The spiritual successor of Dark Sun®, for 5.5E. Written by the co-creator of Dark Sun®. The Dragon Kings are gone, and the rains went with them. What remains of Khitus is sand, ruin, and the stubborn few who still believe it can be saved.
The Dragon Kings are gone, and the rains went with them. What remains of Khitus is sand, ruin, and the stubborn few who still believe it can be saved.
Sorcery on Khitus is alive. It waits in the darkness for those who disturb its slumber. It waits to punish the presumptuous and the powerful alike. And yet, there are those who still risk Sorcery’s wrath for the power to carve out their place in Khitus.
The mind is the exception. The psionic arts are old and mostly forgotten, and they are surfacing again in people who were never meant to have anything. There is no order for it. There is no register.
They can take the metal, the water, and the people. They cannot take the power that is awakening in you.
In better days the Dragon Kings ruled, and the land was green beneath them. That was long ago. Their reign ended, the rivers were turned aside, and a once-lush country slid into ash and open sky. Where Dark Sun® told of a world squandered, Khitus is a world grown complacent and now paying for it. The difference is this: it is not yet too far gone.
Dragon Kings is a complete 5.5E-compatible game in a single hardcover: rules and world in the same volume. It has been designed to contain everything you need to run an immersive campaign including a psionics system built into the core rather than bolted on as an option. Dragon Kings will also come with conversion rules for 2E for those that prefer to stay in the original system of Dark Sun®.
On Khitus the mind is the one resource the sorcerer-kings have not figured out how to tax.
Inside Dragon Kings you can also find:
Six ancestries native to Khitus, including the Makadan warriors and the monkey-like Penmai
Classes and subclasses built for the setting, plus full psionic rules
The Dragon Kings, their imposters, minions, and the machinery of rule they sit on top of Survival, travel, and scarcity systems that make the world push back
A regional gazetteer covering the areas from the Pock, to the Broken Plains, to the New Dune Wasteland, all with their own adventure hooks
30+ New Creatures
And 60+ pieces of original interior art, all commissioned from real working artists (no AI)!
Exotic peoples: The standard fantasy roster is gone. Lizardfolk and insect-kind hold whole regions, and where the metal ran out, the living arm themselves with bone and chitin. The people you are most familiar with are now the rarity.
Magic worth fearing: Sorcery is rare, costly, and willful. It is an arcane consciousness that resents being meddled with. Some of it can only be sung, voices joined, and the psionic arts are an ancient truth being rediscovered rather than a known science.
Four hungers, one throne: With no king left to hold the world, factions of coin, faith, magic, and mind contend to fill the vacancy. From the bureaucrats of the Water Guild to cults intent on calling the old gods back, someone will take the throne.
Bring your own rules: Dragon Kings is a setting first, built to sit on the system you already love. Written and edited for this edition by Tim Brown, co-creator of the original Dark Sun®. Timothy Brown designed Khitus. He spent many years at TSR, where he helped build the fantasy that broke away from green hills and rightful kings, and he has been developing this game for the last decade.
Also contributing to Dragon Kings are Brom, the artist who was a key visionary of the original Dark Sun® look, Troy Denning, fellow co-creator of Dark Sun®, and veteran TSR designers Bill Slavicsek and Rich Baker.
In addition, Strange Owl Games is publishing it and Studio 2 is shipping and delivering it. Both having extensive experience with crowdfunding campaigns, printing high quality books, and getting them delivered and into your hands to experience at your table.
Dark Sun® is a registered trademark of Wizards of the Coast.
Latest from the Creator
Strange Owl Games
3 days ago
Over $180,000! Meet the Factions of Khitus 🐉
Dragon Kings has officially passed $180,000 on BackerKit!
Thanks to all who have backed or shared the project - we're incredibly grateful!
Today, we've got another video with Timothy Brown and Andrew, and this time we're talking about the factions competing for power and influence across Khitus.
Meet the Factions of Khitus
In our second installment of the Dragon Kings lore and rules video series, Timothy introduces three factions your characters may encounter, work alongside, or find themselves fighting against.
Your Reputation Matters!
Timothy also explains how factions work mechanically in Dragon Kings.
Your characters have a standing with each faction, ranging from Hostile to Exalted, and those relationships can change throughout your campaign.
