The Doom Brigade

Overview

The Doom Brigade is a Dragonlance novel unlike any other, focusing not on knights, mages, or chosen heroes—but on a company of hobgoblins and draconians, left stranded in a world that no longer has a place for them. It blends military adventure, dark humor, and genuine emotional depth, set in the chaotic aftermath of the War of the Lance.

At its heart is Commander Kang, a draconian leader trying to give his soldiers purpose in a world that sees them as monsters. But when old enemies return and gully dwarves get involved (yes, seriously), what begins as a gritty survival story becomes a weird, wild, and wonderful fantasy romp.

Main Characters

Commander Kang

• A bozak draconian, formerly of the Dragonarmies.
• Cunning, pragmatic, and tired of war, Kang is trying to lead his company of ex-soldiers into a new life—one not defined by servitude or destruction.
• His arc is about leadership, survival, and identity, as he transitions from weapon of war to protector and builder.

Slith

• A sivak draconian, Kang’s second-in-command and comic foil.
• Loyal, sarcastic, and often the voice of doubt—but willing to follow Kang into hell.
• Provides much of the novel’s bitter humor and dry wit.

Derkin Rusthammer

• A dwarf general who served in the War of the Lance—and Kang’s former enemy.
• Now a pragmatic elder, he returns as an uneasy ally when the stakes get too high to go it alone.
• His history with Kang provides some of the novel’s most touching and surprising moments.

The Gully Dwarves

• A tribe of barely-functioning, chaotic, accident-prone dwarves caught in the middle of the action.
• Comic relief? Yes—but also shockingly crucial to the plot.

Setting

• Takes place after the War of the Lance, in the mountains of northern Ansalon, far from the centers of political power.
• The world is in transition—the Dragonarmies have been scattered, the gods are silent, and the people of Krynn are rebuilding and redefining themselves.
• This setting allows for a gritty, local story, focused on characters left behind by history.

Plot Summary

Exiled and Forgotten

Kang’s draconian regiment was once a proud unit in the Dragonarmies. Now, they’re outcasts, hiding in the mountains and trying to forge a new society. But this isn’t easy—supplies are short, morale is worse, and local dwarves want them gone.

Kang tries to negotiate peace with the nearby dwarves led by Derkin Rusthammer, who agrees reluctantly.

But then—chaos arrives.

The Gully Dwarf Dilemma

A tribe of gully dwarves accidentally unleashes a lava flow, which destroys part of the region and forces both draconians and dwarves into an uneasy alliance. The situation becomes a desperate scramble to survive, prevent further disaster, and keep the gully dwarves from doing… more gully dwarf things.

And in the middle of all this, Kang discovers something incredible:

A secret clutch of unhatched female draconian eggs.

This changes everything.

The Hope for the Future

Draconians were all born male, created magically to serve Takhisis’s army. They believed they had no future, no families—no children.

But with the discovery of the eggs, Kang and his troops realize they may have a chance to continue their race—not as monsters, but as a people.

Protecting these eggs becomes the new mission. And as dwarves, gully dwarves, and draconians fight side by side against natural disasters, old rivalries begin to fade—just enough to make a new kind of peace possible.

Themes

• What Happens After the War – This is a book about soldiers without a war, trying to find purpose beyond violence.
• Redemption and Identity – Kang and his draconians aren’t trying to be heroes—they’re trying to be people. That’s the core emotional arc.
• Unlikely Alliances – Dwarves and draconians were once mortal enemies. Here, they have to learn trust, cooperation, and compromise.
• Legacy and Rebirth – The eggs symbolize hope, future, and choice—the first step toward a world where draconians aren’t weapons, but parents and citizens.
• Comedy with Weight – The gully dwarves provide absurdity, but their inclusion underlines the novel’s central message: everyone matters—even the least likely.

Tone & Style

• Witty, grim, and heartfelt—Weis and Perrin balance military tension with unexpected humor and emotional payoff.
• Highly character-focused, especially Kang’s development.
• Not a “grand quest” fantasy—this is small-scale, boots-on-the-ground storytelling, more about communities than gods or kings.
• Has a war movie tone in places, with shades of Band of Brothers or MASH*—but with draconians and lava.

Reception

The Doom Brigade is often praised as:

• One of the most original Dragonlance novels, with fresh POVs and tone
• A character-driven war story with heart and humor
• A game-changer for draconian lore, elevating them from evil minions to complex beings

Critics occasionally note:

• The humor may not land for all readers (especially around the gully dwarves)
• Some action scenes are more situational than epic

Still, most readers agree: this is a must-read for anyone curious about the other side of Krynn.

Final Thoughts

The Doom Brigade is a funny, emotional, and surprisingly profound tale of survival, community, and second chances. It’s a story about monsters who don’t want to be monsters anymore, and what happens when people at the edges of history try to build something new.

Recommended for:

• Fans of military or post-war fantasy
• Readers who love underdog stories and complex villains
• Anyone who wants more lore and depth about draconians
• Those looking for humor and heart in equal measure

“We were made for war. But now—we live. That must mean something.”