The Breland Ledger

2009-04-05T08:45:00.002-04:00

Havn't updated the site in years. Eberron 4e is due in June or July. Does anyone want to buy this domain name?

DDO Site Update

2006-05-03T17:20:00.000-04:00

We are excited to announce our weekly screenshot contest! Each week we will pick several player-submitted screenshots and post them up for you to vote on. The screenshot with the most votes at the end of the week will be declared the winner.

Do you have pictures of you and your friends in an epic battle or narrowly avoiding a deadly trap? Perhaps you found a particularly picturesque location in game, or were discussing your adventures with guild mates while relaxing in the local tavern? Here is your chance to show off your photography skills in the world of Eberron.

To read the whole article click here:

http://www.ddo.com/index.php?page_id=20&pagebuilder[module]=article&pagebuilder[display_item]=409

WESTWOOD, MA - May 1, 2006 - Turbine, Inc. announced today that Keith Baker, the original creator of the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® Eberron® campaign setting, will pen additional storylines and works of fiction for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE™: Stormreach™ (DDO).

To read the full article visit here:

http://www.ddo.com/index.php?page_id=20&pagebuilder[module]=article&pagebuilder[display_item]=408

Official Site Update

2006-05-01T17:01:00.000-04:00

Sharn Inqusitive: Drystone Pulls Out of Korranberg Competition

KORRANBERG—Declaring that the collapse of its massive clockwork horse was the work of saboteurs, engineers from the Korranberg Library’s Drystone college announced on Wir that they wouldn’t attempt to rebuild the statue.
Before its collapse last Mol night, the metal skeleton of the horse, dubbed “Fleet Providence,” stood nearly 40 feet tall, and the grinding of its gears could be heard across the city.

DDO Site Update

2006-04-26T17:54:00.000-04:00

Azalai Korias discovers a tomb containing runes that may shed some light on the history of the Storm Giant.

Eighty thousand years ago, the giants owned Xen'drik. We crawl about the decaying remnants of their civilization like insects feeding on a corpse. Stormreach itself rose from the ruins of an ancient port, with great pillars and blocks too heavy to lift without the powerful magic scattered across her cityscape. The greatest of the giant races are the storm giants, over twenty feet tall and twelve thousand pounds or more. They towered over their cousins and led them in creating their ancient empire.

See the full profile here:

http://www.ddo.com/index.php?page_id=20&pagebuilder[module]=article&pagebuilder[display_item]=405

and here

http://www.ddo.com/index.php?page_id=293

Official Site Update

2006-04-25T08:20:00.000-04:00

Sharn Inquisitive: Dozens Claim to Have Seen Lantern-Bearer

SHARN—The mysterious—and some say folkloric—figure known as the Lantern-Bearer of Keshaware has been seen in Sharn this week at least four times, eyewitnesses said.

“He had these dirty white robes, a long gray beard, and tousled hair,” said Maretha Ducain, a cobbler from the Underlook district. “The lantern was covered in jewels—so much so that the jewels themselves seemed to be glowing. And just like in the woodcarvings, he has the lantern on the end of a staff, and he walks all bent over.”

DDO Update

2006-04-20T14:48:00.000-04:00

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE™: Stormreach™ (DDO) is now available for download on Direct2Drive.com for the purchase price of $49.95. So put your fortitude, reflexes and will to the test as you challenge the deadly secrets hidden across the mysterious continent of Xen'drik!

http://www.ddo.com/index.php?page_id=20&pagebuilder[module]=article&pagebuilder[display_item]=400

Official Site Updates

2006-04-17T11:27:00.000-04:00

Sharn Inquisitive, News for Sul, Eyre 8th, 998: Breland Comissions New Warships

WROAT—King Boranel announced on Zor that he planned to commission more than a dozen new warships to ply the Thunder Sea on antipiracy patrols.

“Let my voice carry to the south on winds of justice: Any ship flying the bear is under the protection of the great nation of Breland. Crawl back into your holes, villains, or face the wrath of our new warships,” said the crown decree.

Monster of the Week - Moonfall Drake

2006-04-06T17:32:00.000-04:00

This week the Eberron Bestiary's monster is the Moonfall Drake. This unusual dragon has such a strong connection to the moons orbiting Eberron that many believe they are born from eggs fallen from the moons themselves. The strange globes of light that surround the creatures are sure to add an interesting twist to your mid-level encounters.
Here is a sneak peak:

The lithe, reptilian creature before you cautiously advances. It walks on four legs, the first two of which double as wings, a leathery membrane stretched between two elongated fingers and the creature’s body. A long tail slides behind the drake, and its scales shimmer in the moonlight.

Moonfall drakes are dragons that are said to be children the moons themselves, carried to Eberron by meteorite-like eggs. It is true that these drakes nest at impact sites, and guard over the meteorites like which lie at the centre of the dragon’s small hoard, but their otherworldly nature has never been confirmed. The meteorites that the drakes watch over, known as moonfall stones, are thought to have powerful arcane properties, so are often sought by wizards and artificers as components in complex spells and eldritch machines.

Technical Difficulties

2006-04-06T12:35:00.000-04:00

The Breland Ledger would like to appologize to all its fans for the lack of updates. We've faced some technical difficulties. We hope to be back up and running soon.

If you want to volunteer to report the latest Eberron news! Contact us!

Monster of the Week - Do'rhashan

2006-03-21T07:36:00.000-05:00

This week, the Eberron Bestiary presents the Do'rhashan, an enormous reptile spoken of in ancient lizardfolk legends. The voices of these mysterious creatures fill the night at certain times in Q'barra, a great way to add a bit of atmosphere to your games. This update also comes with bonus material at the end of the monster entry, so be sure to check it out!

Here is a sneak preview:

An enormous lizard over 15ft. at the shoulder races through the trees unhindered. Atop its serpentine head stands a tall rainbow crest which trails off towards the creature’s neck. Its long tail ends with a wickedly sharp bony blade.

The tale of the Chorus of Q’barra is a legend that dates back many thousands of years. When the lizardfolk were driven from the Talenta Plains by the Dhakaani, a large force of Dhakaani pursued them further with the aim of total extinction of the rebellious lizardfolk. Though most of the lizardfolk escaped, a single tribe fell behind and found themselves surround by the relentless goblinoids. Legends say that the forest itself came alive with glorious song, calling its children out from the trees to fight off the goblinoid forces. With the aid of the mountainous reptilian creatures that answered the forest’s call, the lizardfolk destroyed the goblinoids and drove any other hostiles back into the Talenta Plains, ensuring the Dhakaani would never again disturb the lizardolk. Of course, time has exaggerated the facts.

DDO Update

2006-03-01T18:04:00.000-05:00

PayByCash.com and Turbine are offering 60-day game passes to enable subscription without a credit card.

Gamedaily.com has a review of DDO. Result: 4.5 Stars of 5
Gamersinfo.net has also reviewed DDO.

NYTimes.com has a article on Dungeon Masters Online

More from the Bestiary

2006-02-28T12:08:00.000-05:00

The Eberron Bestiary has updated its archive with two more monsters. The first is the Phiarlan Echo, a remnant of the lost work of the Houses of Shadow. As both undead and a record of prized ancient tradition, the existance of Phiarlan Echoes is a taboo topic among the Deathguard of Aerenal.
The second is the 'Reach Wrat, a relative of the dire rat that has adapted to an aquatic life in the maze-like sewers of Stormreach. These critters are a great way to add a spin to the otherwise cliche 'clean out the sewer rats' mini-adventure.

DDO Preorder Update

2006-02-25T17:09:00.000-05:00

Preorder Access Extended Through March 5th

We have extended preorder access to Dungeons & Dragons Online™: Stormreach™ (DDO) through March 5th in order to help address the concerns of players who have told us they may not be able to get a copy of the retail box for DDO right away. Players who have created an account using their preorder bonus key will continue to have access to DDO through Sunday, March 5th. We expect most retail stores to have DDO boxes available on or before this time.

