D20Modern / DnD 3.5 - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

D20Modern / DnD 3.5

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
lunistg
Sep 29, 2008 17:35:36 I have been DMing DnD 3.0/3.5 for a LONG time now and until recently used Ebberon and homespun "MAgical equivilants" to represent TEchnology and Science in my campaigns.

I am currently gearing up to run a huge game spanning all of DnD (3.0 and up.... i have conversion tables for them) and a player asked if he could use D20 modern races/classes/etc... He's not the type to meta game but some of the others are....

My question/concern is are d20modern and 3.5 DnD compatible and if so do I need any conversion table or reference?
#2
ranger_reg
Sep 30, 2008 13:15:17
My question/concern is are d20modern and 3.5 DnD compatible and if so do I need any conversion table or reference?

They're not 100% compatible, though you could add d20 Modern Massive Damage Threshold mechanics to D&D Hit Points System.

When it comes to creature, they more or less follow the same format put out in D&D 3e. My recommendation is to review the race before deciding.

But if you're too lazy and not savvy, just say no.
#3
narukagami
Sep 30, 2008 15:23:08 They're compatible, they use nearly the same exact rules with a few exceptions here and there (like Massive Damage, Classes are different, multiclassing is HIGHLY encouraged to the point of almost being required in Modern, starting professions (something D&D could benefit from), action points, ect).

You just need to remember that d20 Modern characters are significantly less powerful than D&D characters. (That is, unless you're allowing the gadget system from Future. Then you might as well be playing with Pun Pun.)

So, your friend who wants to use d20 Modern classes will be rather underpowered compared to everyone else.
#4
trappedslider
Sep 30, 2008 15:45:14 may i suggest f Classically Modern
#5
doomsought
Sep 30, 2008 18:08:52 I solved the problem with a Campign setting IDEA i call "the worlds of Gestalts"
the players somehow combine with their alternate selves from the D&D universe and the modern universe.
one class of the gestalt is always from modern and the other from 3ed.
the primary enemies end up Really big monsters, in the plural, and occasionally other gestalts... including guestalted dragons. (RED+islamic leader, gold + humanitarian, silver+military general, copper + hollywoodtard)
#6
AnimeSniper
Sep 30, 2008 18:52:10
a player asked if he could use D20 modern races/classes/etc... He's not the type to meta game but some of the others are....

If you let him have the future character... in game, a short side step, you could have it where his character is caught in an experiment run by the government/ shadow occult and is pulled into the D&D verse with his gear!

This is of course runs around his PC...

soldier then he was trying to stop the test with his unit and when pulled thru his teammates are killed by orcs

scientist same outcome.

Anyhow I have been toying around how to also combine D&D and D20... my revision is showing possibilities!
#7
new_fashion_guy
Oct 10, 2008 9:39:06 I was planning on making a new post, but this one covers my topic as well. I'm planning on having a world where characters are pulled in from across all realities and letting players base their characters on any D20 Modern/Future/D&D 3.5 concept they can get rules for. I'm tacking on Rep and DF bonuses for the D&D characters, and using the armor as DR rules from UA.

So my problem is this; D&D characters are already overbalanced against Modern characters, and now I'm adding DF bonuses as well. What do I need to do to the modern characters to bring them up to a competitive level? I'm thinking about treating the D&D classes kind of like Advanced Classes, requiring them to take 3 levels of either Aristocrat, Expert, Adept or Warrior before taking a real class. This would put spells of until 4th level, in line with Modern's magic. It would also put the more effective combat benefits at a higher character level. Would this be sufficient?
#8
Master_Vega
Oct 10, 2008 12:21:06
I was planning on making a new post, but this one covers my topic as well. I'm planning on having a world where characters are pulled in from across all realities and letting players base their characters on any D20 Modern/Future/D&D 3.5 concept they can get rules for. I'm tacking on Rep and DF bonuses for the D&D characters, and using the armor as DR rules from UA.