Earning a faction's favor can come with real benefits, including advantages when dealing with its members and reduced living expenses. Of course, making enemies can have consequences of its own.
Check out the video below to hear Timothy explain these factions and how your decisions can affect your standing with them!
Which Faction Would You Join?
After hearing about these three factions, we're curious where your loyalties would lie.
Dragon Kings has officially passed $160,000 on BackerKit!
Thank you to everyone who has backed the campaign so far!
Who Were the Dragon Kings?
We've got something new to share with you today!
Timothy Brown recently sat down with Andrew for the first in a series of short videos exploring the world, lore, and rules of Dragon Kings.
In this first episode, Timothy takes us back to Khitus's ancient history to explain who the Dragon Kings were, how they came to power, and what happened after they disappeared.
You'll also learn about some of the mysterious figures who claim to be Dragon Kings today, the factions still awaiting their return, and an interesting possibility for your own character...
Could YOU become a Dragon King?
According to Timothy, it's possible! But there's a lot more to it than reaching a certain character level.
Check out the video below to hear Timothy explain it himself!
Your Turn: Would You Become a Dragon King? 👑
Timothy mentioned something interesting in the video: your character could eventually become a Dragon King.
But power means different things to different people, especially in a world like Khitus. Check out the poll at the bottom of this update and let us know what kind of ruler you would be!
Thanks for Being Here!
We have plenty more videos planned, with our next installment taking a closer look at Khitus's factions.
WOW! Dragon Kings has officially passed $150,000 on BackerKit!
What an incredible start to the campaign! Thank you so much for joining in!
And to celebrate, we've got something special for you!
As a thank you to everyone who has backed Dragon Kings, we're expanding the Map Book with 10 additional maps!
In our previous update, we mentioned that we wouldn't add additional written content to the books through stretch goals, and that remains our plan. The writing is complete, and we're committed to keeping production moving without introducing unnecessary delays.
Let's Clear Up 2E and DCC
We've also noticed some questions about the different rules systems being discussed, particularly 2E and Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC).
We want to make sure everyone knows exactly what's included in this campaign and what's being offered separately.
Our current campaign features the new 5.5E-compatible edition of Dragon Kings, with conversion rules for 2E included.
You do not need to back a separate campaign to receive the 2E conversion rules.
What About Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC)?
We've also seen a lot of excitement surrounding a DCC-compatible version of Dragon Kings, and we're happy to share more about that!
Dragon Kings for Dungeon Crawl Classics is a separate project from designer John Watson, published by Rugby-Melee Games.
John has adapted Timothy Brown's world of Khitus for Dungeon Crawl Classics, bringing the setting to DCC's distinctive old-school rules system.
Timothy has been enthusiastic about the adaptation:
"John's DCC version is exceptional, a spot-on set of classic mechanics that really bring Dragon Kings to life for the experienced gamer. I'm proud to have it as part of the project!"
- Timothy Brown
So, Which Campaign Should You Back?
Here's the quick breakdown:
🐉 This Dragon Kings Campaign - Strange Owl Games
5.5E-compatible Dragon Kings
2E conversion rules included for all backers
The books, adventures, and other rewards offered through our current campaign
An expanded Map Book with 10 additional maps!
🎲 Dragon Kings for Dungeon Crawl Classics - Rugby-Melee Games
A separate DCC-compatible adaptation by John Watson
Its own core book, adventures, and campaign rewards
Launches October 20 on BackerKit
Requires a separate pledge if you'd like the DCC version
Backing this campaign does not automatically include the DCC version.
We apologize if our earlier messaging caused any confusion. We know choosing the right rules system matters, and we want everyone to have accurate information before deciding what to pledge.
We're excited that Khitus will have another way to reach the tabletop, and we appreciate John Watson and Rugby-Melee Games for bringing Dragon Kings to the DCC community.
Thank You for $150,000!
We're only a few days into the campaign, and we've already reached an incredible milestone.
Thank you for supporting this project and helping us bring Timothy Brown's world back to the table. We're looking forward to sharing more with you as the campaign continues.
Over $100,000 on Day One and Learn More About the World of Khitus!
What an incredible first day! 🐉
Dragon Kings has officially raised over $100,000 in its first day on BackerKit!
Thank you to everyone who has backed the campaign and joined us on day one!
We're just getting started, and we wanted to take a moment to answer a question we've already seen popping up.
