Mes ancêtres utilisaient leur don pour traquer les bêtes des marais. J'utilise le mien pour retrouver des fugitifs dans les bidonvilles de Sharn. Je suis toujours un chasseur. Je trouve toujours ma marque. Hondar'Aashta, chasseur de primes Tharashk

La Marque de la Découverte aiguise les sens, guidant le chasseur vers sa proie. Une exception parmi les dracomarques, la Marque de la Découverte est portée par deux races : les Humains et les demi-orcs. Elle est apparu pour la première fois dans les Frontières de l'Ombre, où les chasseurs claniques l'utilisaient pour trouver leurs proies.

La Maison Tharashk fournit traditionnellement des licences de détectives et de chasseurs de primes. Récemment, la guilde des chercheurs de la maison s'est lancé dans la prospection de fragments de dragon. Les Fragments de Dragon étant l'élément vital de l'économie magique, le talent de la maison leur a conféré une nouvelle richesse et une nouvelle influence. Tharashk est la plus jeune des Maisons Marquées Du Dragon et n'a pas adopté toutes les coutumes des autres. Les clans distincts qui se sont unis pour former la maison restent importants, et les héritiers de la famille conservent généralement leur nom de famille plutôt que d'adopter « de Tharashk » comme le veut la tradition. Chacun des trois clans majeurs - les Aashta, les Torm et les Velderan - a un représentant au Triumvirat qui gouverne la maison et la ville de Zarash'ak dans les Frontières de l'Ombre. Ensemble, ils ne font qu’un sous l’emblème de la dragonne (un hybride lion-dragon).

Maison Tharashk traditionally licenses détectives and bounty hunters. Recently the house's Finder's Guild has expanded into dragonshard prospecting. As Fragments de Dragon are the lifeblood of the magical economy, the house's talent has given them new wealth and influence. Tharashk is the youngest of the Maisons Marquées Du Dragon and hasn't embraced all the customs of the others. The distinct clans that united to form the house remain important, and heirs of the family usually retain their family names rather than adopting “de Tharashk” as tradition dictates. Each of the three major clans-the Aashta, the Torm, and the Velderan-has a representative on the Triumvirat that governs the house, and the city of Zarash'ak in the Frontières de l'Ombre. Together, they stand as one under the emblem of the dragonne (a lion-dragon hybrid).

House Tharashk is the youngest Dragonmarked house. The Mark of Finding first appeared a thousand years ago, and over the course of centuries the dragonmarked formed three powerful clans. It was these clans that worked with House Sivis, joining together in the model of the eastern houses. The name of the House—Tharashk—is an old Orc word that means united. Despite this, heirs of the house typically use their clan name rather than the house name. They may be united, but in daily life they remain ‘Aashta and Velderan.

La Maison Tharashk est la plus jeune maison marquée du Dragon. La Marque de la Découverte est apparue pour la première fois il y a mille ans et, au fil des siècles, les draconiques ont formé trois clans puissants. Ce sont ces clans qui travaillèrent avec la Maison Sivis, se regroupant sur le modèle des maisons orientales. Le nom de la Maison – Tharashk – est un vieux mot orque qui signifie uni. Malgré cela, les héritiers de la maison utilisent généralement le nom de leur clan plutôt que celui de la maison. Ils sont peut-être unis, mais dans la vie quotidienne, ils restent « Aashta et Velderan ».

Maison Tharashk est une maison Humain et Demi-orc Marqué par le Dragon qui a récemment commencé à se répandre dans tout le Khorvaire, bien qu'elle soit encore fortement basée à Les Frontières de l'Ombre. La maison est la deuxième plus jeune des Maisons Marquées Du Dragon. Ses membres sont des prospecteurs, des chasseurs de primes et des détectives renommés. Tharashk est la seule maison à embaucher des ouvriers et des mercenaires monstrueux de Droaam, avec qui ils ont une alliance.

“Nous sommes des chasseurs dans un monde de Tribex.” - Kalaash'arrna, détective Tharashk.

Maison Tharashk is a Humain and Demi-orc Marqué par le Dragon house that has just recently begun spreading throughout Khorvaire, though it is still heavily based in Les Frontières de l'Ombre. The house is the second youngest of the Maisons Marquées Du Dragon. Its members are renowned prospectors, bounty hunters, and détectives. Tharashk is the only house to hire monstrous laborers and mercenaries from Droaam, with whom they have an alliance.  

