Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The product we’re looking at today is the Campaign Setting Expanded and Revised, published in 1995. It is a boxed set that includes 4 softcover books; The Age of Heroes (rules for characters) which runs for 96 pages, The Wanderer’s Chronicle (setting information) which runs 128 pages, The Way of the Psionicist (a new psionic system) which runs 32 pages, and Mystery of the Ancients (an adventure) which runs 32 pages. Included are 3 maps and a Dungeon Master’s Screen.
This is a redoing of the Dark Sun setting, attempting to incorporate all the changes that had occurred within the setting and the 2E rule set since the time of the initial Dark Sun release in 1991.
I will be taking a look at this material in a different manner. Yesterday’s article took a look at the original boxed set, so rather than repeat much of the same stuff I did for that write-up (and to avoid a simple cut and paste), I will be looking to see what this product provides that is different between the original boxed set and the 4E campaign book. I will assume much of the issues the last article pointed out are still valid until I see otherwise.
December 31, 2010
December 30, 2010
Dark Sun: Campaign Setting
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The product we’re looking at today is the Campaign Setting Boxed Set, published in 1991. It is a boxed set that includes 2 softcover books; the Rules Book which runs for 96 pages and The Wanderer’s Journal which runs 96 pages. In addition, there are two spiral books comprising an introductory adventure; the Dungeon Master’s Book and the Player Aid Cards. Included are two foldout maps.
This is the set that started it all, the core release for the Dark Sun campaign setting.
The product we’re looking at today is the Campaign Setting Boxed Set, published in 1991. It is a boxed set that includes 2 softcover books; the Rules Book which runs for 96 pages and The Wanderer’s Journal which runs 96 pages. In addition, there are two spiral books comprising an introductory adventure; the Dungeon Master’s Book and the Player Aid Cards. Included are two foldout maps.
This is the set that started it all, the core release for the Dark Sun campaign setting.
December 29, 2010
Dark Sun: The Will and the Way
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is The Will and the Way published in 1994. It is 96 pages long with 8 chapters and 3 appendixes. Its goal is to try and cover psionics in Dark Sun.
I will say it now, psionics has changed considerably between 2E and 4E. All of the mechanical aspects in the book are of no use in a 4E campaign.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is The Will and the Way published in 1994. It is 96 pages long with 8 chapters and 3 appendixes. Its goal is to try and cover psionics in Dark Sun.
I will say it now, psionics has changed considerably between 2E and 4E. All of the mechanical aspects in the book are of no use in a 4E campaign.
December 28, 2010
Dark Sun: Mind Lords of the Last Sea
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Mind Lords of the Last Sea (DSS3) published in 1996. It is a boxed set consisting of a 96 page Book (detailing a new region), a 32 page adventure (called Into the Lands of the Last Sea) and a large fold-out map.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Mind Lords of the Last Sea (DSS3) published in 1996. It is a boxed set consisting of a 96 page Book (detailing a new region), a 32 page adventure (called Into the Lands of the Last Sea) and a large fold-out map.
December 27, 2010
Dark Sun: Freedom
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is the adventure, Freedom (DS1) published in 1991. It is in a folder which holds 2 spiral bound books, the Dungeon Master’s Book and the Player’s Book. On the folder itself there is a list of the monsters that appear in the adventure with their combat stats. This was the first publication for the Dark Sun line after the release of the campaign setting material.
I’ll mention here at the beginning that these adventures were written for the 2E system. Therefore the stats included in the modules are of no value beyond the level of an NPC for comparison’s sake. This article is more about how difficult it would be to adapt the module to the 4E rules and if there is anything radically divergent from the 4E setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is the adventure, Freedom (DS1) published in 1991. It is in a folder which holds 2 spiral bound books, the Dungeon Master’s Book and the Player’s Book. On the folder itself there is a list of the monsters that appear in the adventure with their combat stats. This was the first publication for the Dark Sun line after the release of the campaign setting material.
