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Dark Sun variances

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
sword454
May 14, 2011 19:39:18
I was just wondering if there is any major differences between the 4th edition Dark sun campaign versus the AD&D version where it originated from. I haven't taken the opportunity to experience this new version and would like to know if it is worth my consideration.
I haven't adopted the 4th edition yet, but I always like source material for additional support and extra ideas....any comments?
#2
mach4
May 14, 2011 21:08:55 Aside from the timeline being reset to just after the fall of Kalak, not much has changed. Most of the fluff remains as it was unless something required being changed to be more in keeping with the mechanics of 4e itself. Some new races (tiefling and eladrin), nixing some old races (aarakocra and pterran), reworking some of the classes (divine casters being replaced with primal casters, some previous classes turned into themes that can be applied to any class). Thematically, DS was presented differently, more in keeping with the 4e core but even that only really amounts to 'how' things are described (a can of worms I don't intend to go into). My advice, check out 4e. If you like what the core system is, grab the 4e DS books and have a ball. Otherwise, use whichever other edition rule set you prefer and game it up.
#3
khorne37
May 15, 2011 0:48:34
I agree it has not taken on an OMG what the heck happened sort of thing but a more this is the 4th edition version and why...
#4
siromega
May 16, 2011 14:43:42 Defiling and Preserving are down played though from what I've heard of 2E and from what I've played in 4E. While you can still defile with every arcane attack you do, it's all fluff; people who see you cast will be like "OMG" or "GTFO Mage" and the DM may want to add some defiled terrain, but only Arcane Dailies get the benefit of rerolls (at least till paragon, then that expands to arcane encounter powers and Psionic Dailies depending on which PP/Feats you have taken). In contrast, an arcane caster is preserving by default with any spell and only the Veilled Alliance Theme characters (who do not need to be arcanist btw) have a mechanical benefit to spending a minor action to augment their spells (ie syphoning magic slowly for a better effect rather than ripping it from the land like a defiler would).

Still though, it's still my Fav Campaign Setting and I'd recommend picking up a copy of the DSCS and the DSCC.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 sword454 May 14, 2011 19:39:18	I was just wondering if there is any major differences between the 4th edition Dark sun campaign versus the AD&D version where it originated from. I haven't taken the opportunity to experience this new version and would like to know if it is worth my consideration. I haven't adopted the 4th edition yet, but I always like source material for additional support and extra ideas....any comments?
#2 mach4 May 14, 2011 21:08:55	Aside from the timeline being reset to just after the fall of Kalak, not much has changed. Most of the fluff remains as it was unless something required being changed to be more in keeping with the mechanics of 4e itself. Some new races (tiefling and eladrin), nixing some old races (aarakocra and pterran), reworking some of the classes (divine casters being replaced with primal casters, some previous classes turned into themes that can be applied to any class). Thematically, DS was presented differently, more in keeping with the 4e core but even that only really amounts to 'how' things are described (a can of worms I don't intend to go into). My advice, check out 4e. If you like what the core system is, grab the 4e DS books and have a ball. Otherwise, use whichever other edition rule set you prefer and game it up.
#3 khorne37 May 15, 2011 0:48:34	I agree it has not taken on an OMG what the heck happened sort of thing but a more this is the 4th edition version and why...
#4 siromega May 16, 2011 14:43:42	Defiling and Preserving are down played though from what I've heard of 2E and from what I've played in 4E. While you can still defile with every arcane attack you do, it's all fluff; people who see you cast will be like "OMG" or "GTFO Mage" and the DM may want to add some defiled terrain, but only Arcane Dailies get the benefit of rerolls (at least till paragon, then that expands to arcane encounter powers and Psionic Dailies depending on which PP/Feats you have taken). In contrast, an arcane caster is preserving by default with any spell and only the Veilled Alliance Theme characters (who do not need to be arcanist btw) have a mechanical benefit to spending a minor action to augment their spells (ie syphoning magic slowly for a better effect rather than ripping it from the land like a defiler would). Still though, it's still my Fav Campaign Setting and I'd recommend picking up a copy of the DSCS and the DSCC.