It is the first region we are introduced to in Dragons of Autumn Twilight. Let’s learn more about Abanasinia. Buy The Atlas of the Dragonlance World: https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/182424/atlas-of-the-dragonlance-world-1e?affiliate_id=50797
Transcript
Cold Open
It’s the starting point for both Dragons of Autumn Twilight and DL1 Dragons of Despair.
Intro
Welcome to another DragonLance Saga episode. My name is Adam and today we are going to talk about Abanasinia in the War of the Lance Era. I would like to take a moment and thank the members of this channel, and invite you to consider becoming a member by visiting the link in the description below. You can even pick up Dragonlance gaming materials using my affiliate links. I am referencing the The Atlas of the Dragonlance World, Tales of the Lance boxed set and the War of the Lance sourcebook for this information. If I leave anything out or misspeak, please leave a comment below!
Discussion
Originally Abanasinia included all the lands from the northern plains of New Sea to the mountains of Thorbardin, but today, it is localized to the area north and northwest of the White-rage River, and known as Seeker Lands. At its heart lies the northern Kharolis Mountains. Its coastal plains lay to the north with the Schallsea Straits and west with the Straits of Algoni, while the east is barred by the Eastwall Mountains before opening into the coastal marshes of New Sea. The northern Kharolis Mountains in this region are locally known as the Sentinel Peaks. They are not tremendously high or rugged, but rather a collection of ridges rising up as its name implies, rather than one continuous mountainous mass. The citadel of the evil wizard Gader stands in these mountains.
The Cataclysm changed the land but not its people much. The nomadic tribes who once worshiped gods turned to ancestor or totem worship. Civilization was forced to adjust with the appearance of Newsea and the Straights of Schallsea where port towns sprouted up. Solace was rebuilt amid the branches of the beloved Vallenwood trees, creating one of the more unique human communities in Ansalon. While goblins and bandits plague the area and merchant caravans, they also draw mercenaries from far and wide to deal with them.
Deep within the mountains lies Darken Wood, believed to be haunted by the spirits of the dead. It shelters some of Krynn’s most beautiful and furtive beasts including dryads, centaurs, woodland spirits and even unicorns. The mysterious Forestmaster dwells in its center. Those who would dare venture here had better have stout and pure hearts. The White-Rage River features two major tributaries which encircle Darken Wood. Solace Stream flows south from Crystalmir Lake by Solace, and Elfstream & Darkwater River which enters the White-rage near Haven, then rushes east through White-rage Cut. From there the river flows on to Qualinost. The land in the mountain valleys outside Darken Wood are good for farms and pastures. In fact Abanasinia is known best for its grain-burgeoning plains.
The forbidding mountains, swamps, forests and seas insulate the region from the spread of civilization, making Abanasinia a land of villages rather than cities. The Seeker Lands encompass the unofficial capital of Abanasinia known as the Lordcity of Haven, accessed by a road that ran north and east about the mountains surrounding Darken Wood. It has just under fifteen thousand residents and was built over the ruins of an elven city. Its mayor Gerin Serrund can trace his lineage to its founders. The Seekers usurped the town’s political power and created the Council of High Seekers in its place. Solace, with just under four hundred residents, was an important crossroads between Haven and the villages north, and east, including Gateway and the lands to the south. This crossroads is home to the famous Inn of the Last Home where a few hundred thousand adventuring souls have rested their feet. Its mayor Twombly Willowsby stepped down when Hederick arrived from Haven bearing news of the Seekers, and his sole ability to ensure the safety of this hamlet. To the East of the mountains, the Plainsmen villages of the Que-tah, Que-kiri and ill fated Que-shu dot the grasslands. Their borders shift with periodic warfare and the vying of resources. Beyond the Eastwall mountains features the ruined city of Xak Tsaroth on the western marsh shores of Newsea. Destroyed in the Cataclysm, Its ruins are located amid fetid swamps infested with clinging weeds and haggard, moss-draped trees.
South of those cursed lands lie a nameless forest, at least in civilized society. The Que-shu call it ‘The Trap’ and the Seekers call it ‘The Unnamable’. While this forest is believed to be home to legions of ghosts, it is also believed to contain many rare and exotic plants crucial for magical potions, poultices and the like. New Ports has over three thousand residents and was founded by a merchant Lord after the fall of Istar. There is no central authority as the city is run by a collection of guilds. On the west coast lies the port city of Ankatavaka with a population of around twenty-two hundred. It was once part of the Empire of Ergoth, which lived in opposition to Istar. Now it is a society based around spiritualism. It is ruled by an oligarchy of priests and seemingly led by Deacon Ferro Shearmount who visits with mysterious robed clerics from Haven. Crossing has just under two-thousand residents and was established after the Cataclysm. It is opposite Port O’Call separated by Newsea, a group of merchants from Caergoth began building the city up and establishing a protective union known as Scales Society. The merchant princes have secretly made deals with the dragonarmies in order to insulate them from the war. Long Ridge is a small town of under two-thousand, located between the plains and the northern foothills of the Kharolis mountains. They have historically had good and bad dealings with the plainsmen, and its current mayor is a plainsman from the Que-teh tribe. The town is largely constructed by wood, featuring a low stone wall on its perimeter.
Abanasinian weather is fickle at best. Its summers are sweltering, lasting from late Corij to early Reorxmont, which create a near perfect condition for growing grains. Rain is sparse but when it does come, it comes in a fury. Between summer storms are long stretches of sultry weather. Winter begins in H’rarmont and lasts through Chistlmont. During these months, the moist air from the Straits of Schallsea collides with the bitter cold air from the mountains producing heavy snowfalls. The Sentinel Gap in the Seeker Lands is often closed due to the snowfall, cutting off Haven from Solace.
The population of Abanasinia is estimated to be just under two-hundred thousand. With about forty percent being civilized humans, roughly another thirty five percent being nomadic humans, and under ten percent each for Niedar dwarves, centaurs and goblins. Each city has its own governing structure, with port cities being ruled by merchant princes. The Seekerlands are ruled by the theocracy of the Seekers, with a high theocrat governing each town. The Plainsmen trade chiefly in corn, furs, horses, feathers, woven blankets, pottery, and wari hide. While the Seeker Lands specialize in smithing, ale, weapons, armor, and hospitality. The plainsmen often journey to Solace for weapons, armor and Qualinesti leather.
In this era, Abanasinia is largely conquered by the red dragonarmy, led by Highlord Verminaard. The Que-shu tribe was destroyed when the blue crystal staff was traced to its walls. The council of Highseekers sought to make peace with Verminaard, only to be subjugated after their usefulness ran its course. Men, women and children were taken to Pax Tharkas where the men became slaves to the mines. Is it any wonder in this bleakest of locales, hope would spring in the form of the Heroes of the Lance?
Outro
Well, that is all I have to say about Abanasinia in the War of the Lance Era. Have you ever played a game centered around this region? Do you have a favorite location herein? Leave a comment below.
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We will close our eyes and begin to dream our eternal dream.
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