Credits Contents

Designer: Keith Baker Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

The Role of Secrets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Editor: Laura Hirsbrunner DMing with Secrets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Art Director: Wayne Chang
Playing with Secrets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Layout Designer: Laura Hirsbrunner Greater & Lesser Secrets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Graphic Designers: Laura Hirsbrunner, Steve Fidler Character Secrets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Occupational Hazards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Cover Illustrator: Olie Boldador Secret Identities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Interior Illustrator: Júlio Azevedo, Lucas Guerrini Twists and Tragedies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Additional Illustrators: Anna Bogatirewa, Brian Secrets of Sharn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
“Chippy” Dugan, Tithi Luadthong, Tracy Birthrights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Lundgren, Joel Thomas, Liu Zishan Epic Secrets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Producer: Wayne Chang
Appendix A: Lesser Secrets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Appendix B: Blank Secrets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Playtesters: Will Brolley, Patrick Dunning, Imogen
Gingell, Colin Marriott, Jarrod Taylor

Special Thanks: I’d like to thank [REDACTED]

for [REDACTED AGAIN] . Without their [YES,
STILL REDACTED] , this book would have
never happened.

On the Cover
The ruinbound dwarf Rusty finally reveals the
secret of what lies beneath his smoked glasses—
though Dela d’Cannith has already guessed the
truth. This scene is brought to life by Olie Boldador.

The contents of this book were wrested from the vaults of the Trust. They were never meant to be seen by human
eyes. We have done our best to remove all explosive runes from the content, but read at your own risk.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, Eberron, the
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are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries. This work contains material that
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Keith-Baker.com All other original material in this work is copyright 2020 by KB Presents and published under the
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VERSION 1.0
Introduction Character secrets add unique elements to player
characters and provide Dungeon Masters with
a host of hooks to explore over the course of a

I
should hav e mentioned it
campaign. Eberron Confidential presents fifty-four
earlier,” Dela said, studying the intriguing character secrets, a discussion of how
remnants of the warforged assassins. to use these in a campaign, and an appendix of
“Merrix ordered me to stop my research. tables to help when you need to create a secret on
the fly. This book is designed so you can print out
I thought he might have me excoriated. But I never the secrets and distribute them as player handouts,
dreamed that I might be putting all of us in danger.” and appendix B includes a blank set of handouts
Gentle smiled softly at the woman, putting a so you can create some secrets of your own.
reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You didn’t mean Some of the secrets contained in Eberron
to hurt us. You were afraid you might lose us if we Confidential involve topics discussed at length
in the hardcover Exploring Eberron, available on
knew the truth. But we’re here, and we’re stronger
the Dungeon Masters Guild. While you can
than ever.” certainly enjoy these secrets without that book,
JÚLIO AZEVEDO

“You’re right,” Dela nodded. “From now on, no the DM Tips section for each secret calls out
more secrets.” when Exploring Eberron contains a particularly
“Well, in that case…” Gentle sighed and took a deep relevant section, in case you want to share it
breath. “There’s something you need to know.” with your players.

1
The Role of Secrets DMing with Secrets
As a DM, once you decide you want to use secrets,
Player characters are the foundation of every you’ll have to determine which ones to use. Yes,
campaign, the protagonists of the stories we’re you could print out all the secrets in this book and
creating. A character’s class tells us what they let players pick randomly, but these secrets cover
can do, while their background explains how a vast range of possibilities. Not all of them make
they acquired their skills and what they did sense in every campaign. Other secrets might fit,
before they were adventurers. But classes and but you might not be interested in telling the story
backgrounds are intentionally broad—an entire associated with it—if a player character is secretly
party of adventurers could be former soldiers or Prince Oargev, they’ll eventually want to strike
criminals, and all of them be fighters or rogues. back against the imposter prince, so if you’re not
In contrast to these broad elements that can interested in exploring that plot thread, don’t give
be shared by many characters, a secret is some- someone that secret. Likewise, there’s one section
thing unique, something that helps to make the of secrets that are specifically linked to Sharn,
bearer unlike any other character in the world. building on the families and factions within the
Perhaps they’re an outlaw branded for their City of Towers; these are an excellent choice for
former crimes, a hidden heir on the run from a campaign that’s based in Sharn or that uses the
political enemies, or an orphan determined to city as a central hub, but if you have no plans for
avenge their murdered parents. A secret may be the adventurers to visit Sharn, you’ll want to avoid
the reason the character has become an adven- these secrets. The “Secret Identities” section can
turer, leaving their background behind—whether make for a fascinating character—but you prob-
it’s driving them to become a hero or forcing ably don’t want five party members who have each
them to flee their former life. For the player, this been body-swapped. Some secrets are light and
can provide a sense of motivation and establish funny, while others have serious, far-reaching
their place in the world. For the DM, it adds implications. You know the basic story of your
elements that can embellish any adventure. campaign; before ever distributing secrets to your
A player character’s secret usually won’t drive players, winnow down the options to only those
the campaign itself, though this supplement secrets you’re interested in exploring. Appendix B
includes suggestions about how it could affect the also contains a set of blank handouts in case you
wider story. A character might secretly be Prince want to create your own secrets.
Oargev of Cyre, but they simply don’t have the
power or support to challenge the imposter Late-Breaking Secrets
prince as a 1st-level character. Oargev needs to Generally, players should choose (or be given)
gain experience and allies through adventures— secrets during character creation—these are part
and there are other adventurers in the party of each character’s backstory and may affect other
with them, perhaps with secrets of their own. decisions made during character creation. However,
if the players and DM agree, characters could be
Though the campaign doesn’t center around given secrets later in a campaign. It’s possible
Oargev, aspects of their secret can bleed into any the character had repressed these memories and
adventure—if there are innocent Cyrans in peril, they’re only now being recovered, or that they’ve
the hidden prince automatically has a reason to always had the secret, but are only now feeling com-
help them. And at any moment, assassins in the fortable enough to share with the other adventurers.
As always, it’s up to the DM to decide how to
service of the imposter prince could leap out of distribute secrets and up to the player to decide
the shadows! Consider Aragorn in The Lord of the whether to accept one—it’s okay if there’s a player
Rings. Eventually, his secret heritage becomes a in the group who doesn’t want to add a new twist
crucial focus of the story, but in The Fellowship to their story. But it can be a fun surprise for the
of the Ring, it’s a secret known only to a handful wizard to confess, “You know, we’ve been adven-
turing together for a year… I think it’s time to tell
of people, and Aragorn’s story doesn’t drive the
you all that I’m really Prince Oargev.”
fellowship on their quest to save the world.

2
M echanical B enefits y Allow each player to review the secrets and
Each secret grants its character a minor mechan- choose a few they’re interested in, then deal
ical benefit, often a language or skill proficiency, them one at random.
though a few have more dramatic effects. As y Without letting the players review the whole
always, it’s up to you to decide what to allow in set, offer each player a choice of a few secrets
your campaign, and if you’re not comfortable that you feel fit their play style. This is the best
with the benefit provided by a particular secret, choice if you don’t want the players to know
leave it out! You can still use the story aspects what other secrets are out there.
of each secret, but tell the players ahead of time It’s essential to remember that a player is the
that you won’t be using the mechanical benefits. ultimate arbiter of their character’s story, not the
If you choose this path, there are secrets you DM, and they should never feel that they have to
should definitely leave out; it doesn’t make sense take a secret. Whatever method you use, a player
for a character to have a Secret Dragonmark should always have the option to refuse a secret;
if they don’t actually have a dragonmark. But at that point, you and the player can decide
someone could be a Crystal Star without actually whether you should offer another choice, or have
having Performance proficiency. the character proceed without a secret.

Distributing Secrets D eveloping Secrets

Once you’ve removed any secrets from the list Some secrets require you to work with the player
that wouldn’t be a good fit for your campaign, to establish some basic details. If the player
you can distribute them to the players in whatever created an Earworm, it’s up to you and the player
way best fits your group. Here are some ideas: to decide just what that song is. If they’re living a
y Work with the players to come up with a final Stolen Life, who were they before? However, you
pool of secrets that everyone is interested in, don’t have to establish every detail at the start of
then randomly deal one or more secrets to the campaign; you and the player can continue to
each player and let them choose their favorite. add details to the story as the campaign unfolds.

