@@needhd7159writing "in character" is difficult. Period. 😅 I was touching on how I feel that the true story is that of Raistlin & his family being the victims of symbiosis & parasitic damage each by none other than Fistandantilus. The stories published being no more than an illusion Raistlin plays out knowing that Fistandantilus is persuaded by his own illusions cast. Susceptible to illusion due to his affliction, condition & status as a Lich alone. Necromancy compared to Illusion being what it is.
When i read Dragonlance as a teenager, Raistlin was my favourite character because his power appealed to my D&D nerdism. When i read the books again in my 30's and again recently in my 40's, I liked him a lot less. His lust for personal power makes him a manipulator and he doesn't understand how to receive and return love, almost narcissistic. Characters i never used to think twice about, like Laurana, ended up becoming the ones i really identified with as they reflected my real life values.
There's a really deep meaningful line or passage from the Twins of Time books or whatever they were called. I forget what it was, I read it while I was locked up and had copied it down and kept it, but lost it at some point.
I was different. While I too read the books back in 1998 when I was only 16, I always liked Crysania, Lauralanthasala and Sturm the most. I really disliked Raistlin as I could see he was only in anything for personal power.
He's not very likable. But in the trilogy that focused on them you see their childhood and can more easily identify with Raislin. His sacrifice at the end of that trilogy haunted me for a while after I had finished. Good books do that don't they?
@@bobc538 I never really saw his death as a sacrifice as such - more a realization of futility having seen the future in Caramon's mind. What else was his options at that stage? He either died or defeated her outside the portal for an eterrnal future of nothingness. I remember when I was reading that part I was firmly in the corner of Caramon getting Crysania out of trouble - thought Raistlin got his just desserts for what he did to her tbh.
“For me, the gates will open.” These words embedded themselves in my heart. Power can afford you many things, yet not many heed the cost that must be paid.
Such a great character. My favorite part of any of his stories is when Takhisis mentally shows him the endless torture she has planned, something similar to Prometheus, and he actually smiles at the thought.
The part where I started to like Raistlin Majere when he showed kindness towards Bupu the gully dwarf. He has a disdain against most people because of how he's been treated by most people but he could still feel kindness towards a race that everyone treats with disdain.
Wow!! this brings back memories!! Read these back in the 80's...Raistlin was always my favorite...I recall when he went from red robes to black....uuuf. Thank you for this!
Raistlin is the GOAT of Dragonlance. In the end, he redeems himself like Vader in Jedi. I read either the Chronicles or Legends every year just for all the great lines, story, and for the sly one.
Best line spoken in Dragonlance and always sticks in my mind is from Raistlin.. "Hope is the denial of reality." Truly insane considering how his story ends.
"Hope is the denail of reality" "life is Not about hoping it is about fighting no matter if you can win or not" i will never forget that and it changed my life
Raistlin has always been a kind of mirror for me and his story helped me avoid many pitfalls in my own life and path. You honor him well with this. I could go on but I will just say thank you.
I know what you mean. I loved the character but rather than wanting to emulate him I took it as a cautionary tale. Probably made my life better in some ways to do that.
As a young adult, I adored Raistlin. Everything and anyone would bow to me if I had The Power! Now that I'm older, I almost pity him. And I know he'd hate that.
Although it was originally initiated by a spell, I think Raistlin’s interactions with the gully dwarf, Bupu, highlights a compassionate aspect of his personality. Although it is overshadowed by his drive for power, and he strives to keep it hidden, it makes subtle appearances throughout his story. It’s been a long while since I’ve read Test of the Twins but I think I recall that it’s Caramon’s memory of Bupu, in that desolate future, that really convinces Raistlin to give up his plan and to sacrifice himself. Thanks for the video!
I would definitely say you hit the nail on the head with that description. Olso one of the things raist hated more than anything was being the object of pity by others . Bupu being a gully dwarf lead a pitiful existence which triggered the last bit of compassion and empathy remaining in raist
He's one of my favourite characters in any book! Such a wonderful character arc, and teamed up with Caramon it's even better and grander! What makes Raistlin even more special is that he is both the protagonist and the antagonist in Dragonlance Legends. Superb! 🙂
One of my favorite quotes: "You cannot hide from danger. Death floats on the air, creeps through the window, comes with the handshake of a stranger. If we stop living because we fear death, then we have already died."
I love that he also denied his love for his brother throughout his life even though it was obvious that he did. Caramon to me is a great brother. He knows he is being used however he still loves his brother and feels that he can still save him.
Raistlin never denied his love for his brother. At most, his feelings turned more to indifference after he gained the power he desired after his battle with Fistandantilus. However, Raistlin did openly and often state his contempt for Caramon and that he hated Caramon for the fact that Raistlin had to rely on on him so much. It is entirely possible to both love and hate someone at the same time.
One of my favorite all-time characters. I especially loved the relationship between Caramon and Raist. The end, when he pictured his brother soothing him with the bunnies, made me cry every time.
My favorite part of Raistlin's story arc is when the portal opens and the device of time travel interferes and causes the explosion. Everyone should go back and read the last couple paragraphs of The War of the Twins. He's being torn apart and refuses to fail. Uses words of command never spoken before. Badass.
I just found this channel, thank you. I have read all of the Dragonlance books from Chronicles to Dragons of Eternity. I love the world of Krynn and all of its many facets, the towers of high sorcery and the white/red/black robed wizards are my all time favourites. Raistlin Majere will always hold a special place in my imagination, he is exactly how i think a wizard should be.
You cannot chain yourself to yourself, bind yourself to yourself; it is only through connections to others that we find liberation. Raistlin taught me this lesson.
@@DLSaga Might you consider publishing a "Wisdom of Dragonlance" video where you share the lessons you learned from this fantastic setting with its accompanying cast of colorful _dramatis personae_ ?
Since I read the Raistlin arc, I have been enamored with this character and strive to be like him in a way! Always there for the less fortunate and carrying myself you poise, grace and respectability! Even under temptation he never faltered! And even though he was power hungry, he still had a heart for the little things that made life wonderful! Thank you for this video and here to hopefully seeing others fall in love with Raistlin and his story as well! Cheers!
