Character Conversion to 3.5

[dcas]

I suggested the Duskblade to the player, and to my own amazement he actually liked it!

An 8th-level Classic D&D Elf is probably equivalent to a 6th/6th multi-classed fighter/magic-user or even 7th/7th! If I were converting him to AD&D I would compromise and make him a 7th-level Fighter/6th-level Magic-user. Then you could use the AD&D->3.5 conversion rules to make a 3.5 character. You can fiddle with the levels a little bit but an 8th-level Classic D&D Elf is more powerful (relative to other Classic D&D characters) than a 3.5 Ftr4/Wiz4 (relative to other 3.5 characters).

 

[RFisher]

My advice: Do not convert characters. Either stick with the old system or have the players create new 3e characters. While I have heard of it working before, the majority of groups I've known about who converted characters ended up regretting it.

 

[Voadam]

My advice: Do not convert characters. Either stick with the old system or have the players create new 3e characters. While I have heard of it working before, the majority of groups I've known about who converted characters ended up regretting it.

I'd have to disagree, I've played a character who has converted from 2e to a 1e homebrew, to vampire the masquerade, to 3e, to 3.5. I don't regret it all and I'm glad I've been able to play the same character.

 

[Herzog]

The big key IMO is to just get a similar feel for the character, not to translate exactly.

I think this is indeed the most important part.

Herzog

 

[rgard]

Ok, here's the deal:

I have, over a very long period, DM'ed an OD&D campaign.
Now, after a very long hiatus, I am planning to revive the campaign. Using 3.5 rules.

Most of the characters can be converted without too much problems.

Except for the Elf.

for those who don't know: in OD&D the elf was a fighter/wizard. (always)
His inherent multiclassing was 'balanced' by the fact that his XP chart was slower (in effect, he was always approximately one level behind) and that his spellcasting progression stopped at lvl 9 (when he had just gained access to 5th level spells).
Also, they were able to cast in medium armor.

Any suggestions on how to convert such a character to 3.5?
A Fighter/Wizard or Fighter/Sorcerer would mean he can't cast in armor and loses several levels of spell access.

Herzog

As the Duskblade doesn't look like the best fit for you...

Other possibilities are the Warmage (Complete Arcane and Miniatures Handbook, I think), Battle Sorcerer (sorcerer variant in UA) or the Armored Mage variant (Complete Mage.)

All 3 can cast in light armor with no spell failure. The Battle Sorcerer and Warmage are spontaneous casters.

The Armored Mage is probably the best fit for the Elf class (outside of the Duskblade.) You lose proficiency in medium and heavy armor (start as a fighter with one rank in Knowledge Arcana), but you can cast spells of a level equal to or lower than your fighter class level +1 as you progress as a Wizard (while wearing light armor.) You need a spell book. Also, you can take the feat (in Complete Arcane) that lets you use armor one category higher than you normally can and cast spells without the arcane failure. You will still need to burn a feat on medium armor proficiency though, either that or multiclass for one level to a fighter type class that has medium armor as a starting feat.

Thanks,
Rich

Edit: added some stuff.

 

[Arashi Ravenblade]

Warmage also grants spellcasting in armor. In Complete Arcane.

 

[rgard]

My advice: Do not convert characters. Either stick with the old system or have the players create new 3e characters. While I have heard of it working before, the majority of groups I've known about who converted characters ended up regretting it.

I kept my OD&D character sheets so I can always go back if I want to. I had fun converting the characters and have had fun playing them in 3.5.

I do see how it could go bad though...if I had converted the characters when 3.0 came out, I bet I would have made some bad decisions not knowing the system well enough. I could see trying to mimic the all Wizard's feat like abilities (scrolls, potions, etc) in 1E when I converted my MU while ignoring meta-magic feats that are indispensible in 3.5.

My suggestion is to play 3.x for awhile, get a feel for the game and then convert the older version characters.

Thanks,
Rich

Edit: removed second 'Thanks, Rich'

 

[szilard]

Additional Options:

Battle Sorcerer (still spontaneous, though) - from Unearthed Arcana
Abjurant Champion - prestige class from Complete Mage

-Stuart

 

[Shazman]

I don't know much about OD&D since I never played it. If an 8th level elf in AD&D is more like a 12 th level character, you have a lot of room to work with.
The three most important things to capture are
1) spellcasting level - going from 4th level spells to 2nd level spells is not appealing
2) weapon mastery - four levels of fighter or three levels of pious templar will be neccessary for this
3) casting in medium armor

The two best options seem to be prestige classes in Complete Warrior. Spellsword and bladesinger. I would go bladesinger. It gives int to AC in light or no armor and reduces casting penalties in armor.
Something like fighter4/wizard 4/bladesinger would give you what you want.

 

[qstor]

The two best options seem to be prestige classes in Complete Warrior. Spellsword and bladesinger. I would go bladesinger. It gives int to AC in light or no armor and reduces casting penalties in armor.
Something like fighter4/wizard 4/bladesinger would give you what you want.

Or Spellsword/Elidritch Knight...that might be a good combo.

I think you might have to ditch Weapon Spec. unless you're willing to go Ftr 4.

Mike