Shadow of the Dragon Queen – Rise of Krynn’s Heroes
Dungeons & Dragons 5e | Campaign
$25.00
/ Session
Details
Bi-weekly / Thursday - 2:00 PM UTC
3-4 Hour Duration
0 / 6 Seats Filled
Requirements
Experience required: Open to all
Age: All Ages
About the adventure
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen – Rise as Legends in a World at War Step into the world of Krynn, a shattered realm on the brink of annihilation. Three centuries after the Cataclysm reshaped the land, a new darkness rises. The Dragon Armies of the wicked god Takhisis have returned, sweeping across the continent of Ansalon with fire and steel. As war drums echo across the plains and smoke chokes the horizon, the fate of entire nations hangs in the balance. In this campaign, you will play heroes forged in the crucible of war—knights and wizards, exiles and champions, wanderers and warriors—all standing against the rising tide of darkness. Your choices will shape the destiny of Krynn, from desperate battles in the shadow of ruined castles to whispered conspiracies in the grand halls of ancient keeps. Every decision will matter. Every triumph and tragedy will echo through the annals of history. I run an enhanced version of the Shadow of the Dragon Queen module, blending its epic scale with a deeper sense of verisimilitude and player-driven narrative. This means expanded opportunities for heroism, harder-won victories, and a world that pushes back when challenged. Victory is sweet and defeat is possible, making every campfire a moment of hard-won respite and every scar a badge of survival. But this is more than just war. It is the epic origin story of the Heroes of Krynn—a tale of shattered legacies and second chances, of alliances forged in fire and broken in betrayal, of ancient secrets unearthed and forgotten powers rediscovered. The world of Krynn is alive—its people whisper of the old gods’ return, its rivers run with the blood of the fallen, and its heroes carve their legends into the very stones of their homeland. Whether defending against an enemy assault, rescuing refugees from burning villages, or striking deep into the heart of the Dragon Armies, your choices will matter. This game is perfect for players who crave deep, character-driven storytelling, tactical combat with meaningful consequences, and the chance to leave their mark on a living world. If you seek a game where courage, cunning, and conviction are tested against the fires of war, then answer the call. Krynn is waiting.
Game style
Roleplay Heavy
“Roleplay Heavy” games place the focus on the story, the characters, and the world they live within, and tend to lean hard into the various roleplaying elements of the game. These games will frequently find the party talking with NPCs, exploring the personal elements of their backstories, or even having emotional moments around the camp fire.
Rule of Cool (RoC)
“Rule of Cool” emphasizes creative story beats over sticking to a system’s rules as written. Players have the ability to push the limits of the rules or even break core rule mechanics at times if the Game Master thinks it is interesting, fun, or cool enough.
Combat Heavy
“Combat Heavy” games emphasize the combat mechanics within their systems over roleplay or puzzle solving. There are frequent and longer battles with enemies and a greater emphasis on tactical game play.
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Additional details
How to prepare
Required Hardware: A reliable microphone and headphones for clear voice communication. Required Software and Accounts: Discord for voice chat and between-session roleplay. Roll20 for maps, combat, and character management (character sheets will be managed exclusively through Roll20). Character Creation: Characters will be created during Session Zero, but it’s recommended to come prepared with multiple character concepts for discussion. Roll20 character sheets are required for consistency and ease of play. Rules Familiarity: Familiarity with 5e D&D rules is helpful but not required. New players are welcome, and I’m happy to guide you through the system. Mindset: Bring a sense of adventure, creativity, and a willingness to collaborate with your fellow players. Expect high-stakes combat, deep roleplaying, and meaningful choices that will shape the fate of Krynn.
