A new semester, a new campaign. Since no one else felt like DM'ing, I decided to take up the mantle and use this new campaign as a chance to try out Eberron. I've always liked a lot about Eberron but have never had a chance to play in it. The magic proliferation, the political intrigue, and the wonderous vehicles all have a strong pull for me. Most all of it is good, except the dragonmarked houses.
The basic premise of the houses is enjoyable. If you want something uniquely or well-made, you go to House Cannith. If you want to get across land or sea quickly, you go to House Orien. If you want an airship, you go to House Lathander. If you want someone killed, you hope House Thurunni comes to you (in a friendly manner).
What turns me off is the apparent prolification of reach the houses hold. The EBCG seems to describe the world as all commerce having to go through a house. As long as you are in Khorvaire, if you want to sell a product you make, you had better be licensced by House Cannith. If you want to make a product better than House Cannith, you had better watch your back or risk being destroyed literally, financially, or reputationally.
Why would House Cannith worry about a singular person or group when they have the largest commercial entity in five four nations? I suppose my biggest problem is that Eberron, as presented, might be too urban for my tastes. I can't really clarify my thoughts on that, but I guess I'll just have to see how it turns out.
