ZEITGEIST Brainstorming for ZEITGEIST 5th edition

[RangerWickett]

I'm currently focused on getting the hardcover and adventure nine out, but it's never too early to get my brain percolating possible conversion mechanics for a D&D 5e version.

So, what elements of ZEITGEIST would be hard to convert using the existing 5e rules, and so would entail us coming up with rules of our own? Off the top of my head:

Character theme abilities
Firearms
Eladrin & devas
Should various technological devices be 'tools' you can be proficient in? Would we want to make that more integral to the adventures?
I wouldn't convert paragon paths any time soon.

Others?

 

[ediz]

I hope you are referring to DSA 5th edition because if you are that would be mad awesome!!!!

 

[hirou]

I guess not many have read through 5th edition rules so far... I've run the playtest, but haven't checked the final version yet

 

[ediz]

I think they will keep 3d20 for skills ans such...

 

[hirou]

For those who haven't seen it: basic rules are available for free from wizards site
http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules?x=dnd/basicrules

 

[Satha]

I've been thinking about this quite a bit lately. My group was set to start the adventure in 4e, but with the release of 5e has decided to try our hand at a conversion.

For themes I was thinking that splitting them into Backgrounds and Archetypes (or something else, like an Archetype Variant, that replaces some of the abilities granted by an Archetype). If the player wants to play a character with Archetype straight out of the PHB, that's fine and they can still connect themselves by taking the Vekeshi Mystic background. While someone who wants to go a bit further can take the Vekeshi Mystic Archetype Variant of the Eldritch Knight (first Archetype that came to mind that fit the best to me) and the background. Not sure how much these Archetype Variants would modify the original Archetype, or if they would just add new things on top of the existing Archetype. That would empower the characters further beyond the balance of the system, but might make the most sense in the long term.

Sorry, kind of rambling there. Just putting my thoughts out there.

 

[RangerWickett]

I'm talking about D&D 5th edition. I have been reminded, however, that as yet there is no legal way we can publish for those rules, because WotC hasn't announced any licensing options. And we can't afford lawyers.

 

[Satha]

Does that mean that we aren't able to brainstorm about ideas on the forums either? Just wondering so I know what is and is not okay to post.

 

[RangerWickett]

Fans can do whatever they want. Heck, I could probably get away with messageboard posts suggesting how to convert. But trying to publish a book with actual 5e-compatible rules is a gray area. I am not a lawyer, but I believe no law prevents you from publishing something that uses another game's rules, because aside from a few exceptions, rules are not legally protected or trademarked.

But while legally Wizards might not actually be able to successfully sue us (and might not even bother if they could), we would be operating without their blessing, which is impolite, and could possibly have negative ramifications for EN World.

 

[Satha]

Oh yeah, I definitely wouldn't expect to see anything published by you guys until WotC puts out some official documentation on how the licensing is going to work for 5e. Just wanted to know if us fans could brainstorm ideas and to what extent we could brainstorm here on the forums without getting you guys in trouble.