Dungeons & Dragons Art & Arcana: A Visual History is a big, comprehensive book about D&D's art history that's coming on October 23rd 2018.

The publication will feature more than 700 pieces of the art created for Dungeons & Dragons during its over 44 years long existence. Among the authors there are two RPG historians and writers (Michael Witwer, Jon Peterson), a director of the 2009's movie Fanboy (Kyle Newman), and a person who was the voice of Emperor Palpatine and Darth Maul in Star Wars' iconic productions, Star Wars: Rebels and Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Sam Witwer).

Inside the book that will come in various cover designs, including Special Edition similar to the new Dungeons & Dragons rulebooks, we'll find a visual story of D&D starting from its very roots. It includes the most legendary pieces of art ever done for D&D, some less known artworks, and even the works of Gary Gygax's and Dave Arneson's first concept artists, who weren't professionals at that time (Greg Bell, Kenan Powell, Tracey Lesh):

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"It was really a set of local people, some relatives, they were doing these pieces of art," Mike Witwer told SYFY WIRE during a conference call with all four writers. "Nobody knew what a Mind Flayer looked like or [what] a Beholder looked like. Gary had described them in various places, and somebody was tasked with doing the first Mind Flayer or the first Beholder. These are exciting things, and again, these were not professional artists, they were usually whoever was available around. So it was really, really gratifying to be able to discover these things, and really give some credit to some of these early artists, and a couple really come to mind: Greg Bell, Kenan Powell, Tracey Lesh. A few people that really laid the foundation for this game before it really kind of was a game, before it was a thing. That was hugely gratifying." ~ SyFy Wire

Dungeons & Dragons: Art & Arcana is a 448-page book that covers art from all 5 Editions of the game, its supplements, adventures, Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance novels, material accumulated from decades long publication of Dragon and Dungeon magazines, classic advertisements and merchandise. Plus concept sketches, large-format canvases, rare photographs and one of a kind drafts from revered D&D illustrators, including lots of material that was never published before.

According to sources, this product may end up as the most comprehensive compilation about the art of D&D ever created, reaching from early Gygax years through TSR, Fiend Folio and Games Workshop periods (yes, GW was actually publishing D&D before they created Warhammer) and then using the best of what Wizards of the Coast gathered in their libraries and allowed to dabble with.

So yes, we can safely expect a lot of classic Jeff Eesley, Tony DiTerlizzi, Larry Elmore and other big names. But probably the most thrilling could be the possibility of learning about the creative process and ideas, the whys and hows that shaped the form in which we visualize and imagine D&D from the very beginning to our present days.

Where to buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition | Penguin Random House Canada | Walmart

More information: LINK | LINK

Some interesting editorial reviews:

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“This book is an exotic, magical, and fun trip into the world of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS whether you’ve ever held a twelve-sided die or not.” 
—James Gunn, writer-director of the Guardians of the Galaxy movie series
 
“This tome invites the reader through every stage of the evolution of this wonderful game, engaging with incredible art, enlightening photos, and insightful anecdotes that both inform and inspire. Whether you got to experience the birth of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and want to relive that origin spark, or are new to the community and would love to adventure through the visual chronicle of its past, present, and future... I cannot recommend this book enough.” 
—Matthew Mercer, Dungeon Master of Critical Role
 
“This is the most comprehensive, mind-blowing visual history ever created about DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. Beyond the iconic artwork featured on nearly every page, the book actually serves as a complete history of the entire D&D universe. Both fans of the game and newcomers will be completely blown away by the countless hours of research and passion put into this book. There’s truly nothing else out there like it.” 
—Adam F. Goldberg, creator of The Goldbergs
 
“This is the definitive collection of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS artwork we’ve been waiting for all of our lives! The images contained in this book will instantly transport you back to your childhood, and conjure up memories of long forgotten adventures shared with old friends around the gaming table. This tome is an essential addition to every lifelong D&D fan's home library. Buy a copy right now—or make me a saving throw versus Death Magic!” 
—Ernie Cline, author of Ready Player One
 
