In 1986, I was an awkward eleven-year-old bookworm, bespectacled and “husky” (as it was politely put by adults and clothing lines back then). I was nowhere near popular, having been bullied from the first day of fifth grade. My solace (oh how prophetic a word!) was only found in a few good friends and in the pages of books.
Up to that point in my young life, I had dabbled in the fantasy literature available to most kids at the time: the Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, and the excellent Chronicles of Prydain. However, one fateful day in class, I found a new realm to explore.
During the reading period allowed by our teacher, my classmates and I were perusing her small but well-stocked bookshelf at the back of the classroom. I remember when my eyes came across the word “Dragonlance,” the black and red letters skewered by what indeed appeared to be a lance. The spine of the book also had the word “Stormblade.”
I reached out quickly and pulled the book from the shelf. On the cover, I had my first glimpse of Larry Elmore’s glorious artwork. Here was a robed figure riding a flying dragon, swooping down on some hapless people. And what strange people they were: in the foreground was a man with thick black hair and a beard, reminiscent of Tolkien’s dwarves. There was a woman holding a sword who seemed ready to toss the weapon to the dwarf. With them was a short, grey-haired fellow and a cloaked figure holding a bow and arrow.
Here was a desperate moment of danger and adventure frozen in time, and I needed to know more! I took the book home with me that night (with my teacher’s permission, of course), and so began my own decades-long journey across Krynn! I soon joined the Companions of the Lance in their struggle against the Dark Queen. I followed Caramon, Raistlin, and Tas through time to witness the Cataclysm, and so much more!
In 1988, I finally began playing Dungeons & Dragons, the game that had given Dragonlance a place to grow and thrive in many imaginations, including my own. I had been previously denied access to the game because of a strict religious upbringing, but gratefully, I was able to break those chains and join the pastime I still love today.
Now, nearly 40 years after that moment in fifth grade, I retrace my steps across the face of the world of Krynn, with companions old and new! I am grateful beyond words for the community I have found on Dragonlance Saga and beyond!
You can find Anthony Silverbeard online at:
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Twitter: @GMSilverbeard
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