Dragonlance (weapon)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dragonlances are fictional weapons found in the Dragonlance world.
Contents |
[edit] Background
The dragonlances are sleek and narrow weapons, that can only be forged by a few smiths, which are able to penetrate dragon's scales easily.
The dragonlances are holy weapons of the god Paladine, and as such can only be wielded by good aligned persons (the weapon itself is a favorite weapon for the Knights of Solamnia), and would give a holy shock similar to lightning to any evil aligned being trying to wield it. However, it is recorded that evil aligned knights were able to wield and use them against good dragons during the Second Dragon War.
[edit] Creation
According to legend, dragonlances can be forged only by smiths with the Silver Arm, while wielding the Hammer of Kharas. It was said only such combination can give the exact strength and precision used to forge one. As time passed, however, smiths with extraordinary skills like Theros Ironfeld were known to be able to forge them without needing the famous hammer. Dragonlances forged with both the Hammer and Silver Arm are known as Greater Lances,[1] more powerful than the Lesser Lances, forged with only one of the two elements.
The metal used to forge them is known as dragonsilver. This special metal comes from the petrified remains of Wyrmfather, the first dragon of Takhisis trapped by the god Kiri-Jolith after a battle. Huma Dragonbane later defeated Wyrmfather.
[edit] Types
Due its importance, there are two types of dragonlances. Footman dragonlances are about 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) length, special for close combat.
The longer version of the dragonlance, used while mounting dragons, are about 5.5m (approximately 18 feet). These weapons have a shield guard near the end of the lance, designed to protect the arm of the wielder. Barbs are found from around 60 centimeters (two feet) from the tip.
Although the dragonlances are heavy, they are lighter than a similar weapon made completely of iron or steel.
[edit] Magical qualities
The dragonlances are magical. However, the enchantment casted upon them is based in the wielder's faith. The stronger the will of the wielder, the stronger the weapon becomes. The physical representation of this power is the inner white glow the dragonlances have when someone stares at them. Therefore, dragonlances can be easily broken if taken by someone who does not believe in them.
[edit] Dungeons and Dragons Game Powers
First and Second Edition: (Source: Dragonlance Adventures p94)
If forged with either the Silver Arm of Ergoth or the Hammer of Kharas Dragonlances are +2 weapons. If forged with both artifacts they are +4 weapons thus a Lesser Dragonlance is considered either a + 2 or +4 Spear. On a successful hit on a dragon it inflicts normal magical spear damage to the target plus the current hit point total of the wielder. A Greater Dragonlance or a Mounted Dragonlance is considered a +2 Heavy Lance. On a successful hit it inflicts magical lance damage, the wielders and the mounts current hit point total to the target. The mounted dragonlance acts as a normal lance if it is not mounted on a dragon. If not mounted on a dragon, the lance causes normal magical lance damage. The weapon always has an additional +2 bonus to hit when mounted on a dragon.
Third and 3.5 Edition: (Source: Dragonlance Campaign Setting p115)
- A Lesser Dragonlance is a +2 Dragonbane lance that inflicts an extra 2d6 damage on a successful hit on an evil dragon.
- A Greater Dragonlance is a +4 Dragonbane lance. Against an evil dragon, it inflicts an extra 2d6 damage and 1 point of permanent Constitution drain per hit. If the wielder scores a successful critical hit against an evil dragon, it inflicts Constitution damage equal to the wielder's character level. If an evil character tries to wield a Greater Dragonlance, he gains 2 negative levels for as long as he wields the weapon.
[edit] References
- ^ Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman [November 1999]. “Volume 2 prologue, The Hammer”, The Annotated Chronicles, 1st edition, Wizards of the Coast, 486. ISBN 0-7869-1870-5. Retrieved on 2006-07-01.
[edit] Other books
- 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.
- Margaret Weis; Tracy Hickman (2002). Dragons of Summer Flame. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 0-7869-2708-9.
- Margaret Weis; Tracy Hickman (2002). Dragons of a Lost Star: The War of Souls vol. II. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 0-7869-2706-2.
- Knaak, Richard (2003). The Legend of Huma: Heroes vol. I. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 0-88038-548-0.
- Several (2000). The War of the Lance: Tales vol. VI. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 1-56076-431-7.
- Dragonlance Campaign Setting (2003) Wizards of the Coast.
- Dragonlance Adventures (1987) TSR Inc. TSR , by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman.
