of Siberys, magic infuses the world of EstxeoN. This all-encompassing magic is most sirongly evidenced in Wo distinct ways: dragonshards and dragonmarks. Dragonshards are translucent crystals and rocks shot ‘rough with glowing veins of pulsating arcane energy. Whether incorporated into a magical device, used to harness powerful elementals, or utelized to enhance the power of a dragonmark, these rare magical stones are highly sought after for their potent energy and seemingly limitiess applications. Dragonmarks are unique, arcone siils that manifest on Abe skin of certain members of particular dynastic families, nting their bearers spell-tke abilities. It is the power and luence derived from these strange hereditary markings fat enable each of the dragonmarked houses 10 dominate heir respective areas of trade F3: the deepest pits of Khyber to the encircling Ring HE DRAGONMARKED HOUSES OF KHORVAIRE Br centuries, the great dragonmarked houses have held favering control over industry and commerce throughout Continent of Khorvaire and beyond. With enclaves and mporiums scattered throughout the continent, the extended dns its dominance over trade regardless of political or eco- ic turmoil~even as the continent plunged into the Last War, the dragonmarked houses maintained their control over their respective trade guilds throughout the devastating con: flict while remaining mostly neutral The control and influence of these dynastic houses stems he hereditary mystic sigls that manifest on certain individuals within the family~the dragonmarks. These arcane markings grant their bearers limited but very useful magical abilities associated with the commerce and trade guilds the family controls. For example, some members of House Cannith manifest the Mark of Making, which confers: magic powers to mend or create material goods, placing them in a position of control over the Tinkers’ Guild and Fabricators’ Guild. OF course, most members of the exten- sive dragonmarked houses do not carry a dragonmark These unmarked members are generally skilled in crafts or talents related to the family’s sphere of influence (such as becoming accomplished metalsmiths or artisans, in the case (of House Cannith). Each house utilizes dragonmarked and unmarked Family members, as well as other unrelated retainers, to effectively run their various business endeavors. Dragonmarked guild members make use of their specialized spel-ike abilities, while ‘unmarked members handle the mundane aspects of the trade. For example, the Windwrights’ Guild (controlled by House Lyrandar) places family members who bear the Mark of the Storm to conjure wind and other favorable weather conditions fromwer unmarked guild members fill out the rest of each vessel's ordinary crew compliment. THE APPEARANCE OF DRAGONMARKS Dragonmarks are intricate, colorful patterns that appear on skin of seemingly ed Families. On ext who is not a recognized member of a dragonmarks will manifest a dragonmark, although this is usually the result of some past indiscretion rather than a miraculous happening. Regardless of whether a andom members of the dragon house born scion,'a distant relation, or anMagtimeteGhid, ary vidual who is related by blood to @ dragonmarked house may manifest a dragonmark at any point in his life this mysterious event occurs at a character's birth or at her bicentennial, it grants only minor spell-like abilities. In game terms, this is the point at which a charac has taken the Least Dragonmark feat (see Becoming a Dragonmarked Character). Over time, the power (and co plexity of the design) of a character's dragonmark may be increased by taking the Lesser Dragonmark and Grea Dragonmark feats, as well as by selecting the dragonmark heir prestige class BECOMING A DRAGONMARKED CHARACTER est a dra ing the campaign, providing your character meets the pre: requisites for taking the Least Dragonmark feat. The first Your character can mani jAmark at any point dur- qualification is based on your character's race, which must be ¢ of the stan human, dwarf 1rd DUNGEONS Bt DRAGONS character races gnome, half-elf, half-orc, or half second qualification (which may need your Dungeon Master's approval) is that your character must be related to an appro ate dragonmarked house. Because the dynasties of each of he dragonmarked houses reach far back into the distant past, i's not surprising that about one person in a hundred has Once the pre- Dragonmark feat are mer, you must choose one of the abilities listed with your house's least mark and also