The Motivation Behind This Campaign The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance The current year for our homebrewed Dragonlance campaign is set during 381AC. Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

Choosing a campaign setting that you want to sink a "lot" of time into is not an easy job for a DM, well, a deranged DM such as myself I should say. I want that perfect setting, "I want it all" and I've found out, a DM can't have it all . . . unless he can. I know, that made no sense at all lol. Let me break it down for you folks.

I want a campaign setting that has that classic feel but at the same time I want to have a campaign setting that has the epicness of Middle-earth while at the same time I want to be able to portray this setting to my players so they fall in love with it. Yea, I know - good luck with that.

I'm a huge Middle-earth fan, and I mean huge, and it seems like every time I work on a campaign setting I end up comparing it to Middle-earth. In the end I would just get frustrated and quit, so I took a step back over the holidays and just kind of looked at it all from a distance - sure, I could run the Adventures in Middle-earth rpg but then I'd be right back in the middle of 5th edition and if I have not made it clear how I feel about WotC and 5th edition then something is for sure wrong lol. So, what other campaign setting could I dive into that would give me this Middle-earth feeling?

In the end, the answer just hit me like a ton of bricks . . . Dragonlance. The problem with choosing Dragonlance was I did not really want to run a campaign during the War of the Lance, that story has been told a hundred time and I really did not much care for the year during Dragons of Summer Flame and everything past that event so now what was I going to do? I could move forward to 381AC "just before Summer Flame" and just homebrew my own campaign - but then I would have to deal with all the holier than thou canon purists bitching at me about changing stuff in the overall story and you know what? Screw em!

Gary Gygax himself said that everything about D&D is printed in the books but it is up to you as a Dungeon Master to mold it to how you like it. This is what I plan to do. I'll write up an epic campaign story that will take the companions right into another war.

The more I thought about this idea, the more I felt like this would easily give me my Middle-earth, Lord of the Rings feel to this campaign and for the first time in a while, I started to actually get excited about writing my own story set in the world of Krynn.

If my changes bother you, ahh well, go find yourself another campaign blog because I plan to do my own Dragonlance story. Everything that happened up to the year 381AC will remain, everything that happens after 381AC will be erased and rewritten. I do plan to try and keep my story as close to the "spirit" of Dragonlance as possible. I mean, Dragonlance is a special campaign setting and I would never try to take away from that.

I want to build my own campaign based off the War of the Darklance alternate timeline that was written by the one and only Trampas Whiteman "Dragonhelm", the owner of the Dragonlance Nexus website and the Dragonlance nexus "now pushing 10,000 members". I do not plan to write my campaign story word for word with what is written in the War of the Darklance but my story will be heavily influenced by the War of the Darklance story. I just hope that I can do it justice.

What was it that Joe Manganiello said, he called Dragonlance the "Star Wars of D&D", well, while I totally agree with him, I would have to say "Dragonlance is my Middle-earth of D&D".

Ready For Content The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance The current year for our homebrewed Dragonlance campaign is set during 381AC. Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

Ready For Content The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance The current year for our homebrewed Dragonlance campaign is set during 381AC. Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

Ready For Content The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance The current year for our homebrewed Dragonlance campaign is set during 381AC. Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

Ready For Content The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance The current year for our homebrewed Dragonlance campaign is set during 381AC. Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

Traders Bank The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance The current year for our homebrewed Dragonlance campaign is set during 381AC. Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

The Haven Bank is a banking business in Haven that offers money-lending and secured storage to the merchants and traders that come through Haven. It is owned and operated by a very old man by the name of Stephon Winterghast.

The bank is located on the north side of the city and has been well established since the early days of Haven. It carries a good working reputation with it's customers and the people of Haven. The bank is established within a well-secured building that is said to have magical wards placed all through the structure to assist in the location remaining secure at all times.

This local bank is endorsed by the lord mayor of Haven and during all business hours one can always find at least two guards stationed inside as well as outside the bank at the entrance.

The bank offers a fairly straightforward service. Individuals can deposit their hard-earned coin within the secured building and withdraw the same amount at a later date. Information about the amounts of transactions and the bank's clientele are kept secret. The banks handling fees are 3% for all coin deposits and storage (no matter the length of time the bank holds a customers coin and valuables) and 4% are non coin valuables stored within the bank.

The Haven Traders Bank does not offer loands to customers. It is strictly a location within Haven that exchanges coin and stores valuables for this in need "at a small fee of course". Storge of items has no time limit but the storage fees do adjust with the length of time the items are stored here.

Ready For Content The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance The current year for our homebrewed Dragonlance campaign is set during 381AC. Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

Ready For Content The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance The current year for our homebrewed Dragonlance campaign is set during 381AC. Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

Ready For Content The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance The current year for our homebrewed Dragonlance campaign is set during 381AC. Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

Abanasinia The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance The current year for our homebrewed Dragonlance campaign is set during 381AC. Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

Abanasinia found itself near the shores of the New Sea, created after the Fiery Mountain struck Krynn. Perhaps the most relaxed region of Ansalon, the plains are home to numerous tribes of plains barbarians, as well as the settlement of Solace, and cities such as Haven, Gateway and at least one hill dwarf community. Whilst the region is best known for it's wide and verdant plains, it also has a number of city states dotted throughout. Those from Abanasinia are called Abanasinian.