“We are hunters in a world of Tribex.” - Kalaash'arrna, Tharashk détective.  

Maison Tharashk possesses the Marque de la Découverte. This mark grants various magical benefits related to locating people and objects which in turn has led to their fame for bounty hunting. 

3.5 Edition: In the 3.5 edition Eberron Campaign Setting (page 64) the Marque de la Découverte can be taken as a feat for player characters. In its least form it grants the character the ability to cast identify, know direction or locate object. Additionally the character receives a +2 on search checks. In its lesser form it grants helping hand or locate creature. In its greater form it grants find the path.

4th Edition: In the 4th edition Eberron Player's Guide the Marque de la Découverte can be taken as a feat which grants the player the ability to shift into a square that an adjacent enemy who is granting combat advantage has just vacated. The character also learns four rituals including Detect Secret Doors and and Detect Object.  

Around 1000 years ago the Marque de la Découverte made its first appearance on members of three Frontières de l'Ombre clans. The clans were the Torrns, The Velderans and the Aashtas. Word of master huntsmen from the Frontières de l'Ombre who possessed an unknown dragon mark soon spread throughout Khorvaire. In the late 600's AR a group of Maison Siri Gnomes decided to go in search of this dragon mark and upon discovering the three clans they helped them form Maison Tharashk. 

Though new to the civilized world of the Cinq Nations and the rest of Khorvaire, Tharashk found its purpose relatively fast and adapted well. Being master hunters wasn't enough to survive in this new world so upon learning of the high demand and value of Fragments de Dragon, Tharashk decided to compete in trade and business. Dragonshard trade not only helped Tharashk earn its place in Khorvaire but created its wealth and influence. Despite this there are many who distrust Tharashk calling them “graybloods”.

When La Dernière Guerre began Tharashk had little interest and intervention and the war was the same in return. The war had no effect on Tharashk's trade as it occurred in the wilds and Frontières de l'Ombre. The only times Tharashk was called upon was for search and rescue missions which felt more like a charity than business.

The war finally came to Tharashk in its later stage though not in anyway they'd expect. The war led to the rise of Droaam as a nation and Maison Tharashk took advantage of this by negotiating trade deals and eventually an alliance.  

The word Tharashk is Orc for “united”.

Maison Tharashk is governed by a council named the Triumvirat which has only three members, each one a representative from the three major clans. The current three triumvirs are Daric d'Velderan, Khundar'aashta and Maagrim_Torrn_de Tharashk.

Unlike other Maisons Marquées Du Dragon Tharashk's clans are incredibly important and they are not as united as their peers. It is unCommun for a Tharashk house member to refer to themselves as de Tharashk and the use of their clan name is more prominent. The three main clans are Aashta, Torrn and Velderan, though these aren't the only clans that make up Tharashk, smaller clans tend to be aligned with one of them. Although the clans do their best to work together for the sake of the house, heirs often put the interests of their clan before the house, which has led to many feuds. 

• Daric d'Velderan

• Khundar'aashta

• Maagrim_Torrn_de Tharashk

• Khundran_d'Torrn

• Urlev_Torrn

• Kalaash'arrna
• Kava Velderan

Family ties are important to those in Maison Tharashk, so the only way to become a member is through marriage. Though the house is a union of orc and Ombre March Humain cultures the house accepts anyone regardless of race, so long as they share their values. The house also takes in those who have no Marque Du Dragon and use them in the mercantile fields. Heirs of Maison Tharashk live hard lives and are encouraged to practice a wide rangel of skills. Experts, Rangers and rogues are most Commun throughout the house, though Tharashk has a use for most classes such as fighters, scouts and barbarians. Even aristocrats can be found serving as mediators for mercenary contracts in the cities. The house doesn't attract many wizards or Artificiers, although a tradition of sorcery runs through the clans. There are rumors of warlocks within the Aashta clan who are followers of the Dragon d'En-dessous. Druids who follow the Gardiens work for the house by working alongside prospectors to protect and restore the land.

Maison Tharashk act as a proxy business for the Filles De Sora Kell by negotiating trade with the rest of Khorvaire for them. Anyone wanting to contract the monster labourers or mercenaries of Droaam go through Tharashk in order to do so. Maison Garda are in direct competition with Tharashk as they wish to wrestle the monster mercenaries out of their control. Though neither house admits to open conflict between each other, sabotage and secret operations occur often. Maison Tharashk makes a large amount of profit through prospecting and the sale of Fragments de Dragon. Additionally, many Maison Tharashk heirs become professional détectives and can be hired.

