Table Of Content'irlli]
EBERROtf
RISING FROM THE LAST WAR
e
CONTENTS
CREDITS
Lead Designers: Jeremy Crawford, James Wyatt, Keith Baker Producers: Dan Tovar, Bill Benham Welcome to Eberron ................................. 4 Demon Wastes ..................................... 112 Adventures in Sharn ............................... 239
Designers: Ben Petrisor, Bill Benham, Dan Dillon, James lntrocaso, Product Engineer: Cynda Callaway History of Eberron ...................................... 5 Droaam. ................................................. 114 Crime in Sharn ........................................ 245
Adam Lee Imaging Technicians: Sven Bolen, Carmen Cheung, Kevin Yee Life in Khorvaire ......................................... 6 Eldeen Reaches ................................... 115 The Boromar Clan .............................. 246
Art Administrator: David Gershman
Pulp Adventure ............................................ 7 Karrnath ................................................ 117 Daask ..................................................... 249
Developers: Jeremy Crawford, Dan Dillon, Mike Mearls, Christopher Prepress Specialist: Jefferson Dunlap
Noir Intrigue ................................................. 8 Lhazaar Principalities ....................... 119 House Tarkanan .................................. 253
Perkins, Ben Petrisor
Editors: Christopher Perkins, F. Wesley Schneider, Michele Carter, Franchise & Global Brand Strategy: Nathan Stewart A Magical World ........................................ 10 Mror Holds ........................................... 120 The Tyrants .......................................... 254
Kim Mohan, Scott Fitzgerald Gray Director of licensing & Publishing: Liz Schuh The Last War .............................................. 12 Q'barra ................................................... 122 Sharn Watch ......................................... 256
Licensing Manager: Hilary Ross The Draconic Prophecy ........................... 15 Shadow Marches ................................ 123 Adventure: Forgotten Relics ................. 260
Art Director: Kate Irwin Marketing & Communications: Bart Carroll, Pelham Greene, Talenta Plains ...................................... 125
Graphic Designer: Trish Yochum Greg Tito, Anna Vo Ch. 1: Character Creation ...................... 17 Ch. 5: Treasures ..................................... 275
Concept Art Director: Richard Whitters Brand Manager: Shelly Mazzanoble Races ............................................................ 17 Thrane ................................................... 126 Dragonshards ........................................... 275
Creative Art Director: Shauna Narciso Game Designers: Ari Levitch, Kate Welch Changelings ............................................ 17 Thronehold ........................................... 128 Magic Items ............................................... 275
Art Director: Emi Tanji Dragonborn ............................................ 19 Valenar. .................................................. 129 Everyday Magic Items ............................ 281
Cover Illustrators: Wesley Burt, Vance Kelly Product Marketing Specialist: Chris Lindsay Dwarves .................................................. 19 Zilargo ................................................... 130
IntBereiloisrl eIl,l uZsotlrtaatno rBs:o Droasv, eC Aollilns oBpo, yJoerh, nC Ahvriosnto, pMhaerrk BBuerhdmet,t , EPriacu l The following D&D books provided material and inspiration: Elves ......................................................... 20 Distant Lands ........................................... 132 CBhes. t6i:a rFyr. .i.e..n...d..s.. .a..n...d.. .F...o...e..s.. .............................................. 22 8833
Scott Canavan, Sidharth Chaturvedi, Chippy, Adam Cook, Eric Baker, Keith. Wayjinder's Guide to Eberron. 2018. Gnomes ................................................... 22 Aerenal .................................................. 132
Deschamps, Olga Drebas, Jason A. Engle, Caroline Gariba, Baker, Keith, Bill Slavicsek & James Wyatt. Eberron Campaign Goblinoids ............................................... 24 Argonnessen ........................................ 134 Daelkyr .................................................. 283
Tomas Giorello, Brian Hagan, Leesha Hannigan, Suzanne Setting. 2004. Half-Elves ................................................ 26 Khyber ................................................... 135 Belashyrra ......................................... 286
Helmigh, Fred Hooper, Lake Hurwitz, Miles Johnston, Andrew Baker, Keith & James Wyatt. Sharn: City of Towers. 2004. North and South Poles ...................... 136 Dyrrn ................................................. 288
Jones, Sam Keiser, Julian Kok, Michael Komarek, Ron Lemen, Noonan, David, Frank Brunner & Rich Burlew. Explorer's Handbook. Halflings .................................................. 27 Sarlona .................................................. 137 Dinosaurs ............................................. 289
TOPirltoiuvcsee r,L , JuLenuntcnei ro,R HPaavorewinllnaora,d ,C WLlyaaouyndn,i eoE RPffoelayzmnas o,Ml dSset,re cvDieear n,P rLSeecseoc toMtt,t o,C yVreari,in gcB Jee nnt Sla22v00ic00s55e.. k, Bill, David Noonan & Christopher Perkins. Five Nations. HOKuraelmas saahnntsda .r .H. ....a....l....f..-....O......r..e......s... ............................................................................................ 223199 FaXitehns' dorf iKk h..o...r.v...a..i.r..e.. .................................................................. 113480 CFalaswtiefotho t. .......................................................................................... 228899
Spearing, Zack Stella, Matt Stewart, Philip Straub, Matias Tapia, Wyatt, James, Keith Baker, Ari Marmell, Robert J. Schwalb & Chris Shifters .................................................... 33 Sovereign Host .................................... 141 Dolgaunt ................................................ 290
Mark Tedin, Cory Trego-Erdner, Brian Valenzuela, Brian Valeza, Sims. Eberron Campaign Guide. 2009. Dark Six ................................................ 143 Dolgrim ................................................. 291
Charlie Wen, Shawn Wood, Ben Wootten, Kieran Yanner, Wyatt, James, Wolfgang Baur & Ari Marmell. The Forge of War. 2007. Tieflings ................................................... 35 Church of the Silver Flame .............. 144 Dusk Hag .............................................. 292
Warforged ............................................... 35
James Zhang Blood ofVol .......................................... 145 Homunculi ............................................ 293
CInotenrcieopr tC Iallrutsotgraratoprhse:r sR:i cDhyasrdo nW Lhoigttoesrs, ,L Seeh aMwony Wer ood Many thanks to the hundreds of fans who playtested this book! DrMagaornkm ofa Drkest. e..c...t.i.o...n.. .................................................................. 4370 Cults of the Dragon Below ................ 145 Expeditious Messenger. ................. 293
Poster Map Cartographer: Lee Moyer Mark of Finding ..................................... 41 Path of Light... ...................................... 146 Iron Defender ................................... 293
Spirits of the Past ............................... 147 Inspired ................................................. 294
Mark of Handling .................................. 42
Undying Court ..................................... 148 Karrnathi Undead Soldier ................ 295
Mark of Healing ..................................... 43
Druids ofKhorvaire ........................... 149 Lady Illmarrow .................................... 2 96
Mark of Hospitality .............................. .44
Living Spells ........................................ 298
Mark of Making ..................................... 45 Ch. 3: Sharn, City of Towers ............... 151
Living Burning Hands .................... 298
Mark of Passage .................................... 46 The Shape of Sharn ................................ 151
Living Cloudkill ............................... 299
Mark of Scribing ................................... 47 Guide to the City ...................................... 152
Living Lightning Bolt. ..................... 299
Mark of Sentinel... ................................. 48 Wards of Sharn ........................................ 159
The Lord of Blades ............................ 300
Mark of Shadow .................................... 49 Central Plateau ........................................ 165
Mordakhesh ......................................... 301
Mark of Storm ........................................ 50 Dura ............................................................ 166
Overlords ............................................... 302
Mark of Warding ................................... 51 Men this Plateau ....................................... 169
Rak Tulkhesh ................................... 303
Aberrant Dragonmarks ............................ 52 Northedge .................................................. 171
Sul Khatesh ..................................... 304
Background: House Agent ...................... 53 Tavick's Landing ...................................... 172
Quori ...................................................... 305
Class: Artificer ........................................... 54 Above and Below ..................................... 175
Hashalaq Quori ................................ 305
Alchemist ................................................ 58 Dungeons of Sharn ................................. 177
