d20 Modern Fantasy? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

d20 Modern Fantasy?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
thorr_kan
Dec 05, 2008 15:21:04 I've no interest in 4ed, and I don't want the weight of material for 3.5ed. But my players need a low learning curve.

Has anybody tried d20 Modern as a fantasy game? If so, what were your experiences?
#2
layla_minogue
Dec 05, 2008 20:21:58 Yes, I've ran campaigns using the Urban Arcana setting, and they went very well. I definitely recommend the setting for modern fantasy.
#3
fearthebat
Dec 05, 2008 20:22:33 Well, If you mean Fantasy in a Modern setting, there's Urban Arcana, which is chock full of great fantasy flavor (and mechanics) for a modern campaign. If you're talking about running a Fantasy setting, but using the Modern rules, I've never done anything like that, but I imagine it would work, and you would just end up with a lower power game, where no one starts off as magical, and that sort of thing.
#4
narukagami
Dec 05, 2008 21:43:54 I've heard it done. That is using the modern ruleset to run sword & sorcery, medieval fantasy games.

Usually what you end up with is a more "realistic" and grittier game. I actually highly recommend trying it for anyone looking for a low-magic variant of D&D.
#5
thorr_kan
Dec 07, 2008 19:35:28 I shoulda been more specific. I meant using the D20 Modern rules for a sword and sorcery game, not for the Urban Arcana setting. None of us are really interested in modern gaming; it's an escape, not a simulation of today.

Low magic is what I'd be aiming for, here. No spellcasters, though I think the alchemy rules would stay. I'd probably also use the incantation rules. Large, group, ritual magic fits the feel I'm trying to get.
#6
thealeshandre
Dec 07, 2008 19:43:23 I've been working (off and on...more off than on lately) on converting the Wheel of Time game into a D20 modern module. You may want to take a look at Classically Modern. The folks that have been working on that have been converting D&D classes and such into D20 Modern material, which makes it more modular than most D&D stuff, since it's easier to pick and choose. It's available in pdf format both by section and complete, so you only have to download what you want.
#7
trappedslider
Dec 07, 2008 21:09:35
I shoulda been more specific. I meant using the D20 Modern rules for a sword and sorcery game, not for the Urban Arcana setting. None of us are really interested in modern gaming; it's an escape, not a simulation of today.

Thats debatable...sure the setting is the modern world,but thats about it...the real world doesn't have bug bears,trolls etc...IIRC for D&D 3.5 Unearth arcana had rules for a low magic setting...but YMMV
#8
new_fashion_guy
Dec 08, 2008 8:47:53 I've used the Modern rules for a lot of stuff, and they work pretty well for fantasy. Classically Modern is good, but if you're not using much magic at all (no spell casting classes, which it sounds like), you can really just use the base classes and maybe a few of the Advanced Classes. I ran an Eastern (China-like) campaign where one character was an Ambassador (D20 Future) and another was an Investigator, and it worked out really well. Politics is big in Chinese story-telling, even in literary works written 1000 years ago, so these classes were great. You might also want to create a few other advanced classes if the ones already available don't work for what you need.

By and large, the D20 Modern system works fine for a low-magic fantasy setting, and gives the characters a little more personality than the Fighter/Cleric/Wizard/etc options available in D&D (3 Strong/1 Charismatic hero is a lot cooler to play than Fighter 4, IMO).

Another suggestion, I would use the Weapon Group rules from Unearthed Arcana, and give some of the base classes bonus groups in addition to Basic Weapons. I would also give relevant Armor Proficiency bonuses, so the players don't have to spend all their Feats just to be able to use weapons and armor that make sense in a fantasy setting.
#9
ranger_reg
Dec 08, 2008 22:54:47
Well, If you mean Fantasy in a Modern setting, there's Urban Arcana, which is chock full of great fantasy flavor (and mechanics) for a modern campaign. If you're talking about running a Fantasy setting, but using the Modern rules, I've never done anything like that, but I imagine it would work, and you would just end up with a lower power game, where no one starts off as magical, and that sort of thing.

Google "classically modern" and "merlin's workshop."

(I HOPE that is still around.)
#10
trappedslider
Dec 09, 2008 0:25:09
Google "classically modern" and "merlin's workshop."

