Dark Sun, 4th Edition

[M.L. Martin]

I would note that WotC is already reprinting the first two Dark Sun novels this fall in trade paperback format (with the original Brom cover art), so that suggests that they may be considering it for a relaunch.

Hints from WotC also suggest that any relaunches will be limited series of products, not full-fledged product lines.

Personally, I don't care much for Athas myself, but I'd like to see it brought back for those who like it. Given the novel rerelease, I'd expect it to be the fourth or fifth setting--after FR and Eberron (which will probably remain the two flagships and fully supported lines), Ravenloft, and possibly Dragonlance.

 

[Spatula]

Should WOTC update Dark Sun for 4e? No. But an update would be good to see, if well-done. I don't think WotC has the inclination, nor the incentive, to publish settings that differ significantly from the core rules, which DS would have to do in order to be done "right."

And like Crothian, I wonder if 4e is really able to do gritty. It seems to be aimed at a much more action-movie style of play.

 

[breschau]

Yes.

I like your sig.

Here's to hope.

 

[Dausuul]

I voted "Yes", but only because there's no "Hell Yes!!!" option.

BUT, only if the timeline is reverted back to before "Freedom". I want Kalak ruling Tyr, I want The Dragon to be the ultimate bad guy, and I want the map to be limited.

With the advent of the Martial power source, I don't think Dark Sun *needs* Psionics. Or rather, I don't think everyone *should* be psionic. Now there's a non-magical option that is just as powerful as the arcane and divine ones.

This.

Also, dump the messed-up back story. Leave the back story for individual DMs to work out for their own campaigns; just present us with Athas As It Is Today, and scrap everything beyond the original boxed set.

 

[invokethehojo]

DS is definately PoL and could be great... but has anyone thought about a new version of "the Red Coast" setting of the Mystara world from 2e. It was too developed for 4e but it had a cool curse element that definatley lends itself to epic campaining. Best adventure i was ever in was ending the red curse, it lasted a year and at one point had 12 players (2 groups of 6).

 

[Shemeska]

Should WOTC update Dark Sun for 4e? No. But an update would be good to see, if well-done. I don't think WotC has the inclination, nor the incentive, to publish settings that differ significantly from the core rules, which DS would have to do in order to be done "right."

I worry about how a 4e Dark Sun would look, given what stance WotC has taken so far with 4e FR : if the setting doesn't fit the core PoL conceits, alter the established setting -massively if needed- to make it conform. The settings are conforming to the rules and 4e design precepts rather than the rules supporting the settings. That's really unfortunate.

 

[Dausuul]

I worry about how a 4e Dark Sun would look, given what stance WotC has taken so far with 4e FR : if the setting doesn't fit the core PoL conceits, alter the established setting -massively if needed- to make it conform. The settings are conforming to the rules and 4e design precepts rather than the rules supporting the settings. That's really unfortunate.

But Dark Sun already does conform to the core PoL conceits. Incredibly well, actually. It even has some built-in epic destinies (dragon and avangion).

Really, if there's an old setting that's better suited to the 4th Edition rules, I don't know what it is. About the only thing that wouldn't slot neatly into place is the Feywild, and I see that as more a window of opportunity (for a really cool Dark Sun version of the Feywild) than a weakness.

 

[Simplicity]

Actually, DarkSun would be an excellent fit for 4e. DarkSun was always gritty in terms of equipment, but overpowered in terms of character strength. Psionics was overpowered, and the extra stat bonuses made the game a land composed of munchkin-like characters (really? I can wield two double-bladded weapons if I agree to have a 6-year lifespan? Umm... yes?).

Rest mechanics would work well to allow a party to operate away from a home-base in in isolated areas like deserts at normal capacity.

It's already a points-of-light setting, as mentioned above.

Plus, it's full of win.

 

[Dr. Confoundo]

Maybe it's just my intense dislike of Thomas Baxa's artwork speaking, but I would not buy a new version of Dark Sun.

 

[Kordeth]

And like Crothian, I wonder if 4e is really able to do gritty. It seems to be aimed at a much more action-movie style of play.

These concepts aren't exclusive. Remember, Dark Sun has always given PCs a starting boost roughly equivalent to the new baseline 4E 1st level.

Or, put another way, the rules for dying of thirst (probably) don't care how many hit points you have.