Let’s examine an alternate timeline that was witnessed by Tasslehoff before Takhisis stole the world at the end of the Chaos War. Buy Legends of the Twins: https://www.dmsguild.com/en/product/3252/legends-of-the-twins-3-5?affiliate_id=50797 

Peace has come to Krynn… but the world is holding its breath.

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga episode. My name is Adam, and today we’re taking a look at one of the alternate timelines found along the River of Time: the Age of Dragons. I’d like to take a moment and thank the DLSaga members and Patreon patrons, and invite you to consider becoming a member or patron–you can even pick up Dragonlance media or get $10 by signing up to StartPlaying.Games using my affiliate links. I’m referencing the Legends of the Twins sourcebook for this information. If I leave anything out or misspeak, please leave a comment below.

The Age of Dragons exists as one of many alternate timelines branching from Krynn’s true history along what is known as the River of Time. This river represents the flow of history itself, carrying events forward while also allowing for tributaries—alternate paths created when key moments unfold differently. Each tributary forms a complete and self-contained version of Krynn. To those who live within these worlds, their timeline is not an alternate possibility, but the only reality they have ever known.

In the case of the Age of Dragons, the point of divergence centers on a single individual: Tasslehoff Burrfoot. In 371 AC, Tasslehoff activates the Device of Time Journeying and travels into the future with Fizban’s permission. In the true timeline, Tasslehoff eventually returns, and his actions help shape the events of the future. In this alternate history, however, Tasslehoff never returns from the future. That absence alters the course of events in ways that are not immediately obvious, but which ultimately reshape the fate of Krynn.

Despite this divergence, Krynn still experiences two defining conflicts within a relatively short span of time: the War of the Lance and the Chaos War. These wars leave deep scars across Ansalon, devastating nations, displacing populations, and exhausting entire generations. However, while the War of the Lance largely mirrors the events of the true timeline, the conclusion of the Chaos War unfolds very differently.

When Chaos threatens to destroy all of creation, the gods respond in an unexpected way. Rather than acting at cross purposes, the gods unite, including long-standing enemies. Most notably, Takhisis chooses to fight alongside the other gods, even standing with Paladine in opposition to Chaos. Gods and mortals alike take part in the struggle, and through this combined effort, Chaos is defeated and driven back into the Beyond.

As a result, Krynn is not stolen from the gods, and the world continues to exist much as it had before—though profoundly changed by the wars it has endured.

In the aftermath, the people of Ansalon are left to reckon with the consequences of nearly continuous conflict. With so many lives lost and so much destruction endured, there is a widespread desire to prevent another global war. From this desire emerges a new political structure known as the United Realms, an organization designed to settle disputes through diplomacy rather than open warfare.

The United Realms brings together several of the major powers of Ansalon, though participation is not universal. Its stated goal is stability, but its existence also reflects how fragile that stability truly is.

Among the most prominent members are Solamnia and Sanction, which emerge as rival powers. While both are part of the United Realms, their relationship is tense, and neither fully trusts the other. Each maintains its own military strength, and both remain alert for signs of aggression, even as they publicly support diplomatic solutions.

Ergoth takes on a different role, positioning itself as a neutral power. Over time, it draws a number of smaller human nations into its sphere of influence, expanding its political reach without direct conquest. Ergoth’s position allows it to act as a stabilizing force within the United Realms, though its growing influence does not go unnoticed.

Not all nations choose to participate. Khur refuses to join the United Realms entirely, opting instead for isolation. This decision sets Khur apart from the emerging political order and leaves it outside the system designed to manage continental disputes.

Significant changes also take place among the elves of Ansalon. The long-divided Qualinesti and Silvanesti are finally united through the marriage of Porthios Kanan and Alhana Starbreeze, creating what is known as the One Kingdom. This union represents a rare moment of elven cooperation after centuries of division.

From this marriage comes a son, Silvanoshei, who is named Speaker of the Sun and Stars. Because of his youth, Silvanoshei does not rule independently. Instead, those around him take steps to ensure his safety and guide the future of the united elven nation.

Gilthas, son of Tanis Half-Elven and Laurana, abdicates the throne of Qualinesti in order to serve as an ambassador to the United Realms. In doing so, he shifts from a role of national leadership to one of diplomacy. Laurana herself relocates to Silvanesti, where she works to protect her grandson and help stabilize the One Kingdom during this transitional period.

Elsewhere in Ansalon, other peoples prepare in their own ways. The minotaurs continue to strengthen their military forces, expanding their fleets and sharpening their readiness. Mountain dwarves retreat inward, withdrawing into their strongholds, while hill dwarves begin to reenter broader society with caution. The kender remain scattered across the continent, largely unchanged in their habits and outlook.

Religion takes on increased importance during this era. The gods actively recruit clerics, increasing their influence throughout Krynn. Divine power is once again clearly present in the world, and faith becomes a significant factor in political and social life. Hiddukel, Sargonnas, and Takhisis all continue to pursue their own interests, while the balance among the gods remains uncertain.

Throughout all of this, dragons become increasingly visible across Ansalon. More dragons are seen than at any time since the War of the Lance. Both chromatic and metallic dragons gather, their growing presence impossible to ignore. Their return to prominence gives this timeline its name: the Age of Dragons.

The Age of Dragons is not marked by open war, but by what comes after it—a prolonged pause shaped by alliances, rivalries, and preparation. It is a time when the world waits, knowing it has already survived two great wars, and uncertain what the next chapter will bring.

But that is all the time I have to talk about the Alternate Timeline: Age of Dragons. What do you think of this version of Krynn as witnessed by Tasslehoff in the War of Souls Trilogy? Do you already play in campaigns similar to this or do you prefer the Age of Mortals? And finally do you think this is the inevitable result of the Destinies Trilogy sans the Chaos War? Leave a comment below.

I would like to invite you to subscribe to this YouTube channel, ring the bell to get notified about upcoming videos, and click the like button. It all helps other Dragonlance fans learn about this channel and its content. Thank you for watching — this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga, and until next time, remember:

How do you know the Graygem isn’t controlling you? If it was it wouldn’t be likely to tell you, now, would it?