DragonLance Saga

Welcome to the Dragonlance Hangout! In this episode I am joined by Chris and Trampas to discuss the final novel in the Dragonlance Destinies Trilogy, Dragons of Eternity. 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.

Welcome to another DragonLance Hangout! It is Bakukal, Paleswelt the 16th, and my name is Adam. I am joined today by Chris, Trampas, and John to discuss the final novel in the Dragonlance Destinies Trilogy titled Dragons of Eternity by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman.

I would like to take a moment and thank the DLSaga members, and invite you to consider becoming a member by visiting the link in the description below. There are member only monthly downloads and weekly readings available only to DLSaga Members! You can also pick up Dragonlance gaming materials using my affiliate link.

And that is all the time we have to hangout today. What do you think of Dragons of Eternity? Do you think it retconned the Age of Mortals? 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.  

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).

Enjoy this reading of The Current by Michael Williams from Dragons of Eternity, the final novel in the Dragonlance Destinies trilogy by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. You can pick up a copy of Dragons of Eternity here: https://amzn.to/3AnAwYr

From this height, on dragonback
Aloft in a swift sirocco of wings
The river unfolds itself like a shy god
Intuited by sunlight
In a spindrift of reeds,
Flowing to one horizon
And one only, as the proverbs say.

And yet, in a slow descending
To the languor and stink of marshlands
The river complicates,
Its gray and linear flow
Becomes a tortuous current
Emerging, baffled by light
Into a branching country.

Fly lower still, the ruffle of wings
Disturbing the water now,
And see the river bristle
With strider and minnow and fly
All things teeming and tending downstream
Begetting and dying and always devouring
As the current descends toward nothing.
Floating down to die.

But there in the midst of the current
In the possible flow of waters,
The backflow, obstruction of towheads
Pools of hope behind rocks,
The great complexity is a promise
That what might be the meaning
The design we had always expected
Arises, then rides downstream.

Join me as I unbox Dragons of Eternity by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. Released on August 6, 2024 by Wizards of the Coast. This is the final volume in the Dragonlance Destinies trilogy. You can buy Dragons of Eternity here: https://amzn.to/4c9vgoc 

An intrepid woman and her friends have inadvertently altered the future of their world—now they must try to restore time in this thrilling conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Dragonlance series.

When Destina Rosethorn and her companions were transported to a time centuries before their birth—to the days of the Third Dragon War—the Graygem of Gargath brought chaos to the battlefield and changed the course of history. Upon returning to the Inn of the Last Home, where their journey began, Destina’s party discovered a world completely changed. The forces of evil now hold sway over their land.

The River of Time is rising, flowing inexorably toward the present day. Destina and her friends must make one last, desperate attempt to restore time’s river to its proper channel. If they do not succeed, the altered past will sweep over the present until no trace of their old world remains.

There are an incredible amount of evil NPC’s and creatures the Heroes will meet during the War of the Lance, but only a handful or so of true villains. Let’s meet some of the great villains of the War of the Lance. Buy the Classic Dragonlance Bundle: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/141690/classic-dragonlance-bundle?affiliate_id=50797 

They come in every shape and size with one thing in common, self interest.

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga episode. My name is Adam and today we are going to talk about the Villains of the War of the Lance. I would like to take a moment and thank the DLSaga members, and invite you to consider becoming a member by visiting the link in the description below. You can even pick up Dragonlance gaming materials using my affiliate links. I am referencing the DL1-14 Dragonlance Modules for this information. If I leave anything out or misspeak, please leave a comment below!

I find it interesting, the differences between future releases and repackagings of the AD&D Dragonlance modules and the  originals. They seem to forget that there is a war at the backbone of traditional ttrpg’s . In AD&D it used Battlesystem to illustrate mass combat, and in future editions, it just seems to be missing entirely. I have to nod my cap to D&D 5e’s Dragonlance: Warriors of Krynn board game, as at least they built a war game to go along with the admittedly flawed Dragonlance:  Shadows of the Dragon Queen adventure. In my opinion, you can not separate Dragonlance from Battlesystem. It was originally presented as a successor to Chainmail, and would present stripped down or modified rules for the Dragonlance modules, beginning with DL6 Dragons of Ice in 1985, which it preceded in release by only a few months. The Battlesystem boxed set even featured an advanced scenario focusing on the Battle of Qualinost during DL2 Dragons of Flame. This is all to say, Dragonlance is a war time campaign setting, and Battlesystem provided the means for that mass combat, and it was traditionally through that mass combat that many of the following villains were featured, though not all of them. 

Fewmaster or later, Lord Toede was first introduced to the heroes in DL1 Dragons of Despair, but would make recurring appearances in many future modules. He seemed to consistently fail upward in the ranks of the Dragonarmies. He is a Hobgoblin Lord, illustrated as a flabby figure with yellow green and hairy skin. He is ambitious and surprisingly resilient, and as cruel as he is ugly.

Khisanth or Onyx, is an ancient, huge black dragon. She is duty bound to keep the Plates of Mishakal from the Heroes. She is the first dragon the heroes encounter, opening up the larger world to them, and she prefers to use her Darkness spell to confuse her prey while she circles far above them in the air, picking them off one at a time. 

Verminaard, Dragonlord of the Red Wing, an 8th level human Cleric, is first encountered in DL2 Dragons of Flame. He is the first true cleric, other than Goldmoon, that the heroes encounter and he is ruthless. His face is concealed behind his Dragonlord mask. He is dedicated to the ruthless destruction of good in all its forms. He has no conscience and controls all the lands from the Seeker kingdoms south to Pax Tharkas, pressing into Qualinesti, and searching for the entrance to Thorbardin. Verminaard appears in three modules, unlike his quick death in the novel, and even reappears late in the saga under an alias.

