Manifest Zone: Exploring the World of Eberron

Eberron co-designer Bill Slavicsek and Eberron: A Chronicle of Echoes co-creator/co-host Rebecca Gray join Keith and Kristian to celebrate Eberron‘s 20th anniversary, recounting the journey from its original concept—Thrilling Tales of Sword and Sorcery—to the setting we all know and love today.

Scorpions, shadows and flames! Keith, Wayne and Imogen explore the cultures of the drow of Xen’drik. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:01:36 – References3rd Edition Sourcebooks:Races of EberronSecrets of Xen’drikDragon Mag. 330 – The UmbragenDragonmarks: DrowDragonmarks: Drow, Dwarves and More!00:02:55 – What are the Drow of Eberron?00:04:00 – Qaltiar/Vulkoori and Wide Primal00:04:41 – Sulatar00:05:32 – Umbragen00:07:03 – Changes Since 3.5e00:09:54 – Umbragen Design History00:15:23 – Drow Stories00:30:51 – Drow PCs00:41:54 – The Sulatar Multiverse00:44:10 – Umbragen in Khorvaire00:46:03 – Close Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

With all their bribes properly paid, Keith, Wayne and Imogen are back to talk about the major criminal factions in Eberron. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:02:10 – SourcesEberron: Rising from the Last War, pg 68-72, 245-259 Sharn: City of Towers, pg 149-156City of Stormreach, pg 71-74Eye on Eberron: Daask, Dungeon Magazine 194IFAQ: What are Doppelgangers?Explore Fairhaven, Dungeon Magazine #170, #173, #17500:04:10 – Noir vs Pulp00:07:51 – Arcane00:09:09 – The Law and PCs00:13:10 – Crime is Core to Eberron00:14:50 – The Tyrants00:15:50 – Nonhuman Criminals00:22:11 – Organized Crime as a DM00:26:02 – The Boromar Clan00:32:58 – Daask00:43:42 – The Tyrants (reprise)00:51:43 – House Tarkanan00:59:00 – Player Characters01:03:30 – Wrap Up Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Once upon a time, Keith, Wayne and Imogen tell the story of Thelanis and the fey of Eberron. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction Thelanis in PlayThelanis and the FeyThelanis in Play: ArtifactsThelanis in Play: CursesiFAQ: Historical Figures in Thelanis?The City of Silver and BoneFairy Tales in Eberron00:02:10 – What are the Fey00:03:13 – Dal Quor vs. Thelanis00:06:02 – Stories are Real00:07:17 – What is a Fey?00:09:24 – Eladrin00:12:50 – Feyspires00:15:12 – Fey Stories00:20:00 – The magic we wish was in the world00:21:45 – Why the Fey Matter00:28:14 – Geography of Thelanis00:30:00 – Courts of Thelanis00:33:03 – Stranded Feyspires00:37:32 – Fey Patrons00:42:33 – Non-Warlock Fey Patrons00:45:37 – Fey-touched characters without patrons00:49:44 – Greensingers00:52:21 – Fey Plots00:56:29 – Closing Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Keith, Wayne and Imogen brave the Mists to explore the vast and numerous horrors of Eberron. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction & ReferencesDragonmarks: Ghost Stories00:01:38 – What is Ravenloft?00:04:04 – Dread Domains in Mabar00:05:58 – What Is Horror?00:08:45 – Horror Techniques00:11:56 – Jump Scare vs Bomb Theory00:15:40 – Scaring Players vs PCs00:28:00 – Mechanics as Consequences00:35:43 – Horror Affecting Eberron00:38:37 – Dread Metrol00:44:42 – Non-Ravenloft Horror in Eberron00:46:13 – The Daelkyr00:54:27 – The Mournland00:56:20 – Folk Horror01:03:06 – Ghost Stories01:03:53 – Gothic Horror01:08:10 – Final Thoughts01:09:30 – Closing Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Live at Ethereal Gary Con XIII, Keith, Wayne and Imogen are joined once again by special guest co-host Kristian Serrano to talk about our journeys in game design, and how we’d each break and remake Eberron. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:02:25 – Keith’s Journey00:06:55 – Wayne’s Journey00:11:43 – Imogen’s Journey00:16:57 – Kristian’s Journey00:19:08 – Kristian Breaks Demographics00:21:39 – Imogen Breaks Breland00:24:21 – Wayne Breaks Everything00:26:15 – Keith Breaks History00:31:01 – Closing