Starting on Monday, March 6th, players will need to redeem a retail key at https://billing.turbine.com in order to continue playing. Players who are unable to obtain a retail key before March 6th won’t lose their account information or characters and will be able to play those characters once they enter a retail key.

As a reminder, the opportunity to earn the Head Start Event founders helmet and founder status ends at 8:00am EST on February 28th. So be sure to log in and get your guilds set up!

DDO Updates

2006-02-25T13:17:00.000-05:00

The main DDO site has updated and changed. It now features an encyclopedia and map amongst other things.

The Head Start Event has begun. Download instructions can be found here.

The European site has information on the European Subscription Pricing and the European Head Start Event

DDO Update

2006-02-17T16:22:00.000-05:00

In our latest Developer Diary, Games Systems Engineer Andy "Denour" Gillis describes working on two very important aspects of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE™: Stormreach™: the Voice Chat System and dice.

"Hello there, my name is Andy Gillis, though you may know me better as "Denour". I am a Game Systems Engineer (that’s fancy talk for well caffeinated coder) here at Turbine. I was asked to write a dev diary about something interesting - yikes! So bear with me and I’ll try my best!"

Click here to read the full Dev Diary:

http://www.ddo.com/index.php?page_id=66&pagebuilder[module]=article&pagebuilder[display_item]=198

DDO Head Start Event

2006-02-17T08:24:00.000-05:00

Turbine is having a Head Start Event that begins on February 24. It's a special event with various benefits for those who participate.

More Etherclaws at the Bestiary

2006-02-15T16:28:00.000-05:00

The Eberron Bestiary has uploaded two more of the extraplanar abominations known as etherclaws to its archives.
The first is the Etherclaw Warrior. This template transforms humanoids and similar creatures into the minions of the colony. As the soldiers of the etherclaws, these creatures are fast, strong and extremely deadly.
Second is the Etherclaw Clairvoyant. The clairvoyants are the leaders of the etherclaw colonies, ruling where the queen no longer can. As masters of clairsentience, there is little these ethereal horrors don't know.

Gone Gold

2006-02-15T13:36:00.000-05:00

DDO has gone Gold and this means the release is just days ahead (February 28th).

Gamespot also has a new Developer Diary

Eberron Vitality and Wounds System

2006-02-10T16:22:00.000-05:00

Jonathan Drain's D20 Source has posted a Vitality and Wounds System for Eberron.

Those of you who have read Unearthed Arcana may already be familiar with the Vitality and Wound Points System, a variant hit points system which is now freely available online. If you’re running a game in Eberron, you’d be hard pressed to find a hit point system better suited to your game. Read on to find out why.

Continue reading Vitality and Wounds System in Eberron…

DDO: Subscription fee and European preorder info

2006-02-09T17:12:00.000-05:00

DDO: Stormreach is just a few weeks away in North America (February 28) and information on subscription fees has been released. 14.99$ is the monthly fee but purchase of multiple months comes with a discount.

Information on the European pre-order can be seen on Codemaster's DDO page.

Official Site Updates

2006-02-06T15:57:00.000-05:00

Sharn Inquisitive, News for Sul, Olarune 1st, 998: Karrnath Decries New Elf Fortress in Talenta

*Editor's Note*: Look at a date closley. It is 8 days before the anniversarry of the Day of Mourning. This particular Eberron fan hopes something special is planned for next weeks site updates, perhaps a longer Sharn Inquisitve revealing something more on the Mournland or anything else. Lets hope!

DDO Headstart Event and Free Test

2006-02-03T17:55:00.000-05:00

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE™: Stormreach™ Head Start Event

The Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach preorder has taken off to great success and we are well on our way to an exciting and successful game launch! To say thank you to all of the players who have preordered the game and to encourage even more preorders, join the DDO Team in celebrating throughout the Head Start Event.

To say thank you to all of the players who have preordered the game and to encourage even more preorders, join the DDO Team in celebrating throughout the Head Start Event. With special bonuses and commemorations to our community in addition to the benefits already included in the preorder program this is an event you won't want to miss!

Try DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE™: Stormreach™ for Free!

REGISTER ON FEBRUARY 7 BETWEEN 8:00 AND 10:00 PM EASTERN TO PLAY IN BETA AND HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN AN ALIENWARE® DESKTOP!

Turbine and FilePlanet are pleased to announce the latest DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE™: Stormreach™ Stress Test event. This is your chance to try one of the most anticipated games of 2006. Create your character and prepare for battle within the great walls of Stormreach™!

Click here for more information and a full list of prizes!

DDO Previews

2006-02-02T08:23:00.000-05:00

Some previews and reviews for DDO

Game-boyz.com review
Actiontrip.com preview
GameAmp review

DDO.com Update

2006-02-01T22:01:00.000-05:00

The DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE™: Stormreach™ Beta community just passed another major milestone! There are now more than 300,000 fans who have signed up for a position in the Beta program. The response has just been incredible! Unfortunately we are not planning to invite many more people into the general Beta, so the best way to get access is to preorder the game which comes with up to 10 days of Beta play*. Preorders are available in many retail and online stores. Visit http://www.ddo.com/?page_id=118 for details about the preorder program.

* 10-day Beta pass entitles holder to free admission into the preorder Beta program for up to 10 days, subject to continuation of the program (scheduled to close February 19, 2006) and network and server availability.

Webcomic adventures in... Eberrok?

2006-01-31T14:49:00.000-05:00

The webcomic DnDorks has a storyline that follows the junior casts adventures in the world of "Eberrok."

The adventure as such begins here. To know the players, start reading from this strip.

Some of you may also remember that DnDorks has mentioned Eberron before...

DDO.com Update

2006-01-31T14:38:00.000-05:00

We have added three class-specific videos to the gallery. Are you wondering what the bard brings to the table? Would you like to see a rogue in action? Perhaps you are curious about the powerful wizard?

Click here to see the new videos.:

http://www.ddo.com/index.php?page_id=62#Videos

Monster of the Week - Etherclaw Drone

2006-01-31T11:41:00.000-05:00

This week the Eberron Bestiary kicks of a new group of monsters with the Etherclaw Drone. The Etherclaws are deformed outsiders from Daanvi, but now spread their curse through the material plane. The tiny drones carry the cursed seed to reproduce their kind. A great swarm encounter for mid level characters, and great for setting the scene when you pull out the bigger, nastier Etherclaws . The Etherclaw warrior will come next week.

Here is a sneak preview:

The hideous creature before you stands just less than two feet tall. Its lower half is a cluster of six chitinous, knife-like legs that clatter on the ground as it skitters towards you. Its upper half is a shimmering blue, ethereal spire.

The Etherclaw Hive Mind is a vast network of psionic potential that flows throughout Khyber, from the bowels of the Labyrinth to the enclaves of the Umbragen. Colonies of these creatures can be found across Eberron, concentrated into large groups in small, critical locations. A strike from an etherclaw colony is fast, efficient and lethal to those that oppose them. On top of all this, the psionic hive mind allows the attacks to be precisely timed and well planned. Current rumours among the creatures of Khyber whisper that the etherclaws are congregating beneath the Mournland, drawn to its unnatural power as if they recognise it.Etherclaw colonies consist of a number of distinct castes, with the drones, warriors and clairvoyants being documented in Khorvaire’s archives. The clairvoyants lead the etherclaws in their elusive quests, while the drones and warriors fight. Beyond these few facts, almost nothing is known of these creatures, their appearances tend not to leave survivors.

Official Site Updates

2006-01-30T16:26:00.000-05:00

New updates this morning...

Eberron Expanded: Libris Mortis, Part One
Sharn Inquisitive: Flamewind Issues Annual Riddle
Map Gallery: Players Guide to Eberron

Official Site Update

2006-01-28T17:24:00.000-05:00

Wizards of the Coast will be holding its Eberron Virtual Dungeon Delve today (Saturday, January 28th) at 3 pm Pacific (6 pm Eastern) in the WotC Chatsite. Pregenerated characters are available.

