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Prologue

"A grand quest," he muttered half under his breath. "Schallsea. My destiny. Maybe I'm crazy to be doing this, going after a ghost. Maybe I imagined the whole thing."

"He's talking to himself again, Blister."

"Hush...."

- Dhamon Grimwulf sets out; two curious kender follow,
The Dawning of a New Age

Heroes of the Fifth Age can be found nearly anywhere, from the chambers of state to the chambers of a roadside inn. They are united by one tie: the desire to win freedom from the Great Dragons for themselves, their friends, and their people. But before players select or create their heroes. Narrators should brief them on events that occurred earlier in the Dragons of a New Age cycle.

The Story So Far

The first part of the series, The Rising Storm, saw the heroes take up a quest at the behest of Goldmoon, mistress of the Citadel of Light. While investigating the disappearance of some villagers, they discovered that Khellendros, the Blue Dragon, was magically transforming the kidnapped folk into "spawn," a twisted draconian-human hybrid.

In the second part, Storm Over Krynn, the heroes freed scores of prisoners - including the elf Gilthanas, a Hero of the Lance - from the dragon's foul Bastion of Darkness and visited a spawning camp. After a narrow escape from the Blue Dragon himself, an old scholar they rescued told them that the dragon was attempting to gather artifacts to use in an incredible spell. These items included an elven scepter called the Fist of E'li, Dalamar's golden ring of healing, Goldmoon's medallion of faith, the Dimernesti Crown of Tides, and Huma's own true dragonlance.

A Killing Frost, the third adventure, took the heroes to Foghaven Vale in frozen Southern Ergoth, desperate to recover the lance from Huma's Tomb before the Blue Dragon's Dark Knight agents did. Gilthanas accompanied them, believing the Vale held for him a clue to the whereabouts of Silvara, his lost silver dragon love. After many travails, the heroes managed to best the Dark Knights and retrieve the lance. In the process, they witnessed the wrath of Gellidus the White, spied a strange shadow dragon that appeared to be following them, and learned a startling fact: Malystryx planned to return the Dark Queen to Krynn! Armed with this news, they returned to nearby Castle Eastwatch. There, Gilthanas was at last reunited with his beloved Silvara, who has disguised herself as a Solamnic Knight named Lady Arlena Plata.

Heroes Old and New

Some of the heroes described in the next pages have been featured in the FIFTH AGE novels, others in previous dramatic supplements, and one is brand-new. Players may use these Heroes of the Heart if they wish, altering their personalities or backgrounds as they see fit. They could also come up with their own heroes, bringing them in from previous FIFTH AGE game sessions, or perhaps try a bit of both to create their adventuring party.

Whatever the case, these chosen heroes are about to make history!

Rig Mer-Krel

Description    Human male (barbarian), mariner role
Demeanor Roguish (8 )
Nature Clever 5 )
Reputation Champion (Quests 8, Hand 5)
Social Status Guildsman (Wealth 5)
 
Agility    8C
Dexterity    6A
Endurance    9C
Strength    7C
Reason    5D
Perception    5A
Spirit    4C
Presence    4B
 
Melee weapon Sabre of renown (+9)
Missile weapon Fang (+2)
Armor Padded silk (-1)
Shield None

"Rig is just a nickname, suits me. I picked it up as a kid doing odd jobs on the docks in Sea Reach. I've been a sailor ever since I celebrated my twelfth birthday by stowing away on a ship. The home I left was not a happy one, but I joined a much larger family - the brotherhood of sailors. That was over ten years ago. Since then, I've been the helmsman on the Wind Chaser, which sails the New Sea.

"I've done everything from steering a ferry to sailing the open sea as a pirate. A few months ago, I found myself drawn into a fight against Khellendros the Blue, and I haven't felt a deck beneath my feet for some time.

"I'm at my best when I have salt water in sight. I know that, if I'd been in my element, I could have saved Shaon, a bright-eyed lass who'd sailed with me for years. Instead, she died at the claws of one of Side's blue dragon minions, cut down in her prime. I'll go back to the sea someday, but not until I've avenged Shaon. The Storm Over Krynn will pay dearly for her death."

Game Information

As a mariner, Rig (8 ) enjoys a trump bonus for any action he attempts involving combat at sea or an act of seamanship. When engaged in land combat, however, he suffers a -3 action penalty. (The mariner role appears in Heroes of Steel.)

Rig is always ready for a fight. Besides his two primary weapons, he conceals several others: a weighted sash that looks like a bit of normal clothing, two daggers in his boots, and two more hidden under his shirt. He wears a fancy hat with a garrote concealed in the headband and conceals razor-sharp blades in the soles of his boots. He even wears a dagger-shaped earring that doubles as a lockpick.

