In the history of Dragonlance, this is an old story and many of you know it. It may be new to some. I hope you will both forgive and indulge me as I tell it again. It is admittedly sentimental but it reflects Margaret and my feelings and core beliefs.
Some many years ago, Margaret and I were on a book tour that included the joint PX at Fort Lewis – McChord AFB in Washington State. Margaret and I had quite a line waiting for us that day. We have always tried to give each fan that moment with us that they hope will happen. We take their book, smile, shake their hand, give a hug, take a photo with them, ask to whom they would like to have the book signed, who their favorite character was…
Sometimes they answer Sturm Brightblade.
In our books, Sturm was a warrior whose family ancestors were noble knights. But while Sturm had the armor and sword of the knighthood and followed its precepts to the letter – he was only pretending. The actual knights had never accepted him. They shunned him. However, when the army of darkness broke against the battlements of the knighthood’s most sacred fortress like a tide; when the ‘true’ knights fled in terror from the walls … only Sturm stood his ground on the battlements. Alone and overwhelmed, he held fast … and ‘Sturm’s sun shattered.’ His death and sacrifice shamed the knights into resolve, save their honor and defeat their enemy.
I reached across the table for the book of the next person in line.
It was a wretchedly dog-eared copy of the Annotated Dragonlance Chronicles whose pages were barely held together. It was being offered by a young man across from us in a wheel chair.
He told us that the book had dropped with him from 30,000 feet and had even been under the ocean with him. He took it with him everywhere he went including his deployments.
Margaret and I looked at this young man. His body was broken but not his spirit.
Then he told us how he had been ‘on-point’ in Afghanistan when he was shot and how he fell, not mentioning that the impact had broken his spine. He could see the Taliban setting up a mortar on the other side of the canyon … and knew that they would wipe out the squad behind him if they were not warned.
He gave a thin smile.
The first thing he thought when he hit the the ground was … What would Sturm do?
So, this young warrior with a shattered spine stood up and warned his squad. He then said that the book in our hands saved about twelve men’s lives that day. Then he pushed two things across the table toward us, telling us that they were ours…
His Purple Heart. His Bronze Star.
Margaret and I carry the memory of those medals with us in our hearts every day.
We wrote about Sturm over a decade before this man turned our words into supreme action and sacrifice. Down the years, Margaret and I have met countless others who have found in our words the strength to do hard things, the comfort to make it through the long nights or years, and the inspiration even to learn how to read.
In Dragonlance, we wrote about courage to stand for what was right and just no matter the odds and that good may not always win but always redeems its own. We wrote that evil sometimes triumphs but that it always sows the seeds of its own destruction … and that sometimes common people have to become Heroes of the Lance because no one else will.
The road before Margaret and I now stretches into unknown paths. We don’t know where it will lead us or how this story will end.
All we know is that like that soldier, Margaret and I are both willing to stand up and do hard things … for all you Heroes of the Lance who are out there still. For all of you who bring meaning to Dragonlance.
32 replies on “The Meaning of Dragonlance”
I can’t remember anymore if I had bought the Dragonlance novels or my husband had…or if we both had before we met. We met while we were in the Army, shared a love of fantasy, and those books and his support inspired me to write. Thank you for your presentation with World Anvil. I hope this story can rekindle my love of writing that died when my husband passed. I miss my wordsmithing.
Writing is an act of hope. I wish with all my heart that you pick up your writing again.
Wonderful story, I’m a Marine so this is very nice to see especially now. I love the world and read many of the books while I was growing up and short on friends in high school. I always tear up a when reading the part of Fallen Sun when Tas recites his eulogy about friendship. Never discount the power of your words.
I was young in the Navy when I found an abandoned copy of Dragons of Autumns twilight in the barracks laundry room on a Saturday. It was full on winter in North Chicago. No sensible person wants to go out in -60* with wind chill weather. So I hunkered down in my bunk and read. I read into the wee hours Sunday morning. Then i read all Sunday until i was done mid-afternoon.
