Eberron 5E: Background -- Dragonmarked Scion


You were born to one of the thirteen dragonmarked houses that wield enormous power throughout Khorvaire. Perhaps you have manifested one of the magical dragonmarks that showed your descent from a house member, or were born to someone who was granted member-ship or married into a house; regardless, you have lived a life of privilege and responsibility.
     The dragonmarked houses are deeply entrenched in the economic and social ecology of Khorvaire. All guild monopolies are controlled by the houses, which fix prices and maintain quality standards. Although the houses are forbidden from holding lands or political office by the Korth Edicts, many dragonmarked heirs have great influence in politics due to their affiliations and personal power.

Dragonmarked House

When you choose this background pick a dragonmarked house based on your race, or roll a d12 and consult the following table to determine race and house affiliation, as well as a particular set of skill and language/tool proficiencies, and starting equipment.



d12
Result
1
Cannith
     Dragonmark: Mark of Making
     Race: Human
     Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Search
     Tool Proficiencies: Two different kinds of artisan’s tools
     Equipment: A set of artisan’s tools with Cannith insignia (one of your choice), masterwork of your house (appropriate to your craft), a set of fine clothes, a signet ring, identification documents, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
2
Deneith
     Dragonmark: Mark of Sentinel
     Race: Human
     Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Perception
     Language: One of your choice
     Weapon Proficiency: Either long sword or short sword
     Equipment: A long sword or short sword with Deneith insignia (your choice), a set of common clothes, a signet ring, identification documents, and a belt pouch containing 15 gp
3
Ghallanda
     Dragonmark: Mark of Hospitality
     Race: Halfling
     Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Persuasion
     Tool Proficiencies: Mounts (land), vehicles (land)
     Equipment: A ledger with Ghallanda insignia, a bottle of black ink, a quill, a set of fine clothes, a signet ring, identification documents, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
4
Jorasco
     Dragonmark: Mark of Healing
     Race: Halfling
     Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Medicine
     Tool Proficiencies: Healer’s kit, herbalism kit
     Equipment: A healer’s kit with Jorasco insignia, an herbalism kit, a set of common clothes, a signet ring, identification documents, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
5
Kundarak
     Dragonmark: Mark of Warding
     Race: Dwarf
     Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion
     Tool Proficiencies: Artisan tools, thieves’ tools
     Equipment: A set of artisan’s tools (one of your choice), a lockbox with Kundarak insignia, an abacus, a set of fine clothes, a signet ring, identification documents, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
6
Lyrandar
     Dragonmark: Mark of Storm
     Race: Half-elf
     Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Survival
     Tool Proficiencies: Navigator’s tools, vehicles (air)
     Equipment: A set of navigator’s tools, a set of fine clothes, a set of traveler’s clothes, a signet ring, identification documents, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
7
Medani
     Dragonmark: Mark of Detection
     Race: Half-elf
     Skill Proficiencies: Investigation, Search
     Language: One of your choice
     Tool Proficiency: Inquisitive’s kit
     Equipment: A pair of manacles with Medani insignia, a bull’s-eye lantern, a flask of oil, a set of fine clothes, a signet ring, identification documents, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
8
Orien
     Dragonmark: Mark of Passage
     Race: Human
     Skill Proficiencies: History, Survival
     Tool Proficiencies: Navigator’s tools, vehicles (land)
     Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a set of traveler’s clothes, a signet ring, identification documents, and a belt pouch containing 15 gp
9
Phiarlan or Thuranni [50% chance of either]
     Dragonmark: Mark of Shadow
     Race: Elf
     Skill Proficiencies: Deception (Thuranni) or Persuasion (Phiarlan), Stealth
     Tool Proficiencies: Artisan’s tools (Phiarlan) or poisoner’s kit (Thuranni), disguise kit
     Equipment: A disguise kit, a set of costume clothes or a set of artisan’s tools (your choice), a set of fine clothes, a signet ring, identification documents, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
10
Sivis
     Dragonmark: Mark of Scribing
     Race: Gnome
     Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Insight
     Languages: Two of your choice
     Equipment: A scroll case with Sivis insignia, a bottle of black ink, a quill, 10 sheets of parchment, a set of fine clothes, a signet ring, identification documents, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
11
Tharashk
     Dragonmark: Mark of Finding
     Race: Half-orc, Human
     Skill Proficiencies: Search, Survival
     Tool Proficiencies: Mounts (land), navigator’s tools
     Equipment: An explorer’s pack with Tharashk insignia, a set of common clothes, a set of traveler’s clothes, a signet ring, identification documents, and a belt pouch containing 15 gp
12
Vadalis
     Dragonmark: Mark of Handling
     Race: Human
     Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Nature
     Tool Proficiencies: Mounts (land), mounts (air)
     Equipment: A magebred trained companion (cat, dog, or hawk), a collar and lead with Vadalis insignia, a set of fine clothes, a signet ring, identification documents, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp

Feature: House Membership

You are a member of a dragonmarked house. The house will provide you with lodging and food. Where the house has a presence, you may have access to discounts on other goods and services related to the house’s specialty.
     Houses wield tremendous political power in every nation on Khorvaire. If you are accused of a crime, your house will support you if a good case can be made for your innocence or the crime is justifiable in the eyes of the House. You can also gain access to powerful political figures through the house, if you are a member in good standing. Such connections might require that you perform some noteworthy service for the house.
     Your house will occasionally call upon you for support. You will have to provide support for the house to remain in the house’s good graces.

Suggested Characteristics

The scions of the dragonmarked houses display the full range of motivations. Some spend their time performing charitable works or repaying debts of honor, while others use their house connections to achieve their own ends no matter the cost. Regardless, their house affiliation irrevocably colors their attitudes and methods.



d6
Ideal
1
Tradition. The ancient traditions of my house must be upheld and enforced. (Lawful)
2
Freedom. The power of my house means I can do what I want. (Chaotic)
3
Charity. The power of my house allows me to alleviate the suffering of the people. (Good)
4
Power. House affiliation is a sure path to temporal and economic power. (Evil)
5
House. I’m loyal to my house and the people in it, and everyone else can go to Dolurrh for all I care. (Neutral)
6
Destiny. The dragonmarks are intimately tied to the Draconic Prophecy; we must steer it so that we can make the world what we want it to be. (Any)
 

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