Sorry for the short notice folks!

DDO.com: Monster Profile

2006-01-28T09:39:00.000-05:00

Monster Profile #28: Skeletons

This week Azalai expounds upon a common foe: the many skeletons populating Xen'drik.

However, the creatures known as “arcane skeletons” are the greatest threat. Suffused with the magic of Xen’drik, they exude an aura of negative energy around them that harms the living, while healing nearby undead.

To read the full profile click here.

DDO Preorder Box in Stores Now

2006-01-27T08:22:00.000-05:00

As mentioned on Turbine's site, the Preorder box for D&D Online: Stormreach is out in stores now. Visit your local Best Buy, EBGames, GameStop, or Fry's to pick up a copy.

For more information on possible deals read the article

Monster of the Week - Coronus

2006-01-25T14:33:00.000-05:00

It's that time again, this week the Bestiary presents the Coronus, an ancient construct built by couatls to guard their outposts on Khorvaire. This is another high level monster (CR 14), for all those epic adventurers that don't like to leave home.

Here is a sneak preview:

A stone ring floats serenely in the air before you. Unusual designs are carved into the inner edge of the 10ft diameter ring, and a tiny pinpoint of silver light blinks at its centre.

Coroni are constructs beyond ancient. Dating back to the Age of Demons, these constructs were built by the couatl to help defend their strongholds on Khorvaire. When the couatl made the ultimate sacrifice and bound the rajahs deep in Khyber, the Silver Flame surged across the continent, ending the demonic occupation and dawning a new age. In the wake of their creators' destruction, the coroni became inactive...

Eberron comic in the works

2006-01-25T12:44:00.000-05:00

Essential Eberron's forum has a big scoop. There is a comic in the works with story by Keith Baker and art by David Esbri. Here is a small preview and Keith's comments.

In addition to this, a sample chapter of The Shattered Land is out.

DDO Limited Edition Info

2006-01-25T12:27:00.000-05:00

In this thread Sporkfire reveals details about the Limited Edition.

The Screenshots Gallery has also updated.

Voiceovers in DDO by Gygax and Arneson

2006-01-24T08:19:00.000-05:00

The creators of D&D Dave Arneson and Gary Gygax are going to provide their voices for DDO. More information, such as which quests feature Gygax' voice, can be seen here.

Giant Magazine has an article on DDO.

Gamespot has three new movies and an interview with David Eckelberry.

Official Site Update

2006-01-23T04:09:00.000-05:00

Sharn Inquisitive, News for Sul, Zarantyr 1st, 998: Shipwreck Survivors Launched Distress Call

Bitter Sea Shipwreck Survivors Launched Distress Call

REKKENMARK -- Thrane's ambassador to Karrnath has informed the Crown that a magic distress signal has been received from the Perfect Chicane -- now three weeks overdue from a whaling expedition in the Bitter Sea. According to Ambassador Tellek ir'Uther, a Silver Flame templar stationed in southern Thrane received a sending spell from his estranged brother, who had left home last year to seek his fortune at sea.

The message allegedly went as follows: "Brother, aid me. We struck iceberg northwest of Gurrney's Point. Ship and most crew are lost. We cling to iceberg. So huge... so cold. Help..."

Monster of the Week - Siberys Hierarch Lizardfolk

2006-01-19T07:41:00.000-05:00

This week's monster is the Eberron Bestiary's second scaly humanoid, the Siberys Hierarch, a powerful race of lizardfolk with a strong connection to the Dragon Above. Siberys Hierarchs make great encounters in Xen'drik, emphasising the mystique that surrounds the continent as well as confusing players in combat with their transformational abilities and calls to the cosmos. Is it the rains of Siberys dragonshards in Xen'drik that attract these nomads, or entirely the other way around? I'll leave you to decide that one.
Here is a sneak preview:

A large humanoid figure, draped in a mantle of woven leaf and scale, raises its staff with its reptilian hands and chants as if to call to the skies themselves. A long, toothy maw juts from the shadows of its hood.

The Siberys Hierarchs are a race of self-proclaimed messengers of the Dragon Above. These elusive lizardfolk roam the vast continent of Xen’drik as nomads, following the rains of Siberys dragonshards and harvesting the stones for their magic. The hierarchs preach to the lizardfolk colonies they visit that they intend to restore the Dragon Above to its former glory with their magic, undoing his death at the hands of Khyber, the Dragon Below. Recently, many Siberys Hierarchs have been congregating in the Ring of Storms.

DDO: Awards and other news

2006-01-18T12:10:00.000-05:00

DDO wins in the category of "Most Anticipated Game" in the MMORPG.com 2005 Readers Choice Awards and a honorable mention in the 2005 Editorial Awards.

GameGuidesOnline.com has a preview of DDO.

The European Beta has started. More info can be found here
.

DDO Europe and other news

2006-01-16T12:26:00.000-05:00

The European DDO page went live recently.

For those who preordered and have been waiting to activate your preorder keys, do so here.

Turbine is also having a free preview of DDO with the chance to win a free Alienware® computer. Read more here

Official Site Update

2006-01-16T11:29:00.000-05:00

Wizard's official site has been updated with a lot of good stuff.

We finally get the Player's Guide to Eberron excerpt, and it looks good. The book is due to hit the street tomorrow, be sure to get your hands on a copy.
Read this thread and find out why.
Also, be sure to check out the art gallary.
It's very cool.

Also, we got a brand new Sharn Inquisitive and a new Steal This Hook article, Dungeoneering Dilemmas

Beta Journal #8

2006-01-11T14:55:00.000-05:00

Beta Journal #8: Tactics, Tactics, & More Tactics: Tactics for Various Classes

This weeks Beta Journal continues lasts weeks theme and focuses various class-specific tactics.

DDO Previews and articles

2006-01-11T14:33:00.000-05:00

GameAmp.com has a Review of DDO and GamerGod.com has a "First Impressions" article.

TenTonHammer.com has written a multitude of articles on DDO

DDO 2005: A year in review

Pirates and Kobolds and Bugbears, Oh My!

Barbarian

Rogue

10 Days in Stormreach

DDO NDA Lifted

2006-01-10T12:59:00.000-05:00

The NDA on DDO has been lifted. That means that players can freely speak of their beta and stress test experiences. More info here

Monster of the Week - Warplume

2006-01-09T12:19:00.000-05:00

This week's monster, brought to you by the Eberron Bestiary, is for the low level groups out there, after last week's monster we can't go letting high level groups have all the fun! The Warplume is a walking tree that wanders the Mournland and battlefields of the Last War, draining the blood of the fallen with its needle-like leaves. This creature is perfect for setting the mood in the Mournland and introducing new Eberron players to the horrors of that land early on.

Here is a sneak preview:

A huge, feather-like palm rises over nine feet into the air before you, waving slowly in the wind. Blood drips from its needle-like leaves.

At first glace, one might think the warplume a vile aberration of the Mournland. This is not so, for the warplumes have been wandering the remains of battlefields since the start of the Last War. Warplumes are sanguivorous; they drink the blood of those that have fallen in battle and those that remain behind to save them. As such, warplumes thrive in frequently used battlefields such as the Crying Fields. Warplumes are also common in the Mournland, feeding on the many un-rotting corpses that scatter what remains of Cyre.

New Fansite: Essential Eberron

2006-01-06T14:04:00.000-05:00

Essential Eberron Is a new fansite dedicated to Eberron novels and books. It a project of the people who brought you Worlds of D&D.

A special thanks to Aureon and Siberys for their hard work on the site.

You can also visit their forum and say hello.

DDO Launch Date Announced and Beta Journal #7

2006-01-06T05:06:00.000-05:00

The game that right about everyone has been waiting for is soon here. As mentioned in this thread by Samera the game is not far off.