This was before home computers and cell phones. I did venture out into the deep winter to get to the bookstore to buy the other two books. Whole i was there i saw the array of D&D books. That was back when TSR books had 2 to 3 solid sections of books in all of the bookstores. That started me on a buying/reading adventure. I eventually got caught up with all TSR published works and started buying them as they were released. All that came from one lonely, abandoned book that just needed a friend to listen to its story.
That’s a powerful story, thank you. I wrote about my D&D adventures when I was 14 and handed them in for a school assignment, and was told by friends that it was all just “a bit silly”, although I had supportive teachers. My first real job found me in Switzerland, at a bit of a loss and away from family and friends. It was there I discovered a small bookshop that had English paperbacks, and the Dragonlance Chronicles. It turned out you could write – and write beautifully and brilliantly – about D&D. They were good company for six months, and remain a warm place in my heart. I’ve now written a number of books myself, and although not fiction (yet), I wrote about my passion, truly inspired by your joyful books. Thank you, both of you, and may the writing gods fare well with you on your upcoming journies.
Scrivo in italiano per via del mio pessimo inglese, chiedo umilmente scusa. Volevo solo dire grazie, a te e a Margaret, per ogni singola parola scritta in questi anni. Per aver creato Sturm, il miglior personaggio mai realizzato in ogni epoca. Mi sono sempre ispirato a lui e ai suoi principi, a volte non sono riuscito ad essere all’altezza, proprio come successe a lui con Kit. Spero solo che nel momento più importante io riesca a restare saldo, come fece lui. Il mio eroe, il mio modello. E grazie per questa storia, mi ha fatto capire che non sono l’unico folle che cerca di vivere secondo il Codice. Che siamo in tanti e che qualcuno ha fatto qualcosa di così speciale ispirato dal mio eroe, da colui che avete creato. Ancora grazie, vi sarò per sempre debitore. Alex from Italy
As a 8 year old deeply socially awkward child with very strong ADHD, Tasslehoff gave me the courage to have friends and be a friend, and the hopeful way to see the best in the world- a trait I value deeply today and hold sacred in me and in others, and a trait that helped me through a lot.
But as much as I built my identity around Tas, there is one of your characters that mean even more to me- Death Gate Cycle’s Alfred and his arc helped me realize I am gay when I was a teen and come to terms with it, as well as being the best if no almost-only representation I’ve ever seen for a dyspraxic-adjacent (motorically challanged) genre fiction hero.
I love your books and I love the world you created. I am saddened to see things like the WOTC idoicy derail such fine creative works and would love to see you move to a far more accepting and open company like Paizo, which would value your work effort and ideals.
I too, now medically retired US Navy service connected disabled Veteran. And I too owned all Dragonlance books and the next series that came after those.. in the very first period of my career in the 1980’s. In fact, I bought my copies shortly after they came out when I just happened to run across them on a book rack while waiting to board my very first ship.
Those books went all over the world with me. I lost the set in a house fire in the mid-90’s and over the years have meant to replace them.. but between my career serving, especially after 9/11, getting hurt a few more times until I was medically retired in 2014 for another injury, I just did not find the time sadly.
I came across your name because I was reading some information about Shroud of the Avatar, the computer game you helped write for. It once again reminded me of what I have figured out has always been my favorite series of books I have ever read.. and I read a lot especially now.. and it reminded me I need to get out and replace those old copies sooner than later.]
Anyhow, I hope all works out for you both and we see more of your work and who knows, maybe someday God willing, a return to the ways of the Dragonlance!
Thank you for a small escape in a world of reality that your books gave me..
Sincerely, Todd B – USN Disabled/Retired
I am 48 yrs old,as a 15yr old i hated reading,was with my mum in her bookstore ,and i picked up a dragonlance book,asked my mum if i could have it,i promised i would read it. I did,and fell in love with reading,although not a weiss/hickman book,if it was not for them “the legend of huma”would not have been written,i then read all the true dragonlance novels by you both. Thank you for making a magical world,which has helped me reach so many magical places since,
I’m not crying… you’re crying.
