We know of the failed and famous Dragon Highlords, but how much do we know about the Dragonarmies as a whole, and the less notable Dragon Highlords? Let’s take a birds eye view of the Dragon Highlords. Buy War of the Lance: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/3164/War-of-the-Lance-35?affiliate_id=50797

https://youtu.be/xFV8HDlQIAg

Transcript

Cold Open

Ariakas organized the Dragonarmies to inspire community and brotherhood, and at the top are the Dragon Highlords.

Intro

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga episode. My name is Adam and today we are going to talk about The Dragonarmies. I would like to take a moment and thank the members of this channel, 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 link. I am referencing the War of the Lance sourcebook primarily for this information. If I leave anything out or misspeak, please leave a comment below.

Discussion

The seeds of the Dragonarmy lay in the previous dragon war, where the Queen of Darkness was banished by Huma Dragonbane. But it was the Cataclysm and foundation stone that allowed that seed to grow. A decade before the War of the Lance, Ariakas was already busy organizing his army across racial, cultural and national boundaries. It cannot be understated the pure infernal majesty created in Takhisis’ name under Ariakas’ rule. He was able to bring together groups of beings that have otherwise warred with each other into units that operate strikingly well and all in secret! The Dragonarmies were broken into wings, based on the color of the chromatic dragons assigned to each. So the reference of Red Dragonarmy and Red Wing are synonymous. Each wing has from two to five flights. Each flight is composed of two to three brigades of three or more companies, based on the wing’s orders. While the composition of types of troops will be an episode unto itself, the control of a wing and chain of command will be the primary focus of this episode.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at each wing’s Dragon Highlord. While they do vary and command changes throughout the history of the War of the Lance, there are traits that each successful Dragon Highlord shares. They must be ambitious, driven, and know how to successfully inspire their command team and troops. This may be done by regular pay, or fear, but this is never a guarantee of success when commanding the Dark Queen’s wings. Ariakas carefully crafted this dog-eat-dog culture in her majesty's army to ensure only the wily and persistent will remain in command. Ariakas is the chief Highlord in the Dark Queen's Dragonarmies. 

Highlords are the highest-ranking office, and each wing has one assigned to command. All Highlord positions are in a state of constant flux, as they will be continually tested by their troops, peers, Ariakas and even the Dark Queen herself. Each Highlord has a number of highmasters below them who serve as lieutenants, field commanders, administrators and personal assistants. Beneath the highmasters, the chain of command can fluctuate, depending on the Dragon Highlord and the schemes of those under their command. Dragon army officers tend to be the next in line of command, and they tend to hold the position of brigade commander, flying citadel wind captains, regional coverners, petty bureaucrats, etc. Fewmasters operate primarily on a provincial level, commanding individual companies on behalf of a highlord. 

The Black Dragonarmy’s mission is support and asset management.