The Fall of the Dragon Kingdoms

Lore & Background

During this epoch, Dragons established civilizations that rivaled modern nations in complexity and power. They were not solitary beasts but organized societies with kings, laws, and intricate magical infrastructure. Their fall was not instantaneous but a gradual erosion of authority as other species developed classes capable of countering their might. The collapse is often attributed to a great conflict involving the Gods, who sought to limit the Dragons' influence over the world's magic. As the Dragons retreated or perished, their cities were reclaimed by nature or scavenged by emerging empires. The knowledge of this era survives in fragmented texts and powerful artifacts that retain the essence of Dragon magic. Today, the history serves as a reminder of how quickly power can shift. While some Dragons still survive in isolation, none hold dominion over lands as they once did. The ruins remain hazardous zones where ancient wards may still function, guarding secrets of an age when the sky belonged to one species alone.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled through the broken archway, carrying the scent of ozone and old dust. Elara stepped over a ribcage large enough to house a carriage, her torch flickering against walls etched with scales that still shimmered faintly in the dark. This was not a tomb; it was a throne room abandoned centuries ago when the sky turned against its masters. She touched the stone pedestal where a crown once rested, feeling the residual heat of magic that had long since died out.

Reader's Guide

The Fall of the Dragon Kingdoms represents a pivotal shift in Tolumvire’s history, marking the end of an era where Dragons reigned supreme over the continents. Before this collapse, these colossal creatures built vast civilizations and ruled with absolute authority, dwarfing the early settlements of Humans, Elves, and Dwarves. Their dominion was nearly unchallenged until new forces emerged to threaten their sovereignty. Historians within the world debate the exact cause, though many point to a combination of rising mortal magic, divine intervention from the Gods, and internal strife among the Dragons themselves. As their power waned, their cities crumbled into ruins that now hide dangerous treasures and ancient secrets for modern adventurers seeking glory or wealth in forgotten lands. Today, the legacy persists through rare artifacts made from Dragon bone or scales, which grant immense power to those who can wield them safely without being consumed by the magic. The event serves as a cautionary tale about hubris and the shifting tides of power in a world where classes and skills determine destiny. Understanding this history helps explain why Dragons are now rare and feared rather than common rulers.

Did You Know?

• Dragon bones are highly sought after for crafting high-tier magic items due to their inherent magical properties.
• The specific causes of the Dragon Kingdoms' fall remain a subject of intense debate among historians, with no single class definitively proven as the primary cause in official records.
• Some surviving Dragons live in seclusion, hiding from those who wish to harvest them.
• Ancient ruins often contain traps designed by Dragon mages that remain active centuries later.

Origins and Narrative Shift

However, this concept evolved rapidly; by strip number thirteen, Burlew began weaving hints of an actual storyline into the humor. Originally created to entertain visitors reading his gaming articles on a personal site, the comic quickly overshadowed its host content, becoming so popular that Burlew eventually ceased writing articles to focus entirely on the strip. The publication schedule also grew alongside its success, moving from twice-weekly updates to three times weekly once book presales allowed him to work full-time.

Publication Formats and Alternate Universes

While primarily distributed online via Giant in the Playground, The Order of the Stick has expanded into various print formats. Ten book collections have been released, featuring exclusive stories like On the Origin of PCs and Start of Darkness. These magazine strips featured the same six main adventurers but placed them in an unspecified underground location without the online strip's villains, existing strictly as a separate continuity within an alternate universe. Although Burlew maintained this separation for narrative consistency, he occasionally broke the fourth wall with jokes referencing the magazine issues.

Artistic Evolution and Technical Growth

The visual presentation of the comic has undergone significant upgrades since its inception, created entirely using Adobe Illustrator. The format also evolved to include more frequent multi-page episodes as the story progressed. Distinct art styles are employed for specific narrative contexts: a hand-drawn crayon style depicts historical flashbacks, while black-and-white imagery is reserved for prequel stories found only in print collections.

Social Themes and Authorial Intent

Beyond its comedic satire of tabletop gaming mechanics, The Order of the Stick addresses serious social topics through Burlew's deliberate creative choices. He has stated that he includes these themes because he is concerned with the broader impact of his work beyond providing momentary distraction. Specifically, Burlew has acknowledged a desire to compensate for past instances of unintentional sexism or insensitivity regarding gender issues within the comic. However, as a straight white male, he admits finding it difficult to speak authoritatively on minority experiences without possessing the proper knowledge or lived experience. This self-awareness drives his approach to representation, aiming to navigate complex social dynamics while maintaining the integrity of the story's satirical nature and the characters' awareness of their own fictional rules.