Kalaraq Quori .................................. 306
Artillerist ................................................. 59 Criminal Activities .................................. 178
Tsucora Quori ................................... 307
Battle Smith ........................................... 60 Forces of the Law .................................... 180
Radiant Idol ......................................... 308
Artificer Infusions ................................. 61
Ch. 4: Building Eberron Rakshasa, Zakya ................................ 309
Group Patrons ............................................ 64
ON THE COVER ON THE ALTERNATIVE COVER Adventures ........................................... 183 Undying ................................................. 310
Adventurers' Guild ................................ 65
The investigations of a warforged wizard, Talenta halfling, and their Its ring of fire ablaze, an airship soars over the skycrapers of the Crime Syndicate .................................... 68 Adventure Themes .................................. 183 Undying Councilor .......................... 311
dinosaur companion lead from the ruins of the Last War into the towering city ofSharn, where creatures from all over the war-torn The Aurum ................................................ 187 Undying Soldier ............................... 311
Dragonmarked House ......................... 72
depths of the Demon Wastes, in this image by Wesley Burt. world of Eberron gather. Vance Kelly brought this image to life. Cults of the Dragon Below .................... 188 Valenar Animals .................................. 312
Espionage Agency ................................. 75
Dragonmarked Houses .......................... 190 Valenar Hawk ................................... 312
Head of State .......................................... 79
Dragons ...................................................... 193 Valenar Hound ................................. 312
CE Immortal Being ..................................... 82 The Dreaming Dark. ............................... 196 Valenar Steed ................................... 313
620C725400000l EN Disclaimer: Published by the brilliant gnomes of House Sivis, this illustrious volume ex Inquisitive Agency ................................. 85
poses truths you won't believe about the Last War! You might think that's enough to satisfy Droaam ...................................................... 198 Warforged Colossus ........................... 314
ISBN: 978-0-7869-6689-9 you, dear reader, but there's more! The book also contains dice-fueled rules for reenacting Military Force ........................................ 88
Gatekeepers .............................................. 202 Warforged Titan .................................. 315
First Printing: November 2019 tthhrisil lbionogk e'sv emnatsg iinc twhieth w ao rdlrda ogof nEsbhearrrodn a (bdoicuet onnoct ei nac lwuedeekd.) .I fA ylosou, ddoonn't',t ftohreg ebto took rweiclhl aturrgne Newspaper .............................................. 92 Goblinoids (Heirs of Dhakaan) ............ 204 Generic NPCs .......................................... 316
back into a potato. Religious Order ..................................... 95
The Last War ........................................... 206 Bone Knight ......................................... 316
987654321
University ................................................ 98
Lord of Blades .......................................... 211 Changeling. ........................................... 317
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Eberron, the dragon ampersand, Player's Handbook, Monster Manual, Dungeon Master's Guide, all other Wizards of the Coast Ch. 2: Khorvaire Gazetteer ................. 103 The Lords of Dust ................................... 215 Kalashtar .............................................. 317
product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries. All characters and their distinctive likenesses are property of Wizards Nations of Khorvaire .............................. 103 The Mournland ........................................ 218 Magewright .......................................... 318
of the Coast. This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is
Aundair .................................................. 103 Order of the Emerald Claw ................... 225 Shifter .................................................... 319
prohibited without the express written permission of Wizards of the Coast.
Breland .................................................. 107 Planes ofExistence ................................. 228 Tarkanan Assassin ............................. 320
Printed in the USA. ©2019 Wizards of the Coast LLC, PO Box 707. Renton, WA 98057-0707. USA. Manufactured by Hasbro SA. Rue Emile-Boechat 31. 2800 Delemont. CH. Cyre (The Mournland) ....................... 109 Travel .......................................................... 233 Warforged Soldier .............................. 320
Represented By· Hasbro De Entree 240 1]07 EE Amsterdam NL Darguun ................................................ 110
CONTENTS
CREDITS
Lead Designers: Jeremy Crawford, James Wyatt, Keith Baker Producers: Dan Tovar, Bill Benham Welcome to Eberron ................................. 4 Demon Wastes ..................................... 112 Adventures in Sharn ............................... 239
Designers: Ben Petrisor, Bill Benham, Dan Dillon, James lntrocaso, Product Engineer: Cynda Callaway History of Eberron ...................................... 5 Droaam. ................................................. 114 Crime in Sharn ........................................ 245
Adam Lee Imaging Technicians: Sven Bolen, Carmen Cheung, Kevin Yee Life in Khorvaire ......................................... 6 Eldeen Reaches ................................... 115 The Boromar Clan .............................. 246
Art Administrator: David Gershman
Pulp Adventure ............................................ 7 Karrnath ................................................ 117 Daask ..................................................... 249
Developers: Jeremy Crawford, Dan Dillon, Mike Mearls, Christopher Prepress Specialist: Jefferson Dunlap
Noir Intrigue ................................................. 8 Lhazaar Principalities ....................... 119 House Tarkanan .................................. 253
Perkins, Ben Petrisor
Editors: Christopher Perkins, F. Wesley Schneider, Michele Carter, Franchise & Global Brand Strategy: Nathan Stewart A Magical World ........................................ 10 Mror Holds ........................................... 120 The Tyrants .......................................... 254
Kim Mohan, Scott Fitzgerald Gray Director of licensing & Publishing: Liz Schuh The Last War .............................................. 12 Q'barra ................................................... 122 Sharn Watch ......................................... 256
Licensing Manager: Hilary Ross The Draconic Prophecy ........................... 15 Shadow Marches ................................ 123 Adventure: Forgotten Relics ................. 260
Art Director: Kate Irwin Marketing & Communications: Bart Carroll, Pelham Greene, Talenta Plains ...................................... 125
Graphic Designer: Trish Yochum Greg Tito, Anna Vo Ch. 1: Character Creation ...................... 17 Ch. 5: Treasures ..................................... 275
Concept Art Director: Richard Whitters Brand Manager: Shelly Mazzanoble Races ............................................................ 17 Thrane ................................................... 126 Dragonshards ........................................... 275
Creative Art Director: Shauna Narciso Game Designers: Ari Levitch, Kate Welch Changelings ............................................ 17 Thronehold ........................................... 128 Magic Items ............................................... 275
Art Director: Emi Tanji Dragonborn ............................................ 19 Valenar. .................................................. 129 Everyday Magic Items ............................ 281
Cover Illustrators: Wesley Burt, Vance Kelly Product Marketing Specialist: Chris Lindsay Dwarves .................................................. 19 Zilargo ................................................... 130
IntBereiloisrl eIl,l uZsotlrtaatno rBs:o Droasv, eC Aollilns oBpo, yJoerh, nC Ahvriosnto, pMhaerrk BBuerhdmet,t , EPriacu l The following D&D books provided material and inspiration: Elves ......................................................... 20 Distant Lands ........................................... 132 CBhes. t6i:a rFyr. .i.e..n...d..s.. .a..n...d.. .F...o...e..s.. .............................................. 22 8833
Scott Canavan, Sidharth Chaturvedi, Chippy, Adam Cook, Eric Baker, Keith. Wayjinder's Guide to Eberron. 2018. Gnomes ................................................... 22 Aerenal .................................................. 132
Deschamps, Olga Drebas, Jason A. Engle, Caroline Gariba, Baker, Keith, Bill Slavicsek & James Wyatt. Eberron Campaign Goblinoids ............................................... 24 Argonnessen ........................................ 134 Daelkyr .................................................. 283
Tomas Giorello, Brian Hagan, Leesha Hannigan, Suzanne Setting. 2004. Half-Elves ................................................ 26 Khyber ................................................... 135 Belashyrra ......................................... 286
