converting 1st and 2nd version to 3.5 [Archive] - Wizards Community

converting 1st and 2nd version to 3.5 [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Thomasyo4
05-22-06, 12:08 PM im trying to convert old monsters and NPC stats to 3.5 i know all except how to find land and flying speed. Anyone got any ideas?
Seeker95
05-22-06, 12:20 PM Convert using concept instead of mechanics.
Turn a mid-level ranger into a mid-level ranger.
Maps need no conversion, although it may be best to draw them in 1 square = 5' scale.
Adventures need monsters replaced and a quick EL assessment.

(Yes, there is a conversion document, but all it really does is use artificial formulas that require more fudge than formula in the first place.)
Palomides
05-22-06, 11:53 PM In 1st and 2nd edition the standard speed was 12". In 3rd edition is 30 feet.
So 2" should be something like 5 feet.

Also I speed in armor were like 9" now the equivalent is 20 feet.
For 6" it is the expected 15 feet.
GrimbleGromble
05-23-06, 03:03 AM im completely clueless on how to convert 1st edition monsters to the 3.5 rules.

any pointers? websites? etc to help me?
Milo HoBo
05-23-06, 03:39 AM Maintain concept NOT SPECIFIC ABILITIES. If you don't, you end up with the Ogre Mage.

This article explains.
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dd/20060120a
Look under the part labeled: Seemingly Random Spell-Like Ability Lists
Seeker95
05-23-06, 09:37 AM In 1st and 2nd edition the standard speed was 12". In 3rd edition is 30 feet.
So 2" should be something like 5 feet.

Also I speed in armor were like 9" now the equivalent is 20 feet.
For 6" it is the expected 15 feet.You're suggesting that the player "convert" distances and speeds? Wouldn't it be better to just look up what the actual speed is?

Mechanic conversion fails.
Concept conversion is easy.

For everything other than concept, use the rules, not a conversion formula.
Seeker95
05-23-06, 09:38 AM im completely clueless on how to convert 1st edition monsters to the 3.5 rules.Look up the mnonster in the relevant monster manual.

I think there *might* be two or three 1e monsters that have not yet been converted to 3e.
Thomasyo4
05-23-06, 02:10 PM Look up the mnonster in the relevant monster manual.

I only have MM1 so i only have a few creatures but i have all other monster manuals from older versions (1and2)
Seeker95
05-23-06, 03:02 PM Then you'll probably want to get the newer monster manuals. Converting each of the monsters will only become a ehadache. Especially when you end up with a 3e adventure and your players notice that the same creature they encountered in your previous (converted) adventure is suddenly quite different this time around.
Edymnion
05-23-06, 03:46 PM And anything not in the D&D MM's will be in the Tome of Horrors series (which is up to number 3, I believe).

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Thomasyo4 05-22-06, 12:08 PM	im trying to convert old monsters and NPC stats to 3.5 i know all except how to find land and flying speed. Anyone got any ideas?
Seeker95 05-22-06, 12:20 PM	Convert using concept instead of mechanics. Turn a mid-level ranger into a mid-level ranger. Maps need no conversion, although it may be best to draw them in 1 square = 5' scale. Adventures need monsters replaced and a quick EL assessment. (Yes, there is a conversion document, but all it really does is use artificial formulas that require more fudge than formula in the first place.)
Palomides 05-22-06, 11:53 PM	In 1st and 2nd edition the standard speed was 12". In 3rd edition is 30 feet. So 2" should be something like 5 feet. Also I speed in armor were like 9" now the equivalent is 20 feet. For 6" it is the expected 15 feet.
GrimbleGromble 05-23-06, 03:03 AM	im completely clueless on how to convert 1st edition monsters to the 3.5 rules. any pointers? websites? etc to help me?
Milo HoBo 05-23-06, 03:39 AM	Maintain concept NOT SPECIFIC ABILITIES. If you don't, you end up with the Ogre Mage. This article explains. http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dd/20060120a Look under the part labeled: Seemingly Random Spell-Like Ability Lists
Seeker95 05-23-06, 09:37 AM	In 1st and 2nd edition the standard speed was 12". In 3rd edition is 30 feet. So 2" should be something like 5 feet. Also I speed in armor were like 9" now the equivalent is 20 feet. For 6" it is the expected 15 feet.You're suggesting that the player "convert" distances and speeds? Wouldn't it be better to just look up what the actual speed is? Mechanic conversion fails. Concept conversion is easy. For everything other than concept, use the rules, not a conversion formula.
Seeker95 05-23-06, 09:38 AM	im completely clueless on how to convert 1st edition monsters to the 3.5 rules.Look up the mnonster in the relevant monster manual. I think there might be two or three 1e monsters that have not yet been converted to 3e.
Thomasyo4 05-23-06, 02:10 PM	Look up the mnonster in the relevant monster manual. I only have MM1 so i only have a few creatures but i have all other monster manuals from older versions (1and2)
Seeker95 05-23-06, 03:02 PM	Then you'll probably want to get the newer monster manuals. Converting each of the monsters will only become a ehadache. Especially when you end up with a 3e adventure and your players notice that the same creature they encountered in your previous (converted) adventure is suddenly quite different this time around.
Edymnion 05-23-06, 03:46 PM	And anything not in the D&D MM's will be in the Tome of Horrors series (which is up to number 3, I believe).