The arrival of the year's most highly-anticipated massively multiplayer game is less than two months away! Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach will launch in North America on Tuesday, February 28th, 2006. European gaming enthusiasts also don't have much longer to wait. Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach DDO will release in the UK, France and Germany in March 2006.

Beta Journal #7: Tactics, Tactics, & More Tactics Part 1

This weeks Beta Journal discusses the importance of tactics in DDO and how it effects gameplay in general.

DDO Articles

2006-01-06T04:20:00.000-05:00

With the new year comes more news about DDO. Let's see what we have found

First off some previews from Yahoo and Actiontrip.com.

Sorcerers.net wrote their impressions of the DDO Beta

OGaming.com has an article wrapping up the Turbine Press event and an article discussing the Voice-chat feature

Tentonhammer.com wrote an article about "Breaking the holy trinity mold"

Gamergod.com has two articles, one about Rogues and one about the city of Stormreach

Official Site Update

2006-01-06T03:34:00.000-05:00

The Official Site has posted a new Mini Preview War Drums 4, which shows us 3 new eberron minies in the upcoming set!

Monster of the Week - Ancient Exas

2006-01-04T10:40:00.000-05:00

This week's offering from the Eberron Bestiary can be described with just one word: 'big.' Or perhaps two: 'real big.' The most powerful creature created for the Bestiary so far, the Ancient Exas is a colossal construct created on Xen'drik during the Age of Giants. So immense is this construct that the very earth splits beneath its feet, and cliffs crumble as it passes. This construct is a great encounter for all those high level PCs who thing they have seen the worst Xen'drik has to offer.
Here is a sneak preview:

The construct of stone and metal before you rises high into the sky. This machine of war is beyond the scales of any Khorvairian artificer, this is a relic of the past.

The Age of Giants was as rife with war as any other age of Eberron, and the exas are relics of the colossal battles fought on Xen'drik. When carvings depicting the exas were uncovered in the ruins of a Giant keep deep in the jungle, scholars originally believed them to be images of the Sovereigns. However, when an expedition to a nearby ancient battlefield uncovered the remains of one of these enormous constructs, clearly damaged in battle, they found the true power of Giant artifice.

Official Site Update

2006-01-02T07:47:00.000-05:00

Sharn Inquisitive, News for Sul, Zarantyr 15th, 998: Arranash Execution Set for Midnight

SHARN -- Sesko Arranash, who was convicted of treason last month for attempting to sell information about Argonth's magical defenses, will be executed by hanging tonight at midnight. "Arranash will pay the ultimate price for his traitorous scheme," said Knight-Marshal Banarak Tithon. "And the nation of Breland will sleep better tonight knowing that no one can escape its justice."

Scaffolding for the Arranash execution is being erected today in front of Andith Tower in the Ambassador Towers district. The public is invited to witness the execution. Knights of the King's Citadel said that because Arranash is a powerful spellcaster, he will be bound, gagged, and blindfolded prior to the hanging. Read More...

Monster of the Week - Acolyte of the Traveller

2005-12-28T08:58:00.000-05:00

The Eberron Bestiary has just uploaded its latest monster. In the spirit of the holiday, this week's monster is a sinister creature inspired by the frequently quoted saying: 'beware the gifts of the Traveller.' Unlike our own Santa Claus, this Acolyte of the Traveller will not give something for nothing. The gifts he delivers always come with a catch, and you would do well not to break the conditions. Feared by children across Khorvaire, you won't find impersonators in the local marketplace.

Accompanying this update is an excellent piece of short fiction by Wizards.COMmunity boards member Kinger. Be sure not to overlook it!

Here is a sneak preview:

A tall, hunched figure stands before you. It has long, spindly limbs and an awkward gait, and is draped in a dusty, grey mantle. It carries a large burlap sack over its shoulder.

On the 26th to the 28th of Vult, the Nights of Long Shadows, many of Khorvaire’s families gather to fight the heightened power of the Shadow with cheer, song and goodwill. However, the Shadow is not the only deity active during this time. As always, the Traveller seeks to sew his gifts about Khorvaire, and the deity uses these three nights to spread chaos and revelry.

Official Site Update

2005-12-26T07:44:00.000-05:00

Sharn Inquisitive, News for Sul, Vult 15th, 998: Watch Promises Extra Patrols

SHARN -- The city will be well protected against criminals during the upcoming nights of the Long Shadows (Vult 26th through 28th), according to Lord Commander Iyan ir'Talan. "The Sharn Watch remains vigilant throughout the year, and Long Shadows is no exception," asserted ir'Talan on Sar. "City residents can take comfort in knowing that they're safe in their homes with the Watch on guard."

Commander ir'Talan said patrols would be increased by one-quarter during Long Shadows nights. Furthermore, the Daggerwatch Garrison plans to augment patrols in the Dura quarter by one-half.

"I'd like to commend my watch commanders for the success of last year's Shadows at Bay operation, during which the Watch arrested more than a thousand criminals during Long Shadows," ir'Talan said. "And I can promise an even safer city this year." Read More...

OGGaming Q&A with Justin Quimby

2005-12-23T16:14:00.000-05:00

OGaming.com recently interviewed Turbine's Justin Quimby. Comments and thoughts can be directed to this thread

Concept Art

2005-12-21T18:37:00.000-05:00

Turbine added some new concept art to the gallery. This batch includes some examples of Wizard's robes, architecture and more. Feel free to comment

DDO Online Preorder

2005-12-21T14:57:00.000-05:00

DDO can now be officially Preordered from selected sites. Ordering a preorder pack will also give you a 10 day Beta pass and a +1 amulet of protection and more. Check the EBGames preorder page for more preorder benefits.

Fansite First Impressions

2005-12-20T09:49:00.000-05:00

The NDA on DDO took a small leave of absence (well, not really) with the first impressions from these fansites. The writers tested the Beta and were then asked to write their thoughts.

DDO.Warcry

DDO.Tentonhammer

The Arda Post

DDO.Ogaming

F13.net

Gamergod.com

DDO.Stratics

DDO Vault

Read the news and check the link to the Beta application

Monster of the Week - Unliving Vacillate

2005-12-19T06:16:00.000-05:00

The Eberron Bestiary has posted its latest offering, the Unliving Vacillate. Created by interactions between Mabar and Irian manifest zones on Aerenal, this unnatural creature exists in an equilibrium between true deathlessness and true undeath. Magic, light and darkness can shift the equilibrium, making this monster difficult to predict. The unliving vacillates make interesting encounters for Aerenal PCs, since in their base form they will register as both undead and deathless using detection spells and other effects, enough to make even veteran players hesitate.

Here is a sneak preview:

Before you stands an ancient elf, wreathed in an aura akin to a twilight sky. It’s decayed and almost immaterial body courses with life, death, hope and despair.

The islands of Aerenal are covered in manifest zones to the planes of positive and negative energy, Irian and Mabar. The traditions of the Undying Court and the Blood of Vol were able to grow to major powers using the influence of these two planes, and the same manifest zones are used to this day. Being diametrically opposed, the manifest zones normally avoid each other, but on rare occasions they may interact in truly unnatural ways. When the magic of the deathless is combined with the eldritch secrets of undeath, the spontaneous creation of an unliving vacillate may occur from a creature that has died within the area of interaction.

Monster Profile #27

2005-12-16T19:57:00.000-05:00

Monster Profile #27: Fire Elementals

This week Azalai expounds upon fire elementals, and wonders if it truly is a wise idea to harness these capricious monsters for our mundane purposes.

Read the full entry and discuss.

Win a Spot in the Beta! + Beta Journal #6

2005-12-15T14:55:00.000-05:00

DDO Stress Test Update – Win a Spot in the Beta!

