Dragonshards

The Moons of Eberron

By Keith Baker and Chris Perkins

The sky of Eberron is full of wonders. The Ring of Siberys stretches over the equator, its glittering
stones standing out even in the light of day. Sages trace images of celestial dragon patterns of the
stars. And twelve moons circle the planet, filling the night sky with color and light.

This multitude of moons affects Eberron in many ways. While Zarantyr has the greatest influence
over the tides of Eberron, each moon has its own impact on wind and water, and lunar conjunctions
can have dramatic effects that can spawn adventures. A confluence of moons can pull back the
waters, revealing ancient ruins along the shores of Xen'drik. Sailors speak of maelstroms that arise
when Zarantyr eclipses Aryth -- vast whirlpools that can draw a ship into the elemental oceans of
Lamannia or the endless frozen sea of Risia. The sage Galeoin, who lived among the Serens,
claimed that the moons influenced the tides of magic as well as water and that his barbaric hosts had
learned to weave lunar power into their arcane rituals; however, the magi of the Arcane Congress
have yet to find any solid evidence supporting Galeoin's claims. A Dungeon Master could certainly
decide that a particular ritual, magic item, or eldritch machine can be completed only during a
particular conjunction of moons, or that a full moon can enhance the effects of a particular manifest
zone.

Each moon has an "ascendant phase" -- a 28-day period during which it is unusually bright. To date,
scholars have found no natural explanation for this phenomenon, and it remains one of the mysteries
of the skies. This cycle of radiance is the basis for the lunar calendar, and each month is named for
the moon that is in its ascendant phase. Some stargazers claim that the ascendant moon has a
profound impact on the skills and spirit of children born beneath it; a child born in the month of
Zarantyr will be wild and mercurial, while a child of Therendor will be gentle and kind. Druids and
rangers also believe that the ascendant moon can be a source of strength -- that a child of Dravago
has a special gift for calming animals when this moon is full in the sky. A Dungeon Master who wants
to embrace this idea can provide a character with a single action point on a night when his ascendant
moon is full; this can be used only for an action tied to the theme of his moon.

When the dragonmarks appeared, sages were quick to note the similarities between the powers of
the marks and the mythic qualities of the moons. According to popular legend, each dragonmark first
manifested during the month of its associated moon. One common belief is that a child born in the
month of his mark has a greater chance of developing a powerful dragonmark, and superstitious
dragonmarked couples often time pregnancies to end in the appropriate month. As there were once
thirteen dragonmarks, some sages believe that there is a thirteenth moon that has either vanished or
simply cannot be seen with the naked eye, and the existence of such a moon has been hinted at by
dragons and carvings found in ruined Xen'drik. If this moon was once visible in the sky, it vanished
long before the rise of human civilization, and the common races do not know its name or place in the
heavens.

The Twelve Moons

Zarantyr, the Storm Moon

Color: Pearly white
Associated Dragonmark: Storm
Approximate Diameter: 1,250 miles
Approximate Mean Distance from Eberron: 14,300 miles
Zarantyr is the closest moon to Eberron, and it has the greatest effect on the planet's tides.
Superstition holds that there is a far greater chance of being struck by lightning when Zarantyr is full,
and that bolts can fall from a clear sky. According to the druids, those born in the month of Zarantyr
have a wild and tempestuous nature.
Sometimes this translates to aggression, but it can also manifest as pure, unbridled energy;
barbarians, fighters, sorcerers, and evokers may all feel a bond with the Storm Moon.

Feat
Zarantyr ascendant [Lunar]
Prerequisite: Natural birth
Benefit: Those born while Zarantyr is ascendant gain +2 bonus to Intimidate, rising to +4 during the
month of Zarantyr.
If a character born under an ascendant moon later develops the Dragonmark that is associated with
the ascendant moon, the spell-like abilities of that Dragonmark are cast at +1 caster level.
Special: You may select this eat only as a first level character. You may not take more than one
Lunar feat.

Olarune, The Sentinel

Color: Pale orange
Associated Dragonmark: Sentinel
Approximate Diameter: 950 miles
Approximate Mean Distance from Eberron: 22,500 miles
To the naked eye, the orange disk of Olarune seems to have a slight fringe that vaguely resembles
the rim of a shield. The druids say that those born when Olarune is ascendant have a strong bond to
community and to order, and a natural desire to protect others; superstition holds that more paladins
are born in this month than any other. Scattered lycanthropes, especially weretigers, revere Olarune
as a sort of demigoddess-protector.

Feat
Olarune ascendant [Lunar]
Prerequisite: Natural birth
Benefit: Those born while Olarune is ascendant gain +2 bonus to Diplomacy, rising to +4 during the
month of Olarune.
If a character born under an ascendant moon later develops the Dragonmark that is associated with
the ascendant moon, the spell-like abilities of that Dragonmark are cast at +1 caster level.
Special: You may select this eat only as a first level character. You may not take more than one
Lunar feat.

Therendor, The Healer's Moon

Color: Pale gray
Associated Dragonmark: Healing
Approximate Diameter: 1,100 miles
Approximate Mean Distance from Eberron: 39,000 miles
Therendor is the "brother moon" of Barrakas, sharing a similar but narrower orbit with the Lantern
Moon. The Serens and druids maintain that natural medicines concocted when Therendor is full and
Barrakas is new are more potent than normal. Those born in the month of Therendor are thought to
be gentle and empathetic; priests, mediators, and healers often have Therendor as their ascendant
moon.

Feat
Therendor ascendant [Lunar]
Prerequisite: Natural birth
Benefit: Those born while Therendor is ascendant gain +2 bonus to Heal, rising to +4 during the
month of Therendor.
If a character born under an ascendant moon later develops the Dragonmark that is associated with
the ascendant moon, the spell-like abilities of that Dragonmark are cast at +1 caster level.
Special: You may select this eat only as a first level character. You may not take more than one
Lunar feat.

Eyre, the Anvil

Color: Silver-gray
Associated Dragonmark: Making
Approximate Diameter: 1,200 miles
Approximate Mean Distance from Eberron: 52,000 miles
When Eyre is full, a keen-eyed observer can pick out on its surface a shadowy shape that vaguely
resembles an anvil. According to druidic belief, those born under Eyre inherit a solid, practical nature
and a gift for nature crafts. Some smiths will wait until Eyre is full to work on especially difficult
projects, and House Cannith enclaves often hold celebrations when the Anvil is full in the sky.

Feat
Eyre ascendant [Lunar]
Prerequisite: Natural birth
Benefit: Those born while Eyre is ascendant gain +2 bonus to Craft, rising to +4 during the month of
Eyre.
If a character born under an ascendant moon later develops the Dragonmark that is associated with
the ascendant moon, the spell-like abilities of that Dragonmark are cast at +1 caster level.
Special: You may select this eat only as a first level character. You may not take more than one
Lunar feat.

Dravago, the Herder's Moon

Color: Pale lavender
Associated Dragonmark: Handling
Approximate Diameter: 2,000 miles
Approximate Mean Distance from Eberron: 77,500 miles
Large and lavender, Dravago is a striking image in the sky. Its orbit typically keeps it at a distance
from other moons, and old legends say that it is herding the rest and keeping them in motion.
Children of Dravago are said to be more comfortable with animals and plants than with people --
gifted herders, handlers, and farmers, but often awkward in social situations. Some say that stones
from Dravago occasionally fall to Eberron, and alchemists have long claimed that this "purple dust of
Dravago" holds remarkable magical properties.

Feat
Dravago ascendant [Lunar]
Prerequisite: Natural birth
Benefit: Those born while Dravago is ascendant gain +2 bonus to Handle Animal, rising to +4 during
the month of Dravago.
If a character born under an ascendant moon later develops the Dragonmark that is associated with
the ascendant moon, the spell-like abilities of that Dragonmark are cast at +1 caster level.
Special: You may select this eat only as a first level character. You may not take more than one
Lunar feat.

Nymm, the Crown or King Nymm

Color: Pale yellow
Associated Dragonmark: Hospitality
Approximate Diameter: 900 miles
Approximate Mean Distance from Eberron: 95,000 miles
The golden disk of Nymm is most typically associated with royalty. Those born when Nymm is
ascendant are said to be sociable and charismatic, gifted orators and con artists. The halflings of
House Ghallanda frequently offer discounted rates at their hostelries on nights when "King Nymm" is
in its full moon phase.

