Dragonarmies of Ansalon
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The Dragonarmies of Ansalon are the fictional armies of evil during the War of the Lance in the Dragonlance setting.
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[edit] Background
When Takhisis, goddess of evil, decided to invade Ansalon in the War of the Lance, she summoned a set of warriors to do her bidding, including Ariakas, son of a dark cleric. These warriors were to form the Dragonarmies, armies which will have help from the chromatic dragons and the draconians, twisted creatures created with the corruption of the eggs from the good metallic dragons.
[edit] Division
The Dragonarmies were divided into five branches, each distinguished by one of the colors of Takhisis' dragon form. Each branch was commanded by a Dragon Highlord.
[edit] Black Dragonarmy of Ansalon
Originally commanded by Maldeev, he was replaced by Lucien of Takar when the black dragon Khisanth killed him. Lucien of Takar was in charge of the Black Dragonarmy until the end of the war, when he was assassinated by his own forces.
During the War of the Lance, the Black Dragonarmy was tasked with the take over of Goodlund Range.
[edit] Blue Dragonarmy of Ansalon
The Blue Dragonarmy of Ansalon was originally led by warlord Merinsaard. Before the beginning of the formal war, Merinsaard conquered the ruins of Castle Brightblade. Sturm Brightblade, believing Merinsaard had killed his father, dueled him. At the last possible moment, Kitiara Uth Matar helped him, saving his life and killing Merinsaard.
Warlady Kartilann of Khur replaced Merinsaard. However, she was killed early during the battle in the Schallsea region. Kitiara Uth Matar replaced her, becoming the Highlord until the end of the war.
After early tactical movements, the Blue Dragonarmy had to invade the western Solamnian plains and the city of Palanthas, which was protected by the Vingaard mountains and the Bay of Branchala. The only available route was protected by the High Clerist's Tower, a defensive structure controlled by the Knights of Solamnia.
The attack was led by Kitiara Uth Matar. Although with an overwhelming advantage, the knights were able to stand the siege and counter attack, killing two of the dragons and routing all the draconians in the armies. Kitiara regrouped her forces and fled to Neraka. However, after Ariakas was killed, Kitiara fled with the survivors to Sanction. The Knights of Solamnia set a permanent watch to prevent a surprise attack.
[edit] Green Dragonarmy of Ansalon
The Green Dragonarmy was led by Salah-Khan, who led the army during the whole War of the Lance until his demise against the Knights of Solamnia. Hullek Skullsmasher took over until the army was dispelled.
[edit] Red Dragonarmy of Ansalon
Originally commanded by Ariakas himself, the Red Dragoarmy was the most powerful of the five Dragonarmies. However, when Takhisis selected Ariakas as Emperor, he chose Phair Caron as his successor. She led several of the Red and Blue wings in the invasion of Silvanesti. Although relatively successful, she was killed by the monsters that appeared in Silvanesti when Lorac Caladon failed to use the Dragon Orb.
Verminaard of Nidus was chosen to replace Phair Caron. A dark cleric of Takhisis, he led the invasion to Abanasinia, conquering Haven and destroying Solace and Gateway. Verminaard was killed when the Companions rescued the slaves from Pax Tharkas. After Verminaard's death, Ariakas briefly took control of the Red Dragonarmy until his death in Neraka.
[edit] White Dragonarmy of Ansalon
Commanded by the dark elf Feal-thas, the White Dragonarmy captured Icewall, in the continent of Icereach.
After Feal-thas was killed by Laurana Kanan when she and her small party captured the Dragon Orb in 351 AC, command of the White Dragonarmy went to Fewmaster Toede, a hobgoblin who used to control the town of Solace at the beginning of the invasion. Fewmaster Toede was asked to invade Kendermore, the town of kenders. However, the invasion was a disaster, and the kender, raised in arms with Kronin Thistleknot leading the defenses, utterly defeated the White Dragonarmy, and killing Lord Toede at the same time. A warrior named Barbarossa claimed the title of Commander and took with him the remnant of the army until the army was finally defeated by the Whitestone forces.
[edit] References
- Margaret Weis; Tracy Hickman (2000). Dragons of Autumn Twilight: Chronicles vol. I. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 0-7869-1574-9.
- Margaret Weis; Tracy Hickman (2000). Dragons of Winter Night: Chronicles vol. II. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 0-7869-1609-5.
- Margaret Weis; Tracy Hickman (2000). Dragons of Spring Dawning: Chronicles vol. III. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 0-7869-1589-7.
- Several; (1993). Leaves from the Inn of the Last Home. TSR. ISBN 0-88038-465-4.
- Margaret Weis; Tracy Hickman (2004). Dragons of Autumn Twilight: Chronicles vol. I. Sovereign Press. ISBN 1-9315-6714-X.
