Post/Author/DateTime	Post
JohnnyONeal 05-10-04, 06:24 PM	Dragon 320 arrived in my mailbox today, and it features the most informative "Countdown to Eberron" article yet. It's bursting with info, and a set of colorform-style Dragonmark decals. I hate to ruin the article for all those of you who haven't read it, but I feel it's my duty to at least provide some details. Spoilers below! (highlight to read) Dragonmarks, as speculated, are feats that grant spell-like abilities. They are marks that spontaneously appear on the flesh of people who have blood ties to one of Eberron's twelve noble houses. A character can take a Least Dragonmark (which grants a 1/day or 2/day low-level spell-like ability), at any time he could normally take a feat, then graduate through the "Lesser Dragonmark" and "Greater Dragonmark" feats. The article showed (abbreviated) descriptions of the Least Dragonmarks for each house, as well as the dragonmark heir prestige class, which has a decent set of noble-themed skills, medium BAB, D8 hit dice, and class features that pump up dragonmarks. The theory that Eberron is the world wyrm is actually true! ...though there are some unexpected twists. The world is characterized by three "progenitor dragons:" Siberys, the Dragon Above, who is associated with the ring around the planet; Khyber, the Dragon Below, who is associated with Eberron's Underdark equivalent, and Eberron, the Dragon Between, who is associated with the earth and soil. Dragonshards are crystals associated with each of the three dragons. Siberys Shards amplify dragonmark abilities, Khyber Shards bind or store energy and are what trap the elementals used to power Eberron's magic-enhanced transportation, and Eberron Shards can be used to create powerful arcane artifacts. It all seems well-constructed. The dragonmarks are flavorful but balanced. The noble houses will make a great roleplaying element. The dragonshards provide a good system for simultaneously explaining and limiting the presence of Eberron's distinctive elements, like fireball wand-wielding magewrights and an arcane locomotive. I can't wait to learn more about these progenitor dragons!
Brastan 05-10-04, 06:29 PM	Mine should be coming at some point soon. l'll check back when it does. Thanks for the heads-up.
Rauol_Duke 05-10-04, 06:31 PM	Hopefully Dragon #320 won't take as long to get to my mailbox as Dungeon #111... I still haven't received that one.:mad:
D666 05-10-04, 06:50 PM	Originally posted by JohnnyONeal Dragon 320 arrived in my mailbox today, and it features the most informative "Countdown to Eberron" article yet. Has anybody else read the issue yet? No, which is why I hope you will tell us more about it. A lot more :D Gene
Plane Sailing 05-10-04, 06:55 PM	Thanks for the info - it might be a month before Dragon 320 arrives in the UK so any additional info would be gratefully recieved! Cheers
JohnnyONeal 05-10-04, 06:56 PM	No, which is why I hope you will tell us more about it. A lot more :DDone! See my post above. At this point, anyone reading this thread should be prepared to see some spoilers in the ensuing discussion.
Singing Urgosh 05-10-04, 07:03 PM	We were right hot damn it!! There is a world wyrm!! Not exactly how we imagined it but we were sort of right and that is good enough for me!! I guess this info makes my 'Crazy Eberron Theroy #3' thread pretty redundant though, heh? Oh, well. I should be working anyway. Thanks for the info Johnny, you are a true champion of the people. Stay sane
About Yea High 05-10-04, 07:31 PM	Johnny-on-the-spot again! Great work! Yea P.S. Johnny - your PM mailbox is full!
jedi8187 05-10-04, 08:15 PM	So Eberron is a dragon afterall. Oh wait make that three dragons, and we thoutgh we had crazy ideas. Maybe hellcow has been suffering from mad cow disease.
Eric the Head 05-10-04, 09:59 PM	The progenitors don't seem to be so much dragons as gods; at the very least, they're on a level with Bahamut and Tiamat. Are there churches/clergies dedicated to them?
jedi8187 05-10-04, 10:41 PM	Originally posted by Eric the Head The progenitors don't seem to be so much dragons as gods; at the very least, they're on a level with Bahamut and Tiamat. Are there churches/clergies dedicated to them? More importantly does anyone know of them? Is it common knowledge that its a dragon up there, down there, or way down there? Do only a select few know of it, if so who?