Let's Talk About Stretch Goals
We've seen a few questions about stretch goals, particularly whether we'll be adding more adventures, rules, or other content to the books as the campaign progresses.
We won't be adding any book content through stretch goals during this campaign.
The books are already written - and we want a quick fulfillment.
We've decided to keep the book content as planned rather than add more writing and development work that could slow production.
But don't worry, we have a LOT more planned for Dragon Kings!
Plenty of stories remain to be told, and plenty of places left to explore in Khitus. We're excited to continue developing this world beyond the current campaign, and we want to give those future projects the time and attention they deserve.
For now, our focus is on delivering the Dragon Kings books and rewards we're bringing to you through this campaign.
Want to Learn More About Khitus?
If you're curious about the world of Dragon Kings, its history, the themes behind the setting, or the creative decisions that went into this new edition, check out this interview!
Timothy Brown recently sat down with Chris Moneymaker for an interview discussing Dragon Kings and the world of Khitus.
They talk about the setting, its darker themes, and the approach Timothy and the team are taking to telling stories in a world ruled by dangerous and oppressive powers.
Thank You for an Amazing Start!
We're only one day into the campaign, and the response has already been incredible.
Dragon Kings is officially LIVE on BackerKit - and FUNDED!
First, a huge thank you to everyone who followed the project, reserved a pledge, shared the campaign, joined the conversation, and helped us get to launch day.
Don’t rush off after checking out the campaign page!
Timothy Brown is hanging out LIVE right here on the BackerKit page, answering your questions about Dragon Kings, Khitus, the new edition, and the project.
Here's How to Back Dragon Kings 1. Create a BackerKit account 2. Head to the Dragon Kings campaign page 3. Choose the pledge level that's right for you Scroll through the available pledge options and choose the one that has what you want. 4. Choose your add-ons if you want any Depending on your pledge, you'll have the opportunity to select additional Dragon Kings items and add-ons.
5. Check out Follow the prompts from BackerKit to complete your pledge.
And that's it! You're officially a Dragon Kings backer.
Don't Forget Your Despair Pin!
If you followed Dragon Kings before the campaign launched and back the campaign at a physical tier, you've qualified for the Despair Pin.
You Claimed Hope!
If you placed a $5 reservation before launch, you qualified for the Hope Pin with your pledge.
And if you both followed AND reserved before launch, you've qualified for both Hope and Despair.
There's no need to panic if you don't immediately see everything reflected exactly how you expect. We'll make sure eligible backers receive the pre-launch rewards they've earned.
If something doesn't look right with your pledge or you have a question about the campaign, please ask!
We know crowdfunding can be confusing, especially if this is your first campaign, and we'd much rather help than have you wondering what to do.
Thanks again for being here! We have a lot planned for the weeks ahead.
For now, though, there’s only one thing left to say:
Dragon Kings comes to BackerKit on October 6, and as we count down these final few days, we wanted to show off a few of the goodies you’ll be able to grab throughout the campaign.
Gear Up for Khitus
Of course, you’ll need dice.
🎲 Dragon Kings Dice Set
A full set of Dragon Kings dice, complete with the Dragon Kings emblem.
🐉 Dragon Kings Dice Bag
Keep your dice together and ready for whatever Khitus decides to throw at you.
⚔️ Dragon Kings Dice Tray
A matching tray featuring the Dragon Kings emblem and artwork inspired by the world of Khitus.
We have plenty more waiting for you when the campaign begins, but you don’t have to wait until October 6 to claim a couple of extras.
Last Chance for Your Pre-Launch Rewards!
With just one week remaining, this is your last chance to follow and reserve before launch.
💀 FOLLOW to get the DESPAIR PIN Follow Dragon Kings before launch, then pledge during the campaign to receive the Despair Pin with your pledge.
☀️ RESERVE FOR $5 to get the HOPE PIN Reserve Dragon Kings for $5 before launch and receive the Hope Pin with your pledge.
Do both, and you’ll receive both pins.
Hope and Despair have a role to play within the world of Khitus, so consider this your chance to bring a little of both to the table.
And We’re Going to Need Your Help...
Our next update puts the naming of one species in your hands!
Keep an eye out for our next update, because we’re going to need your vote. 👀🐉
Thank you to everyone who has followed and reserved so far!
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