Yesterday I ran my first session of my Dark Sun 5th Campaign, starting with my updated version of the old 2e "Freedom!" module. I started the PCs at 4th level (as I only have 3 players). I am using my home-brew Dark Sun 5th Campaign setting. (Note that I need to make some slight changes to my version of the half-giant, though I am waiting for my copy of the Monster Manual to arrive before I do so.) I also gave all the characters one bonus "survival adaptation" stat increase or feat.
The group is playing an elf theif dune-trader (built using the charlatan background)--Lauramir, a mul "barbarian" from the slave tribes (built using the outlander background)--Coram, and a halfling ranger (with 1 level of fighter) nomad/marauder (built using a modified version of the outlander background)--Cha.
I found the first game to be quite fun. My group seemed to enjoy it as well. This is a summary of what happened during this first session:
Awesome stuff, Cyber Dave! I recently purchased copies of Freedom, Road to Urik, and Arcane Shadows with the intent of running them with 5e.
What changes have you made to the module? Do you think you might run either or both of the follow-ups?
pukunui wrote:
Sounds good!
Nice game session, Cyber-Dave. I'm glad you are getting time to run a game.
Your game world seems bleak and harsh, as Darksun should. I think you nailed it.
Enjoy the rest of your campaign. I look forward to seeing how things develop.
Cheers, Friend.
Rhenny wrote:
Sounds good, I have been working on some DS stuff and Forest MAker was the last DS adventure I ran a few years back.
Defiling Rules
Arcane Magic. Athas is a blasted wasteland due to epic level defilers running the planet in ages past. When a PC casts an arcane spell then have the have the option of defiling. Defiling creates a circle off ash around the PC in a 5’ radius per level of the spell cast as the spells energy sucks the life out of the plants and soil. Anyone living creature caught in the circle of ash has disadvantage on their next attack roll or ability check until the end of their next turn. Plant based creatures also take 1d6 points of damage per level of the spell used. Cantrips are treated as level 1 spells for purposes of defiling. The spell caster also gains advantage on the spells attack roll if applicable due to the rush of arcane energies. Epic level defilers such as The Dragon of Tyr also treat any living creature as a plant based creature.
When an arcane spell caster defiles they also gain a defiler point. When the defiler points equal the creatures wisdom score the spell caster is now a defiler permanently. When they cast a spell they no longer have the option to defile and every spell cast defiles automatically. Defiled spells no longer have advantage on the attack rolls as defiling is like a drug, once addicted you must keep doing it just to function. Athasian spell caster usually do not understand very well the consequences of defiling and the DM is not required to inform the player what happens in regards to defiler points or how far they have to go before becoming a defiler.
Defilers are hated by most Athasians from the Common folk through to the Sorcerer Kings. Even other defilers do not like defilers as they are competing for the diminishing resources of Athas. A PC may remove 1 defiler point if they seek atonement from a powerful Druid, spirit of the land or similar being. A Druid or Spirit of the Land may simply attempt to kill the user of arcane magic. Defliers do not have the option of atonement. There are folk stories of defilers who sought to become preservers again but they are generally regarded as just that-tales. Once fallen it should be almost impossible for a defiler to become a preserver again and then only at great cost.
I am not a huge fan of "gottcha" mechanics that force modes of behavior on players. I prefer mechanics that lend themselves to naturally being used the way you want them to be used. For example, maybe after a spellcaster reaches X defiling points (Wis mod, for example), if they do not defile they take Disadvantage to any spell attack rolls/their foes gain advantage vs. their spells until they lose the points. That way, they can CHOOSE not to defile, but they are unlikely to make the choice.
Regaining spell slots for defiling is a good option, much props.
Did you start the PCs at 3rd level, as per the 2e rules, or did you have them start at 1st level?
pukunui wrote:
I used the regular stat array, but as I said, everyone got either an extra +2 to one stat or a bonus feat.
I started the characters at level 4. I was going to start them at level 3, but the quest was designed for 4-6 level 3 characters, and I only have 3 players right now. So, I started them at level 4 in order to make them a little more survivable.
Speaking of survivability, I tend to take a page from Shadowrun, Numenera, and WFRPG 3e when it comes to death: If a PC dies, they can choose to survive and take a permanent injury instead of killing off the character. Part of the reason I do that is because it can be hard to find resurrection spells in dark sun.
Tons of awesome here. I sit, quietly steaming in the corner, chock full of jealousy.
@cyber –dave sounds like a great session I was wonder about the backgrounds you mentioned. The dune trader using the charlatan background, the Mul outlander background and how did you modified them. What features did you substitute, along with the skill prophecies or did you keep those the same?
jlpinli40 wrote:
This sounds really cool. I've been working on a quick dark sun conversion myself, but you've got some pretty neat ideas there - I particularly dig the reskin of Sorcerer-King worship as a warlock pact. Quite elegant!
Second session going to start in 30 minutes. Wish me luck!
ha! just in time! hope you guys have a blast!
Good luck! I hope it goes well. 
Cyber-Dave wrote: