Brian Donner (? - 351 AC ) was a Knight of the Sword who’s family was of unknown nobility, and he was an old friend to Aran Tallbow and Derek Crownguard both of whom he used to quest with. Brian was able to exude a subtle strength, has blonde hair and blue eyes, and his curled moustaches were a silver-shot blond. Although his family is of a noble lineage, his family currently had no lands of their own. His father hired himself out as a tutor to Nobles to feed his family.
Early Life[]
Brian grew up in Castle Crownguard and became close friends to Derek Crownguard, and another lad from a neighboring lord, Aran Tallbow. All were taught by Brian’s father, who was hired by Derek’s father to be his son’s tutor. Brian and Derek’s friendship was so close that when younger, they were sometimes thought to be brothers. When of age, all three became squires together. As time went on, Aran drifted away from his friends.
War of the Lance[]
During the War of the Lance, Brian journeyed with both Aran and Derek to the city of Tarsis. While there, they found the old library and began their research, searching for information on items that would be able to help them against the Dragonarmies. While there, he helped in rescuing Sturm Brightblade, Alhana Starbreeze, Tanis Half-Elven, Gilthanas Kanan, and Flint Fireforge from imprisonment.
Following the attack on Tarsis, Brian journeyed with Tasslehoff Burrfoot, Gilthanas, Laurana Kanan, and Sturm to Ice Reach to gain back the Dragon Orb that was located there. While in route, they saved a polar bear from some Minotaurs who were tormenting it.
Brian was impressed with Sturm’s dedication to the Gods and his friends, which contrasted with Derek’s, seemingly mistaken, dedication only to himself. The growing rift between Derek and himself widens when Brian makes Sturm his Squire. By making Sturm his squire, he expunged any transgression which could have barred Sturm from applying for his knightly trials, causing Derek to accuse Brian of undermining his authority.
Brian continued with the group all the way to Icewall Castle ( Brackenrock ), where Brian fought against Feal-Thas, but was killed when Feal-Thas stabbed him with his sword. His body was brought back to Solamnia for burial. A monument to him and Aran was erected in the Hall of the Knights on Sancrist Isle.
Inconsistencies[]
There was another story that Brian was kept by the Ice Folk along with Aran, while the others journeyed to the castle. It was said he died while defending the Ice Folk in the Battle of the Ice Reaches.
References[]
- The Annotated Dragonlance Chronicles, Winter Night, p. 544, 633
- The Dragons at War, p. 74, 99-100
- Dragons of the Highlord Skies (PB) p.76-104, 201-234, 353, 411-425, 451-460, 486-509, 535-542, 595-596
- The Magic of Krynn, 'Finding the Faith', p. 218, 254