The Trust assures all our listeners that Keith, Wayne and Imogen aren’t stirring up trouble during their deep dive into the lore of Eberron’s gnomes. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:45 – Announcement – Live at Garycon + Savage Eberron with Kristian Serrano00:02:15 – ReferencesDragonshards: Gnomes of Zilargo, part 1Dragonshards: Gnomes of Zilargo, part 2Dragonmarks: The Gnomes of LorghalenDragonmarks: The Gnomes of Pylas PyrialDragonmarks: SvirfneblinIFAQ: The TrustDragon Magazine 406 – Eye on Eberron: The Trust00:03:26 – What is a Gnome00:09:23 – Freedom vs Security00:14:25 – Alchemy and Elemental Binding00:21:26 – The Trust00:31:54 – Fey Gnomes00:37:17 – Lorghalen Gnomes00:41:32 – Playing a Gnome00:45:53 – House Sivis00:50:39 – Picking the right origin00:54:33 – Closing Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Keith, Wayne and Imogen open up the lab and get experimental… it’s time to talk artificers and arcane science! Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:01:39 – Topic and ReferencesDragonmarks: Arcane ScienceDragonmarks: Arcane ArtsDragonmarks: Arcane HistoryExploring Eberron, page 2900:05:51 – Wizards and Magic in Classic Fantasy00:07:08 – Artificers in the Eberron Campaign Setting book00:12:37 – 3.5e Artificer and Craft Reserve00:13:46 – 4e Artificer00:17:03 – 5e Artificer00:22:33 – Tools as a Focus00:29:13 – Arcane Science00:34:50 – Artifice in the World00:38:11 – House Cannith00:41:12 – Certification and Regulation00:47:24 – The Arcane Congress00:50:21 – Wizarding Circles00:52:00 – Beyond and Before Galifar00:56:22 – The Giants00:59:19 – Magical Pollution01:00:58 – Adapting Techniques01:02:47 – Demonic Artifacts01:03:48 – Sul Khatesh01:05:29 – Artificers without Arcane Science01:06:41 – Closing Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Cold Sun and Poison Dusk threaten Keith, Wayne and Imogen as they explore the frontiers of Q’barra. Time Markers 00:00:00 – New Sponsor: KB Presents00:01:29 – ReferencesDungeon 182 “Backdrop: Q’barra”Dungeon 185 “Poison Dusk, Black Sun”Dragonmarks: A Q’barra CampaignDragonmarks: Lizard DreamsOn the Edge of Hope: Building a Foundation00:02:50 – What is Q’barra?00:04:55 – Design Purpose00:08:04 – Comparison to Xen’drik00:11:52 – Why go to Q’barra?00:13:50 – Edition Evolutions00:18:06 – New Galifar00:22:16 – Noble Politics in New Galifar00:24:41 – Hope00:27:07 – Ruins from the Age of Demons00:29:36 – The Edge of Hope00:31:25 – Lizardfolk and their Alien Nature00:34:43 – Rhashaak and Haka’torvhak00:36:10 – Masvirik the Cold Sun00:37:17 – The Cold Sun Federation00:38:04 – Lizard Dreams00:41:46 – First Contact00:43:34 – Colonialism and Property00:44:17 – Darmok00:46:22 – The Poison Dusk00:48:00 – Dragonborn00:55:16 – House Tharashk00:58:51 – Q’barra Adventurers01:03:17 – Closing Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Keith, Wayne and Imogen stare into the witch’s pot to get a glimpse of the next D&D 5th Edition hardcover. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:03:30 – Character Origins00:04:52 – Origin Feature Swapping00:07:45 – Nationality in Eberron00:10:42 – Alternate Ability Score Increases00:18:14 – Classes and Subclasses00:19:03 – The Armorer00:24:18 – The Barbarian00:25:31 – Path of the Beast00:28:41 – Wild Magic Barbarian00:31:26 – Bard00:32:29 – College of Creation00:37:11 – College of Eloquence00:38:47 – Cleric00:39:20 – Order Domain00:40:42 – Peace Domain00:42:48 – Twilight Domain00:44:47 – Druid00:45:18 – Circle of Spores00:48:14 – Circle of Stars00:49:58 – Circle of Wildfire00:51:17 – Fighter00:51:36 – Psi Warrior00:54:43 – Rune Knight00:58:53 – Way of Mercy01:00:23 – Way of the Astral Self01:03:12 – Oath of Glory01:05:24 – Oath of the Watcher01:06:25 – Ranger01:10:58 – Fey Wanderer01:12:11 – Swarmkeeper01:13:10 – Beastmaster Ranger01:13:38 – Phantom01:16:03 – Soulknife01:18:24 – Sorcerer01:19:14 – Aberrant Mind01:22:12 – Clockwork Soul01:24:28 – Warlock01:25:25 – Fathomless Patron01:27:03 – Genie01:28:18 – Bladesinger01:30:36 – Order of Scribes01:31:49 – The Rest of the Book01:34:58 – Closing Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