“DUNGEONS & DRAGONS has shaped the imaginations of millions around the world since its conception. This visual exploration delving into where it all began is a must-read for both dedicated veterans and new enthusiasts alike. A passionate homage from the biggest fans in the industry!” 
—Maude Garrett, TV, radio, and online host and founder of Geek Bomb

“I grew up during the early days of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, and it’s been decades since I’ve seen the wonders that enthralled me during that magical time. At last, familiar treasures from the depths of the vault are here. They can make you cry depending on how deep you went. This is an incredible tome of power." 
—John Romero, co-creator of DOOM
 
“This is a time machine. Poring over these images forty years after I first held the Basic Set in my hands, I’m overwhelmed by the same ineffable feelings I had back in 1977.  DUNGEONS & DRAGONS unlocked something in my twelve year old brain—an exhilarating sense of possibility—that set my future course as a game designer and writer. This book inspires me all over again" 
—Amy Hennig, creator of the Uncharted series

“This fascinating deep dive into the world of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS will thrill both the connoisseur of role-playing games, as well as anyone interested in visual histories. I found so much information to inspire daydreams for months. I can’t wait to add this to my library of all things geeky.” 
—Deborah Ann Woll, actor and D&D enthusiast

"This tome of awesomeness [...] You can only begin to imagine the amounts of hours that this team of top notch authors poured into this. They gained unparalleled access to the archives of Wizards of the Coast and the personal collection of some of the top collectors. Needless to say this book will detail and illustrate the long and wonderful journey of Dungeons and Dragons from its humble beginnings to the cult status it obtained to this day. This has never been achieved in a book before making it the must-have D&D collectible."
 —Fabienne Payet, Outright Geekery

“In the early 1980s, I spent lots of time working and gaming with D&D co-creator Gary Gygax during his ‘lost Los Angeles period;’ I went on to work closely with TSR until its end. For me, this is more than a book.  It’s a time machine back to a fantastic, fabulous time when anything was possible. For anyone who wants to understand the pure magic of D&D and where it came from, get this book at all costs.”
 —Flint Dille, Screenwriter/Game Designer

First one is a Campaign Prototype for Eberron available on WotCs' DM's Guild. Second is a Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica.

1. Eberron: Wayfinder’s Guide to Eberron is available now on DMsGuild.com.
2. Ravnica: Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica in game stores November 9, everywhere else November 20.

Eberron 5e - Availability

Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron is available now on DMsGuild.com and sold in PDF format for $19,99.

Keith Baker, the original Eberron's creator, describes the original idea behind the Eberron Campaign Setting:

Wayfinder's Guide to Ebberon - Printed Version?

There is no printed version of Eberron Campaign Setting announced at this moment. Placing Wayfinder's Guide on DMs Guild most likely means that Eberron is going to be another world, after Forgotten Realms and Ravenloft, available for DMs Guild users to create content with. We'll confirm that as soon there's official permission, but it looks obvious.

UPDATE: And here it is. Eberron is now officially allowed.

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"Under the DMs Guild program, you can publish D&D material that either has no setting or uses the Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft or Eberron settings." ~ DM's Guild

More about the War of Eberron from Keith Baker:

And the player races of Eberron in 5e through the words D&D Beyond's Todd Kenreck & D&D Creative Director Mike Mearls:

Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron - Book Description

From DMsGuild about Eberron's Wayfinder's Guide 5e:

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"Eberron was born in 2002 when Wizards of the Coast launched a worldwide search for a new campaign setting. 

Wayfinder’s Guide to Eberron brings the eponymous campaign setting to fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons, providing an overview of the core themes of the setting and the rules to connect them to current campaigns. It explores the continent of Khorvaire and the great city of Sharn. Herein awaits a fantastical sampling of what this setting has to offer, as well as hooks for compelling adventures of your own design.

Particularly useful is a list of sources for learning more about Eberron.

Want to create and publish your own Eberron PDFs?

The Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron can serve as your jumping off point to create your own monsters, adventure modules, and other tabletop content set within Eberron and put it up for sale on the Dungeon Masters Guild.

Need more information? Check out the Content Guidelines and FAQ for DMsGuild creators! Plus you can find free Art Packs, Templates and more in the Resources for DMsGuild Creators area!"

Remember though that this is only a prototype Eberron Campaign Setting!

Which means the following:

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"(...) this book presents my vision of Eberron. This is the world I run at my own table, and the way that I’ve converted its ideas to the fifth edition rules. All of the material here is presented for playtesting and to spark your imagination. The game mechanics are in draft
form, usable in your campaign but not refined by final game design and editing. They aren't officially part of the game and aren't permitted in D&D Adventurers League events. If Wizards of the Coast decides to make this material official, it will be refined based on your feedback and then appear in a D&D book. Beyond that: Eberron is your world as much as it is mine" ~ Keith Baker, Eberron's Creator

So this new PDF ebook is basically something between Unearthed Arcana and retail Campaign Setting - an official release, but targeted for DM's Guild which is a specific place, serving its purpose. That doesn't mean it's not a valuable new material - it's just not allowed in Adventurer's League yet, and it's not a fully finished Campaign Setting. Such would be priced higher and sold as hardcover. Which may happen in future, like with Ravnica.

UPDATE: According to D&D's Mike Mearls, this prototype ebook will be updated with new data and revisions in the process of production of the final Eberron Campaign Setting. So if you buy the PDF now, you'll have the latest content added later for free. Still, those 2 books (pdf and hardcover setting) should have some original content, as Mike Mearls said on Twitter: "we want the owners of both to be happy".

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"Updates to PDFs are free once you buy them via the DMs Guild, so if you buy today you'll get the updated ones for free." ~ Mike Mearls

Sources (check details in the replies):

Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica - Information

In our previous article we've mentioned some information and sources about Ravnica, check it out.

See how Todd Kenreck and various other designers discuss Magic: The Gathering's "Ravnica" coming to Dungeons & Dragons:

Official Press Announcement

More official information available here: LINK

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"RENTON, WA. – July 23, 2018: Wizards of the Coast is psyched to announce the first collaboration on a major product between Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering with Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica releasing everywhere on November 20. The book will contain everything fans need to play D&D in the world-spanning city of Ravnica, the fan-favorite Magic setting populated by ten rival guilds, each with its own ethos and agenda. Wizards is also announcing D&D fans can now return to a magic-heavy noir setting with Wayfinder’s Guide to Eberron, a new document written by Keith Baker available online now. The exploration of these settings is a testament to how fan excitement can shape where D&D travels to next.

“Fans of Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering have been asking for years about when these two amazing brands would play together,” said Nathan Stewart, director of D&D. “With the huge surge in popularity of D&D and Magic’s commitment to bring the lore and storytelling to life, the timing seemed perfect. Ravnica is full of adventure possibilities and I can’t wait for fans to jump in to embody a member of one the iconic guilds. I will personally be making a new character for Rakdos.”

“This fall, Magic returns to the beloved plane of Ravnica with the release of the Guilds of Ravnica set for the trading card game and the D&D book Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica which will include classes, races, monsters and setting information on the ten opposing guilds,” said Elaine Chase, Vice President, Global Brand Strategy & Marketing for Magic: The Gathering. “It’s super cool for fans of D&D and Magic to be playing together in the same multiverse.”

 “We’re excited for fans to dive deeper into the robust world of Ravnica as they adventure as a member of their favorite guild,” said Aaron Forsythe, Senior Design Director for Magic: The Gathering. “Picking up Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica is a great way for D&D and Magic fans alike to tell a part of Ravnica’s story with their friends around the table.”