Helmigh, Fred Hooper, Lake Hurwitz, Miles Johnston, Andrew Baker, Keith & James Wyatt. Sharn: City of Towers. 2004. North and South Poles ...................... 136 Dyrrn ................................................. 288
Jones, Sam Keiser, Julian Kok, Michael Komarek, Ron Lemen, Noonan, David, Frank Brunner & Rich Burlew. Explorer's Handbook. Halflings .................................................. 27 Sarlona .................................................. 137 Dinosaurs ............................................. 289
TOPirltoiuvcsee r,L , JuLenuntcnei ro,R HPaavorewinllnaora,d ,C WLlyaaouyndn,i eoE RPffoelayzmnas o,Ml dSset,re cvDieear n,P rLSeecseoc toMtt,t o,C yVreari,in gcB Jee nnt Sla22v00ic00s55e.. k, Bill, David Noonan & Christopher Perkins. Five Nations. HOKuraelmas saahnntsda .r .H. ....a....l....f..-....O......r..e......s... ............................................................................................ 223199 FaXitehns' dorf iKk h..o...r.v...a..i.r..e.. .................................................................. 113480 CFalaswtiefotho t. .......................................................................................... 228899
Spearing, Zack Stella, Matt Stewart, Philip Straub, Matias Tapia, Wyatt, James, Keith Baker, Ari Marmell, Robert J. Schwalb & Chris Shifters .................................................... 33 Sovereign Host .................................... 141 Dolgaunt ................................................ 290
Mark Tedin, Cory Trego-Erdner, Brian Valenzuela, Brian Valeza, Sims. Eberron Campaign Guide. 2009. Dark Six ................................................ 143 Dolgrim ................................................. 291
Charlie Wen, Shawn Wood, Ben Wootten, Kieran Yanner, Wyatt, James, Wolfgang Baur & Ari Marmell. The Forge of War. 2007. Tieflings ................................................... 35 Church of the Silver Flame .............. 144 Dusk Hag .............................................. 292
Warforged ............................................... 35
James Zhang Blood ofVol .......................................... 145 Homunculi ............................................ 293
CInotenrcieopr tC Iallrutsotgraratoprhse:r sR:i cDhyasrdo nW Lhoigttoesrs, ,L Seeh aMwony Wer ood Many thanks to the hundreds of fans who playtested this book! DrMagaornkm ofa Drkest. e..c...t.i.o...n.. .................................................................. 4370 Cults of the Dragon Below ................ 145 Expeditious Messenger. ................. 293
Poster Map Cartographer: Lee Moyer Mark of Finding ..................................... 41 Path of Light... ...................................... 146 Iron Defender ................................... 293
Spirits of the Past ............................... 147 Inspired ................................................. 294
Mark of Handling .................................. 42
Undying Court ..................................... 148 Karrnathi Undead Soldier ................ 295
Mark of Healing ..................................... 43
Druids ofKhorvaire ........................... 149 Lady Illmarrow .................................... 2 96
Mark of Hospitality .............................. .44
Living Spells ........................................ 298
Mark of Making ..................................... 45 Ch. 3: Sharn, City of Towers ............... 151
Living Burning Hands .................... 298
Mark of Passage .................................... 46 The Shape of Sharn ................................ 151
Living Cloudkill ............................... 299
Mark of Scribing ................................... 47 Guide to the City ...................................... 152
Living Lightning Bolt. ..................... 299
Mark of Sentinel... ................................. 48 Wards of Sharn ........................................ 159
The Lord of Blades ............................ 300
Mark of Shadow .................................... 49 Central Plateau ........................................ 165
Mordakhesh ......................................... 301
Mark of Storm ........................................ 50 Dura ............................................................ 166
Overlords ............................................... 302
Mark of Warding ................................... 51 Men this Plateau ....................................... 169
Rak Tulkhesh ................................... 303
Aberrant Dragonmarks ............................ 52 Northedge .................................................. 171
Sul Khatesh ..................................... 304
Background: House Agent ...................... 53 Tavick's Landing ...................................... 172
Quori ...................................................... 305
Class: Artificer ........................................... 54 Above and Below ..................................... 175
Hashalaq Quori ................................ 305
Alchemist ................................................ 58 Dungeons of Sharn ................................. 177
Kalaraq Quori .................................. 306
Artillerist ................................................. 59 Criminal Activities .................................. 178
Tsucora Quori ................................... 307
Battle Smith ........................................... 60 Forces of the Law .................................... 180
Radiant Idol ......................................... 308
Artificer Infusions ................................. 61
Ch. 4: Building Eberron Rakshasa, Zakya ................................ 309
Group Patrons ............................................ 64
ON THE COVER ON THE ALTERNATIVE COVER Adventures ........................................... 183 Undying ................................................. 310
Adventurers' Guild ................................ 65
The investigations of a warforged wizard, Talenta halfling, and their Its ring of fire ablaze, an airship soars over the skycrapers of the Crime Syndicate .................................... 68 Adventure Themes .................................. 183 Undying Councilor .......................... 311
dinosaur companion lead from the ruins of the Last War into the towering city ofSharn, where creatures from all over the war-torn The Aurum ................................................ 187 Undying Soldier ............................... 311
Dragonmarked House ......................... 72
depths of the Demon Wastes, in this image by Wesley Burt. world of Eberron gather. Vance Kelly brought this image to life. Cults of the Dragon Below .................... 188 Valenar Animals .................................. 312
Espionage Agency ................................. 75
Dragonmarked Houses .......................... 190 Valenar Hawk ................................... 312
Head of State .......................................... 79
Dragons ...................................................... 193 Valenar Hound ................................. 312
CE Immortal Being ..................................... 82 The Dreaming Dark. ............................... 196 Valenar Steed ................................... 313
620C725400000l EN Disclaimer: Published by the brilliant gnomes of House Sivis, this illustrious volume ex Inquisitive Agency ................................. 85
poses truths you won't believe about the Last War! You might think that's enough to satisfy Droaam ...................................................... 198 Warforged Colossus ........................... 314
ISBN: 978-0-7869-6689-9 you, dear reader, but there's more! The book also contains dice-fueled rules for reenacting Military Force ........................................ 88
Gatekeepers .............................................. 202 Warforged Titan .................................. 315
First Printing: November 2019 tthhrisil lbionogk e'sv emnatsg iinc twhieth w ao rdlrda ogof nEsbhearrrodn a (bdoicuet onnoct ei nac lwuedeekd.) .I fA ylosou, ddoonn't',t ftohreg ebto took rweiclhl aturrgne Newspaper .............................................. 92 Goblinoids (Heirs of Dhakaan) ............ 204 Generic NPCs .......................................... 316
back into a potato. Religious Order ..................................... 95
The Last War ........................................... 206 Bone Knight ......................................... 316
987654321
University ................................................ 98
Lord of Blades .......................................... 211 Changeling. ........................................... 317
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Eberron, the dragon ampersand, Player's Handbook, Monster Manual, Dungeon Master's Guide, all other Wizards of the Coast Ch. 2: Khorvaire Gazetteer ................. 103 The Lords of Dust ................................... 215 Kalashtar .............................................. 317
product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries. All characters and their distinctive likenesses are property of Wizards Nations of Khorvaire .............................. 103 The Mournland ........................................ 218 Magewright .......................................... 318
of the Coast. This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is
Aundair .................................................. 103 Order of the Emerald Claw ................... 225 Shifter .................................................... 319
prohibited without the express written permission of Wizards of the Coast.