Maison Tharashk contracts monster races from Droaam to either be mercenaries or laborers. Contracted monsters are first evaluated to make sure they are able to communicate and be non violent towards other Humanoïdes. They are then licensed and monitored by the Dragonne's Roar. Gnolls, Ogres and Minotaures are fielded as mercenaries or laborers, while Gargouilles and Harpies are used as couriers, scouts and messengers. As a rule, Maison Tharashk only contracts monsters to clients with good credentials such as Héritier des Dragonss. Mercenaries are more expensive than laborers as laborers will only fight when their own life is threatened. Services are restricted to one location such as a city, contracted monsters cannot be taken on journeys. The house makes profit through volume so monsters are often contracted in groups larger than twenty and for at least a month's work paid in advance.

Overall the people of Khorvaire feel indifferent to members of Maison Tharashk, though many believe them to be provincial and uncivilized. Many find the presence of contracted monsters unsettling, especially outside large communities.

Maison Bombardier: Maison Tharashk dislikes Maison Bombardier for their dominance over the Maisons Marquées Du Dragon. Members of Tharashk sometimes refer to members of Maison Bombardier as Bombardier dandies.

Maison Garda: Maison Tharashk are openly resentful of Maison Garda's sElfee-styled military superiority. Maison Tharashk are in competition with Maison Garda as both focus on the contracting of mercenaries. Members of Maison Tharashk sometimes refer to members of Maison Garda as Toothless Garda lords.

Maison Lyrandar: Maison Tharashk regularly contracts bodyguards and mercenaries to Maison Lyrandar and so Lyrandar agents are often friendly towards their Tharashk counterparts.

Maison Thuranni: Maison Thuranni and Tharashk both share ambition and influence in Droaam. Members of Maison Thuranni are friendly towards members of Tharahsk.

*Zarash'ak: located in the city of the same name in the Frontières de l'Ombre, Zarash'ak is Tharashk's seat of power.

*Muraille-Grise: A large settlement on the outskirts of Droaam. Though it is not run by Maison Tharashk, it is of much importance to them as they recruit their monstrous mercenaries and laborers from here. 

*Guilde des Investigateurs *Liondrake's Roar

*Cultes du Dragon d'En-Dessous: Maison Tharashk traces its roots to the Frontières de l'Ombre and shares the beliefs of many of its inhabitants. Many Aashtar clan members cling to these old ways and, although they aren't usually dangelrous, can be disturbing for outsiders. Some members wish to use the House's resources in service of dark forces from the world below. 

*Les Gardiens: Though some members of Maison Tharashk follow the Cultes du Dragon d'En-Dessous, others choose to adhere to the teachings of the Gatekeeper Druids. Many of those that do follow these beliefs are Torrn clan members.

House United: One, Three, and Many The Dragonmarks are driven by more than simple genetics. In most dragonmarked houses, about half of the children develop some level of dragonmark. Over the course of a thousand years of excoriates and voluntary departures, many people in Khorvaire have some trace of dragonmarked blood. And yet, foundlings—people who develop a dragonmark outside a house—are so rare that many foundlings are surprised to learn that they have a connection to a house. Many houses allow outsiders to marry into their great lines, and the number of dragonmarked heirs born to such couples within the houses is dramatically higher than those born to excoriates outside of the houses. Scholars have proposed many theories to explain this discrepancy. Some say that it’s tied to proximity—that being around large numbers of dragonmarked people helps to nuture the latent mark within a child. Others say that it’s related to the tools and equipment used by the houses, that just being around a creation forge helps promote the development of the Mark of Making. One of the most interesting theories comes from the sage Ohnal Caldyn. A celebrated student of the Draconic Prophecy, Caldyn argued that the oft-invoked connection between dragonmarks and the Prophecy might be misunderstood—that rather than each dragonmarked individual having significance, the Prophecy might be more interested in dragonmarked families. It’s been over two thousand years since the Mark of Making appeared on the Vown and Juran lines of Cyre—and yet those families remain pillars of the house today.

This helps to explain the core structure of Tharashk, sometimes described as one, three, and many. There are many minor families within House Tharashk, but each of these is tied to one of the three great clans: Velderan, Torrn, and ‘Aashta. The house is based on the alliance between these three clans, and where most dragonmarked houses have a single matriarch or patriarch, Tharashk is governed by the Triumvirate, a body comprised of a leader from each of these clans.

When creating an adventurer or NPC from House Tharashk, you should decide which of the great clans they’re tied to. Each clan is tied to lesser families, so you’re not required to use one of these three names. A few lesser families are described here along with each clan, but you can make up lesser families. So you can be Jalo’uurga of House Tharashk; the question is which clan the ‘Uurga Tharashk are connected to. In theory, the loyalty of a Tharashk heir should be to house first, clan second, and family third. Heirs are expected to set aside family feuds and to focus on the greater picture, to pursue the rivalry between Deneith and Tharashk instead of sabotaging house efforts because of an old feud between ‘Uurga and Tulkar. But those feuds are never forgotten—and when it doesn’t threaten the interests of house or clan, heirs may be driven by these ancient rivalries.

To d’ or not to d’? Tharashk has never been bound by the traditions of the other houses, and this can be clearly seen in Tharashk names. Just look to the three Triumvirs of the house. All three possess dragonmarks, yet in the three of them we see three different conventions. Khandar’aashta doesn’t bother with the d’ prefix or use the house name. Daric d’Velderan uses his clan name, but appends the d’ as a nod to his dragonmark. Maagrim Torrn d’Tharashk uses the d’ but applies it to the house name; no one uses d’Torrn. Maagrim’s use of the house name makes a statement about her devotion to the alliance and the house. Daric’s use of the ‘d is a nod to the customs of the other houses. While Khandar makes no concessions to easterners. He may the one of the three leaders of House Tharashk, but he is Aashta. As an heir of House Tharashk, you could follow any of these styles, and you could change it over the course of your career as your attitude changes.

Orcs, Half-Orcs, and Humans. By canon, the Mark of Finding is the only dragonmark that appears on two ancestries—human and half-orc. However, by the current rules, the benefits of the Mark replace everything except age, size, and speed. Since humans and half-orcs have the same size and speed, functionally it makes very little difference which you are. It’s always been strange that this one mark bridges two species when the Khoravar marks don’t, and when orcs can’t develop it. As a result, in my campaign I say that any character with the Mark of Finding has orc blood in their veins. The choice of “human” or “half-orc” reflects how far removed you are from your orc ancestors and how obvious it is to people. But looking to the Triumvirs above, they’re ALL Jhorgun’taal; it’s simply that it’s less obvious with Daric d’Velderan. In my campaign I’d say that Daric has yellow irises, a slight point to his ears, and notable canine teeth; at a glance most would consider him to be human, but his dragonmark is proof that he’s Jhorgun’taal.

Characters and Lesser Clans. The entries that follow include suggestions for player characters from each clan and mention a few lesser clans associated with the major ones. These are only suggestions. If you want to play an evil orc barbarian from Clan Velderan, go ahead—and the lesser clans mentioned here are just a few examples.

The Azhani Language. Until relatively recently, the Marches were isolated from the rest of Khorvaire. The Goblin language took root during the Age of Monsters, but with the arrival of human refugees and the subsequent evolution of the blended culture, a new language evolved. Azhani is a blending of Goblin, Riedran, and a little of the long-dead Orc language. It’s close enough to Goblin that someone who speaks Goblin can understand Azhani, and vice-versa; however, nuances will be lost. For purposes of gameplay, one can list the language as Goblin (Azhani). More information about the Azhani language can be found in Don Bassinthwaite’s Dragon Below novels.

Capital: Urthhold Triumvir: Daric d’Velderan Primary Role: Far trade, diplomacy and administration, inquisitives Common Traits: Curiosity, Imagination, Charisma, Ambition Before the rise of House Tharashk, most of the clans and tribes of the Shadow Marches lived in isolation, interacting only with their immediate neighbors. Velderan has always been the exception. The Velderan have long been renowned as fisherfolk and boatmen, driving barges and punts along the Glum River and the lesser waters of the Marches and trading with all of the clans. The clan is based in the coastal town of Urthhold, and for centuries they were the only clan that had any contact with the outside world. It was through this rare contact that reports of an unknown dragonmark made their way to House Sivis, and it was Velderan guides who took Sivis explorers into the Marches.

