Dragonlance Shadow of the Dragon Queen PDF

Introduction

Welcome back to Krynn, adventurer!
The world of Dragonlance has returned in glorious form with the release of “Shadow of the Dragon Queen”, a campaign setting and module for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. If you’re a fan of high-stakes fantasy, wartime drama, and rich lore, then strap in—this ride’s gonna be legendary.

Background of Dragonlance

Origins of the Dragonlance Setting

Created by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman in the 1980s, Dragonlance quickly became one of D&D’s most beloved settings. It broke the mold by placing storytelling at the heart of gameplay. The original novels and modules introduced us to a world where gods returned, dragons ruled the skies, and flawed heroes faced impossible odds.

Key Characters and Lore

Characters like Tanis Half-Elven, Raistlin Majere, and Sturm Brightblade are still etched into the memories of many players. The storylines intertwined deep character development with sweeping war epics—something “Shadow of the Dragon Queen” builds upon.

The World of Krynn: A Brief Tour

Krynn is a world with multiple continents, but Ansalon is where the action usually unfolds. With its kingdoms, orders of knights, and pantheon of gods, it’s a setting that feels lived-in and storied—perfect for a grand adventure.

What is “Shadow of the Dragon Queen”?

Overview of the Module

“Shadow of the Dragon Queen” is a full-length campaign designed for levels 1 through 11. It tells a tale of resistance, heroism, and choices during the early days of the War of the Lance—a central conflict in the Dragonlance mythos.

Story Premise and Timeline

Set during the invasion of Kalaman, the story follows the players as they rise from unknowns to champions in a world descending into chaos. Dragons, undead, and evil clerics? Check. The stakes are sky-high, and you’ll feel every ounce of it.

Connection to the War of the Lance

This campaign runs parallel to the original novels, offering a fresh perspective. You’re not following in the steps of the Heroes of the Lance—you’re forging your own legend beside them.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Campaign Structure

The story is linear but flexible, featuring classic D&D dungeon crawls, large-scale battles, and social intrigue. There’s a lot of meat on these bones.

Level Range and Duration

It’s built for characters starting at level 1 and progressing to 11. Depending on your group’s pace, it could run 30-50 hours.

Integration with D&D 5e Rules

The module uses core 5e mechanics but layers in unique features tied to the Dragonlance setting, like moon-influenced magic and military ranks.

New Races, Classes, and Backgrounds

The Kender Return

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the Kender are back. These fearless, kleptomaniac-adjacent halflings bring charm and chaos in equal measure.

The Lunar Sorcery Subclass

Tapping into the moons of Krynn, this new sorcerer subclass is all about flexibility and magical flavor. Depending on the lunar phase, your abilities shift—how cool is that?

Backgrounds: Knights and Mages of Krynn

New backgrounds like Knight of Solamnia and Mage of High Sorcery come with special feats and lore, giving players a deeper connection to the world.

Heroes of Krynn – Board Game Tie-In

What is the Board Game?

Warriors of Krynn is a strategy board game designed to work alongside the module. It zooms out, letting players participate in massive battles without breaking the roleplay flow.

How It Connects to the Campaign

You can play the board game between major battles in the campaign, adding strategic depth and variety to your D&D nights.