gain a bonus to a p to your house’s sphere of influence. requisites for selecting the L icular skill related You have a least dragonmark Prerequisite: Member of appropriate dragonmarked race and house Benefit: You gain a least dragonmark and the use of one spell-like ablity associated with the least dragonmark of your house, (An abbreviated list follows. ‘A saving throw against your dragonmark spell-lke ability has [Link] of 10 + the level of the spell + your Chaisma modifier. Your caster level for your least dragonmark spel-ike ability is 1 + your level in the dragonmark heir prestige class (if any/ + Least Mark of Detection (House Medani): Detect may day or detect poison 2/day; +2 bonus on Spot checks. + Least Mark of Finding (House Tharashk): Idennfy 1/day, Search checks. + Least Mark of Handling (House Vadalis): Calm animal day, charm animal v/day, or speak with [Link]/dragor! 77eee bonus on Handle Animal check: + Least Mark of Healing (House Jorasco): Cure light wounds s/day of lesser restoration i/day, +2 bonus on Heal checks. + Least Mark of Hospitality (House Ghallanda): Purify food and drink prestidig n servant \/day: +2 tation 2/day, or Diplomacy checks. + Least Mark of Making (House Cannith): Mate whole 1/day, mend ing 2/day, or repair light dar + Least Mark Orien): Expe onus on Craft checks fF Passage (House s retreat s/day, ‘mount v/day, or dimension leap day; +2 bonus on Survival checks. ‘see the Eacanon Campaign Setting) F Scribing (House Arcane mark 2/day, com + Least Mark Sivis) prehend languages day, or whis ering wind 1/day; +2 bonus of Decipher Script checks. + Least Mark of Sentinel (House Deneith): Mage armor s/day, pr ion from arrows \/day, shield of faith y/day, or shield other 1/day; +2 bonus on Sense Motive check: + Least Mark of Shadow (House Phiarlan or House Thuranni) Darkness \/day, disguise self [day (OF minar image s/day; +2 78 fone 2004 Delt UG Cee bonus on Gather Information checks. + Least Mark of Storm (House Lyrandar fog cloud \/day, or g Endure elements \/day. (day; +2 bonus on Balance checks. + Least Mark of Warding (House Kundarak): Alarm 1/day i s/day, fire! day, oF mis Search check In addition to the dragonmark feat tree (Least Dragonmark, Lesser Dra 4 Greater Dragonmarki other options, such as the Aberrant Mark feat and the heir of Siberys pres tige class, offer marklke powers and abiliti DRAGONMARK HEIR The dr orce in the politics and econom although their politcal influence is usually behind the ics of Khorvaire scenes and offen quite su as many as one person i has a blood conn 3. OF these le, Perhaps a hundred tion to one of the jonmark. Even more rare are the individuals who demon: fe a natural ability to improve and drag iark powers in ways Pert sora) that go well beyond houses. These exceptional individuals sre dradaniark hee Dragonmark heirs have the ability 10 improve the dragi J, and to develop addtional pmarks they have ablities related to their deagonmarks ynark heir NPCs fill ety of role houses, To within the dragonmarked ome extent, they command from unmarked but a more pow essarily equat members of the hou erful mark does not n leadership. The economic realities of Khorvaire demand leadership ind for bust ss, which does not necessarily go from those with a kee hhand in hand with a more jul dragonmark All of the following are class features of the dragonmark he Weapon and Armor Proficiency: heirs gain n with any weapon: Lesser Dragonmark: A dragonmark heir manifests the lesser dragonmark Lesser Dragonmark nus eet the skill feat without having to rank prerequisite House Status: A dragonmark heirrelay a ed Mark of Storm, which grants the power to con- Ce ed Ce See ey ed ful rainstorm, 9 ight breeze or enough wind to Cente THE DRAGONMARK HEIR ses her level in this class as a bonus on all Charisma-related checks when dealing with members of her own house ‘Additional Action Points: At 2nd level and beyond, a dragonmark heir’s maximum action points per level is increased by 2 Improved Least Dragonmark: Beginning at and level, a dragonmark heir gains improved mastery of her least dragonmark. She can second spell-ike ability associated with the least dragonmark for her house, or he least dragonmark spell-like ability she already possesses one additional time per day. Improved Lesser Dragonmark heir gains improved mastery of lesser dragonmark. She can sele second spell-like ability asso REQUIREMENTS CLASS SKILLS with the lesser dragonmark for her house, or she can use the lesser dragonmark spell-ike ability she already possesses