Feal-Thas, Dragon Highlord of the White Wing, a 7th level elven fighter/magic-user is introduced in DL6 Dragons of Ice. He is a slender elf, with unusually dark skin. His armor is gleaming black and his eyes glow with a fire of madness. He is proud and courageous in the face of opposition and is prone to fly into a rage if his opposition are elves. He sold out his race for power and needs no reminders of that act.

Sleet, An ancient, huge white dragon working with Feal-Thas. I mention only those dragons that provide narrative opposition to the heroes, and Sleet certainly does that! She has no spellcasting abilities, but her breath and natural weapons make up for it in spades. She will alway preserve a breath attack for escape as she believes in self preservation more than making a stand, unlike her Highlord.

Blue Lady, otherwise known as Kitiara, a 12th level human fighter is first presented in DL8 Dragons of War. The one time innfellow and companion has become the Blue Dragon Highlord and rules over the conquered territories with a tempestuous hand. She has a wild spirit and often experiences dramatic mood swings. She is wholly driven by her thirst for adventure and power. When she discovered the Dragonarmy building in the Khalkist mountains, she saw an opportunity and took it! She now stands second in power only to Ariakas, the Red Emperor of Krynn.

Bakaris, a 10th level human fighter, is Kitiara’s Lieutenant. He is a skilled mercenary who rose in the ranks by any means necessary. He hitched his proverbial wagon to Kitiara and rose in the ranks with her. Bakaris’ unshaven and sloppy appearance belies a keen tactical mind. He loves to fight and glories in the thrill of battle.

Soth, The Black Rose Knight was an ancient Lork Knight of Solamnia at Dargaard Keep, and is now a Deathknight. Through his own actions he brought doom to himself and his knights. He now resides in his dark castle, brooding, with groaning spirits singing a never-ending dirge of his folly. The Blue Lady has made a contract with him and he fights beside her.

Ariakus, is a 23rd level human Cleric and a 10th level Fighter. He is introduced in DL9 Dragons of Deceit. He is the personification of ambitious evil. He cast aside his fighting days to learn about the Queen of Darkness, Takhisis, and is dedicated to her service. He answers only to his Dark Queen. His only weakness seems to be his arrogance. This causes him to misjudge his enemies, to his detriment. 

Harkiel is a Huge, Old Red Dragon. It has been appointed by the Dark Queen to preside over the foul draconian creation process, and takes her role on enthusiastically. Harkiel bears a fanatical and undying hatred for all that is good, and good dragons in particular. If she is prevented from engaging in her duty she is prone to go berzerk, and will fight to the death.

Wyrllish is a 10th level human cleric, and also devoted to Takhisis. His role is the clerical controller of the perversion of the dragon eggs in the depths of Luerkhisis. He is ugly and misshapen and wants nothing to do with the world of men. He lives in a subterranean chamber and controls the pace of the chant needed to perform the corruption of the eggs.

Dracart is a 19th level human magic-user. His magical incantations are the final component necessary in the corrupting of good dragon eggs. Together with Harkiel and Wyrllish, he goes through the daily ritual in the chamber underneath the Temple of Luerkhisis. He despises good and is enthusiastically dedicated to evil. He is never found outside the temple depths.

Cyan Bloodbane, Green Dragon was first introduced in DL10 Dragons of Dreams. He was one of the largest and most powerful of the evil dragons to reenter Krynn. He could have easily been a leader but forsook those petty ambitions. He was drawn to Silvanesti by the Dragon Orb and has been filling Lorac’s mind with nightmares ever since. His first concern is for himself and will flee if necessary, and hates the lesser races of Krynn.

Gildentongue, an aurak draconian, is introduced in DL12 Dragons of Faith. He is an agent of the Dark Queen with a directive to keep the peace between Lord Toede, Kitiara and her allies. He is in truth a spy for the Dark Queen and does not like Kitiara, siding with Toede over her whenever he can. He hears of the Oracle assisting the heroes and seeks to destroy her. He will try to misdirect the heroes every chance he gets.

Highmaster Ettel Rense, a 10th level human fighter & Highmaster Beyla Donth, a 7th level human cleric are Kitiara’s lieutenants. Ettel is the left wing leader. He loves the thrill of battle and believes all problems are solved by the sword. Beyla is the tail wing in the flight. She is aggressive, sadistic and a master of subterfuge. They are directed to discover the heroes and bring them alive to Kitiara.

Chot Es-Kalin, Minotaur Chieftain. He is the violent leader of the minotaurs, ruling through terror. He cannot speak common and will not speak to lessers unless he is deciding their fate. He has an abiding respect for the dragons and their masters, but sees all others as inferior. He has a pact with the Dragon Highlords but does not trust them. In this light, he has entered into a secret alliance with the human pirate chief to protect his interests.

Lucien, the new White Dragon Highlord, a 12th level human fighter is introduced in DL13 Dragons of Truth. He is the most crafty and political of the highlords. His emotionless face hides his fevered mind which is constantly working to enhance his power. His greatest weakness is his preoccupation with the manipulation of others.

Salah-Khan, the Black Dragon Highlord and 13th level human fighter always hides his face behind a black cloth. This is because he has no face, his features were destroyed in a duel with a wizard. He utilizes stealth and ruthlessness to carve his way to the top. He is known for his terrible vengeance, and his greatest weakness is his rage, which makes him reckless.