I read them out of order the first time. Dragons of Winter Night is what my High School Library had -not checked out- and I read it first, then Autumn Twilight, and lastly Spring Dawning.
There are no books I have loved more than these. I’ve started reading them all over again with My Mother In Law. We’ve finished the Chronicles and Legends together and are on the third book of the Lost Chronicles now.
I don’t think I have a favorite Character. Tas and Flint and Sturm and Tanis and Laurana and Tika…. and just the world itself. The Pulp Fiction style perspective jumping leaving you on cliffhangers at every turn, dying to find out what happens next.
It’s touching to see how they have impacted other lives. I’m not a praying man… but please Paladine, Gilean and even Takhisis herself… bless us with another trilogy! I even started a change.org petition to pressure Wizards:
http://chng.it/XppyrQq7
I really hope we get more from you. Even if it takes… fuckit! The first two were approved…. Go! Go! Go!!! Publish that stuff!!!!
3 things.
1. It’s the sensible logical thing to do, which of course is why we won’t do it.
2. We’ll go out through the Kitchen.
3. To the Abyss with the Measure.
Thank you.
Thanks Tracey, Thanks Margaret. Always a big hug for you both! I have a son who is getting into the worlds now. May the majick always light your paths.
That was heart warming, thanks for sharing! Love your books. They have such great stories and even better messages.
In 2012, two years after I’d retired from the military, I’d gained about 40 lbs and was in terrible shape. I was on the verge of being placed on cholesterol and blood pressure medication. As I begun my weight loss journey, I frequently reflected on Caramon’s journey from warrior, to fat drunkard, and back to a warrior in the gladiatorial pots of Istria. If he could do it, so could I! His story inspired me and really helped me loose the weight. Eight years later and I’ve kept it off…thank you!
I was already in the US Army when the books came out, but still have the Trilogy. After 30 years I retired, a bit broken but still a fan, inspired to make my own world. That is now complete, a trilogy of my own, with both medieval magic and low level combat, a meshing of fantasy and reality – my reality. Too many medals to wear, but not enough to replace the friends I’ve lost. Thanks to Margaret for the encouragement, and to you both for the inspiration, and to all for the support!
The Dragonlance books have been with me since high school (when a friend recommended them), in 87. I always related to Tanis – never fitting in, and mostly stuck to myself with a very few close friends. Whenever I’ve been down or feeling overwhelmed, I start reading Autumn Twilight again. It picks me up and brings me to old friends that I can relate to. This account of this young man, who embodied the very spirit of Sturm Brightblade, is amazing. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Est Sularus oth Mithas
This is such a great post.
When it comes to characters within the Dragonlance saga, I can’t personally lean towards a favourite.
I think the greatest thing about the characters you created is that we all have a piece of us reflected in so many of them – the determination of Sturm, the Stubbornness of Flint, the Ambition of Raistlin…
Started not reading Dragonlance, but being READ TO by my brothers back in 1986 (I was 6 and could read but this was a tad advanced then) and your stories sparked an interest that I still have to this day. I have got so many people to jump into the world of Krynn since then and they are still, like me, fond travellers.
It’s great to see your posts Tracy and I’m glad – and unsurprised – that yours and Margaret’s work had such a profound influence on people.
They certainly have with me.
The Dragonlance always has a special place in my heart. I laughed and cried with it. The scene of Sturm’s death was one of them that occupied my mind for a long time.
I wish this unique world continues.
I loved every book you and Margaret wrote in the Dragonlance realm. I have almost every book in the series including newer ones later added by other talented writers. In my heart you both are the spirit and heart of the original series. I have had the books over 25 years, some newer as the series evolved, but I still read them and visit the world of Krynn in my free time. I relate best to Raistlin, Sturm, and Tanis. Your books still inspire and help shape lives, mine included. I think “Lord of the Rings” Trilogy is great, by my heart feels stronger for Dragonlance. Would love to see a movie or mini series based on the original characters. I think it’d give “Lord of the Rings”, and “Harry Potter” a run for their money. Come to Indianapolis, Indiana for their comi-con or sci-fi expos. Would love to see/meet you. Thank you both so much for sharing your awesome talent with so many across the world and generations of fans.