That spirit remains alive today. Where ‘Aashta and Torrn hold tightly to ancient—and fundamentally opposed—traditions, it’s the Velderan who dream of the future and embrace change, and their enthusiasm and charisma that often sways the others. Torrn and ‘Aashta are both devoted to the work of the house and the prosperity of their union, but it’s the Velderan who truly love meeting new people and spreading to new locations, and who are always searching for new tools and techniques. Stern ‘Aashta are always prepared to negotiate from a position of strength, but it’s the more flexible Velderan who most often serve as the diplomats of the house. While they work with House Lyrandar for long distance trade and transport, the Velderan also remain the primary river runners and guides within the Marches.

In the wider world, the Velderan are often encountered running enclaves in places where finesse and diplomacy are important. Beyond this, the Velderan are most devoted to the inquisitive services of the house; Velderan typically prefer unraveling mysteries to the more brutal work of bounty hunting. The Velderan have no strong ties to either the Gatekeepers or the “Old Ways” of Clan ‘Aashta; they are most interested in exploring new things, and are the most likely to adopt new faiths or traditions. Many outsiders conclude that the Velderan are largely human, and they do have a relatively small number of full orcs as compared to the other clans, but Jhorguun’taal are in the majority in Velderan; it’s just that most Velderan Jhorgun’taal are more human in appearance than the stereotype of the half-orc that’s common in the Five Nations.

Overall, the Velderan are the glue that holds Tharashk together. They’ve earned their reputation for optimism and idealism, and this is reflected by their Triumvir. However, there is a cabal of elders within the house—The Veldokaa—who are determined to maintain the union of Tharashk but to ensure that Velderan remains first among equals. Even while Velderan mediates between Torrn and ‘Aashta, the Veldokaa makes sure to keep their tensions alive so that they rarely ally against Velderan interests. Likewise, while it’s ‘Aashta who is most obvious in its ambition and aggression, it’s the Veldokaa who engage in more subtle sabotage of rivals. So Velderan wears a friendly face, and Daric d’Velderan is sincere in his altruism. But he’s not privy to all the plans of the Veldokaa, and there are other clan leaders—such as Khalar Velderan, who oversees Tharashk operations in Q’barra—who put ambition ahead of altruism.

Velderan Characters. With no strong ties to the Gatekeepers or the Dragon Below, Velderan adventurers are most often rangers, rogues, or even bards. Velderan are interested in the potential of arcane science, and can produce wizards or artificers. Overall, the Velderan are the most optimistic and altruistic of the Clans and the most likely to have good alignments—but an adventurer with ties to the Veldokaa could be tasked with secret work on behalf of the clan. Velderan most often speak Common, and are equally likely to speak Azhani Goblin or traditional Goblin.

Triumvir. Clan Velderan is currently represented by Daric d’Velderan. Daric embodies the altruistic spirit of his clan, and hopes to see Tharashk become a positive force in the world. His disarming humor and flexibility play a critical role in balancing the stronger tempers of Maagrim and Khandar. Daric wants to see the house expand, and is always searching for new opportunities and paths it can follow, but he isn’t as ruthless as Khandar’aashta and dislikes the growing tension between Tharashk and House Deneith. Daric is aware of the Veldokaa and knows that they support him as triumvir because his gentle nature hides their subtle agenda; he focuses on doing as much good as he can in the light while trusting his family to do what they must in the shadows.

Lesser Clans. The Orgaal are an orc-majority clan, and given this people often forget they’re allied with Velderan; as such, the Veldokaa often use them as spies and observers. The Torshaa are expert boatmen and are considered the most reliable guides in the Shadow Marches. The Vaalda are the finest hunters among the Velderan; it’s whispered that some among them train to hunt two-legged prey, and they produce Assassin rogues as well as hunters.

Clan Torrn Capital: Valshar’ak Triumvir: Maagrim Torrn d’Tharashk Primary Role: Prospecting and mining, infrastructure, primal magic Common Traits: Stoicism, Stability, Wisdom Torrn is the oldest of the Tharashk clans. The city of Valshar’ak has endured since days of Dhakaan, and holds a stone platform known as Vvaraak’s Throne. While true, fully initiated Gatekeepers are rare even within the Marches, the Torrn have long held to the broad traditions of the sect, opposing the Old Ways of ‘Aashta and its allies. Clan Torrn has the strongest traditions of primal magic within the Reaches, and ever since the union Torrn gleaners can be found providing vital services across the Marches; it was Torrn druids who raised the mighty murk oaks that serve as the primary supports of Zarash’ak. However, the clan isn’t mired in the past. The Torrn value tradition and are slow to change, but over the last five centuries they have studied the arcane science of the east and blended it with their primal traditions; there are magewrights among the Torrn as well as gleaners.

