Rebels and Tyrants
Overview
Rebels and Tyrants is a thematic short story anthology that examines power, control, rebellion, and resistance throughout Krynn’s history. Whether it’s a young noble rising against oppression, a tyrant justifying their rule, or a broken people reclaiming their dignity, these stories explore who holds power, who challenges it—and why.
Set across various eras of Dragonlance history—from the Age of Might to the Age of Mortals—this volume focuses not on epic quests or world-saving heroes, but on the localized, human conflicts between leaders and those they lead (or oppress). Some stories are tragic. Others are empowering. A few are downright chilling.
Purpose and Structure
This anthology aims to:
- Explore moral ambiguity in leadership and revolution
- Offer a variety of perspectives on tyranny, freedom, obedience, and revolt
- Dive into political fantasy, highlighting the personal cost of resistance
- Provide a character-focused lens on some of Krynn’s most turbulent stories
There are ten short stories, all connected thematically by the struggle between control and resistance.
Notable Stories and Summaries
1. “The Tyrant and the Traitor” by Kevin T. Stein
A city teeters on the edge of rebellion as a charismatic general begins questioning his loyalty to a beloved but brutal ruler. A story full of political maneuvering and the slow unraveling of blind patriotism.
2. “The Revolt of the Small Folk” by Nancy Varian Berberick
Gnomes, kender, and gully dwarves—normally the comic relief—organize a rebellion when a local baron tries to “civilize” their community. It’s funny on the surface but has sharp undertones about cultural erasure and resistance.
3. “The Hand That Feeds” by Paul B. Thompson & Tonya C. Cook
A slave-turned-rebel leader infiltrates the inner circle of a Dragonarmy commander. Tense, dramatic, and full of moral gray areas, this tale shows the personal toll of espionage and revolution.
4. “The Rise of Solamnus” (excerpt) by Douglas Niles
This historical flashback tells of Vinas Solamnus, the legendary founder of the Knights of Solamnia, who began as a general of Istar—and turned rebel. A foundational tale of how order can rise from righteous rebellion.
5. “Brother’s Keeper” by Richard A. Knaak
Two brothers find themselves on opposite sides of a rebellion—one loyal to the king, the other to the cause. A tragic, emotional tale about family, loyalty, and the impossible choices in civil war.
6. “The Price of Honor” by Nick O’Donohoe
A minor noble, ordered to carry out atrocities in the name of a tyrant, must choose between honor and obedience. A gripping story about conscience in a corrupt hierarchy.
7. “Voices of the Fallen” by Michael Williams
A poetic and haunting tale told from the perspective of those silenced by tyrants—ghosts, forgotten prisoners, betrayed lovers. Each voice tells a part of a larger tapestry of injustice. Emotionally devastating, but beautifully written.
8. “Firestorm” by Jean Rabe
A rebel wizard wages a one-person war against a high priest of Takhisis. The story is a meditation on sacrifice and the price of vengeance—featuring dark magic and fiery consequences.
9. “Coup in Kharolis” by Linda P. Baker
A power grab within a mountain dwarf stronghold reveals how even proud, ancient societies can fracture under political strain. A strong exploration of traditionalism vs. reform.
10. “The Common Good” by Don Perrin
Set in a small town under martial law, this story examines how a minor rebellion erupts from a collective act of kindness. A micro-story with powerful emotional weight and a focus on ordinary people doing the extraordinary.
Themes
- The Corruption of Power – Tyrants often start as idealists or heroes. These stories show how power reshapes values.
- Justified Rebellion vs. Anarchy – Not all rebels are right, and not all tyrants are evil. Many stories lean into moral complexity.
- Freedom and Identity – For some characters, resistance isn’t about politics—it’s about preserving their culture, dignity, or family.
- The Cost of Defiance – Rebellion often comes at a steep price. Many stories feature sacrifice, betrayal, and unintended consequences.
- Leadership and Legacy – What does it mean to lead? Who do you serve? What do you leave behind?
Tone & Style
Rebels and Tyrants leans into a tone that is:
- Serious, grounded, and morally nuanced
- Often grim or tragic, but occasionally hopeful or inspirational
- Less action-heavy, more focused on political tension, moral dilemmas, and character psychology
- Stylistically diverse, with entries ranging from fast-paced espionage to lyrical introspection
This is arguably the most politically philosophical Dragonlance anthology, with some stories reading like fantasy political dramas.
Reception
Rebels and Tyrants is praised for:
- Challenging traditional fantasy tropes of “good king vs. evil usurper”
- Giving readers a deeper, more realistic take on power and resistance
- Expanding Dragonlance into new thematic territory, exploring social change, rebellion, and governance
It resonates most with readers who enjoy:
- Character-driven stories with political depth
- Exploring moral ambiguity
- Dragonlance tales that flesh out everyday people and hidden corners of history
It’s not as action-oriented or humorous as some earlier volumes, but it’s one of the most intellectually and emotionally resonant.
Final Thoughts
Rebels and Tyrants is a thought-provoking, sobering, and thematically rich anthology that adds a new layer to Dragonlance lore. It shows that heroes don’t always carry swords—and that the mightiest struggles often happen between brothers, in backrooms, or within one’s soul.
Recommended for:
- Fans of fantasy politics, revolution, and moral complexity
- Readers who want to see the underrepresented voices in Krynn—the rebels, the fallen, the defiant
- Anyone interested in how cultures resist tyranny and what it really costs to fight for change