Generic DND Level and Class conversions

[azato]

Has anybody done a series of basic conversion write ups of classes by levels? For example, lets say I have an old DnD module (Slavers) and it says that one encounter is with both a 5th level thief and a 6th level fighter. Has anybody done and generic write ups where one could just pull that paticular class/level make a few minor modifications and have an NPC ready to go?

[Killer Shrike]

D&D 3e Conversion

[azato]

What I am using is a 3e conversion of the Slavers combined with your site to work out some NPCs. But I what I am looking for a LAZY MAN'S version - cookie cutter -- plain Jane. You know, where a description says Orc (F3) plus 10 normal orcs.




If nobody has anything like that, perhaps I will try my hand at it.

BTW, Killer Shrike - Your site is the best thing out there. AMAZING. I know you already know that.

[Killer Shrike]

Thanx!

Conversions are provided for pretty much all the 3e class abilities, but I havent done a rigid series of level by level coversions since part of the goal of converting into HERO is to get away from levels

Ive been converting some higher level characters from Ptolus in my spare time recently, and the non spellcasters take about 30 minutes to an hour.

The Template idea I talk about is also useful in this regard; you can usually just throw together some of the Packages provided on the site and use them as is for generic characters. I mean if your bringing in a Slaver goon for instance, you can probably just take a Backbiter or Pirate Package, add a Race Package, maybe add some of the optional abilities, and call it a day.

Some examples are here.

[CourtFool]

Assuming you are thinking of running these pre-designed adventures for a group you already know, allow me to suggest another approach. Consider the type and difficulty each challenge is suppose to present and then design the encounter in Hero from the ground up with those considerations and your PCs in mind.

For example, Orc (F3) + 10 Orcs would mean one challenging leader + 10 cannon fodder. The cannon fodder could be used right out of Bestiary or MMM. Add some additional skill levels and a higher BODY for your leader Orc and away you go.

5th level theif + 6th level fighter = a moderately experienced NPC with some basic combat and more advanced 'thief' type skills + a moderately experienced NPC with some more advanced combat abilities.

Working from the ground up with Hero will probably take you just as much time as trying to get your 'conversion' numbers just right.

[Killer Shrike]

Not sure if this is really very helpful, and its not exact, but I threw this together as a rough guide for Fighters:

Fighter By Level

[azato]

Actually, it does help a bunch! I still plan to come up with "roughed in" group of characters and your template will be extremely helpful.



I worked up some specific NPCs that I will post later to see if they make sense.

[azato]

Some generic fighters to third level. I did not put in the specific martial arts feats although I allocated points towards that end. Criticisms welcome. I want to do this "right" since any errors will be compounded with each successive level.

[Lord Liaden]

Although it was written for Fourth Edition HERO System, and therefore has minor cost differences from Fifth, Dungeon Hero attempted to translate the effects of levelled advancement according to the spirit of D&D. You might find the example useful. Here is where you can read the details of the author's mechanical innovation, and how it applies to individual character classes.

[azato]

Assuming you are thinking of running these pre-designed adventures for a group you already know, allow me to suggest another approach. Consider the type and difficulty each challenge is suppose to present and then design the encounter in Hero from the ground up with those considerations and your PCs in mind.

For example, Orc (F3) + 10 Orcs would mean one challenging leader + 10 cannon fodder. The cannon fodder could be used right out of Bestiary or MMM. Add some additional skill levels and a higher BODY for your leader Orc and away you go.

5th level theif + 6th level fighter = a moderately experienced NPC with some basic combat and more advanced 'thief' type skills + a moderately experienced NPC with some more advanced combat abilities.

Working from the ground up with Hero will probably take you just as much time as trying to get your 'conversion' numbers just right.

You make a good point, but I still want a basic plug-n-play set of guys. There always may be someone you would never stat out, but circumstances will dictated that this background character become involved very directly with the PCs .

While certain NPCs may get special treatment it will be helpful to me for two reasons:

1. It will provide a quick "faceless" npc when called for.

2. It will help me to better build the "special" NPCs. In other words, make sure I am not exaggerating or ignoring a certain aspect.

[Killer Shrike]

Personally, I wouldnt consider Dungeon HERO's approach to leveled advancement to be an "innovation".

"Travesty" would come closer to how I feel about it. But, thats just one man's opinion....

[azato]

Here is the latest and greatest. I did not get any comments on the last upload so I am assuming that nobody saw any glaring errors (heh)

These are generic write ups. I included 0 level (50+50) and a random roll for weapon/sheild combos.

I think i will try rogues and thieves next.

[Lethosos]

KS, if you need to I can find a way to send you copies of the base PC classes from the builder books, to add to the page. (I would rebalance Favored Soul, though...)

[Killer Shrike]

The builder books?

[Thia Halmades]

Ugh. Favored Soul was garbage. But that's IMO - YMMV.

Personally. Having come FROM d20 TO HERO. I am forced to ask one question. Why are you particularly concerned with instilling the same system overlay? You can convert the MOB directly - you could reasonably convert a Fighter/Pally/Ranger directly, and so forth. But they aren't the same game, so any 'conversion' is at least partially meaningless.