(I HOPE that is still around.)

yes it is
#11
AnimeSniper
Dec 09, 2008 23:51:16
yes it is

Accoording to my Anti-virus software, begins with a K stated that the site was trying to download Mal-ware when I tried going to it a few seconds ago... bad gift Christmas wookie, bad gift... that or my AV software is just not recognizing it as valid.
#12
trappedslider
Dec 10, 2008 0:15:44
Accoording to my Anti-virus software, begins with a K stated that the site was trying to download Mal-ware when I tried going to it a few seconds ago... bad gift Christmas wookie, bad gift... that or my AV software is just not recognizing it as valid.

i dunno,i haven't gotten anything with my anti stuff...but i use chrome as my browser *Shrug*
#13
AnimeSniper
Dec 10, 2008 0:46:28 Yeah don't you love how each Anti-virus company works with one another telling each other what viruses and such are on their side of the ocean:P... seriously, Kapersky just says that the site has Malicious software so what exactly does the site all have christmas wookie since chrome says its okay!
#14
trappedslider
Dec 10, 2008 0:51:01
Yeah don't you love how each Anti-virus company works with one another telling each other what viruses and such are on their side of the ocean:P... seriously, Kapersky just says that the site has Malicious software so what exactly does the site all have christmas wookie since chrome says its okay!

it has all of the classicly modern stuff for download
#15
AnimeSniper
Dec 10, 2008 0:56:55 Free stuff... To download or not to not download, that is the question. Tis nobler to risk infection of yon pc or not, This is the question one must ask of ones self!

Of course I could download out at my college between classes the run the data thru a lv 10 heuristic virual scan... you thoughts christmas wookie?
#16
trappedslider
Dec 10, 2008 0:59:47
Free stuff... To download or not to not download, that is the question. Tis nobler to risk infection of yon pc or not, This is the question one must ask of ones self!

Of course I could download out at my college between classes the run the data thru a lv 10 heuristic virual scan... you thoughts christmas wookie?

download then re run your anti stuff....
#17
AnimeSniper
Dec 10, 2008 1:08:52 will do that today and where is this Chrome browser you spoke of to be found...aside IE7 and Firefox is all I have for now...
#18
trappedslider
Dec 10, 2008 2:49:05
will do that today and where is this Chrome browser you spoke of to be found...aside IE7 and Firefox is all I have for now...

google
#19
thorr_kan
Dec 15, 2008 12:21:52 Yanking this thread back on topic.

I would prefer to avoid the baggage of DND. This gives me a new start for my players, but keeps enough familiarity that there won't be a large learning curve.

I like the grittier feel of d20 Modern vs DnD 3.x. Characters seem to be larger-than-life, but still mortal.

One change I would implement would be giving all characters Armor Proficiency (Light). With Simple Weapon Proficiency, it at least gives everybody some weapons and armor.

Has anyone used the option armor Defense bonus as Damage Reduction, instead?
#20
Cpt_Micha
Dec 15, 2008 13:22:41 Never tried it in Modern D, but if it's like how it was in 3x. It wound up not working out at all. Too many attacks just flat out -out perform DR- in 3e. And the trade of getting hit -that much more often- (except in the cases where the monster had such a high to hit bonus that WITHOUT Dr instead of Ac bonus it didn't even need an attack roll to hit you) didn't equal with DR.
#21
j0lt
Dec 18, 2008 20:01:54
Has anyone used the option armor Defense bonus as Damage Reduction, instead?

I've used it a few times before. It can work, but the characters will end up taking more damage overall, due to being hit more often.
#22
roderyck
Jan 04, 2009 23:51:40 I've looked at Classically Modern and it's a very good read. Fairly complex and full of good ideas.

I didn't find what I was looking for, so I kept looking at other peoples ideas as well as the SRD's from Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 and d20 Modern.

Using somethings that I'd been working around, I ended up rewriting d20 Modern to fit it in, which included a new magic system, health system borrowed from the first WotC Star Wars game (Vitality/Wounds, which were added into the Unearthed Arcana for Dnd 3rd Edition) as well as the Weapon Proficiencies from it, which worked better. The system uses Armor as Damage Reduction, instead of adding to the Armor Class. It's a little more grittier and realistic than Dnd, but hey...it's good. It's a well put together system, because you toss out the Wealth system as well, for gold works better in fantasy rpgs, than complex money systems.

I had to rework alot of the mastercraft stuff and building of items, due to one system using money and the other using the wealth system.

I just don't have a website or anything to post it to, although it's not Officially legal to sell or anything due to all the copyright stuff. Just meant for a home game. LOL.

