Join me as I review The Dragon Isles by Stephen D. Sullivan live! Share your thoughts on this fourth novel in the Dragonlance Crossroads series, released by Wizards of the Coast on December 1, 2002. You can buy a copy here: https://amzn.to/4k9Vsow 

The Dragon Isles: abandoned home of the good dragons, land of amazing adventure and legendary treasure. The trouble is, no one knows how to get there.

Now Mikal Vardan and his crew have found the hidden route, but they’re not the only ones interested in the isles. A beautiful sea elf scavenger thinks the wealth of a lost civilization might be worth killing for, and a menacing sea dragon is determined to bring a reign of terror to the peaceful archipelago.

Part one of this novel deals with Lady Karista Meinor and her bodyguard Bok hiring a ship to take them to the Dragon Isles where they want to open a trade route. They are using an old poem that is thought to be a prophecy about how to find the mysterious dragon isles. The novel opens with the ship’s captain, Mikal Verdan rescuing one of his sailors, a kender named Tripleknot Shellcracker from a sea monster. THey narrowly escape and are pulled on deck just in time for the crew to near mutiny. THey have not been informed about the point of this excursion and they have been sailing the northern Courrain ocean for longer than anticipated with no end in sight. 

They are told they are headed to the Dragon Isles where everyone will get their share of the spoils, and this pacifies them. Then they see floating wreckage which the kender claims has someone on top. It takes a while to intercept but there is a Dargonesti elf chained and unconscious on the wreckage. They bring her aboard and nurse her. It is revealed that she was believed to be cursed by her former shipmates and left to die, because there is  a sea dragon named Tempest trying to enter the Dragon Isles with her dragonspawn Mog. If they can’t get through the veil which protects the isles, no one will. She has been attacking all ships that dare to get near.

It is also revealed that the captain, Mik, is having visions of treasure and the dargonesti named Ula, is willing to help him locate the isles and treasure for a percentage. He agrees, but Karista doesn’t. Then Tempest attacks. She capsizes the ship and kills most of the crew. Mik and Trip use the failing magical items to breathe under water but are captured by other Dargonesti and brought to their underwater town. There they will be sold off into slavery or fight. However, Tempest and Mog followed. Once imprisoned they see that Ula and Karista were there and the only other survivors. Then Tempest attacks. They escape together with the help of one of the elves that captured them named Shimmer. He leads them to the Veil and with the aid of a black gem Mik has, they all pass through. Mog follows and narrowly passes through as well. Though Tempest is left on the other side still.

Tempest charges at the barrier using all her might and magic and is repelled again and again. She must be content that her spawn is on the other side, following the mortals, waiting to spring a trap and drop the veil once and for all. On the other side, the party comes ashore and is seen by a massive dragon, then a ship rolls up under order of the Brass taking them captive. Ula demands honor by combat rather than them being taken to their lord, and she fights Misa Kell, defeating her. Her brother is furious but honors the bargain. Ula is to take them to the dargonesti kingdom, but Benthor Kell, Misa’s brother, holds to the law of shipping the kender to an island where they all dwell. Karista Meinor decides to stay with Kell to have the Order of the Brass negotiate shipping routes with her.

The kender is tied up in a cabin, and Ula, Mik and Shimmer are dropped into a boat and leave to the dargonesti home. Once they arrive they see some of the people from the ruined sea elf town outside the veil, and they make their pleas to the lord of this realm. He allows them freedom and Ula, mik and shimmer decide to look for the next key to their treasure by visiting the sea sage. When they arrive it ends up attacking them and they temporarily defeat it, taking its key. Next they head to the gold dragons libraries. There Ula stays at the ship while shimmer and Mik head up, only to be stopped by a copper dragon guard who knows shimmer and lets them pass. 

Back on Kell’s boat, Trip escapes and jumps overboard, swimming from the pursuing ship. He hides in a cave and finds  a secret entrance to a pirates hide where he takes a sea dragon cloak that allows him free movement and breathing underwater. He escapes his pursuers and gets passage from the pirate Jerrick the Red, an old acquaintance of Miki’s. Very convenient. He takes the kender to the same island as his companions, conveniently, and meets Ula there. Mik and shimmer enter the library and mik climbs to the peak and has a vision of the island chain being formed and populated, then gets the next key piece. They come to shore to see Ula, Trip and Jerrick where they bargain for his ship to take them to the final key location.

Kell meets with the order of the Bronze and is told to stop Ula and shimmer, retrieving the treasure themselves as payment for the future shipping agreement with Karista. They pursue Jerrick’s ship and their dragon emissary abducts Ula. Shimmer transforms into a bronze dragon, his true form, and attacks the bronze holding Ula. He recovers her as krell seizes control of Jerricks ship with his own. Shimmer crashed on deck with Ula and both sides nearly come to blows when Jerrick speaks up, on working together to split t he treasure. The interjection actually works and they all get together to find the last piece ofthe key. 

They find the location and dive under the water, locating the temple where they find the key, but Mog is waiting and attacks a guard, changing into his appearance. He joins the crew and as Mik assembles the key with thenew piece, a stairway appears and ascends into the sky. They begin to go up and swarms of crabs attack, then Karista steals the key from Mik and reveals she is working for Tempest, this stuns Mog and they both race to the temple fighting the heroes all the way. Tempest breaks through the barrier when the group arrives at the temple and the now fully assembled key is a lightning weapon that is turned against the heroes.

Factions are blurred and everyone seems to survive incredible wounds but the fight is truly epic. Karista is defeated and the heroes reclaim the key only to have tempest arrive and fight them, killing many people, including Karista, and the all scatter trying to defeat the sea dragon. Eventually Mik faces off against it and it plumets into a volcano, which then erupts and the key seems to offer Mik treasure at the sacrifice of the Dragon Isles. He refuses and throws the key into the volcano as well. The temple of the sky begins to fade and he leaps in to the ocean, sure to drown.

He is saved by Ula and they return to the ship, when Trip arrives with a miraculously still alive Shimmer. They all decide to continue searching for treasure in the Dragon Isles together and the novel ends abruptly. There were so many moments where characters should have died over and over again, but I forgive it for the epic scope of that final battle. The author isn’t great, but I did find myself enjoying this novel more than I anticipated, even if the story itself was seemingly rushed. I also think it was more epic than the Dawning of a New Age final novel, which while not saying a lot since it want good, does say that this one novel was superior to a trilogy.

If you are a fan of the Dragon Isles, and water based adventures, this is a must read. For fans of Dragonlance, it is fun, but not required reading.

Let’s examine an alternate timeline that sees the Knights of Takhisis take over, corrupt Dragonlances and raise a flying Citadel from Icewall. Buy Legends of the Twins: https://www.dmsguild.com/en/product/3252/legends-of-the-twins-3-5?affiliate_id=50797 

Winter should never come in summer. But in this timeline, the snow never stopped falling… And the dragonlances themselves became weapons of darkness.

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 War of the Darklance. 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 River of Time carries every age, every hero, and every tragedy forward—but it does not flow as a single, unbroken stream. Branching from it are countless tributaries, alternate Krynns shaped by small divergences or catastrophic changes. The War of the Darklance takes place in one such world. Here, the Graygem is never broken. Chaos is never released. Wild Sorcery and Mysticism never emerge. Ambient magic lies dormant, subdued, and tightly controlled. At first glance, this seems like a safer world. But without Chaos to disrupt the fabric of time, the Balance itself becomes rigid—and fragile. When evil learns from its failures and ceases to destroy itself, the result is not equilibrium. It is domination.

At the center of this darkness stands Lord Ariakan, son of Ariakas. Unlike the Dragon Highlords of the past, Ariakan does not cling to pride, infighting, or ancient grudges. Instead, he creates something unprecedented: a unified knighthood modeled after the Knights of Solamnia, but devoted wholly to Queen Takhisis. The Knights of Takhisis embrace modern ideals. They wield magic without fear. They integrate warriors, priests, and mages into a single doctrine. And most importantly—evil does not turn against itself. For the first time, the Dark Queen’s forces march with discipline, coordination, and purpose.

The turning point of the war comes with an act so profane that it scars the world itself. The Knights of Takhisis cannot create weapons of light—but they can corrupt them. Captured dragonlances are brought before a ritual involving three unholy artifacts: the Altar of Takhisis, the Wand of Corruption, and the Hammer of Darkness. Placed upon the obsidian altar, the dragonlances smoke and weaken. The wand suspends them in a field of pure evil, tearing at their magical essence. Finally, the hammer strikes the blade, sealing the transformation. Thus, the darklance is born. These weapons strip the Whitestone forces of their greatest advantage.

And the ritual’s consequences ripple outward—into the sky, the land, and the seasons themselves.

In the year 383 AC, Ansalon enters a nightmare remembered as the Summer of Frost. Temperatures steadily fall throughout spring. By summer, the world freezes. Crops fail. Livestock die. Starvation spreads faster than any army. The sky becomes perpetually overcast.

Paladine seems powerless. Even Chislev cannot restore nature’s order. Faith begins to crack. And it is in this moment of desperation that the invasion begins.

The Knights of Takhisis strike swiftly. Kalaman falls. The Northern Wastes and Nordmaar collapse soon after. At Icewall, the dead Highlord Aren Feal-Thas is reborn as a death knight, cursed and bound to undeath. Icewall Glacier begins moving north—alive, jagged, relentless—guided by Feal-Thas’s thoughts and emotions. Floating above it is Icewall Castle, transformed into a flying citadel. White dragons patrol the skies, wielding darklances, while thanoi, sivak draconians, and barbarian tribes march below. Entire villages vanish beneath the ice.

As the Blood Sea freezes solid, the minotaurs see their moment. Led by Chot Es-Kalin, they march across the ice toward Ansalon, beginning a brutal campaign of genocide against the ogres. Though larger and stronger, the ogres lack discipline. Battle after battle, the minotaurs advance—until the thaw comes too late for Chot’s secondary forces, which plunge into the Maelstrom beneath the melting ice. Chot himself remains stranded on the mainland, facing an ogre counteroffensive with no retreat.

The war spares no one. The Qualinesti Forest burns, assaulted by dragons and Thorn Knights.

Qualinost is destroyed. Elves flee—some to Ergoth, others east toward Silvanesti, where they are met with resentment and fear. The High Clerist’s Tower falls for the first time in history. Tanis Half-Elven and Steel Brightblade die in its defense. Their fallen comrades are buried in mass graves, their names carved into stone. Palanthas surrenders without a fight. The Tower of High Sorcery is destroyed from within as Dalamar the Dark brings it down to prevent the Knights of the Thorn from reaching the portal to the Abyss. Whether Dalamar survives is unknown.

Ergoth becomes the last refuge. Overcrowded. Hungry. Diseased. Clerics of Mishakal work tirelessly, overwhelmed by suffering. Gnomes abandon invention for joy and instead build engines of war. Even the kender feel the weight of despair. Yet resistance survives. Merinda uth Brishard leads roving Solamnic knights. Galvan Stonebreaker wages his private war. Underground movements form in Palanthas and Khur. And even within the darkness, evil begins to strain against itself. Aren Feal-Thas seeks to overthrow Ariakan. Mirielle Abrena consolidates her own power. The Blood War threatens Ariakan’s eastern flank. The Balance may yet reassert itself. 

This timeline has no fixed ending. The Knights of Takhisis have conquered most of Ansalon.

Winter still grips the land. Another natural winter is coming. The Heroes of the Lance are gone. Now, the fate of the world rests with new champions—thieves, killers, outcasts, and survivors—people who may have to abandon honor to preserve hope. If the war can be won, the scars will remain. The land will never be the same. And the people of Ansalon will carry this darkness forever. But if the fight is abandoned—then this tributary of the River of Time ends in ice, silence, and shadow.

The War of the Darklance is a world where evil learned, adapted, and nearly won. A Krynn where hope is fragile, honor is costly, and the Balance hangs by a thread.  And that makes it one of the most haunting alternate timelines in all of Dragonlance.

But that is all the time I have to talk about the Alternate Timeline: War of the Darklance. Do you like the idea of Dragonlance’s being corrupted? Can the death Knight Feal-Thas rival Lord Soth? And finally will the Knights of Takhisis ever be overthrown? 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:

A chap who can point at you and say ‘die’ has the distinct advantage.