Though many of the villages and towns of Abanasinia were destroyed in the War of the Lance, and again following the Second Cataclysm, the inhabitants continue to rebuild their homes. The tree town of Solace is perhaps the most significant village in Abanasinia, for here the legendary Majere Family lives among the mighty vallenwood trees. Here also is the Inn of the Last Home, the most famous inn of any sort on Ansalon.

North of Solace are the shores of Crystalmir Lake, and southwest of the lake are the boughs of Darken Wood, where the living dare not enter. Its borders are protected by a legion of undead soldiers, and the wood is governed by the mysterious Forestmaster.

To the east lie the grassy plains, home of the barbarian tribes. If one ventures eastward further, the plains gradually become a huge swamp, which houses the ruins of Xak Tsaroth. Abanasinia is perhaps the most sheltered of the many regions of Ansalon: with Thorbardin, the Kharolis Mountains and the Neidar Dwarf (hill dwarf) communities to its south, the swamps of Xak Tsaroth, the Eastwall Mountains and New Sea to the east, the Straits of Schallsea to the north and Qualinesti to the west, Abanasinia is well protected.

Prior to the Cataclysm, the land which would become known as Abanasinia was ruled by the tribes of the plains. Whilst the Cataclysm had very little impact, it did see the majority of the tribes turn from the gods and instead revert to ancestor and totem worship as their primary religion. Many towns were founded along the coastline of Abanasinia, and more extensive trade routes were established between the towns of the region.

Goblins and bandits preyed on merchant caravans, however an influx of mercenaries into Abanasinia, finally saw an end to their threat. The disappearance of the gods led to a new religion based on false gods known as the Seekers, which sprouted in Abanasinia. The Seekers formed a theocracy in the region and ruled several towns, basing their headquarters in Haven. However their reign ended with the War of the Lance.

The War of the Lance brought the Red Dragonarmy through Abanasinia, who conquered the region with Highlord Verminaard at their head. The army crushed the plains barbarians and subjugated the majority of the towns of the region to their will, enslaving many Abanasinian inhabitants in the mines of Pax Tharkas. However it was from this region that the Heroes of the Lance emerged and eventually defeated Verminaard and were the key to the end of the war itself.

Settlements
• Ankatavaka
• Crossing
• Digfel
• Esker
• Gateway
• Goodbay
• Haven
• Long Ridge
• Munston
• New Ports
• North Keep
• Qué-Han
• Qué-Shu
• Qué-Talic
• Qué-taw
• Ravenvale
• Sad Town
• Solace
• Staughton
• Tantallon
• Windy Vale
• Zaradene

Roads
• Haven Road
• Sageway East

Ruins
• Academy of Sorcery
• Eld Manor
• Xak Khalan
• Xak Tsaroth

Geographical Features
• Abanasinian Plains
• Crystalmir Lake
• Cursed Lands of Newsea
• Darken Wood
• Darkhaven Clearing
• Dire Wood
• Eastwall Mountains
• Forsaken Pass
• Gadar's Citadel
• Gateway Pass
• Prayer's Eye Peak
• Sentinel Peaks
• Shadow Canyon
• Solace Vale
• White-Rage River

Mystical and Holy Sites
• Hall of Sleeping Spirits

Regions The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance The current year for our homebrewed Dragonlance campaign is set during 381AC. Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

Abanasinia

Haven The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance The current year for our homebrewed Dragonlance campaign is set during 381AC. Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

The largest city in Abanasinia, the Lordcity of Haven is a farming comunity centrally located between Solace and Gateway. Haven has been declared a Lordcity by its inhabitants, who naively believe their city rivals the great Lordcities of Solamnia. Still, Haven is an important hub of activity in Abanasinia. Its fertile farmlands yield many crops that help sustain the local people. In the past, even the Qualinesti elves purchased their grapes from Haven vineyards, making a wine that became famous throughout Ansalon.

Haven arose in Abanasinia from the ruins of an elven city that was destroyed in the Cataclysm. A number of human families built the city with the aid of the elves and set themselves up as the rulers. Many laws and privileges were created at the whim of the founders, and any person who wishes to have any say in the Lordcity of Haven, must be able to trace their lineage back somehow to the city founders. The mayor who governs the city is of foremost importance in being able to do this.

The most important city in Abanasinia, Haven has a very important part spreading new religions, including Belzor's, the old gods, and the Seekers. Rule of the city was taken by the Seeker priests, who set themselves up as the Council of Highseekers. The Seekers' headquarters was erected in Haven and they setup their own militia, using the mayor of that time as their puppet.