one additional time per day Greater Dragonmark: Ar ath level, a dragonmark heir manifests the greater dragonmark of her house. She receives the Greater Dragonmark feat as a bonus feat without havin he skil rank prerequisite Improved Greater Dragonmark: At sth level, a dragonmark hein g improved mastery of her grea dragonmark. She can use the dragonmark spel-like ability she already possesses one additional time per day, DRAGONSHARDS According to the legends and myths Ce is) ae Wa af Ain it Ltd AT bh es PY Ging Magic the Gathering Warhammer Fantasy ee reo Rm Po en Fe ae ea wea Area eet ed Risk Battletech Ree Pere On aDEVELOPING DRAGONMARKS ‘A along, one of the ceniral ideas behind noon was 10 create a world where magic as teen incorporated ito society. AY the same time, we needed magi items 20 remain expensive, while we ao wanted Yo avoid baving bts of NPCS sing PC classes, we dit want alr of highsevel witards in the word So, where does the magic come from? One of he frst changes was the introduction of the magewrigh, an NPC-class ‘wth Emited but economically useful spe casing sities. What about more powerful or dramaic magic? Utimarly the idea for Aragonmarks evelved Inthe very bering, the len wa that every humanoid would have same sort of sino (o-level) maga gift which he or she cond bul up through 2 speci css. Ts made the word il oo chaotic ard ufo- cued so the idea was given a tigher focus ‘here woud be twelve extended fares, each of which possessed a specific may git. The powers ofthese dragonmarts have given each famiy an important place inthe worl Becouse of ter economic influence the Aragonmarked houses are powers that exst beyond the rule of princes or kings thick of the Spacing Guill from Dune. Wizards ant sorcerers can dupa the powers of the ‘dragonmaried, but they are rare individu As a result, magica ranporttion, commun cation espanage, security, and many ther fies are dominated by one ofthe dragon- marked houses. tn dion to working wel wth the deo of Imag inthe gone, dragonmarked houses ep a inigue and mystery, creating twelve powerful orcs that canbe found across the word ech of which has its own agenda not fo mention infighting within the houses themselves. The houses create a tos of posible stories for DM to draw on tr also gives player characters considerable story opportunites 1 explore. By taking a Aragormark, 3 character not only ges a spe- ial power, he ao ges a ie to one of the ‘maior powers ofthe word-something that the DM can use to rake a campaign in a var sy of dilleren directions. These are ony the beginning of whet can toe done with dragonmarks. Where ithe Aragonmarks come from? Why is each mark tied toa partcuar Family and race? Is there some greater purpose forthe dragon marked? What aout the legends ofa os ‘frtenth math, oF the strange aberrant ‘harks that have been appearing more fre- ‘queaty of late? There are many stories wait- ‘ng 1 be tld! that drift out of the mists of time, EotrRoN is a world divided into three parts, each tied to a great dragon of legend. The encircling ring of shards high above the surface of the world is associated with the powerful dragon known as Siberys. The fathomless depths of the realms below the surface are linked with the mighty wyrm called Khyber. The third dragon is connected with the land that lies between the two— the surface of the world that also bears. its name: Eberron. Each of the three sections of the world produces mysterious stones and crystals known as dragonshards, Infused with arcane energy. these rare and hard-to-come-by crystals are used in a number of different ways, from empow- ering various dragonmarks to creating potent magic items to controlling pow- erful elementals. The region in which a dragonshard originates determines its appearance as well as the type of magic for which it has an affinity. iberys Shards It's said that the Ring of Siberys, which Circles high above the world of EBERRON. 