Critically Misused: Dark Sun Monsters

Welcome to Critically Misused, where we discuss misused or underused aspects of Dungeons and Dragons. This episode, we will be covering the Dark Sun settings interesting monster designs.
Several Dark Sun monsters I didn’t mention made it to 5e as well. The Psurlons, Ssurrans, and Megapedes can all be found in Boo’s Astral Menagerie, along with the other monsters in this video. For even more inspiration, check out Dungeon Dad’s video on the Cloud Ray:
• Soaring Sky Titans - C...

[@gamercore5216]

One of my favorite setting glad it's reaching newer players

[@poneal666]

Dark Sun is an amazing setting, and I ran a level 1-30 campaign during the 4E days - twice! I've been playing in the setting since 2nd Edition AD&D, and it's always been a harsh, high-powered, and deadly setting. The 5E version of the Nightmare Beast is, honestly, underpowered compared to the previous editions' versions. The old version could lay down fireball, chain lightning, cloudkill, and some other big area spells. It was an army-wrecker, as you mentioned. But that's not what made it terrifying. What did was the fact that it could (basically) cast the dream spell and teleport to anyone asleep and dreaming in its territory. The thing was a gargantuan monster version of Freddy Krueger! The only things it wouldn't attack would be elemental drakes (essentially dragons, but unintelligent and with psionic and elemental powers) and the Dragon of Tyr (for obvious reasons). All of them could stand a round or two of polishing, going back to 2nd Edition and 4E sources for inspiration.
And some of the other monsters that were left out - things like the Athasian Sloth, the Cistern Fiend, and the various undead (such as the Fael, the Kaisharga, and the T'liz) were just as nightmarish in their own ways. Great video, though, and a great inspiration for potential Dark Sun DMs out there. I am in fact getting ready to run a 5E Dark Sun game, so wish me good hunting!

[@alkemyst337]

I LOVE Dark Sun, I have a hard time finding people who want to adapt to it's weirdness and harsh survival-focused world. I was initially quite happy to hear that Athas was to be included in the Spelljammer materials, but was disheartened at what we got. I've been waiting for an official Dark Sun setting book since 5e first came out, and we didn't even really get that.
Another great video! I think that there is a lot of potential for Critically Misused when looking at search books for other settings, since a lot of the materials works strangely out of their original context

[@thegayerest]

Sadly, I don't think there will be a Dark Sun setting book in 5e, since this edition aims for broad appeal and lightheartedness. It's a miracle we got Ravenloft, imo. Still, the setting is so unique and well crafted I recommend every worldbuilder know at least the premise

[@alkemyst337]

@@thegayerest Excellent point. I'm happy we got Ravenloft, too. If I want a good Dark Sun mod, I should try looking around for one. It's always a good reminder that just because material isn't official doesn't mean it can't be high quality.

[@ChrisMoneymakerDHRG]

Man I am glad that WotC has turned their backs of Dark Sun. This is a prefect example of how they would screw it up. I have been making 2e Dark Sun content for the community for the last couple of years. You should check out fan made stuff for Dark Sun, like the MCs you mentioned near the end of the video, more in depth. There's lots of great stuff to be found.

[@MenschWerdeWesentlich]

Good stuff! I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for more DS content from you.

[@rlarkinson]

A lot of lower level critters on Athas have paralysis, stun, hold or entangle like attacks, usually on their bite or claw or other main attack. Normally if you get hit by something expect a saving throw of some kind, as the creature in front of you is probably just as hungry and thirsty as you are.

[@thegayerest]

That's something I missed, but it fits with most monsters in this setting being ambush hunters. Thanks for letting me know

[@abiggs4828]

Great to see you back at it! I’d love to see your take on some of the more obscure D&D settings/adventures moving forward

[@SuperGamefreak18]

These enemies sound fun

[@yellowandpink1199]

Dark Sun sounds like an interesting setting. I’d usually avoid concepts that dark (pun not intended), but this one actually sounds like a fun thing to DM, especially considering how cool its monsters look. Great video again, and great to see that you’re back!

[@disasterduck13]

Thanks for the video

[@brandtgill2601]

It would be neato to get something on Owlin & Owlfolk.

[@manarayofhope2374]

I do enjoy me some darksuns

[@thegayerest]

From a distance, I hope

[@manarayofhope2374]

@@thegayerest I mean I can't really go there so be definition yes

[@dr.icepick3448]

You should make some videos about baldurs gate 3