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Krynn is the third planet orbiting the Sun in the crystal sphere known as Krynnspace.[1] Krynn is a size D spherical earth body and has three moons. It is the most populous planet in the sphere and is home to the DRAGONLANCE campaign setting.[2] While Krynn remains the focus of much of the attention of the native gods, none are believed to actually live within the planet itself.[3]

"Krynn is the jewel of this sphere. No finer world is there."
- Ruqol Whitesail, first Palanthus Port Master.[4]

Overview[]

"To step upon Krynn is to step into paradise. You will not want to go elsewhere - at least for quite some time. Here, step this way and let me show you something truly wondrous."
- Red Quickfoot, famed kender guide[5]

Krynn is the most populous planet in the system, boasting a greater population than all the other planets and bodies in the sphere combined, and as such is the focus of much of the deific interference in the sphere. There are always clouds visible at some point on the planet, and the air is generally clean and clear, and refreshing to breathe. Ships hovering in the sky between the clouds have an unobstructed view of the continents, islands, and the myriad geologic and geographic features that make up Krynn.

There are five major continents on Krynn, with many island chains stretching across the vast oceans. Arguably the most important landmass on Krynn is Ansalon, a small continent that lies in the southern hemisphere. Ansalon is roughly 1,300 miles (2,092 kilometers) wide from east to west, and stretches less than 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers), from the arctic tundra in the deep south to the tropical climes near the equator. Originally a large unbroken land mass, Ansalon was fractured during the First Cataclysm, which caused some regions to sink beneath the waves while new lands emerged from the sea. Ansalon features a variety of terrain types, including vast plains, mountains, forests, deserts, and even islands. Ansalon is also the region most frequented by offworld visitors.

To the south of Ansalon lies the Icewall Glacier, which sprawls for hundreds of miles over the southern pole. Glacier-like islands dot the seas around the Icewall, resembling white stars against the deep blue of the southern ocean. There is no vegetation anywhere on the Icewall Glacier. However, small plots of vegetation eke out a brief existence on a few of the ice-floes during the brief summer months.

A thousand miles (1,609 kilometers) beyond the Icewall lies the southern pole - and the hidden entrance to the vast subterranean land of Chorane. Lava flows warm the underground realm, which can be reached through crevasses in the ice sheets above. Chorane remains a romantic myth to most surface inhabitants, and only a handful of explorers have ever reached the subterranean domain. These explorers have kept Chorane's existence a secret for the good of the realms inhabitants, as well as their own interests. However, Chorane's existence is known to a few spelljamming travellers who have spotted activity in the icy crevasses.

To the west and east of Ansalon lie vast expanses of ocean, and the large continent known as Taladas, home to various groups of humans and minotaurs. In many places the minotaurs are the dominant and most powerful race on Taladas. Like Ansalon, Taladas features a diverse assortment of climates and geographic features. Despite its size and population, Taladas has not been visited by many people from Krynn's other continents and islands. Travel on the great seas is perilous because of immense waves that have sent many a ship to the ocean's floor. Typhoons have similarly doomed several low-flying spelljamming vessels. Taladas was devastated by the First Cataclysm, which caused massive changes across the continent. Jagged mountains run across the land like the spines on a dragon's back, and in the center smolders a great lava sea, surrounded by cooling magma

To the north of Ansalon lies a warm, welcoming tropical zone, where hundreds of tiny islands appear as flecks in the water. The smallest of these islands are little more than an acre of land (4,046 square meters), and though there are a great number of these tiny islands, in times of rough weather they are almost entirely submerged. The larger islands can be several miles across, but only a dozen or so islands have a diameter of 30 miles (48 kilometers) or more. The tropical islands boast pleasant, enchanting climates, but it is difficult for most sea-going ships to sail among the islands, as the shallow shoals and reefs are treacherous. Spelljamming ships, on the other hand, have no trouble skimming the air above and finding a choice spot to land. Nearly all of the islands are blanketed in vibrant green vegetation. Many of the larger islands are volcanic, with dormant cones towering over wide beaches. The soil is incredibly fertile on these islands because of the volcanic ash. Nowhere on Krynn is there a wider variety of plant life than here.

