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Using Arcana Unearthed in Eberron |  |
Monte Cook's Arcana Unearthed offers a number of new classes and races that can be used independently of, or in conjunction with, standard D&D classes and races. Planning my upcoming Eberron campaign, as well as my growing obsession with the setting, has led me to wonder how the various elements of Arcana Unearthed would fit into the world of Eberron. The following is my take on that particular question.
Magic
Arcana Unearthed handles magic differently than core D&D does. There is no division between arcane and divine; there is simply magic. In addition, pure spell power has been toned down somewhat, while spellcaster versatility has been increased. Finally, metamagic has been expanded upon, and various levels of ‘spell proficiency' have been added to the magic system. So, how does one handle Arcana Unearthed spellcasters and spell-like abilities in the same campaign as their D&D counterparts?
My solution is quite simple: they practice a different form of magic. I have termed this magic “eldritch magic”, and it is a separate form from “divine” and “arcane”. Spellcasters from Arcana Unearthed use that game's magic system, while D&D spellcasters use the core magic system; multiclassing is handled in the same way that a multiclass wizard/cleric is handled. Finally, metamagic feats from Arcana Unearthed can only be applied to eldritch magic, and the same holds true for standard D&D metamagic and its relationship to arcane/divine magic.
So where, you ask, does eldritch magic come from in Eberron? Long ago, it was practiced widely by the giants of Xen'drik, when their great empire was still in full swing. Since the invasion from Dal Quor, eldritch magic has fallen by the wayside somewhat. However, the drow of Xen'drik (as well as a few giants) still practice eldritch magic, as do the elves of Aerenal and Valenar, though to a lesser extent.
Classes
So where do the various classes fit in? Some are easier to integrate than others, but they all have a place in Eberron.
Akashics: There are monasteries in Adar dedicated to unification with Eberron and its inhabitants. Through study and meditation, many of these monks have developed a connection to the askashic record, the communal memory of all living beings. While akashics are rare in Khorvaire, some of the monks of Adar believe that the best way to become one with the world is to travel it, learning through experience as well as memory.
Champions: Champions are to causes what paladins are to religions, and can be found virtually anywhere. It is not uncommon to find a champion of darkness in the ranks of the Order of the Emerald Claw, or to find a champion of life protecting the wilds of the Eldeen Reaches.
Greenbonds: The drow of Xen'drik seek to protect their land from the despoilers of Khorvaire. In order to more effectively do this, some of these drow use eldritch magic and various ceremonies to develop a strong spiritual connection with Eberron, itself. This connection is fundamentally different from that between a druid and the land, but is no less strong. Some who have gone to Xen'drik have learned the secrets of these drow greenbonds, and have brought them back to Khorvaire. Consequently, greenbonds can sometimes be found in the Shadow Marches or the Eldeen Reaches, and even beyond.
Mage Blades: The Valenar have allowed their tie to eldritch magic to atrophy somewhat; however, the bond is not completely gone. Occasionally, a Valenar elf is interested enough in eldritch magic to learn what he needs in order to supplement his combat prowess. Through this union of eldritch magic and swordplay, the mage blade is born.
Magisters: Magisters are the undisputed masters of eldritch magic. They are most common among the drow of Xen'drik and the elves of Aerenal, though some members of the Arcane Congress and the Twelve have learned to harness the magister's powers, as well.
Oathsworn: Oathsworn are often found in the service of various causes or religions. The Gatekeepers of the Eldeen Reaches claim more than a few in their ranks, as does the Church of the Silver Flame. The strict discipline required by the oathsworn also appeals to the kalashtar.
Runethanes: The art of runic spellcasting is uniquely giantish, and many giant runethanes can be found in the wilds of Xen'drik. Some explorers have brought this knowledge back with them, and House Kundarak has grown particularly interested in the arts of the runethane.
Totem Warriors: The Eldeen Reaches and the Shadow Marches are home to a number of totem warriors, as are the Talenta Planes. Many are shifters seeking to become closer to their lycanthropic heritage, while others are members of various druidic sects. In addition, many of the barbarians of Argonessen are totem warriors, though they choose dragons rather than animals as their totem spirits.
Unfettered: These daring swashbucklers can be found virtually anywhere in Khorvaire. Whether captaining a pirate vessel in the Lazhaar Principalities or battling criminals in Sharn, unfettered are no more or less common than fighters or rogues.
Warmains: During the Last War, warmains often led squads of soldiers, using their superior fighting ability and their tactical knowledge to win the day. Now that the Last War is over, many warmains have turned to more mercenary activities in order to make a living. However, there are still more than a few warmains acting as professional soldiers, particularly in Karrnath and the Mror Holds.
Witches: Most drow eldritch spellcasters are witches; this represents their innate connection to the magic of their former masters. Witches are extremely uncommon outside of the drow culture, but occasionally an explorer or an Aereni elf can be found who practices the strange arts of the witch. The Inspired of Riedra have developed particular interest in the mind witch, due its ability to produce effects similar to their own psionic powers. Thus far, however, they have not managed to master witchery.
Races
There are a number of races, as well, that can fit into Eberron with relative ease. If nothing else, many of these races can be used to add an exotic flare to places like Xen'drik or Argonessen.
Faen: The faen are most commonly found in the Eldeen Reaches. With its tie to nature and fey creatures, the faen are a natural fit. Some adventurous faen have taken to venturing further out into civilized areas, as well.
Giants: The easiest place to put giants is in Xen'drik. They can be used either to replace the existing D&D giants who once ruled the continent, or they can be used as a sort of ‘half-breed' giant that arose from the coupling of the true giants and their elven and drow slaves.
Litorians: The halflings of the Talenta Planes share their territory with other races, once of which is a race of leonine humanoids known as the litorians. The litorians keep to themselves for the most part, but have been known to deal with strangers from time to time.
Mojh: The barbarians of Argonessen have long worshipped the dragons that call the continent their own. Some have taken this worship so far as to undergo a ritual that physically makes them resemble the dragons they revere. Many mojh serve as the leaders of various barbarian tribes, or as spiritual guides. Some also serve as go-betweens and diplomats between the barbarians and the dragons, themselves.
Sibeccai: The wildlands of Xen'drik hold a number of mysterious races and cultures. One of these is the race known as the sibeccai. In recent years, they have made overtures to the Khorvarian settlement of Stormreach, offering to trade their exotic wares and the knowledge of eldritch magic for the secrets of elemental binding and artifice.
Verrik: The incursion from Xoriat wreaked havoc upon Khorvaire long ago, and many people believe that those days are long over. However, while the daelkyr and their aberrations are, for the most part, bound within the depths of Khyber, they have left a living legacy on Khorvaire. When the daelkyr came to Eberron, they brought with them a slave race, the verrik. With the defeat of the daelkyr, the verrik were freed from their servitude. Many of them still live in the Demon Wastes, and a few even venture out, despite the fact that their connection the Xoriat makes others feel ill at ease around them.