The Inspired graciously welcome Keith, Wayne and Imogen to the Unity of Riedra. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:51 – ReferencesKeith Baker’s Dragonmarks:Riedra in 5eProvinces of RiedraProvinces of Riedra (Patreon Expansion)Cities of RiedraSecrets of SarlonaEscape from Riedra: An Across Eberron Adventure00:02:25 – What is Riedra?00:03:26 – Humans as Colonizers00:04:22 – Kalashtar and Inspired Design History00:06:25 – Optional Psionics00:08:14 – Humans as Invaders00:09:05 – Sarlona as Exotic and Mysterious00:10:15 – Riedra is not Asia00:11:43 – IC vs OOC Knowledge00:17:36 – Rebellion Against Authority00:19:57 – Old Civilisation and Secrets00:23:30 – The Dreaming Dark’s Takeover00:25:38 – The Path of Inspiration00:29:14 – Wide Psionics00:32:03 – The Riedran Mindset00:34:54 – Wide Psionics, Part 200:40:29 – Thought Police00:43:40 – Edgewalkers and Manifest Zones00:45:30 – How do you use Riedra as a DM?00:46:35 – Riedra in Khorvaire00:47:48 – Non-Kalashtar Rebels00:48:13 – Getting to Riedra00:49:23 – Legitimate Business00:52:00 – Escape from Riedra00:53:46 – PCs from Riedra in Khorvaire00:54:28 – Loyal Riedran PCs00:58:08 – Psionics in 5e01:03:50 – Closing01:04:21 – Blooper Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Keith, Wayne and Imogen venture beyond the Shadowcrags to explore the ancient and terrible Demon Wastes. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Welcome and ReferencesRising from the Last War: The Demon WastesKeith Baker’s Dragonmarks:The Demon Wastes vs the MournlandThe Age of Demons and YouOrcs and the Ghaash’kala00:01:32 – Background Information00:06:18 – Before the First Release00:07:50 – Fiends of Khyber00:08:55 – Mordor00:09:20 – The Ghaash’kala Twist00:10:40 – The Overlords00:12:40 – The Demon Wastes as the Mouth of Khyber00:14:08 – Why Does This Matter00:15:30 – High level Play in Eberron00:17:00 The Wastes00:21:50 – The Mournland vs The Demon Wastes00:23:40 – The Labyrinth and the Ghaash’kala00:28:08 – Demonic invasions00:29:12 – The Lair of the Keeper00:35:20 – Ashtakala00:38:00 – The Lords of Dust00:40:30 – Demonglass00:41:15 – Lords of Dust Meetings00:42:19 – The Source of Fiends00:42:58 – Rakshasa00:46:24 – The Carrion Tribes00:50:55 – Carrion Tribe PCs00:53:55 – Historical Invasions00:54:48 – Demon Wastes Artifacts00:59:27 – Anyone can join the Ghaash’kala1:00:05 – Settling the Demon Wastes1:01:24 – Drawing Power from the Demon Wastes1:03:02 – Closing Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Keith, Wayne and Imogen are joined by special guest Laura Hirsbrunner to discuss the content and process of Keith’s newest Eberron hardcover: Exploring Eberron. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Guest Appearance: Laura HirsbrunnerLaura Hirsbrunner’s Twitter00:00:50 – PreviewsSly Flourish’s Stream PreviewKB Presents TwitterExploring Eberron on the DM’s Guild00:01:50 – What is Exploring Eberron?00:04:02 – Book Content Overview00:05:10 – Chapter 1: Discover00:07:40 – Cyre00:08:10 – The Last War00:08:48 – Magic in the World00:09:43 – The Focus on Character Applications00:13:11 – Chapter 2: Races00:15:03 – Chapter 3: Faiths00:17:10 – Blood of Vol and the Silver Flame00:18:05 – The Sovereign Host00:19:54 – Cults of the Dragon Below00:24:37 – Chapter 4: Uncharted Domains00:27:51 – Wide Monster00:29:08 – The Thunder Sea00:34:21 – Evolution from the Original Eberron Draft00:37:21 – Sea Elves00:39:27 – Chapter 5: The Planes00:46:33 – Daanvi00:47:09 – Xoriat and the Maze of Reality00:53:03 – The Planes at all Tiers00:53:27 – Fernia, Risia and Developing Exciting Themes00:56:30 – Chapters 6-800:59:44 – Playable Sahuagin01:01:53 – Chapter 7: Treasures & Siberys Dragonmarks01:05:51 – Symbionts01:06:46 – Chapter 801:07:42 – Du’ulora Quori Art01:08:43 – The Forgotten Prince01:10:33 – On Being “Done”01:15:36 – What’s with the bananas?01:17:43 – The Map of the Planes01:20:30 – Favorites01:25:24 – Closing Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Keith, Wayne, Kristian, and their new co-host, Imogen Gingell venture into the wilds of the Eldeen Reaches. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:13 – New Co-host: Imogen Gingell!00:03:16 – Readings:Catching Up and the Eldeen ReachesDruids in Eberron00:04:02 – Druidic Magic as an Adopted Cultural Tool00:07:30 – Who Signed the Treaty of Thronehold on Behalf of Oalian00:09:59 – Oalian and the Wardens of the Wood00:11:10 – New Chapter00:12:13 – Druid-like Communities and Characters00:15:04 – Leveraging the Wardens of the Wood 00:18:26 – Wardens are the Protective Barrier between the Wild and the People00:20:11 – The Dangers of the Eldeen Reaches00:24:01 – Range of Adventures in the Eldeen Reaches00:28:23 – Fey and the Greensingers00:30:32 – Manifest Zones and Powerful Threats 00:34:28 – The Conflict with Aundair00:38:00 – Character’s Views on Aundair00:40:44 – Opportunities for House Vadalis00:43:01 – Archetypes of the Eldeen00:46:18 – How Did the Secession Affect You?00:46:52 – Characters Touched by the Fey00:47:39 – Concept: Lost Soldiers Emerging into a Changed World00:49:05 – Change Happens00:50:01 – Special Announcement00:55:56 – Wrap Up

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian delve deep into the Mror Holds to dig into the dwarves. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introductions00:00:55 – Readings:Dwarves of the Mror Holds, Part 1Dwarves of the Mror Holds, Part 2Dragonmarks: DwarvesDragonmarkedExploring Eberron (Coming Soon)00:03:30 – Dwarves in Eberron vs. Traditional Settings00:06:16 – Dwarves and Craftsmanship00:08:40 – Exiles from The Realm Below00:13:11 – Using Symbionts00:14:43 – A Concrete Place for the Daelkyr00:16:41 – Dwarvish Artifacts00:18:15 – Dwarves in Exploring Eberron00:20:50 – How Dwarves Tell Stories00:24:00 – Using Lore to Create Characters00:26:46 – Symbionts and Darkblood Dwarves00:29:21 – Dwarf Stories00:31:21 – Colonizing the Realm Below00:33:50 – The War Below00:37:54 – Khyber’s Demiplanes00:40:22 – New Symbionts as Living Tools00:41:51 – The Jhorash’tar00:46:07 – Exploring Eberron for Players00:47:31 – Wildemount’s Heroic Chronicles00:49:05 – Dwarf Player Character’s Views and Stories00:53:19 – Dwarven Aging00:55:29 – Subraces, Darkblood Dwarves, and Rusty’s ‘Sunglasses’00:58:58 – Wrap Up Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian explore the culture and identity of Eberron’s half-elves. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introductions00:01:13 – ReadingsThe Khoravar: Half-elves of KhorvaireDragonmarkedPlayer’s Guide to Eberron00:02:41 – History of Khoravar as a Distinct Race00:07:02 – Half-elf Lifespans00:09:34 – Eberron’s Half-elves vs. D&D’s Half-elves 00:12:00 – Giving Half-elves Their Own Story00:14:04 – No Nation of Khoravar00:16:11 – Building a Racial Identity00:23:40 – The Power of House Lyrandar as a “Nation”00:33:20 – The Subtlety of House Medani00:38:29 – Broader Khoravar Community00:42:14 – Half-elven Districts? 00:45:22 – Bridge between Two Worlds00:46:27 – Khoravar Cant00:49:30 – Exception to Nationality over Race00:50:46 – Playing a Khoravar vs. Newborn Half-elf00:53:09 – Your Half-elf Character’s Age00:54:31 – Do You Feel a Tie to a Dragonmarked House?00:54:50 – Are You Interested in Your Elven Heritage?00:55:51 – Where’s Your Family/Community Base?00:57:46 – Newborns Blending into Khoravar Communities01:00:21 – Khoravar Are Really Just Changelings!01:00:30 – Wrap up

