Dragonmarked

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The world of the Eberron campaign setting introduced many new ideas and facets to Dungeons and Dragons. One of the primary facets was that of the ‘Dragonmark’, a permanent, tattoo-like mark that mysteriously began appearing on members of certain races several centuries prior to the ‘present day’ Eberron. The ‘Dragonmark’ (as they came to be known) grants its bearer spell-like abilities based on its race and ancestry.

These ‘marked’ groups eventually consolidated their powers into twelve powerful merchant houses that control most aspects of commerce through their wealth, guild affiliations, and the raw magical power granted by their unique ‘tattoo’. The book Dragonmarked by Keith Baker, Michelle Lyons, and C.A. Suleiman expands greatly on the basic information provided in the Eberron Campaign Setting, and it is a must-buy for anyone who wishes to make Dragonmarks a main fixture in their campaign.

The book begins by explaining the history of Dragonmarks and the forming of the current 12 Houses. It then breaks down each House, detailing its history and present-day status. The purpose, powers, guilds, and goals of the House are outlined, including the outlook of its current leadership. For players who are considering aligning themselves with a House, details about how to join and advance in the organization are provided.

The Houses are major players in world politics and business. For the politically savvy DM, the House’s intrigue and interaction with other Houses and world governments is laid out--expanding the social-political web that is life on the continent of Khorvaire. Conflicts both within and without each House are discussed, including the near-destruction of House Cannith on the Day of Mourning and the current schism of the Mark of Shadow. The suggestions for missions for House agents gives the DM plenty of ideas for future play.

Twelve new prestige classes are introduced, each unique to one of the twleve Houses, giving players a means to build upon their Dragonmark talents. A few of the classes even seem to work in opposition to their host House. For example: the secretive, Nosomatic Chirurgeon of House Jorasco focuses on the spreading of death and disease, a rather gruesome task for a bearer of the supposed ‘Mark of Healing’.

Not to be forgotten are the sections with Dragonmark-based feats, spells, and magic items that round out the book. These sections allow players and DMs to both intensify and diversify the powers of the ‘Mark’.

In its basic form, a Dragonmark is a feat that can be taken by a player to grant a simple once-per-day spell. Dragonmarked allows those fascinated by this new facet of D&D to take that simple beginning and turn it into the focus of an entire campaign or the primary means of advancement for their character. The tattoo-like mark becomes a symbol of power and intrigue for those who wish to explore the mysterious world of the Dragonmarked Houses.

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Written by Nytwalker on August 17th, 2007