And finally, the Queen of Darkness. Takhisis is the Goddess of Evil. It is her machinations which started this War of the Lance. She is worshiped by all of her Dragon Highlords, draconians and human Dragonarmies. She commands the evil forces from her temple in the heart of Neraka. Her physical form on Krynn is that of Tiamat, the chromatic dragon. She is bent on world domination and nothing will stand in her way, certainly not the Heroes of the Lance!

But that is all the time I have to talk about the Villains of the War of the Lance. What do you think of all these non-player characters? Would you be interested in playing a version of the War of the Lance as  villains? Finally, would you ever revisit the original AD&D modules? Leave a 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 for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time, remember: 

I don’t care about your name, Red. I don’t want to know your name. If you survive your first three or so battles, then maybe I’ll learn your name.

Join me as I give my spoiler review of Dragons of Eternity by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, live! Share your thoughts on this final volume in the Dragonlance Destinies Trilogy, released on August 6, 2024. You can buy a copy here: https://amzn.to/3Mh1cNf 

An intrepid woman and her friends have inadvertently altered the future of their world—now they must try to restore time in this thrilling conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Dragonlance series.

When Destina Rosethorn and her companions were transported to a time centuries before their birth—to the days of the Third Dragon War—the Graygem of Gargath brought chaos to the battlefield and changed the course of history. Upon returning to the Inn of the Last Home, where their journey began, Destina’s party discovered a world completely changed. The forces of evil now hold sway over their land.

The River of Time is rising, flowing inexorably toward the present day. Destina and her friends must make one last, desperate attempt to restore time’s river to its proper channel. If they do not succeed, the altered past will sweep over the present until no trace of their old world remains.

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga review episode. It is Palast, Paleswelt the 12th. My name is Adam and today I am going to give you my spoiler review of Dragons of Eternity by Margaret Weis, and Tracy Hickman. I would like to take a moment and thank the DLSaga members, and invite you to consider becoming a member by visiting the link in the description below. You can even pick up Dragonlance gaming materials using my affiliate links. This year is the 40th Anniversary of Dragonlance, so join in on the celebration by submitting a video, piece of art or writing about Dragonlance to [email protected]. It will be added to the dlsaga.com/40th-anniversary celebration landing with all other contributors! This is my perspective only, and if you have any thoughts or disagree with mine, I invite you to share them in YouTube chat.

Let me begin by saying I was expecting a massive information dump about how this timeline occurred and why, and while we got brief notes, it still never addressed the Cataclysm, or convincingly explained why the good dragons didn’t just hide their dragon eggs and go back to fight, or how one god stood against a pantheon of them, or how dragons could only be killed by dragonlances when it’s really just a faster way of killing them, it’s not like they are invulnerable from normal weapons. All that being said, they did explain that a Lost War was ongoing and in it the gods failed in their attempt at stopping Takhisis and that there was a cleansing fire that spread across the land. 

We begin in the post blue lady’s war, pre summer of chaos timeline and Dalamar collects Tanis, bringing him to Astinus and is shown the alternate history volume that is bloody and unfinished. It ends with Astinus putting the pen down and picking up the sword to fight Takhisis. This is of course odd since they then reference Laurana being tortured and killed by Takhisis but since it hasn’t happened yet, and the book is unfinished, how could it be in the book, unless Gilean does not join the fight till the bitter end, but it seems the Lost War began long after the third dragon war was won by Takhisis. In any case, since Human and Gwyneth died, they couldn’t use the dragonlances to fight off the Dark Queen and Takhisis rules, but still created the dragonarmies and draconians for some reason.

This leads me to believe the cataclysm happened somehow, and solace was still built due to the marauders post cataclysm, and the gods left the world due to their defeat by Takhisis in the Third Dragon War or the Second Rose Rebellion. So we are pretty much screwed, unless, Brother Kairn can use the device of time journeying Alice Ranniker made to go back to 351 Chaos time and take Destina Rosthorn back to the future, the third dragon war precisely, and stop the assassin from killing Huma and Gwynneth. But… if she goes back, Takhisis will sense the graygem and stop her, so Tanis is being sent to 351 Chaos Time to distract Takhiss who will search for the graygem in that time while Brother Kairn and Destina stop the assassin in the past. Whew!

Okay so that is the setup. But, of course, shit goes down. Namely, in Chaos Time, Kitiara is the only one waiting at the Inn of the Last Home for Tanis, specifically who she betrayed to the Dark Queen, sending the companions fleeing from Solace. Tanis was the leader of a resistance group and finds Flint at the crossroads and Highmaster Toede stops them searching for the blue crystal staff and then Tas comes out of the treeline. This is Tas from the real future and past. He tells Tanis that Sturm is wounded and near death and Destina is poisoned. If she can’t be healed, who knows what will happen to the graygem as it doesn’t want Takhisis to find itself, so it’s barely able to keep Destina alive. Tas suggests that Goldmoon could heal her, and they all go to the Inn of the Last Home.

Raistlin arrived early and is supposedly working with Kit and his brother Caramon together for the Dark Queen. Kit wants to offer Tanis a liutenancy in her army, much to Bakaris’ shame, and when Flint and Tas enter, and Tanis sneaks in, chaos ensues when Hederick the High Theocrat, now for the Dark Queen, tells Kit about the graygem. She is supposed to look for it but then sees Goldmoon with a wooden staff and is immediately convinced for no reason whatsoever that it is the blue crystal staff. This is like in a game session when players know out of character information and use it during the game. Total meta gaming from Kit. Hederick grabs the staff which shocks him, Tas protects the staff, Fizban hits Kit with a fireball, and shakes the inn like an earthquake yelling fire. Caramon runs out with Kit and everyone else flees through the kitchen. 