Rumors
Most secrets are intended to play out over the course of a campaign—it will probably take time for Prince
Oargev to reveal their true identity. By contrast, rumors are a way to expand the characters’ backstories and
immediately introduce drama. These don’t need to be linked to the character’s secret—in fact, rumors work just
as well in games that don’t utilize secrets at all.
If you wish to integrate rumors at the beginning of the campaign, have each player write down three rumors
that might actually be circulating in the world:
y One thing their character did that they’re proud of.
y One thing their character did that they’re ashamed of.
y One false rumor about the character of the player to their left.
The first two rumors should be generally true, though details can get warped in the retelling. The last rumor
should be something plausible—but untrue—that other player characters might believe if they heard it through
the grapevine.
As the DM, it’s up to you how to use these rumors. You can immediately distribute all the rumors to players
as things their characters have heard. Or you can deal just one to each player—so everyone starts knowing one
rumor about one of the other characters—and gradually introduce others through NPCs. When the characters
enter a tavern, one of the patrons might say “Hey, you’re Dela d’Cannith! I heard you were responsible for that
factory fire that burned down Rattlestone!” Or a character might receive a note during an adventure: “I see
you’re traveling with Ban. Do you know he’s a spy for the Shaarat’khesh?”
Rumors typically aren’t as significant as secrets, but they can cause tension. What are you ashamed of, and
can you atone? What’s the outlandish thing you don’t even realize people are saying about you? The revelation
of a rumor, whether true or false, can liven up any scene.

3
 Each secret is accompanied by a few sug- Ultimately, a secret is supposed to be fun. It
gestions about how that secret could affect a gives you something new to play with, something
campaign. As DM, always look for additional that makes your character unique with a special
ways to make the secret relevant. If one of the connection to the world. As a player, your secret
adventurers was Raised by Gnolls, perhaps shouldn’t be a burden; it should be something
they’ll meet some Znir gnoll mercenaries on that makes your adventures more exciting.
their travels. If they’re a Circus Runaway, they
might run into a former coworker or a fan in the Greater & Lesser Secrets
tavern. These encounters add dimension to the In the following pages, Eberron Confidential
story, highlighting that each character has depth presents sheets with many secrets that can
beyond their ability scores and proficiencies. be printed, cut out, and easily distributed to
players. These secrets share a similar structure,
Playing with Secrets and each provides unique mechanical benefits.
As a player, a secret can help flesh out your In addition to the secret handouts in this sup-
character, giving you an interesting hook for plement, appendix A provides tables that can
roleplaying and a story you can explore. Some be used to generate random secrets for a player
secrets can endanger you and your friends if they character or NPC on the spur of the moment.
are revealed; if you’re the Prince of Ashes, your These don’t have any sort of mechanical effects
enemies will target you if they discover your and many require additional details to be filled
location. On the other hand, if you were Raised in, but they can be useful tools.
by Gnolls or you’re a Circus Runaway, you won’t
likely get in trouble if your secret is revealed.
The question is whether you want to keep it
secret… and what things might give you away. If
Character Secrets
The following secrets are designed to be printed
you were Raised by Gnolls, you might have hor- (or screenshotted) and distributed among your
rifying table manners or enjoy eating things the players. You have permission to reproduce these
other adventurers consider inedible. If you’re a handouts for personal use in your game.
Circus Runaway, do you now hate circuses and Each section of handouts is followed by a short
refuse to go near them, or are you constantly set of DM notes with suggestions about how to
performing, juggling and tumbling to pass the integrate those secrets in gameplay.
time? In this, a secret is much like an ideal or a
bond—a detail that can help you decide how your
character acts in a particular situation. Prerequisites
These secrets aren’t generally things that you Some of the secrets in Eberron Confidential have
have to keep hidden from your trusted fellow prerequisites. These might be something a char-
acter needs to have before taking that secret, like
adventurers; it’s that you may want or need to citizenship in the Five Nations. However, many of
keep them hidden from the rest of the world. these are “negative” prerequisites, requiring char-
Sometimes it can be more fun to let your com- acters to not have certain features to avoid conflict
panions figure out your secret over time rather with the fundamental story that secret is meant
than revealing it right away—to have them wonder to tell. These prerequisites do not restrict charac-
ters from later gaining those features if it fits the
why you have such weird taste in food, rather than story; for example, if a player is building a 1st-level
you just saying during the first session, “Oh, I was Arcanix Dropout, they can’t start with a spellcasting
raised by gnolls.” But secrets aren’t supposed to class—but over the course of their adventures, they
come between you and your companions—unless might eventually multiclass into one.
all the players involved want them to!

4
 Occupational Hazards
Arcanix Dropout Circus Runaway Earworm
Prerequisite: Has no spell slots Prerequisite: Background other than noble Prerequisite: Background other than entertainer
I come from a long line of accomplished spell- When I was a kid, I had a talent for tum- You know that song you hear all the time
casters. There was no question that I’d follow bling, so I did what any child might do: I ran in Sharn and Fairhaven? I wrote it. I spent
in my parents’ footsteps and attend Arcanix. away and joined the circus. I spent my youth years getting it just right, then I made the
With such a family legacy, I wasn’t even traveling with House Phiarlan’s Carnival of mistake of performing it for Viceroy Kels
tested—which was lucky for me, because I’m Shadows. Eventually, I grew up and planned d’Phiarlan. Now, as you know, it’s the latest
terrible. After years of study, I only managed to move on, but I’d foolishly signed a con- hit by Phiarlan’s rising star, the Butterfly. No
to master a handful of cantrips, and I was tract with Phiarlan that was more restrictive one believes that I wrote it, and every time
finally expelled after a practical joke involving than I realized. And so I ran away. I was never I hear it, it hurts.
conjuration went horribly wrong. a star, and I hope they’ve forgotten about me, I have proficiency in Performance
I know prestidigitation and one but you never know… and with one musical instrument.
other cantrip of my choice from the I have proficiency in Acrobatics.
wizard spell list. Intelligence is my What’s the name of my song? What,
spellcasting ability for these cantrips. What was my favorite circus act to or who, was my inspiration?
perform? How long ago did I run away?
What was my nickname at Arcanix?
What was my least favorite class?

Heretic Inconvenient Mark Knows Too Much

Prerequisite: Background other than Prerequisite: No existing dragonmark
acolyte, belief in a religion I was working with one of the King’s
I’ve always passionately spoken about the Shadows, Breland’s most secret agents. I
I was once deeply religious and had strong threat posed by those bearing aberrant was just an informant, but I grew close—very
ties to my local church. Then I had a revela- dragonmarks… so it’s very inconvenient that close—to the shadow I worked with… until a
tion that changed the way I looked at my I’ve now developed one myself. I’m worried mission went wrong and my love died. I know
religion. When I revealed this to my priest, that if people know about my mark, I’ll be more about the mission than I should, and
they cast me out, and I’ve been branded a disowned by my family or shunned by my I’m certain the shadow was betrayed. If I’m
heretic by the elders of my faith. I know that former associates. And frankly, I’m afraid smart, I’ll let this go; I don’t have the power
if I try to share my insight, I’ll be targeted of the mark itself. Am I cursed? What if it or experience to do anything about it, and if I
by powerful people. continues to grow? make too much noise, the Shadows will come
after me. But one day I’ll have the power to
I have proficiency in Religion. I have the benefits of the Aberrant avenge my lost love.
Dragonmark feat, except I don’t
Has this broken my faith or instead increase my Constitution score. I have proficiency in Investigation.
strengthened it? (I can work with my
DM to develop my heretical belief.) Why have I always feared and hated What was the shadow’s name? What
aberrant dragonmarks? Was I harmed did I love most about them?
by someone with an aberrant mark?

Outlaw Sole Survivor War Crimes

Prerequisite: Background other Prerequisite: Citizen of one of the Five Nations Prerequisite: Citizen of one of the Five Nations
than noble or soldier
I served my nation in the Last War. In the I served my nation in the Last War. I believed
I had a troubled past. I was convicted of a final days of the war, I was sent on a dan- in our cause—perhaps too strongly. In the
crime, and I have the brand of an outlaw on gerous mission, and I was the only member last days of the war, I did something ter-
my non-dominant hand. This means I have of my unit who survived. I’ve always blamed rible… something that resulted in the deaths
no rights under the laws of the Five Nations. myself for failing my comrades, but I of many innocents. I got away with it—no one
Most who see my brand feel that I can’t be suspect we were betrayed by someone higher has connected the crimes to me. But I know
trusted—though criminals often view it as a in the chain of command. If I ever learn the the truth, and I’m afraid that one day my
badge of honor. truth, I won’t rest until I’ve avenged my actions will be exposed.
fallen friends. I have proficiency in Survival.
I either have proficiency in Sleight
of Hand or with thieves’ tools. I have proficiency in Survival.
What was my role in the war? What
What was my crime? Was I guilty, What was my role in the war? Who was the nature of my crime?
or was I framed? Am I trying was my closest friend in my unit?
to live a more virtuous life?
 Circus Runaway
This can be a good choice for a bard or mischie-
vous rogue, explaining where they developed
a talent for entertaining or started living in
the shadows. It’s a relatively innocuous secret
and may be more of an embarrassment than a
threat—though if the character tries to become an
entertainer, House Phiarlan might cause trouble.
Colorful former coworkers could turn up in need
of assistance. How long has it been since the char-
acter left the carnival? Is their career change quite
recent, or have they built a whole life since then?

Earworm
While this is an excellent secret for an aspiring
bard, any character could come up with one
song. Work with the player to come up with a
snippet of the song itself, then as the adventurers
explore, highlight how they hear it everywhere.
Everyone loves this song, and the Butterfly of
Phiarlan is the greatest songwriter of the age!
DM Tips: Occupational Hazards H eretic
Something went wrong with these characters’ What is the belief that branded the character as
careers. Either they were robbed of opportuni- a heretic? This could be similar to the Discovery
ties or they are concealing misdeeds. With any of feature of the hermit background—a cosmic
these secrets, you’ll want to work with the player truth or actual divine revelation—or it could
to develop more details about their former career. be something smaller and more personal. Who
Keep in mind that you don’t need to establish all are the forces within the faith that want to
of these details before the first adventure; both suppress this belief? Will they continue to
you and the player can continue to add depth to pursue the character? Chapter 3 of Exploring
the story as the campaign unfolds. Eberron contains a wealth of information on the
Here are some suggestions for you to help world’s faiths.
each character explore their secret and involve
it in the campaign. I nconvenient Mark
Unlike many secrets, which don’t fundamentally
Arcanix D ropout change a character’s life if they’re revealed, it’s
This secret is primarily an embarrassment, and it important this character knows they will suffer
works best with a player who enjoys in-character loss if their aberrant dragonmark becomes
discomfort and good-natured teasing from their widely known. Why? People hold strong negative
DM. If the player likes the idea of exploring superstitions around aberrant marks, but why is
their character’s embarrassment, professional it particularly bad for this character? Would their
spellcasters (and anyone with proficiency in family disown them? Would they lose friends? Or
Arcana) is appalled by their clumsy casting tech- is it tied to their personal fear of aberrant marks?
nique and criticizes them when they cast spells.
JOEL THOMAS

Over the course of the campaign, the character

NPCs from Arcanix—the character’s classmates, could be approached by House Tarkanan; will
teachers, roommate—could pop up regularly (and they embrace their mark or refuse to work with
call out the character’s academic failings). other aberrants?

6
Knows Too M uch Sole Survivor
What was the mission that went horribly wrong— The player can help determine what the adven-
and how much does the informant actually know turer’s last mission was, though the character’s
about it? Did the shadow tell the player character instructions came on a need-to-know basis
something they don’t realize was important, or and they’ll likely learn more truths about their
perhaps give them a trinket that has unexpected mission as the campaign unfolds. Who was
value? Do any of the shadow’s associates know responsible for the deaths of their friends? Is
the adventurer was an informant? This could just there a deeper secret about the mission that the
be a tragic loss, or it could pull the adventurers adventurer never knew? Could the traitor want to
into a world of espionage and intrigue. kill them to bury it forever? The character could
also face other reminders of the war and have to
Outlaw deal with former enemies.

TITHI LUADTHONG
Work with the player to decide what crime the
character committed that earned their brand. War Crimes
It’s easy enough to conceal the brand with a Work with the player to establish what the
glove—but officers of the law will always check character did during the war and what the reper-
their hands if the character is arrested, and cussions were. The character could encounter
other institutions may do the same. The brand NPCs who suffered because of their crimes, or
generally won’t cause anything worse than inquisitives investigating the case. Is
suspicion, but it means that the character isn’t there a way the adventurer can
protected by the law; if someone commits a atone for their crimes?
crime against them, it’s not considered to be
a crime. If it fits the character’s backstory, it’s
possible they might have had a run-in with
Daanvian law and be branded with the judgment
tattoo (discussed in the “Daanvian Judgment”
sidebar in chapter 5 of Exploring Eberron),
though most mortals on Eberron aren’t
terribly concerned with matters of
the planes and may view this as a
mere curiosity.
 Secret I dentities
Devil Deserter Hidden Dragon Prince of Ashes
I was once a devil of Shavarath, an immortal Prerequisite: No existing dragonmark I’m Oargev ir’Wynarn, last prince of Cyre.
soldier in the Legion of Tyranny. I fought I’m a child of Argonnessen, a dragon of the Days before the Mourning, I was kidnapped
that plane’s endless war since the dawn of Tapestry. I sought knowledge forbidden by and held prisoner. A masked f igure per-
creation—until something changed within the Conclave, and they said death was too formed a ritual that transformed me into my
me. I was weary of the endless battle and quick a punishment. Instead, I was trapped in current form, leaving me unrecognizable. By
took no joy in oppression and bloodshed. the time I escaped, Cyre was destroyed and
So I found a way to project my essence into this pathetic form with much of my memories
and magic stripped; I can’t even remember an imposter had claimed my title. I don’t
this mortal host, even though it meant losing know who’s behind this, but they possess
most of my skills and my immortal gifts. Now what secret knowledge I sought. They want
me to drown in this humanoid form, to fully immense power. I’ll need to gain experience
I wonder: am I still a devil at all, or have
I become something new? And are my old forget who I am—but I will not. and strong allies before I can challenge this
comrades in arms searching for me? imposter prince, but someday I’ll reclaim my
I know Draconic and have crown and rebuild my shattered kingdom.
I know Infernal and have proficiency in Arcana.
proficiency in Intimidation. I have proficiency in Persuasion.
What sort of dragon was I? Do I
What sort of devil was I? Did I remember my original name? Who do I believe is behind my kidnap-
choose my mortal host, or was I ping? Do I try to aid Cyrans, even
surprised at who I became? though they don’t know me?

Prince of Blood Prince of the Forge Retired Virtuoso

Prerequisite: Artificer class, either Prerequisite: Background other than entertainer
I’m Kaius ir’Wynarn III, rightful king of warforged or human (Mark of Making)
Karrnath. Near the end of the war, the regent I was once a celebrated musician, beloved
Moranna took me deep below the castle I’m Aaren d’Cannith, creator of the war- across the Five Nation, but I grew tired of
and subjected me to a ritual that changed forged. I cut ties with my house when they the demands of fame. Unfortunately, in my
my appearance. She explained that for the sold my creations as soldiers and slaves. To youth, I signed a lifetime contract with House
good of the nation, a new king had to take survive, I had to transfer my consciousness Phiarlan. They refused to release me from my
my place; she swore that she would restore into this new body. It’s taking time for me obligations, making me a slave to music—until
me to the throne when the time was right. I used all my wealth to pay the mysterious
to recover my skills and memories, but I was Tyrants of Sharn to change my appearance
She wanted me to remain in Karrnath, but once the greatest artificer of the age, and I and craft this new identity for me. While I love
I chose to make my own way into the world. could be again. to play, House Phiarlan would surely hunt me
I have proficiency in Intimidation. I have proficiency in Arcana. down if I drew any attention with my music.
Do I believe Moranna that she’ ll Do I want to help the warforged? Do I I have proficiency and expertise
restore my throne? Do I support the support or oppose the Lord of Blades? with a musical instrument.
imposter king, or do I hope to someday How do I feel about House Cannith? What made my performances distinc-
reclaim my throne by force? tive? Do any of my family or former
associates know of my new identity?

Stolen Life Trusted Agent Warrior of the Mark

Prerequisite: Non-Cyran nationality Prerequisite: Non-gnome Prerequisite: No true dragonmark, not warforged
with the noble background, soldier I fought alongside Halas Tarkanan and the
background, or any dragonmark I was born a gnome of Zilargo. I volun-
teered for an experimental program of the Lady of the Plague in the War of the Mark, as
I was born in Cyre. On the Day of Mourning, Trust—they mystically transformed me into the dragonmarked sought to exterminate my
I was caught in a pitched battle. The gray my current form so I could serve as a deep- kind. When we knew Sharn was going to fall,
mists rolled over us, I blacked out… and when cover agent in the world beyond Zilargo. I the Dreambreaker rent the veil of time and
I awoke, I found myself in the body of one want to protect my homeland and its people, I suddenly found myself in this place, 1,500
of my enemies. My memories are jumbled and I’m always looking for information that years later. I’m still learning the ways of this
with theirs, but I remembered enough to could be important. Sometimes I receive tele- modern world, but I know that those who carry
escape into their life. My home and all that pathic directives from my superior, who I Khyber’s Blessing are still feared and that these
only know as “Book.” dragonmarked houses have gained great power.
I loved has been destroyed, and all I have is
this stolen life. I have the benefits of the Aberrant
I know Gnomish and I have Dragonmark feat, except I don’t
I have proficiency in Survival. proficiency in Deception. increase my Constitution score.
Who were you before? Do you What was my Zil name? Do I miss Do I want to fight the houses and
regret stealing this life? Zilargo? How long have I played this role? help my people? Or should I lay
low and try to survive?
DM Tips: Secret I dentities
Characters with these secrets aren’t who
or what they appear to be. They may have
assumed their current forms long ago and
lived through much of their supposed history—
or they may have taken on the form recently, Hidden D ragon
and much of their backstory reflects the deeds
This dragon sought forbidden knowledge
of a stranger. The rituals that transformed
and was punished by being bound into
them are powerful and permanent, and can’t
humanoid form. They can’t remember what
be removed with just a simple spell. One possi-
they once sought—so it’s up to you to decide
bility you could explore—if the player is open to
what it was and whether that secret is still buried
the idea—is whether the character is absolutely
in their memory. Is there another reason the
certain their story is true, or if they have any
Chamber didn’t just kill them? Could agents of
doubts that their supposed secret identity
the Lords of Dust come after them, hoping to
could be a false memory. Is it possible that the
wrest the secret from their mind? And under the
character only thinks they were Prince Oargev?
right circumstances, could the character tempo-
Here are some suggestions for you to help
rarily regain their dragon form?
each character explore their secret and involve
it in the campaign. Prince of Ashes
D evil D eserter The false Prince Oargev is one of the Lords of
Dust, carrying out the plans of its overlord; it’s
Work with the player to decide what sort of
up to you to decide which overlord this is. The
devil they were, as well as any history you
eldritch machine they’re using to foil divination
want to develop about their role in Shavarath
magic requires them to keep the real Oargev
(discussed in chapter 5 of Exploring Eberron).
alive, so they don’t want the player character to
Did they create their mortal form when they
die. While both are alive, even the most pow-
TITHI LUADTHONG

