I guess we will agree to disagree. I don't rate Abercrombie nor Sanderson. As for deep themes there's adventure, discovery of the unknown and the constant feeling of risk. For REH Red Nails, Gods of Bal-Sagoth and Pigeons From Hell are bang on, as are many others. You could write up the ideas...
Conan not relevant ? Robert E Howard is very relevant.
Solomon Kane, Conan, Kull, Brak Mak Morn, Turlough O'Brien.... The list goes on.
I think in your world it may not be but I suggest you take a read of REH.
While you are at it have a look at Clark Ashton Smith, Abraham Merritt, Edgar...
I'm fortunate in that I game with family and a couple of close friends almost exclusively and with this bunch cheating hasn't been a thing. However we do use dice towers which close down any chance. I discovered the glory of these accessories back in the 90s and never looked back. Lots of fun...