This is my first time on the WotC boards, and first if all let me say howdy to everyone! I'm just glad there is a Dark Sun board! I have been running Dark Sun since the first days, and I am glad that it is still around. I would, however, like to see a printed Dark Sun campain book. I was wondering how many other people would be interested in pushing for a hardcover campain setting for Dark Sun? Maybe with enough voices we could talk Wizards into printing a 3rd Edition book? I know the Dark Sun following is strong and I am sure it would sell!
Nice idea, but if WotC wouldn't even let the setting's original developer release printed materials for it, I really doubt if they will let the community here do it. And people have tried, several times, over the last handful of years to do just that.
Case in point was back in 1996, when i was working for a large organisation with a unionised workforce. Big issue was split-shifts, some staff were paid an additional loading for them, but a small section of staff who were required, by the nature of thier role, to work split shifts as the norm were not paid that loading. Repeated award negotiations failed to shift the organisations stance on that issue; until thier founding GM left and a new guy came in, and within a year it had changed; much to everyone who was involved in the negotiations surprise - we had (incorrectly) assumed that the board automatically backed the previous GM's decision.
Anyway, enough waffle, the point is, as Xlor pointed out, it's been tried and failed before. That's dissapointing for all us DS fans, but we can take heart in a few things. First of all, a no now, or previously doesn't mean a no for ever. It may change. Also, two official conversions exist - one good, one not-so-good ;)
In addition, the people at Athas.org has material released which has taken input from the likes of Troy Denning and Lynn Abbey. So hope exists. I'd take the view of every two or so years, putting a formal proposal to WOTC, each time asking for feedback (doesn't mean you will get any, but worth a try) if it's knocked back. There is a chance, that one day in the future, someone in the right place at the right time will look at the proposal and say "why don't we explore this further?" and that is the goal to work towards. Having said that, if we expect nothing to change, but still work at it, we won't be dissapointed (no expectations, no dissapointments) and we should relish what we have achieved as an on-line community - a vibrant forum, lots of personality, strong and robust discussions and debates, a conversion that tries to walk the line between the 2e flavour and the requirements for 'balance' laid down by WOTC that constantly envovling and improving.
And finally, nothing stopping you printing the Athas.org material and taking it to a book-binder for personal purposes.... :D
* Disclaimers - this is in NO way a shot at WOTC or any of their staff, i'm purley relating the idea of repeated attempts at negotiation with my personal experiencs.
Nice idea, but if WotC wouldn't even let the setting's original developer release printed materials for it, I really doubt if they will let the community here do it. And people have tried, several times, over the last handful of years to do just that.
PS---
Thanks for making me feel very welcome, by the way. I think it took less than an hour for my first thread to have 2 comments. This makes me very happy! This community is great!
As it stands, anyone with net access (and I don't know a gamer without) can read the rules for free. You can also print them out, for less than it would cost to buy a book. Or you can print out a small section (eg - spells, weapon lists) as needed. DMs who need the Wanderer's Journal / Chronical can still buy the campaign settings (or just download them p2p).
Most importantly, athas.org is a semi-open process, with beta releases that the community can comment on. As xlor pointed out, this would not happen if published professionally.
(or just download them p2p).
I would edit this since it's slightly illegal and you are pretty much in the lion's den at this point, heh.
;)
I would edit this since it's slightly illegal and you are pretty much in the lion's den at this point, heh.
;)
What he mean is that once buyed and stored on is computer at work, he would p2p them once at home to retrieve them for himself.
What he mean is that once buyed and stored on is computer at work, he would p2p them once at home to retrieve them for himself.
Riiight. ;)
:D
A hardcover rules book would be great. Yeah we have all used the net for various resources tools ect. However nothing will ever beat the usefulness of a book take it anywhere pass it around the table no broken links minus cats and small children and rough abuse page 192 will always be right between pg 191 and 193. Not to mention they just look great on the shelf. The Magazine articles have been the rules revision I like the best as a player and Athas.org has a great amount of info. However I still miss bound and published regular suppliments. Novels, Moduels, ect... So to those who agree with me and would like to one day tuck a Dark Sun book under your arm and head out for the game I hope we can come to find a way to show Wizards our interest.
And its free. Did I mention that?
How you doing mate!? Hiting the internet cafés at 8PM on a saturday, I see!
Well stop drinking all that coffee and start putting that money in the bank so you can get that nice internet connection to go the last few inches all the way to your ethernet card...cause Nate misses ya! Ahhh hell, I miss ya! :D
Now, look what you got me saying...
...cause Nate misses ya! Ahhh hell, I miss ya! :D
Aye.
Getting some over time though, so maybe I'll get out of my own little personal recession soon.