That's an interesting take. The authors saw him as an addict to magic. Nothing was important but power. We readers see him differently and relatable in contrast. I wonder what that says about us? lol
@@DLSaga we will always endear ourselves with characters such as Raistlin because like them we all deal with our own dragons/burdens. We can empathize with them and to an extent, understand them without judgements because we want people to do the same with us! Where to the creators he was an addict to those of us that have endured our trials in life, hope that at the end of it all... Fizban would take mercy on us and forgive our shortcomings! Be well!
One empowering line of wisdom I always remembered from Raistlin, was the one he gave to his nephew - "Bow to others in reverence and respect, but never in slavery!"
Even to this day, I read through the novels and even through old AD&D adventures books and find it fascinating how all of this was so well crafted. Still my favorite campaign setting of all time.
Yes! When you look at DL5 Dragons of Mystery, the sourcebook the team used to write the novels and modules, they took there time to develop out a whole world with history. It's great!
Raistlin remains one of the great villains of Dragonlance. And he gets some of the best lines. "Hope is the denial of reality. It is the carrot dangled before the draft horse to keep him plodding along in a vain attempt to reach it." "My Queen...it is your move."
I see him as the greatest hero in the whole series because he could have destroyed whomever he pleased, at any time in history he pleased. He could have wiped out the families of every asshole who bullied, tormented, and took advantage of his vulnerability. Instead he spared the undeserving wretches and rid the world of a vampiric lich.
Great walk down memory lane. You really hit the high notes and the low notes. He was a tortured man to be sure. You never knew what side of raistlin you were gonna see from moment to moment. It was a great series overall, I highly recommend. He was the spice in that series, the others were support characters. He paid many a steep price for his pursuit of power. That power warped and changed him but eventually he had his redemption.
As somone who was envious of his older brother Raistlin's story showed it was possible to become a person in one's own right. Working to surpass surpass his brother and not settling with current knowledge is what a student needs to be successful in any or multiple fields.
Raistlin is great, but watching Caramon grow alongside him was a treat as well. Caramon needs to be given his due as well. In the end he becomes a well rounded warrior, father, and husband.
I have two favourite anti-heroes from my youth: Raistlin Majere Dragonlance and Marc Remillard, The Many Coloured Land etc. Thanks for the vid, some great memories 😊
Wow. This came up in my feed. I played Raistlin for TSR at Gen Con 1996. Still have the robes and Staff of Magius, but the $600 hourglass contact lenses are long gone. Fun days!
very nice to see this video reach 20k views! Shows great promise for this channel. Interesting that so many people are still eager to learn about Raistlin. Love it!
DragonLance is still my #1 fantasy story-line/adventure series of all time. I've been in love with that series since the mid 80's. I literally have used these books as an example of PERFECT writing. 1: Is it written so well that you have to reread a page or two because it was so satisfying to read? CHECK! 2: Does it make you laugh out loud? CHECK! 3: Does it make you cry out loud? CHECK! I think it beats out the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter on all levels!
I never had a favorite character. It was the lore itself that captivated me during my teenage years. I'm very glad this series is still getting some love. Est Sularus Oth Mithas.
Thank you for this channel. I'm excited to dive more into it And I was younger. I read through the novels and it's been about 30 years since I have so I'm excited
I read the DragonLance series when the novels originally hit the shelves. I did not know it started in Dragon magazine. I had only got two of those Magazines. I did’t play D&D by that time. I played back in the 70’s. It is interesting to here the history of Rastlin. Thanks for reviving the memories.
I've just recently become a fan of Dragonlance (having read the first two books) and Raistlin is my favourite character of the franchise. Just like Raistlin I am committed to achieving my goals and have a fierce determination to do so. I am also cynical and withdrawn, but despite my reluctance to connect with people, I do have a soft spot and am willing to help.
Raistlin has always been my hero. I've had some pretty hair raising experiences working with the occult over the years and I've always kept control by telling myself " Raistlin wouldn't let this strange thing scare him or shake his concentration...and neither will I!" And it's always worked.
"Ast tasarak sinuralan kyrnawi..." I've not read all of the Dragonlance books, but Raistlin fast became my favourite character. Even though, as an old friend once pointed out, after every coughing fit, one expected a voice to pipe up from the back of the scene, "Oi, Majere! Stop smoking!"
I think Tasselhoff was the reason Raistlin was able to succeed where Fistandantilus failed. There's a place where Raistlin was half-heartedly battling in a fight he knew he would win, musing about how he was ultimately doomed by time, anyway. Then, Tasselhoff shows up, and he simultaneously realizes that he's no longer doomed and that he can now loose the fight he's in.
Great summary of the character.... I maybe remembering things wrong... But, I remember in the Tower of High Sorcery during his test... Raistlin's hair changed because of the intensity of the test, the eyes were Parsalian's hope to teach him compassion, but the golden skin was from Fistandentius... a curse and protection from the dark elf that nearly killed Raistlin... It has been a long time since i read the books...
Very well done! Raistlin for me growing up was the mean, surly, antithesis of my personality but man was it fun to play that type of character in D&D and other games, still is fun to play in games that allow that type of play in their games.
Raistlin was the story of dragonlance to me. Everyone got introduced to the blue crystal staff, I forgot all about that side quest after him explaining the stars in the sky and how the gods have come back, on a boat, at night, on crystalmere lake.
Raistlin was right for obsessing over power and defeating the dark dragon queen of the abyss and becoming a god. Krynn would have no chance without Raist.
His unwavering ambition and determination to get exactly what he wants brings him to say my favorite quote to takhisis.. “My queen. It is your move….” If not for a kender who saw what was to happen, he would have swallowed himself into eternity. The hourglass. His last redemptive act was to give up his ambition.
For me the story of Raistlin and Caramon was the tale of two souls intertwined, connected and somehow balanced. Brilliantly written, beautifully conceived, excellently portrayed. The other companions became NPCs to their redemption tale and a satisfactory ending that never seemed likely until the last few chapters. Authors who truly loved their characters. Such a criminal waste that the rights to the story owned by a greedy, self centred corporation, it would be a supremely difficult story to capture accurately in film but if they could pull it off it would be unforgettable. Should be given to Peter Jackson to see what he could do with it.