Roderyck
[email]dargon7@yahoo.com[/email]

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 thorr_kan Dec 05, 2008 15:21:04	I've no interest in 4ed, and I don't want the weight of material for 3.5ed. But my players need a low learning curve. Has anybody tried d20 Modern as a fantasy game? If so, what were your experiences?
#2 layla_minogue Dec 05, 2008 20:21:58	Yes, I've ran campaigns using the Urban Arcana setting, and they went very well. I definitely recommend the setting for modern fantasy.
#3 fearthebat Dec 05, 2008 20:22:33	Well, If you mean Fantasy in a Modern setting, there's Urban Arcana, which is chock full of great fantasy flavor (and mechanics) for a modern campaign. If you're talking about running a Fantasy setting, but using the Modern rules, I've never done anything like that, but I imagine it would work, and you would just end up with a lower power game, where no one starts off as magical, and that sort of thing.
#4 narukagami Dec 05, 2008 21:43:54	I've heard it done. That is using the modern ruleset to run sword & sorcery, medieval fantasy games. Usually what you end up with is a more "realistic" and grittier game. I actually highly recommend trying it for anyone looking for a low-magic variant of D&D.
#5 thorr_kan Dec 07, 2008 19:35:28	I shoulda been more specific. I meant using the D20 Modern rules for a sword and sorcery game, not for the Urban Arcana setting. None of us are really interested in modern gaming; it's an escape, not a simulation of today. Low magic is what I'd be aiming for, here. No spellcasters, though I think the alchemy rules would stay. I'd probably also use the incantation rules. Large, group, ritual magic fits the feel I'm trying to get.
#6 thealeshandre Dec 07, 2008 19:43:23	I've been working (off and on...more off than on lately) on converting the Wheel of Time game into a D20 modern module. You may want to take a look at Classically Modern. The folks that have been working on that have been converting D&D classes and such into D20 Modern material, which makes it more modular than most D&D stuff, since it's easier to pick and choose. It's available in pdf format both by section and complete, so you only have to download what you want.
#7 trappedslider Dec 07, 2008 21:09:35	I shoulda been more specific. I meant using the D20 Modern rules for a sword and sorcery game, not for the Urban Arcana setting. None of us are really interested in modern gaming; it's an escape, not a simulation of today. Thats debatable...sure the setting is the modern world,but thats about it...the real world doesn't have bug bears,trolls etc...IIRC for D&D 3.5 Unearth arcana had rules for a low magic setting...but YMMV
#8 new_fashion_guy Dec 08, 2008 8:47:53	I've used the Modern rules for a lot of stuff, and they work pretty well for fantasy. Classically Modern is good, but if you're not using much magic at all (no spell casting classes, which it sounds like), you can really just use the base classes and maybe a few of the Advanced Classes. I ran an Eastern (China-like) campaign where one character was an Ambassador (D20 Future) and another was an Investigator, and it worked out really well. Politics is big in Chinese story-telling, even in literary works written 1000 years ago, so these classes were great. You might also want to create a few other advanced classes if the ones already available don't work for what you need. By and large, the D20 Modern system works fine for a low-magic fantasy setting, and gives the characters a little more personality than the Fighter/Cleric/Wizard/etc options available in D&D (3 Strong/1 Charismatic hero is a lot cooler to play than Fighter 4, IMO). Another suggestion, I would use the Weapon Group rules from Unearthed Arcana, and give some of the base classes bonus groups in addition to Basic Weapons. I would also give relevant Armor Proficiency bonuses, so the players don't have to spend all their Feats just to be able to use weapons and armor that make sense in a fantasy setting.
#9 ranger_reg Dec 08, 2008 22:54:47	Well, If you mean Fantasy in a Modern setting, there's Urban Arcana, which is chock full of great fantasy flavor (and mechanics) for a modern campaign. If you're talking about running a Fantasy setting, but using the Modern rules, I've never done anything like that, but I imagine it would work, and you would just end up with a lower power game, where no one starts off as magical, and that sort of thing. Google "classically modern" and "merlin's workshop." (I HOPE that is still around.)
#10 trappedslider Dec 09, 2008 0:25:09	Google "classically modern" and "merlin's workshop." (I HOPE that is still around.) yes it is
#11 AnimeSniper Dec 09, 2008 23:51:16	yes it is Accoording to my Anti-virus software, begins with a K stated that the site was trying to download Mal-ware when I tried going to it a few seconds ago... bad gift Christmas wookie, bad gift... that or my AV software is just not recognizing it as valid.