More enfranchised D&D fans may know that Keith Baker created the Eberron setting as part of the Fantasy Setting Search conducted in 2002, and the D&D team has been working with him to update the setting. The first step is the Wayfinder’s Guide to Eberron, a digital release in the Dungeon Masters Guild online marketplace, which will serve to collect feedback on adjusted races, dragon marks, new backgrounds and more. Fans can also use this document as a jumping off point to create their own monsters, adventure modules, and other tabletop content set within Eberron and put it up for sale on the Dungeon Masters Guild (dmsguild.com).

“It's been sixteen years since I planted the first seeds that would become Eberron, and watching it grow has been an amazing journey,” Keith Baker, creator of Eberron. “So many good people have been involved in creating the world we see today, and it's been wonderful to see it come to life. I can't wait to see what people do with the world!”

Since the inception of Dungeons & Dragons fifth edition with the public playtest involving more than 175,000 fans and continuing with the current record-breaking success of the brand, the focus has been on listening to fan feedback. D&D is excited to travel to Ravnica and Eberron in 2018 and other planes beyond in 2019!"

Safe travels!

~ W.M.

We're talking about a hardcover book with a release date of November 20th 2018. As for the title, there are many interpretations. In my opinion, calling it "Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica" could mean that the books' authors are changing the term "Dungeon Master" into "Guildmaster" for this specific world, suggest a connection to the WotC Dungeon Master's Guild, or hint on some unique guild mechanic that could be devised for this setting. Maybe something else, we'll have to see.

I'm writing this late at night, but it's 23rd of July. This means that, according to Nathan Stewart, today is the day Wizards of the Coast should announce new products. Roleplaying community generally hoped this could be about some awaited 5e Campaign Settings. And with most people expecting those to be Eberron, Spelljammer or even Planescape, nobody seen Magic the Gathering's Ravnica coming.

You can find the book on Amazon. We'll quote the description for you:

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Explore a worldwide cityscape filled to the brim with adventure and intrigue in this campaign setting for the world's greatest roleplaying game

"A perpetual haze of dreary rain hangs over the spires of Ravnica. Bundled against the weather, the cosmopolitan citizens in all their fantastic diversity go about their daily business in bustling markets and shadowy back alleys. Through it all, ten guilds--crime syndicates, scientific institutions, church hierarchies, military forces, judicial courts, buzzing swarms, and rampaging gangs--vie for power, wealth, and influence. These guilds are the foundation of power on Ravnica. They have existed for millennia, and each one has its own identity and civic function, its own diverse collection of races and creatures, and its own distinct subculture. Their history is a web of wars, intrigue, and political machinations as they have vied for control of the plane."

Is it really happening? Or is it maybe a placeholder?...
I must confess it doesn't seem like a placeholder to me. But we'll know for sure after it's officially confirmed.

If you'd like to know more about this (originally) MTG trading card game setting, look no further.

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"Ravnica is a plane whose main planet is covered in a large city, also referred to as Ravnica. It takes its flavor from that of Eastern Europe. Ravnica is the setting of the Ravnica block, Return to Ravnica block and Guilds of Ravnica block expansions."

In addition to the above Guildmaster's Guide, Amazon prepared respective pages for two other D&D Ravnica products:

• D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica Map Pack
• D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica Dice

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Premium dice for the world's greatest roleplaying game

"Heed Your Guild! Life in the big city isn't always easy. As tensions between the guilds run high, the streets of Ravnica have never been more perilous.
A good set of dice may just save your hide."

So, there would be also a set of maps for the enormous city of Ravnika (a really big metropoly) and a custom dice set. We don't know more at this point. 
Was our yesterday's hype a bit premature?... Must admit I feel a bit like that at the moment. But let's wait for more details and the official announcements. Such a twist sure could be unexpected for us, players, but not business-wise. Though keep in mind it's still unofficial.

Nonetheless, the setting is a world coming from a popular trading card game, another big Wizards of the Coast intellectual property.
There certainly is a big audience.

So, what do you say. Love it, hate it? Confused?

Special Edition D&D Core Rulebook Covers and Gift Set

Without further ado, that's how those Special Edition Rulebooks will look like. Click to enlarge:

Aren't they amazing? That's the result of the careful plotting at WotC of course, but for the art we should thank entity known as Hydro74.