escaped from Shavarath, or are they bound to a

erful of magic identifies the imposter as the real
mortal that had its own life before they arrived?
Oargev, rather than the once-prince. What is
Even though the character is now entirely
the false Oargev’s plan? If the adventurer draws
mortal, devils from Shavarath might come
attention, will the imposter prince send agents to
searching for the deserter, starting with imp
capture them and their companions?
scouts, but growing more powerful over time.

9
 Retired Virtuoso
Work with the player to develop more informa-
tion about their previous identity, including
their stage name and some of their greatest hits.
Throughout the campaign, you might add details
tied to this. Perhaps a local bard is playing one of
the character’s signature songs… are they doing
it justice or mangling it horribly? The Sharn
Inquisitive could be running articles about the
disappearance of this famous musician. While
this secret is appropriate for a bard—whose magic
could reflect an untapped layer of their talent—
any character can take it.

Stolen Life
Though the character’s former associates would
never recognize them, they could meet Cyran
refugees they knew or be confronted with other
details about their secret past. Work with the
player to decide who they were in their former
life. And in their current life, the character is
bound to encounter difficulty when they don’t
know an important detail that the person whose
life they stole would surely remember.

Trusted Agent
Work with the player to develop details about
their life in Zilargo. Did they have family? A
Prince of B lood lover? As they adventure, might they encounter
gnomes that they knew in that life? How will
Most likely, the imposter king is the vampire
they respond? After all, the agent isn’t sup-
Kaius I. Will the character accept their exile, or
posed to have any contact with anyone from
will they try to unmask the imposter, even if they
their old life!
are fighting for Karrnath? If Lady Illmarrow
learns of the character’s true identity, she may try Warrior of the Mark
to use them to undermine or destroy Kaius I, as Work with the player to develop details about
he is actively fighting against the Emerald Claw. their old life during the War of the Mark. If the
Prince of the Forge player is a warlock or sorcerer, they could say
that their dragonmark is the source of their class
Aaren lost most of their memories in the
features—their mark was unusually powerful, but
transfer, which is why they are a low-level
they temporarily lost access to those powers in
character. As they gain experience, you could
the transition to the current time. The character
have them remember some of Aaren’s secrets;
might also remember the location of aberrant
perhaps they know the location of a hidden
strongholds—now ancient ruins. House Tarkanan
forgehold or the existence of a malevolent
will be very interested in this character, but will
cabal in House Cannith. The Lord of Blades
LIU ZISHAN

the adventurer want to work with them?

or House Cannith may want to capture Aaren
if their identity becomes known.

10
 Twists and Tragedies
Barfly Betrayal Creepy Doll
From the Drowning Sorrows tavern in One year ago, I betrayed one of my closest A week ago, I discovered a small rag doll
Stormreach to the Drunken Dragon of Sharn, friends. I was supposed to keep someone or in my belongings. I threw it away—and the
if the ale is strong and cheap, you’ll find my something safe—and didn’t. Perhaps I was next day, I found it again in my pocket. I’ve
picture on the wall. I’ve seen the inside of distracted by my own problems, or perhaps burned it, buried it, and it still keeps coming
almost every pub in Khorvaire, and quite a I needed money and betrayed my trust for back. I don’t know where it came from, and
few beyond it. Usually this works to my advan- gold. My former friend has never forgiven since it appeared, I’ve also noticed that I
tage; I know almost every innkeeper and can me, and I’m not even sure if they’re still alive. strangely know things I didn’t know before—
almost always pick up a few rumors or cadge a I’m haunted by that mistake and determined secrets about magic and arcane things—and
discount at an inn. However, there are certainly to atone for my actions. I have no idea how. I don’t know if this is a
a few places where I still have a tab, or where threat, but it’s definitely creepy.
a few brawlers are waiting for another round! I have proficiency in Perception.
I have proficiency in Arcana.
I have proficiency with brewer’s supplies Who was my friend, and
and have advantage on Charisma how did I betray them? What does the doll look like?
checks made while in a tavern. Have I given it a name?
What’s my favorite bar? Do I
have any particularly funny—or
embarrassing—drinking stories?

Cursed Dhakaani Orphan Family Pressure

Prerequisite: Non-goblinoid Prerequisite: Background other than urchin
When I was younger, I took credit for the
achievements of others, basking in unearned I’m not a goblinoid, yet I was raised among I love my life as an adventurer, but my family
adoration. Careless and arrogant, I managed the dar clan known as the Kech Volaar. I wants me to settle down. One year from now,
to insult the archfey known as the Forgotten remember nothing of my parents or child- they expect me to return and take up my
Prince. He cursed me so that people often hood before Volaar. When I sleep, I mirac- responsibilities, and the success of my family
ignore me and no one gives me credit for ulously experience the Uul Dhakaan, the or our business could depend on it. For now,
any of my good deeds or accomplishments, shared dream that unites the Dhaakani clans. I’m going to live life to the fullest—perhaps
though everyone remembers my mistakes. I now live among the defilers, but I think of I’ll die before the year is up!
There must be some way to break the curse, myself as one of the dar and strive to uphold
but I don’t know what it is. their ideals of muut and atcha—honor and duty. I have proficiency with one tool of my
choice related to the family business.
I have proficiency in Stealth. I speak Goblin and have advantage
on Charisma checks made to influence What’s my family’s business? What
As a youth, what was one of my bad Dhakaani or improve their attitudes. role do they expect me to play?
deeds? Who is one person who may
hold a lingering grudge against me? Am I carrying out a mission for
the Kech Volaar? Am I curious
about my true family?

Gifted Musician Raised by Gnolls True Changeling

Prerequisite: Non-gnoll
One night, I was walking on the old road As a child, I went walking in the old woods
when a lady in the shadows called out to me. I was born in the western barrens of Breland. and strayed from the path, wandering into
She asked what I wanted most in the world. I imagine my family was killed by raiders, the endless wilds of Thelanis. I might have
“To be the finest musician of the age,” I but I don’t remember them. I only know I been lost forever if the Forest Queen hadn’t
replied. She said it would come to pass, but was taken in by the Therendor clan of the found me and raised me as her own. I grew
that I must never refuse a request to perform— Znir Pact and raised by these gnolls. I’ve up surrounded by wonders, but in time, I
then she disappeared into the shadows. Since learned their ways and consider myself one yearned to see the land of my birth. The
then, my skills have greatly improved… but of the Pact: I’m a fierce hunter, I stand by Queen opened a path for me, but warned
what will happen if I ever refuse a request? my word, and I bow neither to god or demon. me never to slay a beast.
I have proficiency and expertise However, my table manners may disturb my I have proficiency in Animal
with a musical instrument. companions, and I’ll eat anything. Handling, and can cast the speak with
I know Gnoll and have animals spell, but only as a ritual.
Did the lady give me the instru-
proficiency in Survival. How long was I in Thelanis, and
ment I now carry? Does my talent
bring me joy, or does it feel hollow? Why did I leave Droaam? What’s how much time passed on Eberron
my whoop (my Znir name)? in my absence? What do I long to
see in the Material Plane?
DM Tips: Twists and Tragedies Cursed
In these secrets, the character’s life story has an The Forgotten Prince is an archfey introduced in
unexpected twist. This could be in the past, or chapter 8 of Exploring Eberron. His curse on the
a debt that’s about to come due. Many of these player character should primarily be played for
aren’t traditional secrets, but they involve details humorous effect. NPCs never give the character
that a character may not want to share; perhaps credit for any good deed, usually attributing
they’re embarrassed by their gnoll upbringing their accomplishments to one of the other
or simply don’t want to visit a particular bar ever adventurers. The Forgotten Prince could take
again. These secrets also provide opportunities an ongoing interest in the character; this could
for you to introduce NPCs that have history with be an interesting option for a warlock and their
the character, whether it’s their drinking buddies patron. What will it take to break the curse? No
or old gnoll littermates. simple spell will do it, but perhaps an act of tre-
Here are some suggestions for you to help mendous selflessness and humility would suffice.
each character explore their secret and involve
it in the campaign.
Dhakaani Orphan
Work with the player to determine if the
Barfly character has a mission from the Kech Volaar.
This character has a friend in every bar… along The Uul Dhakaan, discussed in chapter 4 of
with a few enemies. This isn’t exactly a secret Exploring Eberron, is only accessible to Dhakaani,
itself—but these acquaintances may know secrets so the fact that this character can experience
about the character! The adventurer can usually the shared goblinoid dream is very unusual and