So my problem is this; D&D characters are already overbalanced against Modern characters, and now I'm adding DF bonuses as well. What do I need to do to the modern characters to bring them up to a competitive level? I'm thinking about treating the D&D classes kind of like Advanced Classes, requiring them to take 3 levels of either Aristocrat, Expert, Adept or Warrior before taking a real class. This would put spells of until 4th level, in line with Modern's magic. It would also put the more effective combat benefits at a higher character level. Would this be sufficient?

Kick everyone's BAB up a step, and give Strong Hero a broader Feat selection? That'll at least help.

I'd also recommend you make guns more powerful than they worth keeping and conserving ammunition for dangerous encounters. Make bullets rare, but allow a PC to make them a few at a time if he's a gunslinger.

Just some thoughts.
#9
new_fashion_guy
Oct 10, 2008 12:28:25 Not bad ideas. I've worked out my use of Aristocrat, Expert and Warrior as "Base" classes for the D&D-ers, and made the prerequisites based on Classically Modern. It looks like they're fairly even, but I'll consider upping babs for non-Strong characters. Thanks for the suggestions.
#10
new_fashion_guy
Oct 10, 2008 12:42:38 Another balancing factor here is that the modern heroes are receiving 2 talents and a Feat more than the D&D-ers. That should help make the Moderns more balanced as well.
#11
Master_Vega
Oct 10, 2008 12:46:38 Oh, if you're using NPC classes for D&Ders and the normal PC classes are going to be like advanced classes, just up the BAB on all of the D20Modern Advanced Classes. Martial Artist is already overpowered for Modern, so it should be okay in D&D with smaller modifications.
#12
new_fashion_guy
Oct 10, 2008 14:41:46 So obviously Soldier won't improve on BAB. Should I up the BAB for all the other AdC? Like Bodyguard would go to straight +1 increments?
#13
Master_Vega
Oct 10, 2008 15:47:24 Why shouldn't soldier improve in BAB? It'll fall behind the power curve if it doesn't.

I'd say look at the D&D classes that closets resemble their Modern AdC counterparts and compare power. The only Modern AdC I'd say is more powerful than a D&D base class is possibly Martial Artist.
#14
narukagami
Oct 10, 2008 15:50:10
Another balancing factor here is that the modern heroes are receiving 2 talents and a Feat more than the D&D-ers. That should help make the Moderns more balanced as well.

Receiving a lot of feats isn't really much of a balancing factor. Look at the Fighter, its considered the weakest core class partially because all it has are feats.
#15
new_fashion_guy
Oct 11, 2008 18:46:38
Receiving a lot of feats isn't really much of a balancing factor. Look at the Fighter, its considered the weakest core class partially because all it has are feats.

Maybe not in and of itself, but match a 3rd level Warrior (DMG) up against a 3rd level Strong Hero. I'm using Weapon Groups from Unearthed Arcana, so the Warrior won't have infinite weapons. The strong hero could have Melee Smash 2, giving him +2 to damage on any melee weapon, where the D&D character won't have access to that (via weapon specialization) until 7th level (4th level fighter plus the three levels of Warrior you'll need to get Fighter 1 AdC).

Yes, that fighter gets a bonus feat at first level, but in the meantime Strong Hero is up a feat already. I think those two are pretty even. Not to mention the fact that Strong Hero could (if he/she wanted) start with Personal Firearms, allowing 2d8 or more damage, which that Fighter won't have available.
#16
new_fashion_guy
Oct 11, 2008 18:53:17 Not wanting to argue the relative benefits of the fighter, it is still in the core rules, and people do still play them. Lots of combat feats, especially at lower levels, can produce some impressive die results.
#17
new_fashion_guy
Oct 14, 2008 13:41:24 If anyone's still paying attention, since I'm drawing a parallel between the D&D classes and Modern advanced classes, and since the Modern advanced classes are in many cases weaker than D&D classes, does anyone think it would be overpowering to allow characters taking advanced classes to continue to gain talents from their D20 Base Classes?