Being an eternal fan of the D&D legacy, sure I would and most likely WILL actually buy those. Especially that they come (probably optionally) as a "Gift Bundle", which is going include an alternative, Special Edition Dungeon Master's Screen and a similarly cute SE Core Rulebook Case to pack it together. Such slipcase is very welcome because it's practical - it's gonna be easier to carry the books around to players for a session.

But this alternative cover version won't be the only available. An identical set with a DM's Screen and Core Rulebook Case will be sold featuring traditional designs as well.

Release Date and Some Important Details

First of all, let's take a look at those whole 2 sets:

When will we get those goodies?

Thera are two release dates: October 19th 2018 for Special Edition and October 30th 2018 for Standard Edition. So not yet, but incoming. The whole "Gift Set" bundle is priced at $169.95. For those not familiar with D&D - it's complete, enough to start playing right away.

Keep in mind though that some official sources call the Special Edition version a "Collector's Edition". So we could expect that this is a one-of-kind occasion, and I wouldn't be surprised if there won't be any reprints once that first batch is sold and the wave runs out. Also, WotC confirms that the alternative cover version is planned to be available only at physical stores. So that's what we get - a real D&D Collector's Edition of the base rulebooks that should be regarded and pursued as rarity in the future.

Dungeons & Dragons for Children and Waterdeep: Dragon Heist Adventure

On 23th of October 2018 Wizards will release also two previously unannounced books for children - one to help them master the alphabet and one to make them as good at numbers as a young dragon. All themed around D&D, so if you'd like to give your kids some idea of what fantasy roleplaying might be like, those could be perfect. There's also a coloring book we had some prior knowledge of that's shipping to stores on August 21. With a big purple beholder on cover!
Whether is such age appropriate to familiarize your children with the world of magic spells, heroes and beholders is up to you though.

Two other premieres that will happen are Waterdeep: Dragon Heist Adventure and a Waterdeep: Dragon Heist Dice Set. No, I'm really, totally not working for WotC. I have nothing to do with them. I'm really hard to impress in general. But in my opinion, both offers look great and useful for players and DMs. The storyline of Dragon Heist (and what follows) looks really promising. Waterdeep is a great city of intrigue and politics, filled with numerous, often very rich factions that compete for power and control over the region. And thanks to the (in)famous wizard Volothamp Geddarm, players are surely going to get involved in things much bigger than they are.

Maybe it's a quest for riches, but with some realistic background to keep players thrilled and entertained throughout. And it's not for the high levels, it's meant to be experienced by 1st-5th level characters. Which could seem like an alternative to Lost Mine of Phandelver from D&D Starter Set, but the complex Waterdhavian environment might not be the best setting for inexperienced DMs. Still, that's exactly the kind of adventure I was missing for a long time and I'm eager to check it out, playtest and review for you some time after it's available. Release date: September 18th 2018. Price: $49.95.

Now, the latter of two, Dragon Heist: Dice Set is an accessory that isn't very important. But can't say it's not an interesting offer either. It's a themed dice set including four d6s, two differently sized d20s to ease the rolling of Advantage and Disadvantage, plus it's coming with a golden Hit Point tracker. All depends on whether you can afford it. To me $24,95 is quite expensive. But the quality appears to be really superb and as a gift for someone you value I would still recommend to consider. It's useful and looks like a treasure.

Summarizing the Wizardry

So that would be it for now. Did you feel like a child in a candy store too? I certainly did. While generally, to say the least, not a fan of big companies and I do hate when they're trying to sell me stuff of questionable utility or quality, here it's a different story. Even if you wouldn't be a D&D lover, I bet you'd still be impressed by what WotC menages to achieve with it's unique approach to 5th Edition. Apart from high standard of production (especially the books are really well written), I think it's because WotC menages to capture the attention of both veterans with their nostalgic, precious collector's editions, and possibly everyone else interested in their franchise. There's something from everyone, and it doesn't seem like they're trying to sell us just *anything*. There is some deeper thought behind each accessory. Also, they're not releasing that much material like TSR did in the past, which dragged the company down in the end, ultimately resulting in a financial catastrophe.