In a recent trip to Palanthas, the sorcerer Palin Majere retrieved the last piece to the footman's dragonlance once wielded by Sturm Brightblade and gave it to the heroes. Unless Dhamon Grimwulf remains with them, Rig now carries this lance.

The mariner has developed such a strong hatred for blue dragons that he has become immune to the effects of dragonawe. (This immunity applies only if Shaon appeared as either a hero or a character in the Narrator's campaign and was slain by the blue dragon, Gale, as in the novel, The Dawning of a New Age.)

Rig enjoys acute eyesight and taste - no one will ever get a poisoned meal past him.

Appearance

Tall and muscular Rig has brown skin and short, dark hair that mark him as an Ergothian. He favors bright, flashy clothes.

Ferilleeagh Dawnsprinter

Description    Female Kagonesti elf
Demeanor Curious (2 )
Nature Wild (7 )
Reputation Adventurer (Quests 9, Hand 5)
Social Status Commoner (Wealth 3)
 
Agility    6D
Dexterity    6B
Endurance    4D
Strength    7B
Reason    7A (49)
Perception    5A
Spirit    6A (36)
Presence    6C
 
Melee weapon Broad sword (+6)
Missile weapon Long bow (+6)
Armor Leather (-2)
Shield Kite (-2)

"I'm usually not one to take sides in an argument. Even among my own people, the wild and independent Kagonesti, I've always been a loner. I enjoy solitude, and I admire - even envy - wild creatures. They live free of the constraints of society. Animals have pure motives: They are never treacherous and kill only for food, taking just what they need. And, for all their purity, animals also know how to enjoy simple pleasures. Overall, I would prefer a solitary life in the wilderness with them to just about anything else.

"Now, however, I've gotten myself involved with one of the greatest struggles ever to face Krynn: the battle between mortals and the Great Dragons. I know how to pick enemies, don't I?

"I love the wilderness and would sacrifice anything to save it - even my life, fighting those affronts to nature, the Great Dragons. The White Dragon, Gellidus, has transformed my home isle of Southern Ergoth into a vast glacier: All it took was the touch of Frost to turn a land of temperate plains and forests into a polar desert. I have nothing against polar deserts, but I want them to stay where they belong: at the poles!

"Other colored dragons have wreaked similar havoc in the territories they have claimed. Where are the metallic dragons? Why aren't they playing their role in maintaining the balance on Krynn? Everyone in Ansalon wants these questions answered. I have made it my job to seek those answers - and a way to thwart the chromatic dragons' schemes.

"I try not to let my grim task keep me from enjoying the wonders I see around me, however. There is beauty almost everywhere you look, from the simple grace of a butterfly to the crisp geometry of a dwarven building. Whenever I find myself somewhere I haven't been before, I can't help stopping to drink in all the sights, sounds, and smells."

Game Information

As an elf, Feril (7 ) is skilled with a sword and perceptive in woodland settings. Any card she plays to resolve an attack with a sword or to resolve a Perception action in a forest environment becomes automatic trump. However, like others of her race, Feril can seem haughty to non-elves. Therefore, she never enjoys a trump bonus to resolve a Presence action involving a non-elf. (Cards played to resist magic are an exception.)

This Kagonesti shaman can employ three schools of sorcery: pyromancy, geomancy, and aeromancy. She also can cast spells from three mystic spheres: animism, alteration, and healing. Her two acute senses are sight and hearing.

Appearance

Feril is beautiful, tanned, and wildly exotic. Her brown hair falls in waves to her shoulders, like a lion's mane. Even though she has not recently been among her people, the Kagonesti, she proudly wears the strange and colorful tattoos of this race of wild elves. Feril bears a tattoo of an orange and yellow oak leaf on one cheek and another of a red lightning bolt across her forehead.

Dhamon Grimwulf

Description    Male human (civilized), rogue knight role
Demeanor Independent (5 )
Nature Brave (1 )
Reputation Champion (Quests 9, Hand 5)
Social Status Commoner (Wealth 3)
 
Agility    8A
Dexterity    6C
Endurance    7A
Strength    8A
Reason    7D
Perception    6B
Spirit    5C
Presence    7A
 
Melee weapon Long sword of renown (+11)
Missile weapon Crossbow (+5)
Armor Chain mail of distinction (-5)
Shield Target (-3)

"When I was twelve, I caused quite a stir in my hometown by joining'the Dark Knights. I came from a noble but poor family that had never been popular; it pleased me to see the shock in the faces of my neighbors when I rode out of town carrying the Knights' banner.

