Dragonhelm’s Guide to the Sorcerers of Krynn

Introduction

The sorcerer in Dragonlance suffers from a bit of an identity crisis. It’s a topic that I’ve written about extensively as I have sought to find my own answers. Is the sorcerer the one from the Player’s Handbook? Is it the one from the Fifth Age products? Some sort of hybrid?

In recent years, though, my own perception of magic in Dragonlance has changed. I no longer believe in the hard divide of ambient and focused magic. Indeed, the whole concept of focused magic for the Wizards of High Sorcery seems to fly in the face of wizards taking magic from the world itself. One might say that arcane magic is the true ambient magic of Krynn.

Wizards of the Coast has done well since the 3rd edition days to create different flavors of sorcerers, allowing for strong archetypes. There is much here to offer. Indeed, those seeking to play a sorcerer in Dragonlance would be more likely to want to play a sorcerer from the D&D 5th Edition Player’s Handbook rather than trying to adapt the SAGA-Era sorcerer to 5e. Yet we don’t have to fully throw out the baby with the bath water.

There is also the question on what era to design the sorcerer for. Traditionally, they have existed in the Age of Mortals, with rare exceptions to that rule prior to the Age of Mortals. Renegade Wizards allowed for just such a scenario.

The truth of the matter is that Dragonlance’s most popular era is the War of the Lance. With the conclusion of the Destinies trilogy, the Age of Mortals has become an uncertain possible future that may or may not happen. Therefore, we should look at the sorcerer through the lens of the most current canonical present.

With that in mind, the following are my thoughts on how the 5th edition sorcerer can be integrated into Dragonlance.

Description

Sorcerers are spellcasters who channel magic through innate talent rather than study. Some are born with this gift while others gain it through powerful external forces. A sorcerer may gain his magic through a natural bond with one of Krynn’s three moons, the influence of a dragon, or even the touch of Chaos. Their origins are as varied as the magic they command.

Sorcerers are a rare sight on Krynn, and rarer still are those who take the Test and join the Mages of High Sorcery. Many exist outside of the Orders, not by choice, but by chance or birthright. Despite being rare, sorcerers leave their mark upon the world of Krynn.

Sorcerous Learning

Unlike wizards, who master arcane magic through discipline and study, sorcerers shape their power instinctively, refining it through intuition and practice, much like an artist or a musician perfecting their craft.

Some sorcerers learn on their own, reveling in the process of self-discovery. Others work in a master/apprentice relationship with a more experienced sorcerer.

Sorcerers and the Mages of High Sorcery

Sorcerers are welcome to join the Mages of High Sorcery, particularly if they are lunar sorcerers. The Conclave knows that they will not learn in the same manner that a wizard does, and so seeks to pair such sorcerers with a master who can help them to understand and unlock their inner power.

However, not all sorcerers can join or are even welcome within the ranks of the Mages of High Sorcery. Wild sorcerers in particular are not welcome as they draw upon the very chaotic energies that the Orders were made to control.

Divine sorcerers do not join the Orders either as their power is divine in nature and, therefore, outside of the jurisdiction of the Mages of High Sorcery.

Sorcerer Subclasses

The following are suggestions on how to incorporate the most common types of sorcerers one might find in a Dragonlance campaign. Please note that this list is not comprehensive. Feel free to use any sorcerer subclass you want for your character, with the DM’s approval, of course.

Lunar Sorcery

Lunar sorcerers have an innate connection to the moons of magic, drawing from their power to create magical effects. Their magic is shaped by the phases of the moons and the sorcerer’s connection to them. Often, the lunar sorcerer’s connection to the moons is shown through magnificent arcane displays.

Lunar sorcerers are the most common sorcerers on Krynn, and are often members of the Mages of High Sorcery.

Divine Sorcery (Mysticism)

Divine soul sorcerers are known to the people of Krynn as mystics. Their innate abilities are ignited by a divine spark within their soul. This inner light allows them to tap into divine magic without the need for prayer, instead drawing upon the world’s living and spiritual energies.

Mystics typically cultivate their powers through Mysticism, a journey of introspection, self-awareness, and personal growth. This path, also called the “Power of the Heart,” enables mystics to harmonize their heart and soul with the ambient divine magic of Krynn.

Draconic Sorcery

Some sorcerers draw their power from draconic magic that was mingled with the sorcerer’s blood or that of their ancestors. There are several possibilities on how this could have happened.

Perhaps the sorcerer descended from a mighty sorcerer who fell in love with a dragon during the Third Dragon War. Though their story ended in tragedy, you remain as their legacy. Perhaps the sorcerer’s ancestor made a bargain with a dragon, changing the ancestor and her descendants. Or maybe the sorcerer bathed in the blood of a dragon as part of a ritual to grant her draconic power.

Whatever the case, these dragon mages begin to take on physical traits and other manifestations of their draconic parent as they advance in level.

Shadow Sorcery

Shadow sorcerers are creatures of shadow and darkness whose magic is infused by the power of the Shadowfell. Some are born with this power and are often considered cursed by common folk. Others gain this power through taking the Test of High Sorcery, with the price being that you carry with you the visage of death.

Those shadow sorcerers who join the Mages of High Sorcery often join the Black Robes, though some Red Robes have been known. Seldom will a shadow sorcerer join the White Robes.

Storm Sorcery

Storms of various magnitudes sweep across the world of Krynn. Tempests, hurricanes, and even the Maelstrom itself carry great power. The magic of a storm sorcerer is infused with that natural power.

Storm sorcerers are invaluable members of a ship’s crew. They use their magic to exert control over the winds of the sea and immediate weather. Their abilities are also useful in repelling attacks against pirates and other waterborne threats.

Wild Magic Sorcery

A wild sorcerer’s innate magic stems from the raw power of Chaos that underlies creation. This unbridled arcane power can unleash unpredictable wild magic surges, a potent reminder of the risks of unchecked magical abilities. As a wild sorcerer, you must tread carefully to avoid drawing the scrutiny of the Mages of High Sorcery, sworn to wield arcane magic with responsibility and restraint.

Author’s Note

I wanted to take the time to thank the members of the Whitestone Council for their suggestions and support.