The King of Solamnia - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

The King of Solamnia

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
ferratus
Sep 05, 2003 0:11:01 Well, we all remember the Gen Con press conference on new directions the dragonlance setting is going take. Everyone is of course abuzz wondering about the WoHS, but I am more concerned about the Solamnic Knighthood. I can forsee the end of the conflict between the Sorcerers and the Wizards. The sorcerers are not going anywhere because the 5th Age fans would scream. Therefore, it can only end in compromise. The upcoming coronation of the King of Solamnia is something with much greater possibilities.

Personally, I think the idea of a King of Solamnia is a great idea. As a result I forsee these campaign seeds:

The King is evil - The traditional seizure of power by a strong dictator, making for a traditional political struggle and rebellion against tyranny and the defense of republicanism.

The King is good - This is a much more interesting option than the previous one. If the king is evil, he will ruthlessly crush all opponents until a certain band of heroes (with romantic interests and comic releif) crush him. But a good king however... that is interesting. See, a good king will be put into a power by a certain faction. Perhaps the Knights of Solamnia with their control by Kiri-Jolithan clerics in the modern day are talking about the "divine right of kings". Perhaps the Sunrise Party are the ones that want a strong ruler rather than the petty bickering politics and outdated traditions of the Knights of Solamnia. Perhaps the "Stars by Day" faction are seeking a messiah, a counterpart to Mina.

Either way, there is going to be more than rebellion, but civil war. Civil War in which the PC's could take either side. Heck, you could even have a civil war within a civil war. Perhaps, for example, the Knights of Solamnia do put a king on the throne, and the Knights of Solamnia splinter into traditionalist and royalist camps.

Well, you've seen why I like it. What do you think about the whole thing? Are you excited about the gathering storm as I am?
#2
iltharanos
Sep 05, 2003 0:14:35 Eh? Where'd you hear/see anything about an upcoming King of Solamnia?
#3
ferratus
Sep 05, 2003 0:21:19 See the first sentence of my post. Then go to http://virtual.gencon.com/ and look around until you find the Sovereign Press/Dragonlance press conference. It is in there somewhere.
#4
iltharanos
Sep 05, 2003 2:45:09
Originally posted by ferratus
See the first sentence of my post. Then go to http://virtual.gencon.com/ and look around until you find the Sovereign Press/Dragonlance press conference. It is in there somewhere.

Ahh. Thanks. :D
#5
ferratus
Sep 11, 2003 16:27:11 Nobody has anything to say about this? C'mon people, this is just the type of shake-up and strife that Krynn needs for adventures, yet doesn't involve a cataclysmic result at the end of it.

Surely, somebody, somewhere, has something to say about the new dragonlance plotlines.
#6
brimstone
Sep 11, 2003 16:30:04 I didn't read about them, nor have I heard about them.

I think I'd like to be surprised for a while. I've been so involved with Dragonlance lately that I'm not surprised anymore about stuff...so I'm going to try and stay away from all spoiliers, future plotline or otherwise.
#7
ferratus
Sep 11, 2003 17:02:51 Well, if everyone has that attitude, I guess that's why nobody is really talking about the DLCS except to discuss rules. I guess I'll just sit and wait until the next novel comes out... I mean, far be it from us to think we should be excited about where dragonlance is going until we read about it from "on high".

We should have a book that is post War of Souls in what... January? March?
#8
brimstone
Sep 11, 2003 17:15:26
Originally posted by ferratus
I mean, far be it from us to think we should be excited about where dragonlance is going until we read about it from "on high".

Was that you getting snippy?

There's no need for that...I just said I'd like to be spoiler free for a while (I've spent the last year and a half without a single surprise in DL). I'd like to have one again. I don't think that's too much want.
#9
zombiegleemax
Sep 11, 2003 17:22:28 Feratus, I think that all everyone is discussing is rules at the moment because we're all exited that DL is back and probably just want to get back to playing our favourite game setting.

