World of Eberron - The Number 13

The Number 13

The number 13 plays an important role in Eberron, particularly in the form of "thirteen minus one", where a group of 13 lost one of its number, resulting in 12. Some examples are:

• There are 13 unique planes, but only 12 of them currently interact with Eberron on a regular basis.
• There are 13 different dragonmarks (not houses), but only 12 currently exist (all known bearers of the Mark of Death were destroyed). Similarly, there are 13 Dragonmarked Houses, but they only represent these twelve remaining Marks.
• There are currently 13 different nations, but one of those is a wasteland (the Mournland). Not all nations are "officially recognized."
• The ancient calendar of the giant empire is said to have 13 months, whereas the current calendar has 12.
• During the Age of Giants, legend says there were 13 moons, but currently there are 12 (one has vanished).
• In the dwarven Mror Holds, there were 13 clans, but one has been destroyed, leaving 12.

Note that the number 13 is known as a "baker's dozen." Because the phrase has an established use it is used as a play on the author's name.