I’ll mention here at the beginning that these adventures were written for the 2E system. Therefore the stats included in the modules are of no value beyond the level of an NPC for comparison’s sake. This article is more about how difficult it would be to adapt the module to the 4E rules and if there is anything radically divergent from the 4E setting.
December 24, 2010
Dark Sun: Elves of Athas
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Elves of Athas (DSS3) published in 1993. It is 96 pages and has 5 chapters.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Elves of Athas (DSS3) published in 1993. It is 96 pages and has 5 chapters.
December 23, 2010
Dark Sun: Forest Maker
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is the adventure Forest Maker, published in 1994. While it came in the folder it was not in the spiral book format. Instead, it is made up of three books, the Dungeon Master Book (with 48 pages), the Player’s Book (with 16 pages) and a Story Booklet (with 16 pages). The folder itself provides a map of the wilderness with encounter locations marked as well as some 2E stats for various NPCs.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is the adventure Forest Maker, published in 1994. While it came in the folder it was not in the spiral book format. Instead, it is made up of three books, the Dungeon Master Book (with 48 pages), the Player’s Book (with 16 pages) and a Story Booklet (with 16 pages). The folder itself provides a map of the wilderness with encounter locations marked as well as some 2E stats for various NPCs.
[More]
December 22, 2010
Dark Sun: Monstrous Compendium Terrors of the Desert
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Monstrous Compendium Dark Sun Appendix (Terrors of the Desert) published in 1992. It consisted of 96 loose-leaf pages. 2E provided the buyers of their Monster Manual with a 3-ring binder and monsters were printed on pages with hole punches. This allowed the purchaser to insert his monsters into the binder as he wanted, and also allowed for the pages to be removed for a variety of reasons, such as wanting the data sheet for the monster at hand for a night’s adventure.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Monstrous Compendium Dark Sun Appendix (Terrors of the Desert) published in 1992. It consisted of 96 loose-leaf pages. 2E provided the buyers of their Monster Manual with a 3-ring binder and monsters were printed on pages with hole punches. This allowed the purchaser to insert his monsters into the binder as he wanted, and also allowed for the pages to be removed for a variety of reasons, such as wanting the data sheet for the monster at hand for a night’s adventure.
[More]
December 21, 2010
Dark Sun: City by the Silt Sea
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is City by the Silt Sea published in 1994. It is a boxed set consisting of a 96 page Campaign Book, a 64 page Adventure Book, a 32 page Monster Supplement book, 6 reference sheets and a large fold-out map.
The set covers the ruined city of Giustenal, its surrounding locations, as well as the undead sorcerer-king Dregoth and his plans.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is City by the Silt Sea published in 1994. It is a boxed set consisting of a 96 page Campaign Book, a 64 page Adventure Book, a 32 page Monster Supplement book, 6 reference sheets and a large fold-out map.
The set covers the ruined city of Giustenal, its surrounding locations, as well as the undead sorcerer-king Dregoth and his plans.
[More]
December 20, 2010
Strange Questions of the Day
We all know Wil Wheaton plays rpg games. He also played a villain named Cha0s two different times on the TV show Leverage. Margaret Weis Productions just released the new rpg game based on the TV show Leverage. So the Strange Questions of the Day are...
Would Will Wheaton be cheating by having GM information if he was playing a game of Leverage and they ran into Cha0s?
Would Will Wheaton run the NPC or would the GM?
Would Will Wheaton be cheating by having GM information if he was playing a game of Leverage and they ran into Cha0s?
Would Will Wheaton run the NPC or would the GM?
Dark Sun: Slave Tribes
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Slave Tribes (DSR1), published in 1992. It is softcover and runs 96 pages. It is made up of 3 chapters and an appendix. This was the first non-adventure accessory for the Dark Sun line; the adventure DS1: Freedom came out before this supplement.