I think rather than speculate where the DL setting is heading from here, most people are excited to just play their own tales for the moment, we've had a lot of changes in the setting as late and people are still trying to sort through them in their games rather than look towards the next changes...

Arandur
#10
ferratus
Sep 11, 2003 18:01:02 What changes? There isn't anything that most didn't know a year ago.
#11
zombiegleemax
Sep 11, 2003 18:24:11 The release of the DLCS and the War of Souls novels has attracted both NEW players and those whe drifted away with the developments of the Dragon Overlords and the SAGA system. While I have no problem with either, many of the players and GMs I know really disliked that direction, so for those folks it is all very much changed (since the WotL)...

Arandur
#12
zombiegleemax
Sep 11, 2003 20:05:51 I read about the whole King of Solamnia thingy and I couldn´t agree more! It´s a goldmine of adventure possibilities!! I´ve already made my king NPC for my post WoS campaign and he´s about ready to be coronated :D
#13
zombiegleemax
Sep 11, 2003 20:09:47 Perhaps that is what this Key of Destiny uber-campaign is about. What bigger destiny than to become a King (Okay there's the godhood thing but for my mind that is out of the question).

Arandur
#14
zombiegleemax
Sep 13, 2003 23:56:30
Originally posted by Arandur
Perhaps that is what this Key of Destiny uber-campaign is about. What bigger destiny than to become a King (Okay there's the godhood thing but for my mind that is out of the question).

Arandur

I think the Key of Destiny adventure will have something to do with that Key of Quinari the characters get from the end of that adventure in the DLCS...
#15
banshee
Sep 14, 2003 20:51:05
Originally posted by Arandur
The release of the DLCS and the War of Souls novels has attracted both NEW players and those whe drifted away with the developments of the Dragon Overlords and the SAGA system. While I have no problem with either, many of the players and GMs I know really disliked that direction, so for those folks it is all very much changed (since the WotL)...

Arandur

Exactly. Dragonlance is where I started gaming, but I dropped it like a hot potato after Dragons of Summer Flame. I've read the 3 Heroes of a New Age books by Rabe, and was thoroughly unimpressed. After that, I gave up on the setting.

All this new life, however, has me taking another look..

For me, there's tonnes of stuff that's changed.

Banshee
#16
zombiegleemax
Sep 15, 2003 2:17:57 My introduction to the entire fantasy genre was based on the Dragonlance Chronicles, but I slowly drifted over time.

I have always been fasinated by storylines and backgrounds rather then by rules and PrC requirements, and it is great to finally see a post talking about something such as this. As for the King of Solamnia...

I liked Ferratus' idea about a civil war (there are several campaigns that can be made covering that!) but I don't like the idea about a king. In my eyes, the king of Solamnia will become just like the Kingpriest of Istar. He will become all decadent and corrupt and will eventually bring most of Northern Ansalon with him. My second point is that I hate the word king!!!! Yeah I know it is wierd and crazy, but I would prefer Lord or something like that. The word king just reminds me of some large and ugly man sitting on a throne talking about last nights dinner.
#17
rooks
Sep 15, 2003 14:01:47
Originally posted by ferratus
Well, if everyone has that attitude, I guess that's why nobody is really talking about the DLCS except to discuss rules. I guess I'll just sit and wait until the next novel comes out... I mean, far be it from us to think we should be excited about where dragonlance is going until we read about it from "on high".

We should have a book that is post War of Souls in what... January? March?

Oh for shame! Typical post, dude. Snide, rude, inconsiderate, uppity, and pointless. How do you do it? Seriously, send a letter to the White House Speech staff. I think they're hiring.

But to stay on topic (Zing!), I'll say I don't really care who or what the King is. What I care to find out is how it will affect the common populace of Solamnia. In other words, how will the common freedoms of the Solamnic populace be altered by this change in government? They've never exactly been the icon of feudalism (though they've have strong leanings), so will this usher in more of a feudalistic age for Solamnia, or a more passive, socialistic atmosphere?