Feat
Nymm ascendant [Lunar]
Prerequisite: Natural birth
Benefit: Those born while Nymm is ascendant gain +1 bonus to Leadership score to recruit followers
or cohorts, this bonus rises to +2 during the month of Nymm. Characters with Nymm Ascendant can
take the Leadership Feat at 2nd level.
If a character born under an ascendant moon later develops the Dragonmark that is associated with
the ascendant moon, the spell-like abilities of that Dragonmark are cast at +1 caster level.
Special: You may select this eat only as a first level character. You may not take more than one
Lunar feat.

Lharvion, the Eye

Color: Dull white with black slit
Associated Dragonmark: Detection
Approximate Diameter: 1,350 miles
Approximate Mean Distance from Eberron: 125,000 miles
This moon features a 750-mile-long black chasm, and, when viewed from Eberron, the full disk of
Lharvion resembles a slitted eye. Many superstitions exist about the baleful influence of this moon,
and strange occurrences and calamities seem to happen when the Eye of Lharvion is full in the sky.
The druids believe that children of Lharvion possess unnatural insights, and gifted diviners and
researchers are often born in this month.

Feat
Lharvion ascendant [Lunar]
Prerequisite: Natural birth
Benefit: Those born while Lharvion is ascendant gain +2 bonus to Gather Information, rising to +4
during the month of Lharvion.
If a character born under an ascendant moon later develops the Dragonmark that is associated with
the ascendant moon, the spell-like abilities of that Dragonmark are cast at +1 caster level.
Special: You may select this eat only as a first level character. You may not take more than one
Lunar feat.

Barrakas, the Lantern

Color: Pale gray
Associated Dragonmark: Finding
Approximate Diameter: 1,500 miles
Approximate Mean Distance from Eberron: 144,000 miles
Barrakas is the brightest of Eberron's moons, and hunters value its light when stalking prey at night.
This "sister moon" of Therendor shares a similar (if wider) orbit and occasionally seems to hide
behind her closer brother. On nights when Therendor eclipses Barrakas -- "when Barrakas is shy" --
sailors worry about getting lost at sea.
Those born when Barrakas is ascendant are thought to be gifted hunters, but many also believe they
have a knack for clarifying things that others find confusing. The son of Lharvion sees what others
cannot see, while the daughter of Barrakas sheds light on that which is already in the open.
Feat
Barrakas ascendant [Lunar]
Prerequisite: Natural birth
Benefit: Male children born while Barrakas is ascendant gain +2 bonus to Sense Motive, while the
female children gain a +2 bonus to Spot. The bonus rises to +4 during the month of Barrakas.
If a character born under an ascendant moon later develops the Dragonmark that is associated with
the ascendant moon, the spell-like abilities of that Dragonmark are cast at +1 caster level.
Special: You may select this eat only as a first level character. You may not take more than one
Lunar feat.

Rhaan, the Book

Color: Pale blue
Associated Dragonmark: Scribing
Approximate Diameter: 800 miles
Approximate Mean Distance from Eberron: 168,000 miles
The smallest of Eberron's moons, Rhaan looks more like a bright star. When viewed with a spyglass,
one may see a series of ridges that vaguely resemble scribblings on a page. The druids say that
Rhaan empowers creative thought, and they believe that dancers, musicians, poets, and artists of all
stripes draw inspiration from the Book.

Feat
Rhaan ascendant [Lunar]
Prerequisite: Natural birth
Benefit: Those born while Rhaan is ascendant gain +2 bonus to Perform, rising to +4 during the
month of Rhaan.
If a character born under an ascendant moon later develops the Dragonmark that is associated with
the ascendant moon, the spell-like abilities of that Dragonmark are cast at +1 caster level.
Special: You may select this eat only as a first level character. You may not take more than one
Lunar feat.