It’s easy to say that Dragonlance impacted our lives in some way, but it is important to remember that it was Margaret, Tracy, Laura, and all of the countless others that really made that impact. They all collectively created a world that we not only felt a part of, but also felt like we were among friends with Margaret, Tracy, and other Dragonlance authors.
Margaret and Tracy were always so down-to-earth in interviews, online, and meet-and-greets. It made you feel like they were writing the stories just for you and they got as much enjoyment writing it as you received reading it.
Very few authors bridge the gap between the story and themselves as an author. I always felt like I was coming home when reading one of the novels and I knew that Margaret and Tracy were there waiting in the pages to welcome me back.
I’ve casually spoken with Margaret a few times over the years, mainly at a Con or during a Q&A interview here-or-there. She has always been so gracious and friendly that when I was near her hometown for business 10 years ago, I wanted to reach out to her and see if I could take her out to lunch! I then thought about it and figured a New York Times bestselling author wasn’t interested in going out to lunch with me! I also figured it might come off as slightly odd. I kind of regret not asking now that I think about it.
It really just goes to show how down-to-earth and honest both Margaret and Tracy are. I’m glad they found a vehicle to be able to share those values with millions of people over the years. I’ve always considered Margaret and Tracy friends, along with Tanis, Tasslehoff, Sturm, Raistlin, Caramon, and all the other wonderful characters.
Incredible, thank you for your creativity and passion.
I just finished Autumn Twilight, onto Winter Night!
Awesome. This series has, like Sturm, taught me to see through others eyes. You never know what dark night of the soul, someone has been through, or even going through. Hopefully they bring back Dragonlance for 5E, so new generations can learn the many lessons it has.
A novel can be written to how many lives you and Margaret have touched with your writing. Your words are a place to escape, a place to find inspiration, a place to find strength, a place to find love, a place to find hope. I personally have had the honor to meet you multiple times and in many places and cherish every one. Though it feels so inadequate, thank you. Thank you from an eternal fan and friend.
D.J.W.
I read Dragons of the Autumn Twilight back in 1984 or ‘85.I love all the characters, but Sturm has a special place. He was shunned and ridiculed, but he never stopped. He made his stand and helped save the world with his sacrifice. Thank you for all the love you poured into this creation. You gave a 14 year old boy a reason to keep going, no matter the odds.
I had a vivid dream years ago about being a kender. I was good friends with someone that taught me if it has been thought of it has been created. For me, dragonlance caused a realization, that perhaps somewhere in the universe, these so called stories of fiction are a reality.
I grew up with that story. I even read those books while I was in the sand box. This story made me cry. I always wondered about what kind of people the authors are. This article gives me a glimpse to that question. My Honor is my Life
David
Tanis was my favorite, but Sturm and Flint live on in my memories, “glory undimmed before the breaking of the world.” Like all the friends and family you lose, their hearts burn bright in your soul.
Love it. Major fan for almost 30 years.
This is awesome! Dragonlance was one of my favorite series. Do you have a mailing list to subscribe too?
I do not yet have a mailing list but may have one in the very near future. In the meantime, I hope you’ll join us on Facebook.
i am a brand new fan. Tears are still in my eyes every time i think about Sturm Brightblade and what and how he stood. That being said, i started reading with Book one of the Dragonlance Chronicles – The Dragons of Autumn Twilight and finshed the four books ending with Dragons of Summer Flame. I am really anal about order. Please tell me you have something posted that gives the order in which these amazing tales should be read. I know over 30 years of writing. I’ve tried to piece it together. LOL. Not gonna happen on my end. You have way too many to search through to figure it out. Finger crossed you have already done this work.