"After several years of training, I became a full member of the Order. My pride swelled when I became a dragon rider, paired with the blue dragon, Gale.

"During an attack on Sanction about five years ago, I became separated from Gale, but fought on. I looked for a worthy foe, and my eye settled on a Solamnic Knight. Knowing that a victory over another Knight would win me even more glory, I pressed the attack, pausing only to salute the older man. The Knight gravely returned my salute, and we exchanged blows. The old fellow was good with a sword, but I was stronger. I pounded the Knight to his knees and demanded his surrender. That was a mistake: I had left him an opening, and his counterattack nearly killed me. As I felt my life draining away, I prayed that Her Dark Majesty would give me the strength to land one final blow to slay this accursed Knight. Only blackness answered.

"I was taken prisoner and brought to Solamnia, where my opponent tended me himself. Surprisingly enough, I came to admire the man. While I recovered from my battle injuries, I listened eagerly to his stories about Huma, Sturm Brightblade, and other famous Solamnics. His tales and his kind manner toward me made me realize slowly that, although the Dark Knights had taught me honor, they had never taught me compassion. In nightmares I began to see the faces of every man I had ever killed. It made me shudder to realize that, while I was battling for glory, they had been fighting to defend their homes.

"When I was well, I resolved to leave the Knights of Takhisis. I realized they had taken advantage of a bitter youth, twisting my anger to their own ends. I had barely made my decision when my fellow Dark Knights came to my'rescue.' I shouldn't have been surprised that they tracked me down, but I didn't want to be rescued. In fact, I joined my captor-turned-mentor in defending his home.

"Only I survived that battle. When I buried the dead, I buried my old armor and weapons, too - and my old life. My one option, as I saw it, was to become a sellsword. True, the mercenary life isn't honorable. But it is a better one than I deserve."

Game Information

As a rogue knight (a role introduced in Heroes of Steel), Dhamon (5 ) receives a trump bonus when fighting Knights of Takhisis or trying to impersonate a Dark Knight. When fighting from a mount, he also can play any card as trump. However, he never receives a trump bonus to resist mysticism, thanks to the grueling "training" his old Order put him through as a youth. If the Knights ofTakhisis ever capture Dhamon, they will kill him.

This rogue knight has acute eyesight. He carries the dragonlance mentioned in Rig's description if he's with the party

Appearance

Lean, muscular Dhamon turns the heads of many young ladies. This young man ties his long, wheat-blond hair back in a pony tail and wears old, plain clothes.

Blister Nimblefingers

Description    Female kender (afflicted)
Demeanor Cautious (4 )
Nature Resourceful (2 )
Reputation Adventurer (Quests 6, Hand 4)
Social Status Tradesman (Wealth 4)
 
Agility    8D
Dexterity    7B
Endurance    5D
Strength    4C
Reason    5C
Perception    6A
Spirit    4C
Presence    6B
 
Melee weapon Bear claws (+1)
Missile weapon Bolas (+2)
Armor Leather (-2)
Shield None

"About thirty years ago, I struck out from my home in Kendermore on an important mission for the Hero of the Lance Riverwind - I was the one who warned the Knights of Solamnia of the coming of Malystryx, the Red Dragon!

"Of course, I've never been back to Kendermore - there's not much worth seeing there these days, except Malys. I've never seen a red dragon, let alone one big enough to destroy my whole country.

"I've spent most of my life in Hylo with other kender who managed to escape Malystryx. But now that I'm approaching middle age, I've decided to venture out into the world again. I'd forgotten just how much there is to see!

"Anyway, I'm not like what most people expect when they meet a kender. Oh sure, I'd like to see what's inside every wrapped parcel, behind every locked door, or inside each padlocked chest. But I've got discipline. I almost never go poking my nose into someplace unless there's a really good reason to do so.

"When my curiosity overrides my common sense - umm, I mean when I have to confront the unknown - I'm careful. I'll prod a suspected trap from a safe distance with a spear, or maybe I'll just throw a rock at it. I can snag pouches and other small objects with a fishing line. I have a spyglass I use to peer into campsites. I like to be careful, just like Uncle Tas did: He always knew exactly what he was doing.

"I wear gloves when I go out in public because of my scarred-up, mishapen hands; when I wasa girl I was foolish and let a trap spray acid all over my hands (That's how I got my nickname, Blister. Before that, everyone called me Verae.) Now, my hands don't work quite right. It used really hurt to do fine work, like picking locks and stuff. But, when I talked to Goldmoon not long ago, she got me to see the pain was all in my head. My hands still don't work quite right, but at least they don't hurt any more. Goldmoon's the greatest!"

Game Information

As an afflicted kender, any card Blister (4 ) plays is trump if it involves stealth or graceful, careful movement. The kender carries an assortment offloves and tools to help her with simple tasks. She has a studded pair that serve as weapons, a pair covered with beeswax to help her pick things up, and a pair fitted with picks to help with fine work.

She also carries a magical net-well, she thinks it's magic. If Blister closes to personal range, she can automatically trap a creature smaller than a cat inside the net. To capture larger creatures, she must attempt an average Agility (Agility) action. The net can hold a creature as large as a horse.

Blister has acute senses of hearing and eyesight.

Appearance

Blister has graying blond hair and a ruddy complexion. Her hands and fingers resemble a bird's feet: thin, twisted, and scaly from her injury.

Jasper Fireforge

Description    Male Neidar dwarf
Demeanor Decisive (3 )
Nature Honest (2 )
Reputation Champion (Quests 9, Hand 5)
Social Status Gentry (Wealth 6)
 
Agility    6B
Dexterity    5C
Endurance    7B
Strength    7A
Reason    6D
Perception    5B
Spirit    8A (64)
Presence    7B
 
Melee weapon Battle axe of fame (+12)
Missile weapon Crossbow (+5)
Armor Scale armor of renown (-8)
Shield Horse shield of distinction (-6)

"I'm Flint Fireforge's nephew. That's right: Flint Fireforge, Hero of the Lance, was my uncle. It seems that fate has cast the Fireforges as saviors of Krynn, or at least of Ansalon. Now it's my time to be a hero, and I'll do my best to fill the role Fate has cast for me.

"I've inherited my uncle's tolerance for other races, particularly elves and kender. Don't laugh - Uncle Flint's best friends were Tanis Half-Elven and Tasslehoff Burrfoot. I know elves are a bit full of themselves, so I just let them walk around with their noses in the air. Why should I let myself be offended by their behavior? I also don't understand why other people get so upset when kender are around - can't they appreciate a kender's quick wit? I'll admit that I seem to 'lose' things more often when there's a kender nearby, but that's never a problem, because the kender always find my things for me. It would be rude to call a kender a thief or demand my property back: Harsh words are for enemies, not friends.

"That's a truth I learned from Goldmoon, First Master of Mysticism. I'm a student of hers at the Citadel of Light on Schallsea. Not only is she my spiritual instructor, she's a personal friend of mine. She even saved my life once, back during the Dragon Purge, before anyone even knew what mysticism was. I just might be the first person in Ansalon ever to benefit from mystic healing.

"The world is lucky to have Goldmoon around - she's brought the gift of healing back to a world that has lost it twice now. The power of her spirit has made her an ageless beauty, at least to my eyes (I understand that less enlightened folk see her differently). Goldmoon is a wonderful teacher, and I never tire of working under her guidance. I could happily spend all my days studying with her, but, she has reminded me that I have more important work to do and ought not spend all my time at the Citadel."

Game Information

As a dwarf, Jasper (2 ) enjoys resistance to poisons and sorcery in the form of a trump bonus to any actions to counter a poison or block a sorcerous attack.

Jasper can employ three spheres of mysticism: healing, mentalism, and sensitivity. In addition, he has an acute sense of smell.

Appearance

Though well into his middle age, Jasper has a jovial nature that makes him seem much younger. He keeps his reddish-brown hair and beard neatly trimmed, as befits a dwarf of his station.

Ladine Dralathalas

Description    Female Silvanesti elf, displaced noble role
Demeanor Bigoted (7 )
Nature Reserved (1 )
Reputation Adventurer (Quests 5, Hand 4)
Social Status Aristocracy* (Wealth 7)
 
Agility    7C
Dexterity    9A
Endurance    8C
Strength    6B
Reason    8B (64)
Perception    7B
Spirit    5C
Presence    7C
 
Melee weapon Long sowrd (+7)
Missile weapon Arbalest (+9)
Armor Leather (-2)
Shield None

* The social status and wealth score in italics are Ladine's standing in Silvanesti.

"I come from the long line of diplomats in House Advocate. Immediately after the War of the Lance I served my queen, Speaker of the Stars Alhana Starbreeze, in negotiations with the Qualinesti and Kagonesti to ensure fair treatment of Silvanesti refugees in Southern Ergoth. Later I worked in vain to clear up the misunderstanding that led to my liege becoming a dark elf - an exile from our people.

"It was a long and distinguished service to the Tower of Stars, and it came to an end twenty years ago when I discovered that I could not return to my beloved Silvanesti, recently restored from the spiraling Nightmare it had been during the War of the Lance through the efforts of Porthios of Qualinesti.

"Somehow, someone has encased my homeland in a magical shield that nothing can penetrate. Even my teleportation powers prove useless against the Silvanesti Shield.

"I have spent the past twenty years trying to unlock this mystery. Some of my brothers and sisters have sought aid from humans in bringing down the shield, which I refuse to do. My years among humans and the Kagonesti savages have granted me an appreciation for these races, but I refuse to show weakness before them. I will stand by them in their struggles against the dragon overlords and even aid them on their personal quests. But my isolation from my beloved land is my plight alone."

Game Information

Ladine has an elf's skill with a sword, which offers her an automatic trump bonus for attacks with that weapon. Likewise, her excellent elven perception in the forest gives her a similar bonus to woodland Perception actions. She remains aloof toward other races, which means she never receives a trump bonus in Presence actions involving non-elves. (Cards played to resist magic are an exception.) Her role as a displaced noble, introduced in Heroes of Defiance, allows Ladine a trump bonus to imitate her former rank. She has contact with various Silvanesti elves also trapped outside their homeland, who can lend her aid. However, other such exiles know of her loyalty to Alhana Starbreeze and seek her death (once per quest).

Ladine can employ spells from the sorcerous school of summoning and has acute eyesight.

Appearance

Ladine carries herself with an icy formality, accentuated by her pale gray eyes set within a white, expressionless face. She wears her long, silvery tresses in a series of complex braids, a typical fashion among Silvanesti nobles.

Avonathalonus

Description    Male Silvanesti half-elf
Demeanor Sensible (3 )
Nature Resolute (2 )
Reputation Champion (Quests 9, Hand 5)
Social Status Tradesman (Wealth 4)
 
Agility    6C
Dexterity    6C
Endurance    8C
Strength    9A
Reason    9A (81)
Perception    7C
Spirit    5C
Presence    6B
 
Melee weapon Two-handed sword of distinction (+10)
Missile weapon Crossbow (+5)
Armor Chain mail (-3)
Shield None

"The last time I saw Silvanesti, my homeland, was just over twenty years ago, right before the magical shield went up around its emerald forest. Funny, but I haven't missed it. 'Half-breeds' do not fare well among those elves.

"I fought both with and against the forces of Takhisis during the War of the Lance. I started out as part of a mercenary company working for the Blue Dragonarmy - as a Red-Robed Wizard, I was the only magical firepower they had. My company stayed with the Blue Army for nearly a year, but when our captain discovered we were about to be betrayed by the Blue Highlord, we broke our contract and left the army's service.

"When they came after us, it was with everything they had. The few of us who survived that fight kept a low profile over the next several years, stirred up as much trouble for the dragonarmies as possible, and just stayed alive. When our captain died in a raid against the Green Dragonarmy near the end of the war, we went our separate ways. I wandered the length of Ansalon, practicing magic and paying for my education with my military skills. I was doing pretty well until the Chaos War.

"I never realized how much magic meant to me until it was gone. But when the gods of magic left, they took a part of me with them. Suddenly, I was just another guy with a sword.

"Somehow, though, I knew the magic couldn't really be gone. I still sensed its power all around me - I just couldn't figure out the formula to make it work again. So I did the only thing I could: hired myself out for more sellsword work. I used my earnings to study wild magic from the Age of Dreams - the primordial magic that worked without the trappings of High Sorcery. I traveled a lot, too, tracking down rumors of'new magic.' I discovered a lot of hoaxes and charlatans in those days and, when I heard about Palin Majere's Academy, I figured I had just found one more.

"Of course, I was wrong, and I'm happy to admit it. Just like I'm happy to spend the rest of my life as more than just another guy with a sword."

Game Information

As a half-elf, Avon gains some of the abilities of his Silvanesti forbears. He is trained to use numerous melee weapons but has excelled at the sword. He gains a trump bonus any time he uses a sword in combat. Because of his half-elf heritage, however, he never gains a trump bonus during interactions with elves, especially the Silvanesti (except to resist the effects of mysticism).

Avon, a talented wielder of magic, has studied at the Academy of Sorcery and acquired an expertise in pyromancy, electromancy, and spectramancy.

Appearance

At five and a half feet, Avon is tall for a half-elf, and his powerful, muscular build makes him look even taller. Few who meet him see anything other than a blond, hazel-eyed mercenary warrior.

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