TRACY LUNDGREN
reduce the cost of food or lodging by one cat- could be important. Is this a natural gift or
egory (getting a comfortable meal at a modest something the Kech Volaar engineered? The
price, or squalid shelter for free) and can almost character can’t remember their birth parents or
always pick up rumors or job offers in the local original name, and this could be a mystery with
pub. Of course, they’re bound to eventually run an important answer!
into an old enemy or two!

B etrayal
Work with the player to determine the details
of their former friendship and the betrayal that
ended it. This could just be something that
haunts the character, or it could have a more
direct impact on the campaign. Is the friend
still alive? Could there have been more to
the betrayal than the character understood?
Might this be part of the schemes of a
powerful conspiracy?

Creepy Doll
It’s up to you to decide exactly where this doll
came from, why it’s bound to the character, and
whether its effects grow with time. Is it some
sort of fey creature or artifact? Is it a ghost or
a manifestation of a curse? It could be entirely
harmless, but there could be more to this story!
This doll—or its creator—could even make for an
intriguing warlock patron.

12
Family Pressure Raised by Gnolls
Work with the player to come up with details The adventurer may encounter old friends
about their family and the role they’re expected among the gnoll mercenaries employed by
to play. Are their family nobles? Criminals? House Tharashk, and they could be troubled
Merchants? Priests? What is the character sup- by savage gnolls that still serve fiends. Znir do
posed to do in a year and why is it so important? not kill other Znir; a gnoll wounded by another
The point of this secret isn’t to force them to gnoll is expected to stand down from battle. Will
retire in a year, but rather to challenge them to the character ever learn about their original
find an alternative that won’t harm their family. parents? Is their heritage important? The Znir
If they’re supposed to marry a rival to solidify an gnolls are discussed in chapters 4 and 6 of
alliance, can they find another way to establish Exploring Eberron.
that bond? If they’re supposed to become a
cloistered priest, can they prove that their work True Changeling

TITHI LUADTHONG
as paladin is more important? If the character is a spellcaster, their spell-
casting could be presented as fey magic. The
Gifted M usician character can fight beasts without trouble,
The character has made a bargain with an archfey but if they ever land a killing blow, they lose
known as the Lady in Shadow, discussed in their ability to cast speak with animals and have
chapter 5 of Exploring Eberron. While the bargain disadvantage on all Animal Handling checks
won’t allow the character to refuse a request to until they find a way to atone.
perform, this must be a reasonable request made
in good faith; a villain can’t demand a song in
the middle of a fight. Should the character refuse
a reasonable request, until they find a way to
placate the Lady in Shadow, they lose their pro-
ficiency and expertise, and have disadvantage on
all ability checks involving instruments.
 Secrets of Sharn
Abandoned Heir Boromar Connection Dated Daask
Prerequisite: Human or half-elf, Prerequisite: Background other than noble
background other than noble I had an intense relationship with a Daask
When I was young and foolish, I ran with the enforcer named Raza. It didn’t last for
Before my mother died, I learned that I’m Rattlestone Rakes along with Ilya Boromar. long—our lives were too different—but
an illegitimate child of Lord Dalian ir’Tain, A city councilor died and I was on the hook there’s still a connection between us. If I’m
one of the richest and most powerful nobles for it, but Ilya got her family to pull some ever in serious trouble, I could call on Raza
in Sharn. A decade ago, Dalian promised to strings. The Rakes are gone now, and Ilya is for help… but I wouldn’t count on doing it
acknowledge me—but he disappeared on his running Boromar operations in Callestan. I more than once.
next sea voyage and never returned. I’ve kept haven’t seen her for years… but someday she’s
quiet, as I fear Lady Celyria ir’Tain might going to call in that favor. I have proficiency in Intimidation.
have me killed if she learned of my existence. I have proficiency in Stealth. Daask includes humans, orcs, ogres,
But I still believe my father had plans for me, goblins, medusas, and more—what
and that I’ll one day receive my birthright. How did the councilor die? Did I species is Raza? How did we meet?
I have proficiency in History. have a nickname with the Rakes?
Who was my mother, and
how did she pass away?

Fallen Angel Lost Love Poison Pen

Prerequisite: Background other than noble
I was involved with one of the scions of the You know Poison Pen, the incredibly popular
I was born in the ruins of Fallen, the district powerful ir’Tain family—either Dalas or Cyra. gossip column in the Sharn Inquisitive? I
abandoned almost a century ago when it was We kept our relationship secret, fearing both write it. That’s right—I’m the Poison Pen. I
crushed beneath a falling tower. My parents the relentless gossip of reporters and the have a network of contacts who provide me
have since passed, but their ghosts linger in wrath of the matriarch. We finally decided with tidbits, and I’m always searching for
its alleys, and the howling of the ravers is a to wed, but my beloved refused to proceed juicy secrets and exciting news in my adven-
familiar tune. I rose from these depths, but without their mother’s blessing. Celyria tures. Of course, it’s important to keep my
I’ve never forgotten Fallen, and I still have ir’Tain forbid the match and told me she’d identity secret—Aureon knows, I’ve embar-
allies among the ghosts and feral folk. have me killed if I interfered with her chil- rassed a lot of powerful people over the years!
dren again. I’ve kept my distance, but every I either have proficiency in Insight
I have proficiency in Survival and time I hear about the Tain Gala, I think of
advantage on Charisma checks made or with calligrapher’s tools.
my love and what could have been.
to influence denizens of Fallen How did I get into the gossip busi-
or improve their attitudes. I have proficiency in Persuasion.
ness? Why do I do it?
Do I still have family in Fallen? What’s Who was my beloved? What was
one ghost I’ve encountered there? a secret that we shared?

