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).

Welcome to part seventeen 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!

Join me as I review Dragon’s Bluff by Mary H. Herbert live! Share your thoughts on this third novel in the Dragonlance Crossroads series, released by Wizards of the Coast on June 27, 2001. You can buy a copy here: https://amzn.to/49KMLMm 

The Crossroads Series explores previously undescribed areas of the Dragonlance world. Dragonlance fans eagerly await detailed information on any area of their favorite fantasy world.

The son of one of the Heroes of the Lance and his wizard companion journey to Flotsam to recover the body of the wizard’s father. They quickly discover that her father isn’t dead, but missing. To compound their situation, a red dragon is terrorizing the population.

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga review episode. It is Misham, Newkolt the 22ndth. My name is Adam and today I am going to give you my review of Dragon’s Bluff by Mary H. Herbert. I would 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. This is my perspective only, and if you have any thoughts or disagree with mine, I invite you to share them in YouTube chat.

The first third of this novel is a very interesting setup. Ulin Majere just returned from Palanthas after looking for magical artifacts for his father Palin in the wake of magic being unstable (we are pre War of Souls here). Exhausted from travel, he is excited to be home with his betrothed Lucy Torkay. They are visited by a female dwarf from Flotsam named Chalcedony Rockdale who is the magistrate. She would like Lucy to come to identify a body believed to be her father Kethril. Her father abandoned her and her mother. He was a thief and con artist.

They set sail to Sanction then took a caravan to Flotsam. En route they were ambushed by draconians and Lucy was able to make a spell actually work. She imbued potatoes with her magic which burst into flame as they struck the draconians. It’s not what she intended, but it worked. Everyone was stunned, and with much of the caravan destroyed, they were approached by Silver Fox the 3rd, and his group, the Vigilant Force. They are all stunned that Lucy is a sorcerer and lead them into town. 

Once in town the local council tells them they don’t have the body and can’t seem to find it. This is clearly something fishy going on, and Ulin and Lucy say they will only stay for four days then leave with the caravan, whether they have found her fathers body or not. As they wait, they get to know the other members of the vigilant force and become friendly with them. Lucy is offered a role as sheriff for Flotsam, as Malys is sending her Dark Knights to collect the annual taxes as tribute, and the town can get rowdy. Lucy and Ulin refuse. Lucy is jumped by brigands with their dwarven magistrate and she fights them off, threatening more potato fire. 

They are called to help with some men who were wounded and the council presents a corpse, believing it to be Kethril, supposedly. It is not him, and the council finally admits that they need her to help them find Kethril, as he stole the town treasury they were going to give to Malys. Now with everything clear, Ulin and Lucy have to make a choice. Again, it is an interesting setup, but it seems like a lot to go through to get someone to hunt down a thief. Why not hire a bounty hunter? Certainly Flotsam has some hanging around.

Ulin leaves with Notwen to see his hideout which contains a ton of magic items and components, when he returns to Lucy he has been gone for hours and she is in the hands of Dark Knights. They claim she stole the horse that was given to her by the caravan for saving them, and the council arrives to say they could pay the Dark knight for the horse, a bribe. The dark knight agrees and they release Lucy. When they leave Ulin runs to her and they confront the council about the bill of sale they happened to have ready. They say that they had to have it so they could convince her to be sheriff. She decides to stay for a while and be their sheriff, and Ulin swears to find her father. 

Ulin and Notwen leave on his steamboat which crashes on a small island inhabited by a Siren. She tries to charm Ulin but her magic fades. He shares that its happening everywhere and the sirine helps them fix the steamboat. Back on their way they head to dead pirates’ cove to find Kethril. It seems everyone knows him, and hates him. But no one has seen him lately. They finally hear about a gambling riverboat that he may frequent, so they head off.

Life in Flotsam as the sheriff is as crazy as one could expect it to be. Lucy is approached by the Dark Knights again, demanding that if she sees the Silver Fox, to raise the town flag. Otherwise she will be killed. THen the fox appears next to her in a fisherman’s disguise. He clearly likes her romantically, but she doesn’t reciprocate. They are friends however and will work together but he obviously has a spy in his inner circle he needs to discover.