Singing Urgosh 05-10-04, 11:00 PM	The progenitors don't seem to be so much dragons as gods; at the very least, they're on a level with Bahamut and Tiamat. Are there churches/clergies dedicated to them? I bet the Druids know of them! I bet the Druids venerate them. I bet the Druids are dully compensated by the Dragons for thier veneration. I am sure that most people would have heard about them. I am sure that many people offer up thanks to or curse in the name of the Dragons. I do not think that the general population gain any real benefit from the Dragons. I am sure the Clerical order (Silver Flame and others?) know of them! I am sure the Clerical orders do not venerate them (Dragon vs God- I know who a true beleiver would follow). I am sure that the Clerical order may vie for power with those that venerate the Dragons in sort of like an old vs new religious crusade (think Catholic church into paganistic ancient Europe). Therefore I would propose that although the Dragons are the common belief, they are currently on the oust from the Silver Flame and whichever God they worship (anyone?). Stay sane
Indigo 05-11-04, 12:38 AM	Originally posted by Singing Urgosh Therefore I would propose that although the Dragons are the common belief, they are currently on the oust from the Silver Flame and whichever God they worship (anyone?). Interesting. Here I saw exactly the opposite. As I recall, the "god" worshipped by the Church of the Silver Flame is, in fact, the Silver Flame -- a primal force that has a physical manifestation on Eberron. So I thought "What could produce a silver flame? How about... a dragon?" My guess is that "Eberron" is something like Gaea... or like the original Tiamat from Sumerian mythos. You don't worship her the same way as other gods because she's of a totally different order. You don't know if the gods exist, but Eberron? You're standing on her right now! Eberron has given birth to all things, sustains us every day, and so on. So, fundamentally, I agree with you about druids. They may not worship her/him by that name, but if Eberron is the world, then Eberron is nature -- and thus, the heart of the druidic religion.
Stormtalon 05-11-04, 01:22 AM	Originally posted by Indigo Interesting. Here I saw exactly the opposite. As I recall, the "god" worshipped by the Church of the Silver Flame is, in fact, the Silver Flame -- a primal force that has a physical manifestation on Eberron. So I thought "What could produce a silver flame? How about... a dragon?" Here's hoping the Silver Flame is situated over one of the Dragon Eberron's nostrils, and not another opening, otherwise the most powerful church in Khorvaire is worshiping the ignited flatulence of a world-sized frat boy.... Stormtalon
Brastan 05-11-04, 01:30 AM	*snickering laugher* :smirk: You really cut the chess Stormtalon. Who's to say that it comes out of an opening at all. But man, this ones on your head. *Edges toward the Forum door then makes a brake for it*
Joseph Amarillo 05-11-04, 02:35 AM	Originally posted by Stormtalon Here's hoping the Silver Flame is situated over one of the Dragon Eberron's nostrils, and not another opening, otherwise the most powerful church in Khorvaire is worshiping the ignited flatulence of a world-sized frat boy.... Stormtalon :rofl: So far, this is the funniest thing I've read in the Eberron forums... But who knows? ORDER OF THE IGNITED FLATULENCE!!!
Myriddian 05-11-04, 09:29 AM	Thanks Johnny for providing those tipbits. :bow: I won't see that issue of Dragon Mag down here in Oz till after I have probably got the ECS!! Three Dragons.... Cool!! :bounce: :drool: :bounce:
Joni-san 05-11-04, 10:19 AM	:rofl: :rofl: Now this is interesting, not only was Eberron (kinda) the World Dragon, but he had friends too (or are they siblings? does the artickle mention their relationship?) Interesting indeed. I wonder how the Druids relate to this fact?
Plane Sailing 05-11-04, 10:44 AM	Hey Johnny - these aren't spoilers, they are scoops!
ieattrollsforbreakfast 05-11-04, 11:55 AM	Great! It looks like my theory that Tiamat was the ring around the planet was almost right :) The thing is, that still leaves the question of how Bahamut and Tiamat fit into the scheme of things. We know they exist in Eberron (or at least we know Tiamat does), but now the obvious place for them is gone.... This has probably brought up more questions than it has solved!