Stool Pigeon Sword of Liberty Tyrant Ties

I’ve seen a lot of interesting things as an In my younger days—well, a couple years Someone powerful framed me for an act of
adventurer. I’ve learned secrets about the ago, at least—I was involved with the Swords terrorism that killed dozens of people in the
Boromar Clan and the Deathsgate Guild. And of Liberty, an alliance of Brelish patriots Bazaar of Dura. I don’t know who did it or
like any good citizen should, I’ve reported working to overthrow the oppressive mon- why, but the case against me was ironclad.
those things to the Sharn Watch. My main archies and ultimately reunite all of Galifar The Tyrants helped me escape, performing
contact is Commander Iyanna ir’Talan, and under the rule of the common people. I still cosmetic transformations that reshaped my
I believe her to be an honorable and honest believe that the monarchy should be abol- body and crafting a perfect persona that I
defender of the law. Now, certainly, I’ve ished, but I cut ties with the Swords after they now pretend to be. Apparently the original
gotten paid for my information—but that’s started hurting innocents. I still have con- person to carry this face and name died in the
incidental to the fact that I was doing what tacts among the Swords, and if the Watch or war. Now I repay the Tyrants by providing
was best for our city. Of course, the people Citadel obtained proof of some of my earlier them with information and performing favors
I’ve informed on may not feel the same way, deeds, I could be in trouble. when they ask; I wouldn’t want them to take
so I’d rather word didn’t get out about this. my face away!
I have proficiency in Persuasion.
I have proficiency in Perception. I have proficiency in Deception.
Did I have a codename I used
What was one crime I reported to the with the Swords? Do I have any What was my original name? Do any of my
Watch? What happened to its perpetrators? regrets from my time there? family or associates know who I am today?
DM Tips: Secrets of Sharn Lost Love
These secrets are integrally tied to groups that The ir’Tains are the most powerful family in
are primarily active in the city of Sharn. You Sharn. Work with the player to decide which
should only introduce these secrets to your game ir’Tain heir the adventurer was involved with and
if you’re planning to spend significant time in establish some details about them. Is there a way
the City of Towers. for the character to earn Celyria’s approval, or
Here are some suggestions for you to help are the Tains a dangerous enemy? Does the char-
each character explore their secret and involve acter know a dangerous secret about the family?
it in the campaign.
Poison Pen
Abandoned H eir As the Poison Pen, the character writes an anony-
Work with the player to establish details about mous gossip column for the Sharn Inquisitive.
their mother and how she died. Could Dalian They have a loose network of connections, and
ir’Tain’s disappearance have been tied to his you can use this to pass them interesting rumors
plans to acknowledge the adventurer? Perhaps that could drive adventures. However, they
the character could receive a mysterious letter or embarrassed a lot of powerful people, and if
bequest from Lord Dalian. The character could their identity is exposed, they could be targeted
also be targeted by assassins—are they working by their enemies.
for Celyria ir’Tain, or someone else?
Stool Pigeon
Boromar Connection Commander Iyanna ir’Talan is one of the few
Sooner or later, Ilya Boromar will call in her truly honest officers in Sharn, trying to fight
favor the character owes her. This could be both crime and corruption. She may press the
related to the conflict between the Boromar character to help her deal with criminals and
Clan and the monsters of Daask, or it could enemies within the Sharn Watch. The adventurer
be a more personal problem. Other members has informed on a number of dangerous people
of the Rattlestone Rakes could show up in the over the years, and if their activities are revealed,
campaign, either having abandoned their lives the character could be in danger.
of crime or been drawn deeper into it.
Sword of Liberty
Dating Daask The Swords of Liberty may have an idealistic
Work with the player to establish details about goal, but over the last two years, their actions
Raza: what species are they? What drew them have become increasingly violent and extreme.
to the character? Why did they part ways? The Who were the character’s close associates? Did
adventurer could use this relationship to call in the adventurer do anything they regret before
a favor—but they could also be targeted by the leaving the Swords? Even if they didn’t do any-
Boromar Clan or by other enemies of Daask. thing wrong, old allies could pressure them to
help the Swords, or a Sword on the run could ask
Fallen Angel the character for protection.
Fallen is a dangerous and haunted district,
where few people go without good reason. The Tyrant Ties
ghosts and ravers generally leave the character Work with the player to determine their original
(and their allies) alone, so Fallen can serve as identity. Who framed them and why? It’s even
an unexpected safe haven. The ghosts haunting possible the Tyrants themselves ruined the
Fallen certainly have unfinished business in the character’s life to force them into their service.
wider world—might they ask the adventurer for Regardless, the enigmatic Tyrants may ask for
help settling it? favors or information, but they may also provide
the character with valuable knowledge.

15
 Birthrights
Baron’s Child Dragonmarked Secret False Changeling
Prerequisite: Any non-aberrant drag- Prerequisite: Any non-aberrant dragonmark Prerequisite: Changeling, back-
onmark, background other than noble ground other than noble
My parents suppressed the development of
I play the part of a lowly nobody in my drag- a tool that would let anyone perform the During the last decade of the war, a rogue
onmarked house, but that’s a lie. I’m actu- primary service my house is known for. I branch of House Vadalis and the Royal Eyes
ally a child of the baron of the house, and believe they killed the artificer who devel- of Aundair worked to magebreed humans
my parents expect great things from me. oped it—and beyond that, I suspect my who could change their shape. I was one of
They’ve already planned my marriage, and parents still have copies of their work and their few successes. At the end of the war, my
starting next year, they expect me to start a prototype hidden in their workshop, even fellow false changelings and I learned that
working in house administration full time; though they should have destroyed it all. our creators planned to kill us all, hiding their
adventuring is my last chance for freedom. actions. I escaped into the world, posing as a
I have a strong dragonmark; true changeling; I don’t know if my creators
I have a strong dragonmark; when I use my mark’s Intuition are still looking for me.
when I use my mark’s Intuition trait, I roll a d6 instead of a d4.
trait, I roll a d6 instead of a d4. I have proficiency in Stealth
Do I support my parents’ actions? and own a shiftweave outfit.
What’s my real name? Do my
parents know where I am? What does my human form look like? When
did I last contact another magebred human?

Forged from Flesh Khesh’dar Lab Rat

Prerequisite: Race other than warforged, Prerequisite: Goblinoid Prerequisite: Shifter, back-
background other than noble ground other than noble
I’m a spy serving the Silent Folk. The
I was made, not born, created by a rogue Dhakaani clans have been in hiding for thou- While I appear to be a shifter, I was born as
Cannith artificer, forged from flesh and blood. sands of years, but now they’re preparing to a mundane animal. While experimenting on
Soon afterward, my creator’s hidden forge- return. The Khesh’dar sell their services to me, my creators somehow imbued me with
hold was attacked; they teleported me away, all the clans. For now, what they want most consciousness and this humanoid form. I
and when I returned, everything had been is information about the surface world. I may escaped while disoriented and overwhelmed
destroyed. I don’t know if my creator is still receive missions from my controller, but I’m by my new awareness—I don’t know who my
alive or what plans they had for me, so I’ve tried always watching for interesting information creators are, whether they’re hunting for me,
to live the life of the creature I appear to be. or where exactly I ran away from. Since then,
they could use.
I ’m immune to disease. I’m immune I’ve tried to blend in with shifters and avoid
to spells and other magical effects I have proficiency in Stealth or Insight. revealing my true nature.
that require me to dream, but not Was I born into the Khesh’ dar or I have proficiency in Perception.
to those that put me to sleep. recruited by them? How do I com-
How long have I been out in the municate with my controller? What kind of animal was I? What
world? Do I sympathize more with the do I fog gily remember from my
warforged or the race I appear to be? last hours as an animal?

Last of Your Line One of a Kind Warforged Smuggler

Prerequisite: Kalashtar Prerequisite: Warforged Prerequisite: Warforged
Originally, there were sixty-seven kalashtar Everything I’ve told my friends about my I was built with a secondary purpose. I have
lines, each bound to and supporting a dif- history is a lie. I was created a mere week a hidden compartment—where the humans
ferent quori spirit. The Dreaming Dark has before I met my fellow adventurers. I have carry their stomachs—that can hold a small
long targeted my line, and assassins killed implanted memories and skills, but they’re item. Throughout the war, a group of
my parents. In my dreams, my spirit has told artificial. I don’t know who my creator was— Cannith heirs used this to pass messages and
me that I’m its last tie to the world. Perhaps only that they weren’t part of House Cannith, seemingly useless objects. I don’t know who
I should remain hidden away, but I believe and that occasionally I just know things they they were or what the messages meant, and
there’s a reason my line has been targeted want me to do. Am I a spy? An assassin? I don’t know how to open the compartment.
so relentlessly—a reason the Dreaming Dark I have a concealed armblade built into my But I know something is in there.
fears my spirit, a destiny only I can fulfill. arm. It doesn’t use an attunement slot, I have proficiency in Stealth.
I have proficiency in Insight. and while retracted, it is undetectable.
Have I tried to open the compartment?
How were my parents killed? What Do I feel loyalty to my creator, or am
I afraid of them? Are my class fea- What do I imagine my creators were up to?
quori is my lineage attached to and tures part of my design and mission, or
how does it impact my personality? did I develop them on my own?
DM Tips: Birthrights Forged from Flesh
These secrets are tied to a character’s heritage. The character is an innovative form of artificial
They aren’t things the character chose; they are life. They’re virtually indistinguishable from
accidents of birth or part of their creation. the real thing, though they don’t go to Dal
Here are some suggestions for you to help Quor when they dream; are there other subtle
each character explore their secret and involve differences they don’t know about? Why was the
it in the campaign. character created? Who destroyed their creator’s
workshop, and is the character still being hunted?
Baron’s Child
The Dragonmarked Barons table in appendix A Khesh’dar
presents options for who the character’s parent The Khesh’dar are traditionally golin’dar
is, but few details have been established about (Dhakaani goblins). If the character is a ghaal’dar
them; develop them as you see fit. Regardless, (Dhakaani hobgoblin), guul’dar (Dhakaani
the baron is allowing their child to adventure bugbear), or even a non-Dhakaani goblinoid,
only because they are maintaining a low profile this would be very unusual, though that may
and false identity. If the characters reveal their make them a valued asset. In general, the
true identity, they gain the benefits of the Khesh’dar need information, but the character
Position of Privilege feature from the noble could be given missions that serve the goals of a
background—but their parents will insist that particular Dhakaani clan. Such missions should
they cease adventuring and take up their house add a challenge to an adventure—kill a specific
responsibilities. person, plant an object, learn a secret—but
shouldn’t place the character in direct opposi-
D ragonmarked Secret tion to the goals of the other adventurers.
The nature of the suppressed secret depends on
the house. For Lyrandar, it would be an airship Lab Rat
anyone could fly; for Sivis, it would be a speaking Work with the character to decide what kind of
stone anyone could use. Mass production of this animal they were born as and what memories,
tool would be a tremendous financial blow to the if any, they retain from their animal life. Who
house. Were the character’s parents acting on created them? Was the experiment tied to
behalf of house leadership, or is the baron in the House Vadalis? An independent cabal of alche-
dark about their actions? mists? Could they be the work of Mordain the
Fleshweaver? Are there others like them out in
False Changeling the world, or are they the last of their kind?
While the character may pretend to be a normal
changeling and possess all that race’s powers, Last of Your Line
their true form is that of a human. It’s up to you What kind of quori spirit is the character attached
to decide if the cabal that created the character to, and why is the Dreaming Dark so determined
is still searching for them—and if so, what other to destroy it? It likely makes sense for the char-
schemes they are involved in. How many other acter to use a false name, so as not to advertise
false changelings are out in the world? their role as the last anchor for the spirit—rather
than going by Aidaveth, they might call them-
selves Aidashtai, or even just Aida. If their true
nature is revealed, they will be targeted by the
Dreaming Dark—but perhaps there is something
they can do to help protect their spirit!

