House Phiarlan: Customs and Families (Patreon)

Most Phiarlans have a deep love of music and dance. Regardless of whether an heir is actually an excellent musician, a Phiarlan adventurer is going to urge their party to sing a few songs as they sit around the campfire. They will urge their companions to celebrate their victories and to mourn their losses—and to do so dramatically. Phiarlans are raised to be entertainers, and in this they are taught to cultivate joy and to fight against gloom and despair. This doesn’t have to be flippant or to trivialize things. If a beloved ally has been slain, the Phiarlan adventurer won’t do a stand-up routine about it. But they may encourage people to tell stories about their fallen comrade, to sing her favorite songs, to remember her through action rather than simply mourning in silence. There are always exceptions—Phiarlan poets who prefer to watch the world from a distance—but in general, Phiarlans look for ways to lift the spirits of their companions and never pass up an excuse for a party. 

Shadow Games. Phiarlan heirs who carry the Mark of Shadow can cast Minor Illusion at will. The House has developed a host of games heirs play to hone their talents with this gift. The most common is called Tapestry. One heir will create an illusion. This could be a sound or an image—a song, a tree, a person. The next heir will use their powers to add a detail to the existing illusion; the challenge of the game is that this has to improve the illusion in a meaningful way, whether adding to its beauty or adding depth to its story. The next participant adds another detail, and on it goes until someone can’t improve on what already exists. In Shadowboxing, each participant creates an illusory combatant and then carry out a duel. The challenge isn’t simply to win the battle, but to win convincingly and beautifully. Someone could lose the “battle” and still win the duel if the audience believes that they did a better job of shaping the illusion; a perfect death displays more skill than a sloppy attack. Another common game is Memory: the competitors study an area for a few minutes and then stare at one another and describe a detail of that area; each competitor has to add an additional noteworthy detail, demonstrating their skills of observation and recall. This doesn’t require the Mark of Shadow; instead, it’s a game taught to Phiarlan children, honing their talent for gathering information so they will be useful eyes and ears for the Serpentine Table in the future. 

Shadow Shaping. Tapestry is a competition. But Phiarlan heirs also enjoy weaving illusions as a form of relaxation and entertainment. Two Phiarlans sitting together in a tavern might craft an image on the table. One creates a dragon and the other creates its hoard. What happens next? Does Harryn Stormblade or Tira Miron appear to slay the dragon? Does a second dragon arrive, or do eggs hatch? This is a simple exercise in artistry and improvisation, an illusory jam session, with no purpose other than to create something wonderful. Minor Illusion can create sound, and a Phiarlan musician has no need to have an instrument in order to create music (though instrument proficiency or Performance should generally be used to determine the quality of the illusory music); two or more heirs might spontaneously create an illusory song. 

PHIARLAN LINES

While elves live far longer than humans, this is balanced by low fertility and a slow rate of reproduction. Given this, Phiarlan has always been one of the smaller Houses, smaller still now that it has lost two of its founding lines. Outsiders are allowed to marry into the House, but to date Phiarlan has only accepted full elves into the House in this way. They don’t forbid heirs from forming partnerships with other ancestries, but the non-elf partner and their children aren’t considered to be members of House Phiarlan and can’t be raised in Phiarlan enclaves. The Tialaens are noteworthy for having produced more Khoravar in this way than any of the other lines; since the Shadow Schism, they have been urging the Matriarch to embrace their Khoravar children as heirs of the House, but so far Elvinor has refused. 

House Phiarlan was founded by five family lines. The Paelion line was destroyed in the Shadow Schism, and the Thuranni line has cut ties with Phiarlan and founded its own House. This leaves the lines of Elorrenthi, Tialaen, and Shol. A host of lesser families orbit these founding lines. It’s also the case that the split between Phiarlan and Thuranni wasn’t precise. A handful of Thuranni heirs chose to remain within House Phiarlan, while a few heirs of other founding lines—notably Shol—chose to follow Thuranni across the schism. 

Each of the founding lines served a particular role in the ancient conflict in Xen’drik, and each places greater weight on a different set of disciplines. However, this in no way restricts heirs of the line from pursuing a different path; the idealized Phiarlan is a master of ALL the artistic disciplines. Elorrenthi values Shadow and Memory, but the legendary Elorrenthi was known for her dancing—though part of this was due to the way she wove shadows into her performance. In the present day, Idal Tialaen oversees the new Demesne of Shape, even though the Shol line has more history with it. Favored disciplines provide a broad sense of the flavor of the line, but this is only a foundation to build on. 

Elorrenthi

Ancient Role: Spies

Favored Disciplines: Shadow and Memory

Lesser Families: Oraea, Katae, Alorrenti

Long before the appearance of the Mark of Shadow, the Elorrenthi were renowned for the skill at weaving illusions and working them into their performances. In Xen’drik, Elorrenthi and her kin used this skill to move unseen among enemies and acquire their secrets, and they continued this practice even in Aerenal—gathering secrets and ensuring the phiarlan alliance knew all that transpired. Though they often moved in the shadows, the Elorrenthi were an ambitious line with a knack for leadership rivaled only by the Thuranni. The Elorrenthi shaped Phiarlan into the House it is today. It was the elves of this line who held the alliance together in Aerenal and who urged the phiarlans to flee to Khorvaire. The Elorrenthi knack for illusion continued even after the appearance of the Mark of Shadows; over the last three thousand years, the Elorrenthi line has produced more heirs with Greater Dragonmarks than any other Phiarlan family. The Elorrenthi have shared their secrets with their kin, teaching the arts of illusion at the Demesne of Shadow, but none can match the Elorrenthi masters. Someone who did a deep review of the records of the House would see that while Elorrenthi has produced comparatively few of the greatest performers in Khorvaire’s history, a majority of its leaders have come from this line. While it’s reasonable to interpret this as the Elorrenthi having a talent for stage management, special effects, and other things that are a necessary part of any successful performance, the truth is that Elorrenthi has always provided the majority of the agents of the Serpentine Table. While there are always exceptions—such as Bela the Banshee in the present day or Elorrenthi herself in ancient times—Elorrenthi heirs are often content to shun the spotlight so they can work in the shadows. 

Having said that, Elorrenthi performers excel at blending illusion and enchantment with other artistic disciplines. The first Elorrenthi was a Bard who could charm and enthrall others with her movement. In the present day, all Phiarlan performers do this to some degree; the Mark of Shadows makes illusion part of everyday life for the elves. But the Elorrenthi perfected this long before the Dragonmarks existed. 

As an Elorrenthi character, you are likely to be a careful planner who takes full advantage of your own skills and the talents of your companions. You don’t need to be in the spotlight; you do your best work in the shadows. But you were raised to lead others—to offer guidance and clear vision. 

Elorrenthi Characters. Elorrenthi heirs are known for their mystical talents, often weaving enchantments in addition to the illusions of the Mark of Shadows. They also have a strong drive to serve with the Serpentine Table, and even those who never do may have honed the skills of a spy. The College of Lore Bard is an excellent path for an Elorrenthi heir who wants to talk their way past obstacles, while the Arcane Trickster Rogue is a solid choice for a spy who prefers to watch from the shadows. Elorrenthi heirs are also the ones most likely to explore the technical aspects of illusion and arcane science; Illusionist or Bladesinger Wizard are both sound options for an Elorrenthi. 

Notable Elorrenthis. Baron Elvinor Elorrenthi d’Phiarlan is the matriarch of House Phiarlan, a capable leader and clever strategist. Beyond her skills as an administrator, she is a gifted bard and shadow dancer; once each year she performs the Dance of Twenty Shadows for a select audience in Sharn. Many people are astounded that Elvinor could have been caught blindsided by the actions that set off the Shadow Schism, which is why some cling to the belief that Elvinor and Elar Thuranni planned the Schism together as part of a larger scheme. If player characters find themselves dealing with Elvinor, there’s an excellent chance that she’s 

using them as pawns in a vast game of Conqueror; the question is how long it will take for her plans to be revealed. Other notable Elorrenthis include Chael, the master illusionist of the Carnival of Shadows; Viceroy Dulaen, master of the Demesne of Memory; Viceroy Alar, master of the Demesne of Shadow; and Bela “The Banshee,” a musical paragon renowned for entwining her enchanting voice with stunning displays of illusion. 

Shol

Ancient Role: Battlefield Morale and Martial Arts

Favored Disciplines: Motion and Shape

Lesser Families: Grolas, Vaen, Sholaen

When elf fought giant in ancient Xen’drik, the Shols were on the front lines inspiring their comrades with song and action. The first Shol invented the martial art known as Azael Taira, “the dance of war,” and it’s said that the sight of Shol in motion was enough to lift spirits and sharpen blades. When the elves came to Aerenal, some of Shol’s children chose to go north with the Tairnadal, where they helped to build the bardic traditions of the war clans. But most of the line remained in the south with descendants of Tialaen, Elorrenthi, Thuranni and Paelion. Throughout the history of the House, the Shols have delighted in physical performance. The finest acrobats of the Carnival of Shadows have always been Shols, and it’s rare to find any sort of dance company without a Shol in first position. Due to their martial skills, Shol heirs often provide a layer of security for any Phiarlan company. Those who serve the Serpentine Table can be deadly unarmed combatants, a useful trait when weapons can’t be brought into a secured location. However, few Shols have the instinct for assassination that drives the Thuranni. For a Shol, a battle is a performance; it’s a shame to strike swiftly and silently, never delighting in the shifting tides of war.