The Dungeons & Dragons™ Online: Stormreach™ Stress Test Event is going very well and there are still registration keys available! Remember, you don’t have to be a paying subscriber to Fileplanet to get in the Stress Test. Just visit FilePlanet to sign up and download the Stress Test client. Players in the Stress Test will also have three opportunities to win spots in the regular DDO Beta during our nightly events. The events are detailed below:

Wednesday, December 14 – 8pm until 10pm EST
Let’s party! Turbine admins will be logged on during this event and giving out loot and spawning the occasional Beholder! We’ll also be giving away Beta spots at random to some players who are logged on during the event. We may even run some D&D trivia contests with Beta spots as prizes too. Beta spot winners will be contacted during the event in game and receive their Beta invitations next week. So log in, hang out with your friends, and be careful not to attract the attention of any Fire Giants you happen to see!

Thursday, December 15 – 8pm until 10pm EST
Help us help you! On this night we’re going to be stressing our in-game help system. Details for this event will be posted on the stress test forums and the stress test launcher on Thursday evening so be sure to keep an eye out for more information. Winners will be contacted via e-mail next week.

Friday, December 16 – 6pm until 10pm EST
The big event! During this event players will be asked to adventure in the many dungeons throughout Xen’drik. Turbine admins will be randomly teleporting to players who are in dungeons and giving away even more Beta spots! Winners will be contacted in-game and receive their invitation next week.

So register now and don’t miss your chance to experience what PC Gamer calls “The MMO that changes everything!”

Beta Journal #6: A Not-So-Brief Guide to Creating a Well-Rounded Bard

This week we have a journal entry describing how one person created their bard. As always, this journal was written by a player in our Beta and not by the Turbine staff.

Everyone knows the old saying – bards are jacks of all trades, masters of none. So put down that sword, pull up a chair, and let me tell you how to do just that before you hurt yourself. You want a character that can pepper targets from a distance but is still able to handle a blade, right? And you want a character that can sing a few songs, give those finger-wiggling sorcerers a run for their money, and still be able to charm the skin off a snake? Well...listen up.

Monster of the Week - Spellshard Golem

2005-12-14T13:42:00.000-05:00

The Eberron Bestiary has uploaded its latest offering, the Spellshard Golem, a powerful construct encrusted with Eberron dragonshards. With the power to absorb spells as they are cast and then use them itself, this golem is a nightmare during arcane warfare. The Spellshard golems make great encounters for veterans, taking much of what is expected of a golem and turning it upside down.

Here is a sneak preview:

A towering, hunched construct of stone lumbers towards you, the ground shaking as it makes each step. Its stone carved armour is encrusted with large red crystals.

The spellshard golem is a potent construct empowered by Eberron dragonshards. The magic stored within the dragonshards allows them to absorb a spell’s power as it released. Just as a more mundane spellshard is capable of, the spellshard golem may recall that power at a later time. However, while the spellshard recalls the magical techniques for wizards to memorise, the complex incantations in the golem allow it to recall spells with their full effect. Though difficult to create, the spellshard golems were especially popular with armies battling Aundair and Karrnath. Since these nations made heavy use of arcane magic, spellshard golems proved useful in nullifying the powers of their mages.

IGN Beta Stress Test Event!

2005-12-13T13:30:00.000-05:00

IGN Beta Stress Test Event!

We are very pleased to announce that we will be running another Stress Test Event for Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach in conjunction with IGN and FilePlanet.

The Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach Stress Test is available to all registered FilePlanet members, with or without a paid subscription on Tuesday, December 13 through Saturday, December 17. FilePlanet members with a paid subscription will have access to the exclusive high-resolution client. Members without a paid subscription will have access to the standard client.

On Friday, December 16, from 6pm EST until 10pm EST, we will be running a special Stress Test event. During this event players will have a chance to win a spot in the regular DDO Beta! More details about this event will be posted later this week.

The Stress Test Event will run on different servers than the regular Beta. This allows us to test our servers without affecting our metrics collecting on the Beta server.

Check out the IGN Stress Test FAQ and discuss this article in our forums.

In addition tho this, new screenshots were added to the gallery. Go here to discuss.

New Concept Art and PC Gamer Interview

2005-12-11T14:41:00.000-05:00

Turbine added a new batch of concept art to the gallery. This batch includes some armor ideas and city decorations. To discuss, go here.

PC Gamer has also released a podcast of an undercover reporters interview with DDO lead designer Ken Troop.

Bestiary Elite - The Sentinel Flame

2005-12-09T11:01:00.000-05:00

The Eberron Bestiary has posted its latest in its Bestiary Elite series. As chosen by you, this feature introduces a powerful living dragonmark known as the Sentinel Flame. Imbued with the power of Fernia, the Sea of Fire, this fiend is looking for revenge against the dwarves that destroyed its host, and will stop at nothing to bring death and destruction to the Mroranon clan. Despite its intensions, unknowing player characters may even find themselves working towards its goals. Be sure to check it out!

Here is a sneak preview:

Writhing ethereal tendrils, burning with orange flame, dance in the air before you. At times, the patterns resemble a great stalwart dragon. Malice and hate accompany its conflagrant form.

The creation of a living dragonmark is a rare and significant occurrence tied closely to the Prophecy. However, the many forces and ideals that permeate Eberron can have dramatic effects that shed even more mystery on the creation of these raw manifestations of the Draconic auguries. The Sentinel Flame is one such creation, a living dragonmark immersed in the power of Fernia, the Sea of Fire.
The origin of the Sentinel Flame dates back to the secession of the Mror Holds in 914YK.When the dwarves declared their independence from Karrnath, many Karrnathi battalions were still stationed in the Mror Holds. One such battalion, the 4th Hoarfrost, was stationed at Mroranonhold when the declaration was made. Captain Seraf d’Deneith, a famed Sentinel Marshal of House Deneith was also stationed at the Mror stronghold in the employ of Karrnath to pass on his knowledge of the arts of combat.

Beta Journal #5 and new screenshots

2005-12-07T14:20:00.000-05:00

Beta Journal #5: An Impression of DDO. This journal started as a post on the beta boards and the developers thought it would be a perfect Beta Journal. After asking for the testers permission it was made into the newest Beta Journal.
Read the full Beta Journal, then discuss it on Turbine's Forums!"

The Screenshot gallery was updated with a new batch of screenshots. Post your thoughts on the Forums

BossytheCow Update

2005-12-07T02:39:00.000-05:00

Keith Baker has posted an updated version of Thelestes who originally appeared in Dragon #327.

You can find him, and other characters, on the Bossy the Cow Character Page.

A little preview here is her physical description:

At first, there seems to be little to draw the eye to this young elf. Though not unpleasant to look upon, she has made little effort to enhance her natural beauty; her cloak is gray and stained by the weather, draped over a white blouse and peasant breeches. Then she smiles at you, and a thrill runs through you – despite her average appearance, she has a magnetism that goes far deeper than simple appearance. She takes a step towards you, moving with a dancer’s grace. As she does, everything changes. Her short blond hair takes on a brilliant red hue, spreading around her head and shoulders like a wild wreath of flame. Her features and figure seem to become sharper and more defined, and an instant later she has become a creature of flawless beauty. Leathery wings unfold from beneath her cloak, and she twirls one
end of a long, glittering chain that has appeared in her hands. The rattling links of the chain sound like music, and she laughs as she dances towards you.

Monster of the Week - Eidolon of Empathy

2005-12-06T11:10:00.000-05:00

The Eberron Bestiary has updated its archive with its latest offering, the Eidolon of Empathy, a creature created on Dal Quor from pure emotion. Similar to the Eidolon of Paranoia and Eidolon of Terror, this mysterious outsider is a great encounter both in dreams and on the material plane. With the ability to transfer the minds of its enemies, this monster leads to plenty of character sheet swapping fun.

In other news, the poll for the next Bestiary Elite has concluded with the Living Dragonmark winning 42% of the votes. The Warforged Reanimate followed behind with 32%, while the Ithal Quor and Blade Worm trailed with 11% and 16% respectively. Look out for the elite Living Dragonmark some time this week!

The Bestiary has posted a new poll with a new question this week. Its a simple one, do you prefer to see stand alone monsters with no connection to the Bestiary's other work, making them easier to use in any Eberron game, or do you prefer monsters connected to each other (such as the Remnant and Soul Slaver) and series of monsters (such as the eidolons and fleshmelders)?

DDO Fan contest and article

2005-12-05T19:41:00.000-05:00

DDO.OGaming.com is having a Holiday contest where you can get a free DDO T-shirt. Go over there and answer this weeks question for a chance to win!

"Is it worth the hype?" is a brief summary of what is different between DDO and most MMORPGs and what the writer thinks about this.

G.A.M.E. and Tharaak Hounds

2005-12-03T20:36:00.000-05:00

Turbine will be attending the Games And Music Experience. So if you live in the San Francisco area you might want to visit the Moscone Center for a chance to play DDO.

Monster Profile #26: Thaarak Hound

This week Azalai and his party encounter a creature from another realm.

A large, hairless wolf snarled at us, its flesh twisted and grotesque. Its pale and slimy hide pulsed unnaturally and its eyeless head swung unerringly about to face us. Acid dripped from its maw as it approached.

Read the full profile, then discuss Thaarak Hounds here.

Eberron Novel Covers

2005-12-01T08:28:00.000-05:00

The fine folk of Worlds of DnD.com have posted the covers for two upcoming Eberron novels.

The Grieving Tree: The Dragon Below Book 2 (March 2006) By Don Bassingthwaite. Cover by Michael Komarck.

Special thanks to Mark S. for posting the image

WorldsofDnD member Dragonreader also found the cover to an upcoming novel, "Voyage Of The Mourning Dawn" by Rich Wulf.
Cover by Thomas Thienmeyer.

Eberron Bestiary Updates

2005-11-29T11:18:00.000-05:00

The Eberron Bestiary has uploaded its next monster of the week, the Dragonleech, an overgrown parasite from the Shadow Marches that feeds on the ambient arcane energy of dragonshards. Great as a random encounter to accompany treasure, but also as a nice plot hook to get your characters working for House Tharashk in the Shadow Marches.

In other news, the Bestiary has posted a poll to determine which of its monsters will be featured in the Bestiary Elite series. This is your chance to help shape the direction of Eberron fan content, so be sure to stop by and vote! The poll can be found at the top of the news page.

"New" DDO Video

2005-11-29T09:47:00.000-05:00

"Our City" video.

Turbine added another video to their gallery. It was originally hosted by Gametrailers.com and now be found at Turbine's DDO gallery.

WOTC Catalog Update

2005-11-26T10:55:00.000-05:00

A special thanks to Enworld Member Thalmin for posting information from the WOTC Catalog, including information on some of Eberrons releases next year!

Secrets of Xen'drik A sourcebook for play and exploration across the mysterious Eberron continent of Xen'drik.
Secrets of Xen'drik offers the first in-depth look at the lost continent of Xen'drik, the adventure-rich, ruin-laden, unknown land to the south of Khorvaire. A chapter is devoted to the cosmopolitan trade city of Stormreach, base camp of most adventures into Xen'drik. Also included are specific locations of interest, new information on the secretive drow of Xen'drik, adventure seeds, and encounters that DM's can drop into their games. Secrets of Xen'drik includes new equipment, spells, magic items, monsters, and prestige classes. as well.
Xen'drik is also the setting for the new Atari computer games Dungeons & Dragons: Dragonshard and D&D Online.
by Keith Baker, Jason Bulmahn, Amber Scott; 160 pages, $29.95

Monster of the Week - Quor-touched Relic

2005-11-25T16:24:00.000-05:00

The Eberron Bestiary has uploaded its latest monster, the Quor-touched relics, awakened artifacts dating back to the end of the Age of Giants. Imbued with this power of Dal Quor itself, these creatures are a nasty psionic suprise for any travellers in Xen'drik.

Here is a sneak preview:

Giant blocks of some ancient stone wall, grinding over each other by some unseen force, advance on your position. A pale purple, ethereal mist surrounds it.

In the great cataclysm that destroyed the civilisation of the giants and thrust Dal Quor from its orbit, a wave of dreamstuff burst over the land in the plane’s death throes. Though the wave mostly affected only the minds of the elves and giants that survived the catastrophe, in some cases the dreamstuff became bound to an object, animating it and imbuing it with psionic power. Some of these objects remain to this day, sentient relics of the Age of Giants. As such, they are possibly the only creatures in existence today that remember those ancient times.

DDO Previews

2005-11-24T14:18:00.000-05:00

Reports keep rolling in from Turbine's recent-ish press event. The most recent ones are Gamespy's and OGaming's previews of DDO.

Post your comments on Turbine's Forum.

DDO and the Golden Tickets

2005-11-23T12:23:00.000-05:00

Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach in PC Gamer

The January issue of PC Gamer (coming soon!) features Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach on the cover. Pick it up for exclusive screenshots, a preview of our first post-launch content update and a chance to enter the Beta! Each copy will have a key inside the magazine, and five thousand of those keys will give a lucky reader access to the Beta! All this and the first look at dragons too!

Discuss this news in our Forums.

I wonder if this means that DDO will feature Oompa-Loompas?

We also get to hear some words from those who have already visited the Beta factory in:

Beta Journal #4: Stress Test Recap

Have you been wondering what it is like to play DDO?

For this week's Beta Journal we have compiled quotes from players who are either in the Beta, or who participated in last week's Stress Test Event to help give you an idea of what DDO is really like.

Sign up for the Beta here.

Read the full journal and then talk about it on our Forums.

Europeans can sign up for beta here.

New Screenshots

2005-11-22T00:15:00.000-05:00

Monday Update - New Screenshots!
Giants, and spiders, and rust monsters, oh my!

A new batch of screenshots has been added to the Gallery.

After you've looked at the new screenshots, post about them on our Forums.

Official Site Updates

2005-11-21T03:14:00.000-05:00

Steal This Hook!: Plane Shaking Events

The drama-dial gets turned up to eleven in today's edition of Steal This Hook! Eberron lays the foundation for a host of sinister plots, epic adventures, and a rollicking session of D&D. But it's just the start. You, with your vast DM powers, have the opportunity to twist Eberron's history as you see fit, introducing new villains, upsetting the course of the Khorvaire political landscape, and even contradicting any detail of the setting you feel is ripe for change. Today we provide some inspiration for these shocking departures with some truly momentous happenings; today's theme is plane-shaking events. Read More...

Sharn Inquisitive, News for Sul, Aryth 8th, 998: "Charger" Chaussinar Dies at 57

GHALT -- Eriell "Charger" Chaussinar, famed general of Aundair's 4th Cavalry Brigade, died at his manor west of Ghalt last week at the age of 57. A proclamation from Queen Aurala praising Chaussinar for his service to Aundair is expected tomorrow. Read More...

DDO : Monster Profile and Voice Chat?

2005-11-19T01:03:00.000-05:00

Integrated Voice Chat in DDO

Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach will be the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game to offer integrated voice chat. Unlike previous MMOGs, voice chat in Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach will not require players to use their own system resources and bandwidth to host a chat server or run third party chat programs while they play the game.

Well, it seems like those who plan to play won't have to worry about typing at the speed of light to say something.

And in other news: This week, Azalai Korias meets a pirate of a different sort...

Monster Profile #25: Spectres

The spectre leaned down to the fallen man as if to tend his wounds, but instead reached into the dying man and tore his soul from his body.

DDO Beta Journal

2005-11-17T07:47:00.000-05:00

Beta Journal #3: Unexpected Moments

I entered sneak-mode and carefully crept past all the monsters standing between my comrades and our goal. I actually told my group that I was nervous, and laughed about it. The last time I felt so immersed and, therefore, responsible in such circumstances for a group success was in a pen and paper game.

In addition the Beta Journal, we get another look into DDO thanks to MMORPG.com

More DDO news

2005-11-16T10:46:00.000-05:00

Remember when I told you about that press event some time last week? Here are some other reports about it.

1Up.com: Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach

Gamedaily: Dungeons & Dragons Online Preview

Real Tech News: Dungeon & Dragons Online

Monster of the Week - Soul Slaver

2005-11-15T19:02:00.000-05:00

The Eberron Bestiary has posted it latest monster, the Soul Slaver, a sadistic outsider native to Dolurrh, the Realm of the Dead. This cruel explanar horror will go that extra step to damn you to an eternity of torment, one step lower than the fate of the typical Eberronian. Great as an introduction to the horrors of Dolurrh, this monster can also lead to interesting quests if a character's soul becomes enslaved.

Here is a sneak preview:

Before you stands a humanoid figure draped in a mantle of darkness. No features are visible beneath its hood, the only sign of life being the vapour it releases with each breath. It carries a shimmering net in its ghostly hands, and tiny wisps of smoke dance around it.

Soul slavers are merciless outsiders native to the Realm of the Dead. Not satisfied with simple possession of a mortal form, the soul slavers bind the very essence of a creature to itself to serve for eternity.
As natives of Dolurrh, soul slavers have easy access to all the servants they can control. However, many soul slavers seeks to travel to the material plane to hunt escaped soul remnants and ghosts or even to steal souls from the living. As such, soul slavers are most common on Eberron near manifest zones to Dolurrh, particularly Lake Dark in Karrnath.

DDO European Beta

2005-11-15T10:42:00.000-05:00

Codemasters has a Beta registration application here. Just click on your territory.

Those in the U.S.A who haven't registered can do so here.

Official Site Updates

2005-11-14T08:02:00.000-05:00

Sharn Inquisitive, News for Sul, Aryth 8th, 998: Karrnathi Necro-Arsenals Remain Hidden

WROAT -- Members of Breland's Parliament are clamoring for the public release of a War Council report contending that Karrnath maintains "necro-arsenals" beyond its postwar borders, and that at least one of these lies in northern Breland. According to sources within Parliament, a copy of this report has been circulating among the members for several days.

One person who has read the report told Sharn Inquisitive that a band of Breland army veterans uncovered a necro-arsenal last month in northern Breland while chasing down rumors of buried war gold. These veterans, whose names had been redacted from the report, evidently found a secret entrance to an underground fortress full of Karrnathi zombie soldiers and weapons. This hidden emplacement also included a functional smithy and several other chambers apparently used for unspecified necromantic purposes. Read More...

Dragonshards: Druids of Khorvaire, Part Four

This series on druids concludes with a look at another tradition of the east: the Horse Watchers of the Tairnadal elves, which are found in Valenar and Aerenal. Read more...

IGN Beta Stress Test Event

2005-11-13T12:20:00.000-05:00

Apparently I was temporarily blinded and didn't notice this earlier:

IGN Beta Stress Test Event

We are very pleased to announce that we will be running a Stress Test Event for Dungeons & Dragons® Online: Stormreach in conjunction with IGN. Fileplanet subscribers who sign up for the Stress Test Event will be able to download a special client that will give them three days of access to a DDO Stress Test Event server during the week from Monday, November 14th through Friday, November 18th. Access to the Stress Test Event is limited and on a first-come first-served basis.

The Stress Test Event will run on different servers than the regular Beta. This allows us to test our servers without affecting our metrics collecting on the Beta server.

Check out the IGN Stress Test FAQ and discuss this article in our forums.

I apologize for the tardiness.

DDO Monster Profile

2005-11-11T18:32:00.000-05:00

Yarr...

Not all monsters are nonhuman...

Stormreach is a port city, far from the reach of most authorities in Khorvaire. Some come to Xen'drik to start their lives anew, leaving their past behind. Others seek to prey on the unwary, finding the archaeologists and explorers to be easy quarry. The city itself is policed, but outside the walls civilized rule is quickly replaced by lawlessness. Brigands, pirates, and similar social parasites feed on the hard work of others.

Yarr...

DDO News about... news...

2005-11-11T06:38:00.000-05:00

Turbine hosted an event at the Dragon Bar in San Francisco on Tuesday where they invited the gaming press and people from some fansites. So now we have a few "Hands on" impressions to read.

IGN: Dungeons & Dragons Online Hands-On

Gamespot: Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach Hands-On Impressions

Ten Ton Hammer: DDO: First 'Hands On' Experience

Beta Journal #2: Discovering the Marketplace

2005-11-09T13:28:00.000-05:00

This week we have a journal entry describing the Marketplace District. As always, this journal was written by a player in our Beta and not by the Turbine staff.

The heart of the Marketplace is a giant red tent, its emblem glinting overhead in the noonday sun. I enter, taking a moment to adjust to the dimmer light. That moment is also needed to take in the sight before me: multiple levels of merchants and vendors, selling anything and everything. Wands, armor, spell reagents, exotic missiles — whatever I can think of seems to be for sale here.

Read the full Beta Journal here.

Monster of the Week - Estray

2005-11-08T09:07:00.000-05:00

The Eberron Bestiary has posted its latest offering, the sinister fey known as the Estray, embodiments of nature's ability to lead even the most adept explorer off course. These creatures enjoy the hunt just as much as the kill, leading explorers far from any help and unsettling them with illusion and brief appearances. These monsters make great encounters for DMs wanting to add a sense of dread to forest expeditions.

Here is a sneak preview:

A hideous troll-like woman darts through the trees. Her frenzied eyes glow like cats’ eyes and teeth like needles jut from her maw.

The estray are cruel fey that embody the entrapment of unspoiled nature. These foul creatures enjoy the hunt as much as the kill itself, luring travellers to their own domains using illusion, compulsion and fear.
Estray are found throughout Eberron, but always in forests. The Eldeen Reaches and Q’barra suffer from these creatures more than any other nation, but sightings in the King’s Forest or Karrnwood are not uncommon. Outside of Khorvaire, both Aerenal and Xen’drik are home to these bloodthirsty fey.

Turbine and Codemasters and Europe

2005-11-07T14:48:00.000-05:00

Turbine and Codemasters Team to Deliver Dungeons & Dragons® Online: Stormreach™ in Europe

Turbine and Codemasters Team to Deliver Dungeons & Dragons® Online: Stormreach™ in Europe

Turbine, Inc., a premier publisher of online subscription entertainment, announced today it has selected The Codemasters Software Company Limited to be the online service provider for Dungeons & Dragons® Online: Stormreach™ in Europe.

Click here to visit the European Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach Forums.

If you have a comment you can go to Turbine's forums or Codemaster's DDO forum.

And yes, us "Old Worlders" are getting our own beta.

Official Site Updates

2005-11-07T02:17:00.000-05:00

Dragonshards: Druids of Khorvaire, Part Three

Druids are found across Khorvaire, and the Siyal Marrain of the Valenar are quite different from the Gatekeepers of the Shadow Marches. The Eberron Campaign Setting and Player's Guide to Eberron focus on the druids of the western coast of Khorvaire. This article examines one of the druidic traditions of the east: the halflings of the Talenta Plains, The Mask Weavers. Ready More...

Sharn Inquisitive, News for Sul, Sypheros 22nd, 998: Duke ir'Askranno Sentenced to Dreadhold

Duke ir'Askranno Sentenced to Dreadhold after Rambling Confession SHARN -- Before his sentence was handed down, convicted murderer Duke Rellen ir'Askranno blamed his killing spree last month on mind control by the Cult of the Twin Suns. Speaking before magistrate Carkell Anathamn, ir'Askranno wept, shouted, and tore up documents held by his barrister while delivering a 20-minute rambling speech.

"It was all the Twin Suns!" ir'Askranno cried. "I loved my family, and I would never have done anything to hurt them. But they got in my head, and they made me -- oh, gods, I can't believe it! The Twin Suns are everywhere -- probably in this courtroom. I know they're working among the Sixty Families, trying make us do -- well, terrible things! Terrible!" The duke's statement surprised court watchers, who had grown accustomed to ir'Askranno's stony silence during court proceedings. Read More...

November Previews: Players Guide To Eberron

Here's the Back Cover Text:

Secrets Every Hero Should Know

What does an elf from Shae Cairdal know about the nation of Aerenal? How do you play a half-orc from the Shadow Marches? What does your character know about the Blood of Vol or the royal line of Galifar? Player's Guide to Eberron answers these questions and more. This companion to the Eberron? Campaign Setting explores the world from the player's point of view and presents exciting new options for Eberron characters.

Player's Guide to Eberron describes important locations, events, organizations, races, and features of the Eberron campaign setting, organized in an accessible and easily digestible format so that players can use the book as a handy reference guide. In addition, this book provides new feats, prestige classes, spells, and magic items.

DDO Monster Profile and Trailer

2005-11-04T18:29:00.000-05:00

I'm sure many of you have met our next friend, the Gray Oooze.

Monster Profile #23: Gray Ooze

What monster can easily ruin your favorite weapon or peice of armor?

Today we fought our way through the sewers beneath Stormreach, searching for a merchant who had been kidnapped by kobolds. While navigating through many fiery traps and ambushes, an ooze dripped down from the ceiling onto Khovis, melting a hole clear through his armor and burning his flesh.

DDO Monster Trailer
If a new Monster Profile isn't enough, Gametrailers.com has a new Trailer that shows things from another perspective...

DDO Beta related updates

2005-11-04T09:34:00.000-05:00

Beta section added to DDO.com FAQ
A Beta section has been added to the DDO.com FAQ. To read the full FAQ click here.

Beta Journal #1: Building the Deadly Rogue

This week we have a journal entry describing how one person created their rogue. As always, this journal was written by a player in our Beta and not by the Turbine staff.

Skills are what make the rogue class. No other class gets as many skill points or class skills to work with. Because of the +2 INT bonus, my rogue will have a whopping 40 points to spend in skills.

In addition to this, one of the developers at Turbine had a Q&A Session with MMORP.com. It is the seventh in a series

Off to the Presses

2005-11-03T00:57:00.000-05:00

According to the Official Site Off to Press page, the Players Guide To Eberron is currently at the printers. The book is due to hit shelves, Janurary.

DDO BETA ANNOUNCEMENT

2005-11-01T13:35:00.000-05:00

It's finally here, the Beta is finally here!

Dungeons & Dragons Online™: Stormreach™ Kicks Off Public Beta With IGN

Turbine, Inc. announced today that Dungeons & Dragons Online™: Stormreach™ is officially in public Beta and that IGN Entertainment will be the exclusive host. As part of the arrangement, IGN will widely promote the Beta to the millions of gamers who regularly visit IGN's sites, including IGN.com.

Please note that if you have already registered for Beta through http://beta.turbine.com, you will keep your eligibility for Beta. The accounts registered through IGN will be added to our existing database. Read more in the IGN Beta FAQ.

Click here to read the full press release. Register for our forums and discuss this aricle.

And there was much rejoicing!

DDO Update: Screenshots

2005-11-01T04:48:00.000-05:00

The folks from Turbine released another batch of screenshots here. If you have comments, go here

Monster of the Week - Silver Chalice Homunculus

2005-10-31T12:26:00.000-05:00

The Eberron Bestiary has uploaded its next creation, the Silver Chalice Homunculus. A tiny recepticle for a miniature silver flame, this faithful servant boosts the power of attempts to turn undead and censure fiends. Handy for multiclassed artificer/clerics or wizard/clerics or even just for a party that includes a cleric or paladin of the Silver Flame.

Here is a sneak preview:

A stone font of silver fire, decorated with flametouched iron inlays, rests at the feet of its owner.

The rituals that create the homunculi favoured by artificers and wizards are not exclusive to those professions. Clerics and other holy warriors have been known to craft their own constructs to serve them in their never ending battle against evil. A favoured construct of the followers of the Silver Flame is the silver chalice, a tiny homunculus with a strong connection to the pervasive flame that is spread across the face of Eberron. Religious artificers and arcane spellcasters often craft these constructs as well as clerics as a way of strengthening their bond to their religion.

Official Site Update

2005-10-31T10:09:00.000-05:00

Sharn Inquisitve, News for Sul, Sypheros 22nd, 998: House Lyrandar Mulls New Airship Routes

STORMHOME -- Airship travelers may soon be able to reach such varied destinations as Starilaskur, Sigilstar, Adderport, Keth, and Stormreach on the Xen'drik coast if House Lyrandar leaders approve an ambitious program of docking tower construction. Yarrick d'Lyrandar, an influential scion of the house, has been negotiating with local leaders for airship towers in those areas, said sources familiar with the negotiations.

Refusing to discuss expansion of the airship routes, Lyrandar officials referred to Yarrick d'Lyrandar's negotiations as "internal house business." Yarrick d'Lyrandar has been traveling aboard the Lyrandar River of Stars airship, which is due to depart Sharn tomorrow.

Lyrandar airships currently connect most of Khorvaire's capital cities and metropolises. Other destinations are available only to those who can afford extraordinary chartering fees, and airship captains flying charters generally have to make do with whatever moorings they can improvise. Chartered airships to Stormreach often tie up at the lighthouse south of the city, for example.

One question that remains unanswered is whether the expansion would entail the commissioning of new Lyrandar airships, including some long-rumored behemoth airships that dwarf the existing 300-foot standard. Airship architects in Zilargo have been experimenting since the latter years of the Last War with elemental binding techniques that would provide sufficient lift to launch such vessels. Read More...

DDO Update

2005-10-28T15:02:00.000-04:00

Today we got another look at DDO in the form of the newest Alpha Journal.

Alpha Journal #5: Character Generation - Sorcerers
This week we have a journal entry describing how one person created their Sorcerer.

Chill Touch is particularly nasty. In DDO, this spell does a single high damage attack on living creatures, and against undead causes no damage but makes them panic and retreat from the caster. One Chill Touch can take out many low level monsters in one hit, making short work of scores of kobolds, spiders and other baddies. Against undead the fear effect means you can pummel the horror at will without fear of retribution.

Insert your opinion here.

New DDO Monster Profile

2005-10-26T18:19:00.000-04:00

The folks from Turbine bring you new material in this weeks Monster Profile about our friend, the Gargoyle.

Monster Profile #22: Gargoyles

An abandoned Cathedral contains more than meets the eye.

I expected the statue to either topple over or refuse to budge, or perhaps for the arm to shift and open the secret door. I was not expecting it to come alive and slash our halfling with vicious claws, leaving a bleeding wound. The other dozen statues leapt from their perches and closed in as well.

Find out what happens to the explorers this week and discuss it here.

Monster of the Week - Ghaalec Dhuur

2005-10-24T17:24:00.000-04:00

The Eberron Bestiary has posted its latest offering, the Ghaalec Dhuur, master of Xoriat-tainted Incarnum. A more powerful and respected servant of the daelkyr than last week's merthaac, the ever changing abilities of this twisted fleshmelder makes a great challenge for higher level groups. On top of that, the ghaalec dhuur's ability to shape new, unique aberrations at a moment's notice means that no two encounters with this fiends will be the same. As with last week's offering, no prior knowledge of Incarnum is needed to use this monster.

Here is a sneak preview:

Before you stands a female human draped in a mantle of cobalt mist. Her vacant blue eyes belie calculating wisdom tainted by madness. In a great cerulean cyclone, tentacles and other aberrant features burst from her previously untainted flesh.

The Ghaalec Dhuur are the masters of fleshmelding on Xoriat, a cursed art form combining Incarnum soul melding techniques with the powerful fleshcraft of the daelkyr. Unlike the lesser fleshmelders known as the merthaac, which were created by altering Xoriat’s living creatures with madness-tainted incarnum, the greater fleshmelders known as the ghaalec dhuur were created from the very essence of the Realm of Madness itself.