From a political center, it quickly turned into a religious center. During The War of The Lance, the city was captured by the Red Dragonarmy, and was quickly suppressed the false religions, forcing fake priests to convert to Takhisis or be slain. Haven is located southwest of Solace, northwest of the Darken Wood and northwest of the Qualinesti realm.

Although Haven is geographically large, its population has been relatively small in the past, numbering around five thousand people. However, with refugees flooding the city, the population has swollen to just under fifteen thousand. With such a massive influx, thieves and other people of dubious profession walk the streets.

Holy Guards are stationed throughout the city, viewing everyone with suspicion. The city is surrounded by a low marble wall that was originally constructed to keep out wildlife. A guardhouse stands at the city gates, which until recently were left open during the day, welcoming people from across the land. The gates are now closed to bar the entry of more refugees. Haven is a relatively large city with a population of approximately 14,889 citizens with a mix of 82% humans, 8% kender with the remaining races being dwarves for the most with some half elves mixed in.

During the War of the Lance, rule of the city was taken by the Seeker priests, who set themselves up as the Council of Highseekers. The Seekers' headquarters was erected in Haven and they setup their own militia, using the mayor of that time as their puppet. After the death of Verminaard in Pax Tharkas, Haven was made the new headquarters of the Red Dragonarmy. Beggars, casualties of the war, started to line the roads leading into Haven begging for food and coin.

Now, thirty years later, with the war being over with and the fall of the Seeker religion, rule again passed back to the mayor, and the city has continued to grow and develop through extensive trade and commerce.

Notable Locations
• Steel Tankard Tavern
• Traders Bank of Haven
• Blackrock Bakery
• Daft Gnome Ale House
• Grinning Goat Tavern
• The Happee Ohgr
• Haven Arms
• Haven Council Hall
• Haven Grand Market
• Haven Jail
• Mageware Shop
• River Harbor
• Ironheart Blacksmith
• Purveyor of Pigments and Dyes
• Haven Cemetary
• Swan's Musicians

Geographical Locations
• Haven River
• Haven's Vale
• Seeker Reaches

Ravenvale The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance The current year for our homebrewed Dragonlance campaign is set during 381AC. Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

Slightly south of the town of Tantallon, nestled quietly in the arms of a calm and peaceful vale lies the settlement of Ravenvale. The settlement is populated "mostly" by human farmers and laborers who toil the earth and live out a quiet peaceful existence, free of the turmoil in the more populated regions of Ansalon. Ravenvale is located in a beautiful region and is one of the most peaceful, beautiful locals in Abansinia.

It maintains a standing population of approximately 120 citizens year round. The population does not fluctuate from season to season, the warmer months might increase to a population of around 130-140 due to kinfolk visiting and such.

The settlement sees a small amount of traffic from travelers "who usually stop at the Ravenvale Inn "the only inn within the settlement" but shortly after are moving on", and is used more as a crossroads between Tantallon and the other larger towns than anything else.

Ravenvale hasn't grown much since the War of the Lance, thirty years later, it looks almost the same as it did during the war. It is a community where everyone knows one another and everyone is friends or family. A small river flows softly past the settlement to the east. Krynn has many beautiful locations and the settlement of Ravenvale is most definitely one of them. The Eastwall Mountains cradle this settlement in its arms on all sides along with several waterfalls. Low hanging clouds gives this region a cozy feel. This is truly a remarkable sight. Several waterfalls fall from the cliffs surrounding the village, supplying the river with fresh water for the much need fishing that is done in its waters.

The settlement is governed by a man named Tallos Witherspoon "the mayor of Ravenvale". The settlement has no real standing miltia, only a few locals "former adventurers" that casually keep watch over the settlement, and Ravenvale has seen no trouble in a very long time. Their are a few shops and stores located here as well as the Ravenvale Inn "which serves some of the finest food in the region" .

Farming and fishing are the primary source of income for Ravenvale although the location does have a smithy which sometimes trades with outside settlements. Ravenvale also has a small temple devoted to the worship of Mishakal.

At the Midsummer Solstice, Ravenvale holds a festival that runs all week, during which all forms of traditional entertainment are found. People come from all over Abanasinia and sometimes beyond "within traveling distance of course" with the pretext of sampling the good food, buying fancy clothes but above all to participate in the Auction at the close of the festivities. Since the War of the Lance, several upperclass families have moved into Ravenvale and set up shops. This greatly helped the economy of Ravenvale and assisted it in even more people coming to the area to settle.

Like many small settlements across Ansalon, Ravenvale has autonomy in how it governs itself, electing its own officials and imparting its own brand of justice. Only when issues go outside their expertise or infringe upon another jurisdiction are they prone to ask for aid or upscale the matter to outside sources. Ravenvale is a small, tightly packed town with a few important locations.

Ravenvale Locations
• Mayors Office
• Ravenvale Inn
• Traders Establishment
• Coalstriker Smithy
• Benton Stables
• Ravenvale Patisserie Shoppe