Eberron Rare Playable Races

Dragonborn

Tens of thousands of years ago the dragons of Argonnessen established a garrison of dragonborn in what is now Q’barra. These warriors were assigned to protect the region against the influence of the Lords of Dust. Over time they drifted away from their duties, building an empire in western Khorvaire and clashing with the Dhakaani goblinoids. This came crashing down when one of the ancient Overlords stirred, unleashing fiends and corrupting many of the dragonborn themselves. Their empire collapsed and the dragonborn retreated to the darkness of Q’barra. They have remained their ever since, fighting the forces of the Poison Dusk and guarding against further corruption.

Often confused for more intimidating, well-equipped lizardfolk, the draconic nature of the dragonborn is overlooked by the settlers of New Galifar, leading to them being colloquially known as "scales" just like the reptilian humanoids they share that jungle with. Little do the settlers know that the dragonborn once ruled a great empire that challenged the might of the Dhakaani goblinoids. Those sages who do know of this ancient empire are often perplexed by its seemingly swift collapse for no discernible reason. For their part, dragonborn refuse to say much more about this fall besides "it was a matter of honor".

Most dragonborn today are honor-bound to defend ancient ruins deep in the jungles of Q'barra, but the race is prone to a fierce sense of pride. Dragonborn adventurers roam far from their jungle homes to seek personal glory. Others might be honor-bound on some quest that will aid their clan in their ancestral duty.

To date the dragonborn have largely ignored the humans of Q’barra, and the few humans who’ve encountered dragonborn believe they’re some exotic type of lizardfolk. If you’re a dragonborn PC, what has caused you to emerge from Q’barra? Are you on a quest to help your people or to oppose the Lords of Dust? Are you driven by wanderlust or curiosity? Did you serve as a mercenary in the Last War?

• Source: Player's Handbook, page 34; Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron, page 83; Korranberg Chronicle, page 16
• D&D Beyond: Use Dragonborn

Eneko

In ancient times, after the fall of giant civilization, a small population of debased giantkind fled Xen'drik, fleeing from an existential threat. During their flight across the Thunder Sea, an enormous tempest rose up and smashed into their fleet. When the skies cleared, they found themselves stranded in the open waters with half their fleet missing and no idea of their heading or course. They sailed aimlessly for months until their supplied nearly ran out before finally landing on the continent of Sarlona. There, they continued their ancient ways of wandering and became nomads in a new, less hostile land.

Centuries later, the ogre kingdom of Borunan was eradicated during the last days of the Sundering, when the Inspired lords forged the Riedran Empire and united the humans of Sarlona against them. The surviving ogres fled into the wild region of Syrkarn, where they were taken in by the nomadic giant folk that now called that untamed wilderness of Sarlona their home. The eneko are the true-breeding half-breeds of these two peoples.

While a fairly regular sight on the continent of Sarlona, the eneko are nearly completely unknown to the peoples of Khorvaire and would be confused for normal ogres on sight.

• Source: Korranberg Chronicle, page 20

Lizardfolk

The lizardfolk of Khorvaire dwell in the region known as Q’barra. Most are part of a tribal alliance known as the Cold Sun Federation. Their civilization is ancient, but they are quite primitive by the standards of the Five Nations and they’ve never sought to expand beyond Q’barra. Over the last thirty years humans have begun to settle Q’barra. Treaties have been established with the Cold Sun Federation, but communication is difficult and there have been clashes started by forces on both sides.

As a lizardfolk, you may be a scout sent out into the wider world to learn more about these mysterious soft-skinned creatures. You might be driven by a mysterious dream. You could have been driven from your tribe for a crime; what was it, and are you actually guilty?

• Source: Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron, page 86
• D&D Beyond: Use Lizardfolk

Minotaurs

Minotaurs are a common sight in the monstrous nation of Droaam, where the Daughters of Sora Kell have granted them a territory to claim as their own. Lead by their warlord Rhesh Turakbar in the worship of the Horned Prince, minotaurs are mainly viewed by the people of Khorvaire as bloodthirsty savages. Minotaurs view the Horned Prince as their overlord and creator, but each individual minotaur has his own view on who or what the Horned Prince is and finds all other opinions inherently flawed.

During the Last War, House Tharashk negotiated with the Daughters of Sora Kell to contract the monstrous inhabitants of the nation as mercenaries. Today, minotaurs can be seen accompanying Tharashk heirs on prospecting missions and as intimidating bodyguards to those who can afford them. Exposure to more civilized and metropolitan views have influenced these minotaurs. These days, it is not uncommon to find minotaurs outside Droaam that identify the Horned Prince with the Dol Dorn, the Sovereign of Strength and War, or Balinor, the Sovereign of Beasts and the Hunt, rather than some darker entity.

As a minotaur character, decide on your version of the Horned Prince and how this affects you. Are you a former mercenary seeking adventure? Are you following a divine mission? Are you working for House Tharashk, a minotaur warlord, or the Daughters of Sora Kell?

• Source: Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron, page 86; Korranberg Chronicle, page 23