Keith and Kristian examine the Treaty of Thronehold, how it has shaped the continent of Khorvaire, and what effects it can have in your campaign. 00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:34 – Readings?00:01:39 – Two Years before and after the Signing00:03:48 – New Nations and Shifted Borders00:09:52 – From Galifar to the Current Map00:14:40 – Galifar Code of Justice00:19:46 – Warforged as Citizens00:29:05 – Adhering to the Code of Galifar00:32:49 – Sentinel Marshals as Enforcers00:38:29 – Sidenote: Reinforcing the Treaty of Thronehold00:38:55 – Difference between Sentinel Marshal and Tharashk Bounty Hunter00:39:56 – Who Enforces the Treaty?00:42:05 – The Nations Still Figuring It Out00:44:08 – The Cold War and Adventuring Risks00:48:07 – How Much Weight Does It Carry in Your Campaign?00:50:14 – Warforged Breaking Indentured Servitude00:52:16 – Losses and Gains from the Treaty00:56:46 – Wrapping Up

Keith and Kristian venture to the outer regions of Khorvaire to study the various cultures of orcs and half-orcs. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:17 – ReadingsDragonmarks: Orcs and the Gaash’kalaDragonmark 3/19/14: Orcs, Mean Streets and MoreThe Dragon Below TrilogyThe Binding StoneThe Grieving TreeThe Killing Song00:01:28 – What Sets the Orcs of Eberron Apart00:06:00 – Specific Orc Subcultures00:06:21 – Shadow Marches Orcs00:08:50 – Tribes, Clans, and House Tharashk00:13:14 – Player Motivations00:14:25 – Half-orc Status00:18:32 – Cults of the Dragon Below00:19:48 – The Jhorsh’tar00:23:05 – Droaam Orcs00:26:48 – Orcs in the Demon Wastes and the Ghaash’kala00:27:06 – New Chapter00:35:04 – Why Orcs are Great00:36:30 – Meme Reference: Gatekeeper vs. Valenar00:39:00 – Half-orcs: The Bridge between Worlds00:40:30 – For Players00:43:50 – Designing the Orcs of Eberron00:46:40 – Ghaash’kala and the Prophecy00:48:58 – Oracles of the Draconic Prophecy00:50:43 – Alternative Gatekeeper Seals00:54:24 – Wrap up Special thanks to Joseph Meehan for his assistance with capturing and submitting time markers on this episode.

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian talk about all of the exciting content and accessories to be released for Eberron and explore Eberron: Rising from the Last War.

Keith and Kristian are joined by Don Bassingthwaite, author of The Dragon Below and Legacy of Dhakaan trilogies of Eberron novels, to study the culture and history of the Dar. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:02:17 – Readings:The Dragon Below TrilogyThe Binding StoneThe Grieving TreeThe Killing SongLegacy of Dhakaan TrilogyThe Doom of KingsWord of TraitorsThe Tyranny of GhostsDragonshards – Heirs of DhakaanDragonshards – Strike Force: DhakaanDragonmarks: GoblinsEberron Dhakaani goblin vocabulary dictionary00:05:54 – Advanced Goblins00:08:33 – Humanized but Still Very Different from Humans00:16:30 – Lawful Nature Contrasted with Orcs00:18:44 – Dhakaani Lacking Faith-based Magic00:24:02 – Don’s Inspiration for Legacy of Dhakaan00:25:22 – The Feel of Cultural Depth00:26:16 – Physical Presence of Goblinoid History00:29:51 – For GMS00:30:35 – Don’t Fall Back on Traditional Lore00:31:25 – Goblinoids Don’t See Themselves as Villains00:32:20 – Ancestral Dhakaani Ruins and Artifacts00:35:57 – Subvert Assumptions00:38:02 – Goblinoids as a Playable Race00:40:30 – Goblinoid Character Concepts00:46:56 – Advice for Visiting Rhukaan Draal00:50:25 – Concepts to Explore Further00:53:57 – Slavery in Darguun00:58:43 – Wrap Up

Keith and Kristian catch up at Dragon Con to discuss Keith’s panels. Time Markers 00:00:03 – Introductions 00:00:55 – Eberron in Fifth Edition 00:18:32 – Best Dungeon Ever 00:25:14 – Monster Creation Lab 00:36:55 – The Most Dastardly Villains of All Time 00:43:40 – Keith’s Personal Dragon Con Highlights 00:45:52 – More about the 5E Books Thanks again to Rob Abrazado for helping to clean up the audio tracks for us.

Listen in on Keith’s “Eberron in Fifth Edition” panel at Dragon Con 2019 in which he discuss Eberron: Rising from the Last War by Wizards of the Coast and reveals the title of his own Eberron supplement Project Raptor.

What is Project “Raptor?” Without any inside knowledge of their own, Scott and Kristian get to interview Keith about his newest Eberron-related project. Get all the details–or as many as Keith is willing to share as of this recording–about this newly announced product.