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Core Foundations: Worldbuilding Without Getting Lost.

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Deepkolt the 2nd. My name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. Somewhere out there is a Dungeon Master with three notebooks of lore…

a detailed pantheon… a map with trade routes… …and no campaign. Worldbuilding is one of the greatest joys of being a Dungeon Master — and one of the fastest ways to stall a game before it ever begins. This is Dungeon Mastering 101, and today we’re talking about worldbuilding without getting lost — how to build only what you need, and how to turn your setting into a tool, not a burden.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media and get $10 by signing up to StartPlaying.Games, using my affiliate links. All links are in the description below.

New Dungeon Masters often believe: “I need to build the whole world before we play.” You don’t. In fact, overbuilding can:

Worldbuilding should serve play, not replace it.

The only part of the world that matters is:

Everything else is optional. Build outward in concentric circles:

If the players can’t reach it, they don’t need it yet.

Think in impressions, not encyclopedias. Instead of: “The Kingdom of Valen has a three-tier tax system…” Use:  “Valen is rich, paranoid, and ruled by bureaucracy.” Broad strokes:

Details should emerge through play, not prep.

A good setting creates problems, not just flavor. Ask:

Worldbuilding works best when:

If nothing is in tension, the world is static.

Your players are an untapped resource. Ways to involve them:

This does two things:

Shared ownership makes the world feel alive.

Smart worldbuilding can be reused endlessly. Create:

Example:  “Corrupt local authority” can appear in:

Reuse patterns — reskin details.

Maps are tools, not requirements. You only need a map when:

Otherwise:

Never let cartography stop play.

Ask yourself: “How does this help me run the game?” Good worldbuilding helps you:

If a detail doesn’t make play easier, cut it.

Here’s the key mindset change: You are not creating a world to be admired.  You are creating a world to be used. Your setting is:

A living world grows in response to player action — not prep time. Worldbuilding doesn’t need to be big to be meaningful. Start small. Build outward. Let play do the heavy lifting. When your world exists to support the table, you’ll never feel lost in it again.

And that’s it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Core Foundations: Worldbuilding Without Getting Lost Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at [email protected] or leave a comment below. 

Thank you for tuning in. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate link. All links are in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz, and all of the YouTube Members!

This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Welcome to the Order of Aesthetics News, LIVE! We are broadcasting directly from the Great Library of the Ages in Palanthas Alt Cataclius, and today we are discussing Sigil Users Gifts, Elden Ring TTRPG, Fallout Solo TTRPG, and Crows TTRPG.

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Order of Aesthetics News episode! It is Bakukal, Newkolt the 30th. My name is Adam and today I was sifting through the Iconochronos and ran across this exciting bit of news. 

I would like to take a moment and thank the DLSaga YouTube members, and Patreon patrons and invite you to consider becoming a member or patron. You can even grab Dragonlance media and get $10 by signing up to StartPlaying.Games using my affiliate links in the description below.

And that’s it for this OA News episode! Did you ever play Sigil VTT and did you prefer it to Maps? Are you a fan of solo TTRPG’s? And finally, what’s your most anticipated ttprg? Feel free to email me at [email protected] or comment below. 

I would like to take a moment and remind you to subscribe to this YouTube channel, ring the bell to get notified about upcoming videos and click the like button. This all goes to help other Dragonlance fans learn about this channel and its content. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz, and all of the YouTube members!

This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Welcome to part eighteen of my Gaming AD&D: Dungeon Masters Guide Reading series where I rediscover Advanced Dungeons & Dragons with a live audience by reading the core rules. In this episode I will continue reading aloud the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Masters Guide by Gary Gygax, released in August 1979. Buy the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Masters Guide now: https://www.dmsguild.com/en/product/17004/dungeon-master-s-guide-1e?affiliate_id=50797 

The 1st Edition Dungeon Master’s Guide is Back! Dungeon Masters everywhere, rejoice! Too long have you had to suffer along with crucial charts and tables spread through many works. Too long have you had to use makeshift references trying to solve the problem. You now have a complete compilation of the most valuable material for your refereeing, the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Herein you will find:

This excellent tome is a must for every Dungeon Master!