This supplement is written in a different manner than other books in the line. This book is primarily written from the point of view (and thus in-character) of a former slave.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Slave Tribes (DSR1), published in 1992. It is softcover and runs 96 pages. It is made up of 3 chapters and an appendix. This was the first non-adventure accessory for the Dark Sun line; the adventure DS1: Freedom came out before this supplement.
This supplement is written in a different manner than other books in the line. This book is primarily written from the point of view (and thus in-character) of a former slave.
[More]
December 17, 2010
Dark Sun: Dragon Kings
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Dragon Kings published in 1992. It is hardcover and runs 160 pages. The book is not divided into chapters, but instead has 8 sections (very much like chapters), 3 appendixes and some new monsters at the end.
I would like to note that I have already written about the Foreword for the book (that article can be found at http://bigballofnofun.blogspot.com/2010/11/foreword-of-awesome.html). Usually I would not cover in detail a foreword, but I liked that one so much I had to write about it.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Dragon Kings published in 1992. It is hardcover and runs 160 pages. The book is not divided into chapters, but instead has 8 sections (very much like chapters), 3 appendixes and some new monsters at the end.
I would like to note that I have already written about the Foreword for the book (that article can be found at http://bigballofnofun.blogspot.com/2010/11/foreword-of-awesome.html). Usually I would not cover in detail a foreword, but I liked that one so much I had to write about it.
[More]
December 16, 2010
Dark Sun: Veiled Alliance
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Veiled Alliance published in 1992. It is softcover and runs 96 pages. The book is divided into 4 chapters.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Veiled Alliance published in 1992. It is softcover and runs 96 pages. The book is divided into 4 chapters.
[More]
December 15, 2010
Dark Sun: Valley of Dust and Fire
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Valley of Dust and Fire published in 1992. It is softcover and runs 96 pages. The book is divided into 5 chapters, with some new monsters and an appendix. Also included is a large fold-out map. The sourcebook provided some new areas to the 2E Dark Sun setting and detailed the domain of the Dragon.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Valley of Dust and Fire published in 1992. It is softcover and runs 96 pages. The book is divided into 5 chapters, with some new monsters and an appendix. Also included is a large fold-out map. The sourcebook provided some new areas to the 2E Dark Sun setting and detailed the domain of the Dragon.
[More]
December 14, 2010
Dark Sun: Thri-Kreen of Athas
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Thri-Kreen of Athas published in 1995. It is softcover and runs 128 pages. The book is divided into 7 chapters, with an appendix. Also included is a large fold-out poster. As the title suggests, this supplement covers the race of the Thri-Kreen.
Introduction
Unlike other Introductions, which give nothing but a “here’s what’s in the book”, this one actually has some content in it. There is a short history of Athas as it pertains to the kreen. It also mentions here how there are different types of kreen, of which thri-kreen is the most well known among the non-kreen. The Introduction ends with large glossary of kreen terms.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Thri-Kreen of Athas published in 1995. It is softcover and runs 128 pages. The book is divided into 7 chapters, with an appendix. Also included is a large fold-out poster. As the title suggests, this supplement covers the race of the Thri-Kreen.
Introduction
Unlike other Introductions, which give nothing but a “here’s what’s in the book”, this one actually has some content in it. There is a short history of Athas as it pertains to the kreen. It also mentions here how there are different types of kreen, of which thri-kreen is the most well known among the non-kreen. The Introduction ends with large glossary of kreen terms.
[More]
December 13, 2010
Dark Sun: Psionic Artifacts of Athas
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Psionic Artifacts of Athas published in 1996. It is softcover and runs 128 pages. The book is divided into 4 chapters, with an appendix. It has the distinction of being the last 2E book released for the Dark Sun line.
I will note now that while the title indicates the book is about psionic artifacts, in fact, it covers non-psionic artifacts as well and also non-artifact magic items. Despite these discrepancies, the items are definitely Athas in origin and feel.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Psionic Artifacts of Athas published in 1996. It is softcover and runs 128 pages. The book is divided into 4 chapters, with an appendix. It has the distinction of being the last 2E book released for the Dark Sun line.