Among the most important island groups on Krynn are the so-called Dragon Isles, also known as the Isle of the Dragons, which are the ancestral home of the metallic dragons, and where many of them dwell to this day. Located between the continent of Taladas and the Undersea Kingdoms of the sea elves, lies the Spine of Taladas, which is perhaps the largest island chain on Krynn. The Spine includes the islands of Vorm, Odith, Abshu, Fedron, Chandion, Little Taladas and Selasia. Vorm is the most spectacular, with its large erupting volcanoes putting on a dazzling display of natural fireworks. The inhabitants of the Spine are incredibly diverse and include the Twilight Irda, the tree-dwelling Bolandi (considered by many to be far more mischievous than Kender), and the Mischta (an ogre subrace). The islands have several human settlements along the shores that service seagoing vessels.[2][6]

Inhabitants[]

"The ignorance of the people of Krynn is enchanting and primitive. Perhaps it is better we leave the world largely alone - leave it an uncut gem."
- Hia Mu Win, Shou Lung explorer[7]

Krynn is the most populous and most diverse planet in the sphere, and its most notable inhabitants include various communities of humans, kender, tinker gnomes, minotaurs, half-elves and various kinds of dwarves and elves. In addition, several species thrive beneath Krynn's seas, including merfolk, sea elves, and other water-breathing races. Added into the mix are various wondrous and magical beings such as satyrs, centaurs, dryads, giants, dragons, and more.

There are hundreds of communities of various sizes on Krynn - including sprawling cities, thriving towns, comfortable boroughs and tiny hamlets. Governments include monarchies, oligarchies, democracies, collegiums, hierarchies, patriarchies, republics, magocracies, theocracies, and more. The communities range from large towns that are a veritable patchwork of races, to smaller ethnically pure enclaves (especially among the Silvanesti elves).[2]

Humans[]

Humans are the most numerous race on Krynn, and are quick to associate with elves, dwarves, and half-elves. They are more cautious around kender, but usually accept the smaller folk. Humans are responsible for creating the largest cities on Krynn and they influence much of what happens in Ansalon and the rest of the planet.

In some places on Krynn, such as the underground world of Chorane, people have grouped into clans, classifying each society as unique. The three human tribes of Chorane are the Ameshites, governed by a theocracy; the Yaluu, governed by a series of dictators (the majority of them remorseless and brutal); and the Vodar, governed by a council of representatives with an elected Spokesman. Further, there are Thiewar, a type of dwarf, and the Kendar, a long forgotten offshoot of the surface race Kender.

Elves[]

Many groups of elves live apart from humans and other races. The elves on Krynn primarily include the Silvanesti (high elves), Qualinesti, Kagonesti (wild elves), and the Dargonesti and Dimernesti (sea elves.)

Dwarves[]

Dwarven races on Krynn predominately include Hill Dwarves, Mountain Dwarves, and Gully Dwarves. The latter, like the tinker gnomes, are usually not invited to associate with other communities, but they are not turned away.

Irda[]

The Irda are a beautiful race, stemming from the original stock of ogres - before ogres became cold-hearted and cursed. The majority live on a large island that remains hidden, even from spelljamming travelers. The Irda are strikingly different from the other races of Krynn. They are tall and slender, with midnight blue to emerald green skin, and hair that is white or silver. However, they have the ability to shapechange, and they use this advantage to appear as humans, elves, or dwarves and move into these other communities. Mischta ogres, offshoots of the Irda, are found primarily on the islands in the tropics.

Minotaurs[]

Krynn’s minotaurs are another of the powerful races of the planet. Also descended from the original ogres, these proud people with a troubled past dwell in scattered communities, on islands that are the remains of their historical kingdoms, and in large numbers on the continent of Taladas. Tremendous shipbuilders and sailors, they roam the seas of Krynn and are often sought after by spelljamming captains to serve as first mates on spacefaring ships.