JohnnyONeal 05-11-04, 12:50 PM	Perhaps Tiamat and Bahamut are the names of stars or moons (or both -- Bahamut could be the sun and Tiamat could be the moon). If they are constellations or heavenly bodies, though, on what plane do their actual forms reside? Some other discussion points spurred by the article: What did the three progenitor dragons create? If there were just two, we might assume that one gave birth to chromatic dragons and the other gave birth to metallics, but having three dragons complicates matters. Do different species trace their roots to different dragons? How does the birth of the dragons and the creation of Eberron tie into the dawn of history when rakshasas and couatl fought each other to near-extinction? Who was on the prime material plane first, native outsiders or dragons? The twelve noble houses are not bound to any particular nation. In which nations, though, do they wield the most influence? Why are there so many Siberys dragonshards in Argonnessen? What was the origin of dragonmarks, and is it revealed in the campaign setting book?
Ashrem Bayle 05-11-04, 01:13 PM	Originally posted by JohnnyONeal What did the three progenitor dragons create? If there were just two, we might assume that one gave birth to chromatic dragons and the other gave birth to metallics, but having three dragons complicates matters. Do different species trace their roots to different dragons? I wonder if maybe the psionic gem dragons are the children of Eberron?
Verdant-Empress 05-11-04, 01:16 PM	For those of us who won't be able to get the issue for quite a while, would someone mind giving a little bit more detail on the Dragonmark feats? Just enough to give us an idea of what kind of power they offer, I am not asking you to reprint the article or anything. As a side note, what are the rules for playing Dragons like? Thanks in advance!
The White Sorcerer 05-11-04, 02:54 PM	Originally posted by JohnnyONeal If they are constellations or heavenly bodies, though, on what plane do their actual forms reside? Or maybe they're just that. Celestial objects. Constellations or something. Nothing else. Just a thought.
theOne333 05-11-04, 04:05 PM	Originally posted by JohnnyONeal What did the three progenitor dragons create? If there were just two, we might assume that one gave birth to chromatic dragons and the other gave birth to metallics, but having three dragons complicates matters. Do different species trace their roots to different dragons? Siberys: Gem dragons. Eberron: Metallic dragons. Khyber: Chromatic dragons.
Harmony's Sorrow 05-11-04, 04:07 PM	Originally posted by JohnnyONeal What did the three progenitor dragons create? If there were just two, we might assume that one gave birth to chromatic dragons and the other gave birth to metallics, but having three dragons complicates matters. Do different species trace their roots to different dragons? Perhaps, one is a male and two are female... he responsible for both, and the females responsible for each branch of them... OR Maybe they are all asexual or something and Metallic, Chromatic, and the psionic gem dragons each spring from one of them.... I'd suspect the metallic and gem from the two earthen bound... for obvious reasons, and the chromatic from the skies. I dunno though of course.
Harmony's Sorrow 05-11-04, 04:09 PM	Originally posted by theOne333 Siberys: Gem dragons. Eberron: Metallic dragons. Khyber: Chromatic dragons. You must think similarly and type faster than me! ;)
fearsome_fey 05-11-04, 04:34 PM	Originally posted by JohnnyONeal What did the three progenitor dragons create? If there were just two, we might assume that one gave birth to chromatic dragons and the other gave birth to metallics, but having three dragons complicates matters. Do different species trace their roots to different dragons? suddenly, a lightbulb came on...in my belly(get it? gut feeling?? i know, lame) i was thinking about why druids would be more powerful, why they might know more about the dragons(that is, the progenitor dragons) and so forth, then i thought that either a)chromatic and metallic both come from all three progenitors. b)the 'ring' progenitor made SOME of evil OR some of good, and the underdark progenitor did the opposite, while the earth/gaia one completed the set for the both of them(e.g. ring uber-dragon made silver brass and bronze, underdark uber-dragon made green black and blue, while gaia uber-dragon made gold, copper, red and white) in situation A, all the progenitors would be inherintly neutral, much like every druid ever. a good reason for all druids to venerate all of them in situation B, all the druids would venerate the gaia, which makes sense, and evil druids would also venerate underdark, and good druids would also venerate ring just some rambling. any thoughts?
ieattrollsforbreakfast 05-11-04, 04:47 PM	It would make sense if Siberys was a gem dragon, since the ring is made of dragonshards and dragonshards are crystalline right? Just a thought.
Harmony's Sorrow 05-11-04, 04:52 PM	Johnny please... throw us one of those feats!
fourmyle 05-11-04, 05:13 PM	Originally posted by JohnnyONeal \ Why are there so many Siberys dragonshards in Argonnessen? \ Just off the top of my head...frequent meteor showers on the contintent? If Siberys is the Dragon Above, they'd have to fall, yeah?