Welcome to today’s Dragonlance Hangout! This is a casual series where we discuss all things Dragonlance, from characters, to modules, to game editions in a relaxed conversation with the live audience. Today I am discussing What Makes an Epic Fantasy Campaign Setting?

Welcome to another DragonLance Hangout! It is Kirinor, Newkolt the 28th, and my name is Adam. Today I am discussing What Makes an Epic Fantasy Campaign Setting?.

I would like to take a moment and thank the DLSaga YouTube 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 in the description below.

Epic fantasy isn’t just about maps, gods, or ancient wars. It’s about a world that remembers itself. A setting becomes epic when:

Tonight isn’t about “which setting is best.” It’s about why some worlds feel inevitable, and others feel disposable. And what DMs can learn from the masters — and from darker, more modern designs like my own DireLands

Touchstones:

And then: a comparison to DireLands, a dark fantasy setting built with many of the same tools — but different intentions

Framed for:

DM takeaway:  If nothing important happened before the PCs were born, your world isn’t epic — it’s empty.

DM takeaway:  Cosmology should create:

DM takeaway: If the last great war solved everything cleanly, you’ve written a fairy tale — not epic fantasy.

DM takeaway: If elves are just “humans with pointy ears,” you’re wasting epic tools.

DM takeaway: Culture is how players emotionally anchor to a setting.

What Works

Limitations (DM Practical)

Lesson for DMs

What Works

Limitations

Lesson for DMs

What Works

Limitations

Lesson for DMsEpic fantasy at the table thrives on clarity

Key differences:

DM Practical Insight

Bullet-point, actionable advice:

Epic fantasy isn’t a checklist, It’s an agreement between the world and the players.

As DMs, the real question isn’t: “Is my world epic?” It’s: “Does my world remember what it’s been through?” That is going to do it for another Dragonlance hangout episode.Let me know what you think makes an epic campaign setting and which is your favorite. Have you ever created your own campaign setting? Feel free to email me at [email protected] or comment below. 

I would like to take a moment and remind you to subscribe to this YouTube channel, ring the bell to get notified about upcoming videos and click the like button. This all goes to help other Dragonlance fans learn about this channel and its content. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, and Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz!

This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

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?

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Core Foundations: What Makes a Session Fun?

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Newkolt the 26th. My name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. You can run a session where everything goes right on paper…and still walk away thinking, Why did that feel flat? Fun isn’t about perfect rules calls. It’s not about clever plot twists. And it’s definitely not about doing voices. Fun is about how players feel in the moment. This is Dungeon Mastering 101, and today we’re breaking down what actually makes a session fun — and how to recognize it while it’s happening.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media and get $10 by signing up to StartPlaying.Games, using my affiliate links. All links are in the description below.

New Dungeon Masters often chase content. More encounters. More NPCs. More lore. But fun doesn’t come from quantity — it comes from engagement. Players feel engaged when:

If you understand the psychology behind that, you can make almost any session fun — even when things go off the rails.

Tension is the fuel that drives engagement. Not stress — uncertainty. Players lean forward when they don’t know:

How to create tension:

If nothing is uncertain, nothing is exciting.

Anticipation is tension stretched over time. Players love:

How to use anticipation:

If players are theorizing between turns, you’re doing it right.

Stakes answer the question: “Why should I care?” Stakes don’t have to be lethal. They just have to be meaningful. Examples of stakes:

Tip for new DMs: If players don’t react emotionally, the stakes aren’t clear enough. Say them out loud.

Players have fun when they feel in control. Autonomy means:

How to support autonomy:

When players feel railroaded, fun collapses — even if the story is good.

Fun dies when someone disappears for too long. Spotlight sharing is not equal time — it’s intentional attention. How to manage spotlight:

A simple DM habit: Ask yourself, Who hasn’t mattered in the last 10 minutes?

Every good session has rhythm. Fast moments:

Slow moments:

Problems happen when pacing gets stuck. How to fix pacing mid-session:

You are conducting, not controlling.

