Shards, or Dragonshards, are a commonly known item used in many a magical device within Eberron. See the spoiler for an except from Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron:
Dragonshards
Dragonshards are crystals imbued with raw mystical energy. They are the fuel that drives the magical economy, playing a vital role in the creation of magic items and the performance of arcane rituals.
Dragonshards come in three distinct varieties, each of which are found in different environments. Eberron dragonshards are found in shallow soil, and often encased in geode-like stone shells. Eberron shards can be found almost anywhere, but the most significant deposits have been discovered in jungle environments, notably Q’barra and the distant land of Xen’drik. In their raw form, Eberron shards are rosy crystals with crimson swirls flowing their depths.
Eberron shards are the most common form of dragonshard. They are primarily refined into a glowing powder. This dragonshard dust can be used to fuel almost any act of magic. When casting a spell, you can use dragonshard dust in place of any spell component that has a cost, unless the DM says otherwise. Dragonshard dust is used in the creation of magic items, and many powerful tools — such as the lightning rail and elemental airships — require an ongoing expenditure of Eberron dragonshards to maintain their enchantments.
Khyber dragonshards are found deep in the earth, often near layers of magma. These living crystals typically grow on cavern walls, and superstition says they flourish in areas with significant fiendish activity. Khyber dragonshards are deep blue or dark violet, laced with gleaming veins.
Khyber dragonshards have a affinity for binding magics. Elemental binding — which is behind airships, the lightning rail, and elemental galleons — requires a Khyber shard to hold the elemental. Khyber shards are used for phylacteries, planar binding, any other effects that trap or manipulate spirits. Khyber dragonshards are also used for many necromantic rituals.
Siberys dragonshards fall from the Ring of Siberys, the ring of crystals that encircles the world. While rare in Khorvaire, there are significant shard fields in the continent of Xen’drik, and this is a potential source of great wealth for explorers. Siberys dragonshards are amber in color, with swirling golding veins gleaming within.
Siberys dragonshards have a close affinity to dragonmarks and are a vital part of any dragonmark focus item. Larger shards may be required for eldritch machinesor used in the creation of legendary items or artifacts.
(In short, yeah it's the general magical macguffin of the setting.)
The mask Weasel puts on definitely obscures major features, but does also stand out a lot more due to the ornate markings upon it. It'll do for anonymity initially, so long as Weasel doesn't wear it out in public afterwards, just in case...
"Okay, so these Dragonshards, how many in the crates and of what size is the average one? I'm new to this city, and can't say we really had anything like that out in my old village. Depending on their size, we need to either take the whole crate of them, or we could spread them out among the group so that we can move more quickly and not have to worry about all of them being taken if we're caught." Caspian inquires. As he does so, he takes out a black bandana and ties it around his lower face, leaving only his eyes showing through it. Pulling up his hood, he uses thaumaturgy to change the color of his eyes from yellow to glowing red like embers, so that you can only see glowing red eyes from under his hood. "Do you think this would work to disguise me?"
If it is a standard crate, one would assume one that is about 3' per side. If anyone wants to make an arcana check for more information on Dragonshards and shipping them.
(Just to note I'm going to not be able to respond for a few hours)
"Perhaps we ought to have some of our crew go out and secure our getaway vehicles. if we want to get really crafty we could try and jack three of those flying taxi. We could have someone go up and ask to be taken to a remote part of the city, a slum where it isn't uncommon for this sort of thing to occur. Then we take out the driver and stow the rides for when we actually go out on the heist. Since they're taxi's no one will think anything is out of the ordinary as we drive around.
We can have one of them take the long way to the exit point, and use that as a kind of mobile base where the escape route group can camp out beforehand and secure the area for our escape. The other taxi can be our way of keeping pace with and boarding the train so that we can do it at any point, and not have to worry about boarding somewhere that we know there may be people watching from. After that, Guido could take that taxi back over to the other escape group, and they can be ready to make their way to us for extraction. If Boo is on the boarding party, that would give us intergroup communication as well, which is always a good thing to have with so many moving pieces. Ideally, we should have three taxi's there for the end of the mission. One for each group, and a diversionary taxi that our pal Guido over there can drive in order to give us a better chance of a clean getaway. After Guido has caused some trouble, which I get the feeling he may enjoy, he could turn invisible and slip back to the hideout. Of course, that plan depends on whether Guido is able to operate a vehicle to any extent. If he can't do that, then we could always just tie the boarding taxi to the back of the train, and then make our way back to it for when we need to make our getaway, while the other group covers us and keeps the escape route viable.
In terms of groups, I'd like to be with the boarding party if that's alright with you guys. I have Fly as a spell and if someone falls, Laeris can dive down and get to them and I can cast fly through him so that they can receive the spell at a distance. I can also cast detect magic at will, and have the ability to dispel any guarding enchantments that we may come across. Of course, I'll go wherever you think I'm needed. I can also do area denial and a lot of literal firepower that I can use to help with the escape route."
Eleven nods appreciatively at Caspian. "I don't know you very well, but I think you look pretty different," the dragonborn says. "Hey, I could do this!" Eleven pulls his billowy shirt off and wraps it around his head like a very messy turban. "How's this?" His light gray horns, which angle downward toward his chin are still clearly visible, as is most of his face and the thick, ropy scales that resemble hair and grow halfway down his back from the base of his skull. Quite frankly, it only serves to make him more conspicuous. One might assume he did it just to have a reason to take off his shirt. He glances around at the others with a look of satisfaction.
"I like the taxi idea but who's going to jack the taxis? I could try getting one by wearing a mask to hide my face and then cast Charm Person on the driver to lure him to the slums where I'll knock him out." Eldin says. He turns to the cobbler and says, "What do you say we buy masks from 6 different sellers to avoid suspicion?"
Turning to Eldin, Caspian begins to think out loud. "I mean, it is their job to take us where we want to go, so unless they put up too much of a fight about it, then it shouldn't be that tricky to get them to take us to the slums. Then we can take the driver out however we see fit. It's important that they can't get to the authorities while we are still on the heist, otherwise, the taxi's will stick out like sore thumbs."
"As for who, we should probably have some of our more stealthy members take care of that for us. Shouldn't be too difficult since they won't be expecting it. Not to mention even if they do fight back, there's no way that they can beat one of us without help."
"I'll just sneak up behind 'em and knock 'em out," Eleven says, demonstrating the action by raising and dropping a large fist as if hitting someone on the top of the head.
"Both are good options I think. Boo and Eleven, you two can approach one driver, Eldin and I can take another. Boo can try to talk the driver into it with the bribe, and if that doesn't work Eleven you can take him down. Same plan with me and Eldin; we'll give them the option to have a nice relaxing night in, and if they aren't receptive, then we can be a little more forceful with our request. Well, we can always just wear our hoods low when we ask, that way it isn't too suspicious but it will also keep our identities secret"
"Both are good options I think. Boo and Eleven, you two can approach one driver, Eldin and I can take another. Boo can try to talk the driver into it with the bribe, and if that doesn't work Eleven you can take him down. Same plan with me and Eldin; we'll give them the option to have a nice relaxing night in, and if they aren't receptive, then we can be a little more forceful with our request."
"Fine by me. We should do that later though. Probably in the evening or night."
"Agreed, we'll want the cover of night to pull that part of the plan off, and the darkness will further help us remain anonymous. If we wanted to do a diversion kind of a taxi, then it isn't a bad idea to also get another team to go out and try the same strategy."
Boo listens to their conversation and pipes up, "or we one of us with underworld connections can just hire a professional getaway driver with a vehicle... or someone with a talent... or a magic spell to disguise themselves, etc. just goes to one of the big skycab companies and observes who is working there as drivers and assume their ID and just signs out a skycab and drives off with it. The company assumes one of their own has it."
"Depending on where you want me to be I ll have to prepare my trinkets accordingly."
"Anyone knows anything about shards? If you do I know what group your in."