Raist helps Destina with his herbalism skill and Tanis, Flint, Tas, Goldmoon and Riverwind are all caught by Kitiara who is told by Bakaris that Verminaard is pissed that she is in his territory stirring up trouble. She leaves and has her Bozak Draconians tie up the heroes when they are saved by an elven resistance team led by Laurana! She asks the companions to take the staff to her kingdom to prove the gods have not left, but they refuse as they need to heal Sturm. They leave to do so as Laurana and Tanis talk about the resistance and their history. The Dragonlances are in The High Clerist’s Tower on the altar to Paladine guarded by undead minions and a dragon, due to the Queen of Darkness being unable to destroy them.

Bakaris fled when the elves arrived and hid in the basement of the Old Mill, the same old mill the companions are using to rest in. He hears them return and make plans. Destina and Kairn are going to the past to stop Huma and Gwynneth’s deaths, and Raist, Tanis, Tas, and Flint are headed to the High Clerist’s Tower to collect the Dragonlances and the Dragon Orb. Riverwind and Goldmoon are headed to Pax Tharkas with Laurana as they hear about a slave uprising. And suddenly Laurana doesn’t want to take the staff to her father. A complete 180 degree change of opinion for no reason. In the early morning Bakaris flees to Kitiara to tell her about the graygem, Dragonlances, Dragon Orb and that her brothers are traitors, but she refuses to believe him. But just in case, she heads to Crystalmir Lake to talk with Skie, who confirms the information. Though they outright disbelieve the Graygem talk. 

As Kit’s army is packing up to move to Neraka with the other Dragonarmies to begin the Lost War, Toede tells Bakaris that he should get rid of Kit so that he can be the new Highlord. Bakaris takes the idea and goes to ambush Kit returning from Skies cave. Caramon overhears them, and sneaks behind Bakaris to stop him. Bakaris ambushes Kit, nearly killing her with a blow to the head with a rock, as Caramon attacks from behind, killing Bakaris with his hands. Kit thanks Caramon for saving her life then tells him that she knows they are traitors, and as she was saved by him, she will give him a chance to die with his brother as she is headed to the High Clerist’s Tower to kill the companions. Kit tells Caramon that there is a priestess of Zeboim that can teleport him to the tower, but the price is his soul.

Caramon would do anything for Raist, so he visits Alaria Shortfin who takes his soul for Zeboim and teleports him. This is a massive convenience in getting Caramon with his friends but since Raist is teleporting people around with Magius’ spell, why not have everyone else teleport places? The companions arrive at the tower and sleep the night when Caramon comes in and they split up to look for the Orb and collect the Dragonlances, knowing that Kit is on her way, and Cyan Bloodbane is sleeping outside.

Destina and Kairn travel into the past and tell no one about the Gudlos leaders, Captain and Mother abducting Magius and killing him, and instead look for Tully who will assassinate Huma and Gwyneth. Tully sees the graygem in Destinas hands and tries to take it and he flees after she decks him in the face. Takhisis meets Immolatus to talk to him about his preemptive attack on the Tower and subsequent wound with the Dragonlance. Immolatus is pissed and in no mood to talk to her. She tells him about the graygem but Immolatus doesn’t care at all. Captain and Mother deliver Magius’ dead body to the Tower and the gods of magic arrive to collect the Staff of Magius, honor his death, and kill Captain and Mother. Tully tells Immolatus about the glowing graygem but he doesn’t care, instead sending him to assassinate Huma with the poison dagger.

You can really see evil turning on itself, and if the Knights of Takhisis were around, they would be running things so much smoother! Back to Chaos Time the heroes are readying to leave when Kitiara and Skie turn up. Sturm goes to confront them and everyone but Caramon joins him. Raistlin sends Caramon to Godshome with the Dragonlances as Gunthar Uth Wistan is supposed to meet there to lead the forces against Neraka in the Lost War. Sturm impales Skie with a Dragonlance to the chest, sending him crashing into the tower and burying himself and Raistlin. This was a great rematch against Kit and Skie where Sturm truly shines! Tas Stabs Skie in the foot as Skie tries to breath lightning on Tanis. Kit catches Sturm off guard but before she can kill him Flint barrels into Kit sending them both over the wall of the tower, but Flint is caught and brought back, and Skie goes over to rescue Kit.

The heroes rest well in the temple and leave to Godshome the next morning. They find Caramon and a defeated Kiri-Jolith, when Sargonnas enters and aligns with Kiri-Jolith against Takhisis. The Dark Queen arrives and begins to destroy everyone, and just before they die, coincidentally, Takhiss feels the graygem in the past with Destina and Kairn. Back in the past, Destina sees Mullen Tully and warns Huma, hitting Tully with the Graygem which forces him to stab himself with his poisoned dagger and die. Destina is thanked but the war has begun and lava is being thrown over the walls decimating everyone. Destina passes out from wounds and wakes in the temple. Takhisis approaches her demanding the graygem and she gravely wounds Destina as a messenger from the Dark Queen’s army arrives, telling her Immolatus has fled, Huma has slain two dragons and the army is fleeing. Takhiss turns into the Tiamat form and goes to battle Huma, telling the messenger to sit on Destina.