Gnomes[]

Of greatest import to spacefaring travellers is the fact that Krynn is the homeworld of the tinker gnomes, an inventive race who long ago made it into wildspace and found it to their liking. Tinker gnomes are now found throughout the Known Spheres.[3]

Draconians[]

The youngest race on Krynn are the draconians or dragonmen. Originally created from corrupted metallic dragon eggs, the draconians served as shock troops and special forces during the War of the Lance. Those groups of draconians who survived the war scattered across Ansalon, seeking refuge in the isolated corners of the continent. Some still plot to take over human or elven settlements, while the more cautious avoid contact with other races.[8]

Trade[]

Despite Krynn's large population, the fact that knowledge about Krynn is widespread throughout the Known Spheres, and the considerable volume of spelljamming traffic to the planet, only a small percentage of Krynn’s population is aware of spelljamming, other planets, and off-worlders. There are currently only two ports that are capable of catering to spelljamming vessels, and both are located close to major cities - one in Ansalon and the other in Taladas. Spelljamming vessels do land elsewhere on the planet, often using both terrain and magic to camouflage their presence, to keep from startling the local populace, and to avoid getting boarded. Other than the two major ports, spelljammers most frequently stop at tinker gnome[note 1] communities, especially Mount Nevermind, where they trade for and buy gadgets and assorted odd-looking creations that command high prices on other worlds and in other spheres. Some ships visit the tropical islands, where their crews acquire prized hook-bills and unusual plants, and trade with a few of the communities.[2]

  • Palanthas - Palanthas (also spelled Palanthus),[9] is the largest city on Ansalon,[10] and the continent's main spelljamming port borders the great city to the east, covering nearly two square miles (2.6 square kilometers). The northern and eastern borders of the port appear to fade into the surrounding wilderness; however, the terrain serves to hide sections of the port's defenses. The Knights of Solamnia have been appointed defenders of this port, and knights and warriors loyal to Palanthas have been stationed throughout the port, within its buildings, and in the nearby woods, waiting for any signs of trouble. To the south of the port stretches a line of permanent and temporary buildings, known as Merchants' Row. Most of the buildings belong to merchants waiting to do business with landing ships. Merchants' Row is a sight to behold, as the calls of the hawkers, the aromas of cooked food, and riotous music bombard and entice the senses. At night the Row takes on a festive atmosphere, with candles, lanterns, and wondrous objects aglow with continual light spells inviting visitors to stroll by.[2]
  • Kristophan-2e

    Map of the city of Kristophan

    Kristophan - Kristophan is a major port city on the continent of Taladas, and is the seat of the Southern Hosk Empire. Here is where the Senate meets, and where the Imperial Arena stands. The capital is built around an old human settlement, and is divided into three districts: the Old City, the New City, and the Imperial City.[11] While most of the docks and quays for the ocean fleet are located in the New City, the spelljammer port is located on the outskirts of the Imperial City district, and is under the direct control of the Emperor. The port is spartan, clean, and well-maintained, but seems almost primitive in comparison to the port in Palanthas. It has none of the splendor of Merchants' Row, nor does it offer visitors services like those provided by the inhabitants of Ansalon. The port itself consists of a rock-tiled slab nearly a mile square (2.6 square kilometers). It was created using slave labor, and each stone was leveled, polished, and anchored by human hands. From above, the slab looks like a mosaic of earth tones. Only four buildings have been constructed at the port, including a large stone-built barracks to house the minotaur warriors who provide port security; a dormitory for the human slaves; the port master's home and the port master's offices. Despite the repressive atmosphere that prevails, the Imperial City sees frequent spelljammer traffic, including neogi merchants who deal in exotic slaves for use in the arena, which they exchange for human slaves.[2]

Satellites[]

Krynn has three moons[12] named Nuitari, Lunitari and Solinari.[3] The three moons of Krynn orbit their world equidistantly from each other and from Krynn itself. Each of the moons are of a different size and color, and bring to mind the divergent gods of Krynnish belief. Because of the uniformity of their orbits, only one moon can be seen from any particular moon's surface, while the third moon is always hidden behind Krynn. This is both a constant source of frustration - and benefit - to the deities the moons are named after.[13] The moons are believed to be uninhabited and some have even been explored by early Krynnish explorers (mostly tinker gnomes using a variety of devices).[3]

Nuitari[]

Main article: Nuitari

Nuitari is the smallest of the three moons, and from a distance appears as dark as the god Nuitari's corrupt heart.[14]

Lunitari[]

Main article: Lunitari

Lunitari is the largest of the three moons, and is named for the god Lunitari.[15]

Solinari[]

Main article: Solinari

Solinari is perhaps the most mysterious of the three moons, as it is always cloaked in clouds. The moon is named for the god Solinari.[16]