Writing a Story
https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/story-lore/27837-magister-reborn-story-thread
Shards, or Dragonshards, are a commonly known item used in many a magical device within Eberron. See the spoiler for an except from Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron:
Dragonshards
Dragonshards are crystals imbued with raw mystical energy. They are the fuel that drives the magical economy, playing a vital role in the creation of magic items and the performance of arcane rituals.
Dragonshards come in three distinct varieties, each of which are found in different environments. Eberron dragonshards are found in shallow soil, and often encased in geode-like stone shells. Eberron shards can be found almost anywhere, but the most significant deposits have been discovered in jungle environments, notably Q’barra and the distant land of Xen’drik. In their raw form, Eberron shards are rosy crystals with crimson swirls flowing their depths.
Eberron shards are the most common form of dragonshard. They are primarily refined into a glowing powder. This dragonshard dust can be used to fuel almost any act of magic. When casting a spell, you can use dragonshard dust in place of any spell component that has a cost, unless the DM says otherwise. Dragonshard dust is used in the creation of magic items, and many powerful tools — such as the lightning rail and elemental airships — require an ongoing expenditure of Eberron dragonshards to maintain their enchantments.
Khyber dragonshards are found deep in the earth, often near layers of magma. These living crystals typically grow on cavern walls, and superstition says they flourish in areas with significant fiendish activity. Khyber dragonshards are deep blue or dark violet, laced with gleaming veins.
Khyber dragonshards have a affinity for binding magics. Elemental binding — which is behind airships, the lightning rail, and elemental galleons — requires a Khyber shard to hold the elemental. Khyber shards are used for phylacteries, planar binding, any other effects that trap or manipulate spirits. Khyber dragonshards are also used for many necromantic rituals.
Siberys dragonshards fall from the Ring of Siberys, the ring of crystals that encircles the world. While rare in Khorvaire, there are significant shard fields in the continent of Xen’drik, and this is a potential source of great wealth for explorers. Siberys dragonshards are amber in color, with swirling golding veins gleaming within.
Siberys dragonshards have a close affinity to dragonmarks and are a vital part of any dragonmark focus item. Larger shards may be required for eldritch machinesor used in the creation of legendary items or artifacts.
(In short, yeah it's the general magical macguffin of the setting.)
Weasel straps on her wooden mask, "I'd like to keep my feet to the ground, so I'll join the group seeking a way out for the train people."
(OOC: using mask of the beast)
The mask Weasel puts on definitely obscures major features, but does also stand out a lot more due to the ornate markings upon it. It'll do for anonymity initially, so long as Weasel doesn't wear it out in public afterwards, just in case...
"Is there anything else we need to get before we do this?"
"Okay, so these Dragonshards, how many in the crates and of what size is the average one? I'm new to this city, and can't say we really had anything like that out in my old village. Depending on their size, we need to either take the whole crate of them, or we could spread them out among the group so that we can move more quickly and not have to worry about all of them being taken if we're caught." Caspian inquires. As he does so, he takes out a black bandana and ties it around his lower face, leaving only his eyes showing through it. Pulling up his hood, he uses thaumaturgy to change the color of his eyes from yellow to glowing red like embers, so that you can only see glowing red eyes from under his hood. "Do you think this would work to disguise me?"
If it is a standard crate, one would assume one that is about 3' per side. If anyone wants to make an arcana check for more information on Dragonshards and shipping them.
(Just to note I'm going to not be able to respond for a few hours)
"Perhaps we ought to have some of our crew go out and secure our getaway vehicles. if we want to get really crafty we could try and jack three of those flying taxi. We could have someone go up and ask to be taken to a remote part of the city, a slum where it isn't uncommon for this sort of thing to occur. Then we take out the driver and stow the rides for when we actually go out on the heist. Since they're taxi's no one will think anything is out of the ordinary as we drive around.
