From: [t s rsteve] at [aol.com] (TSR Steve)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.misc
Subject: DRAGONLANCE: THE FIFTH AGE game FAQ
Date: 27 Jun 1996 11:08:47 -0400

This has come up a couple of times in the newsgroup, so here's the FAQ on
the new FIFTH AGE game, out at GEN CON.

For more DRAGONLANCE info, there's the alt.fan.dragonlance and
rec.games.frp.dnd newsgroups. (Although since DL is not longer an AD&D
setting/game, I suppose it might fit in this newsgroup...)

Any other questions, you know where to find me. :)

Q: Why a new game system for the DRAGONLANCE world?

A: The events of the novel *Dragons of Summer Flame* irrevocably altered
Krynn. Because the very fabric of reality on Krynn has changed, TSR saw a
chance to introduce a brand-new game that would play on the strengths of
the DRAGONLANCE setting--characters and story--and that would be easy to
learn and play. Many DRAGONLANCE fans have never tried role-playing games.
For longtime players, the new game system (called the Saga System) will
really bring home the profound changes Krynn has undergone. Newcomers will
get a chance to play a game built around familiar DRAGONLANCE characters
and themes.

Q: What will the new game system be like? I heard it will be diceless.

A: The new game emphasizes storytelling and role-playing. There are no
spell or equipment lists, and a general action resolution system allows
players to more-or-less create rules on the spot when the need arises. The
game uses cards in place of dice.

Q: What's all this I've heard about Fate Cards? Are they collectible?

A: Fate Cards are what the game uses instead of dice. You use them to
create heroes, resolve actions, and sometimes to move the story along.
During the game, a player holds a Hand of Fate, several cards which he
uses to determine what happens to the characters. Fate Cards determine the
results of attacks, damage, spells, and for just about anything else that
a traditional game might use dice or pencil and paper.
   Fate Cards aren't collectable; the same set of 100 cards ships with
every game, and everybody in the game draws from the same deck. Of the 100
cards 82 are actually Fate Cards used in play. The other 18 cards contain
information on important characters. Each card is full color and about the
size and weight of a regular playing card.Q: How can you have a
DRAGONLANCE game without gods, magic, or dragons?

A: Remember that the gods left Krynn once before. The gods have withdrawn
from the world, but their presence is still felt in many ways. There's
still magic in the world, but it's much different from the magic of the
AD&D game. At the close of *Dragons of Summer Flame*, the wizard Fizban
told Palin Majere to seek new magic. Well, Palin and his cohorts found it.
Dragons play a big role in the Fifth Age. Now that the gods have
withdrawn, dragons have become the most powerful entities on the planet.
Mortal heroes have their work cut out for them as they strive to protect
what's left of civilization from the dragons.

A: Where have the gods gone? Are they still worshipped? Will they be back?

Q: No mortal on Krynn can say where the gods have gone. It's a good bet
that the AD&D game multiverse as some surprises in store when the gods of
Krynn turn their attention away from the world they created and take stock
of everything else.
   Many people of Krynn still revere the gods. On Ansalon, the Knights of
Solamnia and the Knights of Takhisis remain dedicated to their gods and to
the ideals and goals they represent.
   No mortal of Krynn knows if the gods will return or when that might
happen. The Knights of Takhisis fervently believe their Dark Queen will
return--soon. The Knights of Solamnia have vowed to remain true to their
gods even if they never return.

Q: Have the Seekers [believers in false gods] resurfaced?

A: Not yet. With the absent gods still venerated and healing magic
available in a new form, it's unlikely that the Seekers could get a
foothold again.

Q: Will I still be able to use my old DRAGONLANCE characters with the new
game?

A: Yes. The conversion rules are quite simple. The game's main storyline,
however, picks up 30 years after the events of *Dragons of Summer Flame*,
which would put most characters well into retirement. However, you can
carry an ongoing campaign through the Chaos War and into the Fifth Age if
you wish.

Q: Are any of the classic DRAGONLANCE heroes still active in the Fifth
Age?

A: Sure. Here are some examples: Goldmoon is a pivotal figure, just as she
was in the War of the Lance. Palin Majere, and his parents to a lesser
extent, is quite famous and powerful. Laurana remains active, but keeps a
low profile. Gilthas, Porthios, and Alhana are keeping busy. A few classic
characters, such as Rasitlin, Gilthanas, Silvara, and Dalamar might still
be around, but their fates, whereabouts, and activities remain among the
many secrets waiting to be revealed during the Fifth Age.

AD&D and DRAGONLANCE are registered trademarks owned by TSR, Inc. SAGA is
a trademark owned by TSR, Inc.

Steve Miller                               
[T S RSteve] at [aol.com]
TSR Ravenloft & Dragonlance Design Teams

PHILOSOPHY, n. A route of many roads leading from nowhere to nothing.
                --Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary"