The Houses of Shadow

Elves have carried the Mark of Shadow for thousands of years. 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 individuals.
Toward the end of the War of the Five Nations, a bitter feud broke out between major families of the house. Known as the Shadow Schism, it resulted in a split within Phiarlan - and the foundation of House Thuranni. House Phiarlan continues to offer entertainment and espionage in the lands west of the Talenta Plains, while Thuranni operates in the eastern lands. As a rule, Phiarlan elves are better spies and Thuranni agents are superior assassins. Thuranni and Phiarlan maintain a peaceful relationship, but rivalries run deep.
Baron Elar d'Thranni 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 Noyatu, 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 Phiarlaan's emblem.

Race: Elf

Type

Geopolitical, Great house

Leaders
House Phiarlan, Baron Elvinor Elorrenthi d'Phiarlan; House Thuranni, Baron Elar d'Thranni
Locations
House Phiarlan, the Demesnes (various House Thuranni, Regalport