Manifest Zone: Exploring the World of Eberron

Eberron’s 20th Anniversary Live Stream Jun 12, 2024

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

Drow Jun 14, 2022

Scorpions, shadows and flames! Keith, Wayne and Imogen explore the cultures of the drow of Xen’drik.

Time Markers

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:36 – References
- 3rd Edition Sourcebooks:
  - Races of Eberron
  - Secrets of Xen’drik
- Dragon Mag. 330 – The Umbragen
- Dragonmarks: Drow
- Dragonmarks: Drow, Dwarves and More!
00:02:55 – What are the Drow of Eberron?
00:04:00 – Qaltiar/Vulkoori and Wide Primal
00:04:41 – Sulatar
00:05:32 – Umbragen
00:07:03 – Changes Since 3.5e
00:09:54 – Umbragen Design History
00:15:23 – Drow Stories
00:30:51 – Drow PCs
00:41:54 – The Sulatar Multiverse
00:44:10 – Umbragen in Khorvaire
00:46:03 – Close

Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Organized Crime Feb 08, 2022

With all their bribes properly paid, Keith, Wayne and Imogen are back to talk about the major criminal factions in Eberron.

Time Markers

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:02:10 – Sources
- Eberron: Rising from the Last War, pg 68-72, 245-259
- Sharn: City of Towers, pg 149-156
- City of Stormreach, pg 71-74
- Eye on Eberron: Daask, Dungeon Magazine 194
- IFAQ: What are Doppelgangers?
- Explore Fairhaven, Dungeon Magazine #170, #173, #175
00:04:10 – Noir vs Pulp
00:07:51 – Arcane
00:09:09 – The Law and PCs
00:13:10 – Crime is Core to Eberron
00:14:50 – The Tyrants
00:15:50 – Nonhuman Criminals
00:22:11 – Organized Crime as a DM
00:26:02 – The Boromar Clan
00:32:58 – Daask
00:43:42 – The Tyrants (reprise)
00:51:43 – House Tarkanan
00:59:00 – Player Characters
01:03:30 – Wrap Up

Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Fey Aug 17, 2021

Once upon a time, Keith, Wayne and Imogen tell the story of Thelanis and the fey of Eberron.

Time Markers

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:02:10 – What are the Fey
00:03:13 – Dal Quor vs. Thelanis
00:06:02 – Stories are Real
00:07:17 – What is a Fey?
00:09:24 – Eladrin
00:12:50 – Feyspires
00:15:12 – Fey Stories
00:20:00 – The magic we wish was in the world
00:21:45 – Why the Fey Matter
00:28:14 – Geography of Thelanis
00:30:00 – Courts of Thelanis
00:33:03 – Stranded Feyspires
00:37:32 – Fey Patrons
00:42:33 – Non-Warlock Fey Patrons
00:45:37 – Fey-touched characters without patrons
00:49:44 – Greensingers
00:52:21 – Fey Plots
00:56:29 – Closing

Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Horror & Ravenloft Jun 03, 2021

Keith, Wayne and Imogen brave the Mists to explore the vast and numerous horrors of Eberron.

Time Markers

00:00:00 – Introduction & References
- Dragonmarks: Ghost Stories
00:01:38 – What is Ravenloft?
00:04:04 – Dread Domains in Mabar
00:05:58 – What Is Horror?
00:08:45 – Horror Techniques
00:11:56 – Jump Scare vs Bomb Theory
00:15:40 – Scaring Players vs PCs
00:28:00 – Mechanics as Consequences
00:35:43 – Horror Affecting Eberron
00:38:37 – Dread Metrol
00:44:42 – Non-Ravenloft Horror in Eberron
00:46:13 – The Daelkyr
00:54:27 – The Mournland
00:56:20 – Folk Horror
01:03:06 – Ghost Stories
01:03:53 – Gothic Horror
01:08:10 – Final Thoughts
01:09:30 – Closing

Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Gary Con Ethereal Live Show Apr 28, 2021

Live at Ethereal Gary Con XIII, Keith, Wayne and Imogen are joined once again by special guest co-host Kristian Serrano to talk about our journeys in game design, and how we’d each break and remake Eberron.

Time Markers

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:02:25 – Keith’s Journey
00:06:55 – Wayne’s Journey
00:11:43 – Imogen’s Journey
00:16:57 – Kristian’s Journey
00:19:08 – Kristian Breaks Demographics
00:21:39 – Imogen Breaks Breland
00:24:21 – Wayne Breaks Everything
00:26:15 – Keith Breaks History
00:31:01 – Closing

Gnomes Feb 24, 2021

The Trust assures all our listeners that Keith, Wayne and Imogen aren’t stirring up trouble during their deep dive into the lore of Eberron’s gnomes.