Breland .................................................. 107 Planes ofExistence ................................. 228 Tarkanan Assassin ............................. 320
Printed in the USA. ©2019 Wizards of the Coast LLC, PO Box 707. Renton, WA 98057-0707. USA. Manufactured by Hasbro SA. Rue Emile-Boechat 31. 2800 Delemont. CH. Cyre (The Mournland) ....................... 109 Travel .......................................................... 233 Warforged Soldier .............................. 320
Represented By· Hasbro De Entree 240 1]07 EE Amsterdam NL Darguun ................................................ 110
F
With the DM's approval, you can exchange a language CALENDAR A number of other coins remain in circulation, such as
THE FIVE NATIONS
granted by your race for a different language from the the double crown of Breland (2 cp) and the silver throne
In the common calendar of Khorvaire, days are 24
In the modern age, the greatest power was the king Standard Languages of Eberron table. If your halfling of Cyre (5 sp). However, all the major nations of Khor
hours long, divided into day and night. Seven days make
dom of Galifar, which covered most of the continent was raised in the Mror Holds, you might replace vaire make use of the four basic coins described above.
up a week, four weeks a month, and twelve months a
of Khorvaire. The Five Nations- Aundair, Breland, Halfling with Dwarvish to reflect that background. The
year. The months correspond to the twelve moons of
Karrnath, Thrane, and Cyre-formed the heart of the DM may change the languages assigned to a monster PULP ADVENTURE
kingdom. Although each has a unique cultural identity, or NPC. An ogre from Droaam likely speaks Goblin in ~berron (see the Eberron Months table), and the prom
they share this unified foundation. Families are spread ment moon carries the name of the month in which its Eberron is a world of swashbuckling adventure.
stead of Giant.
across the Five Nations; the rulers of the Five Nations orbit brings it closest to the planet. Whether you're a DM developing an adventure in the
descend from the Wynarns, the royal bloodline of Gal The seven days of the week, in order, are Sul, Mo!, world or a player preparing to explore it, consider the
STANDARD LANGUAGES OF EBERRON
Zol, Wir, Zor, Far, Sar. following elements.
ifar. Despite their differences, an Aundairian has more
in common with a Thrane than with a Zil gnome or a Language Main Speakers Script . The common calendar of Khorvaire tracks the years
Lhazaar pirate. Common The Five Nations, trade Common smce the founding of the kingdom of Galifar, using EXOTIC LOCATIONS
A century ago Galifar collapsed into civil war, and the language of Khorvaire ~~e abbreviation YK. The last king of Galifar, Jarot ~ightni~~ rails, airships, and other forms of transporta
Five Nations became separate countries at odds with Dwarvish Mror Holds Dwarvish If Wynarn, died on 12 Therendor 894 YK. The Day of tion facilitate travel to exotic locations. Adventures could
their neighbors. The Last War came to an end after Cyre Elvish Aerenal, Valenar Elvish Mourning occurred a century later, on 20 Olarune 994 take you to the colossal ruins left behind by the giants
was destroyed in a cataclysm known as the Mourning. Giant Inhabitants ofXen'drik Giant YK. By default, a new Eberron campaign begins on 1 of Xen'drik, the warped landscape of the Mournland, or
The Five Nations remain divided today, sharing Khor Gnomish Zilargo Dwarvish Zarantyr 998 YK. the d~rk demi planes within the underworld of Khyber.
vaire with the new nations established by the Treaty of Goblin Darguun, Droaam, Shadow Goblin Even ~f yo~ prefer to stay in a town, you could explore
Thronehold. The remaining Five Nations remain the EBERRON MONTHS the mile-high towers of Sham or the ancient goblin tun
Marches, monsters of Khorvaire
largest and most powerful countries in Khorvaire. Halfling Talenta Plains Common Month Name nels that lie beneath it.
THE TREATY OF THRONEHOLD Ried ran People ofSarlona Common l Zarantyr (mid-winter) REMARKABLE HEROES
2 Olarune (late winter)
The Treaty of Thronehold officially ended the Last War.
3 Therendor (early spring) ~berron is a world in need of heroes. Lingering ten
The treaty recognized the following nations as sover EXOTIC LANGUAGES OF EBERRON
eign states: Aundair, Breland, Darguun, the Eldeen 4 Eyre (mid-spring) s10ns of war remain. From the fanatics of the Emerald
Reaches, Karrnath, the Lhazaar Principalities, the Mror Language Main Speakers Script 5 Dravago (late spring) Claw and the mad cults of the Dragon Below to the
Celestial Celestials Celestial flesh-warping daelkyr and ancient archfiends, Eberron
Holds, Q'barra, the Talenta Plains, Thrane, Valenar, and 6 Nymm (early summer)
Daelkyr Aberrations, denizens of Khyber Daelkyr faces many threats, and few people besides the player
Zilargo. These nations abide by a common set of laws 7 Lharvion (mid-summer)
Draconic Dragons, dragonborn Draconic characters are able to stop them. The gods are distant
and maintain diplomatic relations. The Demon Wastes 8 Barrakas (late summer)
and Shadow Marches regions have no unified govern Infernal Fiends Infernal 9 Rhaan (early autumn) and don't directly intervene. The Silver Flame is a divine
ment. Droaam has declared itself a nation but has yet to Ore Isolated ore tribes Goblin force of light, but it can act only through mortal cham
10 Sypheros (mid-autumn)
be recognized by the treaty nations. Primordial Elementals Primordial pions. The few powerful benevolent NPCs have limita
11 Aryth (late autumn) tions: the Keeper of the Flame loses her powers if she
Quori Inspired, kalashtar, quori Quori
12 Vult (early winter) leaves her citadel. The Great Druid, the spiritual leader
LIFE IN KHORVAIRE Sylvan Fey creatures Elvish
of the Eldeen Reaches, is a tree. Most of the powerful
Although Eberron is a vast world with many continents CURRENCY people in the world focus on selfish goals. If an angry
NAMES AND SURNAMES
and cultures, your adventures begin in the land of Khor dragon attacks Sham, there's no one else to deal with
Merchants and nobles use letters of credit to handle
vaire. Here are a few details about everyday life there. The naming conventions among the people of Khorvaire the problem: the fate of the city is in your hands.