Keith and Kristian are joined by special guests Chris Perkins, Bill Slavicsek, and James Wyatt. Together again, the original creative team discusses and celebrates 15 years of Eberron.

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian cross the borders of Breland to venture into the monstrous domain of Droaam. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:37 – Readings Dragonshards: Daughters of Sora Kell, Part 1 Dragonshards: Daughters of Sora Kell, Part 2 “Dragonmarks: Droaam and the Daughters of Sora Kell” “Backdrop: Graywall”, Dragon Magazine #368 00:01:27 – The Creative Origins of Droaam00:03:47 – Challenging Your View of Monsters00:06:40 – Droaam’s Motives00:13:57 – Warlords Governing Territories00:16:37 – Game of Thrones Campaign Style00:18:15 – Internal Politics or Outsiders Coming In00:19:40 – Decide Where You Think Droaam is Going00:22:14 – How Abilitities Can Be Used as Tools00:25:44 – Cultural Shift for the Monsters00:27:26 – A Lawless Nation00:28:34 – What If They Did Become a Recognized Nation?00:29:24 – Still Have Their Own Cultures00:31:00 – Open Worship of the Dark Six00:31:44 – A Monster’s View of the World00:33:59 – The Dark Six vs. The Sovereign Host00:42:55 – Potential Cross Cultural Blending00:43:52 – Three Ways Player Characters Might View Droaam00:45:12 – PC’s Background in Droaam00:48:03 – Player Character’s Expectations00:52:52 – Wayne Summarizes00:55:40 – Mixing Monstrous Abilities00:57:16 – Wrap Up

Keith, Wayne, Kristian, and Scott hit the mean streets and step into the shadows of noir adventuring in Eberron. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:01:54 – Why Was Noir Included in Eberron?Readings: 00:07:21 – Chapter 9 of Eberron Campaign Setting00:08:01 – Magewright, Marked, Cabal, Claw00:10:17 – “Hardboiled Adventure”, Kobold Quarterly #300:11:01 – “Neo-noir Intrigue” and “Callestan”, Wayfinder’s Guide to Eberron 00:12:14 – Definition of Noir00:13:21 – Moral Ambiguity and Motives00:16:56 – Conveying Noir00:19:41 – Agreeing on How Dark00:23:33 – Consequences00:26:09 – Attachment to a Place00:27:53 – For GMs 00:28:12 – Pacing in Noir00:29:19 – Use the Players’ Backstories00:31:25 – Stories Don’t Always End Well00:33:59 – Customized Stories00:35:14 – Off-the-shelf Noir Adventures00:37:55 – Backstory Cards00:39:11 – Fiasco Game for Session 000:39:33 – Tools in Wayfinder’s Guide00:42:04 – Tying to The Last War00:43:20 – The Role of the Dragonmarked Houses00:44:13 – Shadowrun as Inspiration00:45:44 – Start with a Mystery as Noir Light00:47:47 – Play with Players’ Perceptions 00:50:56 – For Players 00:51:07 – Dealing with Dragonmarked Houses00:51:44 – Motivation and Disposition00:54:02 – Roots and Connections00:57:12 – Bonds in Powered by the Apocalypse Games00:59:10 – Idea: Prescribe Terrible Things That Will Happen to Your Character in the Future01:01:41 – Define Your Loyalties 01:05:12 – Wrap Up

Wayne, Kristian, and Scott swing into action to discuss swashbuckling in your Eberron games. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:01:22 – What We Mean by Swashbuckling Action00:04:31 – Movies to Inspire00:07:21 – Readings Dragonshards – Swashbuckling 101: Combat Environmental Elements in Wayfinder’s Guide to Eberron00:10:01 – Players Can Prompt the GM00:12:43 – Systems Can Influence Style00:13:46 – Swashbuckling Action in D&D 5E00:18:33 – Clearly Communicate Intent00:22:54 – How GMs Can Facilitate Swashbuckling Action00:23:00 – Set Expectations and Empower Players00:23:38 – Invite Collaborative Descriptions00:27:34 – Don’t Hinder, but Maintain Satisfaction00:30:28 – Keep Encounters Interesting00:35:27 – Big Damn Heros at the Beginning00:40:09 – Backstory Cards for Starting at Higher Levels00:41:17 – Look Beyond the Rules00:51:35 – Why Are GMs Feel Afraid to Empower Players?00:52:57 – Success but with Consequences00:54:48 – Use Swashbuckling Action with Your NPCs00:57:24 – Start with a Chase01:00:10 – Closing Thoughts01:04:17 – Wrap Up

Keith and Kristian step through a gate to explore the planes of Eberron. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:33 – Readings: Gearing Up for Eberron: Some Perspective on the World of EberronDragonmarks: Planes of Hope, Peace and OrderDragonmarks: XoriatDragonmarks: Thelanis and the FeyDragonmarks: Thelanis in Play: Maniest ZonesDragonmarks: Thelanis in Play: CursesDragonmarks: Thelanis in Play: ArtifactsDragonmarks: The Endless NightDragonmarks: Shavarath and the Blood War 00:02:09 – Why the Orrery Model?00:06:44 – Not the Home of the Gods00:08:36 – The Stuff the World is Made of00:09:21 – The Role of Immortals00:11:07 – Influences of the Planes00:13:47 – Manifest Zones as a Natural Resource00:19:27 – Themes of the Planes00:20:06 – Manifest Zones Reflect Aspects of the Planes00:21:55 – Running through the List of Planes00:22:50 – Shavarath00:27:09 – Syrania00:29:34 – Daanvi00:33:42 – Kythri00:37:21 – Dal Quor00:45:20 – Xoriat00:50:44 – Lamannia00:53:06 – Thelanis00:56:09 – Fernia and Risia00:58:41 – Irian and Mabar01:04:00 – Dolurrh01:05:03 – So Much More to Cover01:07:28 – Coterminous/Remote States01:08:56 – Think of Interesting Ways Planes Can Be Used01:11:20 – Wrap Up