JohnnyONeal 05-11-04, 05:16 PM	It would make sense if Siberys was a gem dragon, since the ring is made of dragonshards and dragonshards are crystalline right? Just a thought.To clarify, all three progenitor dragons have associated dragonshards. Siberys' are found in the ring (and wherever they happen to land). Eberron's are found in soil (but not stone), and Khyber's are found deep underground. Just to further confuse matters, here are the colors of each type: Siberys = golden (enhances dragonmarks) Eberron = red (powers arcane artifacts) Kyber = black and blue (traps things, like elementals) The article hinted at a prestige class called "heir of Siberys" that had something to do with enhanced spell-like abilities, separate from the dragonmark heir prestige class. Johnny please... throw us one of those feats!When I get back home, I'd be glad to. Each Least Dragonmark provides +2 to one skill, and the choice of a 1/day or 2/day spell-like ability, usually a 1st-level or 0-level spell.
stone_dog 05-11-04, 09:56 PM	Around 14th level or so I think my PC's will find a crystal clear dragon shard. That ought to mess with their heads for a while.
JohnnyONeal 05-11-04, 10:09 PM	Okay, here we go: Least Dragonmark [General] 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 ability associated with the least dragonmark of your house. A saving throw against you dragonmark spell-like ability has a DC of 10 + the level of the spell + your Charisma modifier. Your caster level for your least dragonmark spell-like ability is 1 + your level in the dragonmark heir prestige class (if any). Okay, I'm just going to list a couple of examples. Remember, you only choose one of the spell-like abilities available under each "Mark" description. The "Least Mark of Healing" is available to the halflings of House Jorasco. The feat grants a one-time choice between cure light wounds 1/day or lesser restoration 1/day. The feat also gives the bearer a +2 on Heal checks. House Cannith is distinguished by the "Least Mark of Making," which grants a +2 bonus on Craft checks and choice of make whole 1/day, mending 2/day, or repair light damage 1/day. Half-elf nobles of House Lyrandar can choose the "Least Mark of Storm," and one of the following spell-like abilities: endure elements 1/day or gust of wind 1/day. The least dragonmark of Storm feat also grants a +2 bonus on Balance checks.
Myriddian 05-12-04, 01:23 AM	Originally posted by JohnnyONeal Okay, here we go: Least Dragonmark [General] 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 ability associated with the least dragonmark of your house. A saving throw against you dragonmark spell-like ability has a DC of 10 + the level of the spell + your Charisma modifier. Your caster level for your least dragonmark spell-like ability is 1 + your level in the dragonmark heir prestige class (if any). Okay, I'm just going to list a couple of examples. Remember, you only choose one of the spell-like abilities available under each "Mark" description. The "Least Mark of Healing" is available to the halflings of House Jorasco. The feat grants a one-time choice between cure light wounds 1/day or lesser restoration 1/day. The feat also gives the bearer a +2 on Heal checks. House Cannith is distinguished by the "Least Mark of Making," which grants a +2 bonus on Craft checks and choice of make whole 1/day, mending 2/day, or repair light damage 1/day. Half-elf nobles of House Lyrandar can choose the "Least Mark of Storm," and one of the following spell-like abilities: endure elements 1/day or gust of wind 1/day. The least dragonmark of Storm feat also grants a +2 bonus on Balance checks. Thanks Johnny again! :bow: These Dragonmarked open up a lot role-playing possibilites, - can't wait for more detail on how they interact with with each other....
Harmony's Sorrow 05-12-04, 11:12 AM	I'm assuming then that the advanced dragonmark feats will be some natural evolution of the powers originally selected... but this seems to very specifically assign social/business roles to each noble house as well. The +2 balance/gust of wind thing seems like sailors would be great. And the +2 craft/Mending obviously makes for craftsmen and perhaps the "Maintenaince" crews for seige weapons in the war. You know, I'd expect the latter to be of higher treasuries and number since in the war the seige weapon people shoulda kept out of the most direct conflict, and whether war or peace their skills always would allow them to earn decent livings... Thoughts?
deganawida 05-12-04, 02:39 PM	Wow! I'm gone a few days, and then Johnny once again delivers a major scoop! So, three World Wyrms (kinda sorta)? Cool! Let me give some thanks and congrats to Keith (for coming up with the theory), Johnny (for coming up with the scoop), Singing Urgosh, stone_dog, Child of Winter, About Yea High, and anyone else I've missed (for the World Wyrm theorizing).
