AFMBE d20 Modern: Basics and Character Creation summary
Basics:
1. 5 second Unisystem turn becomes 6 second d20 round
2. Unisystem Simple Tests are d20 DC 10 checks
3. Unisystem Difficult Tests are d20 DC 15 checks
4. Unisystem Attribute tests (Dexterity, Constitution) become the corresponding Saving Throw (Reflex save, Fortitude save). Survival rolls are also a Fortitude save.
Here's a summary of character creation from Unisystem to d20 Modern:
Depending on the type of AFMBE campaign you want to run, there are 3 types of Unisystem character to choose from: Norms (weakest), Survivors (action-oriented heroes), and Inspired (can perform miracles).
When making d20 Modern characters corresponding to any of the above 3 types, it is recommended in the conversion that the point buy system is used.
Survivors - the easiest to convert - these are the regular d20 Modern Heroes built using the basic classes.
Norms - I think it would have been easier for them to just say, "build your character as an ordinary", but Norm conversions give additional restrictions like use one die type lower for your basic class Hit Dice/Hit Points(d8 becomes d6, d6 becomes d4 etc.), get one less feat. They only get 15 points when using the point buy method as well.
Inspired - basically Dedicated heroes with access to divine spell casting classes.
Unisystem characters have Qualities and Drawbacks. Qualities are converted to feats in the conversion appendix, and Drawbacks are converted to something called nega-feats. Nega-feats let you pick up additional feats or talents, and there is a system for buying back nega-feats with XP. One Quality, Hard To Kill, was converted instead to a new Talent tree accessible by any basic class - the Hardened Talent Tree. Since this "tree" is really just the chance to pick "hard to kill" more than once as a talent, I think it could have just been made another feat, but I could be wrong. Each time you pick this talent you get to add the roll of the highest Hit Die type you have to your Hit Point total.
Some Unisystem skills that do not exist in d20 Modern are listed with the appropriate d20 Modern replacement feat (e.g. Brawling skill is replaced with Brawl feat).
A table matching Unisystem skills to d20 Modern skills is given.
Unisystem Trance skill becomes a d20 Modern feat.
Unisystem Weighlifting skill gets special consideration for conversion to d20 Modern rules.
Miracles are converted to divine spells (7 spells)
The Power of Prayer is discussed (and usable by all characters) and is based on a Knowledge (theology or rituals) check.
This is just a basic summary - the conversion document goes into a little more depth. There are also some Optional rules (alternate skill methods, movement rates) that I haven't covered here.
Next there is a section for converting existing Unisystem characters to d20 Modern:
Unisystem Attributes to d20 Modern Abilities conversions are discussed, as is level-less Unisystem vs. d20 Modern levels.
Next time I'll discuss the remainder of the conversion appendix - Combat and what you've all been waiting for, Zombie conversion!
Hope this is helpful. My overall impression of this conversion guide (based on a reading and not an actual playing), is that it is fairly solid, with a few minor quirks here and there.
As a whole, AFMBE has been very enjoyable to read, and jam packed with system-independent material.