17
One of a Kind Warforged Smuggler
Work with the player to decide what sort of The character’s smuggling compartment is sealed
weapon their armblade is; while it’s retracted, with a form of the arcane lock spell—it’s up to you
it’s perfectly hidden. Rather than having this to decide how it can be unlocked, but the char-
weapon become obsolete as the character levels acter can’t open it themselves, and it’s unlikely
up, you could have it develop additional magical that a simple knock or dispel magic spell will
properties as the character’s true purpose circumvent its wards. However, if they do find a
and potential are slowly revealed. As they go way to open it, perhaps they can use it themselves
BRIAN “CHIPPY” DUGAN

through their adventures, the character occa- moving forward. What’s in the compartment now
sionally just knows things their creator wants and what were the humans using it up to? They
them to do, but it’s always up to the character were definitely heirs of House Cannith—but were
whether to act on these directives. This secret is they followers of the Traveler? Conducting for-
intended to be a mystery for the character—who bidden research? Innocent lovers passing notes?
created them? Is their creator’s purpose noble Or something else?
or evil? Should the character oppose the plans of
their creator, and at what risk?

18
 Epic Secrets
Chamber Operative Gatekeeper Seal Haunted by the Mourning
Though humanoid, I’m an agent of I wear a small stone amulet, an engraved tear- I was in Metrol on the Day of Mourning. Now
Argonnessen, trained by the dragon drop. It doesn’t look like much, but it’s an I’m bound to the spirits of those who died.
Ashtaralyx and charged with an important ancient artifact of the Gatekeepers—and it When I sleep, I dream their lost dreams. When I
task. I know that the adventurers I’m with holds one of the daelkyr at bay. I’m certain wake, a dead person’s memories accompany my
have a critical role to play in the Prophecy, that cultists are searching for it, but it can’t own—along with the knowledge of something
and I must guide them on the proper path. be removed against my will as long as I’m they want me to do. Sometimes it’s trivial: sing
I’ll receive more information as I need it—but attuned to it. I don’t know if I have a greater a song, eat their favorite meal. Other requests
I fear that the fiends known as the Lords of role to play in fighting the daelkyr, but I are more intense. If I ignore them, I’m wracked
with restless nightmares, which persist until I
Dust are searching for us, and they’ll also try know I must keep the amulet hidden and safe. do my best to fulfill the spirit’s desire.
to manipulate us. I have proficiency in Nature. When I finish a long rest, I gain a
I know Draconic and have language, skill, or tool proficiency of
proficiency in Deception. How did I come to possess the seal?
Have I shared my secret with anyone? the DM’s choice. I can’t gain a new one
How long have I been an agent until the spirit is satisfied, after which I
of Argonnessen? What drives my lose that benefit and can gain a new one.
allegiance to the Chamber? Do I wish to be freed from this, or
do I consider it a blessing?

Knight of Shadows Marked for Death Price of a Life

Prerequisite: Elf, no dragonmark I died a year ago. No one knows about it, not
I’ve been chosen by the overlord Sul Khatesh,
and I’m a knight in her Court of Shadows. There is a mark on my skin, somewhere easily even my closest friends. I was in Dolurrh,
She assigns me tasks, and if I complete them, hidden from view. It’s like a dragonmark, despair stripping away my essence, when I
I’m rewarded with valuable secrets. If I con- but unlike any I’ve ever seen. Ever since it was drawn to the presence of the Queen of
tinue to serve well, I’ll be granted higher appeared, I’ve begun hearing the voices of the the Dead. She offered to restore my life and
titles within the Court. Other nobles of the dead. They’re always whispering at the back of return me to Eberron, but she told me that
Court are spread across Khorvaire—some my mind, but if I concentrate, I can hear them she would one day assign me a task, and if
might be allies, but the intrigues of the Court more clearly, and even communicate with them. I failed that task, I would die again and be
of Shadows can be deadly. I remember an old story about how elves who beyond redemption. I don’t yet know what I
dealt with the dead who were hunted down and need to do, but I know my life depends on it.
I know Infernal and have slain, so I’ve kept the mark a secret for now.
proficiency in Arcana. When I make a death saving throw, a
I can cast the speak with dead spell once roll of 1 only counts as one failure. I
What is my full formal title in with this trait and regain the ability regain 1 hit point on a roll of 18 or
the Court? What is one secret I’ve to do so when I finish a long rest. higher, instead of just on a roll of 20.
learned from Sul Khatesh?
Where is the mark on my body? What’s How did I die? Do my loved
one thing I’ve learned from the dead? ones know I’m alive?

Sovereign Host The Vigilant Eye Voice of the Flame

The Sovereigns once fought fiends in the A few weeks ago, an eye appeared on my hand. When I was a child, a rainbow serpent
dawn of time—and they’re doing it again. I’m It’s easily hidden, but when I expose and use appeared to me and told me that I would
a mortal host of a Sovereign spirit. Their it prominently, I have exceptional vision—and be a champion of the light. Throughout my
power is within me, the source of my skills sometimes see things no one else can. Often, life, I’ve sought to protect the innocent from
and class abilities. They guide me through after I complete a long rest, I know something danger and fight forces of unnatural evil. Now
visions and dreams, revealing my purpose it wants to see; this could be anything from “an the couatl has appeared again, telling me that
piece by piece. I need to be careful who I elf” to a specific book or location. If I ignore my destiny approaches. I know that when it
reveal this to, as the fiends would surely kill these requests, I’m tormented by nightmares. comes, it will be more than just a battle—I’ll
me if they could. But I know that I am a When I use my hand-eye prominently, have to inspire people, to rally them against
Sovereign incarnate. I have advantage on Intelligence darkness. My magic and class features flow
I know the guidance cantrip and can (Investigation) and Wisdom (Perception) from the Silver Flame.
checks that rely on sight, as well as
cast it without any components. darkvision with a range of 60 feet. I know Celestial and have advantage
If I already had darkvision, its on death saving throws.
Which Sovereign am I tied to? Do I
revel in this or consider it a burden? range is extended by 60 feet. Am I proud of my calling or do I
Do I want to be rid of the eye? feel it’s a burden? Am I afraid
that fiends are hunting me?
DM Tips: Epic Secrets Gatekeeper Seal
These secrets are more significant and powerful It’s your choice which daelkyr is associated with
than others in this book, and you should think the amulet. While the character is attuned to
carefully before using these in a campaign. and wearing it, the amulet is protected by the
These secrets ought to play a major role in the nondetection spell and can’t be removed against
character’s story (and possibly that of the entire their will. But the minions of the daelkyr are
party); if they are a Voice of the Flame or a generally drawn toward it, and danger follows
Sovereign Host, they should eventually have to in the character’s wake.
battle an overlord or face a similarly epic chal- It’s up to you to decide if there will be a
lenge. Many of these secrets could serve as a specific challenge the character must face or
warlock patron or be presented as the source of if their challenge is to continually protect the
a character’s magic or class abilities; a character amulet. As the seal requires the character to
could temporarily gain even greater powers at use an attunement slot to protect it from being
the critical moment that drives their secret. stolen, you could have the amulet manifest
Here are some suggestions for you to help greater powers over the course of the campaign.
each character explore their secret and involve
it in the campaign.
Haunted by the Mourning
After each long rest, the character is haunted by
Chamber Operative a different ghost. The spirit provides them with
The dragon Ashtaralyx is a powerful agent of a skill proficiency, tool proficiency, or language
the Chamber. It’s up to you to decide exactly of your choice, but it also makes a particular
what type of dragon they are. They need the request of them—the Ghostly Requests table in
adventurers to accomplish a specific piece of appendix A provides possibilities, but you can
the Prophecy, which could involve many steps; also make up requests that help drive the story
perhaps they must acquire a particular artifact, of the adventure.
establish a stronghold in a location, and only then If the character completely ignores a request,
defeat a demon. Essentially, the character is your they could suffer nightmares and be denied
agent in driving the campaign down your desired the benefits of their next long rest, but as
path… but agents of the Lords of Dust may long as they at least try to fulfill the request,
try to trick them or destroy them! A surprising they should be fine. While this is primarily an
twist would be if the character unknowingly is opportunity for roleplaying, it could turn out
a dragon, in which case they could regain their that there’s much greater significance to this.
true form in the final battle of the campaign. Does the character hold the spirit of Queen
Dannel of Cyre? Are they keeping these spirits
from dissolving in Dolurrh? Does this mean
that the spirits could be raised from the dead,
even though it would otherwise be too late for
that? Could Lady Illmarrow use this trove of
ghosts for some evil purpose? The full potential
of this secret is up to you.
ANNA BOGATIREWA