Mad Miso 05-12-04, 02:44 PM	:drool: :drool: *goes to look for a mop*
JohnnyONeal 05-12-04, 03:05 PM	I'm assuming then that the advanced dragonmark feats will be some natural evolution of the powers originally selected... but this seems to very specifically assign social/business roles to each noble house as well. The +2 balance/gust of wind thing seems like sailors would be great. And the +2 craft/Mending obviously makes for craftsmen and perhaps the "Maintenaince" crews for seige weapons in the war.Indeed, the noble houses are closely tied to their related dragonmark abilities. And one of several things keeping the dragonmarks from being unbalanced is that all of the feats listed in the article are more roleplaying-oriented than combat-oriented. I really think a dragonmarked character (especially one with dragonmarked heir PrC levels), will feel much more like a noble than a superhero. I've always liked playing nobles ...this makes them a more viable option than usual. From the sound of things, House Cannith was quite powerful organization during the Last War. In fact, I have a hard time believing that any other house was quite as powerful. I'm very interested to learn whether they sold warforged to all the factions or nations, or if they were particularly allied with one nation (like Cyre).
The White Sorcerer 05-12-04, 03:10 PM	How many levels does the Dragonmark Heir PrC have? I am so going to play either a dragonmarked artificer from House Cannith or a dragonmarked rogue/heir from House Jorasco.
Mad Miso 05-12-04, 03:20 PM	Yes, the noble houses do seem very interesting indeed......and they must be quite diverse if there are so many of them. Heck, given the way they're set up, it wouldn't be too hard to create your own! One could even set up a noble house known for their irressitible confectionaries, using dragonmarks to create hopelessly addictive toffees.:D
Son_of_Thunder 05-12-04, 08:39 PM	Originally posted by The White Sorcerer How many levels does the Dragonmark Heir PrC have? I am so going to play either a dragonmarked artificer from House Cannith or a dragonmarked rogue/heir from House Jorasco. Holy smokes kids, this is one fantastic article. The Dragonmark Heir prestige class has five levels good saves on all and cleric BAB. The class abilities improve your dragonmark. You have to have the Least Dragonmark feat and another to qualify plus 7 ranks in any two skills. You get the other two dragonmark feats over the five levels plus you either get another spell like ability from the least dragonmark or use your existing ability 2/day. The Eternal Wands you can make from Eberron Shards are what I like though. Son of Thunder
stone_dog 05-12-04, 10:14 PM	You know... you can't just say something like Eternal Wands and let it go at that. Come on man, spill!
Rauol_Duke 05-12-04, 10:51 PM	Originally posted by stone_dog You know... you can't just say something like Eternal Wands and let it go at that. Come on man, spill! Eternal Wands are a new form of wand made during the final years of the Last War. Artificers and Wizards of House Cannith perfected the Eternal Wand, which was built around an Eberron Dragonshard. An Eternal Wand holds an arcane spell of 3rd level or lower and has a maximum caster level of 6th. Unlike traditional charged wands, Eternal Wands allow any character who can cast arcane spells to use the wand twice per day. This allowed magewrights to take the place of war wizards during the final part of the Last War.
stone_dog 05-13-04, 01:10 AM	Not bad... not bad at all. I'd still like an item that allowed a caster to spontaneously cast the spell inside it like clerics and cure spells, but that is another forum completely!
Brastan 05-13-04, 01:50 AM	Just an odd ball question because I was thinking of it at the time. Would Dragon marked nobles be called dragon blooded? I mean in the same way people of privilege are called blue blooded? Or would it just be dragon marked?
stone_dog 05-13-04, 02:00 AM	SHH! Don't say that too loud! White Wolf might sue you!
Harmony's Sorrow 05-13-04, 11:07 AM	Originally posted by stone_dog SHH! Don't say that too loud! White Wolf might sue you! :heehee
JohnnyONeal 05-13-04, 07:19 PM	I've updated the Eberron Journal's gallery with images from Dragon #320. Check it out for dragonmarks and more (http://www.coveworld.net/eberron/gallery.html)! The dragonmarks are very cool-looking, and certainly have a draconic look about them.
Harmony's Sorrow 05-13-04, 07:25 PM	PSSSS!!!! JOHNNY! The first pic link for Drag320 isn't working... FYI
Eric the Head 05-13-04, 08:59 PM	Originally posted by Harmony's Sorrow PSSSS!!!! JOHNNY! The first pic link for Drag320 isn't working... FYI I concur. Not sure how it got left out, but you need to put in the ".jpg" at the end of the filename.
