Dragonmarks

Dragonmarks are physical manifestations of the Draconic Prophecy. They have appeared on seven of Khorvaire's common races. They are more intricate than a birthmark and more distinct than a tattoo. There are twelve families of dragonmarks, known as the dragonmarked houses. Originally there were thirteen, but no living creature on Eberron possesses the destroyed Mark of Death of House Vol. In addition to being a status symbol in Khorvaire, the dragonmarks provide the bearer with magical talents.

Aberrant Dragonmarks[]

The dragonmarks are passed through bloodlines and when two members of different dragonmarked families reproduce it often results in what are called 'aberrant dragonmarks'. The aberrant marks do not manifest the same way each time, so it is possible for two individuals with completely different looking marks to produce the same magical effect using the mark. Indeed, each aberrant dragonmark is completely unique to its bearer. Originally aberrant marked were seen as outcasts and outsiders. Often they were shunned by the houses and eked out a pitiful existence. Many members bearing these aberrant dragonmarks have since united in their differences and formed House Tarkanan, most notably present in Sharn.

Manifestations[]

Dragonmarks typically appear in the bearer's adolescence as they pass through puberty, but this is not exclusively the case. There are three distinct manifestations of each dragonmark that correlate in size, intricacy, and power. As the dragonmark gains power (from least to greater) it will expand in size and complexity rather than forming a different mark. Often the mark will manifest first as the least mark and through study and focus the bearer increases their power and with this increase, the dragonmark also increases, granting additional abilities. However, there are some who will manifest a lesser mark or even greater mark without explanation. House members who manifest even the least dragonmark, however, can expect at least some change in their lifestyle as they find new and better employment opportunities within their house guilds as well as new social avenues to explore.

Heir of Siberys[]

Much rarer are the so-called Heirs of Siberys who possess the Siberys mark, which covers much, if not all, of their body. Siberys marks are named after the progenitor dragon Siberys. A dragonmarked individual might labor all of their life and never manifest the Siberys Mark, while an unmarked member of a house bloodline might suddenly manifest the mark overnight. It is unpredictable and unexplained, despite steady research by top minds across Khorvaire. The Siberys mark grants the bearer extraordinary power based upon which mark they manifest. These Siberys dragonmarks can lead otherwise unknown or undiscovered members of a house to suddenly rise in importance within their own ranks and those who were formerly unmarked may have a hard time adjusting to this new fame.

The Dragonmarks[]

The Mark of Detection (House Medani, half-elf)
The Mark of Finding (House Tharashk, half-orc, human)
The Mark of Handling (House Vadalis, human)
The Mark of Healing (House Jorasco, halfling)
The Mark of Hospitality (House Ghallanda, halfling)
The Mark of Making (House Cannith, human)
The Mark of Passage (House Orien, human)
The Mark of Scribing (House Sivis, gnome)
The Mark of Sentinel (House Deneith, human)
The Mark of Shadow (House Phiarlan and House Thuranni, elf)
The Mark of Storm (House Lyrandar, half-elf)
The Mark of Warding (House Kundarak, dwarf)
The Mark of Death (House Vol) (elf, currently "lost")
Aberrant Dragonmarks (House Tarkanan, any)

Dragonmark Talents[]

In Rolemaster, Dragonmarks are gained through talents rather than feats. They are mystical talents.

Least Dragonmark — You have a least dragonmark, and are able to cast magic associated with your house. This is equal to three levels in a spell list associated with your particular mark. (lesser, 5)
Lesser Dragonmark — You have gained a lesser dragonmark. Like above, except it's equal to 6 spell levels. (minor, 10)
Major Dragonmark — You been born with a major dragonmark, and are able to cast magic associated with your dragonmark. Like above, except it's associated with 9 levels in a specific list or group of lists. (major, 15)
Syberys Dragonmark — You gained a Syberys dragonmark, and can cast the most powerful magic associated with your house. Like above, except you have 15 levels in an associated list or group of lists. (greater, 20)