Along with Dragon Lance, I’ve read Sanderson, Gwynne, Erickson, Abercrombie, Brooks and many other fantasy authors. While I didn’t always like Raistin, I believe that he is one of the best characters in the fantasy genre in my opinion. He was always complicated and always interesting. You’ll hate him and you’ll love him. You’ll never forget him.
What's nuts is how I got into the Dragonlance Saga. We used to go to the local mall and shoplift for kicks as kids and since I was a big ol nerd I would steal books. I saw "The Art of the Dragonlance" and into my "Sack of Pilfering" (backpack) it went. After that I boosted the first trilogy, fell in love, realized there were so many more Weiss & Hickman books that I wanted to read. So I went back to the bookstore, apologized, and paid for the books I stole. That's another story entirely though.
I first came across Dragonlance and Raistlin as a 10-year-old in the school library, and my 10-year-old self decided that he was both kinda hot and aspirational. He was snarky and often angry at the world, but he didn't let anyone walk over him and even though he wasn't physically powerful the people around him respected him. He also treated sex and attraction as secondary to knowledge and power, which I found immensely relatable. Twenty years later... he is still one of the fictional people I look up to, and it always makes me smile when I see Dragonlance books in the shelf of a bookstore. Heroes were never really my thing anyways, and sometimes redemption can be an overly judgemental concept to throw around. Here's hoping for a Dragonlance 5e sourcebook (the recent UA gives me hope).
it was the artwork that pulled me into this world as a young teenager. found a hard-covered book of "War of The Twins", in the school library. So, not only was I pulled into this world through the art work on the book, but started at the tail end of the series. I had a time of it, pulling things together. It wasn't until I discovered the 3rd book with an intact ending page which showed the order of the preceding books. great times
The term was ‘dark elf’ in Margaret Weis’ Test of the Twins Dragon Magazine short story from 1984. At that time there wasn’t a difference between dark elf and drow. It would be clarified later on, but the drow would show up again in a 2E adventure in Souther Ergoth.
Raistlin's addiction to power is *the* description of how the spellcasting classes in 1st ed D&D had evolved at that point in it's history. There was always the "gain levels, get strong" progression and spellcasters got exponentially more powerful at the mid levels going forward. However by the mid-80s, Wizards were very much the class that had become the driving force in play towards hoovering up every magic gegaw and scroll possible to expand their own spellbooks. Wizards were the driving force behind harvesting every slain critter for some potion ingredient or magic item reagent (as listed in the Dragon issues of the time). I don't thing this was a design choice by the staff at TSR, and I don't know if it was a conscious development for the character by Weiss and Hickman, but it certainly is a vivid illustration of what the Wizard in D&D had become by that time.
One scene in his origin book Soulforged really spoke out to me in that yes Raistlin was a harsh person he was sickly, weak and frail he grew up envying his brother's looks, body, and personality but the scene of him caring for his mother who lost her mind. After seeing her husband's dead body he sat by her side tending to her giving her water trying to feed her talking to her trying to anchor her mind to the world he didn't care he loved his mother and tried helping her with everything he could it was a side of him. No one but his brother Caramon would ever see it's truly a shame Raistlin never let that side of him show to others maybe he would've had more friends but his disdain for others and his drive for ever more power is what was most important to him.
I'd like for you to go into more detail about Raistlin after Legends. I've read Summer Flame, Second Generation, and War of the Souls but my memory of what exactly Raistlin was up to is fairly vague. Might be time to re read those series since its been over thirty years.
I have always thought of Raistlen's character as the one who chose his brain (called a "nerd" nowadays) over brawn. As his body was sickly, he could not use normal strength to overcome, as his twin. So, he chose magic to set him free of that burden, both for pride and power, at first. The price for that power was more than he understood, both to his body, and mind. But, along the journey, he realized someone would need to use the power he found in magic to actually defeat Evil. Evil he had unknowingly been trapped in through the curse of Fistandaneous. He knew it would take someone willing to ' get so near pure evil', and that was more than his companions could do themselves. In the end, he gave all, for them and to save his world. A truly tragic story told in a masterful way of how each of us fights against ourselves daily. In My hopes, we all learn before our true end, as Raistlin. Or, at least, that is my "reading" into the character created in Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's saga.
Thank you very much for all the information and the movie. I would like to know, in which book did Raistlin and Fistandantilus fight with the bloodstone?
Source of my favorite quote “Hope is the denial of reality. It is the carrot dangled before the draft horse to keep him plodding along in a vain attempt to reach it." "Are you saying we shouldn't hope?" "I'm saying we should remove the carrot and walk forward with our eyes open! Although your description of him being an addict would be correct I’d add it’s something more awake. An addict isn’t always conscious or in control of his addiction. There are many alcoholics that refuse to acknowledge they are and there a lot of heroin addicts that know they should stop but are compelled otherwise. Raisin was fully aware of his drive and motivation making it more than just addiction to him it was his sole purpose. He was a seeker of truth regardless of the consequences.
Raistlin was/ is the greatest character of Krynn. I HATED the fact that when he returned he had no magic. It was a cheap patchwork solution to having him returned only to be neutered so that their new stories could be told because if he came back with his power their story would be over because he could easily defeat whomever the antagonist was. Also....FIFTH AGE DRAGONLANCE SUCKED!!!! I know lets create a fantasy world with dragons and elves etc. but take away magic....BRILLIANT!!!
Was his magic actually taken away though? I seemed to remember interpreting it as he chose not to use magic because he knew the temptation would start him back down the path. Of course it's been a few years since I read it... well darn it... it's time for me to start reading Dragonlance again!
I think its better to leave him without his magic. WHat god in their right mind would give him the ability to use magic. Having seen what he did with it before....I think that would take away what he still has to offer as a character. HIs mind and character were what made him still a great part of the ongoing story.
@@ZyloxDragon1 I think you are right..it was more his choice, but to return without the one thing you are known for...simply as a "penance" for all that you've done/learned really angered me. I read Dragonlance from the beginning. I picked up Dragon's of Autumns Twilight like the 2nd day it was released. My original copy is so worn and used I cant read it anymore for fear it will fall apart. I say this for context. I grew up with the original characters and books. Raistlin was always my favorite but after the chronicles and legends trilogies except a few misc books about the character we got nothing more..story done..character finished. It was a grossly underuse of in my opinion was the most interesting character. The were many different stories about Raistlin left untold but we didnt get any...that always made me regretful..so much potential to ultimately be disappointing. I moved on the Forgotten Realms after I realized they were never going to continue his story anymore.
