Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 krosszer0 Mar 07, 2011 0:07:46	So, I know it would probably make more sense to discuss this after the book was released, but I was just looking over the recently posted contents of Heroes of Shadow and wondering how everyone would incorporate the shadow power source and the new player options in the book into their game. The power source itself can be tied to the Gray, but I think the new races and classes could use some individual attention. Here are my ideas, based on the information I've heard so far: Classes: - The Assassin fits fine in Dark  Sun. As some have noted, he probably makes a better Dark Sun bard than the actual bard class does. - New paladin and cleric stuff is irrelevant since paladins and clerics are not allowed. - Vampires, as far as I know, do not exist on Athas, and so are also not allowed as a pc class. - I'm not really sure what the binder build is for the warlock, but I'm thinking that if the gloom pact deals a lot of necrotic damage it may serve as one kind of stand-in for the classic defiler as a standalone class.  - I know that there were at least some nercomancers in the original Dark Sun setting (I remember one being mentioned as a high ranking templar for Kalak in City-State of Tyr), so I see no reason to object to the new 4e version being present. - I don't know what nethermancy is, but I am thinking that this could be another stand-in build for the classic defiler. Races: - While I wouldn't expect to see them often, I think there is enough undead running around in Dark Sun that a revenant doesn't feel out of place, especially with the right backstory (connection to Bodach, died in as a result of some massive act of defiling, etc.) - I believe Vryloka are supposed to be humans with vampiric blood, similar to how Tieflings are humans with infernal blood. Since there are no vampires on Athas, I'm quick to say that they do not exist, but there is no connection to the nine hells either, and Tieflings are still around, so maybe if a player can come up with a good reason I'll let them in. - Need to learn more about shades before I make a call on them. - On the fence about the new stuff for old races. I'm thinking that Dark Sun versions of these races are differant enough as it is. So those are my thoughts at the moment. Anyone else have any ideas?
#2 mouthymerc Mar 07, 2011 9:22:20	- Vampires, as far as I know, do not exist on Athas, and so are also not allowed as a pc class. No reason it wouldn't fit.  Plenty of undead in the Dark Sun setting and this can be reflavoured as many things.  Just off the top of my head is the t'liz, the undead defiler.  Combine this class through feats or hybrid options with an arcane class and you would have a pretty good rendition of one. Races: - While I wouldn't expect to see them often, I think there is enough undead running around in Dark Sun that a revenant doesn't feel out of place, especially with the right backstory (connection to Bodach, died in as a result of some massive act of defiling, etc.) - I believe Vryloka are supposed to be humans with vampiric blood, similar to how Tieflings are humans with infernal blood. Since there are no vampires on Athas, I'm quick to say that they do not exist, but there is no connection to the nine hells either, and Tieflings are still around, so maybe if a player can come up with a good reason I'll let them in. Both work well considering the prevalence of undead in the setting.  The vryloka can easily be flavoured as a race coming from the area close to the Dead Land. I see the Heroes of Shadow as being a very useful addition to Dark Sun.
#3 turlough Mar 07, 2011 15:14:32	The 2E supplements had several connections to the outer planes, including Abyss and Hells iirc, so that is what is allowing the tieflings.  I think Sigil had at least one if not two connections to Dark Sun back in the day as well.  I guess I'm saying that if it doesn't fit your Dark Sun, don't allow it!  But, the unfortunate reality is that the 2E setting had a lot of the "normal" connections.  They just weren't well known or as used compared to other worlds, for example.  I think vampire fits but goes for water?  That would still be blood but could also have a theme there of taking moisture?  The bad thing about that idea is that then they can attack plants.  It fits in a defiling kind of way in that they are more direct about it.  However, not sure what to do about sun light aversion or if it should be kept.  Not that I have seen what they are doing with vampires in the book.  In short, I think the vampire idea works and works well for Dark Sun.  It's essentially a defiler of people!  But, they should probably be rare and only city dwellers?  Again, without seeing the book, those are my ideas on them.
#4 Cyber-Dave Mar 07, 2011 16:11:32	The vampire could probably be re-flavored to a Thrax (a creature that feels an unquenchable thirst, and drains the moisture out of the bodies of the living by grabbing them) pretty easily...
#5 mandersson Mar 12, 2011 14:26:33	Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't one of Rajaat's champions trapped in Ravenloft.  Which means it exists in the setting (at least the 2nd edition one).  So vampires could have a backstory related to that.
#6 Alphastream Mar 13, 2011 0:16:09	Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't one of Rajaat's champions trapped in Ravenloft.  Which means it exists in the setting (at least the 2nd edition one).  So vampires could have a backstory related to that. Kalid-Ma was, but I don't believe he returned from there. You have tons of undead in the dead lands to the south, though few know of them. Athas is also rich in undead. A DM can find many ways to house rule a vampire if desired.
#7 angelus_obscura Mar 13, 2011 1:41:45	The vampire could probably be re-flavored to a Thrax (a creature that feels an unquenchable thirst, and drains the moisture out of the bodies of the living by grabbing them) pretty easily... I agree. Thrax = Athasian vampires They even have the mist form down pat since thrax become insubstantial while grabbing/feeding-on victims.