Frontiers of Eberron: Quickstone Review: Giddy Up for an Adventure in the Western Frontier

Frontiers of Eberron: Quickstone by Keith Baker and Imogen Gingell is a new book available on DMs Guild and Roll20 that takes adventurers on a journey through the wild west of Eberron.

Frontiers of Eberron: Quickstone is an expansive 257-page supplement for Dungeons & Dragons set in Eberron, offering both players and Dungeon Masters a rich exploration of the untamed Western Frontier.

Spearheaded by Eberron’s creator Keith Baker and co-writer Imogen Gingell, this book delves deep into the contested region between Breland and the rising nation of Droaam, where danger and opportunity collide in every encounter. The supplement brings new player options, adventures, and a western-themed setting updated for the 2024 rules of D&D, providing a comprehensive toolkit for anyone wanting to explore a new frontier setting.

A Journey to the Edge of the Map

From the outset, Baker explains that the goal with Quickstone was to create a setting where adventurers could truly affect the world around them—a place where the actions of a small group could help a town thrive or send it into chaos. Instead of the sprawling cities of Sharn or Stormreach, this book focuses on the Western Frontier, a contested land full of untapped potential and ancient dangers. It’s a setting inspired by classic Western tales, but with a twist:

I knew I wanted to tell a tale that draws on classic western tropes, where you could play a warforged sheriff, a small-town preacher, a retired Sentinel Marshal with skeletons in his past. But I loved that this is a place where the Ranger could be a worg and where the Bard might be a harpy—where the classic fantasy elements of Breland mingle with the monstrous denizens of Droaam.

Set in the lawless Western Frontier, Frontiers of Eberron: Quickstone introduces players to a region rife with conflict, mystery, and adventure. The town of Quickstone, located between Breland and Droaam, serves as the centerpiece of this setting. The lore paints a vivid picture of the harshness of the frontier, with dangerous lands, ancient ruins, and ongoing political tensions between Breland and Droaam shaping the stories.

New Subclasses, Species, and Player Options

In Frontiers of Eberron: Quickstone, six new subclasses are introduced, each offering distinctive options that reflect the challenges and opportunities of the Western Frontier. These subclasses are designed to enhance both combat and role-playing experiences, adding depth to the setting.

The Path of the Demonshard Barbarian allows characters to harness the power of fiendish shards, granting them dangerous, supernatural abilities. The College of Wands Bard brings a focus on arcane duels, blending spellcasting with performance, making these bards masters of magical combat. The Commerce Domain Cleric connects divine power with wealth and trade, allowing clerics to influence outcomes both on and off the battlefield through divine bargaining.

The Bloodhound Ranger specializes in tracking down enemies with unparalleled precision, ideal for bounty hunters and law enforcement figures in the frontier. The Nemesis Sorcerer excels in magical duels and precision spellcasting, offering powerful abilities to counter spells and outmaneuver foes. Lastly, the Stone Sovereign Warlock draws power from the earth itself, forging pacts with elemental or otherworldly beings to control stone and petrification.

The Frontiers of Eberron: Quickstone supplement introduces seven new species, each offering unique cultural and mechanical traits tailored to the Western Frontier. Players can choose from species such as Gargoyles, Gnolls, Harpies, Medusas, Tieflings, Warforged, and Worgs. These species offer a mix of humanoid and monstrous options, reflecting the population of the region.

From the Gargoyle’s ability to remain motionless as a stone statue to the Worg’s keen senses and pack-oriented abilities, each species is designed to fit into the rugged setting.

Fifteen new feats tailored for adventurers on the Western Frontier are also included in the book. These feats enhance a variety of playstyles, offering benefits such as improved combat abilities through the Wandslinger Fighting Style, as well as unique options tied to the setting, like Stone Eyes for Medusas, which amplifies their petrifying abilities.

The Frontiers of Eberron: Quickstone features a variety of magic items, each connected to the cultures and history of the Western Frontier. From the durable weapons of the ancient Dhakaani, forged with byeshk metal, to the arcane-crafted tools of the Venomous Demesne.

The Heart of the Frontier: Quickstone

The titular town of Quickstone acts as the primary hub for adventures. It’s depicted in vivid detail, with various districts, notable NPCs, and factions vying for control. This region is not just a simple backdrop; it breathes life into the campaign, making the adventurer’s actions feel truly impactful on the community. Whether they help it prosper or plunge it into chaos, the player’s decisions matter here.

Heart of Stone: The Adventure

The adventure Heart of Stone, written by Imogen Gingell, is a perfect introduction to the Western Frontier. This adventure, which takes players from level 1 to 5, is designed to immerse them in the setting’s themes. The story revolves around an insidious cult spreading across the region, threatening the stability of Quickstone and the surrounding frontier. With a mix of combat, exploration, and intrigue, Heart of Stone provides Dungeon Masters with a well-paced narrative that introduces the key factions, dangers, and mysteries of the Western Frontier.

Art and Design

The visual presentation of Quickstone and the Western Frontier is exceptional, with beautiful illustrations and clear, intuitive layouts. The artwork, created by a talented team of artists, perfectly captures the blend of high fantasy and Western themes. The detailed maps, particularly of Quickstone itself, provide Dungeon Masters with everything they need to bring the setting to life at their table.

Each section of the book is well-organized, making it easy to reference during play.

Final Thoughts

Frontiers of Eberron: Quickstone offers a compelling addition to Eberron, blending rich lore with classic adventuring elements. The Western Frontier setting, with its mix of intrigue, danger, and ancient threats, provides a unique backdrop that’s distinct from more traditional D&D campaigns.