Back at the riverboat, Palin and Notwen discover Kethril disguised as a Khur and they drug him during a cardgame and take him on their ship. As they are heading back to Dead pirate cove for fuel they say, they see Ghagglers, sea slugs, attacking boats and come after them! They are boarded and captured, leaving a hidden Notwen for the siren to discover. She hears that they have been captured and leaves. Notwen stays hidden, fearing for his life. Ulin and Kethril are chained up for a while and get to know each other, then the Ghagglers take them to a sea cave with a  sea lion, hungry and ready for them.

The final third of this novel was rather nice. Ulin and Kethril were saved from the Ghagglers and Sea Lion by the Sirine and her sea elf friends. It turned out that Sirine was Kethril’s daughter. He gets around it seems. And they are taken by the sea elves to Notwen’s ship, where he is still trying to make repairs, but it is slow going. Back in Flotsam the red dragon Fyremantle showed up a week early to ensure the new sheriff was collecting the requisite taxes. He burned some boats and killed some men in the process. Lucy confirmed that they were collecting the money, and the dragon left. Seeing the dragon in the distance, Ulin, Notwen and Kethril leap from the hip and swim away from it as the dragon burns as it flies by.

Kethril only agreed to return if Ulin gave his word of honor that he wouldn’t let the town kill him outright. They arrived and Lucy punched her father in the nose, then sent him to jail. Ulin and Notwen talk with the town leadership about the predicament. They cannot pay the total money, and are at a loss for a plan, but they are beginning to put one together when they retire for the night. Kethril is found guilty at a trial and says that he spent the money he stole from them, but that he can get the money back. It turns out Fyremantle is stealing from Malystrix, and keeping his money in a separate lair. Kethril knows the location and was planning on stealing it, but now he will help the town get it and pay their debt. Lucy has a better idea. 

Dark knights arrive in town and while Ulin and the townspeople are raiding the dragon’s lair with Kethril, Lucy has the dark knight soldiers abducted and tells the commander that Fyremantle is stealing and provides proof. If the dark knight reports to Malystryx, she will be given payment from the stolen money. She will be called off if Fyremantle agrees to lower the cost and leave the town largely alone. The knight reluctantly agrees and leaves. The town returns having lost some warriors due to traps and lizards living in the lair.

The gnome Notwen has a dragon trap design and presents it for the final confrontation. Fyremantle arrives and steps into the trap which ends in it being bound in the trap. They share their knowledge of him skimming off Malystryx and the evidence being delivered. The dragon is furious but helpless in the face of the threat, knowing Malys will kill him if she finds out. He agrees to stop skimming and burning the town down, and is let out of the trap. He murders the council and mayor then leaves with the treasure. 

The dark knight returns after the funerals and receives her pay and men. The town elects a new leadership as another Khur caravan arrives. Ulin and Lucy leave with the caravan after her father steals some money and flees into the desert. He left a note saying he is proud of her, and Lucy told the town to just bury him if he ever dies again. They join the caravan and return to solace.

This was a great story about the love between Ulin and Lucy and how each of them feel slightly unworthy for the other due to the state of the world and their respective places in it. I really like these intimately driven stories. It is so much more relatable. I would recommend this to any fan of the Fifth Age or Dragonlance in general. It was a fun read.

And that’s it for my review of Dragon’s Bluff by Mary H. Herbert. What did you think of the town of Flotsam in this era? Do you enjoy stories where mortals pull one over on dragons? And finally, would you have stayed in Flotsam if you were Lucy? Feel free to email me at [email protected] or leave a comment below. 

I would like to thank Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, and Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz! I would also 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).

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 the Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set, Holmes Edition.

Welcome to another DragonLance Hangout! It is Kirinor, Newkolt the 21st, and my name is Adam. Today I am discussing the Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set, Holmes Edition.

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.

And that is all the time we have to hangout today. What do you think of Holmes’ Basic Set? What was your first experience with D&D? And finally, would you ever play B1 or B2 with the Basic D&D set rules? 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).

Join me as I review DLS1 New Beginnings by Mark Acres live! Share your thoughts on this first Taladas adventure starter supplement in the Time of the Dragon boxed set Taladas continent on Krynn, released by TSR Inc. in  February 1991. You can buy a copy here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/17372/dls1-new-beginnings-2e?affiliate_id=50797 

It is a continent of raw beauty and wondrous magics—of marauding hordes and avenging champions—it is Taladas, the forgotten continent of Krynn first revealed in the best-selling Dragonlance supplement Time of the Dragon.