Hmm....

Peace all!
#18
zombiegleemax
Sep 30, 2003 13:15:39 Is this King of Solamnia thing supposed to be in an upcoming book, or is it going to be an adventure/campaign for DL? Is it actually supposed to be a K(ing)oS, or so they go back under the aegis of the Ergothians?
#19
zombiegleemax
Oct 01, 2003 17:55:28 Was the Kingpriest the last real 'king' of Solamnia? Is that why there hasn't been a high king since then, because they are still living in the shadow of the great evil he caused?
#20
frojas
Oct 01, 2003 18:19:04
Was the Kingpriest the last real 'king' of Solamnia?

As far as I know Solamnia was not part of the Empire of Istar. It was a strong ally of Istar but Independent.

FR
#21
zombiegleemax
Oct 01, 2003 19:44:49 I foresee two possibilities for a king of good alignment (which I feel is more likely):

Scenario A: The King becomes and absolute monarch, draining practically all political power from the currently reigning KoS (I believe they're in power). This causes a civil war between the republicans and the monarchists. Outcome? Unforseeable. Perhaps a stalemate for many years until one side eventually backs down.

Scenario B: The new King is crowned, and instead of war, a Magna Carta-like agreement is made between the new monarch and the KoS, limiting the king's power and giving the Knight's Council Senate-like political power. A long time of peace reigns, and the new united government stands strong against coming storms.

I like both these ideas and feel that both are pretty plausible.
#22
silvanthalas
Oct 02, 2003 8:51:54
Originally posted by Winterknight
Is this King of Solamnia thing supposed to be in an upcoming book, or is it going to be an adventure/campaign for DL? Is it actually supposed to be a K(ing)oS, or so they go back under the aegis of the Ergothians?

I'm not sure anybody knows entirely yet what this king might be, and how it will fit in.

Best guess: new concept involving a power struggle for leadership of the KoS.

Jamie said that they want to do a Solamnia sourcebook, but it sounds as thought that would be atleast 1.5-2 years from release.