The Torrn are known for their stoicism and stability; a calm person could be described as being as patient as a Torrn. They refuse to act in haste, carefully studying all options and relying on wisdom rather than being driven by impulse or ambition. Of the three clans, they have the greatest respect for the natural world, but they also know how to make the most efficient use of its bounty. While ‘Aashta have always been known as the best hunters and Velderan loves the water, Torrn is closest to the earth. They are the finest prospectors of the Marches, and are usually found in charge of any major Tharashk mining operations, blending arcane science and dragonmarked tools with the primal magic of their ancestors. Most seek to minimize long-term damage to the environment, but there are Torrn overseers—especially those born outside the Marches—who are focused first and foremost on results, placing less weight on their druidic roots and embracing the economic ambitions of the house.

Most Torrn follow the basic principles of the Gatekeepers, which are not unlike the traditions of the Silver Flame—stand together, oppose supernatural evil, don’t traffic with aberrations. However, most apply these ideas to their own clan and to a wider degree, the united house. Torrn look out for Tharashk, but most aren’t concerned with protecting the world or fighting the daelkyr. Torrn miners may use sustainable methods in their mining, but they are driven by the desire for profit and to see their house prosper. However, there is a deep core of devoted Gatekeepers at the heart of Torrn. Known as the Valshar’ak Seal, they also seek to help Tharashk flourish as a house—because they wish to use its resources and every-increasing influence in the pursuit of their ancient mission. Again, most Torrn follow the broad traditions of the Gatekeepers, but only a devoted few know of the Valshar’ak Seal and its greater goals.

Within the world, the Torrn are most often associated with mining and prospecting, as well as construction and maintaining the general infrastructure of the house. The Torrn Jhorguun’taal typically resemble their orc ancestors, and it’s generally seen as the Clan with the greatest number of orcs.

Torrn Characters. Whether or not they’re tied to the Gatekeepers, Torrn has deep primal roots. Tharashk druids are almost always from Torrn, and Tharashk rangers have a strong primal focus; a Torrn Gatekeeper could also be an Oath of the Ancients paladin, with primal trappings instead of divine. The Torrn are stoic and hold to tradition, and tend toward neutral alignments. Most speak Azhani Goblin among themselves, though they learn Common as the language of trade.

Triumvir. Maagrim Torrn d’Tharashk represents the Torrn in the Triumvirate. The oldest Triumvir, she’s known for her wisdom and her patience, though she’s not afraid to shout down Khandar’aashta when he goes too far. Maagrim supports the Valshar’ak Seal, but as a Triumvir her primary focus is on the business and the success of the house; she helps channel resources to the Seal, but on a day to day basis she is most concerned with monitoring mining operations and maintaining infrastructure. She is firmly neutral, driven neither by cruelty or compassion; Maagrim does what must be done.

Lesser Clans. The Torruk are a small, orc-majority clan with strong ties to the Gatekeepers, known for fiercely hunting aberrations in the Reaches and for clashing with the ‘Aashta. The Brokaa are among the finest miners in the house and are increasingly more concerned with profits than with ancient traditions.

Clan ‘Aashta Capital: Patrahk’n Triumvir: Khandar’aashta Primary Role: Mercenary trade, Droaamite relations, bounty hunting Common Traits: Aggression, Courage, Strength The ‘Aashta have long been known as the fiercest clan of the Shadow Marches. Their ancestral home, Patrahk’n, is on the eastern edge of the Shadow Marches and throughout history they’ve fought with worg packs from the Watching Wood, ogres and trolls, and even their own Gaa’aram cousins. Despite the bloody history, the ‘Aashta earned the respect of their neighbors, and over the last few centuries the ‘Aashta began to work with the people of what is now Droaam. The ‘Aashta thrive on conflict and the thrill of battle; they have always been the most enthusiastic bounty hunters, and during the Last War it was the ‘Aashta who devised the idea of the Dragonne’s Roar—brokering the service of monstrous mercenaries in the Five Nations, as well as the services of the ‘Aashta themselves.

