Im a dm and i had some questions [Archive] - Wizards Community

Im a dm and i had some questions [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Stein86
08-16-04, 10:10 PM I am a dm and i have been looking to buy the eberron books for my gaming group but i had a couple questions. How does eberron play vs the realms. What i mean is that the realms seem like what i would call classic fantasy and eberron seems like a tech magic world. The players that i play with are worried that eberron might be a little to modern for them but i really what to buy the books. Can anyone help me out?
Ch@pel
08-16-04, 10:42 PM I wouldn't say Eberron is "modern" by most standards, but I guess compared to the Realms, it could be seen that way. Read Keith's Dragonshards articles and definately check out this site:

http://www.coveworld.net/eberron/index2.html

This is a fan site with HUGE amounts of info about Eberron. Hope this helps.
Zen Storm
08-16-04, 11:03 PM The best way to find out about the mood of Eberron is to buy the book. Even if you don't play the world/setting, as a DM you can pick various interesting ideas from the setting. The next best way is to go to the FAQ for newbies and I suggset when you're finished there to check out the Ask Kieth Baker thread. He is the creator and is generous beyond words with his time to all of us who have questions on the overall feel. I hope that will help. Your question is very broad in nature and would take alot to answer it here. But, here is a quick answer from the FAQ's.

What is the general tone and spirit of Eberron?

In the words of Wizards of the Coast, "Eberron is a cinematic world of pulp/noir action, adventure, and intrigue." So what's that mean? "Pulp" refers to the kind of high-octane, seat-of-your-pants adventure first popularized in paperbacks and magazine stories like Doc Savage and Conan, continuing today in the form of action heroes like Indiana Jones. "Noir" describes stories with a darker edge, where imperfect heroes face tough decisions, and morality isn't always black and white. Combine the two and you get swashbuckling action combined with uncertainty and intrigue. Those have always been the elements of great D&D adventures, and they're a big part of the focus of Eberron. As for "cinematic," that's easy. Heroes in Eberron do more than slay legions of monsters or converse with tavern owners; they should be the kind of heroes who you'd want to watch a movie about.

From a personal view point. I have played and DM'ed the Realms for upwards of 15 years. I love the setting, but for me it was getting a little stale. I was searching for something different when I heard about Eberron. I've been an anticipating fan since then. I can't get enough, fast enough. Iguess I'm a little spoiled what with the amount of FR stuff out there but it's teaching me patience.

In a head to head they are too different, I just know what I like. But briefly in Eberron magic (low level) is pretty common, adventure is high, intrigue is everywhere, and the mightiest heroes are *you and your players*. As I said in a thread discussion about this a while back; After a game session one of my players said that he wished that they could save the day for once and be the one that everyone wrote stories and sung ballads about, "you know maybe have a sit down dinner with Elminster one night and tell him how we saved the realms without his help." I thought that was pretty telling. and it was the way I had felt for quite some time as well.

Anyway, bottom line is you'll just have to research it here or bite the bullet and buy it if your interested in it. All I can say is from an avid, 15 year vet of the realms, Eberron is the coolest most well done, inspirational, exciting, and most FUN setting I have read in *15 years*. I highly recommend it.

As far as your players go, mine were the same until I read about it researched it and played it. I've had no complaints. And, they love the way magic is used cause it's cool.
Hope that helps.

:)
ChrisTheS
08-17-04, 01:10 AM A 'flavor summary' of the setting might go something like this: Imagine what the world would be like if the industrial revolution had been built on magic instead of coal, and World War I had lasted a hundred years instead of four. It is more 'modern' than the Realms, but not by much; the Realms' cultural level is roughly akin to the early 1600s, while Eberron's is closer to the mid-1800s.

One principle difference in play between the settings is that there are more consequences in Eberron. In the Realms you could ruthlessly slaughter every goblin you ever came across and would probably be upheld as a paragon of virtue. In Eberron, many goblins are citizens of a recognized nation, and the wanton murder of goblinoids could easily result in the character being slapped with a pretty hefty death mark. Likewise, because adventuring parties aren't ten a copper in Khorvaire (and because the landmass is so much smaller), the characters are more likely to establish a wide-reaching reputation than in the Realms, where an adventurer could work for twenty years and become the finest sword (or scimitar) in the world, and still be completely unknown outside of a few small regions.