They didn't take away the magic. The fifth age changed how magic worked. There were sorcerers and mystics. Palin made a school for magic near Solace. The ogre titans used magic to come into being. The dragon overlords used magic to change the land and create their totems. The war of souls started taking away magic, not the 5th Age itself.
I used to devour everything DragonLance - until the 5th Age. At that point, I denied its existence and refused to have anything else to do with the ruination of Krynn from that moment forward. For me, that never happened, and Krynn remains as it was before that horrific mistake.
I stumbled on these books when I was very young and they were certainly one of my favorite saga's, I remember how when Raislin was apprenticed to Fistindathilus, how the other students in his tutelage never saw Raist open a book, he only stared coldly at the other apprentice's, and during the final test, Raist beat them all with simple parlor tricks, making it look like he bypassed the mage ward cast by his master, so he won the final test without even using any magic,
Dragon magazine 83 You did a fantastic job. I am VERY. picky when it comes to Raistlin and believe me, I would correct you in a heartbeat. 😂 I was 15 when I finally read the books. I "borrowed" my brother'sbooks when I was young.LOL😂I have all six of the original books. They are VERY well loved. They are so old now I won't touch them to protect them as they are falling apart. I have the collector's editon ones to read....😊😊😊😊😊
Did you play the gold box pc games in the early 90's? I did!!! They made the books come to life for me back then. The cover for the third game titled The Dark Queen of Krynn is one of my favorite pictures starring Raistlin. He is awesome. Have a good one.
Fistandantilis' spellbook was basically the cheat code that allowed Raistlan to achieve his aims much sooner than if he had to do it without. He probably would've gotten there eventually, but the landscape of Krynn might've been very different by then, leaving him to figuratively hit a moving target in fighting Takhisis.
Thank you for watching today's Dragonlance Setting episode. What do you think about Raistlin Majere? Leave a comment below.
What?
As would I. We each make our heroes best suit our own eyes and , maybe, needs.
@@needhd7159writing "in character" is difficult. Period. 😅
I was touching on how I feel that the true story is that of Raistlin & his family being the victims of symbiosis & parasitic damage each by none other than Fistandantilus.
The stories published being no more than an illusion Raistlin plays out knowing that Fistandantilus is persuaded by his own illusions cast. Susceptible to illusion due to his affliction, condition & status as a Lich alone. Necromancy compared to Illusion being what it is.
Love him or hate him, I wouldn’t want to mess with him
Raistlin was Fistandantlus, It was in the twins trilogy. Think about that🤔.
"They gave me the eyes to see past, present and future of all living things, thinking it will teach me compassion. Instead, I only felt contempt"
Awesome
Raistlin is the greatest character period. Bring Dragonlance to the big screen!
Yes please!
No way, Fewmaster Toade was by far the greatest.
Not more than 2
Twins: Directed by Guilermo Del Toro!
No please don't they ruin everything they try to convert
When i read Dragonlance as a teenager, Raistlin was my favourite character because his power appealed to my D&D nerdism. When i read the books again in my 30's and again recently in my 40's, I liked him a lot less. His lust for personal power makes him a manipulator and he doesn't understand how to receive and return love, almost narcissistic. Characters i never used to think twice about, like Laurana, ended up becoming the ones i really identified with as they reflected my real life values.
That’s part of what I love about these novels. They appeal to us differently as we age.
There's a really deep meaningful line or passage from the Twins of Time books or whatever they were called. I forget what it was, I read it while I was locked up and had copied it down and kept it, but lost it at some point.
I was different. While I too read the books back in 1998 when I was only 16, I always liked Crysania, Lauralanthasala and Sturm the most. I really disliked Raistlin as I could see he was only in anything for personal power.
He's not very likable. But in the trilogy that focused on them you see their childhood and can more easily identify with Raislin. His sacrifice at the end of that trilogy haunted me for a while after I had finished. Good books do that don't they?
@@bobc538 I never really saw his death as a sacrifice as such - more a realization of futility having seen the future in Caramon's mind. What else was his options at that stage? He either died or defeated her outside the portal for an eterrnal future of nothingness. I remember when I was reading that part I was firmly in the corner of Caramon getting Crysania out of trouble - thought Raistlin got his just desserts for what he did to her tbh.
“For me, the gates will open.”
These words embedded themselves in my heart. Power can afford you many things, yet not many heed the cost that must be paid.
Yea that was a great line!
Such a great character. My favorite part of any of his stories is when Takhisis mentally shows him the endless torture she has planned, something similar to Prometheus, and he actually smiles at the thought.
He’s awesome! That was cool
The part where I started to like Raistlin Majere when he showed kindness towards Bupu the gully dwarf. He has a disdain against most people because of how he's been treated by most people but he could still feel kindness towards a race that everyone treats with disdain.
The Soulforge had a lot of those compassionate moments for Raistlin.
Same here Dhyfis.
Yes, that is when I fell in love with the character myself...but there again, I've always had a soft spot for antiheroes.
BUPU! Oh man, I haven't thought about him in over 20 years!!!
@@ryxsynf8725 Her.....
Wow!! this brings back memories!! Read these back in the 80's...Raistlin was always my favorite...I recall when he went from red robes to black....uuuf.
Thank you for this!
My pleasure!
Raistlin is the GOAT of Dragonlance. In the end, he redeems himself like Vader in Jedi. I read either the Chronicles or Legends every year just for all the great lines, story, and for the sly one.
Right on! Thank you for watching.
Best line spoken in Dragonlance and always sticks in my mind is from Raistlin.. "Hope is the denial of reality." Truly insane considering how his story ends.
It’s brutal.
I use the same phrase on a regular basis
"Hope is the denail of reality" "life is Not about hoping it is about fighting no matter if you can win or not" i will never forget that and it changed my life
Raistlin has always been a kind of mirror for me and his story helped me avoid many pitfalls in my own life and path. You honor him well with this. I could go on but I will just say thank you.
It was my pleasure!