large transactions, drawing on the reserves of the dwar
tend to follow language, rather than being linked to race. Consider a dynamic backstory when developing your
ven banks of the Mror Holds. But most day-to-day trans
LANGUAGES A Brelish dwarf who doesn't speak Dwarvish might also character and choosing your background, whether you
actio~s use coins of precious metal. With the collapse of
In Eberron, languages reflect culture and geography; a carry a name with a human origin rather than a tradi the ~m~dom of Galifar, each of the Five Nations began take a background from the Player's Handbook or the
dwarf raised in Breland might not know Dwarvish, but tional Dwarvish name. to mmt its own currency, along with the Mror bankers. house agent background in chapter 1 of this book. If
a halfling raised in the Mror Holds might. The historical Most citizens of Khorvaire have a given name followed However, while the designs imprinted on these coins you take the soldier background, you might have played
development of languages and cultures also explains by a surname. A surname associated with the Common vary based on the source, each of these factions has a role in events of the last few years. What did you do
the scripts used to write various languages. For exam language is usually either a family name or related to an continued to use the same metals, weights, and denom during the Last War? What was your greatest triumph
ple, the Ore language is written using the Goblin script occupation or region of origin. So Sorn Fellhorn, Kara i~ations set forth in the days of Galifar, maintaining a or defeat? If you're a spy, are you a prized agent or did
(rather than Dwarvish, as stated in the Player's Hand of Windshire, and Tellan Magewright are all names you simple standard for commerce across Khorvaire. you disavow your organization after they pushed you too
book), because the ores of Khorvaire learned writing might find among the common folk. The copper crown (cp) traditionally depicts the crown far? Don't think of your character as a set of numbers:
The noble families of Galifar- along with those even at 1st level, you're remarkable in Eberron.
from the goblins. of Galifar on one face. The crown is the lowest denom
Common is the language of the Five Nations and the granted land and titles by one of the sovereigns of the ination of coin minted under the rule of Galifar, which
language of trade in Khorvaire, known by most of its Five Nations- add the prefix ir' to their surname. The spawned the saying, "In Galifar, even the beggars DM TIP: HIGH STAKES
people. Goblin was the trade language of the goblin em name-Darro ir'Lain tells you that this individual is a have crowns." What's better than a battle on the deck of an airship? A
pire of Dhakaan and survives as the primary language landed noble. The Wynarns were the royal line of Gal The silver sovereign (sp) bears the face of a living or battle on the deck of an airship that's about to crash! A
in Darguun, Droaam, and the Shadow Marches. Goblin ifar, and the current rulers of Aundair, Breland, and recent ruler. An unskilled laborer can expect to earn a OM should look for ways to raise the stakes of an Eberron
displaced the Ore language; the people of the Shadow Karrnath are all heirs of the Wynarn bloodline. Thus, sovereign for a day's work. scene, so players feel that every decision matters. This
Marches typically speak Goblin, and Ore is an exotic Queen Aurala of Aundair is Aurala ir'Wynam. The gold galifar (gp) bears the image of Galifar I, the rnuld be driven by the consequences of failure: your ac
language (see the Exotic Languages of Eberron table). Another common prefix is d', used by any heir of a founder of the old kingdom. tions protect your friends, your house, or your nation. It
Members of all races in Xen'drik speak Giant and use it dragonmarked house who has manifested a dragon The platinum dragon (pp) bears the image of one of could involve time: the alarm's been triggered, and you
only have 6_rounds before security arrives. Such things can
as their trade language. Abyssal is the common tongue mark. So Merrix d'Cannith is a member of House Can the dragons of legend. With a value of one hundred sov even be incidental. Did you start a fight in an alley behind
of all fiends. Abyssal is sometimes called "Khyber's nith who has manifested the Mark of Making. ereigns, these coins are used only by the wealthiest citi a bar? Now you notice the drunk ogre sleeping in the shad
Speech," while Celestial is "the tongue of Siberys." zens of Khorvaire, and the average peasant might never ows. If she wakes up, this could get ugly.
see such a coin.
WELCOME TO EBERRON WELCOME TO EBERRON
6 7
F
With the DM's approval, you can exchange a language CALENDAR A number of other coins remain in circulation, such as
THE FIVE NATIONS
granted by your race for a different language from the the double crown of Breland (2 cp) and the silver throne
In the common calendar of Khorvaire, days are 24
In the modern age, the greatest power was the king Standard Languages of Eberron table. If your halfling of Cyre (5 sp). However, all the major nations of Khor
hours long, divided into day and night. Seven days make
dom of Galifar, which covered most of the continent was raised in the Mror Holds, you might replace vaire make use of the four basic coins described above.
up a week, four weeks a month, and twelve months a
of Khorvaire. The Five Nations- Aundair, Breland, Halfling with Dwarvish to reflect that background. The
year. The months correspond to the twelve moons of
Karrnath, Thrane, and Cyre-formed the heart of the DM may change the languages assigned to a monster PULP ADVENTURE
kingdom. Although each has a unique cultural identity, or NPC. An ogre from Droaam likely speaks Goblin in ~berron (see the Eberron Months table), and the prom
they share this unified foundation. Families are spread ment moon carries the name of the month in which its Eberron is a world of swashbuckling adventure.
stead of Giant.
across the Five Nations; the rulers of the Five Nations orbit brings it closest to the planet. Whether you're a DM developing an adventure in the
descend from the Wynarns, the royal bloodline of Gal The seven days of the week, in order, are Sul, Mo!, world or a player preparing to explore it, consider the
STANDARD LANGUAGES OF EBERRON
Zol, Wir, Zor, Far, Sar. following elements.
ifar. Despite their differences, an Aundairian has more
in common with a Thrane than with a Zil gnome or a Language Main Speakers Script . The common calendar of Khorvaire tracks the years
Lhazaar pirate. Common The Five Nations, trade Common smce the founding of the kingdom of Galifar, using EXOTIC LOCATIONS
A century ago Galifar collapsed into civil war, and the language of Khorvaire ~~e abbreviation YK. The last king of Galifar, Jarot ~ightni~~ rails, airships, and other forms of transporta
Five Nations became separate countries at odds with Dwarvish Mror Holds Dwarvish If Wynarn, died on 12 Therendor 894 YK. The Day of tion facilitate travel to exotic locations. Adventures could
their neighbors. The Last War came to an end after Cyre Elvish Aerenal, Valenar Elvish Mourning occurred a century later, on 20 Olarune 994 take you to the colossal ruins left behind by the giants
was destroyed in a cataclysm known as the Mourning. Giant Inhabitants ofXen'drik Giant YK. By default, a new Eberron campaign begins on 1 of Xen'drik, the warped landscape of the Mournland, or
The Five Nations remain divided today, sharing Khor Gnomish Zilargo Dwarvish Zarantyr 998 YK. the d~rk demi planes within the underworld of Khyber.
vaire with the new nations established by the Treaty of Goblin Darguun, Droaam, Shadow Goblin Even ~f yo~ prefer to stay in a town, you could explore
Thronehold. The remaining Five Nations remain the EBERRON MONTHS the mile-high towers of Sham or the ancient goblin tun
Marches, monsters of Khorvaire
largest and most powerful countries in Khorvaire. Halfling Talenta Plains Common Month Name nels that lie beneath it.