#12 trappedslider Dec 10, 2008 0:15:44	Accoording to my Anti-virus software, begins with a K stated that the site was trying to download Mal-ware when I tried going to it a few seconds ago... bad gift Christmas wookie, bad gift... that or my AV software is just not recognizing it as valid. i dunno,i haven't gotten anything with my anti stuff...but i use chrome as my browser Shrug
#13 AnimeSniper Dec 10, 2008 0:46:28	Yeah don't you love how each Anti-virus company works with one another telling each other what viruses and such are on their side of the ocean:P... seriously, Kapersky just says that the site has Malicious software so what exactly does the site all have christmas wookie since chrome says its okay!
#14 trappedslider Dec 10, 2008 0:51:01	Yeah don't you love how each Anti-virus company works with one another telling each other what viruses and such are on their side of the ocean:P... seriously, Kapersky just says that the site has Malicious software so what exactly does the site all have christmas wookie since chrome says its okay! it has all of the classicly modern stuff for download
#15 AnimeSniper Dec 10, 2008 0:56:55	Free stuff... To download or not to not download, that is the question. Tis nobler to risk infection of yon pc or not, This is the question one must ask of ones self! Of course I could download out at my college between classes the run the data thru a lv 10 heuristic virual scan... you thoughts christmas wookie?
#16 trappedslider Dec 10, 2008 0:59:47	Free stuff... To download or not to not download, that is the question. Tis nobler to risk infection of yon pc or not, This is the question one must ask of ones self! Of course I could download out at my college between classes the run the data thru a lv 10 heuristic virual scan... you thoughts christmas wookie? download then re run your anti stuff....
#17 AnimeSniper Dec 10, 2008 1:08:52	will do that today and where is this Chrome browser you spoke of to be found...aside IE7 and Firefox is all I have for now...
#18 trappedslider Dec 10, 2008 2:49:05	will do that today and where is this Chrome browser you spoke of to be found...aside IE7 and Firefox is all I have for now... google
#19 thorr_kan Dec 15, 2008 12:21:52	Yanking this thread back on topic. I would prefer to avoid the baggage of DND. This gives me a new start for my players, but keeps enough familiarity that there won't be a large learning curve. I like the grittier feel of d20 Modern vs DnD 3.x. Characters seem to be larger-than-life, but still mortal. One change I would implement would be giving all characters Armor Proficiency (Light). With Simple Weapon Proficiency, it at least gives everybody some weapons and armor. Has anyone used the option armor Defense bonus as Damage Reduction, instead?
#20 Cpt_Micha Dec 15, 2008 13:22:41	Never tried it in Modern D, but if it's like how it was in 3x. It wound up not working out at all. Too many attacks just flat out -out perform DR- in 3e. And the trade of getting hit -that much more often- (except in the cases where the monster had such a high to hit bonus that WITHOUT Dr instead of Ac bonus it didn't even need an attack roll to hit you) didn't equal with DR.
#21 j0lt Dec 18, 2008 20:01:54	Has anyone used the option armor Defense bonus as Damage Reduction, instead? I've used it a few times before. It can work, but the characters will end up taking more damage overall, due to being hit more often.
#22 roderyck Jan 04, 2009 23:51:40	I've looked at Classically Modern and it's a very good read. Fairly complex and full of good ideas. I didn't find what I was looking for, so I kept looking at other peoples ideas as well as the SRD's from Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 and d20 Modern. Using somethings that I'd been working around, I ended up rewriting d20 Modern to fit it in, which included a new magic system, health system borrowed from the first WotC Star Wars game (Vitality/Wounds, which were added into the Unearthed Arcana for Dnd 3rd Edition) as well as the Weapon Proficiencies from it, which worked better. The system uses Armor as Damage Reduction, instead of adding to the Armor Class. It's a little more grittier and realistic than Dnd, but hey...it's good. It's a well put together system, because you toss out the Wealth system as well, for gold works better in fantasy rpgs, than complex money systems. I had to rework alot of the mastercraft stuff and building of items, due to one system using money and the other using the wealth system. I just don't have a website or anything to post it to, although it's not Officially legal to sell or anything due to all the copyright stuff. Just meant for a home game. LOL. Roderyck [email]dargon7@yahoo.com[/email]