Huma and Gwyneth are killed by Takhisis but not before she is gravely wounded and falls to the Abyss, righting history. Kairn comes in and knocks out the messenger and teleports Destina to the Inn of the Last Home as the Companions are fleeing it, and Goldmoon heals Destina from her grave wounds caused by Takhisis. They return to their own time at the Library in Palanthas. Dalamar and Justarius collect a heptagon container from Alice Ranniker to hold the graygem, and the graygem is placed in it and given to Dalamar, who then gives it to the gods of magic. The Graygem of Gargath is now safely hidden away in a magical vortex, vaster and deeper than time, of which not even light can escape. This changes the future so the Irda will never crack open the Graygem, and the Fifth Age will never happen… but, Rannickers Clock is working again in this time, and Tas remembers all of the time travel shenanigans, so Astinus says he is blessed by the gods. Ultimately it does leave the possibility for the new device of time journeying to be used to get the graygem from the past, of course, but I hope no one writes that. There is a lot of great storytelling that can be done with the Knights of Takhisis invasion, without Chaos interrupting it.

Destina returns to Palanthas with Kairn and sells her estate then heads back home to discover the Copper Dragon Sable bought her estate from her family and gifted it to her. And her mother is there rebuilding it and ready to officiate their wedding. She is noted in history as a nameless honorary Knight of Solamnia, and is working to include women into the Knights. This reminded me of an annotation I thought was in the legends but it was in Dragons of Spring Dawning:  Lord Gunthar Uth Wistan promotes Lauralanthalasa to General of the Solamnic Knights. As the Knights complain that it’s against the measure, Astinus says that there was a female commander in the Third Dragonwar who was accepted into the Knights of Solamnia after her father and brothers died, who rose to Knight of the Sword and died honorably in battle. Tracy Hickman mentions that the story needs recalling and is still being researched in an annotation. I have to believe this was reframed into Destina Rosethorn’s story. It’s cool to see that the seed was planted forty years ago and is now bearing fruit. So to speak.

So, all in all, I really appreciated this but there were some things that were open ended that kinda bugged me. Was there a cataclysm? Is the landmass in Chaos time like it was before the Cataclysm? Why did the gods leave after the Third Dragon War? Was it because of the Second Rose Rebellion? If so, why? What is the portant of Ranniker’s Clock, because it only allowed glimpses into the future, not time travel. Since there is no longer a chaos war, the version of history Tasslehoff saw at the beginning of the War of Souls trilogy is now canon, which is pretty cool. The Knights of Takhisis will be the next big threat, and it can be played out at the tabletop by us gamers.

And that’s it for my spoiler review of Dragons of Eternity by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. What did you think of the changing of the timeline? Are you happy with the fate of the Graygem? And finally, do you think we will ever get a revised Knight of Takhisis war series of novels? Feel free to email me at [email protected] or leave a 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.  

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 me as I unbox Hammer and Axe by Dan Parkinson. Released on January 1, 1993 by TSR Inc. This is the second volume in the Dragonlance Dwarven Nations trilogy. You can buy Hammer and Axe here: https://amzn.to/3YsT4Am 

When the humans of Ergoth threaten Thorbardin, the kingdom’s dwarven clans are drawn into the territory wars between humans and elves

The humans of Ergoth continue to encroach upon Thorbardin, but the worst threat to the dwarven fortress comes from a mysterious fog-beast and a covetous wizard.

A Cobar, a kender, and a giant raptor add to the confusion as the dwarves are faced with wizards who command not only the forces of magic but thousands of mercenaries as well. And, unknown to the dwarves who valiantly fight the invaders, the beast has already claimed Thorbardin as its own.

With Hammer and Axe, the author of The Covenant of the Forge continues the sweeping historical saga of the fractious dwarven races who inhabit the world of Krynn in the popular Dragonlance books.

Join me as I give my spoiler-free review of Dragons of Eternity by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, live! Share your thoughts on this final volume in the Dragonlance Destinies Trilogy, released on August 6, 2024. You can buy a copy here: https://amzn.to/4fxu29k 

An intrepid woman and her friends have inadvertently altered the future of their world—now they must try to restore time in this thrilling conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Dragonlance series.

When Destina Rosethorn and her companions were transported to a time centuries before their birth—to the days of the Third Dragon War—the Graygem of Gargath brought chaos to the battlefield and changed the course of history. Upon returning to the Inn of the Last Home, where their journey began, Destina’s party discovered a world completely changed. The forces of evil now hold sway over their land.

The River of Time is rising, flowing inexorably toward the present day. Destina and her friends must make one last, desperate attempt to restore time’s river to its proper channel. If they do not succeed, the altered past will sweep over the present until no trace of their old world remains.

There are a lot more heroes from the War of the Lance than are presented in the novels. Let’s look at the heroes from the original modules. Buy the Classic Dragonlance Bundle: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/141690/classic-dragonlance-bundle?affiliate_id=50797 

There are a lot more heroes from the War of the Lance beside the Innfellows…

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga episode. My name is Adam and today we are going to talk about the Heroes of the War of the Lance. I would like to take a moment and thank the DLSaga members, and invite you to consider becoming a member by visiting the link in the description below. You can even pick up Dragonlance gaming materials using my affiliate links. I am referencing the DL1-14 Dragonlance Modules for this information. If I leave anything out or misspeak, please leave a comment below!

