Amid the barren wastelands of Athas lie the scattered city-states, each in the grip of its own, tyrannical sorcerer-king. Protecting their own positions with dark magic, they demand absolute obedience. The restless mobs are placated with bread and circuses --the arenas overflow with spectators seeking release from their harsh lives.

The land outside the cities belong to no one. Savage elves race across the deserts while insectoid Thri-Kreen satisfy their taste for blood. Dwarves labor at projects beyond the scope of men, and feral halflings lie in ambush.

Athas is a land of deadly magic and powerful psionics that offers promise of glory or even of survival. Those who do not have the cunning to face life on Athas will surely perish - leaving nothing but bones bleached white under the blistering rays of the DARK SUN

On the sands of Athas you'll face

Three new PC races!
- Muls - half-dwarf, half-human; specially bred for combat!
- Thri-Kreen - the savage mantis-warriors of the Barrens!
- Half-giants - bred for tremendous size and strength

Three new PC classes!
- Gladiators - heroes of the arenas, the ultimate warriors!
- Templars - Wicked priests who serve the sorcerer-kings!
- Defilers - wizards whose powers drain the life around them!

More powerful PC's
- All Dark Sun game characters begin at 3rd level!
- Ability scores that can go as high as 24!
- All PC's have one or more psionic powers!
- The new character tree allows players to advance many characters at once!