1s composed entirely of dragonshards. When these Siberys shards fall from orbit, they usually land in regions near the planet's equator, such as Xen'drik. (W’s rumored that vast fields of Siberys shards may be found in Argonnessen, although no known prospector or explorer has ever ventured to that dis~ tant realm to gain proof one way or another.) Veins of golden energy pulse through the depths of these clear crys tals, which are sometimes called “sun- stones" or “starmotes.” Siberys shards are highly sought-after by dragon- marked individuals, as the shards have an affinity with the magic powers inher- ent in their dragonmarks. By attuning a shard to a particular dragonmark, i may be fashioned into a focus item that will enhance the spel-ke abilties of that individual. Heirs of Siberys prize tunattuned Siberys shards, as they can be used to power the unique magic a ities possessed by those individuals. Inquisitive Goggles: A dragonshard is positioned between the lenses of these ‘cumbersome goggles, making them a boon to the Tharashk inquisitive. To access the powers of the goggles, the ‘wearer must possess the lesser, greater, Or Siberys Mark of Finding. If this condi~ tion is met, the wearer can use the gog- {les to see the trace auras formed by the | passage of living creatures. This has the following effects: When examining an object, the ‘wearer can make a Search check to identify the aura of the last living crea- ture to touch the object. The DC is 15 + 1 per day since the last contact ‘occurred. If the wearer is fami the being who left the aura he can match the two together; otherwise he ‘can simply identify the creature's type. If he succeeds on the Search check by 10 or more, he also discerns the gender and race of the creature. If he succeeds by 20 or more, the creature counts as a “known or familiar creature” for pur- poses of the /ocare creature spell. Transmutation effects that alter the apparent race or type of a creature (such as polymorph, shapechange, or alter self) do fool the magic of the gog- les, but illusion effects (such as ais- guise self) do not. Once the wearer has identified an ‘ura, he receives a +5 insight bonus on Survival checks made to track the crea~ ture that left the aura, as long. as he continues wearing the goggles. ‘When the wearer uses focare creature, the goggles allow him fo follow the recent movements of his target. Even if the target creature is not in range, if the target creature has passed through the spel's area in the last 24 hours the wearer can detect the path that she took. The wearer receives a +2 insight bonus on Sense Motive checks while wearing the goggles. Strong divination; CL rath; Craft Wondrous Item, find rhe path, creator must have the Mark of Making: Price 16,000 gp. with, Eberron Shards Blood-red swirls of energy course through rose-tinted crystal of Eberron shards, which are sometimes referred to as “bloodstones:” Most often found in clusters encased within geodes buried in soll (never in solid rock), Eberron shards are discovered throughout the world, making them the most common type of dragonshard. They are also the . most versatile of the dragonshards. Eberron shards have an affinity with arcane magic, which makes them ideal ‘vessels for crafting magic items and focuses of all types. Eternal Wand: During the final years of the Last War, the artificers and wiz-DEVELOPING DRAGONSHARDS ‘As early as Kath Baker's nisl concep, there was the idea for a source of power ‘that would be singularly part of Esemon's make up. Original, it was more mundane than magical, nd seemed too much tke oi from our woe. So, he tam got together and started discussing how to improve upon the concept the team being Keith, James Wyant, Cris Perkins, nd myself. wasn't long before dragonshards were bom. At frst, we had only one variety ragonshards that fel from the Ring of ‘Soerys thar encircles the worl. AS me went on and our needs developed, we attached a different type of dragonshard t0 ‘each of our “progenitor” dragons. Now, the Dragon Above, the Dragon Below, and the Dragon Berween each provide a dragon- shar variety, and each variety has a di Ferent look and 2 diferent function i the magical technologies of the word For example Khyber dragonshards, found in the depths of Escsow's Underdark, appear 28 transiacent crystals with writhing veins of midigh blue swing within them. These sdragonshards have binding properties and ‘are used to trap demons ad bind elemen- tas fo ies, thus allowing for the cre- ation of elemental powered vehicles and weaponry. In Eamon, dragorshards dort hap you perform mage, they help you to rake your magic better. ~Ba Stavieseh “Te goal of dragonshards was to create 8 unique, magica resource required for most ofthe major, sociery-atering uses of magi. The existence of such a resource helps to explan the relatively hed pres fence of magic nthe worl, even after cen. tunes of development. Airships, the lgheing ral, message stones~dragooshords are used in all of these things. Tiss whar prevents House Oren from connect the lghming rail to every vilage and thorp in Khorvare: they simply dont have enough