Now, this incredible setting is brought to life and made ready for adventuring with New Beginnings. This essential adventure provides all the information necessary for new players to begin adventuring in the Taladas campaign setting.

New Beginnings includes a simple, step-by-step character creation outline which new players can use without the help of a Dungeon Master. Also, it presents essential tips on equipping and playing your new character in the Taladas setting, and sample encounters which allow you to test your characters skills without risking them in actual play. Finally, a complete mini-adventure helps to begin your Taladas campaign by thrusting the player characters right into the action.

Today, we journey beneath the mountains of Krynn, into the ancient halls of Thorbardin, to tell the story of the dwarf who reunited a broken people—Glade Hornfel Kytil, Thane of the Hylar, and the first King of Thorbardin since the Cataclysm. Buy Dwarven Kingdoms of Krynn: https://www.dmsguild.com/en/product/16962/dwarven-kingdoms-of-krynn-2e?affiliate_id=50797 

He was not born a king. He ruled a kingdom that did not yet believe in kings. And when the world above called for aid, he answered—even if it meant marching into legend, and never returning.

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga episode. My name is Adam, and today I’m going to talk about the life of Thorbardins King, Glade Hornfel Kytil. 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 DL4 Dragons of Desolation, War of the Lance Sourcebook, Chronicles, Lost Chronicles, Stormblade and The Last Thane for this information. If I leave anything out or misspeak, please leave a comment below.

Very little is known about the early life of Glade Hornfel Kytil. His parentage is unrecorded in the histories of Thorbardin, an unusual omission in a culture that prizes ancestry and clan lineage above almost all else. What is known is that he was Hylar, and that he rose not through blood alone, but through merit, resolve, and an unyielding sense of duty. One of the few recorded family connections is his cousin, Baker Whitegranite, a dwarf he trusted deeply—so deeply, in fact, that Baker would one day be left in charge of Thorbardin itself.

Even in his early years, Hornfel distinguished himself as a warrior and leader, personally leading Hylar troops against riots instigated by the Theiwar and Daergar clans. These were not symbolic actions—he fought in the tunnels, weapon in hand, earning the scars that would later mark his arms as a badge of hard-won authority. Unlike many of his fellow thanes, Glade Hornfel believed that dwarven isolation was a slow death sentence. Since the Cataclysm, Thorbardin had turned inward, sealing itself away from the world above. To Hornfel, this was not preservation—it was stagnation.

Time and again, he argued before the Council of Thanes that the dwarves must rejoin the world, reopening trade and forging alliances beyond their mountain halls. These efforts met fierce resistance. Only through cooperation with Gneiss Truesilver, Thane of the Daewar, did any trade at all manage to resume. Hornfel knew the danger. He feared that pushing too hard, too fast, would ignite a civil war that Thorbardin could not survive. And so he walked a careful path—pressing forward, but never recklessly.

One of the clearest signs of Hornfel’s open-mindedness came with the arrival of a human named Jordy, known among the dwarves simply as Piper. In a kingdom deeply suspicious of outsiders, Hornfel gave his word for the man’s safety. Among dwarves, a sworn word carries immense weight. By staking his honor on a human, Hornfel demonstrated not only his belief in cooperation, but his confidence in his own judgment of character—a trait for which he was widely respected.

When the War of the Lance reached Thorbardin, Glade Hornfel ruled as Thane of the Hylar and presided over the Council of Thanes. During this time, a kingsword named Stormblade was forged for him by Isarn Hammerfell and his apprentice, Stanach Hammerfell—a weapon meant to symbolize unity and rightful rule. But Stormblade’s story became a tragedy. The sword was stolen, lost in the wilderness beyond Thorbardin, recovered, returned… and then stolen again—this time by Realgar, a derro agent secretly serving Verminaard. When Hornfel confronted Realgar, the dispute ended not with words, but with violence. The two fought, and Realgar fell to his death—plummeting into the depths, taking his ambitions with him.

