Dragons of Flame |
| Code | DL2 |
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| Rules required | AD&D (1st Edition) |
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| Character levels | 5 - 7 |
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| Campaign setting | Dragonlance |
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| Authors | Douglas Niles |
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| First published | 1984 |
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| Pages | 32 |
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| DL1, DL2, DL3, DL4, DL5, DL6, DL7, DL8, DL9, DL10, DL11, DL12, DL13, DL14, DL15, DL16 |
Dragons of Flame is the second module in the first major story arc in the Dungeons & Dragons Dragonlance series of game modules. It is one of the 14 Dragonlance adventures published by TSR between 1984 and 1986. Its cover features a painting by Jeff Easley depicting Tasslehoff Burrfoot peering in on a red dragon and Verminaard of the Dragonarmies of Ansalon.
Kapak Draconians make their debut in this module, along with the return of Aghar and Baaz Draconians from Dragons of Despair as featured creatures. Location featured in this module are Qualinost and the Sla-Mori, a secret passage between Qualinesti and Pax Tharkas.
The same player characters are available as in Dragons of Despair, with their character sheets reflecting that they have each increased a level from the previous adventure. In addition Tika becomes a playable character from the end of chapter 6 and Gilthanas, who is introduced in this module, becomes playable from the end of chapter 8. In addition Laurana, who will become a playable character in DL6 Dragons of Ice, debut's in this module.
Plot synopsis
Continuing from the previous module, Dragons of Despair, the players reenact the Dragonlance story using the pregenerated players.[1] The player characters return to their hometown and find it overrun by evil; the elves of Qualinost hire them to free captives that the Draconians have imprisoned in the fortress of Pax Tharkas.[2] In Dragons of Flame, the brave Innfellows are suffering thanks to the Draconians and require aid in the beleaguered North Lands before setting off to rescue an enslaved population.[1] When the adventure starts, Solace has been captured by Kapak Draconians. The dragon armies control the plains, but Qualinesti isn't conquered. Plainsmen are being taken by caravan to Pax Tharkas as slaves.
Chapter 5: Que Kiri and the Plains
A short set of encounters on the plains and the ruins of Que Kiri showing the effects of the dragon armies as the PCs travel back to Solace from Xak Tsaroth where they finished Dragons of Despair. There is also an encounter to assure the PCs are captured and taken to Solace if they head another direction.
Chapter 6: Solace
PCs see the devastation at Solace and are arrested in the Inn of the Last Home, along with Tika and Gilthanas.
Chapter 7: The Slave Caravan
As slave's bein transported to Pax Tharsis the PCs meet Gilthanas, and are rescued by other elves.
Chapter 8: Elvenhome
The elves, who are polite but aloof, update the players on the start of the war and suggest that they and Gilthanas should free the slaves and hostages in Pax Tharsis. Laurana is introduced for the first time, and is soon after kidnaped by Fewmaster Toede.
Chapter 9: To the Walls of Pax Tharkas
The heroes and Gilthanas, who from this point may be used as a player character, travel overland for a day then enter and traverse Sla-Mori, the secret passages that lead into the fortress of Pax Tharkas.
Chapter 10: The Tharkadan Towers
In a section of Pax Tharkas the heroes must find and rescue all the children, women and men who are being held prisoner in different locations. Beside all the draconian or hobgoblin guards, they must avoid two ancient red dragons and dragon highlord Verminaard.
Publication history
Dragons of Flame was designed by Douglas Niles, et al., and featured art by Jeff Easley, and was published by TSR in 1984 as a 32-page booklet with an outer cover.[2]
Reception
Rick Swan reviewed the adventure in The Space Gamer #73. Swan praised the module for its vivid and non-stereotypical characterizations, challenging and engaging encounters, and well-crafted storyline. He does note that "The story is so tightly scripted that occasionally players may feel more like observers than participants", and cautions that Dungeon Masters will need to stay alert to keep the players on track. However, he concludes by stating that "If you've given up on Dungeons & Dragons, Dragons of Flame is a great way to get reacquainted."[3]
In a review by Graham Staplehurst in the July 1985 issue of White Dwarf, the module was given a rating of 7 out of 10 overall. It contains suggestions for the DM on how to handle various rules changes and run this style of adventure, where the game is more restrictive than normal to keep the players within the story. Staplehurst said "anyone thinking of running the whole of the DragonLance saga should bear in mind the potentially confining feeling that is part and parcel of this series" and "it's debatable how close this is to the original concept of role playing".[1] He felt that while "The players will have to adapt to fit the characters rather than the other way round ... the authors have tried to develop the characters in a realistic manner". Staplehurst the modules provided plenty of thrills once players settle into their roles, and opined that there are two ways of looking at these adventures: "They may be used by inexperienced players to get involved and experienced in the game (despite the fact that it is somewhat non-standard AD&D), or they represent a detailed world for players of long-standing to immerse themselves in."[1] He felt that with around 24 pages of text, an area map and 3 detailed location maps, and plenty of good art, purchasers would get their money's worth, although some repeated information and extras such as a song and poem that he couldn't imagine anyone wanting to use. Staplehurst concluded the review by noting that "the players are treated as idiots if they do anything but the stated actions and though this may be a useful trick for less experienced players, it is extremely frustrating when DMing and players come up with a potentially intelligent suggestion or plan only to have to shoot it down because it 'doesn't fit the story'", and felt that players should have been allowed more options to choose between.[1]
Adaptations
Dragons of Flame is also a video game that was released in 1989 based closely on this module of the same name.[4][5] The game is a sequel to Heroes of the Lance and like it is arcade oriented, with little RPG elements.[6] This module has also been converted into Neverwinter Nights format, requiring Hordes of the Underdark expansion packs as well as the original game.[7]