SkullCowboy333 is spot on, the same was for me
I know what you mean. I loved the character but rather than wanting to emulate him I took it as a cautionary tale. Probably made my life better in some ways to do that.
@@Z1gguratVert1go Exactly!
if you needed a fictional character to help you in real life...... sad
Oh wow haven't heard of raist for 25 years.
Such awesome memories reading dragon Lance when I was young.
It’s a nostalgia bomb
Dragonlance was my first ever fantasy series and started my love of fantasy in general and wizards in particular. Awesome character
Same here!
As a young adult, I adored Raistlin. Everything and anyone would bow to me if I had The Power! Now that I'm older, I almost pity him. And I know he'd hate that.
Whoa, yea thats interesting.
Although it was originally initiated by a spell, I think Raistlin’s interactions with the gully dwarf, Bupu, highlights a compassionate aspect of his personality. Although it is overshadowed by his drive for power, and he strives to keep it hidden, it makes subtle appearances throughout his story. It’s been a long while since I’ve read Test of the Twins but I think I recall that it’s Caramon’s memory of Bupu, in that desolate future, that really convinces Raistlin to give up his plan and to sacrifice himself.
Thanks for the video!
This tracks as true to my memory as well.
Long live that rat! Her most prized possession and gift to Raist.
Raist considers himself the underdog, and always loved underdogs like Bupu.
I would definitely say you hit the nail on the head with that description. Olso one of the things raist hated more than anything was being the object of pity by others . Bupu being a gully dwarf lead a pitiful existence which triggered the last bit of compassion and empathy remaining in raist
There is ever choice.
He's one of my favourite characters in any book! Such a wonderful character arc, and teamed up with Caramon it's even better and grander! What makes Raistlin even more special is that he is both the protagonist and the antagonist in Dragonlance Legends. Superb! 🙂
Yes! Thanks for sharing
One of my favorite quotes:
"You cannot hide from danger. Death floats on the air, creeps through the window, comes with the handshake of a stranger. If we stop living because we fear death, then we have already died."
Great quote.
quote for the times..
@@MysticUnity Not a refutation of caution, however.
Mine too.
I dont remember Raistlin saying that one.. which book was that?
I love that he also denied his love for his brother throughout his life even though it was obvious that he did. Caramon to me is a great brother. He knows he is being used however he still loves his brother and feels that he can still save him.
I want to thumbs up, but it's a melancholy post. True too.
Of course his love for his twin saves his soul.
Raistlin never denied his love for his brother. At most, his feelings turned more to indifference after he gained the power he desired after his battle with Fistandantilus. However, Raistlin did openly and often state his contempt for Caramon and that he hated Caramon for the fact that Raistlin had to rely on on him so much. It is entirely possible to both love and hate someone at the same time.
One of my favorite all-time characters. I especially loved the relationship between Caramon and Raist. The end, when he pictured his brother soothing him with the bunnies, made me cry every time.
It’s so great!
My favorite part of Raistlin's story arc is when the portal opens and the device of time travel interferes and causes the explosion. Everyone should go back and read the last couple paragraphs of The War of the Twins. He's being torn apart and refuses to fail. Uses words of command never spoken before. Badass.
Absolutely
I just found this channel, thank you.
I have read all of the Dragonlance books from Chronicles to Dragons of Eternity. I love the world of Krynn and all of its many facets, the towers of high sorcery and the white/red/black robed wizards are my all time favourites. Raistlin Majere will always hold a special place in my imagination, he is exactly how i think a wizard should be.
That’s great! Welcome to the channel
You cannot chain yourself to yourself, bind yourself to yourself; it is only through connections to others that we find liberation. Raistlin taught me this lesson.
Nice!
@@DLSaga Might you consider publishing a "Wisdom of Dragonlance" video where you share the lessons you learned from this fantastic setting with its accompanying cast of colorful _dramatis personae_ ?
Since I read the Raistlin arc, I have been enamored with this character and strive to be like him in a way! Always there for the less fortunate and carrying myself you poise, grace and respectability! Even under temptation he never faltered! And even though he was power hungry, he still had a heart for the little things that made life wonderful! Thank you for this video and here to hopefully seeing others fall in love with Raistlin and his story as well! Cheers!
That's an interesting take. The authors saw him as an addict to magic. Nothing was important but power. We readers see him differently and relatable in contrast. I wonder what that says about us? lol
@@DLSaga we will always endear ourselves with characters such as Raistlin because like them we all deal with our own dragons/burdens. We can empathize with them and to an extent, understand them without judgements because we want people to do the same with us! Where to the creators he was an addict to those of us that have endured our trials in life, hope that at the end of it all... Fizban would take mercy on us and forgive our shortcomings! Be well!
Brothers Majere and The Soulforge are easily my favorite books in the dragonlance library. Thanks for the video.
My pleasure. Thank you for watching.
One empowering line of wisdom I always remembered from Raistlin, was the one he gave to his nephew - "Bow to others in reverence and respect, but never in slavery!"
That is a great line!
My favorite Raist quote, and that's saying something as he has some great ones.
Even to this day, I read through the novels and even through old AD&D adventures books and find it fascinating how all of this was so well crafted. Still my favorite campaign setting of all time.
Yes! When you look at DL5 Dragons of Mystery, the sourcebook the team used to write the novels and modules, they took there time to develop out a whole world with history. It's great!
@@DLSaga 100%
Raistlin remains one of the great villains of Dragonlance. And he gets some of the best lines. "Hope is the denial of reality. It is the carrot dangled before the draft horse to keep him plodding along in a vain attempt to reach it." "My Queen...it is your move."
He’s both a hero and villain, which is great.
I see him as the greatest hero in the whole series because he could have destroyed whomever he pleased, at any time in history he pleased. He could have wiped out the families of every asshole who bullied, tormented, and took advantage of his vulnerability.
Instead he spared the undeserving wretches and rid the world of a vampiric lich.
Raistlin in an incredibly talent mage. Excellent character, wonderful arc and development.
Thanks for watching!
THIS IS THE ONE I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!
Enjoy.
Great walk down memory lane. You really hit the high notes and the low notes. He was a tortured man to be sure. You never knew what side of raistlin you were gonna see from moment to moment.
