Accurate or stylish conversions

[garrowolf]

What do people prefer in a conversion? I could do a completely literal conversion of several races into Nexus D20, or I could do something more stylish.
For example, I could translate a Dwarf with a +1 Str (which is equal to +2 strength in D20) or I could translate a Dwarf as a scale Medium Strong creature which makes it significantly tougher and stronger then a human. Instead of being a short human with a bit more strength.

What say you people?

 

[ValhallaGH]

When converting between games, one should always focus on the style of the thing converted.

The mechanics were designed for a different system, and should be left in that system. The flavor text, however, is rules-neutral and give an excellent guideline for what the element should feel like when it comes up in play.
Craft mechanics to match that feel and you will rarely (if ever) go wrong with any conversion.

Good luck.

 

[pawsplay]

I like to be playful with using literal elements, and I'm always cautious about overdesigning ("My elves breathe methane!"), but basically, I go for style.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I say go for style.

If you do a literal translation, you'll never escape comparison with the original.

If you reinterpret the original stuff, you may create something that transcends the original material, and gains a following in its own right.

As I've said elsewhere, its kind of like doing a cover of a song. If you just copy the song, you may get some acclaim, but you'll definitely get some criticism. If, OTOH, you cover a song in a new way, you may get some criticism, but you may just come up with a classic that stands on its own merits. "Crossroads" is a great old blues standard...but Eric Clapton's version may well be immortal.

 

[garrowolf]

Cool Thanks!

I like the elves breathing methane thing, that would be amusing!

 

[garrowolf]

Okay so how does this sound?
Fey - Nexus D20 Wiki

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

There are some interesting ideas in there. Very interesting.

You need to edit it a little though...some of your sentences are a touch awkward.

Any world that they have dominion over they share control over based on the seasons of that world because of ancient oaths and laws that they must follow.

could become

"The Seelie courts are bound by ancient oaths and laws that govern the way they control their worlds and share power."

Or some such.

It never hurts to have another person read something to see if they "get it"- editing is an essential function that is frequently vilified and misunderstood...and underutilized.

 

[garrowolf]

thanks!