Aragorshards 1 etabish coach paths Aside from the effet onthe economy of Khorvare. dragonshards provide a host of optons for dragormarted cheractrs, ‘Dragonshard focuses can enhance the ‘existing powers ofa mark or they ean low a character fo use bs mark in new ways. Tes creates a new form ofreasure, ‘nd t provides the bass for 2 wide range of sdventures, from lst or haunted mines to wllairous masterminds scheming to gin ontro of hidden depots. Kei Boker ‘82 Jane 2004 ards of House Cannith perfected a new form of wand built around an Eberron shard. An efernal wand holds an arcane spell of 3rd level or lower with a maxi- mum caster level of 6th. Unlike a tradi- tional wand that holds 50 charges, an ‘eternal wand allows any character who can cast arcane spells to use the spell contained in it twice per day. The development of the eternal wand allowed magewrights to take the place of war wizards during the final days of the Last War, supplementing their passive spels with more aggressive magic. While the artificers of House Cannith have been searching for ways to streamline the process of creation, the technique is still in its infancy. Currently the wands are rarely seen outside of military units, but 2 few magewrights who served in the war brought their eternal wands of magic mis- sile home. from the front lines Eternal wand (o-level spell) Faint (any schooll; CL 1st; Craft Wand, Craft ‘Wondrous item, the spell contained in the ‘eternal wand; Price 460 gp. Eternal wand (ist-level spel): Faint (any school); CL rst; Craft Wand, Craft ‘Wondrous item, the spell contained in the ‘eternal wand; Price 820 gp. Eternal wand (znd-fevel spell: Faint (any school CL grd Craft Wand, Craft ‘Wondrous item, the spell contained in the eternal wand: Price 4,420 gp. Eternal wand (grd-level spell: Faint (any school; CL sth; Craft Wand, Craft Wondrous item, the spell contained in the eternal wand; Price 10,900 gp. Khyber Shards Deep underground, within treacherous volcanic caverns, Khyber shards may be found growing on the walls-often near magma pools or sulfur vents. While Khyber shards can be found in such an environment anywhere throughout Escron’s Underdark, they are most common in areas linked to fiendish or elemental activity. Veins of energy that shift from midnight blue to an oily black throb within these smoky crystals, which are also known as “nightshards” or “demonstones.” Khyber shards have 2 strong affinity for the type of magic. used for binding creatures, making them ideal for use in binding diagrams, casting trap the soul and similar spells), and crafting items empowered by elementals Elemental Galleon: The elemental galleon is a vessel that uses a bound air elemental to propel it at great speed over the water. In basic shape, an elemen- tal galleon is similar to a huge galley, but & massive tower rises from the rear portion of the vessel, supporting the Huge air ele- mental bound into the form of a ring. The vessel actually runs on two finkike struc tures. The bound elemental propels the galleon at a speed of 20 miles per hour across calm seas. An elemental galleon requires a crew of zo and can carry 150 tons of cargo. Strong conjuration; CL 1sth: Bind Elemental. grearer planar binding Price 64,000 gp. The exciting, new Escrow Campaign ‘Setting should be prominently displayed on the shelves of your Favorite bookstore or hobby shop this month. Once you've got it in your hands and have started to explore the world of EscrROn, youll want to keep looking in Oeacow for more material, insight, and articles. © ON BENDED KNEE The Lacan Campaign Seting bit the shelves this month, but a few plovers goto special sneak peak atthe sein at convention in February. nthe photo above, you can soe @ hunchbacked Kieth Boer, author ofthe Emesson Campaign Sering tating a hunch backed vampire during an Exon adventure he ran for Greg Wainer, Tim Hitchcock, Shannen Caravelo, Carol Hooper, Dmitry ‘Agnshy, and Cari Sth "do recall that one ofthe players in one of my demo sessions was taking, pictures. They were a good group.” said Keith During he session, a member of the party edd up separated From the group and tale before the vampire commanding the ‘enemy forces. The players character pre- tended to be» messenger, and in the photo the vampire has instructed him to deliver his message-on his knees, He dian adirable job of hirking on (or ff his Feet, and man- _aged 10 bu things out long enough for his ‘companions to arive and rescue him. The vampire was described a ‘atl hunched figs ure’ Hence my posture