Well Elorrenthis are careful planners, Shols prefer action to scheming. A Shol is only truly alive when they’re in motion, creating something beautiful with each step and gesture. They understand that there is a time and a place for action; they can follow a script as well as any actor. But it is in the moment of movement that a Shol truly thrives. Some sublimate this yearning through the physical arts; in particular, Shol has produced some of the greatest painters of House Phiarlan. But Motion is where Shol’s spirit lies, and the new Demesne of Shape is no match for the old.  

Shol Characters. The Azael Taira is the core technique learned by Shol College of Dance Bards, who inspire others with their motions. Since the development of the Mark of Shadow, the line has developed a new martial art that incorporates its magic; this is the foundation for a Warrior of Shadow Monk. Shol is also a logical familiar for a Phiarlan Fighter who chooses to present their actions in combat as a beautiful display of martial art. The Eldritch Knight is a strong option for a character with the Mark of Shadow, as they can use their spell slots to cast Spells of the Mark. However, a Battle Master Fighter can add flavor to each of their Maneuvers, presenting each one as a unique Shol tradition. If an adventurer follows this path, they might eventually learn and earn the right to perform one of Shol’s heirloom performances—a Martial maneuver only they can use. 

Notable Shols. Viceroy Surael Shol d’Phiarlan is the Master of the Demesne of Motion and the greatest living practitioner of Azael Taira. Surael is over a thousand years old, maintaining her form through pure will and discipline. She holds three heirloom performances of her line, including the battle-dance of the first Shol; she refuses to die until she has found someone worthy to take it from her. It’s worth noting that while Surael is an exceptional martial artist, her age limits her capabilities; her technique is flawless, but she doesn’t have the hit points or speed she once did. Just as the teachers at Arcanix aren’t the most powerful wizards in Khorvaire, Surael isn’t an epic level Bard—but she could train an adventurer to be the greatest Dance Bard of their generation. Other noteworthy Shols include Seneschal Taen Shol d’Phiarlan, the matriarch’s liaison with the Serpentine Table; and the paragon Dolas Shol d’Phiarlan, one of the most beloved authors of the last century. Dolas specializes in serialized fiction, maintaining a sense of suspense and tension that keeps the story moving with the grace of a Shol dancer.

Tialaen

Ancient Role: Morale and Propaganda

Favored Disciplines: Music and Memory

Lesser Families: Taela, Oralaen, Cascaela

Tialaen was the model of the modern Bard—the wandering storyteller who raises spirits with words and music. In the ancient war against the giants, Tialaen and his kin focused their efforts on the civilian population. While the Shols fought on the front lines and the Elorrenthi and Thuranni skulked in the shadows, the Tialaen helped the common people and carried vital news between elf outposts. This continues to this day. Where the Elorrenthi love the shadow games of the Serpentine Table and the Shol practice martial art, the Tialaen truly love performing for the people and lifting their spirits. Many Tialaens follow the path of the wandering bard, but just as many chase the spotlight in theaters across Khorvaire. Tialaens are especially noted for their love of song and music, and it’s common for a Tialaen to be familiar with two or three instruments. Should a Tialaen adventurer’s class and background fail to support this, the DM could consider granting them a musical proficiency in exchange for the drawback of a little notoriety; the character may be recognized by fans who’ve heard them play before, which may attract unwanted attention or result in demands to perform in whatever inns and taverns they visit. Tialaens are also known as remarkable actors, although they typically shine in comedic or romantic roles. 

Tialaens are typically the most joyful of the Phiarlan lines, delighting in food, fashion, performance and good company. They love drama and are usually the source of any complaints about diva entitlement. They are generally the least likely to serve as active agents of the Serpentine Table, but agents can take advantage of their influence and reputations.  

While it’s not a major focus for House Phiarlan, the Tialaen are also the House’s specialists in all things related to the fey. Tialaen heirs have long maintained a wing of the Demense of Memory that focuses on stories of the fey and effective ways to bargain with them. There are a number of Tialaen heirs who’ve performed in the Moonlit Vale or sung for the lord of a feyspire, and Tialaen is the line most likely to produce a warlock. 

Tialaen Characters. Whatever a Tialaen heir does, they’ll do it with style and panache. The College of Glamour is an excellent option for a Tialaen adventurer, dazzling enemies with the force of their personality. Warrior of Shadows Monk or Arcane Trickster Rogue are always options, but Warlock is another solid choice. While the typical patron for a Tialaen warlock would be an archfey, there’s no reason that this has to be represented using the Archfey Patron subclass; any Warlock subclass could be depicted as being tied to an archfey with a suitable story.    

Notable Tialaens. Viceroy Kels Tialaen d’Phialan is the Master of the Demesne of Music. He was a paragon three hundred years ago, and his performances drew screaming crowds; while many of his songs are still classics, he’s been content to teach for the last two centuries. Lady Shael Tialaen d’Phiarlan is the Chronciler of the Fey at the Demesne of Memory. She is always happy to help a Phiarlan heir hoping to form a warlock’s pact, and can be an invaluable source of information for anyone pursuing obscure tales of the fey or details about manifest zones or feyspires. Viceroy Idal Tialaen d’Phiarlan was recently placed in charge of the new Demesne of Shape due to his skills as a sculptor, but he is in over his head and struggling to stay afloat. And Lady Tyasha Tialaen d’Phiarlan has been a paragon of acting for centuries; unlike Lord Kels, she has never abandoned the stage. Tyasha primarily dwells in Sharn, performing on the Grand Stage and at the Sharn Opera House. While she has never been an active, undercover agent of the Serpentine Table, Tyasha’s fame, influence, and mystical talents have long made her a valuable asset. Tyasha is adept at subtle spellcasting, and she can potentially cast Detect Thoughts without being noticed by the people around her or her victim; catching her in the act would require an exceptional Perception or Arcana check. Like Surael Shol, Tyasha’s age is weighing on her and she too would like to find a suitable protege to carry her legacy and heirloom performance. On the other end of the spectrum, Kalael Tialaen is a young actress—not even past her first century—who has catapulted into the public eye playing Tira Miron on the crystal serial The Year of Blood and Fire. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Phiarlan is a loud house. From the bard in the tavern to the crier advertising the latest show on the Grand Stage, Phiarlan wants to grab your attention and to entertain. A bard is there to delight and inform, and everyone wants to see what’s going to happen in the next episode of The Year of Blood and Fire! At the same time, the Serpentine Table is a silent force watching from the shadows. You never know when adventurers might stumble into a Serpentine operation… or when a Phiarlan adventurer might be called into service by the Table. 

The Families section provides a number of ideas for Phiarlan characters, but here’s a few more Phiarlan heirs you could play or meet. 

The Ingenue. You’re fresh out of the Demesnes. You’ve got a remarkable talent and you’ve chosen to manage your own career instead of relying on the Eagle. But all you know is classrooms and concert halls; you’ve never been in a bar fight or spent a night on the mean streets of (INSERT CITY). Hopefully a kind group of adventurers can help you find your place in the world before you get robbed or swindled! On the other hand… this could just be your cover, and you could be a capable agent of the Serpentine Table who needs to be embedded with a group of adventurers for the long term goals of the House! 

The Wandering Bard. As a professional bard, you travel from town to town, picking up interesting stories and news and sharing them down the road. Whether you’re an NPC observer or a capable player character yourself, accompanying a party of adventurers is a sure way to stumble into interesting stories. If you’re a skilled performer, you may be able to get your party free room and board by singing about their adventures! Throw a coin to your player character…   

The Method Actor. You’re Harryn Stormblade, one of the greatest heroes of Galifar. You faced dragons and giants, and cut the crown off Lady Illmarrow’s skull. At least, you’re going to be playing Harryn in an upcoming crystal drama, and you need to get into his head. You’ve found a group of adventurers willing to let you accompany them. Whatever situation you find yourself in, you ask yourself: What would Harryn Stormblade do?    

The Dying Spy. You’ve been struck by a curse or consumed a poison that can’t be cured; Restoration is powerless against it, and healing hit points only buys you a few more minutes. But the fate of Aundair lies rests on the success of your mission. Someone has to take the rod you’re carrying to Far Passage. Someone has to shut down the Enigma Engine before it’s too late. You’ve only got seconds left; you’d best use your dying breath to explain it to these adventurers. Given that this character is dying, they’re more likely to be an NPC than a PC. However, you could take a Bourne Identity twist on this concept. You weren’t killed, but you were nearly killed and your memory was wiped out with Tialaen’s Kiss. You don’t remember who you were working for, what your mission was, or who might be trying to kill you now—but you’d better figure it out quick! 

The Legend. You’re a paragon of the stage. People loved your Kaius I in Blade of the North and wept at your portrayal of Bromeo in Bromeo & Dudeliet. But now, for some reason you need to do something real. This isn’t about method acting; you’ve quit the stage for good, and you’re trying to make a difference in the world. The problem is that when people see you, all they see is Bromeo. Can you become a true hero, and forge a story of your own?