THE TREATY OF THRONEHOLD Ried ran People ofSarlona Common l Zarantyr (mid-winter) REMARKABLE HEROES
2 Olarune (late winter)
The Treaty of Thronehold officially ended the Last War.
3 Therendor (early spring) ~berron is a world in need of heroes. Lingering ten
The treaty recognized the following nations as sover EXOTIC LANGUAGES OF EBERRON
eign states: Aundair, Breland, Darguun, the Eldeen 4 Eyre (mid-spring) s10ns of war remain. From the fanatics of the Emerald
Reaches, Karrnath, the Lhazaar Principalities, the Mror Language Main Speakers Script 5 Dravago (late spring) Claw and the mad cults of the Dragon Below to the
Celestial Celestials Celestial flesh-warping daelkyr and ancient archfiends, Eberron
Holds, Q'barra, the Talenta Plains, Thrane, Valenar, and 6 Nymm (early summer)
Daelkyr Aberrations, denizens of Khyber Daelkyr faces many threats, and few people besides the player
Zilargo. These nations abide by a common set of laws 7 Lharvion (mid-summer)
Draconic Dragons, dragonborn Draconic characters are able to stop them. The gods are distant
and maintain diplomatic relations. The Demon Wastes 8 Barrakas (late summer)
and Shadow Marches regions have no unified govern Infernal Fiends Infernal 9 Rhaan (early autumn) and don't directly intervene. The Silver Flame is a divine
ment. Droaam has declared itself a nation but has yet to Ore Isolated ore tribes Goblin force of light, but it can act only through mortal cham
10 Sypheros (mid-autumn)
be recognized by the treaty nations. Primordial Elementals Primordial pions. The few powerful benevolent NPCs have limita
11 Aryth (late autumn) tions: the Keeper of the Flame loses her powers if she
Quori Inspired, kalashtar, quori Quori
12 Vult (early winter) leaves her citadel. The Great Druid, the spiritual leader
LIFE IN KHORVAIRE Sylvan Fey creatures Elvish
of the Eldeen Reaches, is a tree. Most of the powerful
Although Eberron is a vast world with many continents CURRENCY people in the world focus on selfish goals. If an angry
NAMES AND SURNAMES
and cultures, your adventures begin in the land of Khor dragon attacks Sham, there's no one else to deal with
Merchants and nobles use letters of credit to handle
vaire. Here are a few details about everyday life there. The naming conventions among the people of Khorvaire the problem: the fate of the city is in your hands.
large transactions, drawing on the reserves of the dwar
tend to follow language, rather than being linked to race. Consider a dynamic backstory when developing your
ven banks of the Mror Holds. But most day-to-day trans
LANGUAGES A Brelish dwarf who doesn't speak Dwarvish might also character and choosing your background, whether you
actio~s use coins of precious metal. With the collapse of
In Eberron, languages reflect culture and geography; a carry a name with a human origin rather than a tradi the ~m~dom of Galifar, each of the Five Nations began take a background from the Player's Handbook or the
dwarf raised in Breland might not know Dwarvish, but tional Dwarvish name. to mmt its own currency, along with the Mror bankers. house agent background in chapter 1 of this book. If
a halfling raised in the Mror Holds might. The historical Most citizens of Khorvaire have a given name followed However, while the designs imprinted on these coins you take the soldier background, you might have played
development of languages and cultures also explains by a surname. A surname associated with the Common vary based on the source, each of these factions has a role in events of the last few years. What did you do
the scripts used to write various languages. For exam language is usually either a family name or related to an continued to use the same metals, weights, and denom during the Last War? What was your greatest triumph
ple, the Ore language is written using the Goblin script occupation or region of origin. So Sorn Fellhorn, Kara i~ations set forth in the days of Galifar, maintaining a or defeat? If you're a spy, are you a prized agent or did
(rather than Dwarvish, as stated in the Player's Hand of Windshire, and Tellan Magewright are all names you simple standard for commerce across Khorvaire. you disavow your organization after they pushed you too
book), because the ores of Khorvaire learned writing might find among the common folk. The copper crown (cp) traditionally depicts the crown far? Don't think of your character as a set of numbers:
The noble families of Galifar- along with those even at 1st level, you're remarkable in Eberron.
from the goblins. of Galifar on one face. The crown is the lowest denom
Common is the language of the Five Nations and the granted land and titles by one of the sovereigns of the ination of coin minted under the rule of Galifar, which
language of trade in Khorvaire, known by most of its Five Nations- add the prefix ir' to their surname. The spawned the saying, "In Galifar, even the beggars DM TIP: HIGH STAKES
people. Goblin was the trade language of the goblin em name-Darro ir'Lain tells you that this individual is a have crowns." What's better than a battle on the deck of an airship? A
pire of Dhakaan and survives as the primary language landed noble. The Wynarns were the royal line of Gal The silver sovereign (sp) bears the face of a living or battle on the deck of an airship that's about to crash! A
in Darguun, Droaam, and the Shadow Marches. Goblin ifar, and the current rulers of Aundair, Breland, and recent ruler. An unskilled laborer can expect to earn a OM should look for ways to raise the stakes of an Eberron
displaced the Ore language; the people of the Shadow Karrnath are all heirs of the Wynarn bloodline. Thus, sovereign for a day's work. scene, so players feel that every decision matters. This
Marches typically speak Goblin, and Ore is an exotic Queen Aurala of Aundair is Aurala ir'Wynam. The gold galifar (gp) bears the image of Galifar I, the rnuld be driven by the consequences of failure: your ac
language (see the Exotic Languages of Eberron table). Another common prefix is d', used by any heir of a founder of the old kingdom. tions protect your friends, your house, or your nation. It
Members of all races in Xen'drik speak Giant and use it dragonmarked house who has manifested a dragon The platinum dragon (pp) bears the image of one of could involve time: the alarm's been triggered, and you
only have 6_rounds before security arrives. Such things can
as their trade language. Abyssal is the common tongue mark. So Merrix d'Cannith is a member of House Can the dragons of legend. With a value of one hundred sov even be incidental. Did you start a fight in an alley behind
of all fiends. Abyssal is sometimes called "Khyber's nith who has manifested the Mark of Making. ereigns, these coins are used only by the wealthiest citi a bar? Now you notice the drunk ogre sleeping in the shad
Speech," while Celestial is "the tongue of Siberys." zens of Khorvaire, and the average peasant might never ows. If she wakes up, this could get ugly.
see such a coin.
