Character Conversion [Archive] - Wizards Community

Character Conversion [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
etfjr
05-25-06, 12:27 AM I'm sure this a) has been asked before or b) is documented somewhere, but I can't find it...

I have several old characters from AD&D 1st Edition. How do I convert them to play with version 3.5?

If this has been answered please just post a link... I'm getting desperate
TwistedElf
05-25-06, 02:37 AM I have had the same question and problems for my 2nd edition guys. My whole group is ooking to convert our 2nd edition characters to 3.5 and we are not doing too well.
ORC_Paradox
05-25-06, 02:50 AM Your best bet would be to try to re-create the character with the current rules.
stealth_monkey
05-25-06, 02:51 AM Honestly, the task would be so complex I'd suggest just rerolling with 3.0 rules, keep your levels and attributes and determine everything from there.
Seeker95
05-25-06, 10:14 AM Ditto.

Conversion between editions is not a mechanics formula process. It is a concept process. The only thing that converts directly is your ability scores. If you have percentile strength, check how much you could lift in 1e/2e and convert to 3e equivalent.

For everything else, convert by concept. If you had a mid-level ranger in 1e/2e, make him a 9th or 10th level ranger build. Don't worry about skill / proficiency / etc. direct conversions. Just keep the flavor of your old PC and build to it using 3e mechanics.
DoctorRomulus
05-25-06, 01:36 PM I have a 2nd ed 9th level 1/2 Elven Fighter. Would it be fair to say that he'd be like 12th or 13th level in 3.5?

Ditto.

Conversion between editions is not a mechanics formula process. It is a concept process. The only thing that converts directly is your ability scores. If you have percentile strength, check how much you could lift in 1e/2e and convert to 3e equivalent.

For everything else, convert by concept. If you had a mid-level ranger in 1e/2e, make him a 9th or 10th level ranger build. Don't worry about skill / proficiency / etc. direct conversions. Just keep the flavor of your old PC and build to it using 3e mechanics.
Seeker95
05-25-06, 02:04 PM I'd go with 12th, but with experience points half-way to 13th. Although personally, I would go ahead and stick with 9th to allow for a little more growth / play time at the upper-mid levels.
etfjr
05-25-06, 06:14 PM How exactly should the character level be converted? Keep the XP and adjust the level or keep the level and adjust the XP?

It seems this is more of an art than a science...

T
Seeker95
05-26-06, 07:13 AM How exactly should the character level be converted? Keep the XP and adjust the level or keep the level and adjust the XP?Look at your old character:

A 9th level half-elf ranger who did almost everything with his bow, preferring light armor.

Build a new character:
A 9th to 12th level half elf ranger with Feats that reinforce his use of the bow (and choosing the ranged option), wearing light armor.
babysamurai
05-26-06, 10:00 AM I know I'm in the minority, but I actually dig the 3rd edition Conversion Manual on the WotC site.

My buddy had a 1st edition Drow Fighter 11/Thief 14/Magic-User 12.

When we converted using the manual he ended up as a Fighter 12/Rogue 4/Wizard 5, and is much closer to the original character concept.
etfjr
05-26-06, 02:25 PM Can you post a link?
T

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
etfjr 05-25-06, 12:27 AM	I'm sure this a) has been asked before or b) is documented somewhere, but I can't find it... I have several old characters from AD&D 1st Edition. How do I convert them to play with version 3.5? If this has been answered please just post a link... I'm getting desperate
TwistedElf 05-25-06, 02:37 AM	I have had the same question and problems for my 2nd edition guys. My whole group is ooking to convert our 2nd edition characters to 3.5 and we are not doing too well.
ORC_Paradox 05-25-06, 02:50 AM	Your best bet would be to try to re-create the character with the current rules.
stealth_monkey 05-25-06, 02:51 AM	Honestly, the task would be so complex I'd suggest just rerolling with 3.0 rules, keep your levels and attributes and determine everything from there.
Seeker95 05-25-06, 10:14 AM	Ditto. Conversion between editions is not a mechanics formula process. It is a concept process. The only thing that converts directly is your ability scores. If you have percentile strength, check how much you could lift in 1e/2e and convert to 3e equivalent. For everything else, convert by concept. If you had a mid-level ranger in 1e/2e, make him a 9th or 10th level ranger build. Don't worry about skill / proficiency / etc. direct conversions. Just keep the flavor of your old PC and build to it using 3e mechanics.
DoctorRomulus 05-25-06, 01:36 PM	I have a 2nd ed 9th level 1/2 Elven Fighter. Would it be fair to say that he'd be like 12th or 13th level in 3.5? Ditto. Conversion between editions is not a mechanics formula process. It is a concept process. The only thing that converts directly is your ability scores. If you have percentile strength, check how much you could lift in 1e/2e and convert to 3e equivalent. For everything else, convert by concept. If you had a mid-level ranger in 1e/2e, make him a 9th or 10th level ranger build. Don't worry about skill / proficiency / etc. direct conversions. Just keep the flavor of your old PC and build to it using 3e mechanics.
Seeker95 05-25-06, 02:04 PM	I'd go with 12th, but with experience points half-way to 13th. Although personally, I would go ahead and stick with 9th to allow for a little more growth / play time at the upper-mid levels.
etfjr 05-25-06, 06:14 PM	How exactly should the character level be converted? Keep the XP and adjust the level or keep the level and adjust the XP? It seems this is more of an art than a science... T
Seeker95 05-26-06, 07:13 AM	How exactly should the character level be converted? Keep the XP and adjust the level or keep the level and adjust the XP?Look at your old character: A 9th level half-elf ranger who did almost everything with his bow, preferring light armor. Build a new character: A 9th to 12th level half elf ranger with Feats that reinforce his use of the bow (and choosing the ranged option), wearing light armor.
babysamurai 05-26-06, 10:00 AM	I know I'm in the minority, but I actually dig the 3rd edition Conversion Manual on the WotC site. My buddy had a 1st edition Drow Fighter 11/Thief 14/Magic-User 12. When we converted using the manual he ended up as a Fighter 12/Rogue 4/Wizard 5, and is much closer to the original character concept.
etfjr 05-26-06, 02:25 PM	Can you post a link? T