Keith and Kristian explore all of the ways adventurers travel across the world of Eberron. Time Markers 00:00:00 – IntroductionReadings 00:01:14 – Dragonshards: Heroic Journeys00:02:05 – Explorer’s Handbook 00:02:55 – Travel Helps Explore Styles of Adventure00:08:02 – Travel and Cross-cultural Mixing00:08:52 – Travel Supports Industries within the Setting00:10:39 – Airships00:12:50 – Lightning Rail00:16:00 – TeleportationFor GMs 00:19:04 – Journey vs. Destination00:22:26 – The Time Element00:27:18 – Travel Montage00:31:12 – Weariness and Resources00:33:17 – Giving PCs the Spotlight00:34:11 – Downtime00:36:54 – En Route from Atlas Games00:39:43 – Plan “Random Encounters” in Advance For Players 00:40:27 – Knowing Travel Options00:43:11 – Describing NPC Passengers and Use Them00:46:37 – Roleplaying while Travelling 00:50:50 – End of the Journey (Wrap Up)

In his “Welcome to Eberron” panel at KimiKon 2018, Keith speaks with an audience of newcomers to the Eberron campaign setting. Audio editing by Rob Abrazado.

We have a full house with Keith, Wayne, Kristian, and Scott discussing the scope and role of magic items in Eberron. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:01:31 – Gaming and BS 206 – Magic and Eberron00:02:07 – Ubiquity vs. Power Level00:04:09 – Systems Dependent on Magic Items00:09:33 – Setting Player Expectations00:10:53 – Utility Instead of Power00:14:52 – Where Do We Get Those Wonderful Toys?00:22:31 – Designing Magic Items to Solve Problems00:26:00 – Availability of Utility Items in a Campaign00:30:41 – Wands as Common Tools00:33:14 – Artificers as Weird Scientists00:35:50 – Wizards Codifying Magic00:37:00 – Consumable Magic Items00:38:51 – Everyday Items as Magic Items00:42:09 – Warforged as Magic Items00:43:54 – Warforged Docents00:47:09 – Acquiring Magic Items00:49:36 – Dragonshard Items00:52:56 – Eldritch Machines00:56:10 – Aerenal and Mundane Magic Items00:58:26 – Purchasing Magic Items01:03:02 – Expensive but Not Powerful01:03:45 – Crafting Magic Items01:07:19 – Wrapping Up Special Thanks A huge thank you to Rob Abrazado for helping us fix some audio drift issues that were delaying out release!

In his “Eberron Returns!” Dragon Con panel, Keith fields questions about Eberron and its return for Dungeons & Dragons 5e. 

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian explore the culture and lives of halflings (and the dinosaurs they rode in on). Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:59 – ReadingsDragonmarks: HalflingsDruids of Khorvaire, Part Three“Boromar Clan,” Dragon Magazine #35400:04:34 – Halfling Culture00:06:17 – Various Cultural Identities00:08:36 – Roots in Wandering Tribes00:13:23 – Mysterious Destinations in the Talenta Plains00:21:11 – Racial Traits00:27:33 – Halflings Riding Dinosaurs!00:33:43 – Manifest Zones in the Talenta Plains00:34:48 – Nation of Nations: Subcultures among Tribes00:41:15 – Halfling Naming Conventions00:42:48 – Civilized and Dragonmark Ties to Tradition00:44:56 – Migrant Halflings Travling across Khorvaire00:45:31 – Surviving and Making Your Way00:47:45 – Tribalism within Organizations00:50:39 – Wanderers Settling in Cities00:54:46 – Dragonmarked Houses00:55:56 – House Ghallanda Making Friends01:02:08 – House Jorasco’s Vital Services01:08:34 – Playing a Dragonmarked Halfling01:16:12 – Wrapping up

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian discuss Wayfinder’s Guide to Eberron, Keith’s 5e supplement for Eberron. More Links Wizards of the Coast announcementWayfinder’s Guide to Eberron FAQDigital Content on D&D BeyondD&D Beyond video: Wayfinder’s Guide to Eberron for Dungeons & Dragons 5th EditionD&D Beyond video: The Playable Races of Eberron in Dungeons & DragonsD&D Beyond video: The War of Eberron in Dungeons & DragonsD&D Beyond video: Playing Warforged of EberronD&D Beyond video: Playing Changelings in EberronD&D Beyond video: Playing Kalashtar in EberronD&D Beyond video: Playing Shifters in the World of EberronD&D Beyond video: The Elves of Eberron

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian discuss the Lords of Dust and their complex schemes. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:01:52 – ReadingsDragonmarks: The Lords of DustDragonmarks: The Age of Demons and YouDragon Magazine #337, “Eternal Evil: Lords of Dust”00:04:25 – Why Rakshasa; “Overlords” vs. “Rajahs”00:08:20 – Overlords embody a concept of evil00:11:47 – Exposing the PCs to The Lords of Dust’s plans without spoilers00:17:10 – The Lords of Dust feeling “too big”00:25:37 – Only use on one or two grand-scale villains00:27:41 – Threats for specific genres00:29:14 – Focus on a specific objective, not the epic scheme00:29:42 – The essence of the Overlords and the Lords of Dust00:33:05 – Why the rakshasas don’t just rule the world00:37:30 – Complex manipulations of the prophecy00:44:47 – Make your own Overlord00:45:37 – The Overlords are not allies00:47:04 – The world knows very little about the Overlords00:48:44 – Overlord names, titles, and themes00:52:25 – For Players00:52:57 – Progressively scaling up the enemies01:02:04 – Using the story to shape your character’s perspective01:02:45 – Warlocks and Overlord patrons01:04:45 – Trappings for class abilities01:06:39 – Wrap up