WELCOME TO EBERRON WELCOME TO EBERRON
6 7
To create a compelling villain, the DM and players WHY Do You NEED 200 GOLD PIECES? PERSONAL MOTIVES
might develop a villain's backstory together. ADM might A regret helps shape your personality as an element of Not every conflict involves a fight between light and
ask a player: When you fought in the Last War, Halas your past that plays an ongoing role in your story. But darkness. The vast majority of people are driven by sim
Martain served in your unit until he betrayed you. What perhaps you have a problem that needs to be resolved
ple motives: greed, fear, pride, or ambition. One person
did he do, exactly? Likewise, when a pulp villain appears right now. Another way to define a character's flaw is to
just wants to get some gold in their pocket. Another
to die, they can devise remarkable escapes from death. roll on the Debts table.
wants to impress a paramour. A leader guiding their na
Perhaps Halas had a ring that cast an illusion of his Why would you want to take on a debt? The obligation
tion into war is motivated both by fear of their neighbors
death while stabilizing him or cast feather fa]l when he adds depth to a character and provides a compelling, and the sincere belief that Khorvaire would be better off
leapt from that tower in Sham. ADM could engage the immediate motive for adventuring-you're not just out to
under their rule.
players in determining the answer: It's Halas Martain, get rich; you need gold to get that bounty off your head.
Primordial forces strive to change or destroy Eberron.
aJJ right. How do you think he survived your last encoun It's also an opportunity to establish an element that can
But more often, characters encounter misguided patri
ter? This collaboration can produce a compelling story be part of a character moving forward. If you're trying
ots, religious extremists, dragonmarked houses looking
and a sense of investment in the world. to reclaim a magic item from a pawnshop, you declare to wring a few more pieces of gold out of Khorvaire,
that your character once owned that magic item-an
spies who will do anything to protect their nations, and
NOIR INTRIGUE heirloom, something you created, or a gift from a men petty criminals trying to build empires. Eberron holds a
tor-you've just temporarily lost it. If you're trying to
Eberron draws inspiration from noir and hard-boiled raise money to join a secret society, it suggests that place for selfless heroes and truly vile villains, as well as
fiction. It's a world where stories don't always end well, membership in this organization may be a part of the everyone in between.
and where there isn't a perfect solution for every prob
story later on.
SHADES OF GRAY
lem. In developing characters or stories in Eberron, con
Establishing a debt requires collaboration and ap
sider the following concepts. proval by both player and DM. Work together to develop In Eberron, it's not always easy to separate the heroes
the details: Who's blackmailing you? Which secret so from the villains. Good people can do terrible things,
EVERYONE HAS REGRETS ciety are you trying to join? What's the story behind the while cruel or heartless people might serve the greater
Player characters are remarkable people, but they aren't magic item you've pawned, and what sort of item is it? good. An inquisitor might torture innocents in a quest
perfect. As you consider a flaw for your character, you You can present ideas, but the DM has final approval. to root out a cult of the Dragon Below; if she's stopped,
can add a little hard-boiled flavor by considering the the cult will survive and flourish. A group of ores peri
past: Did you make a tragic mistake, and if so, is it some DEBTS odically raids a human settlement because the settlers
thing you can ever undo? Did you hurt or betray some built their village on land sacred to the ores and are
dlO Debt
one who now seeks revenge? The Regrets table provides disrupting wards that hold evil at bay. The heroes find a
a few examples of missteps that might haunt you. You committed a crime during the Last War, and now powerful magic weapon in a tomb, but the artifact is the
you're being blackmailed by someone who has proof. sword of an ancient hobgoblin general, whose descen
You can justify your actions, but the law won't care. dants want it back. The ways to resolve these problems
REGRETS
2 You've got a gambling problem. If you can't repay aren't always simple.
dlO Regret
Daask (see chapter 3), you're going to be playing tag Certain situations demand straightforward decisions.
While you were serving in the Last War, you were with a cockatrice. If Emerald Claw cultists are about to detonate a necrotic
forced to abandon an injured comrade. You don't resonator that will kill half of Sham, they need to be
3 You own an uncommon magic item, but you had to
know if they survived. stopped. But in a good Eberron story, the simplest solu
sell it to a pawn shop. If you can't reclaim it within the
2 You placed your faith in a lover who betrayed you. You tion may not be the best one.
month, they'll sell it off.
don't know if you can ever trust anyone again.
4 You were making a delivery on behalf of the Boromar SOMETHING TO LOSE
3 You murdered a rival. Your actions may have been
Clan (see chapter 3) and you lost the merchandise.
justified, but their face still haunts you. In a noir story, things don't necessarily end well. But an/
5 Someone knows the whereabouts of a sibling or loved
4 You made a promise to a child or a lover that you adventure carries a risk of death or failure, so what ad
one you thought lost in the Mourning, but that infor
ditional factors might be at risk for the characters? They
failed to keep.
mation is going to cost you. should have something to lose beyond hit points, vul
5 You squandered your family's fortune and brought
6 You have a degenerative disease that can't be cured nerabilities not reflected in game statistics: fear of a tar
shame and ruin to your household.
by mundane means. If you can't get a lesser restoration nished reputation, a threat to a friend or lover, a favorite
6 You made a bargain with an extraplanar entity that soon, you're going to start showing symptoms. business destroyed or taken over. Character relation
you now regret. ships require players to invest in the story and work best
7 Your family lost everything in the Last War. You could
7 You abandoned your family to pursue a life of adven when the DM and player collaborate to develop details
get them a stake in a new farm, inn, or stagecoach
ture. Your village was destroyed in the war and you (the group patrons in chapter 1 provide a framework for
with 200 gp.
don't know if they survived. fleshing out such details).
8 You've got a price on your head. Until you settle
ADM who introduces an old buddy who served with
8 You engaged in covert operations for a nation as a spy
things with House Tharashk, you'd better keep an eye
REMARKABLE VILLAINS the player characters during the war could describe the
or soldier. While you were serving your country, you
out for bounty hunters. person and then ask each player to define a connection
Eberron is rich in villains, from two-bit hoods to con did unforgivable things.
9 You have an opportunity to join an influential secret to them. Present each player with a prompt: Player
tinental masterminds. It might be a long time before 9 Someone put their trust in you and you betrayed
society. But you've got only one month to raise the one, how did Smitty save your life? Player two, you and
you're ready to face the sinister leader behind the them for personal gain. You might regret it now, but
membership dues. Smitty were both in a prison camp; how did you escape?
Order of the Emerald Claw in battle. But part of the you can never repair the damage you've done. 10 Roll again. It's not your debt: it's your lover's problem. The answers to these questions provide details to use in
flavor of pulp adventure includes recurring villains who
10 You volunteered for mystical experiments. These may a campaign, and they give the players a personal invest
closely match the heroes-rivals who advance in power Can you solve the problem before they have to face
be responsible for your class abilities, but you might ment, which makes it more significant when the Emer
as you do. the consequences?
experience side effects. ald Claw targets Smitty for assassination!