JohnnyONeal 05-13-04, 10:08 PM	Fixed!
stone_dog 05-13-04, 10:31 PM	But no temp tattoos, eh? Oh well... I suppose I will just have to get permantent ones. :smirk: Those images are pretty damn sweet. What is that critter on House Tharassk's coat of arms anyway? Leo... leonine... leo something... I'll have to look it up. Nice to see a full D&D critter in heraldry like that.... although why it is facing away is a curiosity.
Rauol_Duke 05-13-04, 10:35 PM	Originally posted by stone_dog What is that critter on House Tharassk's coat of arms anyway? Leo... leonine... leo something... I'll have to look it up. A Dragonne, maybe...
Eric the Head 05-13-04, 10:44 PM	That's what it looks like to me. The other three are a griffin, a kraken, and a gorgon. Presumably, the other eight houses also have monsters on their coats of arms.
stone_dog 05-13-04, 11:30 PM	Dragonne... that was it. Thanks.
Hellcow 05-13-04, 11:52 PM	Originally posted by Eric the Head That's what it looks like to me. The other three are a griffin, a kraken, and a gorgon. Presumably, the other eight houses also have monsters on their coats of arms. Indeed they do. So what do you expect to see? Heck, if someone gets the list correct I might have to come up with some sort of prize. Although, to throw out a random toffee, while there are only 8 dragonmarks that haven't been revealed, there are 9 more dragonmark houses...
Brastan 05-14-04, 12:00 AM	Okay so is that 9 house or 17? You confused me. :confused:
stone_dog 05-14-04, 12:22 AM	Originally posted by Brastan Okay so is that 9 house or 17? You confused me. :confused: 12 houses total according to johnny, but four have been named so far and leaving nine unrevealed seems to indicate a mistake on somebodies part. So if johnny is right and there are 12 houses, and hellcow states that there are 8 marks yet to be seen (we have three listed so far) that leaves one house with a mark unaccounted for... Either that or posting in high ninja mode is screwing up my accuracy....
The White Sorcerer 05-14-04, 02:31 AM	I wanna join House Lyrandar. That half-elf is a total babe! :love:
JohnnyONeal 05-14-04, 10:03 AM	Indeed they do. So what do you expect to see? Heck, if someone gets the list correct I might have to come up with some sort of prize. Although, to throw out a random toffee, while there are only 8 dragonmarks that haven't been revealed, there are 9 more dragonmark houses...Hmm, I think I can clarify this toffee for folks who haven't read the article. The article's list of dragonmarks (like Mark of Sentinel or Mark of Storm) available under the Least Dragonmark feat was abbreviated. This was mentioned in the article, but Keith has now confirmed that there are eight more Dragonmarks. I'll check how many were in the article so I can see what the total would be. However, the number of Marks does not equal the number of houses. The Mark of Shadow, for example, is available to a couple of houses. It seems likely that some houses are associated with more than one dragonmark. As for 9 more, I think Keith meant "9 more than the 4 whose crests Johnny posted on his site," perhaps not realizing that the article named more than those four. That would mean 13 houses, contrary to all the references to "twelve houses." Then again, the article quotes Keith as talking about "rumors" of a "thirteenth house."
Hellcow 05-14-04, 11:14 AM	Originally posted by JohnnyONeal As for 9 more, I think Keith meant "9 more than the 4 whose crests Johnny posted on his site," perhaps not realizing that the article named more than those four. Correct. Stupid Dragon, arriving the day after I left... The Mark of Shadow, for example, is available to a couple of houses. Aha! This is what I was wondering about on the RTS thread. Can you guess which demihuman race carries the Mark of Shadow?
Eric the Head 05-14-04, 02:39 PM	Either drow (for obvious reasons) or gnomes (due to their facility with illusion magic).
The White Sorcerer 05-14-04, 02:53 PM	Originally posted by Hellcow Can you guess which demihuman race carries the Mark of Shadow? Elves. Or half-orcs.
ieattrollsforbreakfast 05-14-04, 02:56 PM	Heres a wild stab in the dark...shadow elves?
