Relics and Omens
Overview
Relics and Omens is a thematic short story anthology set during various eras of Krynn’s history, with every tale connected by a shared focus on strange objects, prophetic signs, divine symbols, or magical relics that alter the fate of those who encounter them.
Unlike earlier Tales volumes that center on a specific time period (like The Cataclysm or The War of the Lance), Relics and Omens travels across the Dragonlance timeline—from the Age of Dreams to the Age of Mortals—offering mystical, eerie, and sometimes tragic tales that hint at larger cosmic forces at work.
This is a volume filled with mystery, mythology, and moral tests, where destiny and doom are often hidden in a symbol or trinket.
Purpose and Structure
This collection is designed to:
- Highlight the power of magical and divine artifacts in shaping individual fates and world events
- Explore how omens and signs from gods or dragons influence belief, fear, and action
- Tell stories of individuals grappling with moral, spiritual, or metaphysical consequences
- Deliver both intimate personal tales and cosmic-scale repercussions
There are ten short stories, each connected thematically through objects and portents, rather than chronology.
Notable Stories and Summaries
1. “The Legacy” by Jeff Crook
A man inherits an ancient relic with a cursed history that slowly destroys his life. A dark, psychological story about how the past haunts the present, both figuratively and magically. Strong gothic horror tone.
2. “The Leech” by Aron M. Alston
A mysterious magical parasite attaches itself to a cleric, granting power in exchange for something sinister. A sharp allegory for addiction, power, and spiritual corruption. One of the more disturbing entries.
3. “A Matter of Honor” by Richard A. Knaak
A tale of a Solamnic Knight who uncovers a forgotten relic of Huma, forcing him to choose between personal ambition and selfless valor. Classic Knaak-style knightly drama with strong thematic ties to duty, humility, and sacrifice.
4. “Mages’ Night Out” by Kevin T. Stein
Three bumbling mages get caught in a magical mishap involving a stolen item and a prophecy. A comedic and chaotic tale that balances lighthearted charm with clever magical twists.
5. “A Better Mousetrap” by Janet Pack
A hilarious story involving gnomes, an ill-fated invention, and an unexpected prophecy delivered by a malfunctioning machine. Pure Dragonlance whimsy with a philosophical twist.
6. “Colors Seen by Candlelight” by Nick O’Donohoe
A slow-burning, eerie tale of a mage who begins to see portents in color and light—omens only he can interpret. A deeply atmospheric story about madness, insight, and the cost of forbidden knowledge.
7. “The Golden Bowl” by Paul B. Thompson & Tonya C. Cook
An artifact of unknown origin is discovered in a ruined temple. The story becomes a moral parable about faith, temptation, and letting go of material power. Thoughtful and philosophical.
8. “A Touch of the Divine” by Chris Pierson
A fallen cleric finds an ancient icon of the gods and is tempted to use it for personal redemption. A somber story about the fine line between faith and ego, and the true meaning of divine will.
9. “The Perfect Plan” by Linda P. Baker
A cunning thief hatches a scheme to steal a relic—only to discover that destiny has plans of its own. Witty, ironic, and richly character-driven, with a karmic twist.
10. “No Gods, No Masters” by Jean Rabe
Set in the Age of Mortals, this tale explores what happens when people no longer believe in signs or relics, and how that loss affects both culture and conscience. One of the more grounded and somber stories, tackling faith in a godless age.
Themes
- Power of Belief – Many stories revolve around how people interpret signs, and whether they trust them, abuse them, or ignore them.
- Legacy and Burden – Inherited relics, ancient curses, and forgotten prophecies show how the past continues to shape the present.
- Temptation and Redemption – Several protagonists are tested—will they succumb to ambition, or rise to the call of virtue?
- Faith in a Changing World – Especially in later-age stories, there’s tension between clinging to the divine and living without certainty.
- Mystery and Morality – Not all relics are understood—and the consequences of using them often reflect the internal flaws or strengths of the character.
Tone & Style
The tone of Relics and Omens is varied but leans toward:
- Mysterious and eerie: Many stories feature cursed items, hallucinations, or metaphysical dilemmas
- Philosophical and moral: Characters wrestle with big questions about fate, power, and purpose
- Occasionally humorous: A few stories offer relief through gnomes, mishaps, or irony (especially A Better Mousetrap)
- Often quiet and introspective, with a few adventurous exceptions
Think of it as a Twilight Zone–style collection, but set in Krynn—each story ending with a choice, consequence, or twist.
Reception
Relics and Omens is often praised for:
- Its thematic cohesion and moral depth
- Offering a fresh kind of storytelling within the Dragonlance world—less epic, more fable-like
- Giving space to stories about mysticism, mystery, and metaphysical tension, which are less common in traditional high fantasy
It’s especially loved by fans who enjoy:
- Philosophical fantasy
- Standalone morality tales
- Exploring spiritual ambiguity in a world of dragons and gods
Some readers may find it less action-packed than earlier anthologies, but most agree it adds rich, atmospheric layers to Dragonlance lore.
Final Thoughts
Relics and Omens is a quietly powerful, often eerie, and deeply reflective anthology. It focuses on how symbols, relics, and prophecies shape destinies—and how mortal beings interpret (and misinterpret) divine and magical will.
Highly recommended for:
- Fans of mythic storytelling and moral fantasy
- Readers curious about Krynn’s religious and magical artifacts
- Those who enjoy stories with twists, tests, and eerie consequences