In the spring of 1998, TSR released the second issue of its Legends of the Lance newsletter, titled “Spring Blossom,” and continued the ambitious work of uniting a passionate fanbase around the evolving lore of the Dragonlance universe. More than just an update, this publication radiated the vibrancy of a world still brimming with tales to be told, art to be admired, and games to be played. The issue is a testament to the collaborative creativity of writers, artists, game designers, and the ever-devoted fans who breathed life into the lands of Krynn.
Miranda Horner opens the newsletter with a heartfelt letter, tracing her journey from a fantasy-loving child devouring Nancy Drew and Tolkien, to a full-time editor at TSR working with Dragonlance fiction. Her story echoes the shared trajectory of countless fans who found themselves swept into Krynn’s mythos, eventually channeling that passion into creative contributions. She emphasizes not only the accessibility of writing and submitting fan material, but also the potential for it to lead to professional involvement in the saga’s future.
One of the standout features is an in-depth interview with Larry Elmore, one of the most iconic artists associated with Dragonlance. Elmore shares his origin story, from his early fascination with fantasy and ancient cultures to his accidental discovery of Dungeons & Dragons while working as a military illustrator. Elmore’s raw honesty about his self-doubts and slow path into fantasy illustration reveals a relatable and inspiring portrait of an artist whose visuals would come to define an era. His recollections of creating early Dragonlance character art, and collaborating with fellow artists and authors like Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, offer fans a rare look behind the creative curtain.
The issue delves into game material with Steve Miller’s chilling article, “Peril in the New Swamp,” which introduces the black dragon overlord Onysablet, or Sable. Set in the New Swamp, Sable’s lair is more than just a damp domain – it is a living laboratory of body horror and twisted science. Sable’s obsession with magical experimentation leads to grotesque results, including the creation of self-replicating dark spawn – plague-bearers who threaten to infest entire villages. Miller outlines not just the lore, but also ways Narrators can integrate this menace into their campaigns, providing hooks, transformations, and tragic fates for unlucky adventurers. It is Dragonlance gothic at its most vivid and harrowing.
Another exciting development teased in the issue is the forthcoming storyline titled “The War of Souls,” helmed by Weis and Hickman themselves. Described as a return to the creative fervor of the original Dragonlance brainstorming sessions, this new arc promises to rekindle the old magic with a contemporary lens. The announcement signals not only new books and games but a reinvestment in the deeper themes that made Dragonlance resonate: sacrifice, unity, and the tension between free will and fate.
The newsletter continues its tradition of celebrating the Dragonlance community. It features a profile of Airen Blakovich, a young fan who became involved in the official Dragonlance mailing list and newsletter through his kender-flavored alter ego, Tavin Springfingers. His story is a prime example of fandom evolving into contribution – a digital-age bard stepping into the world of print.
Dana Foxtail, the bardic voice of “The Herald’s Report,” provides narrative-style updates on in-world events such as Malys’ survival, the disappearance of Shen Korras, and strange mystical phenomena involving free draconians. These tales blur the line between fiction and sourcebook, drawing readers deeper into the ongoing living story of Krynn. Her report, written in character, is a brilliant narrative device that enriches immersion and makes the world feel alive and shifting.
Lighter fare is served by Mary Kirchoff in her culinary feature, “Recipes from Krynn.” These in-world dishes – including Cooshee Tongue Cake and Giant Eel with Fried Parsley – add a flavorful touch of whimsy and world-building to the newsletter. They’re a reminder that Krynn is not just a setting of epic battles, but a place where people live, cook, eat, and celebrate.
Peter Archer outlines the new “Bridges of Time” novel series, which fills the narrative gap between the end of the Chaos War and the beginning of the Fifth Age. Novels like “Spirit of the Wind” and “Legacy of Steel” promise to explore themes of heroism, loss, and rebuilding in a shattered world. With contributions from Chris Pierson and Mary H. Herbert, the series anchors Dragonlance’s forward momentum in the Fifth Age.
The issue rounds out with an international perspective courtesy of Sunita Ramgoolam, who documents the global reach of Dragonlance literature. With translations in eighteen languages and publishing partners across Europe and beyond, Dragonlance stands not just as an American fantasy institution, but a worldwide phenomenon.
Altogether, Legends of the Lance Spring Blossom 1998 captures Dragonlance in full bloom – respectful of its roots, adventurous in its experiments, and unshakably devoted to its community. It is a snapshot of Krynn not as a static realm, but as a world constantly in the making – sculpted by artists, gamers, writers, and fans alike, one story at a time.