It was a great series overall, I highly recommend. He was the spice in that series, the others were support characters. He paid many a steep price for his pursuit of power. That power warped and changed him but eventually he had his redemption.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. And for watching.
As somone who was envious of his older brother Raistlin's story showed it was possible to become a person in one's own right.
Working to surpass surpass his brother and not settling with current knowledge is what a student needs to be successful in any or multiple fields.
Thank you for watching the video!
I still have 100 dragonlance novels. I care for them like a kid
That’s awesome!
Raistlin is great, but watching Caramon grow alongside him was a treat as well. Caramon needs to be given his due as well. In the end he becomes a well rounded warrior, father, and husband.
Yea, Caramon came into his own in Legends to me.
Caramon is boring af. Not a character flaw, he's just not as compelling to read about as his brother.
he was an abusive codependent drunkard. caramon was a hard guy to actually like
I have two favourite anti-heroes from my youth: Raistlin Majere Dragonlance and Marc Remillard, The Many Coloured Land etc. Thanks for the vid, some great memories 😊
You’re very welcome. Thank you for watching!
Wow. This came up in my feed. I played Raistlin for TSR at Gen Con 1996. Still have the robes and Staff of Magius, but the $600 hourglass contact lenses are long gone. Fun days!
That’s awesome!
Raistlin demonstrates how weakness can be as corrupting as strength, but in a different way.
Interesting thought. Thanks for watching!
very nice to see this video reach 20k views! Shows great promise for this channel. Interesting that so many people are still eager to learn about Raistlin. Love it!
It is a testament to Raistlin Majere.
Having you explain this was a treat. Thanks for your hard work uploading. It's been years since I read any of this.
It’s my pleasure. Thanks for watching!
DragonLance is still my #1 fantasy story-line/adventure series of all time. I've been in love with that series since the mid 80's. I literally have used these books as an example of PERFECT writing.
1: Is it written so well that you have to reread a page or two because it was so satisfying to read? CHECK!
2: Does it make you laugh out loud? CHECK!
3: Does it make you cry out loud? CHECK!
I think it beats out the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter on all levels!
I have to agree. Thanks for sharing!
I never had a favorite character. It was the lore itself that captivated me during my teenage years.
I'm very glad this series is still getting some love.
Est Sularus Oth Mithas.
It certainly is on this channel :) Welcome!
Thank you for this channel. I'm excited to dive more into it
And I was younger. I read through the novels and it's been about 30 years since I have so I'm excited
I have years worth of content here for you to explore. I hope you enjoy it!
I read the DragonLance series when the novels originally hit the shelves. I did not know it started in Dragon magazine. I had only got two of those Magazines. I did’t play D&D by that time. I played back in the 70’s. It is interesting to here the history of Rastlin. Thanks for reviving the memories.
You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching.
Best character and wizard ever written!! He is the reason why I have always played some form of mage in D&D
Very cool.
I've just recently become a fan of Dragonlance (having read the first two books) and Raistlin is my favourite character of the franchise. Just like Raistlin I am committed to achieving my goals and have a fierce determination to do so. I am also cynical and withdrawn, but despite my reluctance to connect with people, I do have a soft spot and am willing to help.
Nice! Thanks for watching
I often quote Raistlin but my favorite is "hope is the denial of reality"
haha that is a good one
I love all you Dragonlance lore. That setting was my first love, and still is, by far my amongst my top three favorit settings.
Thank you for watching!
Fell in love with dragonlance in 1992 after reading Dragons Autumn Twilight at 16 years old...
That's awesome. Thank you for watching.
Raistlin has always been my hero. I've had some pretty hair raising experiences working with the occult over the years and I've always kept control by telling myself " Raistlin wouldn't let this strange thing scare him or shake his concentration...and neither will I!" And it's always worked.
That’s wild, thanks for watching.
Excellent telling of his story. Thank you so much!
Thanks for listening
Ever since the story in Dragon, Raistlin has been my favourite character in fantasy.
Nice! You are not alone
"Ast tasarak sinuralan kyrnawi..."
I've not read all of the Dragonlance books, but Raistlin fast became my favourite character. Even though, as an old friend once pointed out, after every coughing fit, one expected a voice to pipe up from the back of the scene, "Oi, Majere! Stop smoking!"
Heh, yea you’d think one person would’ve mentioned it, but DL is shockingly devoid of smoking…
@@DLSaga r/Whooosh
When he tells the goblin (Fewmaster Toede?) "I am magi, do not touch me" I was like "dayum!" Great video 🤘
Yes great character
I think Tasselhoff was the reason Raistlin was able to succeed where Fistandantilus failed. There's a place where Raistlin was half-heartedly battling in a fight he knew he would win, musing about how he was ultimately doomed by time, anyway. Then, Tasselhoff shows up, and he simultaneously realizes that he's no longer doomed and that he can now loose the fight he's in.
Definitely, great call back. I read it the same way.
Omg I am only 51 seconds in and I am being crushed by a wave of memories reading these books
Nostalgia is powerful!
Me to
He's the best. I love him so much. Raistlin forever. ❤️
Thanks for watching!
I remember reading all these books and Raistlin is why I always play a mage!
Nice!
Great summary of the character.... I maybe remembering things wrong... But, I remember in the Tower of High Sorcery during his test... Raistlin's hair changed because of the intensity of the test, the eyes were Parsalian's hope to teach him compassion, but the golden skin was from Fistandentius... a curse and protection from the dark elf that nearly killed Raistlin... It has been a long time since i read the books...
There are three different stories that tell three different variations on the same theme. You seem to be referencing a bit of The Soulforge.
Very well done! Raistlin for me growing up was the mean, surly, antithesis of my personality but man was it fun to play that type of character in D&D and other games, still is fun to play in games that allow that type of play in their games.
Oh yea! Thanks for watching.
Raistlin was the story of dragonlance to me. Everyone got introduced to the blue crystal staff, I forgot all about that side quest after him explaining the stars in the sky and how the gods have come back, on a boat, at night, on crystalmere lake.
Thank you for watching!
you did a great job of Raistlin Majere story arc
Thank you.
Another great video!! Thank you for doing these!!!
Glad you like them!
I loved reading the dragon lance chronicles so much I named one of my sons after Raistlin
Oh wow, that’s cool
He’s the best character because he starts as the weakest and slowly becomes absurdly powerful
Yea, it's awesome to compare where he started and ended his journey.