Time Markers

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:45 – Announcement – Live at Garycon + Savage Eberron with Kristian Serrano
00:02:15 – References
00:03:26 – What is a Gnome
00:09:23 – Freedom vs Security
00:14:25 – Alchemy and Elemental Binding
00:21:26 – The Trust
00:31:54 – Fey Gnomes
00:37:17 – Lorghalen Gnomes
00:41:32 – Playing a Gnome
00:45:53 – House Sivis
00:50:39 – Picking the right origin
00:54:33 – Closing

Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Artifice Jan 20, 2021

Keith, Wayne and Imogen open up the lab and get experimental… it’s time to talk artificers and arcane science!

Time Markers

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:39 – Topic and References
- Dragonmarks: Arcane Science
- Dragonmarks: Arcane Arts
- Dragonmarks: Arcane History
- Exploring Eberron, page 29
00:05:51 – Wizards and Magic in Classic Fantasy
00:07:08 – Artificers in the Eberron Campaign Setting book
00:12:37 – 3.5e Artificer and Craft Reserve
00:13:46 – 4e Artificer
00:17:03 – 5e Artificer
00:22:33 – Tools as a Focus
00:29:13 – Arcane Science
00:34:50 – Artifice in the World
00:38:11 – House Cannith
00:41:12 – Certification and Regulation
00:47:24 – The Arcane Congress
00:50:21 – Wizarding Circles
00:52:00 – Beyond and Before Galifar
00:56:22 – The Giants
00:59:19 – Magical Pollution
01:00:58 – Adapting Techniques
01:02:47 – Demonic Artifacts
01:03:48 – Sul Khatesh
01:05:29 – Artificers without Arcane Science
01:06:41 – Closing

Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Q’barra Dec 09, 2020

Cold Sun and Poison Dusk threaten Keith, Wayne and Imogen as they explore the frontiers of Q’barra.

Time Markers

00:00:00 – New Sponsor: KB Presents
00:01:29 – References
- Dungeon 182 “Backdrop: Q’barra”
- Dungeon 185 “Poison Dusk, Black Sun”
- Dragonmarks: A Q’barra Campaign
- Dragonmarks: Lizard Dreams
- On the Edge of Hope: Building a Foundation
00:02:50 – What is Q’barra?
00:04:55 – Design Purpose
00:08:04 – Comparison to Xen’drik
00:11:52 – Why go to Q’barra?
00:13:50 – Edition Evolutions
00:18:06 – New Galifar
00:22:16 – Noble Politics in New Galifar
00:24:41 – Hope
00:27:07 – Ruins from the Age of Demons
00:29:36 – The Edge of Hope
00:31:25 – Lizardfolk and their Alien Nature
00:34:43 – Rhashaak and Haka’torvhak
00:36:10 – Masvirik the Cold Sun
00:37:17 – The Cold Sun Federation
00:38:04 – Lizard Dreams
00:41:46 – First Contact
00:43:34 – Colonialism and Property
00:44:17 – Darmok
00:46:22 – The Poison Dusk
00:48:00 – Dragonborn
00:55:16 – House Tharashk
00:58:51 – Q’barra Adventurers
01:03:17 – Closing

Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything Nov 10, 2020

Keith, Wayne and Imogen stare into the witch’s pot to get a glimpse of the next D&D 5th Edition hardcover.

Time Markers

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:03:30 – Character Origins
00:04:52 – Origin Feature Swapping
00:07:45 – Nationality in Eberron
00:10:42 – Alternate Ability Score Increases
00:18:14 – Classes and Subclasses
00:19:03 – The Armorer
00:24:18 – The Barbarian
00:25:31 – Path of the Beast
00:28:41 – Wild Magic Barbarian
00:31:26 – Bard
00:32:29 – College of Creation
00:37:11 – College of Eloquence
00:38:47 – Cleric
00:39:20 – Order Domain
00:40:42 – Peace Domain
00:42:48 – Twilight Domain
00:44:47 – Druid
00:45:18 – Circle of Spores
00:48:14 – Circle of Stars
00:49:58 – Circle of Wildfire
00:51:17 – Fighter
00:51:36 – Psi Warrior
00:54:43 – Rune Knight
00:58:53 – Way of Mercy
01:00:23 – Way of the Astral Self
01:03:12 – Oath of Glory
01:05:24 – Oath of the Watcher
01:06:25 – Ranger
01:10:58 – Fey Wanderer
01:12:11 – Swarmkeeper
01:13:10 – Beastmaster Ranger
01:13:38 – Phantom
01:16:03 – Soulknife
01:18:24 – Sorcerer
01:19:14 – Aberrant Mind
01:22:12 – Clockwork Soul
01:24:28 – Warlock
01:25:25 – Fathomless Patron
01:27:03 – Genie
01:28:18 – Bladesinger
01:30:36 – Order of Scribes
01:31:49 – The Rest of the Book
01:34:58 – Closing

Thank you to Joseph Meehan for assisting with identifying the timestamps for the chapter markers.

Riedra Oct 01, 2020

The Inspired graciously welcome Keith, Wayne and Imogen to the Unity of Riedra.

The Demon Wastes Aug 20, 2020

Keith, Wayne and Imogen venture beyond the Shadowcrags to explore the ancient and terrible Demon Wastes.

Exploring Eberron Jul 30, 2020

Keith, Wayne and Imogen are joined by special guest Laura Hirsbrunner to discuss the content and process of Keith's newest Eberron hardcover: Exploring Eberron.

The Eldeen Reaches Jun 30, 2020

Keith, Wayne, Kristian, and their new co-host, Imogen Gingell venture into the wilds of the Eldeen Reaches.

Dwarves of the Mror Holds Jun 04, 2020

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian delve deep into the Mror Holds to dig into the dwarves.

Khoravar/Half-elves Apr 21, 2020

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian explore the culture and identity of Eberron's half-elves.

The Treaty of Thronehold Feb 21, 2020

Keith and Kristian examine the Treaty of Thronehold, how it has shaped the continent of Khorvaire, and what effects it can have in your campaign.

Orcs and Half-orcs Jan 20, 2020

Keith and Kristian venture to the outer regions of Khorvaire to study the various cultures of orcs and half-orcs.

Eberron: Rising from the Last War Nov 15, 2019

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

Goblinoids Oct 10, 2019

Keith and Kristian are joined by Don Bassingthwaite, author of The Dragon Below and Legacy of Dhakaan trilogies of Eberron novels, to study the culture and history of the Dar.

Dragon Con 2019 – Panel Topics Sep 07, 2019

Keith and Kristian catch up at Dragon Con to discuss Keith's panels.

Dragon Con 2019 – Eberron in Fifth Edition Sep 04, 2019

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

KB Presents: Project “Raptor” Jul 23, 2019

What is Project "Raptor?" Get all the details–or as many as Keith is willing to share as of this recording–about this newly announced product.

Fifteen Years of Eberron Jun 26, 2019

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

Droaam Jun 24, 2019

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian cross the borders of Breland to venture into the monstrous domain of Droaam.

Noir May 15, 2019

Keith, Wayne, Kristian, and Scott hit the mean streets and step into the shadows of noir adventuring in Eberron.

Swashbuckling Action Apr 14, 2019

Wayne, Kristian, and Scott swing into action to discuss swashbuckling in your Eberron games.

Cosmology Feb 17, 2019

Keith and Kristian step through a gate to explore the planes of Eberron.

Travel Jan 21, 2019

Keith and Kristian explore all of the ways adventurers travel across the world of Eberron.

KimiKon 2018 – Welcome to Eberron with Keith Baker Nov 15, 2018

In this "Welcome to Eberron" KimiKon panel, Keith introduces Eberron.

Magic Items Oct 11, 2018

We have a full house with Keith, Wayne, Kristian, and Scott discussing the scope and role of magic items in Eberron.

Dragon Con 2018 – Eberron Returns! Sep 06, 2018

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

Halflings Aug 21, 2018

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian explore the culture and lives of halflings (and the dinosaurs they rode in on).

Wayfinder’s Guide to Eberron Jul 23, 2018

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian discuss Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron, Keith's 5e supplement for Eberron.

The Lords of Dust Jun 08, 2018

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian discuss the Lords of Dust and their complex schemes.

Dragons Apr 19, 2018

Scott, Keith, and Kristian explore the role of dragons in the world of Eberron.

Kalashtar Feb 17, 2018

Kristian and Keith "dream" about kalashtar.

Changeling Classes – Scott Feb 11, 2018

Keftiu writes in, "I love changelings a lot, but it feels like they’re always forced into the role of the sneaky, deceptive Rogue. Do you have any other clever or unexpected classes you think fit the race well?" Scott shares his experiences and suggestions.

Changelings and Shifters Jan 16, 2018

Kristian and Keith have a "freeform" discussion about changelings and shifters.

Warforged Warlock – Kristian Nov 21, 2017

Jeremiah asks, "I listened to the most recent episode on warforged. Warforged are probably my favorite D&D race ever, and I pretty much play one whenever the DM lets me. I particularly enjoyed the discussion on warforged wizards and sorcerers. I was wondering, in particular, what types of entities would a warforged warlock likely make a pact with." Kristian answers with some additional contributions from Keith and Wayne.

Warforged Nov 14, 2017

Keith, Wayne, and Kristian discuss warforged (and how they're not robots).

Elves Oct 12, 2017

Keith and Kristian discuss the Aereni, Tairnadal, and Valenar elves of Eberron.

Dragon Con 2017 – Running Eberron for a Con Game Sep 06, 2017

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

Daelkyr and Cults of the Dragon Below Jul 31, 2017

Keith, Wayne, Kristian, and Scott discuss the Daelkyr and cults of the Dragon Below.

Paths of Light and Inspiration – Kristian Jul 24, 2017

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

The Silver Flame and Other Religions – Keith Jul 23, 2017

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

Ancient Religions – Keith Jul 16, 2017

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

Religion Jun 28, 2017

Keith, Kristian, and Wayne discuss religion in the world of Eberron.

Dragonmark Sizes – Keith Jun 09, 2017

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

Espionage in Eberron – Scott Jun 04, 2017

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

Enemies of the Dragonmarked Houses – Wayne May 30, 2017

Billy Rigby asks, "Dragonmark Houses are powerful, the 12 have a foothold on Khorvaire but who is against them? Who's the enemy of the 12? It seems like they have no overall threat against them other than each other and other businesses. Do they have an enemy or is it a House by House basis? Is anyone trying to end the Houses and if so, why?" Wayne offers his ideas.

Conflict with Aberrant Marked – Keith May 23, 2017

Gabriel Krotkov asks, "Keith mentioned that the standard houses began the War of the Mark partially to suppress the "source of power" coming from aberrant marks. What economic threat did the aberrant marks pose to the houses? I get that there must have been a popular fear of the real danger posed by aberrant marks, but if that's the inciting factor in the War of the Mark why was the main opposition towards Aberrants coming from the Twelve? Why not a religion (Silver Flame, in the vein of the lycanthropic purge, perhaps) or the secular monarchy?"

Dragonmarks and Dragonmarked Houses May 20, 2017

Keith, Scott, and Kristian discuss using dragonmarks and the dragonmarked houses in an Eberron game.

Darguun and Valenar at the End of the Last War – Keith May 08, 2017

Graham asks: "How was it that Darguun and Valenar were not given to the Cyran refugees?"

Neutrality of Dragonmarked Houses in the Last War – Scott May 06, 2017

Scott chimes in with his answer to Gil's question regarding the Neutrality of the Dragonmarked Houses during the Last War.

Neutrality of Dragonmarked Houses in the Last War – Kristian May 05, 2017

Gil asks, "What is the expectation of a dragonmarked house and/or a nation from a dragonmarked member assigned to support a national army unit on the front line? There is usually a lot of questions/conflicts that come up when there is a mixed PC party of soldiers and dragonmarked heirs when running a Last War scene. Clearly a PC can break the rules/norm, but it will be good to understand the "company-line" as there are a lot of interest conflicting scenarios that can arise in the heat of battle."

Pre-war Cyre – Scott Apr 20, 2017

Scott follows up on Ian's question about "pre-war" Cyre, specifically in regards to inspirations for Cyran culture and personality.

Pre-war Cyre – Keith Apr 19, 2017

Ian asks, "Can you please talk about your personal inspirations for the Pre-War government and everyday life of Cyre? The Day of Mourning is such a great inspiration for PCs, but its hard to give them guidance on character histories or frame NPC motivations. Could you specifically touch on some of the royal government, military or spy organizations?"

Involvement of Dragonmarked Houses in the Last War – Kristian Apr 15, 2017

Gonzalo Campoverde Arce, "How were the Dragonmarked Houses (beyond Cannith, Deneith and Jorasco) involved in the Last War?"

The Last War Apr 13, 2017

The hosts discuss The Last War and the significant impact it had on the continent of Khorvaire as well as how it might influence the characters within the world.