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 lunistg Sep 29, 2008 17:35:36	I have been DMing DnD 3.0/3.5 for a LONG time now and until recently used Ebberon and homespun "MAgical equivilants" to represent TEchnology and Science in my campaigns. I am currently gearing up to run a huge game spanning all of DnD (3.0 and up.... i have conversion tables for them) and a player asked if he could use D20 modern races/classes/etc... He's not the type to meta game but some of the others are.... My question/concern is are d20modern and 3.5 DnD compatible and if so do I need any conversion table or reference?
#2 ranger_reg Sep 30, 2008 13:15:17	My question/concern is are d20modern and 3.5 DnD compatible and if so do I need any conversion table or reference? They're not 100% compatible, though you could add d20 Modern Massive Damage Threshold mechanics to D&D Hit Points System. When it comes to creature, they more or less follow the same format put out in D&D 3e. My recommendation is to review the race before deciding. But if you're too lazy and not savvy, just say no.
#3 narukagami Sep 30, 2008 15:23:08	They're compatible, they use nearly the same exact rules with a few exceptions here and there (like Massive Damage, Classes are different, multiclassing is HIGHLY encouraged to the point of almost being required in Modern, starting professions (something D&D could benefit from), action points, ect). You just need to remember that d20 Modern characters are significantly less powerful than D&D characters. (That is, unless you're allowing the gadget system from Future. Then you might as well be playing with Pun Pun.) So, your friend who wants to use d20 Modern classes will be rather underpowered compared to everyone else.
#4 trappedslider Sep 30, 2008 15:45:14	may i suggest f Classically Modern
#5 doomsought Sep 30, 2008 18:08:52	I solved the problem with a Campign setting IDEA i call "the worlds of Gestalts" the players somehow combine with their alternate selves from the D&D universe and the modern universe. one class of the gestalt is always from modern and the other from 3ed. the primary enemies end up Really big monsters, in the plural, and occasionally other gestalts... including guestalted dragons. (RED+islamic leader, gold + humanitarian, silver+military general, copper + hollywoodtard)
#6 AnimeSniper Sep 30, 2008 18:52:10	a player asked if he could use D20 modern races/classes/etc... He's not the type to meta game but some of the others are.... If you let him have the future character... in game, a short side step, you could have it where his character is caught in an experiment run by the government/ shadow occult and is pulled into the D&D verse with his gear! This is of course runs around his PC... soldier then he was trying to stop the test with his unit and when pulled thru his teammates are killed by orcs scientist same outcome. Anyhow I have been toying around how to also combine D&D and D20... my revision is showing possibilities!
#7 new_fashion_guy Oct 10, 2008 9:39:06	I was planning on making a new post, but this one covers my topic as well. I'm planning on having a world where characters are pulled in from across all realities and letting players base their characters on any D20 Modern/Future/D&D 3.5 concept they can get rules for. I'm tacking on Rep and DF bonuses for the D&D characters, and using the armor as DR rules from UA. So my problem is this; D&D characters are already overbalanced against Modern characters, and now I'm adding DF bonuses as well. What do I need to do to the modern characters to bring them up to a competitive level? I'm thinking about treating the D&D classes kind of like Advanced Classes, requiring them to take 3 levels of either Aristocrat, Expert, Adept or Warrior before taking a real class. This would put spells of until 4th level, in line with Modern's magic. It would also put the more effective combat benefits at a higher character level. Would this be sufficient?