Scott, Keith, and Kristian explore the role of dragons in the world of Eberron. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:01:10 – ReadingsDragonshards: The Role of DragonsDragonshards: The SerensDragonshards: The Draconic ProphecyDragons of Eberron00:02:55 – The impact of dragons00:08:14 – Not XP fodder00:10:05 – Almost living gods00:12:20 – The dragons of Argonnessen and the Chamber00:14:27 – The Draconic Prophecy00:18:17 – Colors not bound by alignment00:18:52 – Mastering shape changing for ‘espionage’00:22:49 – How and when dragons choose to interfere00:27:18 – Rogue dragons00:30:42 – Bringing Argonnessen into your campaign00:36:06 – Dragon-themed archetypes for players00:41:28 – Playing a Seren00:42:06 – Playing a dragonborn00:42:51 – ‘But I want to play a half-dragon sorcerer’00:44:16 – Dragon worshippers00:47:52 – The role and place of dragonborn00:51:37 – Original dragonborn in Races of the Dragon00:54:17 – Final thoughts00:55:46 – How to Play a Red Dragon Like and Evil Genius00:57:22 – Wrap up

Kristian and Keith “dream” about kalashtar. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:57 – Gearing up for Eberron: Mind Games in Eberron00:01:18 – Races of Eberron00:01:33 – Dragonshards Articles00:01:48 – Design Intent00:05:54 – Oneiromancy in Occult Lore by Atlas Games00:07:04 – Dragon Magazine #324: Living Nightmares00:07:17 – Sarlona as a Separate Campaign Setting00:07:37 – The Effects of Psionics on Civilization00:13:09 – Core Concepts of Kalashtar00:21:32 – Not the Same Quori as During the Age of Giants00:23:54 – Psychology and Culture00:26:25 – Personality Shaped by Type of Quori spirit00:29:52 – Psicrystal as a Manifestation of the Quori Spirit00:31:10 – Kalashtar Warlock Pact with Quori Spirit00:32:50 – Three Main Approaches with Kalashtar00:35:59 – Path of Light00:43:15 – Alignment Restrictions Be Damned00:45:51 – Communities across Eberron00:47:32 – Think about Your Quori Spirit00:48:46 – Why Not Advertise the Shadow War?00:50:09 – How DMs Can Use the Shadow War00:53:14 – The Dreaming Dark Has Two Fronts00:56:56 – Inception [Film] as Inspiration (no pun intended)00:59:26 – Dreaming Dark Playing Chess01:05:21 – Wrapping Up01:07:23 – Next Topic?

Keftiu writes in: I love changelings a lot, but it feels like they’re always forced into the role of the sneaky, deceptive Rogue. Do you have any other clever or unexpected classes you think fit the race well? Scott shares his experiences and suggestions. Additionally, Keith presented some ideas in a blog post on Changelings, Shifters and Lycanthropes as a follow up to our previous episode.

Kristian and Keith have a “freeform” discussion about changelings and shifters. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:24 – Why Changelings and Shifters Seem Underused00:04:50 – Shifter Communities00:08:00 – Shifter Culture, Classes, and Lineage00:13:20 – Inspiration for Creating Shifters00:20:33 – Lycanthropic Purge00:35:44 – Changeling Identity00:55:09 – Complete Guide to Doppelgangers01:00:31 – More on Changeling Identities01:06:54 – Dragonmarks Article: Changelings01:07:22 – Think about what the character’s ability means to you?01:07:59 – Consider That Everyone Knows Changelings Exist01:09:25 – Oooh! A Changeling Pretending to Be a Shifter01:09:50 – Wrap up

Jeremiah asks: I listened to the most recent episode on warforged. Warforged are probably my favorite D&D race ever, and I pretty much play one whenever the DM lets me. I particularly enjoyed the discussion on warforged wizards and sorcerers. I was wondering, in particular, what types of entities would a warforged warlock likely make a pact with. Kristian answers with some additional contributions from Keith and Wayne. Also, DND Beyond coincidentally posted a video of Mike Mearls discussing the Warlock’s relationship to their patrons.

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian discuss warforged (and how they’re not robots). Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:01:07 – ArticlesWarforged, Part OneWarforged, Part TwoDruids of Khorvaire, Part Two (Warforged Druids)Dragonmarks 11/14: Warforged and More00:02:09 – What Are Warforged?00:12:30 – Culture (Dungeon Magazine #115: ‘Steel Shadows’)00:20:16 – Psychology00:30:51 – Alignment00:38:52 – For GMs00:39:05 – Living Reminders and Really Dangerous00:41:44 – Extremist Lord of Blades Followers00:43:07 – Players against Warforged00:46:38 – Interactions with Local Communities00:49:42 – Non-distinctive Appearance00:54:06 – Religion and Purpose of Self00:55:27 – Warforged Variants01:01:42 – Ideas Regarding Warforged Souls01:06:24 – Consider Character Origins01:09:08 – For Players01:10:06 – Self Exploration01:11:50 – Classes Other Than Fighter01:14:14 – What Do You Want As a Warforged?01:15:38 – How Do You View Death?01:17:55 – Do You Identify with Other Warforged?01:19:12 – Wrapping Up