I will note now that while the title indicates the book is about psionic artifacts, in fact, it covers non-psionic artifacts as well and also non-artifact magic items. Despite these discrepancies, the items are definitely Athas in origin and feel.
[More]
December 10, 2010
Dark Sun: The Complete Gladiator’s Handbook
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is The Complete Gladiator’s Handbook (CGR2) published in 1993. It is softcover and runs 128 pages. The book is divided into 6 chapters, with an appendix.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is The Complete Gladiator’s Handbook (CGR2) published in 1993. It is softcover and runs 128 pages. The book is divided into 6 chapters, with an appendix.
[More]
December 9, 2010
Dark Sun: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Earth, Air, Fire, and Water (DSS2) published in 1993. It is softcover and runs 96 pages. The book is divided into 8 chapters, with an appendix. This supplement covers the cleric class and priestly magic in general.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Earth, Air, Fire, and Water (DSS2) published in 1993. It is softcover and runs 96 pages. The book is divided into 8 chapters, with an appendix. This supplement covers the cleric class and priestly magic in general.
[More]
December 8, 2010
Dark Sun: Black Spine
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is one of the DSM series of adventures. These consisted of 4 adventure book sets including Black Flames (DSM1, 1993), Merchant House of Amketch (DSM2, 1993), Marauders of Nibenay (DSM3, 1993) and Black Spine (1994). They came in a variety of formats. As I will comment more on later, while the adventures are billed as being part of a series, there is little to nothing to tie them together.
I’ll mention here at the beginning that these adventures were written for the 2E system. Therefore the stats included in the modules are of no value beyond the level of an NPC for comparison’s sake. This article is more about how difficult it would be to adapt the module to the 4E rules and if there is anything radically divergent from the 4E setting.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is one of the DSM series of adventures. These consisted of 4 adventure book sets including Black Flames (DSM1, 1993), Merchant House of Amketch (DSM2, 1993), Marauders of Nibenay (DSM3, 1993) and Black Spine (1994). They came in a variety of formats. As I will comment more on later, while the adventures are billed as being part of a series, there is little to nothing to tie them together.
I’ll mention here at the beginning that these adventures were written for the 2E system. Therefore the stats included in the modules are of no value beyond the level of an NPC for comparison’s sake. This article is more about how difficult it would be to adapt the module to the 4E rules and if there is anything radically divergent from the 4E setting.
[More]
December 7, 2010
Dark Sun: Marauders of Nibenay
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is one of the DSM series of adventures. These consisted of 4 adventure book sets including Black Flames (DSM1, 1993), Merchant House of Amketch (DSM2, 1993), Marauders of Nibenay (DSM3, 1993) and Black Spine (1994). They came in a variety of formats. As I will comment more on later, while the adventures are billed as being part of a series, there is little to nothing to tie them together.
I’ll mention here at the beginning that these adventures were written for the 2E system. Therefore the stats included in the modules are of no value beyond the level of an NPC for comparison’s sake. This article is more about how difficult it would be to adapt the module to the 4E rules and if there is anything radically divergent from the 4E setting.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is one of the DSM series of adventures. These consisted of 4 adventure book sets including Black Flames (DSM1, 1993), Merchant House of Amketch (DSM2, 1993), Marauders of Nibenay (DSM3, 1993) and Black Spine (1994). They came in a variety of formats. As I will comment more on later, while the adventures are billed as being part of a series, there is little to nothing to tie them together.
I’ll mention here at the beginning that these adventures were written for the 2E system. Therefore the stats included in the modules are of no value beyond the level of an NPC for comparison’s sake. This article is more about how difficult it would be to adapt the module to the 4E rules and if there is anything radically divergent from the 4E setting.