Raistlin was right for obsessing over power and defeating the dark dragon queen of the abyss and becoming a god. Krynn would have no chance without Raist.
Thank you for watching!
He was wrong for killing or molesting at all for that matter.......just as any she would be.
His unwavering ambition and determination to get exactly what he wants brings him to say my favorite quote to takhisis..
“My queen. It is your move….”
If not for a kender who saw what was to happen, he would have swallowed himself into eternity. The hourglass. His last redemptive act was to give up his ambition.
It was great
The only authors that can come close to this epic tale is DUNE!! Such a wonderful tale!!! I loved reading it over and over!!!!
That’s awesome!
For me the story of Raistlin and Caramon was the tale of two souls intertwined, connected and somehow balanced. Brilliantly written, beautifully conceived, excellently portrayed. The other companions became NPCs to their redemption tale and a satisfactory ending that never seemed likely until the last few chapters. Authors who truly loved their characters. Such a criminal waste that the rights to the story owned by a greedy, self centred corporation, it would be a supremely difficult story to capture accurately in film but if they could pull it off it would be unforgettable. Should be given to Peter Jackson to see what he could do with it.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Raist is one of the best fantasy characters ever written.
100%
Along with Dragon Lance, I’ve read Sanderson, Gwynne, Erickson, Abercrombie, Brooks and many other fantasy authors. While I didn’t always like Raistin, I believe that he is one of the best characters in the fantasy genre in my opinion. He was always complicated and always interesting. You’ll hate him and you’ll love him. You’ll never forget him.
100%
What's nuts is how I got into the Dragonlance Saga. We used to go to the local mall and shoplift for kicks as kids and since I was a big ol nerd I would steal books. I saw "The Art of the Dragonlance" and into my "Sack of Pilfering" (backpack) it went. After that I boosted the first trilogy, fell in love, realized there were so many more Weiss & Hickman books that I wanted to read. So I went back to the bookstore, apologized, and paid for the books I stole. That's another story entirely though.
Wow that’s a wild entry story for DL!
I first came across Dragonlance and Raistlin as a 10-year-old in the school library, and my 10-year-old self decided that he was both kinda hot and aspirational. He was snarky and often angry at the world, but he didn't let anyone walk over him and even though he wasn't physically powerful the people around him respected him. He also treated sex and attraction as secondary to knowledge and power, which I found immensely relatable. Twenty years later... he is still one of the fictional people I look up to, and it always makes me smile when I see Dragonlance books in the shelf of a bookstore. Heroes were never really my thing anyways, and sometimes redemption can be an overly judgemental concept to throw around. Here's hoping for a Dragonlance 5e sourcebook (the recent UA gives me hope).
I am fascinated why people love the characters they do. Thank you for sharing your perspective!
Raist oli hyvä hahmo kyllä.
it was the artwork that pulled me into this world as a young teenager. found a hard-covered book of "War of The Twins", in the school library. So, not only was I pulled into this world through the art work on the book, but started at the tail end of the series. I had a time of it, pulling things together. It wasn't until I discovered the 3rd book with an intact ending page which showed the order of the preceding books. great times
That's awesome! It's quite the book to be your first in DL.
Well thanks for the flood of memories!!!
I think I'm going to dust off some novels and get reading
That is always a good choice!
Way cool.
In older publications it was specific said that drow elves were involved in facing Raistlin during his test.
The term was ‘dark elf’ in Margaret Weis’ Test of the Twins Dragon Magazine short story from 1984. At that time there wasn’t a difference between dark elf and drow. It would be clarified later on, but the drow would show up again in a 2E adventure in Souther Ergoth.
@@DLSaga ok. I was referring to the word drow being used in the Chronicles and some short story I read about the test.
Raistlin's addiction to power is *the* description of how the spellcasting classes in 1st ed D&D had evolved at that point in it's history. There was always the "gain levels, get strong" progression and spellcasters got exponentially more powerful at the mid levels going forward. However by the mid-80s, Wizards were very much the class that had become the driving force in play towards hoovering up every magic gegaw and scroll possible to expand their own spellbooks. Wizards were the driving force behind harvesting every slain critter for some potion ingredient or magic item reagent (as listed in the Dragon issues of the time). I don't thing this was a design choice by the staff at TSR, and I don't know if it was a conscious development for the character by Weiss and Hickman, but it certainly is a vivid illustration of what the Wizard in D&D had become by that time.
Very true. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
One scene in his origin book Soulforged really spoke out to me in that yes Raistlin was a harsh person he was sickly, weak and frail he grew up envying his brother's looks, body, and personality but the scene of him caring for his mother who lost her mind. After seeing her husband's dead body he sat by her side tending to her giving her water trying to feed her talking to her trying to anchor her mind to the world he didn't care he loved his mother and tried helping her with everything he could it was a side of him. No one but his brother Caramon would ever see it's truly a shame Raistlin never let that side of him show to others maybe he would've had more friends but his disdain for others and his drive for ever more power is what was most important to him.
Yea, i loved seeing the tender version of Raistlin thought the short stories and novels as well.
Raistlin FOREVER!!!
He's awesome!
@@DLSaga so iconic its a tragedy dragonlance hasn't made it to the big screen properly
Dragons of a Fallen Sun was the book that made me fall in love with reading
That’s awesome!
Excellent books and series
Definitely!
My actual reaction: Wut? 10 minutes about my favorite character in all of fiction? Yass please
I hope you enjoyed it.
I knew a little something about overcoming addiction so I can relate in many ways. Awesome story and well told. Was fun to watch. Great video
Thank you. Yea when I was a kid it was a big shameful secret, rarely dealt with. Now it is accepted as a manageable issue.
I'd like for you to go into more detail about Raistlin after Legends. I've read Summer Flame, Second Generation, and War of the Souls but my memory of what exactly Raistlin was up to is fairly vague. Might be time to re read those series since its been over thirty years.
There’s not much to talk about after summer of flame. He’s basically chilled waiting for Caramon or helping locate Tas in the War of Souls.
He was and is my favorite character in all dnd
He has an incredible legacy!
