Converting AD&D v2 Modules to 4E (Alignment Issues) - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Converting AD&D v2 Modules to 4E (Alignment Issues)

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
clem-the-rogue
Mar 14, 2009 13:00:15 I'm trying to convert the L1 and L2 modules (Bone Hill and Assassins Knot) to 4e and what I'm discovering is such a huge deal about alignment and detect alignment type abilities. The important NPCs are very careful about knowing how to detect other's true alignment and hiding their own.

First of all, has anybody converted those two modules that they can share?

Second, assuming not. What do you think is the best way to handle that kind of mechanism?

I'm thinking that NPCs who could cast or had a device that could detect alignment are trained in insight. NPC's that know true alignment (a more powerfull detect alignment in v2) could have additional bonuses.

NPC's who have some kind of ability or device that hides alignment could be trained in bluff to a varying degree.

Any other suggestions or comments?
#2
matthewswift
Mar 15, 2009 15:24:44
Give the NPC's level-appropirate Insight bonuses and add on top a +3 or so. That's my suggestion :D

Seconded, but with an emphasis on bluff as well.

If they want to hide their darker sides, give them the skills to.
#3
gregt_314
Mar 16, 2009 17:39:39 4e is big on hand-waving stuff that NPCs can do but PCs can't. Feel free to given them detect alignment powers given to them by their god, or items that give the power which only those who are members of this order can use, or whatever.

I haven't seen the modules in question but if WoTC get around to doing a 4E Dragonlance setting book I'm intending to convert the original Dragonlance modules to 4E so I'm keeping an eye on other people's conversion experiences.
#4
Dreamstryder
Mar 17, 2009 21:09:23 In what situations are the detections used?

I've never used Detect Alignment spells in any edition because there are more amusing ways to run circumstances in which (a) you are infiltrating a place and a guy goes down the line of the faithful detecting people looking for "the spy" and (b) the cabal has a magical artifact the guards itself from outsiders by zapping those who try to touch it.

If it's scenario A, try the insight, or looking for a mark all the cabal has that outsiders would not (or vice versa: "we heard the outsider has a tail or is a dwarf who would mind shaving his beard..."), or have them do things that only true members would do. When Christians were persecuted in Japan as political dissidents, sometimes suspects would be told to walk across a wooden crucifix with the idea that Christians would not do such a thing.

If scenario B, I love the situation when the key or item you try to steal cries out in alarm when you make to grab it "Who's there!? Intruders! Intruders! They've come to take me away!" and runs about, generally making it hard to procure. Perhaps you can convince it you're not harmful?

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 clem-the-rogue Mar 14, 2009 13:00:15	I'm trying to convert the L1 and L2 modules (Bone Hill and Assassins Knot) to 4e and what I'm discovering is such a huge deal about alignment and detect alignment type abilities. The important NPCs are very careful about knowing how to detect other's true alignment and hiding their own. First of all, has anybody converted those two modules that they can share? Second, assuming not. What do you think is the best way to handle that kind of mechanism? I'm thinking that NPCs who could cast or had a device that could detect alignment are trained in insight. NPC's that know true alignment (a more powerfull detect alignment in v2) could have additional bonuses. NPC's who have some kind of ability or device that hides alignment could be trained in bluff to a varying degree. Any other suggestions or comments?
#2 matthewswift Mar 15, 2009 15:24:44	Give the NPC's level-appropirate Insight bonuses and add on top a +3 or so. That's my suggestion :D Seconded, but with an emphasis on bluff as well. If they want to hide their darker sides, give them the skills to.
#3 gregt_314 Mar 16, 2009 17:39:39	4e is big on hand-waving stuff that NPCs can do but PCs can't. Feel free to given them detect alignment powers given to them by their god, or items that give the power which only those who are members of this order can use, or whatever. I haven't seen the modules in question but if WoTC get around to doing a 4E Dragonlance setting book I'm intending to convert the original Dragonlance modules to 4E so I'm keeping an eye on other people's conversion experiences.
#4 Dreamstryder Mar 17, 2009 21:09:23	In what situations are the detections used? I've never used Detect Alignment spells in any edition because there are more amusing ways to run circumstances in which (a) you are infiltrating a place and a guy goes down the line of the faithful detecting people looking for "the spy" and (b) the cabal has a magical artifact the guards itself from outsiders by zapping those who try to touch it. If it's scenario A, try the insight, or looking for a mark all the cabal has that outsiders would not (or vice versa: "we heard the outsider has a tail or is a dwarf who would mind shaving his beard..."), or have them do things that only true members would do. When Christians were persecuted in Japan as political dissidents, sometimes suspects would be told to walk across a wooden crucifix with the idea that Christians would not do such a thing. If scenario B, I love the situation when the key or item you try to steal cries out in alarm when you make to grab it "Who's there!? Intruders! Intruders! They've come to take me away!" and runs about, generally making it hard to procure. Perhaps you can convince it you're not harmful?