Keith and Kristian discuss the Aereni, Tairnadal, and Valenar elves of Eberron. Time Markers 00:00:00 – IntroductionArticles The Elves of Valenar, Part I The Elves of Valenar, Part II The Elves of Aerenal, Part I The Elves of Aerenal, Part II House Phiarlan, Part One (Deals with Aereni history) Eberron Flashback: Aereni and Tairnadal 00:01:59 – Aging, Experiences, and Culture00:06:21 – Aereni and the Undying Court00:07:53 – Line of Vol and Necromancy00:10:26 – The Tairnadal and the Ancestor Spirits00:13:56 – Culture is Their Flavor00:15:03 – Starting Age and Training to Perfection00:29:07 – Elven Dragonmarked Families00:31:53 – For GMs00:32:11 – Age and ‘Recent’ Experiences00:35:09 – Emphasizing a Sense of Elvish Tradition00:37:38 – Elvish Heirlooms and Legacy Items00:41:39 – Elven Dragonmarked Houses00:46:39 – Long-term Story Elements00:50:01 – For Players00:50:41 – Perfected Skill00:52:18 – Outlook toward Physical Beauty00:55:18 – Passing on Relics as Legacy00:57:53 – Custom Spells As a Speciality00:59:45 – Tairnadal and Valenar01:01:52 – Who is Your Tairnadal Patron Ancestor?01:09:35 – Aereni Lines01:12:12 – Lines Associated with Undying Court01:14:47 – Interacting with Non-elven Magic Users01:16:03 – Outro

Keith and Kristian catch up at Dragon Con and discuss Keith’s panels and running Eberron for a con game or as one-shots in general.

Keith, Wayne, Kristian, and Scott discuss the Daelkyr and cults of the Dragon Below. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:40 – Reading: Dragonmarks: The Daelkyr and their Cults 00:01:37 – Comparing to Lovecraft and Far Realm00:03:33 – Xoriat00:10:51 – Random Detail: Mind Flayers00:12:28 – Daelkyr00:17:36 – Good Starting Villains00:18:30 – Each Daelkyr Lord is Unique00:20:19 – Cults of the Dragon Below are Unique00:23:40 – Why Do People Join a Cult of the Dragon Below?00:25:25 – For GMs00:25:37 – Incomprehensible Plans as an Advantage for GMs00:29:57 – Daelkyr as Hackers00:31:07 – Masterminds That Tinker00:32:25 – Strange Effects on Player Characters as Story Elements00:34:20 – Granting PCs Abilities or Powers with Consequences00:39:03 – Example Adventure Plot00:40:19 – Gate Seals in Various Forms for Plot00:41:33 – Create New Monsters00:45:18 – Cults Don’t Have to Be Evil00:46:49 – Different Domains for Each Cult00:47:36 – Madness Mechanics in 5e and Other Systems00:49:02 – Symbionts as Treasure00:51:24 – Organic Docents That Attach to Living Beings00:52:11 – For Players00:52:23 – Presume You Don’t Know; Give GMs Breathing Room00:53:02 – Think about Your Character’s Experience00:55:50 – Be Comfortable with Running Away01:00:45 – Take New Flaws or Hindrances01:01:55 – Mutation Deck for Savage Worlds01:02:39 – Develop the World Around Your PC; Friends, Family, Community01:03:48 – Wrap Up

David Mitchell asks: Hi guys, I was wondering about how you guys use the paths of light / inspiration. Are they philosophies or religions? Do they have priests or just monks. Could you have clerics for them. How do they differ aesthetically. Are there non quori followers and would you allow a player to play a good follower of the path of inspiration or vice versa. How and when have you guys used these as faiths? Kristian discusses the two paths as philosophies and faiths.

Kevin asks: Can a member of the Church of the Silver Flame also be a part of other religions, like the Sovereign Host? I know Tira Miron was a paladin of Dol Arrah, but I cannot find anything that says if or how her faith was changed by it. If it didn’t, has the modern Church doctrine been changed to only allow for exclusive belief in the Silver Flame? Keith discusses the possibility of crossing faiths.

Brandon asks: What were the ancient religions of the Dhakaani empire (or, for that matter, the giant empire of Xen’drik)? Would they be variations on the Host and the Six, or an entirely different pantheon? Keith gives some clarifications regarding ancient religions.

Keith, Kristian, and Wayne discuss religion in the world of Eberron. Time Markers 00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:40 – Readings:Dragonshards – Religion in EberronDragonmarks 4/11: Religion, Faith and Souls00:03:44 – Clergy vs. Divinely Empowered00:05:26 – Religion Is about Faith; Both Are Subjective00:09:17 – Temples Are for Spiritual Guidance, Not Healing00:10:48 – The Sovereign Host00:18:24 – The Silver Flame and Other ‘Forces’00:24:41 – Other Faiths00:27:30 – For GMs00:28:06 – What Story Are You Telling?00:30:16 – The Role of Religion in Your Campaign00:36:15 – Just Incorporating Religions Culturally00:38:00 – Misusing The Silver Flame00:41:56 – For Players00:42:23 – Faith as Source of Divine Power00:45:17 – Evidence or Weakening of Faith00:51:38 – Divine Power vs Non-divine Religious Characters00:55:58 – Interacting with Established Religions01:00:37 – Details Don’t Have to Be Developed at the Start01:01:34 – Roles and Relationships of Religious Characters01:03:51 – Safely Exploring Religious Issues01:05:37 – Easter Egg01:07:22 – Wrap up

Graham asks: I know you mentioned that a Siberys mark would cover the whole body, but how are are the other types of marks supposed to be? Keith argues the complexity of the mark vs. the size.

From David Mitchell: Hi guys just wanted to ask a question about how you guys see and use the rivalry between house phiarlan specialising in intelligence with the investigators of house Medani and how they compete with the kings lanterns the zilargo trust, the aurum etc. I love the cold war espionage plot line with the heroes working the different factions or the factions playing them but was curious to know do you have the kings lanterns subcontracting intelligence gathering through phiarlan or the twelve seeking to crush the competition. Or lanterns working with medani operatives to defeat emerald claw interests only to have them change sides another time. Scott offers a very thorough response.