Keith Baker (creator of Eberron) Q & A thread

[John Q. Mayhem]

Do you think that the articulated armors from Arcana Unearthed fit in Eberron? How about Chaositech or the Dark Plea?

Great setting, by the way.

 

[Hellcow]

Hi, I skimmed through the answers, but didn't see mine. If you cannot answer because of the NDA, it's okay. Just wanted to give it a bump.

Thanks for your patience - it's easy for questions to slip through the cracks. As it turns out, I'm still discussing this question with the folks at WotC; I'll give you an answer as soon as we all agree on it. If you need an immediate solution -- and I offer this only as a temporary measure, as there are more interesting ideas under discussion -- I'll note that in any given month one moon is closest to the world, and you could use the phase of that moon to answer your questions.

Do you think that the articulated armors from Arcana Unearthed fit in Eberron? How about Chaositech or the Dark Plea?

Unfortunately, I still don't own a copy of Chaositech, so I couldn't say there. I've got no issues with articulated plate, except that it is a product of advanced engineering as opposed to the use of magic -- so the question is who has the skill to produce it. My inclination would be to make it a product of the hobgoblin empire of Dhakaan, which was noted for the remarkable skill of its armorers and weaponsmiths; as a result, such armor could be found in Dhakaan ruins or could still be in use among the Dhakaani clans, such as the Kech Sharaat (p 154 of the campaign setting). If you went this way, the Dhakaani artifact armor described on page 272 might be shifted into articulated armor.

 

[GreyWanderer]

Artificer Questions - Answered!

Kieth:

Before you have to repeat yourself, I wanted to thank you for answering my questions over at the Wizards Boards. For anyone who wants to see the answers:

http://boards1.wizards.com/printthread.php?threadid=259293&perpage=30&pagenumber=13

Grey

 

[John Q. Mayhem]

It's really cool of you to answer these questions, Hellcow. I'd recommend Chaositech, the bio-engineering stuff is utterly perfect for the Daelkyr. But then, I'd recommend almost every single Malhavoc product ever made.

I have another question, if you'd be so kind: One of the things that (IIRC) you have said you wanted was to not have lots of high-level NPCs around. I like that a lot, but when I looked at the Organizations chapter, most of the organizations' typical members were between 5th and 8th level. I haven't played much, only 2 campaigns, and neither one got above 11th level, but that seems slightly high. Do you know if this was a conscious decision?

 

[Hellcow]

One of the things that (IIRC) you have said you wanted was to not have lots of high-level NPCs around. I like that a lot, but when I looked at the Organizations chapter, most of the organizations' typical members were between 5th and 8th level. I haven't played much, only 2 campaigns, and neither one got above 11th level, but that seems slightly high. Do you know if this was a conscious decision?

Yes. Our decision to reduce the number of high-level characters specifically refered to characters in the teens and above. Using the DMG Demographics table, you could end up with four 20th level fighters hanging around in a metropolis. In Toril, there are a lot of epic-level NPCs floating around. By comparison, in Sharn -- generally considered to be the grandest city in Khorvaire -- there's one 11th-level wizard and one 12th-level fighter. So you're not going to be the toughest person in the world at 6th level -- but by the time you reach 12th level, you are one of the best in your field. And by the time you get to 18th level, you're the stuff of legends.

In regards to the organizations chapter, where you get characters of CR 4 and above, these are rarely supposed to be the rank and file of the organization. Taking the Church of the Silver Flame, it's mentioned in multiple places that clerics are rare. Thus, the cleric mentioned is an exceptional individual. If you want to run into a typical parishioner (say, a 1st level commoner) or a typical priest (a 2-3rd level expert)... you can probably fudge that without even having statistics. The Thuranni assassin is a skilled specialist; they don't have thousands of these rogues, but it makes a more interesting NPC to have on hand that a level 2 rogue (spy).

 

[ironmani]

Glad to have you back Hellcow! As I have only been able to skim the book, (Damn Bi weekly paycheck!!!!! You are my bane!) can those marked with a dragon mark have it "stripped" as a form of punishment?
Second question, do you (or for that matter WOTC) plan on advancing the timeline ala Forgotten Realms? Or will events just take place to move things forward?
Third Question, if you had to pick one class and race to play in the setting, and that was the one you would be locked into, what would you play and why?
Thanks and keep up the good work!

 

[ConnorSB]

A quick question for you Keith:

What level is King Boranel ir'Wynarn of Breland? One page 142 of the CS it says he is an Ari 3/Fighter 8, but two pages later on 144 it says he is an Ari 2/Fighter 8, one level lower. Which one is correct?

Sorry if this question is a little picky.

 

[Goobermunch]

A quick question for you Keith:

What level is King Boranel ir'Wynarn of Breland? One page 142 of the CS it says he is an Ari 3/Fighter 8, but two pages later on 144 it says he is an Ari 2/Fighter 8, one level lower. Which one is correct?

Sorry if this question is a little picky.

I can field this one . . . . Between p. 142 and 144, King Boranel ran into a nasty wight. He failed his saves and, well, you get the picture . . . .

--G

 

[WayneLigon]

By comparison, in Sharn -- generally considered to be the grandest city in Khorvaire -- there's one 11th-level wizard and one 12th-level fighter. So you're not going to be the toughest person in the world at 6th level -- but by the time you reach 12th level, you are one of the best in your field. And by the time you get to 18th level, you're the stuff of legends.

If there was nothing else to love about Eberron, that alone might make me buy it I noticed this when I was looking through one of the country chapters while deciding where to set my secondary game.

Eberron: Queen Aurala's Consort: Aristocrat3/Ranger2
FR: High Lady Alustriel's Consort: Wizard16

Winner? Eberron!

 

[I'm A Banana]

Sweet, welcome back. I've been waiting for the Warforged to be explained to me before I go write a rant thread about them being too powerful for no level adjustment.

Take yer time, Mr. Baker. I'm a patient fan. ^_^;