In the second of my two games, I decided to double down on what I did in the Cursed One background, and create leverage the templates of the Eberron backgrounds to help better establish the different houses of Gantis, one of the major cities in the Liafa homebrew setting – and the location of the second game. In this game, the players are working for House Tanis to try and help them increase their status after a series of personal and professional hardships.
House Tanis Agent Background
You have sworn fealty to a merchant house. If you have a Noble Mantle, you are likely a member of the family or a family sworn to the house; otherwise you are employed by the house and are considered a recognized agent of the house. You are often called upon for any number of tasks by the house, and are expected to perform the task to the best of your ability. It is tradition amongst the house to reward those agents who perform tasks successfully, offering them riches and a path to nobility.
Skill Proficiencies: Any two skills
Tool Proficiencies: Any one tool
Languages: As part of becoming an agent of House Tanis, you have been taught Giant.
Equipment: A set of fine clothes, house signet ring, identification papers, and a purse containing 20 gp.
House Tanis Role
What sort of work do you do for House Tanis? Sure, you would mop the floor if a duke, regardless of profession, asked you to do so, but would that really be the best use of your time and abilities?
| d8 | House Tanis Role |
| 1 | Arcanist |
| 2 | Archivist |
| 3 | Instructor |
| 4 | Gladiator |
| 5 | Chartered Company Member |
| 6 | House Knight |
| 7 | Ambassador |
| 8 | Chartered Merchant |
Feature: House Representation
As a member of House Tanis, you have access to the coffers of the house for food, lodging, and materials necessary for assigned house missions and tasks. While in a House Tanis sanctum, your needs are handled without cost…or with minor costs if you want to truly indulge in decadence. You are likely to have many contacts within the house – friends, rivals, entanglements of various sorts, mentors, etc. – and you can encounter them on house business. As your standing in the house grows, so do your acclaim and privileges within the house.
Suggested Characteristics
House agents are diverse. Consider the house you serve and the work you do when choosing characteristics.
| d6 | Personality Trait |
| 1 | I’m always looking to improve the standing of House Tanis, and those loyal to it. |
| 2 | I am quick to form both rivalries and friendships with members of other houses |
| 3 | A slight against House Tanis is a slight against me |
| 4 | I’m a vocal supporter of the accomplishments of my House |
| 5 | I represent my house and take intense pride in doing so |
| 6 | I’m critical of the Governors and the growing influence of the Empire |
| d6 | Ideal |
| 1 | Common Good. My house serves the good of the citizens of Gantis and the surrounding lands, and its prosperity will help everyone. (Good) |
| 2 | Change. Only by changing the status quo can we see meaningful differences in Gantis (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Merit. By working within the structure of the Governors, you can become a leader for the city (Lawful) |
| 4 | Power. By helping House Tanis achieve power, I will achieve power (Evil) |
| 5 | Discovery. I want to learn all I can, both for my house and for my own curiosity. (Any) |
| 6 | Comfort. I want to ensure that me and mine enjoy the best things in life. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
| 1 | My house is my family. I would do anything for it. |
| 2 | I love someone from another house, but the relationship is forbidden. |
| 3 | Someone I love was killed by a rival faction within my house, and I will have revenge. |
| 4 | I don’t care about the house as a whole, but I would do anything for my old mentor. |
| 5 | My house must evolve, and I’ll lead the evolution. |
| 6 | I’m determined to impress the leaders of my house, and to become a leader myself. |
| d6 | Flaw |
| 1 | I’m fixated on following official protocols. |
| 2 | I’m obsessed with conspiracy theories and worried about secret societies and hidden demons. |
| 3 | My house and bloodline make me the best! |
| 4 | My secret could get me expelled from my house. |
| 5 | My religious beliefs aren’t widespread in my house. |
| 6 | I’m working for a hidden faction in my house that gives me secret assignments. |
“Fantasy Island – Infrared” by Bill Gracey 26 Million Views is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0