WELCOME TO EBERRON
WELCOME TO EBERRON 9
8
To create a compelling villain, the DM and players WHY Do You NEED 200 GOLD PIECES? PERSONAL MOTIVES
might develop a villain's backstory together. ADM might A regret helps shape your personality as an element of Not every conflict involves a fight between light and
ask a player: When you fought in the Last War, Halas your past that plays an ongoing role in your story. But darkness. The vast majority of people are driven by sim
Martain served in your unit until he betrayed you. What perhaps you have a problem that needs to be resolved
ple motives: greed, fear, pride, or ambition. One person
did he do, exactly? Likewise, when a pulp villain appears right now. Another way to define a character's flaw is to
just wants to get some gold in their pocket. Another
to die, they can devise remarkable escapes from death. roll on the Debts table.
wants to impress a paramour. A leader guiding their na
Perhaps Halas had a ring that cast an illusion of his Why would you want to take on a debt? The obligation
tion into war is motivated both by fear of their neighbors
death while stabilizing him or cast feather fa]l when he adds depth to a character and provides a compelling, and the sincere belief that Khorvaire would be better off
leapt from that tower in Sham. ADM could engage the immediate motive for adventuring-you're not just out to
under their rule.
players in determining the answer: It's Halas Martain, get rich; you need gold to get that bounty off your head.
Primordial forces strive to change or destroy Eberron.
aJJ right. How do you think he survived your last encoun It's also an opportunity to establish an element that can
But more often, characters encounter misguided patri
ter? This collaboration can produce a compelling story be part of a character moving forward. If you're trying
ots, religious extremists, dragonmarked houses looking
and a sense of investment in the world. to reclaim a magic item from a pawnshop, you declare to wring a few more pieces of gold out of Khorvaire,
that your character once owned that magic item-an
spies who will do anything to protect their nations, and
NOIR INTRIGUE heirloom, something you created, or a gift from a men petty criminals trying to build empires. Eberron holds a
tor-you've just temporarily lost it. If you're trying to
Eberron draws inspiration from noir and hard-boiled raise money to join a secret society, it suggests that place for selfless heroes and truly vile villains, as well as
fiction. It's a world where stories don't always end well, membership in this organization may be a part of the everyone in between.
and where there isn't a perfect solution for every prob
story later on.
SHADES OF GRAY
lem. In developing characters or stories in Eberron, con
Establishing a debt requires collaboration and ap
sider the following concepts. proval by both player and DM. Work together to develop In Eberron, it's not always easy to separate the heroes
the details: Who's blackmailing you? Which secret so from the villains. Good people can do terrible things,
EVERYONE HAS REGRETS ciety are you trying to join? What's the story behind the while cruel or heartless people might serve the greater
Player characters are remarkable people, but they aren't magic item you've pawned, and what sort of item is it? good. An inquisitor might torture innocents in a quest
perfect. As you consider a flaw for your character, you You can present ideas, but the DM has final approval. to root out a cult of the Dragon Below; if she's stopped,
can add a little hard-boiled flavor by considering the the cult will survive and flourish. A group of ores peri
past: Did you make a tragic mistake, and if so, is it some DEBTS odically raids a human settlement because the settlers
thing you can ever undo? Did you hurt or betray some built their village on land sacred to the ores and are
dlO Debt
one who now seeks revenge? The Regrets table provides disrupting wards that hold evil at bay. The heroes find a
a few examples of missteps that might haunt you. You committed a crime during the Last War, and now powerful magic weapon in a tomb, but the artifact is the
you're being blackmailed by someone who has proof. sword of an ancient hobgoblin general, whose descen
You can justify your actions, but the law won't care. dants want it back. The ways to resolve these problems
REGRETS
2 You've got a gambling problem. If you can't repay aren't always simple.
dlO Regret
Daask (see chapter 3), you're going to be playing tag Certain situations demand straightforward decisions.
While you were serving in the Last War, you were with a cockatrice. If Emerald Claw cultists are about to detonate a necrotic
forced to abandon an injured comrade. You don't resonator that will kill half of Sham, they need to be
3 You own an uncommon magic item, but you had to
know if they survived. stopped. But in a good Eberron story, the simplest solu
sell it to a pawn shop. If you can't reclaim it within the
2 You placed your faith in a lover who betrayed you. You tion may not be the best one.
month, they'll sell it off.
don't know if you can ever trust anyone again.
4 You were making a delivery on behalf of the Boromar SOMETHING TO LOSE
3 You murdered a rival. Your actions may have been
Clan (see chapter 3) and you lost the merchandise.
justified, but their face still haunts you. In a noir story, things don't necessarily end well. But an/
5 Someone knows the whereabouts of a sibling or loved
4 You made a promise to a child or a lover that you adventure carries a risk of death or failure, so what ad
one you thought lost in the Mourning, but that infor
ditional factors might be at risk for the characters? They
failed to keep.
mation is going to cost you. should have something to lose beyond hit points, vul
5 You squandered your family's fortune and brought
6 You have a degenerative disease that can't be cured nerabilities not reflected in game statistics: fear of a tar
shame and ruin to your household.
by mundane means. If you can't get a lesser restoration nished reputation, a threat to a friend or lover, a favorite
6 You made a bargain with an extraplanar entity that soon, you're going to start showing symptoms. business destroyed or taken over. Character relation
you now regret. ships require players to invest in the story and work best
7 Your family lost everything in the Last War. You could
7 You abandoned your family to pursue a life of adven when the DM and player collaborate to develop details
get them a stake in a new farm, inn, or stagecoach
ture. Your village was destroyed in the war and you (the group patrons in chapter 1 provide a framework for
with 200 gp.
don't know if they survived. fleshing out such details).
8 You've got a price on your head. Until you settle
ADM who introduces an old buddy who served with
8 You engaged in covert operations for a nation as a spy
things with House Tharashk, you'd better keep an eye
REMARKABLE VILLAINS the player characters during the war could describe the
or soldier. While you were serving your country, you
out for bounty hunters. person and then ask each player to define a connection
Eberron is rich in villains, from two-bit hoods to con did unforgivable things.
9 You have an opportunity to join an influential secret to them. Present each player with a prompt: Player
tinental masterminds. It might be a long time before 9 Someone put their trust in you and you betrayed
society. But you've got only one month to raise the one, how did Smitty save your life? Player two, you and
you're ready to face the sinister leader behind the them for personal gain. You might regret it now, but
membership dues. Smitty were both in a prison camp; how did you escape?
Order of the Emerald Claw in battle. But part of the you can never repair the damage you've done. 10 Roll again. It's not your debt: it's your lover's problem. The answers to these questions provide details to use in
flavor of pulp adventure includes recurring villains who
10 You volunteered for mystical experiments. These may a campaign, and they give the players a personal invest
closely match the heroes-rivals who advance in power Can you solve the problem before they have to face
be responsible for your class abilities, but you might ment, which makes it more significant when the Emer
as you do. the consequences?
experience side effects. ald Claw targets Smitty for assassination!
WELCOME TO EBERRON
WELCOME TO EBERRON 9
8