I am willing to bet that most anyone watching this video will expect to hear about the Innfellows otherwise known as the companions. But if you are basing your sole knowledge of Dragonlance on novels, you are missing half of the wonder, experience and fun of what makes Dragonlance, Dragonlance. The entirety of the original Dragonlance Saga spanned twelve DL modules beginning with DL1 Dragons of Despair and ending with DL14 Dragons of Triumph, including DL5 Dragons of Mystery, the first Dragonlance sourcebook, and DL11 Dragons of Glory, an official Simulation Game thrown into the mix. It was all capped off with two short adventure anthologies, DL15 Mists of Krynn and DL16 World of Krynn. And yes there was an AD&D 1.5e DLA Dragonlance Adventures sourcebook released later. My point here is that there is much more to the Dragonlance Saga, and today I want to showcase the original heroes of the War of the Lance from the game supplements. Yes, many of these characters I am going to present are very well known due to the books, but I would hazard a guess there may be one or two you aren’t familiar with, and moreso, some you thought were player characters but are in fact non-player characters when we first meet them. So let’s dive into it. 

Tanis, 5th Level Half Elf Fighter. We first meet Tanis with his backstory in DL1 Dragons of Despair. He wandered the wilderness for five years through Qualinesti west of the Kharolis Mountains, through the forests of Kith-Kanan, all the way to the sea. He never found any trace of healers, but he fervently believes the gods of good exist. He followed white stags, wheeling birds and thunderclouds to stay clear of danger, and believes these to be proof of the gods.

Goldmoon, 5th Level Human Cleric. She is a princess of the Que-Shu tribe. She is traveling with her betrothed Riverwind, seeking the nature of a mysterious staff he had brought back from the Forsaken Lands in the east. This was a test her father assigned him, then refused to recognize it and had Riverwind stones to death. Goldmoon ran to him and the staff teleported them to safety.

Tasslehoff Burrfoot, 4th Level Kender Thief. He cannot recall all of the places he has visited in the past five years, as he forgot to map them all. He knows the north and west has changed, and has discovered the New Sea, and that Ergoth has split from the mainland into two islands compared to his maps. His return to Solace revealed that Seekers from Haven are controlling a run down Solace.

Riverwind, 5th Level Human Ranger. His memory of the Forsaken Lands is fractured. His dreams are plagued by a black swamp, a well, a kind and shining lady, and a leather-winged creature of evil. He fears these are visions of his maddened mind, as he returns to the Que-Shu bleeding, crazed with fever, and visions. He loves Goldmoon and together they seek to control the staff’s power. Riverwind began as an NPC.

Caramon, 6th Level Human Fighter. He traveled with his brother over the Kharolis range to the southwest beyond the realms of the elves seeking the fabled Towers of High Sorcery. They discovered the mist shrouded towers and Caramon watched as Raistlin took his test.

Sturm Brightblade, 6th Level Human Fighter. He saw the northern lands while escorting Kitiara. They parted ways on the other side of the sea and he headed west. He was searching for a holy man, and his birthright. He sought to take his fathers place in the Knights of Solamnia, but he discovered the knights fell out of favor and could not find them at all . His past remains a mystery to him. 

Raistlin, 3rd Level Human Magic-user. He has passed great tests set by the spirits of long-dead sages and wizards in the Towers of High Sorcery. As the tests wore on him, he now sees the world through hourglass eyes. His health has failed him, but the magic will grant even greater aid. He recalls the last words from the towers being that the time is at hand when his strength must rebalance the world.

Flint Fireforge, 4th Level Dwarf Fighter. He spent five years searching for unseen things, and to avenge the wrongs done to his people. He has searched for the Gates of Thorbardin where his mountain dwarf cousins locked out the hill dwarves after the Cataclysm. He was captured by Gully Dwarves, but escaped after slaying many of them.

Tika Waylan, 5th Level Human Fighter / Formerly 3rd Level Human Thief. It isn’t until DL3 Dragons of Hope that she becomes a PC. She was the daughter of a thief, but was offered a job by Otik after he caught her trying to steal from him. Her father knew illusions and has has been fascinated by magic since her youth. She prefers to bash things over the head when fighting.

Gilthanas, 5th Level Elf Fighter / 4th Level Elf Magic-User. He is brother to Porthios and Laurana, and son to the Speaker of Suns. He served as a messenger and spy, but was captured by draconians in Solace. He chose to help rescue captives from Pax Tharkas rather than fleeing to the West with his people. He is filled with optimism and love.

Laurana, 4th level Elf Fighter began as an NPC as well. She is daughter to the Speaker of Suns and sister to Gilthanas and Porthios. She was very spoiled in childhood, but has a good heart. She uses her good looks and charm to her advantage as a diplomat. She was pledged to Tanis as a child, but she took the relationship more seriously than he did. She is immature but possesses great inner strength and potential for greatness.

Elistan, 7th Level Human. He begins as an NPC as well. He was once a Seeker priest and worshiped false gods. He was brought before Verminaard and tortured when he refused to join the Dragon Highmaster. When Goldmoon healed him, he knew she held the true faith. He was rescued from Pax Tharkas and learned the knowledge of the true gods, becoming a true cleric of Paladine. He is a man of peace but will do what is needed for his cause.

Derek Crownguard, 8th Level Human Fighter is first introduced in DL6 Dragons of Ice. He is a Rose Knight of the Knights of Solamnia. He is charged by Lord Gunthar with recovering a Dragon Orb, an ancient crystal globe with power over dragons. Their search led them from Solamnia to Tarsis and they wished to join the others in opposition to the Dragon Highlords.

Aaron Tallbow, 7th level Human Fighter. He is a Crown Knight in the Knights of Solamnia. He has devoted his life to archery, and is one of the finest bowmen in Solamnia. He was also sent to discover the Orb of Dragon Control, rumored to be used by magicians of old to destroy dragons. They searched for the party of adventurers seeking the downfall of the Highlords.

