Heroes and Fools

Heroes and Fools

“Heroes and Fools” is the second anthology in the Tales of the Fifth Age series within the Dragonlance universe. Edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, this collection was published in 1999 and contains short stories set during the Fifth Age of Krynn, an era marked by the recovery from the Chaos War and the rise of new forms of magic. The anthology explores the lives of heroes and fools alike, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing world.

The anthology consists of the following short stories:

  1. “Gnomebody” by Jeff Grubb – A humorous tale about a gnome named Wilgren Ironshoe who, through a series of accidents, finds himself on an adventure to save a princess.
  2. “Off Day” by Janet Pack – A story about a day in the life of Caramon Majere, the legendary hero, as he attempts to enjoy a quiet day with his family, only to be interrupted by a series of unforeseen events.
  3. “The Weasel’s Run” by Peter Archer – A tale about a kender named Weasel who stumbles upon a magical artifact and becomes embroiled in a deadly game of politics and intrigue.
  4. “The Irda’s Tear” by Kevin T. Stein – This story follows a group of adventurers who discover a powerful and ancient artifact, the Irda’s Tear, and the dangerous journey they undertake to protect it from falling into the wrong hands.
  5. “The Dishrag” by Douglas W. Clark – A tale about an unlikely hero, a dishrag named Scrubby, who rises to the challenge of saving his friends from a terrible fate.
  6. “The Red Scarf” by Richard A. Knaak – A story that follows a young woman named Elyss, who embarks on a quest to avenge her father’s death and uncover the secrets of a mysterious red scarf.

These stories, along with others in the anthology, delve into the lives of both heroes and fools as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the Fifth Age. Each tale explores the themes of courage, sacrifice, and determination, as well as the complexities of life in a world marked by change and uncertainty. The collection showcases the resilience, hope, and humor that define the characters of the Dragonlance universe.

Detailed Information:

  • Publisher: TSR/Wizards of the Coast
  • Catalog #: TSR21346
  • ISBN: 0786913460
  • Type: Novel
  • Print Edition: 1st
  • Status: Available
  • Pub. Date: Oct 1999
  • Pages: Unknown or n/a
  • Timeline: Unknown