The Bloodsail elves pursue undeath as a path to eternal life. Some are content to endure the red thirst of the vampire or undertake the vows of the oathbound. Others yearn for the power of the lich—but that power isn’t a gift that can be given. It can only be claimed by a being who possesses both tremendous will and arcane knowledge, as discussed in chapter 16. Few individuals possess these traits … but on Farlnen, there’s one example of a family claiming power no single member could achieve alone.
Shared Unlife
The Vyrael were one of the largest and most powerful families among the exiled elves that set out for Farlnen. In the early days of the island, three sisters of the Vyrael line rose to prominence, working with Lord Varonaen to establish the night gardens and to lay the foundations of Farlnen. Centuries later, they knew their time was running out. Torae believed she'd mastered the ritual that granted lichdom, but she was certain her two sisters couldn’t survive the process … and she couldn’t bear to leave them behind. Working together, they became something entirely new—the first skull lord of Farlnen, three spirits bound together in a single form.
The Sisters are essentially an unusual form of lich, and it’s quite possible that they have a phylactery and will return if they are destroyed; however, returning in this way would require the willpower of all three sisters, and if one sister lost her desire to cling to existence, they would all pass on.
The Three Sisters
The Vyrael Sisters serve as one of the more active members of the Grim. However, they have a longstanding feud with Haeldar Krakensbane, whom they blame for the death of their aunt. While they’ve never engaged in any direct violence against Haeldar, it’s possible they’d provide surreptitious aid to adventurers clashing with the Krakensbane.
Each sister has her own interests, and they take turns serving as the primary force of their shared body. Though one of the Sisters always holds dominance, the other two are an active presence at all times. They can all speak and offer opinions, but the active spirit determines the capabilities of the skull lord (Monsters of the Multiverse); this active spirit can be changed when they finish a long rest.
Torae Vyrael is the most accomplished wizard of the Sisters. She loves to spend her days studying obscure lore or mentoring accomplished Bloodsail necromancers. If an elf player character has Vyrael 160 Chapter 17: The Grim Lords blood (knowingly or not) and arcane talent, Torae could reach out to them through the sending or dream spell and offer to serve as a mentor; she'd make an excellent Undead patron for a warlock. While Torae is in control of the skull lord, feel free to change or expand that stat block's standard spells to reflect her breadth of knowledge; she can also cast a single spell of 6th–8th level, and she has expertise in Arcana.
Solae Vyrael is the most politically active of the Sisters. She advises Prince Shaen Tasil and enjoys hosting salons and galas with Bloodsail captains and other interesting individuals. While foreigners are rarely welcome on the Sunless Isle, particularly intriguing adventurers who visit might receive an invitation to such a salon. If so, they’d best prove entertaining; boring guests rarely survive the evening. Of course, spurning an invitation from Solae is even more dangerous than attending. While she's the dominant spirit, the skull lord has expertise in Insight and Persuasion.
Vyla Vyrael is a scholar and philosopher. Though she
studies religions, Vyla herself draws her divine power
through Mabar, shaped by her will. Nonetheless,
she's fascinated by the concept of religion, and hopes
to some day concretely prove the existence of the
Sovereigns—though she largely subscribes to the view
that if the Sovereigns exist, they are cruel. Should a
group of adventurers be seeking the mysteries of the
divine, it’s possible Vyla may have answers they seek.
She also collects divine artifacts, and adventurers
could clash with agents she’s dispatched to recover
a new relic for her collection. When she's in control
of the skull lord, she has expertise in History and
Religion, and she can replace the stat block's standard
spells with any from the cleric spell list.
Source: Chronicles of Eberron