#8 Master_Vega Oct 10, 2008 12:21:06	I was planning on making a new post, but this one covers my topic as well. I'm planning on having a world where characters are pulled in from across all realities and letting players base their characters on any D20 Modern/Future/D&D 3.5 concept they can get rules for. I'm tacking on Rep and DF bonuses for the D&D characters, and using the armor as DR rules from UA. So my problem is this; D&D characters are already overbalanced against Modern characters, and now I'm adding DF bonuses as well. What do I need to do to the modern characters to bring them up to a competitive level? I'm thinking about treating the D&D classes kind of like Advanced Classes, requiring them to take 3 levels of either Aristocrat, Expert, Adept or Warrior before taking a real class. This would put spells of until 4th level, in line with Modern's magic. It would also put the more effective combat benefits at a higher character level. Would this be sufficient? Kick everyone's BAB up a step, and give Strong Hero a broader Feat selection? That'll at least help. I'd also recommend you make guns more powerful than they worth keeping and conserving ammunition for dangerous encounters. Make bullets rare, but allow a PC to make them a few at a time if he's a gunslinger. Just some thoughts.
#9 new_fashion_guy Oct 10, 2008 12:28:25	Not bad ideas. I've worked out my use of Aristocrat, Expert and Warrior as "Base" classes for the D&D-ers, and made the prerequisites based on Classically Modern. It looks like they're fairly even, but I'll consider upping babs for non-Strong characters. Thanks for the suggestions.
#10 new_fashion_guy Oct 10, 2008 12:42:38	Another balancing factor here is that the modern heroes are receiving 2 talents and a Feat more than the D&D-ers. That should help make the Moderns more balanced as well.
#11 Master_Vega Oct 10, 2008 12:46:38	Oh, if you're using NPC classes for D&Ders and the normal PC classes are going to be like advanced classes, just up the BAB on all of the D20Modern Advanced Classes. Martial Artist is already overpowered for Modern, so it should be okay in D&D with smaller modifications.
#12 new_fashion_guy Oct 10, 2008 14:41:46	So obviously Soldier won't improve on BAB. Should I up the BAB for all the other AdC? Like Bodyguard would go to straight +1 increments?
#13 Master_Vega Oct 10, 2008 15:47:24	Why shouldn't soldier improve in BAB? It'll fall behind the power curve if it doesn't. I'd say look at the D&D classes that closets resemble their Modern AdC counterparts and compare power. The only Modern AdC I'd say is more powerful than a D&D base class is possibly Martial Artist.
#14 narukagami Oct 10, 2008 15:50:10	Another balancing factor here is that the modern heroes are receiving 2 talents and a Feat more than the D&D-ers. That should help make the Moderns more balanced as well. Receiving a lot of feats isn't really much of a balancing factor. Look at the Fighter, its considered the weakest core class partially because all it has are feats.
#15 new_fashion_guy Oct 11, 2008 18:46:38	Receiving a lot of feats isn't really much of a balancing factor. Look at the Fighter, its considered the weakest core class partially because all it has are feats. Maybe not in and of itself, but match a 3rd level Warrior (DMG) up against a 3rd level Strong Hero. I'm using Weapon Groups from Unearthed Arcana, so the Warrior won't have infinite weapons. The strong hero could have Melee Smash 2, giving him +2 to damage on any melee weapon, where the D&D character won't have access to that (via weapon specialization) until 7th level (4th level fighter plus the three levels of Warrior you'll need to get Fighter 1 AdC). Yes, that fighter gets a bonus feat at first level, but in the meantime Strong Hero is up a feat already. I think those two are pretty even. Not to mention the fact that Strong Hero could (if he/she wanted) start with Personal Firearms, allowing 2d8 or more damage, which that Fighter won't have available.
#16 new_fashion_guy Oct 11, 2008 18:53:17	Not wanting to argue the relative benefits of the fighter, it is still in the core rules, and people do still play them. Lots of combat feats, especially at lower levels, can produce some impressive die results.
#17 new_fashion_guy Oct 14, 2008 13:41:24	If anyone's still paying attention, since I'm drawing a parallel between the D&D classes and Modern advanced classes, and since the Modern advanced classes are in many cases weaker than D&D classes, does anyone think it would be overpowering to allow characters taking advanced classes to continue to gain talents from their D20 Base Classes?