Harmony's Sorrow 05-14-04, 03:30 PM	I'm with IEAT on that one
Harmony's Sorrow 05-14-04, 03:33 PM	Johnny! You fixed the link... I finally saw that pic, that looks better than I'd expect for the usual Countdown To.. illustrations. Awesome, thanks, and I have just 3 words for that half-elf: De Li Cious. Sounded out in a very Incuban kind of way of course! ;)
Joni-san 05-14-04, 04:29 PM	Originally posted by The White Sorcerer I wanna join House Lyrandar. That half-elf is a total babe! :love: I agree :P That is one hot chick :D And to continue the "Worship the Half-Elf Beauty" party I'll ask Keith this: Is House Lyrandar the Half-Elf Dragonmarked House you spoke of in "Noble Houses of Eberron" Or is the Babe (http://www.coveworld.net/eberron/320lyrandar-noble.jpg) in the picture a member of another house (Mixed parenting)?
Hellcow 05-14-04, 05:02 PM	Originally posted by Joni-san Is House Lyrandar the Half-Elf Dragonmarked House you spoke of in "Noble Houses of Eberron" Or is the Babe (http://www.coveworld.net/eberron/320lyrandar-noble.jpg) in the picture a member of another house (Mixed parenting)? If memory serves me right, there are two houses that have half-elven members, of which Lyrandar is one. She'd have to be a member of one of these two houses (if I had my books with me, I could tell you which by looking at the mark, but I don't). Mixed-heritage offspring from a purely human or elf house cannot inherit the mark of the house.
Kryptonian Scion 05-14-04, 05:30 PM	If the stickers that came with Dragon # 320 are accurate, then the Dragonmark on the femme's back is the Lesser Mark of Storms - though I cannot remember if that is the "Kraken" house or not.
Hellcow 05-14-04, 05:54 PM	Originally posted by Kryptonian Scion If the stickers that came with Dragon # 320 are accurate, then the Dragonmark on the femme's back is the Lesser Mark of Storms - though I cannot remember if that is the "Kraken" house or not. The Mark of Storms is carried by House Lyrandar.
ieattrollsforbreakfast 05-15-04, 05:20 PM	While were sort of on the subject of dragon magazine, was the dragonmark article the last of the Countdown to Eberron articles or is there another one to come? Likewise, is there another Gearing up for Eberron to come?
Harmony's Sorrow 05-15-04, 05:29 PM	And which DragMag told the truth on Eberrons release? June or July?
WilliamPall 05-15-04, 06:26 PM	I have the answer to when Eberron will be released . . . Summer.
deClench 05-19-04, 02:33 PM	Originally posted by JohnnyONeal ... the article quotes Keith as talking about "rumors" of a "thirteenth house." Yes...a LOST dragonmark if you read the sidebar in the article. :banghead: Not... :banghead: ...enough... :banghead: ...information!
WilliamPall 05-23-04, 02:34 AM	Okay, this is merely a stab in the dark . . . But I've compiled a list of what we (or at least I) know about the houses, the races and their crests . . . I could be completely wrong in all this. . . the italizied stuff is my speculation. And yes, Hellcow, if you could shed any light on my speculations accuracy . . . and I won't feel bad if I've got nothing right. Mark House Race Crest Detection Medani Human Roc Finding Tharashk Half-Orc Dragonne Handling Vadalis Elf Unicorn Healing Jorasco Halfling Hippogriff Hospitality Ghallanda Human Treant Making Cannith Human Gorgon Passage Orien Half-Elf Griffon Scribing Sivis Gnome Sphinx Sentinel Deneith Dwarf Bulette Shadow Phairlan Valenar Elf Displacer Beast Shadow Thuranni Aerenal Elf Blink Dog Storm Lyrander Half-Elf Kraken Warding Kundarak Human Chimera
ieattrollsforbreakfast 05-23-04, 06:23 AM	Nice work, some of those seem pretty sound guesses, but isnt the Jorasco crest a griffon?
WilliamPall 05-23-04, 12:10 PM	Possibly . . . . but I think the image could go either way.
Hellcow 05-23-04, 02:17 PM	WP, Jorasco is the Griffon. You've got the Displacer Beast tied to the wrong Shadow House, but you're right on with DB = Shadow (and the Blink Dog is a very sensible choice, just not what was used). Other than that, in the interests of leaving this open for discussion: The Chimera, Hippogriff, and Unicorn are all heraldic beasts, but for different houses than you have listed; racially, you're right on 4 of your guesses. However, the Dragonmark houses stand outside of national ties -- as a result, there is no distinction between the Valenar and Aereni elves when it comes to dragonmarks.
WilliamPall 05-23-04, 03:46 PM	I got four crest animal correct (as in determining what they were, not with correct house . . .), and matched four races to to their houses? I'm going to assume the Gnomes with House Sivis is correct. In Dragon 317, where it states a little bit about each race, it states that the gnome homeland Zil'argo is known for it's great libraries. now I know that the Houses are not bound by any one nation. But each house I'm sure has a Global Headquarters. and a House that hasa Mark of Scribing just seems to me to have libraries written all over it. I'm also going to assume Elves are with House Vidalis. The same issue of Dragon lists that the Elves have a special ties to their mounts . . . through their dragonmarks maybe? Dwarves I'm not quite sure on . . . the dragon issues lists that they've set up shop as bankers. . . . I'd decided to go with Deneith due to the inherent bonus to Sense Motive, and "Sentinel" sounds very Dwarvish. The Displacer Beast/Blink Dog was decided on due to the idea someone had that one of the houses may have split. If there was a schism in the House, then it would make sense that the houses are rivals with each other, and therefore the new branch would select for their crest the rival of there prior compatriots. But Thuranni has the DB . . . interesting.
Hellcow 05-23-04, 04:53 PM	Originally posted by WilliamPall Dwarves I'm not quite sure on . . . the dragon issues lists that they've set up shop as bankers. . . . I'd decided to go with Deneith due to the inherent bonus to Sense Motive, and "Sentinel" sounds very Dwarvish. Right idea, wrong dragonmark. Try again! Originally posted by WilliamPall The Displacer Beast/Blink Dog was decided on due to the idea someone had that one of the houses may have split. If there was a schism in the House, then it would make sense that the houses are rivals with each other, and therefore the new branch would select for their crest the rival of there prior compatriots. If you posit a schism in the house, it's a very sensible approach. One issue is the difficulty of displaying a blink dog in heraldry in such a way that it's clear it's a blink dog, and not just a dog dog. Certainly could be done -- but it is a tricky image ("Mommy, why is the dog cut in half?" "He's teleporting, Billy."). Whereas I'll just say, that displacer beast looks cool! But regardless of its accuracy, like I said, it was definitely an excellent thought.
WilliamPall 05-23-04, 08:32 PM	Originally posted by Hellcow Right idea, wrong dragonmark. Try again! Hmm . . . Well, by your lack of response to the Gnome and Elf idea I will take that to mean I got that right and you Prime Directive can not confirm it. Furthermore, I did have a back-up choice for the dwarves. House Kundarak. Makes sense that a banker would be able to cast Alarm and Arcane Lock. Whereas I'll just say, that displacer beast looks cool! So long as the heraldry doesn't depict it as fuzzy (Displacing). But regardless of its accuracy, like I said, it was definitely an excellent thought. Hearing praise like that from you it a wonderful compliment.
Mat Smith 05-24-04, 05:49 PM	Hey, Trolls. The Dragonmarks, Dragonshards, and Dynasties of Power article in Dragon Magazine #320 is, indeed, the last of the Countdown to Eberron articles. There will be one more Gearing Up for Eberron article, which will give you a brief whirlwind tour of Khorvaire (including a map with rollover/pop-up information about each of the continent's major nations/regions.) After that, the EBCS (which releases in JUNE) will be on shelves, so the need for preview material will be gone. Though, you can expect to find support material in Dragon, as well as here on the website.
JohnnyONeal 05-26-04, 10:22 AM	Thanks, Mat! We've loved the articles!
SelrahcParr 05-26-04, 11:21 AM	Quick question: Will the Dragonmarks always be on peoples backs or can they appear anywhere on the body? I mean, look at the roleplaying possibilities... What if the mark appeared on someones face, no way your going to hide what house your from. Or what if it appeared under your hair, you wouldn't even know that you had it until a desperate situation pushed you to use your powers. that and I'm just curious. ;)
Hellcow 05-26-04, 11:57 AM	Originally posted by SelrahcParr Will the Dragonmarks always be on peoples backs or can they appear anywhere on the body? I mean, look at the roleplaying possibilities... Anywhere on the body.
Joni-san 05-26-04, 02:25 PM	Originally posted by Hellcow Anywhere on the body. Eeewewww!!! ;) :P