The world of Athas, the grim, post-apocalyptic setting for Dungeons & Dragons' Dark Sun, is seeing renewed attention with announcements from Wizards of the Coast. However, a separate project from the original creators of Dark Sun, titled Dragon Kings, is positioning itself as a direct spiritual successor, aiming to deliver the tone and mechanics many fans associate with the original 1990s era of the game. This new offering comes from Strange Owl Games and involves key figures like Timothy Brown, Troy Denning, Brom, Bill Slavicsek, Rich Baker, and Shane Hensley.
Dragon Kings is described as a spiritual successor to Dark Sun, set in the world of Khitus. According to its creators, Khitus shares similarities with Athas but presents a world that has grown complacent rather than squandered. The project emphasizes a "setting first" philosophy, allowing it to be adapted to various game systems, though it is presented as 5th edition compatible. The book will feature a complete setting, rules for six new ancestries, new classes and subclasses, over 30 new creatures, and more than 60 pieces of original interior art. Notably, it also includes conversion rules for D&D 2nd edition, specifically targeting veteran players who wish to recreate the gameplay experience of the early 1990s.
The emergence of Dragon Kings coincides with fan discussions and skepticism surrounding Wizards of the Coast's own forthcoming Dark Sun products. Many players express concern that the current corporate direction may deviate from the harsh, brutal sword-and-sorcery elements that defined the original setting, particularly with reports of controversial topics like slavery being omitted. As none of the original Dark Sun creators are involved in Wizards' new books, Dragon Kings is being offered as an alternative for those seeking an experience closer to the original vision. Timothy Brown stated that in Dragon Kings, he can revive concepts that did not make it into Dark Sun, taking them in a direction that is "more desperate, more dangerous, and a little more hopeful." Environmental themes remain central, mirroring Dark Sun, but with a preserved sense of hope for the world's recovery.
Dragon Kings is a distinct product from Wizards of the Coast's Dark Sun IP. The project is set to launch on Backerkit on September 22. Early participation through pre-launch sign-ups will offer benefits such as early-bird pricing, preview pages, exclusive add-ons, and a limited edition ceramic dice set.