Eberron
A world of magic and machinery where the war is over, but the fighting never truly stops.
Eberron is a unique campaign setting for Dungeons & Dragons that blends high fantasy with elements of science fiction and noir detective stories. Unlike traditional worlds where magic is rare or ancient, Eberron is defined by 'magitech,' where magical inventions like trains, airships, and wands are commonplace tools of daily life. The world was forged in the aftermath of a devastating conflict known as the Last War, which ended not with a treaty but with a truce, leaving the continent scarred by lingering tensions and experimental weaponry.
Quick Facts
- Designer
- Keith Baker
- Bill Slavicsek
- and James Wyatt
- Publisher
- Wizards of the Coast
- Date
- 2004
- Genre
- Fantasy
- Language
- English
- System
- D&D v3.5, 4th edition; 5th edition
- Random chance
- Dice rolling
Facts from the source article.
Background
Magic in Eberron is not just a mystical force but an industrial resource. The Dragonmarked Houses, families with hereditary magical abilities, control the global economy through monopolies on communication, transportation, and healing. However, this reliance on magic has come at a cost; the war left the world littered with dangerous constructs, undead soldiers, and volatile magical experiments. The setting is often described as 'magical noir,' where adventurers navigate a world of political intrigue, corporate espionage, and supernatural threats lurking in the shadows of neon-lit cities.
Did You Know?
- The gods of Eberron are intentionally ambiguous; players never know if they truly exist or if their power comes from collective belief and the Silver Flame itself.
- Warforged, living constructs created for war, were granted legal personhood only after the conflict ended, sparking ongoing debates about rights and citizenship.
- The continent of Xen'drik is a dangerous jungle filled with ancient ruins and primordial monsters, often serving as a frontier for exploration.
More in Worlds & Campaign Settings
Elsewhere in Dungeons and Dragons
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced