contribute to the show, each investing their skills to make it one of the most profitable and enjoyable shows ever. Cirque du Elephasi tours almost every nation and stops at Sharn once a year for their biggest show. The circus is best known for its performing elephants (the current herd has 18 elephants).
12- Angels herald the arrival of the circus with blast from mighty trumpets. Whenever the circus arrives flowers magically appear across the area and gentle calliope music drifts through the air. Close to show time, trained elephants with mahouts directing them walk the streets and shuttle guest to the big top.
15-One of the crowd’s favorite sideshows is the Loxo fortune teller, Lokesh (N Male Loxo Favored Soul 2 / Sybil 10), who will tell customers their fortune for a small fee. His fortunes are famous for becoming fulfilled.
25-The circus is said to be protected by a holy avenger - a guardian that will repay all those who harm the show and its performers.
30- While the show is in town it is not unusual for one or two people of power to turn up dead or missing. Could it be that the circus has assassins among their performers?
I've also "made" a new magic item:
Cirque du Elephasi Marble Elephant - Works like the original, but summons an Elephasi circus elephant.
I also ahve painted elephants, a loxo mini, and a few others made for this, if you're interested in seeing them let me know!