Lord Gunthar, 13th Level Human Fighter. He is introduced in DL9 Dragons of Deceit. He is the lord of the order of the crown, and the highest-ranking Knight of Solamnia alive. He embodies honesty, faith, and courage. He struggles with uniting the knighthood during the war. He is saddened by the infighting and pettiness that has crept into the knighthood. 

Alhana Starbreeze, 7th Level Elven Fighter. She is a PC in DL10 Dragons of Dreams. She’s the daughter of Lorrac Caladon, Speaker of Stars. She was attending diplomatic meetings in Sancrist when she heard of her homeland falling to the Dragonarmies. She is trying to return home to find what has happened to her father. She is cold on the outside but loving and warm inside. 

Waylorn Wyversbane, 7th Level Druid. He starts as an NPC as well. He has been sleeping for an incredibly long time. He was discovered in a tower built during the age of might over 1500 years ago. He believes he is Huma, the great dragonslayer. He may have barely known Huma in reality, and wants to become a dragonslayer himself. 

Serinda Elderwood, 5th Level Elf Fighter / 6th Level Mage. She is introduced in DL12 Dragons of Faith. She’s a Silvanesti high elf whose family died by the Dragonarmy. She was away in the service of a sea merchant when it happened, and has become friends with Kronin, traveling with him to return to his home. She has a regal bearing and stature, and tends to help those in need. 

Kronn-alin Thistleknot, 4th Level Kender Fighter / 5th Level Thief. He’s the oldest son of the hero Kronin. Anxious to prove himself through grand deeds of daring, he delights in battle tactics, but is slow to withdraw. War broke out on his wanderlust and is seeking to return to his homeland. He wields a Chapak, a war ax with two metal prongs for a slingshot. The hilt doubles as a blowgun. 

These are all characters that are played as the heroes of the lance throughout the modules, and unlike the novels, many don’t die like Derek Crownguard and Aaron Tallbow for example. There are many endings and some have Waylorn actually being Huma Dragonbane!

But that is all the time I have to talk about the Heroes of the War of the Lance. What do you think of all these characters? Would you be interested in playing the heroes that were never featured in the Chronicles? Finally, would you ever revisit the original AD&D modules? Leave a 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 for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time, remember: 

Maybe the cat got my tongue. But if that were so, what happened to the cat? And why would a cat want an extra tongue in the first place?

What if the Heroes of the Lance failed? In this alternate timeline, let’s explore the Dragonlands. Buy Legends of the Twins: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/3252/legends-of-the-twins-3-5?affiliate_id=50797 

The Heroes of the Lance have failed.

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga episode. My name is Adam and today we are going to talk about the alternate timeline: Dragonlands. I would like to take a moment and thank the DLSaga members, and invite you to consider becoming a member by visiting the link in the description below. You can even pick up Dragonlance gaming materials using my affiliate links. I am referencing the Legends of the Twins sourcebook for this information. If I leave anything out or misspeak, please leave a comment below!

It’s always fun to consider the ‘what if’ concepts of alternate timelines. Lucky for us, Dragonlance is riddled with possabilities and has used time travel so much, one has to question if there is an actual timeline or not. In this alternative timeline titled Dragonlands, two monumental changes occurred which changed the course of history forever. First, when Sturm Brightblade confronted the Blue Dragon Highlord, Kitiara Uth Matar on the High Clerist’s Tower’s battlements, he was overcome by dragon fear. In his despair he refused to foolishly throw away his life as he watched Derek Crownguard do, and left. He didn’t run like a coward, but he didn’t stand and die either. This meant that the Knights of Solamnia did not unite under his memory and selfless act of sacrifice, and were not able to put aside their bickering. This caused the Whitestone Council to fall apart without Solamnic support. The second change is that Theros Ironfeld and the secret of the Dragonlances vanished. Together, these two acts led to the downfall of all of all Ansalon under the boot of the Dragon Emperor, Dulket Ariakas. The victory of the Dragonarmy is now known as the Dark Queen’s War.

The outcome of the Dragonarmies winning meant that each Dragon Highlord serves as governor-general to their own region of Ansalon. Marshal Law rules throughout each city.  But according to the Laws of Krynn, the balance must be maintained, so the gods of Good and Neutrality must fight this imbalance. The real problem is that now with a foothold of power, standing up against the Dragonarmies is suicide. As the Blue Dragonarmy easily dispatched the disconnected Solamnic forces, now the Knights are rebel cells, bandits and freedom fighters. Each cell operates independently, hiding their true identities. The elves are now trapped in their nightmare land, slowly going mad. And dwarves and minotaurs are enslaved. 

The timeline of events is as follows: 332-340 Alt Cataclius, the Dark Queen gathers her dragons and evil commanders. 337 AC, Neraka corrupts its neighbors drawn in by the Foundation Stone. 341 AC, Kern, Blode, Khur and the Blood Sea Isles align with the Dragonarmies. 342 AC, draconians are created from corrupting good dragon eggs. 343-347 AC, the Dragonarmies are trained. 346 AC, the companions search for signs of the gods. 348 AC, the Dragonarmies invade Nordmaar, and Balifor. Silvanesti brokers a deal for safety. 349 AC, Silvanesti is betrayed and Lorac uses the Dragon Orb becoming trapped. 350 AC, the Dragonarmy controls most of eastern Ansalon, with minotaurs harrying the fleeing Silvanesti. 351 AC, in spring the Blue Dragonarmy occupies Kalaman, Hinterland, and Nightlund. The Red Dragonarmy runs strikes along the New Sea across the Plains of Abanasinia, forcing the Qualinesti to flee with the Silvanesti. The heroes of the lance rescue prisoners from Pax Tharkas. 352 AC, the Whitestone Council convenes with the  Dragon Orb from Icewall and Dragonlances from Southern Ergoth. 