I have always thought of Raistlen's character as the one who chose his brain (called a "nerd" nowadays) over brawn. As his body was sickly, he could not use normal strength to overcome, as his twin. So, he chose magic to set him free of that burden, both for pride and power, at first. The price for that power was more than he understood, both to his body, and mind. But, along the journey, he realized someone would need to use the power he found in magic to actually defeat Evil. Evil he had unknowingly been trapped in through the curse of Fistandaneous. He knew it would take someone willing to ' get so near pure evil', and that was more than his companions could do themselves. In the end, he gave all, for them and to save his world. A truly tragic story told in a masterful way of how each of us fights against ourselves daily. In My hopes, we all learn before our true end, as Raistlin.
Or, at least, that is my "reading" into the character created in Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's saga.
Thanks for watching!
I think Raistlin was awesome. Sometimes I feel that I can relate to him; I love him. He believes knowledge is strength.
Thanks for watching, and sharing your thoughts!
@@DLSaga You're welcome.
Thank you very much for all the information and the movie. I would like to know, in which book did Raistlin and Fistandantilus fight with the bloodstone?
The Legends trilogy.
@@DLSaga Can you please be more specific? What is the name of the book?
Raistlin is one of the most wonderfully well crafted characters ever created.
He had a great life and part afterlife
@@DLSaga not really a great life but a life of greatness.
First Fantasy book series I ever read. Good times.
Very cool, I hope it wasn’t the last.
my favoirite book series growing up
It is a great one!
Source of my favorite quote “Hope is the denial of reality. It is the carrot dangled before the draft horse to keep him plodding along in a vain attempt to reach it."
"Are you saying we shouldn't hope?"
"I'm saying we should remove the carrot and walk forward with our eyes open!
Although your description of him being an addict would be correct I’d add it’s something more awake. An addict isn’t always conscious or in control of his addiction. There are many alcoholics that refuse to acknowledge they are and there a lot of heroin addicts that know they should stop but are compelled otherwise. Raisin was fully aware of his drive and motivation making it more than just addiction to him it was his sole purpose. He was a seeker of truth regardless of the consequences.
Thank you for watching!
He was actually was empowered by Solinari, Nuitari, and Lunitari. They gave him a portion of their power to be their sword.
Lunitari especially was fond of him.
Raistlin was/ is the greatest character of Krynn. I HATED the fact that when he returned he had no magic. It was a cheap patchwork solution to having him returned only to be neutered so that their new stories could be told because if he came back with his power their story would be over because he could easily defeat whomever the antagonist was. Also....FIFTH AGE DRAGONLANCE SUCKED!!!! I know lets create a fantasy world with dragons and elves etc. but take away magic....BRILLIANT!!!
Was his magic actually taken away though? I seemed to remember interpreting it as he chose not to use magic because he knew the temptation would start him back down the path. Of course it's been a few years since I read it... well darn it... it's time for me to start reading Dragonlance again!
I think its better to leave him without his magic. WHat god in their right mind would give him the ability to use magic. Having seen what he did with it before....I think that would take away what he still has to offer as a character. HIs mind and character were what made him still a great part of the ongoing story.
@@ZyloxDragon1 I think you are right..it was more his choice, but to return without the one thing you are known for...simply as a "penance" for all that you've done/learned really angered me. I read Dragonlance from the beginning. I picked up Dragon's of Autumns Twilight like the 2nd day it was released. My original copy is so worn and used I cant read it anymore for fear it will fall apart. I say this for context. I grew up with the original characters and books. Raistlin was always my favorite but after the chronicles and legends trilogies except a few misc books about the character we got nothing more..story done..character finished. It was a grossly underuse of in my opinion was the most interesting character. The were many different stories about Raistlin left untold but we didnt get any...that always made me regretful..so much potential to ultimately be disappointing. I moved on the Forgotten Realms after I realized they were never going to continue his story anymore.
They didn't take away the magic. The fifth age changed how magic worked. There were sorcerers and mystics. Palin made a school for magic near Solace. The ogre titans used magic to come into being. The dragon overlords used magic to change the land and create their totems. The war of souls started taking away magic, not the 5th Age itself.
I used to devour everything DragonLance - until the 5th Age. At that point, I denied its existence and refused to have anything else to do with the ruination of Krynn from that moment forward. For me, that never happened, and Krynn remains as it was before that horrific mistake.
I stumbled on these books when I was very young and they were certainly one of my favorite saga's, I remember how when Raislin was apprenticed to Fistindathilus, how the other students in his tutelage never saw Raist open a book, he only stared coldly at the other apprentice's, and during the final test, Raist beat them all with simple parlor tricks, making it look like he bypassed the mage ward cast by his master, so he won the final test without even using any magic,
I do not recall the details in that way, but thanks for watching and sharing your memories.
Great work
Thank you so much 😀
Dragon magazine 83
You did a fantastic job. I am VERY. picky when it comes to Raistlin and believe me, I would correct you in a heartbeat. 😂 I was 15 when I finally read the books. I "borrowed" my brother'sbooks when I was young.LOL😂I have all six of the original books. They are VERY well loved.
They are so old now I won't touch them to protect them as they are falling apart. I have the collector's editon ones to read....😊😊😊😊😊
Thank you for watching!
"Hope is the denial of reality."
Aspirational…
@@DLSaga There are no shadows without the light
:D
Did you play the gold box pc games in the early 90's? I did!!! They made the books come to life for me back then. The cover for the third game titled The Dark Queen of Krynn is one of my favorite pictures starring Raistlin. He is awesome. Have a good one.
I never finished any of them but I did play them. That’s a great image!
Fistandantilis' spellbook was basically the cheat code that allowed Raistlan to achieve his aims much sooner than if he had to do it without. He probably would've gotten there eventually, but the landscape of Krynn might've been very different by then, leaving him to figuratively hit a moving target in fighting Takhisis.
Yea. Between Fisty himself helping, his books and the dragon orb, raist was set.
Did anyone else notice the TARDIS on the shelf at 7:25? in the top left quadrant and in the center and a little up on that quadrant.
There is one in the flying citadel painting too.
Rais did it all and gave it all up. Guy was the quintessential addict..... He didnt care who or what got in his way. Power was all he craved.
Until it wasn't.... But was that because his win would be over nothing?