Krynn

Lore & Background

The history of Krynn is a tapestry woven with threads of betrayal, redemption, and divine wrath. The world was once home to the gods who walked among mortals, but following the Cataclysm that shattered continents and killed millions, the deities withdrew from direct interaction, leaving their followers to navigate a broken world. This event fundamentally altered the landscape, raising new mountains and sinking old kingdoms, while also stripping away magic for several generations. The most significant period in Krynn's recent history is the War of the Lance, where an alliance of dragons known as the Dragon Highlords sought to dominate the world under the influence of the dark god Takhisis. A small band of heroes, including a half-elf ranger and a frail wizard, united disparate races like the diminutive kender and the stoic dwarves to challenge this tyranny. Their victory reshaped the balance of power, though the struggle between the forces of light and darkness remains a constant undercurrent in the world's ongoing narrative.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the scorched plains of Solace, carrying the scent of ash and old sorrow. Tanis Half-Elven stood atop the ridge, his eyes scanning the horizon where the smoke from the burning cities still curled into a bruised sky. Beside him, the golden scales of Goldmoon's dragon shimmered faintly in the twilight, a beacon of hope against the encroaching shadow. He remembered the silence of the gods, the years when magic was a forgotten dream, and now he felt the weight of destiny pressing down on his shoulders once more. The war was not truly over; it had merely paused for breath.

Reader's Guide

Krynn is geographically divided into several major continents, with Ansalon being the primary setting for most Dragonlance adventures. This continent features diverse biomes ranging from the fertile farmlands of the Solamnic Knights to the treacherous mountains of the dwarven realm and the dense forests inhabited by elves. The cosmology is unique due to the presence of two moons, Nuitari and Lunitari, which influence magic and tides in complex ways. Magic on Krynn operates under specific constraints; during certain Ages, spellcasters are absent or forbidden, forcing adventurers to rely on physical prowess and divine intervention rather than arcane arts. Major cities include Palanthas, a hub of learning and trade known for its great library, and Solace, the humble village that became a sanctuary for refugees. The world also features the ruins of ancient empires like Neraka and the floating island of Mount Celestia, remnants of a time when gods walked freely among mortals.

Did You Know?

• The kender race is native to Krynn and is famous for their cheerful nature and habit of 'borrowing' items without realizing it is theft.
• Magic was completely absent from the world for several generations following the Cataclysm, a period known as the Age of Despair.
• The Dragon Highlords were once benevolent rulers who were corrupted by the dark goddess Takhisis to become tyrants.
• Krynn is one of the few D&D settings where the gods directly intervened in mortal affairs before withdrawing after the Cataclysm.