Book Based Campaign

[teachermaniac]

Hi all. I've had thoughts about converting a series of fantasy books that I've read into a fantasy campaign setting for d20. I have a very good handle on the inner workings of D&D and of the inner workings of the lands portrayed in the books.

Essentially, I'd just like to know if there are any others out there that have attempted such a thing before and if so, how they went about it.

Obviously, much is dependent on the setting as described by the author. But are there any things a developer would need to consider in doing this? How much should I go out of my way to develop and write about things that were not really addressed in depth in the books (obviously depending on plot)?

I've done homebrew campaign worlds before, so this isn't all new. But basing a system off of a set of books is. I'm just looking for a little guidance. And, if you really would like to know the series I'd be happy to post as long as I wouldn't be violating copyrights or something like that.

Thanks.

 

[Sado]

You would almost certainly need to alter the magic system to fit in with the author's concept of magic. Not all fantasy novels have magic that works like D&D, and to try to force D&D spells into such a setting would corrupt it.

For example, in the Earthsea novels much true magic (that changes or controls someone or something) requires knowledge of their/its true name. Everything has a true name, and knowledge of that name gives you power over it.

And LOTR, magic is rarely seen openly, but usually acts in more subtle ways, just below the surface.

What about Elric, where most magic seems to come from pacts and alliances with demons, elementals, and other supernatural beings?

The non-magical aspects you can pretty much cut and paste, but different authors have different visions of how magic works, and that needs to be considered when converting novels for D&D.

 

[mhacdebhandia]

Even paid game designers can't always take a setting and make a fun gaming setting out of it. I enjoy playing in a d20 Wheel of Time campaign - though I haven't read the books - but it's obvious that the magic system isn't well thought-out.

 

[Belegbeth]

... And, if you really would like to know the series I'd be happy to post as long as I wouldn't be violating copyrights or something like that. ...

You would NOT be violating any copyrights. And it is impossible to give advice in the abstract!