Sypheros, the Shadow

Color: Smoky gray
Associated Dragonmark: Shadow
Approximate Diameter: 1,200 miles
Approximate Mean Distance from Eberron: 193,000 miles
Sypheros is a dim moon, and people often find it difficult to spot in the night sky. Recent observations
using powerful spyglasses have confirmed that a jagged crack runs down the center of the moon, as
if the moon is splitting in two. Many believe that children born in the month of Sypheros inherit a
shifty, untrustworthy nature, and parents often seek to time pregnancies to avoid this month.
However, the druids say that the children of Sypheros are not evil; rather, they are comfortable with
the shadows and can face them without fear.

Feat
Sypheros ascendant [Lunar]
Prerequisite: Natural birth
Benefit: Those born while Sypheros is ascendant gain +2 bonus to Bluff, rising to +4 during the
month of Sypheros.
If a character born under an ascendant moon later develops the Dragonmark that is associated with
the ascendant moon, the spell-like abilities of that Dragonmark are cast at +1 caster level.
Special: You may select this eat only as a first level character. You may not take more than one
Lunar feat.
Aryth, the Gateway
Color: Orange-red
Associated Dragonmark: Passage
Approximate Diameter: 1,000 miles
Approximate Mean Distance from Eberron: 221,000 miles
The black dragon Vvarrak told the first druids that Aryth has a similar effect on manifest zones as
Zarantyr has on tides, and that particularly weak manifest zones appear only when Aryth is in its full
moon phase. Some say that those born under this moon are restless folk, driven to travel and
explore; Lhazaar, who led the first great migration from Sarlona to Khorvaire, is said to have been a
child of Aryth.

Feat
Aryth ascendant [Lunar]
Prerequisite: Natural birth
Benefit: Those born while Aryth is ascendant gain +2 bonus to Survival, rising to +4 during the
month of Aryth.
If a character born under an ascendant moon later develops the Dragonmark that is associated with
the ascendant moon, the spell-like abilities of that Dragonmark are cast at +1 caster level.
Special: You may select this eat only as a first level character. You may not take more than one
Lunar feat.

Vult, the Warding Moon

Color: Gray and pockmarked
Associated Dragonmark: Warding
Approximate Diameter: 1,800 miles
Approximate Mean Distance from Eberron: 252,000 miles
Vult is the farthest moon from Eberron, and some legends say that it holds back forces that lurk out
within the stars. The druids say that children of Vult are practical, careful folk who generally plan
ahead and prepare for the worst; when disaster strikes, the children of Vult hold civilization together.
In his study of the Serens, the sage Galeoin reported that the barbarians believe that Vult "devours"
the spirits of deceased great wyrms that fail to attain godhood.

Feat
Vult ascendant [Lunar]
Prerequisite: Natural birth
Benefit: Those born while Vult is ascendant gain +2 bonus to Knowledge, rising to +4 during the
month of Vult.
If a character born under an ascendant moon later develops the Dragonmark that is associated with
the ascendant moon, the spell-like abilities of that Dragonmark are cast at +1 caster level.
Special: You may select this eat only as a first level character. You may not take more than one
Lunar feat.

Lycanthropes and the Moons of Eberron

The full moon has a powerful effect on lycanthropes -- and on Eberron, a shapeshifter may have to
contend with the influence of multiple moons on a single night. A creature afflicted with lycanthropy
changes involuntarily into animal form whenever one of the twelve moons is full. An afflicted creature
can resist the involuntary transformation with a successful Control Shape check (see Monster
Manual, page 303); however, for each additional full moon after the first, apply a -2 penalty to the
check.
This means that an afflicted lycanthrope has to contend with the effects of the curse an average of
nineteen nights of the month. Thus, rarely does an afflicted lycanthrope last a week before the curse
takes hold and permanently alters her alignment.

About the Author

Keith Baker has been an avid fan of Dungeons & Dragons since grade school. His life took a
dramatic turn in 2002 when he submitted the world of Eberron to the Wizards of the Coast Fantasy
Setting Search. In addition to developing the Eberron Campaign Setting and Shadows of the Last
War, he has worked for Atlas Games, Goodman Games, and Green Ronin.

Chris Perkins has spent many years writing and editing various RPG worlds. He currently serves as
the design manager for RPGs and miniatures at Wizards of the Coast.

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