In winter the Blue Dragonarmy besieges the High Clerist’s Tower. Sturm retreats, robbing anyone of the use of the Dragon traps. Laurana tries to use the Dragon Orb and fails; she does summon the spirits of ancient dragons. The dragons defeat the Blue Dragonarmy, allowing Sturms forces to escape, but is unable to rescue Laurana who is trapped similarly as Lorac was. Kitiara loads her army into the Flying Citadels and passes the High Clerist’s Tower to Palanthas. The city surrendered without a fight. Sturm turns command of his soldiers to another cell, and shatters his sword on the ground in defeat. Gilthanas, D’Argent and Cymbol are discovered in Sanction by Kitiara and slain. The good dragons remain oathbound and stay out of the war. With Solamnia mopped up by the Blue Dragonarmy, it begins building massive naval vessels for its next offensive. 

The remaining companions meet at yule in Solace. Elistan dies of disease without declaring a successor. Riverwind and Goldmoon are killed by Krieder. The blue crystal staff is captured and delivered to the Temple of Neraka. Laurana is driven mad by the dragon orb. Raistlin disappears never to be heard from again. Flint survives a stroke, partially paralyzed and retires. Caramon and Tika wed, but Caramon is a drunk. Sturm returns a broken man. Tanis cannot forgive Sturm for the loss of Laurana and stays in Solace to look out for his friends. In 353 AC, the Blue Dragonarmy sails to the Isles of Ergoth and occupies them, killing Gunthar Uth Wistan. The Black Dragonarmy conquers Goodlund. The Green Dragonarmy conquers Silvanesti and the Plains of Dust. The White Dragonarmy controls southern Plains of Dust, Karolis, Enstar, Nostar and Southern Ergoth. The Red Dragonarmy betrays the Blood Sea Isles and occupies them. A resistance cell named The Innfellows arises under a mysterious and unknown leader. By autumn Lord Ariakas crowns himself Dragon Emperor. His son Ariakan is named his successor.

This timeline ends in the here and now of 354 AC. Ansalon is wholly ruled by the Dragonarmies. The Highlords begin plotting against one another. The pockets of resistance, knightly circles, White and Red Robes, and Innfellows cause constant trouble. Berem continues to evade the Dragonarmies. The races of Ansalon are enslaved. Kender, gnomes and Aghar are killed on sight. Qualinesti and Silvanesti are forced to live in the nightmare Silvanesti forests. As you can see this is a much darker campaign than even the Age of Despair. As there are still clerics, most are evil. The gods of good still want the populace to understand the lesson of the Kingpriest, and only respond to those truly seeking their aid. 

The High Clerist’s Tower is known as Dragondeath once again, as spirits of chromatic dragons under the Dark Queen’s control, fly around its towers protecting it. In the dark recesses of the tower, Lauranas song, a mournful melody of love and loss can be heard. Despite the Red Dragonarmies attempts the Tower of High Sorcery in Wayreth remains protected. Qualinesti is used for lumber. Theros Ironfeld resides in the Monument to the Silver Dragon forging Dragonlances. It is still hidden from the White Dragonarmy. The Innfellows operate out of an ancient ruined temple in the northern Kharolis Mountains called Sanctuary. An ancient gold dragon’s hoard lies in its dungeons. Cyan Bloodbane returned to Silvanesti and watches over it. Elven freedom fighters use the Wildrunners to liberate the elves one at a time. The Temple of the Dragonslayer or the Temple of the Holy Orders of the Stars stands as a location for those seeking the true faith of the gods of good. 

And that is all the time I have to talk about the alternate timeline: Dragonlands. What do you think of this alternate timeline? Would you ever play a campaign set in it? And finally, will Kitiara stand up to Ariakan if Ariakas ever dies? Leave a 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 for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time, remember: 

Time moves, and we are standing still.

Join us as we continue our @Dungeons & Dragons liveplay of Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen with this part thirty-one! You can buy Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen here: https://amzn.to/3V73n8C 

Last time on Shadow of the Dragon Queen: The heroes were on the wall as Sivak Draconians were gliding down and destroying the Ballistae. They successfully defended them, but some dragonnels with riders broke through and started fire-bombing the city of Kalaman. The heroes ended up destroying the last of them in their area, and were called back to the command where they saw the Dragonarmy begin their overt assault on the Alliance forces. The heroes were told that the scouts lost track of the wasteland dragonnels in the chaos, so they ran to the front lines to find their ride up to Lord Soth’s Citadel. Discovering the dragonnels and defending the dragonarmy’s assault, the heroes are now ready to sneak onto the citadel and bring it down!

Enlist in the War of the Lance 

Takhisis the Dragon Queen has returned to the world of Krynn. Across the land, her armies of fanatical draconians wage a brutal war of conquest. As the Dragon Armies march on the unprepared nation of Solamnia, only the defenders of the city of Kalaman stand in their way. But the Dragon Armies want more than just to crush their foes. An ancient evil in the Dragon Queen’s service seeks a magical weapon that could dominate Krynn for all time. 

Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen is a tale of conflict and defiance set during the legendary War of the Lance.