The Cataclysm

“The Cataclysm” is the sixth anthology in the Tales series within the Dragonlance universe. Edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, this collection was published in 1992 and contains short stories set during and after the Cataclysm, a world-shattering event that marked the end of the Age of Might and the beginning of the Age of Despair. The Cataclysm was a divine punishment inflicted upon the world of Krynn due to the arrogance and hubris of the Kingpriest of Istar, leading to widespread destruction and the reshaping of the continents.

The anthology consists of the following short stories:

  1. “The First Dragonarmy Bridging Company” by Don Perrin – A tale about a goblin bridging company attempting to build a bridge across a seemingly impossible chasm during the Cataclysm.
  2. “The Battle of the Run” by Dan Parkinson – A story about a knight named Sir Bayard Brightblade and his desperate battle against the forces of darkness, even as the world crumbles around him.
  3. “The End of the World” by Douglas Niles – Set during the Cataclysm, this tale follows a group of individuals from various walks of life as they come together to face the end of the world.
  4. “The Way of Krynn” by Michael Williams – A story about a young boy named Owen and his journey through the ruined world of Krynn, seeking answers to the mysteries of the Cataclysm.
  5. “Brothers in Arms” by Paul B. Thompson and Tonya C. Cook – This tale follows two brothers, one a disgraced knight and the other a dark mage, as they struggle to survive in the harsh, post-Cataclysm world.
  6. “A Worm’s Tale” by Richard A. Knaak – A story about a seemingly insignificant worm named Writhen, who becomes a key player in the battle between good and evil during the Cataclysm.

These stories, along with others in the anthology, explore the consequences of the Cataclysm on the world of Krynn and its inhabitants. Each tale showcases the unique struggles, sacrifices, and heroism of the characters as they navigate the aftermath of the world-shattering event, offering insights into the resilience and strength of the people of Krynn in the face of devastation.

Detailed Information:

  • Publisher: TSR/Wizards of the Coast
  • Catalog #: 950127400
  • ISBN: 0786937750
  • Type: Novel
  • Print Edition: 2nd
  • Status: Available
  • Pub. Date: Oct 2005
  • Pages: 368
  • Timeline: 1 AC