Dungeons & Dragons Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen Adventure Book: 1

As a long time player/DM of D&D, but only a relatively recent convert to 5e, and a big Dragonlance fan, I was concerned that this wouldn't do the setting justice as it is ported over to the ruleset. After I uhhmmed and aahhed for a while, I took the plunge and I'm glad my fears were unfounded.It's a great introduction to the world of Krynn, and as an adventure it will take your players from 1st to 10th level. Set in the time of The War of the Lance, the players approach the main events of the story arc from a different angle to those presented in the novels.The book can also be used in conjunction with the Warriors Of Krynn tabletop battle game, which gives the feeling of being involved in large scale engagements that are more than just the run of the mill dungeon delving.If, however, you don't have the Warriors of Krynn game, provision is made in such a way that the players feel they are still being swept up in a continent spanning war.No familiarity with the world of Dragonlance is required as all the information you need is provided within the book - a potted history (including pronunciation of place and character names), unique races (Kender), classes (Solamnic Knights and Mages of High Sorcery) and monsters (Draconians) and significant non-player characters are all wrapped around a story that will keep your players interested and engaged for many sessions. Also, in the back of the book are a couple of beautifully illustrated, large, full colour maps which can be used as player aids during sessions as well.My first read through was intriguing and fun, and as I went through, I saw potential twists and turns that could be employed to make the adventure even grander and more exciting than it already is.Whilst the campaign is fairly linear (although the middle section does allow for exploration in any order), there are side hooks for the dungeon master to expand upon should they want to bulk out the campaign further.My only gripe is that I would have liked this to EITHER be an adventure OR a sourcebook, and this sits somewhere in between.It is primarily an adventure with some additional background information, so if you want details on the geography, society, politics and such of Ansalon (the continent on which most Dragonlance adventures and almost all of the novels are set), for your own adventures, you will need to look elsewhere. It's good as a primer but if you really want to go down the Dragonlance rabbit hole, you'll need to look to the Internet or some of the older sourcebooks from earlier rules editions to fill out the world information.It's a small complaint though and I am very pleased with the book overall and can't wait to run it for my players.

This is an interesting campaign, in which you can learn a lot from Dragonlance, and I would say that, after reading a few classic novels from the saga, that this book can introduce you to play directly without knowing about Dragonlance.Now I'm looking for players to see how it goes.There is also an optional boardgame, but I don't think is required to play this campaign.

Would recommend

It's a good campaign, for newcomers to the war of the lance as well as to old hands visiting again - seriously, no complaints at all, and it was great to see some iconic villains making appearances (ie Lord Soth, Krynns very own Vader).Don't waste your money on the deluxe version with the boardgame, it's... underwhelming in the extreme, who's bright idea it was I don't know. And because of that products failure it seems theres no interest in developing or exploring krynn further for 5e. FFS! Krynn deserved a 'Guide to Krynn' and a campaign just as much as ravenloft did - in fact I'd argue Krynn, Ravenloft, and Athas all deserve 3 volume slipcase sets like Spelljammer and Planescape, they'd sell like hot cakes.Back to my 1e/2e/3e Dragonlance books i guess!

This is great background for the Dragonlance setting. It is full of ideas and builds on the original book theme.

Perfect for new dms, perfect for players, excellent story and combat.

Super happy with this

Bought as a gift, excellent.