D&D General Converting Bg3 to Tabletop

[FitzTheRuke]

Would you have the PCs set up a camp? I quite like the idea of a semi mobile group joining them. A bit like a wandering bastion. Could be a good way of recreating that with the Companion NPC idea. There effectively henchmen.

I think the best way to do it might be to have all the usual NPCs (and maybe a few others) be recruitable, but generally be left to guard the camp - the only way to ensure that the camp is a Safe Haven (usable for Long Rests - a concept that has been growing on me for some time) is to make sure that it's actually safe. Hidden, and staffed. It's a feature of BG3 so why not keep it a feature?

But limit the number that might actually accompany the party on any given adventure-segment to ONE (usually whoever the storyline involves). Of course, it would ultimately be dependent on how many players the table has, and (unlike BG3) I think that I'd limit it to a maximum total of Six in the party, including the NPC.

But the camp might get particularly crowded!

 

[TheSword]

Yeah, but the latter problem is solved by the usual 5e assumption that looted gear is generally garbage that isn't better than what you've got, and no one wants to buy it.

I think this is a good way to handle equipment loot in general. Encumbrance rules plus make second hand kit from field worth a fraction of the price unless it’s magic or fine.

I’m with you. I’d have the vendors replicate slices of regular PHB shopping with maybe the occasional magic item or two. There’s enough opportunities to seed the game with magic items, scrolls etc that you don’t really need to sell many of them.

I think looting is less of a thing in a TTRPG mainly because it isn’t automated like it is in a CRPG.

 

[Zardnaar]

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a tie in product ever be a direct replica of a product. A few reasons…

Firstly it’s very rare that mediums translate like that.

Secondly it’s someone else’s story. As a writer you would just be translating someone else’s idea. Which I imagine is less satisfying.

Thirdly fans of the game already know the story, what happens and how it ends. That makes for playing an unsatisfying TTRPG. Particularly in TTRPG which are usually linear.

Lastly, they’re too long for a TTRPG product. One full sized book might just cover act 1. So WOV would be committing several books to the endeavor. A big gamble.

Unlike Zard I am going to attempt a pretty faithful rendition of the game because I think the circumstances here are pretty unique. I’m not a writer and have no problem taking someone else’s ideas for a home game. My group by some freak coincidence are about the only group of 4 fantasy fans that haven’t played BG1, 2 or 3. While I as DM are big fans of all 3. I also thing the structure and encounter design of BG3 are uniquely suited to porting over - unlike Kingmaker which needs a lot of adaption (mainly due to the repetitive combats in KM)

Main reason is its someone else's story and its kind of already done.

I did a few encounters heavily inspired by BG3. For example they fought an undead Sarevok (death knight). The ranger ended up with his sword.

I did base it on the game. As a joke i had players commenting "theres a guy over there".

Or "where's that annoying elephant. I'll kill him for that armor".

Another reason is what makes the characters great is the voice acting. I cant recreate that.

Logistics as well.I did do a Jergal temple reminiscent of the game. To recreate the game as is its a huge amount of work.

It also has a huge amount of legendary items espicially act 3. First one turns up act 1.

I have a ranger using this. Good weapon.

Sword of Chaos - bg3.wiki

Sword of Chaos is a very rare +2 greatsword which deals additional ⁠⁠Necrotic damage and also restores a portion of the wielder's health on each successful hit.

bg3.wiki

It cones so late in BG3 its competing with things like Baldurans greatsword. I did put in a murder aura weapon that gained that ability once Bhaals avatar was destroyed.

I do like weapons like this level 3-5 for the first one. Powerful, interesting dont break the game.

Gold Wyrmling Staff - bg3.wiki

Gold Wyrmling Staff is a rare +1 Quarterstaff that deals additional Fire damage with melee strikes and grants its wielder the Fire Bolt cantrip.

bg3.wiki

 

[FitzTheRuke]

You see, for me, I could run this game because I bet you that I could find four players who have never played BG3!

 

[Zardnaar]

You see, for me, I could run this game because I bet you that I could find four players who have never played BG3!

Yeah you could easily. All of my players have played BG3.

Ones sitting beside me making a Gnome Cleric of Jergal mini.

 

[TheSword]

You see, for me, I could run this game because I bet you that I could find four players who have never played BG3!

Could or couldn’t?

My Maidstone group is unusual because one isnt into computer gaming and of the other three who are: one only plays console, one has no time and the other has a list a mile long of games and hasn’t gotten around to it yet.

It’s like the universe is conspiring to tell me to run this! I’m happy to share any working out. What do people think the best format would be?

 

[MarkB]

Oh, I see. I thought you were.

For the others, then, or if you wanted to speculate: What would you do with the BG3 Origin Characters, if you were to run a 100% BG3 game IRL.

I wouldn't make them full-on pre-gen characters, instead I'd package their backstory elements into optional backgrounds/backstories for players to pick (similar to the Secrets in Rime of the Frostmaiden) with the promise that taking one will give them some deeper roleplay elements and storylines to engage with as the campaign progresses.

For any whose backstories aren't chosen by players, maybe pepper them in as recurring NPCs, but not tag-alongs with the main party. They just show up now and again as the campaign intersects with their storylines.

 

[TheSword]

I wouldn't make them full-on pre-gen characters, instead I'd package their backstory elements into optional backgrounds/backstories for players to pick (similar to the Secrets in Rime of the Frostmaiden) with the promise that taking one will give them some deeper roleplay elements and storylines to engage with as the campaign progresses.

For any whose backstories aren't chosen by players, maybe pepper them in as recurring NPCs, but not tag-alongs with the main party. They just show up now and again as the campaign intersects with their storylines.

I think it’s also possible to make them part of the quest. For instance you visit Crèche Zilleck with Laezel and she is taken prisoner by the Inquisitor. Not a DM PC but still present and engaged.

 

[TheSword]

I would definitely include mind powers as small buffs for those willing to enjoy the ick. I think that is quite interesting. As is the Dark Urge.

I also think Netherese Orb, vampire, infernal engine, child of a grand duke make great backgrounds.

Gith Knight and follower of Shar are a bit more niche and probably need to be NPCs.

 

[Hexmage-EN]

I haven't checked myself, but wouldn't most areas where combat encounters occur in Baldur's Gate 3 be much, much bigger than standard encounter areas in tabletop D&D?