Change Over???? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Change Over???? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
T.D.S
08-22-05, 02:28 PM Hail to All!

I have been away from the Dungeons and Dragons RPG for a few years. The last time that I played it was called "Advanced Dungeons and Dragons". When I first started playing it was called "Dungeons and Dragons", then it became "Advanced Dungeons and Dragons", and now it is called "Dungeons and Dragons". I would like to know when it changed. Things are not like I remembered them. For instance, there is no longer a THAC0. The higher the Armor Class the better, etc. etc..

Would someone bring me up to speed?? :D

Thanks!
T.D.S
DisposableHero_
08-22-05, 03:20 PM Well, from the looks of it, there is a ton for you to catch up on.

Fortunately all of the core rules are available in the System Reference Document (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35), which has everything you need to get caught up on the current rules.
Fixxxer
08-22-05, 03:42 PM Would someone bring me up to speed??

The problem is that yet again, this is a completely different system. Most actions in the new system are dealt with by rolling 1d20 and adding your modifiers to the result. If your final result meets or beats the difficulty check (DC) for the action, you successfully complete the action.

Check out the link "DisposableHero_" gave you for more.
Jagyr Ebonwood
08-22-05, 04:23 PM difficulty check (DC)
Ahem...that's "Difficulty Class", not check.
[/nitpick]
:)
Fixxxer
08-22-05, 04:47 PM Ahem...that's "Difficulty Class", not check.
[/nitpick]
:)

Yeah, what he said.
lightman
08-22-05, 07:42 PM Well, I believe that TSR sold Dungeons and Dragons to Wizards in the early '90s. The game is much different now. Like the earlier poster said, the SRD is what you need (though it doesn't contain all the rules). Your probably wondering why Wizards is stupid enough to give the rules away for free, it's because of a recent contract called open game license. I can't give you the specifics, but if you google it, I'm sure you'll find something
RogerWilco
08-22-05, 08:11 PM The big difference is that Wizards of the Coast has a marketing department, so it tries to find out what potential customers would actually buy in significant numbers for them to turn a profit.

Next to that they've took the idea of AD&D and designed a less confusing game that still uses a lot of the same concepts.

The basics:
d20: everything now comes down to: my number+d20 > number I'm trying to beat ?
Because of this mechanic, all numbers just can keep increasing (often with a maximum determined by class levels). No numbers are limited to the 3-18 or 0-99% range anymore.

Hit Dice: d4, d6, d8, d10, d12
Stats: Str, Dex, Con, Int, Wis, Cha
Classes: Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Ranger, Rogue, Paladin, Sorcerer, Wizard
Saves: Fortitude (based on Con), Reflex (based on Dex), Will (based on Wis), when multiclassing you add the saves of the different classes.
Base Attack Bonus: A number that determines how good you are in combat, fighters get good ones, wizards bad ones, fighter/wizard multiclass characters add their fighter and wizard BAB.
Skills: the new Non Weapon Proficiencies (sort of). You start at 0, and can increase them, the rate is determined by your class.
Feats: Expanded Weapon proficiencies. There's all kinds of stuff like "Maximize Spell", "Create magic armor" too.
Spells: not much changed
Combat: basically you need a grid and minatures
weasel fierce
08-22-05, 11:43 PM Ignore everything that have gone before. D20 D&D is a completely different system. Even when things are called the same, they usually function different.
Take each game on its own merits.

The open gaming license is basically the same as shareware for computer software. Its a free version, lacking some components and elements, but you can try it out (and do a lot with it), and figure out if you want to buy the full product
T.D.S
08-23-05, 11:44 AM I would like to thank all of those that have answered my post! :D

You all have given me some good information that I hope I will be able to apply.

I shall be a regular on this forum!

T.D.S
Sir Knight
08-23-05, 12:32 PM If it helps, I have been playing D&D in its various forms since 1st Edition AD&D (and I've played older but that is what I learned on). 3.X Edition is the best I've played. I love the rules set and they flow for our group. I think you'll enjoy yourself. Get a Player's Handbook (3.5e) from Amazon.com and give it a look over. If you like it then dive on in!
Ranger REG
08-23-05, 06:09 PM Well, I believe that TSR sold Dungeons and Dragons to Wizards in the early '90s.
Technically, TSR sold themselves. WotC bought the entire company and all the assets, not just D&D.