This is the skill that separates good DMs from great ones. Signs players are engaged:

Signs energy is dropping:

When you see it:

You don’t need to know why — you just need to respond.

Here’s the mindset that makes this manageable: You are not responsible for being entertaining. You are responsible for facilitating engagement. That means:

A fun session is a conversation — not a performance.

Fun is not accidental. It’s built from:

And above all, attention. If you can read the room and respond honestly,  your sessions will feel alive — even when nothing goes as planned.

And that’s it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Core Foundations: What Makes a Session Fun? Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at [email protected] or leave a comment below. 

Thank you for tuning in. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate link. All links are in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz, and all of the YouTube Members!

This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Join us as we continue our @Dungeons & Dragons actual play of a heavily customized Tyranny of Dragons with this session twenty! You can buy Tyranny of Dragons here: https://amzn.to/3XJvuND 

Last time on Tyranny of Dragons: As Jamna quickly figures out the heroes are getting into trouble in the middle of the night, she goes to create a distraction outside, pulling the majority of the laborers, guards and even Bog Luck out into the night. Lucan feels pulled in the direction of the store room by Mishakal, and discovers Elemier in the storeroom and the heroes finishing up combat with Bakali in the Strong Room! Jamna leans in as they are talking and lets them know that they need to get out of there before they all return. Turns out there is a secret tunnel! They follow it out and into the jungle, following a marked trail. After a day of traveling deeper into the jungle, they ran across some natural dangers, a shambling mound, and even quicksand before arriving at what seems to be a deserted camp. As they were investigating the camp, Bakali arrived and engaged in combat. The heroes plowed through them, and captured one. They discussed the area and their aversion to the cult, when the Bakali thought perhaps these heroes could assist his people in liberating themselves from the cultists. They end up working together and Snapjaw, the Bakali leader of sorts, leads the heroes toward the Citadel of Karac-Tor. En route they were attacked by more crocodiles than they have ever seen in person, it seems the swamp itself is trying to stop them. Will the heroes snake it out of the swamp alive?

An epic draconic adventure for levels 1-15

The forces of Tiamat, Queen of Evil Dragons, bring war to the Forgotten Realms. Led by the sinister Cult of the Dragon, an army of dragons and foul villains wage a merciless campaign to unleash their draconic god upon the world. Opposing them is a desperate alliance including the heroic Harpers and treacherous Zhentarim. This fragile coalition needs heroes to unite them and find ways to resist the draconic threat. Do you have the courage to stand against the Cult of the Dragon and the threat of Tiamat’s immortal tyranny?

Purchasing a digital copy of this book unlocks it for use in the D&D BEYOND compendium and toolset. D&D BEYOND is the official digital toolset for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. Create characters in minutes, play directly on your character sheets with digital dice, and prep less and play more with Dungeon Master tools like the Encounter Builder and Combat Tracker. Unlock Maps, D&D BEYOND’s virtual tabletop, with a Master Tier subscription. Host game sessions on dozens of official maps, or make your own and use our player and monster tokens to take your gaming to the next level!

Welcome to the Order of Aesthetics News, LIVE! We are broadcasting directly from the Great Library of the Ages in Palanthas Alt Cataclius, and today we are discussing Jean Rabe, D&D coming to Fortnite, D&D and AI, and D&D #1 Rule.

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Order of Aesthetics News episode! It is Bakukal, Newkolt the 23rd. My name is Adam and today I was sifting through the Iconochronos and ran across this exciting bit of news. 

I would like to take a moment and thank the DLSaga YouTube members, and Patreon patrons and invite you to consider becoming a member or patron. You can even grab Dragonlance media and get $10 by signing up to StartPlaying.Games using my affiliate links in the description below.

And that’s it for this OA News episode! Do you have a favorite Jean Rabe project? Do you enjoy watching actual plays? And finally, have you ever tried Alien or Call of Cthulhu ttrpgs? Feel free to email me at [email protected] or comment below. 

I would like to take a moment and remind you to subscribe to this YouTube channel, ring the bell to get notified about upcoming videos and click the like button. This all goes to help other Dragonlance fans learn about this channel and its content. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz, and all of the YouTube members!

This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).