Play isn't completely different in Eberron, but I think it may just be a bit more exciting. There's not a lot to do in the Realms that hasn't already been done (often more than once). Eberron's biggest difference may be that it encourages people to think outside the traditional D&D box. Of course, some people (like MY idiot players) won't like that... at which point, my advice is to bludgeon them repeatedly with a cricket bat until they see reason.
EarthsShadow
08-17-04, 06:03 AM Originally posted by ChrisTheS
A 'flavor summary' of the setting might go something like this: Imagine what the world would be like if the industrial revolution had been built on magic instead of coal, and World War I had lasted a hundred years instead of four. It is more 'modern' than the Realms, but not by much; the Realms' cultural level is roughly akin to the early 1600s, while Eberron's is closer to the mid-1800s.

One principle difference in play between the settings is that there are more consequences in Eberron. In the Realms you could ruthlessly slaughter every goblin you ever came across and would probably be upheld as a paragon of virtue. In Eberron, many goblins are citizens of a recognized nation, and the wanton murder of goblinoids could easily result in the character being slapped with a pretty hefty death mark. Likewise, because adventuring parties aren't ten a copper in Khorvaire (and because the landmass is so much smaller), the characters are more likely to establish a wide-reaching reputation than in the Realms, where an adventurer could work for twenty years and become the finest sword (or scimitar) in the world, and still be completely unknown outside of a few small regions.

Play isn't completely different in Eberron, but I think it may just be a bit more exciting. There's not a lot to do in the Realms that hasn't already been done (often more than once). Eberron's biggest difference may be that it encourages people to think outside the traditional D&D box. Of course, some people (like MY idiot players) won't like that... at which point, my advice is to bludgeon them repeatedly with a cricket bat until they see reason.

I really like the way you described the feel between the two.

Now an even more important question: What if the cricket bat doesn't work???
Angelion
08-17-04, 06:09 AM Other good things included in Eberron compared to the Realms.

1. Eberron is made so that players can actually become a hero. Forgotten Realms is huge, you may save a country or two, and the neighbours will know about it, the rest is just too far off to have any idea whats going on.
2. There's no über npc Elminsters with silly multiclassing standing in your way to becoming one of the best.
3. The Dragonmarked houses offers a very interesting economical structure of the Eberronial life. It gives a fresh, but very nice new aspect of how a world can be.
4. No Drizzt.
Alexius D'Cannith
08-17-04, 08:57 AM no drizzt true, but the option for tribes like him