Is it all I'd dream about? Exactly what one would expect? No. But what they're creating is successfully inviting to their own vision and there's probably still a lot in store for us in the future.

Meanwhile, we're walking the planes.

~ W.M.

* pun intended!

And here's the cover of The Witcher: Roleplaying Game sourcebook:

...which in press note was accompanied by some more art, strangely, originally made for Gwent (trading card game released by CD Project RED):

According to IGN, TW:TRPG's first printing will be sold at the price $50 and shall be available at coming GenCon 2018. Soon after we'll get digital version of the book, possibly in PDF format and then in coming months, we can expect second prints of the physical edition (they usually have some typos corrected).

Whether The Witcher: Roleplaying Game is a good idea for a tabletop RPG, or is it just an easy way to get more money from Andrew Sapkowski's lightly sold license, we'll have to check and evaluate by ourselves. What we do know now is that the game's mechanic should be a bit similar to the old Cyberpunk 2020 system, and that we'll get to play a number of classes and races, just like in usual fantasy PnP game.
Game Master's Guide is going to be a part of the core rulebook, so we expect that whole game should be packed into one book just like Warhammer: Fantasy Roleplay or Pathfinder. No separate Player's Handbook or Monster Manual.

As for the game's world, R Talsorian Games promises it's going to be an absolutely grim and dark fantasy setting, while saying something contrary on the same page:

Yes, I do understand it's going to be a dark world where there is some joy, just rare. But I'd argue most dark fantasy settings are like that.
Still, maybe we should give this one a chance.

Personally, I like CD Project RED's version of The Witcher world. Maybe not as much as Andrew Sapkowski's original books, but the digital mainstream interpretation wasn't that bad, and the games were actually great. I'd expect tabletop RPG could feel like something between those two - and if we're lucky, maybe it could be closer to AS's books. Cyberpunk 2020, a legendary Pondsmith title that's going to be revived digitally by mentioned Polish game developer, featured an awesome Blade Runner inspired setting and mechanics that seemed appropriate. But will its kind of mechanical and world presentational approach be a good fit, I'm a little worried. It all depends on how it's done in details that we do not know at this point.

However, there seems to be that quite welcome potential for a good side effect for pen & paper RPG games as a genre. Just imagine - fans of CD Project RED's PC/console The Witcher are already asking "what are those tabletop roleplaying game's about?", "is it a book, or is it a game?"... Is it a bird, or a plane?... Fools, you think?...
I know many people say it's a blasphemy to admit you're a stranger to what real PnP RPGs are, but you know, after they check that TW: Tabletop RPG out of curiosity and love for the digital game, they might get hooked and end up die hard PnP geeks.

So, interesting times. Planewalkers are sent and we'll report.

~ W. M.

There are 3 traditional tiers at Humble Bundle, and here's how they look for this offer:

• $1: for just $1 (yes, really - one dollar) you can get 5 comics. One of those features a famous Forgotten Realms celebrity, Drizzt Do'Urden, another takes place in the city of Baldur's Gate, while the rest is more "adventuring party" themed. There are 3 different comic book storylines, which seems like a good choice to get us hooked.
• $8: paying 7 dollars more will grant you the above plus 5 more comics, including more Drizzt, one Dark Sun themed comic and one taking place in Eberron. The Campaign Setting which was a topic of our previous news. It's important to know though that some of those series contain more than one "physical" comic.
• $15: to get the whole bundle, which would be 22 comic books, the traditional price is $15, but you can always add more for charity, if you wish.