We can have one of them take the long way to the exit point, and use that as a kind of mobile base where the escape route group can camp out beforehand and secure the area for our escape. The other taxi can be our way of keeping pace with and boarding the train so that we can do it at any point, and not have to worry about boarding somewhere that we know there may be people watching from. After that, Guido could take that taxi back over to the other escape group, and they can be ready to make their way to us for extraction. If Boo is on the boarding party, that would give us intergroup communication as well, which is always a good thing to have with so many moving pieces. Ideally, we should have three taxi's there for the end of the mission. One for each group, and a diversionary taxi that our pal Guido over there can drive in order to give us a better chance of a clean getaway. After Guido has caused some trouble, which I get the feeling he may enjoy, he could turn invisible and slip back to the hideout. Of course, that plan depends on whether Guido is able to operate a vehicle to any extent. If he can't do that, then we could always just tie the boarding taxi to the back of the train, and then make our way back to it for when we need to make our getaway, while the other group covers us and keeps the escape route viable.
In terms of groups, I'd like to be with the boarding party if that's alright with you guys. I have Fly as a spell and if someone falls, Laeris can dive down and get to them and I can cast fly through him so that they can receive the spell at a distance. I can also cast detect magic at will, and have the ability to dispel any guarding enchantments that we may come across. Of course, I'll go wherever you think I'm needed. I can also do area denial and a lot of literal firepower that I can use to help with the escape route."
Eleven nods appreciatively at Caspian. "I don't know you very well, but I think you look pretty different," the dragonborn says. "Hey, I could do this!" Eleven pulls his billowy shirt off and wraps it around his head like a very messy turban. "How's this?" His light gray horns, which angle downward toward his chin are still clearly visible, as is most of his face and the thick, ropy scales that resemble hair and grow halfway down his back from the base of his skull. Quite frankly, it only serves to make him more conspicuous. One might assume he did it just to have a reason to take off his shirt. He glances around at the others with a look of satisfaction.
"Yeah, I mean, that looks fine..." Caspian says, not really willing to stick out his neck and point out the ridiculousness of the disguise.
Put your spoiler here.
Deception Check 18
"I like the taxi idea but who's going to jack the taxis? I could try getting one by wearing a mask to hide my face and then cast Charm Person on the driver to lure him to the slums where I'll knock him out." Eldin says. He turns to the cobbler and says, "What do you say we buy masks from 6 different sellers to avoid suspicion?"
Turning to Eldin, Caspian begins to think out loud. "I mean, it is their job to take us where we want to go, so unless they put up too much of a fight about it, then it shouldn't be that tricky to get them to take us to the slums. Then we can take the driver out however we see fit. It's important that they can't get to the authorities while we are still on the heist, otherwise, the taxi's will stick out like sore thumbs."
"As for who, we should probably have some of our more stealthy members take care of that for us. Shouldn't be too difficult since they won't be expecting it. Not to mention even if they do fight back, there's no way that they can beat one of us without help."
"Why do we need to jack one? We could probably bribe the driver. we get a taxi and they get the night off. its a win win"
"I'm probably one of those stealthy members myself (+10 to stealth)"
"Good idea! If we wear masks, that might work."
"I'll just sneak up behind 'em and knock 'em out," Eleven says, demonstrating the action by raising and dropping a large fist as if hitting someone on the top of the head.
"I don't think we should wear the masks before the actually heist."
"Both are good options I think. Boo and Eleven, you two can approach one driver, Eldin and I can take another. Boo can try to talk the driver into it with the bribe, and if that doesn't work Eleven you can take him down. Same plan with me and Eldin; we'll give them the option to have a nice relaxing night in, and if they aren't receptive, then we can be a little more forceful with our request. Well, we can always just wear our hoods low when we ask, that way it isn't too suspicious but it will also keep our identities secret"
"I know where you're coming from but what if the drivers can identify us when the guards come looking for whoever used the taxis to raid the train?"
"Fine by me. We should do that later though. Probably in the evening or night."
"Agreed, we'll want the cover of night to pull that part of the plan off, and the darkness will further help us remain anonymous. If we wanted to do a diversion kind of a taxi, then it isn't a bad idea to also get another team to go out and try the same strategy."
Boo listens to their conversation and pipes up, "or we one of us with underworld connections can just hire a professional getaway driver with a vehicle... or someone with a talent... or a magic spell to disguise themselves, etc. just goes to one of the big skycab companies and observes who is working there as drivers and assume their ID and just signs out a skycab and drives off with it. The company assumes one of their own has it."