Despite his authority, Hornfel understood that Thorbardin would never truly unite until a symbol greater than any sword was restored: the Hammer of Kharas. When the Heroes of the Lance arrived seeking shelter, Hornfel struck a bargain. In exchange for sanctuary, they would recover the Hammer. They succeeded. Before a massive assembly of dwarves—Hylar, Daewar, Theiwar, and Daergar alike—the Hammer of Kharas was presented to Glade Hornfel Kytil. In that moment, centuries of division ended. He was crowned King of Thorbardin, the first since the Cataclysm. Not by conquest. Not by bloodline. But by unity.

When Chaos invaded Krynn, Glade Hornfel did not remain behind his walls. True to his belief that dwarves were part of the world—not apart from it—he led an army of Hylar warriors to fight in the Chaos War. He left Thorbardin in the capable hands of Baker Whitegranite and marched to war alongside the Knights of Solamnia and the Knights of Takhisis. What happened next is shrouded in silence. The fate of Hornfel and his army remains unknown. All were presumed lost—wiped out in the war against Chaos itself. No body was ever recovered. No final battle recorded. Only absence.

Glade Hornfel Kytil was shorter than most dwarves, but possessed a commanding presence. His hawk-like brown eyes, regal bearing, and well-groomed silver beard marked him as a leader long before he wore a crown. He was a master of both sword and tongue—an impeccable judge of character, a master debater, and a leader who resolved countless internal conflicts without bloodshed. His handwriting was thin and precise, much like his thinking.

He was loved by his people. Hated by his dark cousins. And respected even by those who disagreed with him. Above all else, Hornfel believed in a future where dwarves stood shoulder to shoulder with the world once more—and he intended to see that future realized in his lifetime.

But that is all the time I have to talk about Glade Hornfel Kytil. What do you think of the first King of Thorbardin since the Cataclysm? Should the dwarves have opened their gates to outsiders? And since history remembers Glade Hornfel Kytil, he couldn’t have been killed by the Daemon Warriors. Could his remains still be out there? 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:

Not everyone in this world is as wise as the great Fizban the Fabulous.

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: Understanding Player Motivations.

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Newkolt the 19th. My name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. You can have a beautifully designed world. Balanced encounters. Deep lore. And still have a table that feels bored. That’s because players don’t engage with content —

they engage with what motivates them. If you’ve ever wondered why one player lights up during combat while another checks out, or why a puzzle excites one person and frustrates someone else, today’s episode is for you. This is Dungeon Mastering 101, and today we’re talking about Understanding Player Motivations.

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.

Most new Dungeon Masters focus on rules mastery. But rules don’t create engagement. Motivation does. Every player comes to the table looking for something different:

When a game works, it’s not because everyone wants the same thing — it’s because the DM knows what each player wants and creates space for it. Understanding motivation turns guesswork into intention.

Let’s establish the framework. No player fits into only one category, but most players lean strongly toward one or two. These motivations are not labels — they are tools. The eight DM101 motivation types are:

Your job is not to please everyone all the time — it’s to rotate spotlight intentionally.

Combat-motivated players want:

They engage when:

How to support them:

Combat players are not murderhobos — they are problem-solvers through conflict.

Story-motivated players care about:

They engage when:

How to support them:

These players want to feel like they’re inside a living story, not a sequence of quests.

Social players thrive on:

They engage when:

How to support them:

Social players don’t want to “win” conversations — they want to change people.

Puzzle players enjoy:

They engage when:

How to support them:

Important note: Never lock progress behind a single puzzle solution — frustration kills momentum.

Power players want:

They engage when:

How to support them:

Power players aren’t selfish — they’re expressing fantasy fulfillment.

Discovery players love:

They engage when:

How to support them:

Discovery players make the world feel bigger.

Character-driven players focus on:

They engage when:

How to support them:

These players are here for transformation.

Chaos players want:

They engage when:

How to support them:

Chaos players provide energy — manage it, don’t fight it.

Here’s the practical application.

For campaigns:

For encounters:

Balance is achieved over time, not per session.

Here’s the core philosophy: Players aren’t difficult — they’re motivated differently. Once you understand that, frustration turns into clarity. You stop asking: “Why don’t they care about this?” And start asking: “Who is this for?” That question changes everything.

And that’s it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Core Foundations: Understanding Player Motivations! 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, 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).