While the rules are different (I disagree on being "completely different"), there are major improvements over the previous editions. The even bring back the monk and barbarian character classes (not 2e kits) to attract 1e owners.
weasel fierce
08-24-05, 12:31 AM Improvements would be in the eye of the beholder.. and beholder eyes have death rays :)
Escef
08-24-05, 12:32 AM Improvements would be in the eye of the beholder.. and beholder eyes have death rays :)

Maybe you saw the death ray, but most of us got charmed.
weasel fierce
08-24-05, 12:38 AM Just because it has many eyes, doesnt mean they are all good :)

*rolls a 5 on his Bad Metaphor test*
T.D.S
08-24-05, 12:32 PM I have already bought the DM's Guide. I have the Player's Handbook and all three of the Monster Manuals on order. I have downloaded just about every adventure that I can find. We are currently using the D&D Box Starter Set to get back into it. So I think that I have officially dove in. Thanks Anyway :D

If it helps, I have been playing D&D in its various forms since 1st Edition AD&D (and I've played older but that is what I learned on). 3.X Edition is the best I've played. I love the rules set and they flow for our group. I think you'll enjoy yourself. Get a Player's Handbook (3.5e) from Amazon.com and give it a look over. If you like it then dive on in!
StormCrow42
08-24-05, 09:42 PM I have already bought the DM's Guide. I have the Player's Handbook and all three of the Monster Manuals on order.

Just as a quick note, Monster Manual II is a 3.0 rulebook, not a 3.5 one. However there is a complete 3.5 conversion manual available on the main Wizards site.
T.D.S
08-26-05, 09:05 AM I have seen that. I have downloaded the changes for the monster manual. Would bring me up to date with the 3.5 version?

On a different note; Your callsign looks like something that would have come from Mechwarrior: Dark Age and Classic Battletech. Do you play either of those?

Just as a quick note, Monster Manual II is a 3.0 rulebook, not a 3.5 one. However there is a complete 3.5 conversion manual available on the main Wizards site.
StormCrow42
08-26-05, 11:13 AM Yes, the 3.5 update for MM2 (and Fiend Folio) will bring the book up to full compatibility (mostly it's changes in DR and how skills and feats are taken).

As for my handle, it is actually a reference to what Wormtounge calls Gandalf when he comes to the hall of Theoden in LotR. I picked it long before I heard of Battletech, although I enjoy playing that from time to time when I can find an opponent.
T.D.S
08-26-05, 12:14 PM In case you are intrested, go to www.mwrealms.com . There is anything and everything there about Mechwarrior and Classic Battletech. You should even be able to find a worthy opponent in NC.

Yes, the 3.5 update for MM2 (and Fiend Folio) will bring the book up to full compatibility (mostly it's changes in DR and how skills and feats are taken).

