A Man With An Agenda

Eberron is celebrated for its urban settings, magically infused technology and the sentient construct Warforged. There are other layers to the setting, however, and Bassingthwaite takes full advantage. There are elemental-powered ships, and Sharn is a known location, but the story delves into the deeper lore of the ancient Hobgoblin empire that predates human civilization by thousands of years and the extraplanar struggle that destroyed it.

The first volume of the 'Dragon Below' trilogy starts in the rural nation of the Eldeen Reaches. Dominated by forest and governed by druids, it held itself apart during most of the Last War once it had established its independence. The action continues in another neglected area of Khorvaire: the Shadow Marches, the marshy homeland of most orcs.

This is one of the most interesting Eberron series yet. On top of the little-used settings, Bassingtwhaite has a great party of characters - the shifter Geth on the run from a shameful secret, the fighter/wizard Singe who has been seeking him out, and the Kalashtar on the run from a sinister cult. Everyone has secrets. A great fantasy that highlights the diversity Eberron has to offer.

The Dragon Below

Next: 'The Grieving Tree'