What I provide
What I Provide My Players An Epic, Immersive World: I run a deeply narrative-driven version of Shadow of the Dragon Queen, enhanced with my own homebrew rules to add verisimilitude and meaningful stakes. Expect a living, reactive world where your choices shape the fate of Krynn. Cinematic Roleplay and Character-Driven Stories: I lean into the epic tone of Dragonlance, emphasizing heroic origins, personal growth, and dramatic stakes. I enjoy bringing characters to life through distinct voices and personalized NPCs, weaving player backstories into the main plot. Intense, Tactical Combat: Expect challenging encounters that reward tactical thinking and creative problem-solving. My combat style emphasizes meaningful choices, strategic positioning, and resource management, with homebrew elements to keep things fresh and dynamic. Atmosphere and Immersion: I use ambient music, thematic soundscapes, and dynamic maps in Roll20 to create a rich, immersive experience. Expect moments of tension, triumph, and terror as you face the horrors of the Dragon Armies. Supportive, Collaborative Play: Whether you’re new to D&D or a seasoned veteran, you’ll find a supportive, respectful table where creativity and collaboration are encouraged. I prioritize player agency, character growth, and a shared sense of epic adventure. Fair but Challenging Adjudication: I strive for a balanced approach to rules, blending RAW (Rules as Written) with the Rule of Cool where it fits the story. I prioritize narrative logic and player enjoyment, ensuring every moment feels impactful.
Gameplay details
Safety and Player Comfort Session Zero: We will establish Lines and Veils during Session Zero, ensuring every player has a chance to express their boundaries and preferences. This will include a discussion of any potentially sensitive topics that may arise in the campaign, including the darker themes present in Shadow of the Dragon Queen. Lines and Veils Document: I will provide a digital Lines and Veils document for players to fill out anonymously before session zero, allowing everyone to set clear boundaries without pressure. Open Door Policy: Players are always welcome to reach out privately if they feel uncomfortable or have concerns about the direction of the campaign. I’m committed to maintaining a safe, respectful environment for all players. Respectful Table Culture: Disruptive behavior, unwanted PvP, or disrespectful language won’t be tolerated. I strive to maintain a collaborative, supportive environment where every player feels valued. (Disclosure Note – Immersive, Verisimilitude-Focused Play: I aim to create a world that feels real and immersive, where actions have meaningful consequences and characters face genuine challenges. This approach emphasizes verisimilitude—a sense that the world reacts logically to player choices and unfolds in a consistent, believable way. While I strive to respect player comfort, I also aim to deliver a rich, immersive experience where the stakes feel real and the narrative is deeply engaging. This can sometimes touch on themes that may evoke real-world emotions or traumas, so please be proactive about communicating any discomfort as we shape this world together.)
Content warnings
Safety tools used
• Lines and Veils
• Open Door
• Session 0
How will character creation work
Character Creation Process When: Characters will be created during Session Zero, allowing the party to form cohesive and/or compatible backstories and connections before the campaign begins, this ensures party harmony as well as setting/tone consistency. Ability Scores: Roll 4d6, drop the lowest for each stat, rerolling 1s. Players may apply a +2/-2 adjustment (usable once) to fine-tune their characters, subtracting two points from one stat (without dropping it below 10) and adding two points to another (without raising it above 20). Race, Class, and Subclass: All Official 5e (2014) options are generally acceptable, but 2024 versions are unlikely to be approved. Third-party options are permitted with DM pre-approval. All race/species, class/subclass, and character concepts are subject to final DM approval. Character Concepts: It’s recommended to bring multiple character ideas to Session Zero to ensure compatibility with the party and campaign tone. You’re welcome to present concepts to the DM before Session Zero for early feedback, but final approval will be given at the table. Starting Equipment: Determined by Class and Background. Tone and Setting: Characters should fit the tone of a Dragonlance campaign, emphasizing humble origins (We are starting at level 1), with room for personal growth in a war-torn world. Expect to play characters with deep connections to the setting, from Solamnic Knights to exiled mages and haunted wanderers.
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
Medium
Roleplay
Medium
Puzzles
Low
Experience level
Open to all
Platforms used
• Roll20