20
Knight of Shadows Price of a Life
The Court of Shadows, a cult of the over- It’s up to you to decide what price the Queen
lord Sul Khatesh, is discussed in chapter 3 of of the Dead demands of the character. It most
Exploring Eberron. Its members aren’t inherently likely involves taking a life, but who must the
evil, but they are consumed by the desire to character kill? Ideally, this should be tied to the
rise within the Court and to be victorious in its long-term story of the campaign: if the players
intrigues. The requests made of the character are supposed to fight the Emerald Claw, then
could be fun and interesting challenges, and the price could be the death of Lady Illmarrow.
the information they receive in return could be If the Dreaming Dark is the enemy, perhaps
useful. Sul Khatesh might not be a major villain the character needs to kill the vessel of the
in your story, and perhaps there’s little risk of Devourer of Dreams. It could be that the task
her being released. Even so, her requests could set by the Queen of the Dead involves more
have unforeseen consequences, and the secrets than one life; perhaps they have to destroy a
she shares—while always true—could turn out to particular bloodline of vampires.
be things the character wishes they didn’t know. In theory, the character will die if they refuse
They could learn the location of a powerful to perform the service demanded of them. In
artifact, but it’s guarded by the Argentum of practice, this means they will start to waste away;
the Silver Flame—will the adventurers steal it at the end of each long rest, you might reduce
so they can use its power? They might learn the their maximum hit point score by 5 or 10 points,
identity of a murderer—who has always been a continuing this reduction until they return to
trusted friend and ally of the party. Again, the the task. While the character should feel that
information is always true and always useful, there is a real consequence, instant death isn’t
but secrets can be painful. fun for anyone.
Another question for you to decide is how
members of the Court of Shadows can identify Sovereign Host
one another. Is it a lapel pin? A secret phrase? The character believes that they are the vessel for
Or do members of the Court simply know one one of the Sovereigns. This doesn’t grant them
another upon sight? Other members of the Court greater power than other party members, since
could be useful allies, but they all have their own all player characters are remarkable. However,
schemes and secrets. if the vessel is a rogue, they know it’s Olladra
granting them expertise. If they’re a paladin,
Marked for D eath they’re assured it’s Dol Arrah’s power that flows
The elven line of Vol carried the Dragonmark of through their smite. It’s up to you how often the
Death, but Vol’s line was supposedly eradicated character receives divine visions or directives;
by the dragons of Argonnessen and the Undying these could be frequent and specific, or rare and
Court. Has the Mark of Death reappeared on this vague. The ultimate question is what’s actually
character? Or is this mark something else—a lesser going on. Is the character truly a vessel for a
form of the mark, or just an unusual aberrant Sovereign? Is it some sort of trick? Or are they
dragonmark? Regardless of the truth, if Lady the vessel of an ancient champion who indeed
Illmarrow learns of it, the Order of the Emerald battled fiends in the Age of Demons, someone
Claw will certainly pursue the character. Would who inspired the legends of the Sovereigns—but
the Undying Court try to destroy the mark’s who was merely mortal?
bearer? Or have they come to regret their cruelty?

21
The Vigilant Eye
The character’s alien eye is tied to the daelkyr Appendix A:
Belashyrra. The daelkyr are enigmatic and it may
well be that this isn’t part of a grand malevolent
scheme; rather, Belashyrra simply wants to see
Lesser Secrets
things. Whatever the truth, it should certainly The following tables are intended to aid you
feel strange and unsettling for the character. in creating new secrets—or details of existing
Occasionally, the eye could grant greater ones. Some are associated with specific secrets
powers—unexpectedly manifesting a true seeing in this book, such as the Baron’s Child. Others
or see invisibility spell—but this should always are random campaign aids that may prove useful
come as a surprise, never something the player when an NPC or player character needs a secret
can rely on. And to get the benefits of the eye’s in a hurry. All are intended to generate basic
vision, it must be displayed prominently… and ideas and don’t have to be taken literally. If a
most people will be freaked out by the stranger character has “sworn to destroy a dragonmarked
with an eye on their hand! While the eye may house,” this could instead be a feud with a specific
forgive failure to accomplish a request, if the member of the house. “The Chamber” could
character completely ignores the eye, they involve a single dragon. “Druidic sect” could be a
could be troubled by nightmares (preventing few rogue druids. The purpose of these tables is
rest) or false visions, imposing disadvantage on to provide broad ideas, but you can always adjust
Perception checks. them to fit the shape of your campaign.

Voice of the Flame Dragonmarked Barons

Tira Miron wasn’t the first Voice of the Flame, House Baron
and she won’t be the last. Tira Miron was called Cannith Jorlanna d’Cannith (Fairhaven)
to protect Thrane and to battle Bel Shalor. This Merrix d’Cannith (Sharn)
player character should face a similarly epic chal- Zorlan d’Cannith (Korth)
lenge, but it should involve a different overlord Deneith Breven d’Deneith (Karrlakton)
and location. It makes sense to give this secret Ghallanda Yoren d’Ghallanda (Gatherhold)
to a character wielding divine magic—a paladin,
Jorasco Ulara d’Jorasco (Vedakyr)
cleric, or Divine Soul sorcerer—and to say that
Kundarak Morrikan d’Kundarak (Kundarakhold)
their magic comes directly from the Silver Flame.
However, the character doesn’t have to be tied Lyrandar Esravash d’Lyrandar (Stormhome)
to the Church of the Silver Flame, and they Medani Trelib d’Medani (Wroat)
don’t have to adhere to its exact doctrines. The Orien Kwanti d’Orien (Passage)
existing church is based on Tira’s teachings; Phiarlan Elvinor Ellorenthi d’Phiarlan (Sharn)
this character’s existence may ultimately birth a Sivis Lysse Lyrriman d’Sivis (Korranberg)
unique sect of the Silver Flame. Tharashk Darric d’Velderan (Zarash’ak)
The player should only be given this secret if Khundar’aashta (Zarash’ak)
you believe that their character is indeed willing
Maagrim d’Torrn
to defend innocents from harm and to battle
Thuranni Elar d’Thuranni (Regalport)
darkness. But once they have the power, it’s up
to them what they do with it; after all, mortal Vadalis Dalin d’Vadalis (Varna)
vessels don’t always live up to immortal ideals.

22
Ghostly Requests Imposters
d12 Request d12 The Imposter Is…
1 Consume their favorite beverage or meal 1-2 A changeling or doppelganger
2 Rest in a specific location 3-4 Wearing a hat of disguise
3 Convey an apology to someone they wronged 5-6 Using disguise self
4 Deliver an object or message 7 Using a disguise kit
5 Punish someone who wronged them 8 A lycanthrope
6 Perform an artistic work (song, play, story) 9 Possessed
7 Solve a mystery 10 Undead
8 Destroy an object or structure 11 A dragon
9 Expose a secret 12 A fiend or celestial
10 Fulfill a promise
11 Share their story Secrets
12 Perform a ritual or cast a spell d12 Subject Connected to…
1 I’ve been targeted for A dragonmarked
Vendettas assassination by… house
d6 My… Was… By…
2 I’m the product or A Cult of the
1 Best Financially A noble or dragon- subject of arcane Dragon Below
friend ruined marked heir experiments tied to…
2 Parent or Crippled A church, cult, or 3 I’m deeply in debt to… The Aurum
child priest
4 I’m secretly working for… A noble family
3 Sibling Slain A criminal or
5 I’ve sworn to destroy… A criminal
syndicate
organization
4 Mentor Slandered A professional rival
6 I’m being blackmailed or The Order of the
or old friend
possessed by… Emerald Claw
5 Comrade Imprisoned An archfey or
7 I need something I can The Church of the
in arms celestial
only get from… Silver Flame
6 Lover Robbed An undead or fiend
8 I was once a member of… A druidic sect

LUCAS GUERRINI
9 I know a dangerous The Daughters of
secret about… Sora Kell
10 I’m being framed by… The Dreaming Dark
11 I want to join… The Lords of Dust
12 My family is tied to… The Chamber
Appendix B: B lank Secrets