Vinas Solamnus. Soldier, Nobleman, Priest.

Vinas Solamnus. Rebel, Commander, Conqueror.

Vinas Solamnus. Author of The Oath and the Measure and founder of the Solamnic Knights.

No knight was ever nobler, more spiritual, more idealistic than Vinas Solamnus . . . but he wasn't always that way. The story of his early years, his education, and his crucible is truly one of the most famous . . .

Lost Legends of Krynn

Vinas Solamnus, written by J. Robert King, is the first book in the Dragonlance: Lost Legends series. It tells the origin story of one of Krynn’s most iconic historical figures, Vinas Solamnus, the man who would go on to found the Knights of Solamnia. The novel is a sweeping tale of transformation, idealism, and the struggle to bring justice to a broken world.

The story begins in the powerful Empire of Ergoth, where Vinas, a young nobleman of high birth, dreams of proving himself in battle. Alongside his close friend, Luccia—a half-elf with a fierce spirit—Vinas attempts to join the ranks of the feared Black Guard. The attempt ends in failure, leaving Vinas wounded and disgraced. His father, Adrenas, intervenes and arranges for Vinas to take a more honorable route as an officer in the imperial army.

As Vinas rises through the military ranks, he becomes increasingly disturbed by the empire’s corruption and the brutal oppression of its citizens, particularly the poor and enslaved. His growing moral conscience drives him to secretly supply food and medicine to the needy, an act that leads to the accidental death of an imperial officer. Wracked with guilt and disillusioned, Vinas retreats from the army and joins the priesthood, where he finds spiritual solace in the teachings of Paladine.

While serving as a priest, Vinas uncovers a plot to assassinate Emperor Emann and manages to foil it. The attempt, however, results in the death of his father. This heroic act earns Vinas a second chance in the military, and the emperor tasks him with putting down a rebellion in the distant province of Vingaard.

During the siege of Vingaard, Vinas is shaken by the suicide of the rebel king and begins to question the empire’s legitimacy. He takes a year to reflect and ultimately comes to the conclusion that the empire cannot be reformed—it must be opposed. Thus begins the Rose Rebellion, a movement Vinas leads with courage and conviction. Over the next decade, he forges alliances, unites various factions, and challenges the might of Ergoth. His efforts culminate in the Siege of Daltigoth, which results in the independence of Solamnia.

Fifteen years later, Vinas makes a pilgrimage to a sacred shrine where he receives a vision from Paladine. In this divine revelation, he is given the inspiration to form a new chivalric order founded on honor, courage, and justice: the Knights of Solamnia. These knights would follow the sacred Oath and the Measure, the guiding principles of their conduct and faith.

Vinas Solamnus is a powerful tale of a man who evolves from a proud young noble into a revolutionary leader and spiritual founder. The novel balances epic battles with deep character introspection, exploring themes of faith, duty, and the burden of leadership. It sheds light on one of the most pivotal figures in Krynn’s history and offers readers a richer understanding of the ideals that shaped the world of Dragonlance. This is a must-read for fans who wish to delve deeper into the lore and legacy behind the noble Knights of Solamnia.