after all not all drow are evil
Stein86
08-17-04, 04:31 PM thanks, all you guys are awesome. Every question that i have posted you guys have answered and didn t make me feel like a idioit for not knowing. It really sucks being a newbie to all this and being a Dm while being a newbie. Sometimes the players know more than me. :)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Stein86 08-16-04, 10:10 PM	I am a dm and i have been looking to buy the eberron books for my gaming group but i had a couple questions. How does eberron play vs the realms. What i mean is that the realms seem like what i would call classic fantasy and eberron seems like a tech magic world. The players that i play with are worried that eberron might be a little to modern for them but i really what to buy the books. Can anyone help me out?
Ch@pel 08-16-04, 10:42 PM	I wouldn't say Eberron is "modern" by most standards, but I guess compared to the Realms, it could be seen that way. Read Keith's Dragonshards articles and definately check out this site: http://www.coveworld.net/eberron/index2.html This is a fan site with HUGE amounts of info about Eberron. Hope this helps.
Zen Storm 08-16-04, 11:03 PM	The best way to find out about the mood of Eberron is to buy the book. Even if you don't play the world/setting, as a DM you can pick various interesting ideas from the setting. The next best way is to go to the FAQ for newbies and I suggset when you're finished there to check out the Ask Kieth Baker thread. He is the creator and is generous beyond words with his time to all of us who have questions on the overall feel. I hope that will help. Your question is very broad in nature and would take alot to answer it here. But, here is a quick answer from the FAQ's. What is the general tone and spirit of Eberron? In the words of Wizards of the Coast, "Eberron is a cinematic world of pulp/noir action, adventure, and intrigue." So what's that mean? "Pulp" refers to the kind of high-octane, seat-of-your-pants adventure first popularized in paperbacks and magazine stories like Doc Savage and Conan, continuing today in the form of action heroes like Indiana Jones. "Noir" describes stories with a darker edge, where imperfect heroes face tough decisions, and morality isn't always black and white. Combine the two and you get swashbuckling action combined with uncertainty and intrigue. Those have always been the elements of great D&D adventures, and they're a big part of the focus of Eberron. As for "cinematic," that's easy. Heroes in Eberron do more than slay legions of monsters or converse with tavern owners; they should be the kind of heroes who you'd want to watch a movie about. From a personal view point. I have played and DM'ed the Realms for upwards of 15 years. I love the setting, but for me it was getting a little stale. I was searching for something different when I heard about Eberron. I've been an anticipating fan since then. I can't get enough, fast enough. Iguess I'm a little spoiled what with the amount of FR stuff out there but it's teaching me patience. In a head to head they are too different, I just know what I like. But briefly in Eberron magic (low level) is pretty common, adventure is high, intrigue is everywhere, and the mightiest heroes are you and your players. As I said in a thread discussion about this a while back; After a game session one of my players said that he wished that they could save the day for once and be the one that everyone wrote stories and sung ballads about, "you know maybe have a sit down dinner with Elminster one night and tell him how we saved the realms without his help." I thought that was pretty telling. and it was the way I had felt for quite some time as well. Anyway, bottom line is you'll just have to research it here or bite the bullet and buy it if your interested in it. All I can say is from an avid, 15 year vet of the realms, Eberron is the coolest most well done, inspirational, exciting, and most FUN setting I have read in 15 years. I highly recommend it. As far as your players go, mine were the same until I read about it researched it and played it. I've had no complaints. And, they love the way magic is used cause it's cool. Hope that helps. :)
ChrisTheS 08-17-04, 01:10 AM	A 'flavor summary' of the setting might go something like this: Imagine what the world would be like if the industrial revolution had been built on magic instead of coal, and World War I had lasted a hundred years instead of four. It is more 'modern' than the Realms, but not by much; the Realms' cultural level is roughly akin to the early 1600s, while Eberron's is closer to the mid-1800s. One principle difference in play between the settings is that there are more consequences in Eberron. In the Realms you could ruthlessly slaughter every goblin you ever came across and would probably be upheld as a paragon of virtue. In Eberron, many goblins are citizens of a recognized nation, and the wanton murder of goblinoids could easily result in the character being slapped with a pretty hefty death mark. Likewise, because adventuring parties aren't ten a copper in Khorvaire (and because the landmass is so much smaller), the characters are more likely to establish a wide-reaching reputation than in the Realms, where an adventurer could work for twenty years and become the finest sword (or scimitar) in the world, and still be completely unknown outside of a few small regions. Play isn't completely different in Eberron, but I think it may just be a bit more exciting. There's not a lot to do in the Realms that hasn't already been done (often more than once). Eberron's biggest difference may be that it encourages people to think outside the traditional D&D box. Of course, some people (like MY idiot players) won't like that... at which point, my advice is to bludgeon them repeatedly with a cricket bat until they see reason.
EarthsShadow 08-17-04, 06:03 AM	Originally posted by ChrisTheS A 'flavor summary' of the setting might go something like this: Imagine what the world would be like if the industrial revolution had been built on magic instead of coal, and World War I had lasted a hundred years instead of four. It is more 'modern' than the Realms, but not by much; the Realms' cultural level is roughly akin to the early 1600s, while Eberron's is closer to the mid-1800s. One principle difference in play between the settings is that there are more consequences in Eberron. In the Realms you could ruthlessly slaughter every goblin you ever came across and would probably be upheld as a paragon of virtue. In Eberron, many goblins are citizens of a recognized nation, and the wanton murder of goblinoids could easily result in the character being slapped with a pretty hefty death mark. Likewise, because adventuring parties aren't ten a copper in Khorvaire (and because the landmass is so much smaller), the characters are more likely to establish a wide-reaching reputation than in the Realms, where an adventurer could work for twenty years and become the finest sword (or scimitar) in the world, and still be completely unknown outside of a few small regions. Play isn't completely different in Eberron, but I think it may just be a bit more exciting. There's not a lot to do in the Realms that hasn't already been done (often more than once). Eberron's biggest difference may be that it encourages people to think outside the traditional D&D box. Of course, some people (like MY idiot players) won't like that... at which point, my advice is to bludgeon them repeatedly with a cricket bat until they see reason. I really like the way you described the feel between the two. Now an even more important question: What if the cricket bat doesn't work???
Angelion 08-17-04, 06:09 AM	Other good things included in Eberron compared to the Realms. 1. Eberron is made so that players can actually become a hero. Forgotten Realms is huge, you may save a country or two, and the neighbours will know about it, the rest is just too far off to have any idea whats going on. 2. There's no über npc Elminsters with silly multiclassing standing in your way to becoming one of the best. 3. The Dragonmarked houses offers a very interesting economical structure of the Eberronial life. It gives a fresh, but very nice new aspect of how a world can be. 4. No Drizzt.
Alexius D'Cannith 08-17-04, 08:57 AM	no drizzt true, but the option for tribes like him after all not all drow are evil
Stein86 08-17-04, 04:31 PM	thanks, all you guys are awesome. Every question that i have posted you guys have answered and didn t make me feel like a idioit for not knowing. It really sucks being a newbie to all this and being a Dm while being a newbie. Sometimes the players know more than me. :)