Freedom, truth, love, beauty.

Return to Athas

The Dark Sun campaign setting is returning to D&D!

Originally released in 1991 by TSR for the 2nd edition of AD&D, since the release of D&D 3rd edition in 2000 Athas.org has been the steward of the Dark Sun campaign setting. Athas.org’s description of the setting:

“Set on the desert world of Athas, Dark Sun is about the struggle for survival.

“Nine city-states cling to life in the Tablelands. Until recently, they were ruled by powerful Sorcerer-Kings, both tyrants and protectors. Now, only five remain; the other cities are cast into chaos and violent strife. Soon, the desert may swallow them, as it has so many times before. The wastes are riddled with the ruins of cities long dead.

“It is a world where magic drains the very essence of life. Ancient wars have left vast swaths of the planet sterile; even now, druids fight a losing battle to preserve the environment. To practice magic is to tempt death at the hands of the mob, yet the cities themselves are ruled by the most powerful of defilers.”

I never played the original, but I devoured the novels. It is one of the most unique fantasy settings ever, and I can’t wait to see it come to life under the 4th Edition rules.