But then there's a possible Solamnia book trilogy coming up to go with it as well.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 ferratus Sep 05, 2003 0:11:01	Well, we all remember the Gen Con press conference on new directions the dragonlance setting is going take. Everyone is of course abuzz wondering about the WoHS, but I am more concerned about the Solamnic Knighthood. I can forsee the end of the conflict between the Sorcerers and the Wizards. The sorcerers are not going anywhere because the 5th Age fans would scream. Therefore, it can only end in compromise. The upcoming coronation of the King of Solamnia is something with much greater possibilities. Personally, I think the idea of a King of Solamnia is a great idea. As a result I forsee these campaign seeds: The King is evil - The traditional seizure of power by a strong dictator, making for a traditional political struggle and rebellion against tyranny and the defense of republicanism. The King is good - This is a much more interesting option than the previous one. If the king is evil, he will ruthlessly crush all opponents until a certain band of heroes (with romantic interests and comic releif) crush him. But a good king however... that is interesting. See, a good king will be put into a power by a certain faction. Perhaps the Knights of Solamnia with their control by Kiri-Jolithan clerics in the modern day are talking about the "divine right of kings". Perhaps the Sunrise Party are the ones that want a strong ruler rather than the petty bickering politics and outdated traditions of the Knights of Solamnia. Perhaps the "Stars by Day" faction are seeking a messiah, a counterpart to Mina. Either way, there is going to be more than rebellion, but civil war. Civil War in which the PC's could take either side. Heck, you could even have a civil war within a civil war. Perhaps, for example, the Knights of Solamnia do put a king on the throne, and the Knights of Solamnia splinter into traditionalist and royalist camps. Well, you've seen why I like it. What do you think about the whole thing? Are you excited about the gathering storm as I am?
#2 iltharanos Sep 05, 2003 0:14:35	Eh? Where'd you hear/see anything about an upcoming King of Solamnia?
#3 ferratus Sep 05, 2003 0:21:19	See the first sentence of my post. Then go to http://virtual.gencon.com/ and look around until you find the Sovereign Press/Dragonlance press conference. It is in there somewhere.
#4 iltharanos Sep 05, 2003 2:45:09	Originally posted by ferratus See the first sentence of my post. Then go to http://virtual.gencon.com/ and look around until you find the Sovereign Press/Dragonlance press conference. It is in there somewhere. Ahh. Thanks. :D
#5 ferratus Sep 11, 2003 16:27:11	Nobody has anything to say about this? C'mon people, this is just the type of shake-up and strife that Krynn needs for adventures, yet doesn't involve a cataclysmic result at the end of it. Surely, somebody, somewhere, has something to say about the new dragonlance plotlines.
#6 brimstone Sep 11, 2003 16:30:04	I didn't read about them, nor have I heard about them. I think I'd like to be surprised for a while. I've been so involved with Dragonlance lately that I'm not surprised anymore about stuff...so I'm going to try and stay away from all spoiliers, future plotline or otherwise.
#7 ferratus Sep 11, 2003 17:02:51	Well, if everyone has that attitude, I guess that's why nobody is really talking about the DLCS except to discuss rules. I guess I'll just sit and wait until the next novel comes out... I mean, far be it from us to think we should be excited about where dragonlance is going until we read about it from "on high". We should have a book that is post War of Souls in what... January? March?
#8 brimstone Sep 11, 2003 17:15:26	Originally posted by ferratus I mean, far be it from us to think we should be excited about where dragonlance is going until we read about it from "on high". Was that you getting snippy? There's no need for that...I just said I'd like to be spoiler free for a while (I've spent the last year and a half without a single surprise in DL). I'd like to have one again. I don't think that's too much want.
#9 zombiegleemax Sep 11, 2003 17:22:28	Feratus, I think that all everyone is discussing is rules at the moment because we're all exited that DL is back and probably just want to get back to playing our favourite game setting. I think rather than speculate where the DL setting is heading from here, most people are excited to just play their own tales for the moment, we've had a lot of changes in the setting as late and people are still trying to sort through them in their games rather than look towards the next changes... Arandur
#10 ferratus Sep 11, 2003 18:01:02	What changes? There isn't anything that most didn't know a year ago.
#11 zombiegleemax Sep 11, 2003 18:24:11	The release of the DLCS and the War of Souls novels has attracted both NEW players and those whe drifted away with the developments of the Dragon Overlords and the SAGA system. While I have no problem with either, many of the players and GMs I know really disliked that direction, so for those folks it is all very much changed (since the WotL)... Arandur
#12 zombiegleemax Sep 11, 2003 20:05:51	I read about the whole King of Solamnia thingy and I couldn´t agree more! It´s a goldmine of adventure possibilities!! I´ve already made my king NPC for my post WoS campaign and he´s about ready to be coronated :D