As for my handle, it is actually a reference to what Wormtounge calls Gandalf when he comes to the hall of Theoden in LotR. I picked it long before I heard of Battletech, although I enjoy playing that from time to time when I can find an opponent.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
T.D.S 08-22-05, 02:28 PM	Hail to All! I have been away from the Dungeons and Dragons RPG for a few years. The last time that I played it was called "Advanced Dungeons and Dragons". When I first started playing it was called "Dungeons and Dragons", then it became "Advanced Dungeons and Dragons", and now it is called "Dungeons and Dragons". I would like to know when it changed. Things are not like I remembered them. For instance, there is no longer a THAC0. The higher the Armor Class the better, etc. etc.. Would someone bring me up to speed?? :D Thanks! T.D.S
DisposableHero_ 08-22-05, 03:20 PM	Well, from the looks of it, there is a ton for you to catch up on. Fortunately all of the core rules are available in the System Reference Document (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35), which has everything you need to get caught up on the current rules.
Fixxxer 08-22-05, 03:42 PM	Would someone bring me up to speed?? The problem is that yet again, this is a completely different system. Most actions in the new system are dealt with by rolling 1d20 and adding your modifiers to the result. If your final result meets or beats the difficulty check (DC) for the action, you successfully complete the action. Check out the link "DisposableHero_" gave you for more.
Jagyr Ebonwood 08-22-05, 04:23 PM	difficulty check (DC) Ahem...that's "Difficulty Class", not check. [/nitpick] :)
Fixxxer 08-22-05, 04:47 PM	Ahem...that's "Difficulty Class", not check. [/nitpick] :) Yeah, what he said.
lightman 08-22-05, 07:42 PM	Well, I believe that TSR sold Dungeons and Dragons to Wizards in the early '90s. The game is much different now. Like the earlier poster said, the SRD is what you need (though it doesn't contain all the rules). Your probably wondering why Wizards is stupid enough to give the rules away for free, it's because of a recent contract called open game license. I can't give you the specifics, but if you google it, I'm sure you'll find something
RogerWilco 08-22-05, 08:11 PM	The big difference is that Wizards of the Coast has a marketing department, so it tries to find out what potential customers would actually buy in significant numbers for them to turn a profit. Next to that they've took the idea of AD&D and designed a less confusing game that still uses a lot of the same concepts. The basics: d20: everything now comes down to: my number+d20 > number I'm trying to beat ? Because of this mechanic, all numbers just can keep increasing (often with a maximum determined by class levels). No numbers are limited to the 3-18 or 0-99% range anymore. Hit Dice: d4, d6, d8, d10, d12 Stats: Str, Dex, Con, Int, Wis, Cha Classes: Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Ranger, Rogue, Paladin, Sorcerer, Wizard Saves: Fortitude (based on Con), Reflex (based on Dex), Will (based on Wis), when multiclassing you add the saves of the different classes. Base Attack Bonus: A number that determines how good you are in combat, fighters get good ones, wizards bad ones, fighter/wizard multiclass characters add their fighter and wizard BAB. Skills: the new Non Weapon Proficiencies (sort of). You start at 0, and can increase them, the rate is determined by your class. Feats: Expanded Weapon proficiencies. There's all kinds of stuff like "Maximize Spell", "Create magic armor" too. Spells: not much changed Combat: basically you need a grid and minatures
weasel fierce 08-22-05, 11:43 PM	Ignore everything that have gone before. D20 D&D is a completely different system. Even when things are called the same, they usually function different. Take each game on its own merits. The open gaming license is basically the same as shareware for computer software. Its a free version, lacking some components and elements, but you can try it out (and do a lot with it), and figure out if you want to buy the full product
T.D.S 08-23-05, 11:44 AM	I would like to thank all of those that have answered my post! :D You all have given me some good information that I hope I will be able to apply. I shall be a regular on this forum! T.D.S
Sir Knight 08-23-05, 12:32 PM	If it helps, I have been playing D&D in its various forms since 1st Edition AD&D (and I've played older but that is what I learned on). 3.X Edition is the best I've played. I love the rules set and they flow for our group. I think you'll enjoy yourself. Get a Player's Handbook (3.5e) from Amazon.com and give it a look over. If you like it then dive on in!
Ranger REG 08-23-05, 06:09 PM	Well, I believe that TSR sold Dungeons and Dragons to Wizards in the early '90s. Technically, TSR sold themselves. WotC bought the entire company and all the assets, not just D&D. While the rules are different (I disagree on being "completely different"), there are major improvements over the previous editions. The even bring back the monk and barbarian character classes (not 2e kits) to attract 1e owners.
weasel fierce 08-24-05, 12:31 AM	Improvements would be in the eye of the beholder.. and beholder eyes have death rays :)
Escef 08-24-05, 12:32 AM	Improvements would be in the eye of the beholder.. and beholder eyes have death rays :) Maybe you saw the death ray, but most of us got charmed.
weasel fierce 08-24-05, 12:38 AM	Just because it has many eyes, doesnt mean they are all good :) rolls a 5 on his Bad Metaphor test
T.D.S 08-24-05, 12:32 PM	I have already bought the DM's Guide. I have the Player's Handbook and all three of the Monster Manuals on order. I have downloaded just about every adventure that I can find. We are currently using the D&D Box Starter Set to get back into it. So I think that I have officially dove in. Thanks Anyway :D If it helps, I have been playing D&D in its various forms since 1st Edition AD&D (and I've played older but that is what I learned on). 3.X Edition is the best I've played. I love the rules set and they flow for our group. I think you'll enjoy yourself. Get a Player's Handbook (3.5e) from Amazon.com and give it a look over. If you like it then dive on in!
StormCrow42 08-24-05, 09:42 PM	I have already bought the DM's Guide. I have the Player's Handbook and all three of the Monster Manuals on order. Just as a quick note, Monster Manual II is a 3.0 rulebook, not a 3.5 one. However there is a complete 3.5 conversion manual available on the main Wizards site.
T.D.S 08-26-05, 09:05 AM	I have seen that. I have downloaded the changes for the monster manual. Would bring me up to date with the 3.5 version? On a different note; Your callsign looks like something that would have come from Mechwarrior: Dark Age and Classic Battletech. Do you play either of those? Just as a quick note, Monster Manual II is a 3.0 rulebook, not a 3.5 one. However there is a complete 3.5 conversion manual available on the main Wizards site.
StormCrow42 08-26-05, 11:13 AM	Yes, the 3.5 update for MM2 (and Fiend Folio) will bring the book up to full compatibility (mostly it's changes in DR and how skills and feats are taken). As for my handle, it is actually a reference to what Wormtounge calls Gandalf when he comes to the hall of Theoden in LotR. I picked it long before I heard of Battletech, although I enjoy playing that from time to time when I can find an opponent.
T.D.S 08-26-05, 12:14 PM	In case you are intrested, go to www.mwrealms.com . There is anything and everything there about Mechwarrior and Classic Battletech. You should even be able to find a worthy opponent in NC. Yes, the 3.5 update for MM2 (and Fiend Folio) will bring the book up to full compatibility (mostly it's changes in DR and how skills and feats are taken). As for my handle, it is actually a reference to what Wormtounge calls Gandalf when he comes to the hall of Theoden in LotR. I picked it long before I heard of Battletech, although I enjoy playing that from time to time when I can find an opponent.