The History of Krynn[]

"To visit Krynn is to immerse oneself in history and religion; in particular, the strife of the gods."
- Lathatort the Seventh, half-elf scholar[17]

At one time, Krynn was home to a highly advanced, magically endowed but morally decadent civilization. This civilization was eliminated, presumably by the Krynnish deities, when an asteroid struck the city of Ishtar on the continent of Ansalon. The impact destroyed much of the civilizations, not only on Ansalon but throughout the world. Combined with the refusal of the gods to answer the prayers of the people, the loss of life was enormous, and the various nations sank into warring savagery that they are only just recovering from today. The reappearance of dragons throughout Ansalon, creatures long thought extinct, made matters even worse. After a protracted war between good and evil forces on Ansalon, balance of a sort has been achieved and the world is beginning to recover, especially after the return of the deities.[3]

Appendix[]

Notes[]

  1. SJR7 page 32 associates 'gully dwarves' with inventing gadgets etc. This does not correspond with other sources and is possibly meant to read 'tinker gnomes', which is what this article assumes.

External Links[]

References[]

  1. Jeff Grubb, AD&D Adventures in Space, Concordance of Arcane Space, 1989, (TSR Inc.), Krynnspace sidebar, pages 74 and 76
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Jean Rabe, SJR7 Krynnspace, 1993, (TSR Inc.), Krynn chapter, pages 26-41
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Jeff Grubb, AD&D Adventures in Space, Lorebook of the Void, 1989, (TSR Inc.), chapter 4: Known Spheres, page 88
  4. Jean Rabe, SJR7 Krynnspace, 1993, (TSR Inc.), sidebar, page 34
  5. Jean Rabe, SJR7 Krynnspace, 1993, (TSR Inc.), sidebar, page 23
  6. Margaret Weis, Don Perrin, Jamie Chambers, Christopher Coyle, Dragonlance Campaign Setting 3rd edition, 2003, (Wizards of the Coast Inc.), ISBN: 0-7869-3086-1, Introduction: World of Krynn, page 6
  7. Jean Rabe, SJR7 Krynnspace, 1993, (TSR Inc.), sidebar, page 27
  8. Margaret Weis, Don Perrin, Jamie Chambers, Christopher Coyle, Dragonlance Campaign Setting 3rd edition, 2003, (Wizards of the Coast Inc.), ISBN 0-7869-3086-1, Draconians, chapter 1: Races, page 33
  9. Jean Rabe, SJR7 Krynnspace, 1993, (TSR Inc.), Krynn chapter, page 30
  10. Dale "Slade" Henson, War Captain's Companion, War Captain's Guide, 1992, (TSR Inc.), Solamnic Schooner Sales, chapter 4: Ship Building Companies, page 45
  11. Dale "Slade" Henson, War Captain's Companion, War Captain's Guide, 1992, (TSR Inc.), Kristophan Nautical, chapter 4: Ship Building Companies, pages 41-42
  12. Jeff Grubb, AD&D Adventures in Space, Concordance of Arcane Space, 1989, (TSR Inc.), Krynnspace sidebar, page 74
  13. Jean Rabe, SJR7 Krynnspace, 1993, (TSR Inc.), Krynn chapter, page 38
  14. Jean Rabe, SJR7 Krynnspace, 1993, (TSR Inc.), Krynn chapter, pages 39-40
  15. Jean Rabe, SJR7 Krynnspace, 1993, (TSR Inc.), Krynn chapter, pages 40-41
  16. Jean Rabe, SJR7 Krynnspace, 1993, (TSR Inc.), Krynn chapter, page 41
  17. Jean Rabe, SJR7 Krynnspace, 1993, (TSR Inc.), sidebar, page 25

Connections[]

Krynnspace
Celestial Bodies of Krynnspace
The Sun (Primary) | Sirrion | Reorx | Krynn | Chislev | Zivilyn | Nehzmyth (or Shinare) | Stellar Islands
Additional Astronomicals of Krynnspace
Clouds of Freezing Vapor | The Black Clouds
Constellations of Krynnspace
Branchala | Chemosh | Gilean | Habbakuk | Hiddukel | Kiri-Jolith | Majere | Mishakal | Morgion | Paladine | Sargonnas | Takhisis | Zeboim
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