[More]
December 6, 2010
Dark Sun: Merchant House of Amketch
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is one of the DSM series of adventures. These consisted of 4 adventure book sets including Black Flames (DSM1, 1993), Merchant House of Amketch (DSM2, 1993), Marauders of Nibenay (DSM3, 1993) and Black Spine (1994). They came in a variety of formats. As I will comment more on later, while the adventures are billed as being part of a series, there is little to nothing to tie them together.
I’ll mention here at the beginning that these adventures were written for the 2E system. Therefore the stats included in the modules are of no value beyond the level of an NPC for comparison’s sake. This article is more about how difficult it would be to adapt the module to the 4E rules and if there is anything radically divergent from the 4E setting.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is one of the DSM series of adventures. These consisted of 4 adventure book sets including Black Flames (DSM1, 1993), Merchant House of Amketch (DSM2, 1993), Marauders of Nibenay (DSM3, 1993) and Black Spine (1994). They came in a variety of formats. As I will comment more on later, while the adventures are billed as being part of a series, there is little to nothing to tie them together.
I’ll mention here at the beginning that these adventures were written for the 2E system. Therefore the stats included in the modules are of no value beyond the level of an NPC for comparison’s sake. This article is more about how difficult it would be to adapt the module to the 4E rules and if there is anything radically divergent from the 4E setting.
[More]
December 3, 2010
Dark Sun: Black Flames
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is one of the DSM series of adventures. These consisted of 4 adventure book sets including Black Flames (DSM1, 1993), Merchant House of Amketch (DSM2, 1993), Marauders of Nibenay (DSM3, 1993) and Black Spine (1994). They came in a variety of formats. As I will comment more on later, while the adventures are billed as being part of a series, there is little to nothing to tie them together.
I’ll mention here at the beginning that these adventures were written for the 2E system. Therefore the stats included in the modules are of no value beyond the level of an NPC for comparison’s sake. This article is more about how difficult it would be to adapt the module to the 4E rules and if there is anything radically divergent from the 4E setting.
[More]
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is one of the DSM series of adventures. These consisted of 4 adventure book sets including Black Flames (DSM1, 1993), Merchant House of Amketch (DSM2, 1993), Marauders of Nibenay (DSM3, 1993) and Black Spine (1994). They came in a variety of formats. As I will comment more on later, while the adventures are billed as being part of a series, there is little to nothing to tie them together.
I’ll mention here at the beginning that these adventures were written for the 2E system. Therefore the stats included in the modules are of no value beyond the level of an NPC for comparison’s sake. This article is more about how difficult it would be to adapt the module to the 4E rules and if there is anything radically divergent from the 4E setting.
[More]
December 2, 2010
Dark Sun: Defilers and Preservers
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Defilers and Preservers: The Wizards of Athas, published in 1996. It is softcover and runs 96 pages. The book is divided into 5 chapters. This supplement was written after the Dark Sun Campaign Setting, Expanded and Revised edition was released and thus uses the updated timeline of Dark Sun.
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The sourcebook we’re looking at today is Defilers and Preservers: The Wizards of Athas, published in 1996. It is softcover and runs 96 pages. The book is divided into 5 chapters. This supplement was written after the Dark Sun Campaign Setting, Expanded and Revised edition was released and thus uses the updated timeline of Dark Sun.
[More]
December 1, 2010
Dark Sun: Dune Traders
Recently WotC rereleased the Dark Sun setting for 4E. This article is part of a series that examines a release from 2E Dark Sun and sees how and if it can be integrated with the new 4E version of the world setting.
The accessory we’re looking at today is Dune Trader (DSR2), published in 1992. It is softcover and runs 96 pages. It has no chapters, but is instead divided up into 10 sections.
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The accessory we’re looking at today is Dune Trader (DSR2), published in 1992. It is softcover and runs 96 pages. It has no chapters, but is instead divided up into 10 sections.
[More]
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