Here's the link:

https://www.humblebundle.com/books/dungeons-and-dragons-comics-2018

Alternatively you can use this link to also support our news bulletin:

https://www.humblebundle.com/books/dungeons-and-dragons-comics-2018?partner=rpgfun

The store's description if you've never heard of them:

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"Humble Bundle is a distribution platform selling games, ebooks, software, and other digital content. Since Humble's founding in 2010, our mission has been to support charity ("Humble") while providing awesome content to customers at great prices ("Bundle"). We started by offering only game bundles, but have branched out to include an online storefront, a monthly subscription service, a publishing initiative, and lots more."

Safe travels!

These are good times, a lot of interesting events happening in the roleplaying world lately...
Everything expands and changes constantly, and we're here to let you know what's worth checking out.
We're gonna search all the known planes and report back to you, so visit us often!

Eberron in  Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition?

Fans of the pulp, steampunk-inspired universe recently got a major adrenaline injection. We have discovered a peculiar tweet coming directly from a D&D executive, Nathan Stewart, and it's totally spreading hype over the web right now.

Here's the tweet from WotC employee Nathan Stewart:

— Nathan 🔜 SDCC (@NathanBStewart) July 9, 2018

That's from San Diego Comic-Con. Dungeons & Dragons' senior director Nathan Stewart was there promoting the WotC's new deal with popular Bait store. A clothing line Bait is supposed to release an officially licensed Dungeons & Dragons merchandise in the near future. Nathan, in response to Jess Dampsey's tweet, promised to give away a custom twenty-sided die to the first 20 people who shall find him there during SDCC convention.
And it wouldn't be about anything more than a few nice ampersand d20s, if not what's visible in the blurred background of his photo:
doesn't take a 20 on INT roll to decipher the words "Eberron" and probably "Campaign Setting" written in a classic, Eberron stylized font. What could that mean?

Well, we've already had some Spelljammer gossip going around the web lately (we'll dive into details in another article). But short story even shorter, some of us started to hope for a return of that long gone Campaign Setting. And now we have this. Not sure what we'll get for Spelljammer, we're not sure what it means for Eberron either, but let us say it aloud: the bait was pretty obvious.

What is this Eberron about?

Eberron is an award winning, high-magic fantasy world that stormed it's way to popularity with a sourcebook released back in 2004.
Its planet's greatest continent, Khorvaire is a place that suffered a major war in which advanced wizards used bio-mechanical constructs known as warforged. Once obedient servants, after the war warforged turned into an independent race capable of adventuring. That's how they became a playable character race.

The setting is also known for the elementally propelled airships, some of which move on a "lightning rail" that spans across continents, the popularity of low-magic among societies, an Artificer class (interesting mix between apprentice of alchemy and a mad scientist), and an untouched by war Xen'drik - a warm continent which is also a starting location for a unique MMORPG, Dungeons & Dragons Online. The game is worth mentioning, as it started in 2006 and is interestingly still thriving, maintaining a loyal, active player base. Developer, standing Stone Games is constantly adding new content, with the latest addition being a Ravenloft based Module, but the game is still focused on Eberron.

Are we about to get new Dungeons & Dragons Campaign Settings?

That would be highly realistic assumption. If not the fact that through they years the 5th Edition is running we only got Sword Coast: Adventurer's Guide. Not even a Forgotten Realms: Campaign Setting. And we all know it's the most popular universe for D&D franchise.

So will WotC go with a less popular Campaign Setting first?

Will they resurrect old classics like mentioned Spelljammer, Eberron or Dark Sun (which had some revival in 4th Edition), and leave Forgotten Realms for maybe later?
Heck, we can't rule that out. Current Wizards of the Coast staff is a very creative and often unpredictable lot. And while their plan isn't always understandable to mere mortals like us, we can't not appreciate what they released so far.

There were indeed baits here and there, and we do have a growing hype that WotC will get back to some, uh, forgotten settings, but what's that about, currently no one can tell. We didn't get a real Campaign Settting for Fifth Edition D&D yet, so starting with something else than classic FR could be an interesting twist.

We're sending our planewalkers out and we'll be watching the masterminds at work for further reports.

~ W.M.