The ‘Aashta are devoted to what they call the “Old Ways”—what scholars might identify as Cults of the Dragon Below. The two primary traditions within the ‘Aashta are the Inner Sun and the Whisperers, both of which are described in Exploring Eberron. Those who follow the Inner Sun seek to buy passage to a promised paradise with the blood of worthy enemies. The Whisperers are tied to the daelkyr Kyrzin; they’re best known for cultivating gibbering mouthers, but they have other traditions tied to the Bile Lord. The key point is that while the ‘Aashta are often technically cultists of the Dragon Below, they aren’t typically trying to free a daelkyr or an overlord. The ‘Aashta Inner Sun cultist is on a quest to find worthy enemies, to buy their own passage to paradise; they aren’t looking to collapse the world into chaos or anything like that. The Gatekeepers despise the cults for trafficking with malefic forces, and believe that they may be unwitting tools of evil, and it’s these beliefs that usually spark clashes between the two (combined with the fact that Gatekeeper champions are certainly ‘worthy foes’ in the eyes of the Inner Sun). But it’s important to recognize that these two paths have co-existed for thousands of years. That co-existence hasn’t always been peaceful, but they’ve never engaged in a total war. Since the union of Tharashk, both ‘Aashta and Torrn have done their best to work together, with Velderan helping to mediate between the two (… and with the Veldokaa occasionally stirring up the conflict).

The ‘Aashta are fierce and aggressive. They respect strength and courage, and take joy in competition. Having invested in the Tharashk union, they want to see the House rise to glory. It’s the ‘Aashta who pushed to create the Dragonne’s Roar despite the clear conflict with House Deneith. The ‘Aashta also recognize the power Tharashk has as the primary supplier of dragonshards, and wish to see how the house can use this influence. In contrast to the Veldokaa, the ‘Aashta are honest in their ambition and wish to see the house triumph as a whole. While they do produce a few inquisitives, their greatest love is bounty hunting, and most Tharashk hunters come from ‘Aashta or one of its allied clans.

While they aren’t as dedicated to innovation as Velderan and aren’t as invested in symbionts as the dwarf clans of Narathun or Soldorak in the Mror Holds, the ‘Aashta are always searching for new weapons and don’t care if a tool frightens others. Some of those who follow the Old Ways master the techniques of the warlock, while the Whisperers employ strange molds and symbionts tied to Kyrzin and produce gifted alchemists.

‘Aashta Characters. The ‘Aashta are extremely aggressive. While there are disciplined fighters among them—often working with the Dragonne’s Roar to train and lead mercenary troops—the ‘Aashta are also known for cunning rangers and fierce barbarians. Their devotion to the Old Ways can produce warlocks or sorcerers, and especially gifted Whisperers can become Alchemist artificers. Culturally, the ‘Aashta are the most ruthless of the clans and this can lead to characters with evil alignments, though this is driven more by a lack of mercy than by wanton cruelty; like followers of the Mockery, an ‘Aashta will do whatever it takes to achieve victory. Due to its proximity to Droaam, the people of Patrahk’n speak traditional Goblin rather than Azhani, as well as learning Common as a trade language; however, ‘Aashta from the west may prefer Azhani.

Triumvir. Khandar’aashta is bold and charismatic. He is extremely ambitious and is constantly pushing his fellow Triumvirs, seeking to expand the power of Tharashk even if it strains their relations with the rest of the Twelve. Khandar is a follower of the Old Ways; it’s up to the DM to decide if he’s a Whisperer, pursuing the Inner Sun, or if he’s tied to a different and more sinister tradition. While he is ruthless when it comes to expanding the power of the house, he does believe in the union and wants to see all the clans prosper.

Lesser Clans. Overall, the ‘Aashta have no great love of subterfuge. When they need such schemes, they turn to the ‘Arrna, a lesser clan who produces more rogues than rangers. While they are just as aggressive as the ‘Aashta, the ‘Aarna love intrigues and fighting with words as well as blades. The Istaaran are devoted Whisperers and skilled alchemists; they have a great love of poisons and have helped to produce nonlethal toxins to help bounty hunters bring down their prey. The ‘Oorac are a small clan known for producing aberrant dragonmarks and sorcerers; before the union they were often persecuted, but ‘Aashta shields them.

That’s all for now. I’m pressed for time and likely won’t be able to answer questions on this topic. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in shaping the topic of the NEXT article, there’s just four hours left (as of this posting) in the Patreon poll to choose it; at the moment it’s neck and neck between an exploration of Sky Piracy in Khorvaire and my suggestions for drawing players into the world and developing interesting Eberron characters in Session Zero. In addition, tomorrow I’ll be posting the challenge that will determine which Threshold patrons play in my next online adventure. If you want to be a part of any of that, check out my Patreon!