#13 zombiegleemax Sep 11, 2003 20:09:47	Perhaps that is what this Key of Destiny uber-campaign is about. What bigger destiny than to become a King (Okay there's the godhood thing but for my mind that is out of the question). Arandur
#14 zombiegleemax Sep 13, 2003 23:56:30	Originally posted by Arandur Perhaps that is what this Key of Destiny uber-campaign is about. What bigger destiny than to become a King (Okay there's the godhood thing but for my mind that is out of the question). Arandur I think the Key of Destiny adventure will have something to do with that Key of Quinari the characters get from the end of that adventure in the DLCS...
#15 banshee Sep 14, 2003 20:51:05	Originally posted by Arandur The release of the DLCS and the War of Souls novels has attracted both NEW players and those whe drifted away with the developments of the Dragon Overlords and the SAGA system. While I have no problem with either, many of the players and GMs I know really disliked that direction, so for those folks it is all very much changed (since the WotL)... Arandur Exactly. Dragonlance is where I started gaming, but I dropped it like a hot potato after Dragons of Summer Flame. I've read the 3 Heroes of a New Age books by Rabe, and was thoroughly unimpressed. After that, I gave up on the setting. All this new life, however, has me taking another look.. For me, there's tonnes of stuff that's changed. Banshee
#16 zombiegleemax Sep 15, 2003 2:17:57	My introduction to the entire fantasy genre was based on the Dragonlance Chronicles, but I slowly drifted over time. I have always been fasinated by storylines and backgrounds rather then by rules and PrC requirements, and it is great to finally see a post talking about something such as this. As for the King of Solamnia... I liked Ferratus' idea about a civil war (there are several campaigns that can be made covering that!) but I don't like the idea about a king. In my eyes, the king of Solamnia will become just like the Kingpriest of Istar. He will become all decadent and corrupt and will eventually bring most of Northern Ansalon with him. My second point is that I hate the word king!!!! Yeah I know it is wierd and crazy, but I would prefer Lord or something like that. The word king just reminds me of some large and ugly man sitting on a throne talking about last nights dinner.
#17 rooks Sep 15, 2003 14:01:47	Originally posted by ferratus Well, if everyone has that attitude, I guess that's why nobody is really talking about the DLCS except to discuss rules. I guess I'll just sit and wait until the next novel comes out... I mean, far be it from us to think we should be excited about where dragonlance is going until we read about it from "on high". We should have a book that is post War of Souls in what... January? March? Oh for shame! Typical post, dude. Snide, rude, inconsiderate, uppity, and pointless. How do you do it? Seriously, send a letter to the White House Speech staff. I think they're hiring. But to stay on topic (Zing!), I'll say I don't really care who or what the King is. What I care to find out is how it will affect the common populace of Solamnia. In other words, how will the common freedoms of the Solamnic populace be altered by this change in government? They've never exactly been the icon of feudalism (though they've have strong leanings), so will this usher in more of a feudalistic age for Solamnia, or a more passive, socialistic atmosphere? Hmm.... Peace all!
#18 zombiegleemax Sep 30, 2003 13:15:39	Is this King of Solamnia thing supposed to be in an upcoming book, or is it going to be an adventure/campaign for DL? Is it actually supposed to be a K(ing)oS, or so they go back under the aegis of the Ergothians?
#19 zombiegleemax Oct 01, 2003 17:55:28	Was the Kingpriest the last real 'king' of Solamnia? Is that why there hasn't been a high king since then, because they are still living in the shadow of the great evil he caused?
#20 frojas Oct 01, 2003 18:19:04	Was the Kingpriest the last real 'king' of Solamnia? As far as I know Solamnia was not part of the Empire of Istar. It was a strong ally of Istar but Independent. FR
#21 zombiegleemax Oct 01, 2003 19:44:49	I foresee two possibilities for a king of good alignment (which I feel is more likely): Scenario A: The King becomes and absolute monarch, draining practically all political power from the currently reigning KoS (I believe they're in power). This causes a civil war between the republicans and the monarchists. Outcome? Unforseeable. Perhaps a stalemate for many years until one side eventually backs down. Scenario B: The new King is crowned, and instead of war, a Magna Carta-like agreement is made between the new monarch and the KoS, limiting the king's power and giving the Knight's Council Senate-like political power. A long time of peace reigns, and the new united government stands strong against coming storms. I like both these ideas and feel that both are pretty plausible.
#22 silvanthalas Oct 02, 2003 8:51:54	Originally posted by Winterknight Is this King of Solamnia thing supposed to be in an upcoming book, or is it going to be an adventure/campaign for DL? Is it actually supposed to be a K(ing)oS, or so they go back under the aegis of the Ergothians? I'm not sure anybody knows entirely yet what this king might be, and how it will fit in. Best guess: new concept involving a power struggle for leadership of the KoS. Jamie said that they want to do a Solamnia sourcebook, but it sounds as thought that would be atleast 1.5-2 years from release. But then there's a possible Solamnia book trilogy coming up to go with it as well.