starting to write up a dark sun Cypher conversion

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+Title:          Dark Sun in the Cypher System
+Footer:         Numenera, the Cypher System, No Thank You, Evil!, Invisible Sun, and their respective logos are
+                trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC in the U.S.A. and other countries. All Monte Cook Games
+                characters and character names, and the distinctive likenesses thereof, are trademarks of Monte
+                Cook Games, LLC. Content derived from Monte Cook Games publications is © 2013-2022 Monte Cook
+                Games, LLC. <a href="/cypher/fan-use-policy">Full Disclaimer</a>.<br />
+                Dark Sun in the Cypher System is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy. Not
+                approved/endorsed by Wizards.  Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast.
+                ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.<br />
+                Requires the (4e) <i>Dark Sun Campaign Setting</i> (2010, Wizards of the Coast) and the (revised)
+                <i>Cypher System Rulebook</i> (2019, Monte Cook Games).
+
+# Dark Sun in the Cypher System
+
+The following is my attempt to convert the Dark Sun campaign setting (owned by Wizards of the Coast) to the Cypher
+System (from Monte Cook Games). There have been other attempts that I am personally obligated to shout out --- [Living 4
+Crits's conversion](http://ilive4crits.blogspot.com/2016/03/sand-and-cyphers-running-dark-sun-with.html?m=1) using Dark
+Sun 2e and the original Cypher System, and [Wyrm Works's Dark Sun Future](https://wyrmworks.com/cypher-system/) --- but
+this is instead yet another remix of the idea.
+
+Dark Sun in the Cypher System is written for the "revised" *Cypher System Rulebook*, using the D&D 4e *Dark Sun Campaign
+Setting* as a base for timeline and similar considerations. The conversion also uses some concepts from *Godforsaken*,
+so that should also be considered when collecting sources. This isn't a standalone product or game, so definitely rely
+on those books for anything not addressed here.
+
+This is also a living document; I will keep it up to date with changes, additions, and the like. I also accept feedback,
+you can reach me via [email](mailto:bss@orb.moe) or [the fediverse](https://ill.moe/bss).
+
+## Character Creation
+
+### Species
+
+This conversion uses the Two Descriptors variant rule from *Godforsaken* (p.86) --- as such, characters should take two
+descriptors, one representing their species (or cultural heritage for humans) and one representing their personality. In
+addition to allowing for personality descriptors while also including fantasy species, having two descriptors also helps
+provide the power level perceived necessary for starting player characters to survive Athas.
+
+#### Aarakocra
+
+#### Dray
+
+#### Dwarves
+
+#### Elves
+
+#### Half-elves
+
+#### Half-giants
+
+#### Halflings
+
+#### Humans
+
+#### Mul
+
+#### Thri-kreen
+
+### Wild Talents
+
+Player characters are encouraged to take a psionic wild talent at character creation, in the form of a spell (themed as
+a psionic ability) granted under the Spellcasting optional rule from the *Cypher System Rulebook* (p.259). Any further
+spells learned under this rule should also be themed as psionics.
+
+### Themes
+
+Cypher System types and foci can model many thematic concepts. The following list isn't meant to be exhaustive or
+definitive, but note that these themes are described in greater detail in the *Dark Sun Campaign Setting*.
+
+#### Athasian Minstrel
+
+Entertainers with an inside connection to the courts and social elite, minstres are as often as not assassins, spymasters,
+and the like.
+
+* Type: Speaker flavored with stealth, Explorer
+* Foci: Entertains, Infiltrates, Murders
+
+#### Dune Trader
+
+#### Elemental Priest
+
+#### Gladiator
+
+#### Noble Adept
+
+#### Primal Guardian
+
+#### Templar
+
+Templars have broad discretion to enforce the laws of the city --- so long as they do not go against the will of the
+sorcerer-king or higher-ranking templars. Many wield power ruthlessly, and represent a powerful, wealthy social class.
+
+* Type: Speaker flavored with magic, Adept
+* Foci: Channels Royal Might [as Channels Divine Blessings, themed for one's particular sorcerer-king/queen], Interprets the Law [templars are the law], Leads, Metes Out Justice
+
+#### Veiled Alliance
+
+#### Wasteland Nomad
+
+#### Wilder
+
+### Magic
+
+#### Arcane Casters
+
+Final judgment on which characters, foci, and/or abilities are arcane is left to each individual table, but this list
+recommended list of arcane foci should be a good start:
+
+### Discouraged Foci
+
+The following foci don't seem to make a ton of sense for the world of Athas. Include them only after careful
+consideration:
+
+* Absorbs Energy [technology level too high]
+* Battles Robots [technology level too high]
+* Brandishes an Exotic Shield [special equipment]
+* Builds Robots [technology level too high]
+* Conducts Weird Science [technology level too high]
+* Crafts Unique Objects [special equipment]
+* Drives Like a Maniac [special equipment]
+* Employs Magnetism [metal is rare]
+* Flies Faster Than a Bullet [too supers]
+* Fuses Flesh and Steel [metal is rare]
+* Fuses Mind and Machine [technology level too high]
+* Grows to Towering Heights [too supers]
+* Is Idolized By Millions [no real concept of celebrity]
+* Is Licensed to Carry [technology level too high]
+* Loves the Void [technology level too high]
+* Pilots Starcraft [technology level too high]
+* Plays Too Many Games [technology level too high]
+* Siphons Power [technology level too high]
+* Talks to Machines [technology level too high]
+* Travels Through Time [too supers]
+* Wears Power Armor [special equipment]
+* Works the System [technology level too high]