[Contemplating] Dragonlance Classics

[GruTheWanderer]

The following is an attempt to formalize my thoughts thus far:

1. The players will use the original characters concepts (Tanis, Raistlin, etc), but will not be expected to do an exact conversion.
2. The DM will use many of the original locations, enemies, and treasures from the modules, but will not do an exact conversion.

Based on the feedback so far, I am leaning towards:

1. Starting at 5th level and aiming for 20th
2. Using 40-point buy for the characters
3. Allowing Riverwind to be a barbarian

Here's a new question for those interested: How should I choose players? In my previous PbP games, I have generally accepted players on a first come, first served basis. About a month into the campaign I usually lose a character or two. I am wondering if I can minimize this phenomenon by being a little more selective.

Let me turn the question around: if you were organizing this game, what would you look for in a player?

 

[Shalimar]

Personally I think there would be enough people interested in playing that it wouldn't neccessarily cause a problem. Also most of the characters that joined later actually were NPCs if you have read the annotated Chronicles.

I feel the best way to determine to select who should join would be to do 3 things. The first is to see if they are in other games, and to find out how many if they are in other games(this will indicate whether or not they would seem to have the time to participate). The next thing to do would be to look at their writing style if they are in other games to see if you think they would fit in with your conception. The third thing would be to check to see what they know about the character they want to portray.

I know there are quite a few characters in the party at the start, so you will need a few people, so that might have to change how picky you are.

Tanis
Caramon
Raistlen
Flint
Tas
Sturm
Goldmoon
Riverwind

thats 8 just to start.

 

[Jalon Odessa]

To address Gru's suggestions/inclinations in order -

I agree that starting at fifth level and progressing to somewhere around the 20th level mark would be an appropriate level range for the modules and setting. I envision that the players and DM would work together to make a loose conversion of each character that would, even if changing the details of certain minor abilities, retain the character's overall flavour as presented in the original modules.

As for the point total of each character, I'd personally be most comfortable if the characters were created using a 36-point buy, but I understand that certain characters with multiple high scores (Raistlin, Gilthanis) may be difficult to create effectively or consistantly enough with their original versions without using more. For this reason, and because it seems to be the general concensus, I'm perfectly happy with a 40-point buy.


On the topic of Riverwind, I feel that a multiclass barbarian/alternate (or possibly even PHB) ranger would be ideal. Certain class abilities from this combination would certainly be in character for Riverwind (fast movement, track, lots'o'HP, light armour), whilst others would be less consistent with RW as he's portrayed in the novels (spellcasting, rage, two-weapon fighting). I'm certain that the player of Riverwind would be able to work with Gru in order to minimise/play down (or even eliminate) those features that are out of place, whilst emphasising those that fit Riverwind's character.

Of the starting eight characters, I can't foresee any problems with converting them to 3rd edition, excepting the afformentioned Riverwind. Caramon would convert to be a typical high Str/Con fighter, Tasslehoff fits almost perfectly as a high Dex, low Wis single-classed rogue, etc...

 

[Shalimar]

What would you classify Sturm as. He wasn't exactly a paladin, he had no healing abilities or the other palidan powers. I tink he was just a fighter, albeit one with an honor code. I wouldn't be inclined to allow any Paladins untill the return of the gods if I was DMing. I would stat him up as having higher wisdom and intelligence then Caramon, less strength and Constitution, but having a +1 Greatsword.

The other uestion is what is Tanis. A ranger? But he can't cast spells, a Fighter? But what about his knowedge of nature and tracking ability. I think he would be a level or 3 of ranger and 2 of fighter from when he was a merc. He would need to go with an alternate ranger type though, he can't fight with two blades.

 

[GruTheWanderer]

In the original modules both Tanis and Sturm were fighters. I'm comfortable leaving them that way, even though Tanis doesn't have the tracking/wilderness lore he seems to have in the book (Keep in mind that there were no skills or proficiencies in 1E D&D). Tanis could take nature skills as cross-class picks or using Skill Focus feats.

Once the gods return, I would be comfortable with letting Sturm (or others) multiclass to paladin.

Shalimar, I agree that PbP experience is a good prerequisite to participation in this game. So if any of those interested are not already in a game, do so quickly.

 

[Keia]

Tanis could take track as a feat and even trade out a few skills for more ranger type skills. Tanis would be intriguing to build, both for the skills and for the feats. He seems more ranged than melee at first but that focus changes later in the story (obviously the fact that he had a good sword helped the matter).

Four fighters, a ranger, a rogue, a wizard, and a cleric. What a group (that's one well-protected wizard).

 

[GruTheWanderer]

Which makes you wonder why Raistlin tried to sneak up on a black dragon with the help of some gully dwarves.

 

[KitanaVorr]

my fave character is Kitiara ;p hehe....

 

[Shalimar]

Taking so many skills cross classed for a fighter is a good way to not be good at any of them unless you are really upping the skill point levels. I think that Tanis would be an iconic ranger if not for the spells and the whole two weapons thing. Substitute weapon focus bow for two weapon fighting, and perhaps other bow feats for what doesn't match. For Favored enemy take humans and goblinoids.

Humans for his mother's rape and the years he spent fighting as a merc. Gobloids because he hates them soo much.

 

[Shalimar]

Which makes you wonder why Raistlin tried to sneak up on a black dragon with the help of some gully dwarves.

Because he isn't stupid enough to take on a dragon that had so badly trashed the party on the surface. Stealth was the better idea, just had bad luck.