Converting to Blue Rose/True20

[The_Warlock]

So, I've bought, I've read, I've found the baseline D20 variant system that meets ideas I've always wanted to incorporate into my campaigns but always been somewhat stymied while trying to remain true to the more Core D&D rules to achieve them.

I find the "True20" system presented as well designed for introducing new players unfamiliar with the rules, and yet with a level of character customization that allows jaded oldbees to make their unique and individualized hero.

I don't intend to use the campaign setting, just the system. In fact, I intend to use the system for just about any campaign setting I run. I see easy use based on class restriction/feat listing to allow definition of most genres: High Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Modern, Superhero (esp with MnM being a precursor), Sci-Fi, Space Opera (esp Star Wars) - with fair ease. The fact that it is based on the D20 system also means that all the books I have bought since 3E are compatible with a simple run through the conversion appendix.

What I'm interested in is if there is anyone out there of a similar outlook? Also, as I do the first pass through to convert much of my currently incorporated rules/feats/etc to this system mechanic, are there sources out there that anyone thinks would be a great mesh with the True20 system for the various genres listed? Feats, magics that would easily slip into the skill based arcana system, etc, etc? Also, are there any non-High Fantasy campaign worlds (I use good ole FR for my high fantasy) out there that would be a great match for the system?

 

[BiggusGeekus]

What I'm interested in is if there is anyone out there of a similar outlook?

Personally, I think these kinds of products are vital to the hobby and I wish WotC had allowed their Basic set to go up to an extra level.

Also, are there any non-High Fantasy campaign worlds (I use good ole FR for my high fantasy) out there that would be a great match for the system?

Tricky question. I mean, technically you could do this with Midnight, right? That's low fantasy but if this is rules-light for new players that would be a challenge. I've seen a lot of Greece/Rome games pop up, so maybe that would be something to look into. There's my own, of course, which is in my sig. And there's also Eberron which I think you would find a lot of people interested in helping you convert to True 20. Come to think of it, you could probably start a threat on that alone and get lots of advice/replies.

Happy Gaming!

 

[TerraDave]

Green Ronin is pretty good about reusing concepts/material across products (as Blue Rose confirms)

If it does well enough, they could use "True 20" for other genres, not that I don't want to see what others come up with first

 

[Laslo Tremaine]

Haven't they (Green Ronin) hinted that this will be the system they use for Thieve's World?

 

[The_Warlock]

I hadn't heard that Green Ronin was thinking of Thieves World, but I recall Crothian thinking it would be a great fit in another thread...guess I'll have to check the Green Ronin site and see if they are making any hints.

Thanks for the thoughts Biggus, I hadn't thought of Eberron, but the whole dream/nightmare thing and the rather unique races and marks would probably be a great fit to the True20 system.

It's at this point that I'll be chomping at the bit to run something with it, don't want to spring quite this level of change on the folks in my mostly core D&D campaign, and their on the slow boat to prophecy fulfillment. I want to start something fresh with this system, I just don't know what kind of fresh...

 

[the Jester]

Man, yet another product I'd really love to check out! From what I've heard, Blue Rose sounds cool.

 

[Stone Dog]

I hadn't heard that Green Ronin was thinking of Thieves World,

Not just thinking, it is coming out this summer. There is an add for it in the back of Black Company.

"When Robert Asprin and I first created Thieve's World, we often described our concept as Dungeons & Dragons for people who write. Thanks to Green Ronin, the grungiest city in fantasy fiction is putting out a welcome mat for people who game."
-Lynn Abbey

 

[Nisarg]

Not just thinking, it is coming out this summer. There is an add for it in the back of Black Company.

Ok, this is fantastic news, but will it be the same system as Blue Rose? Did they specify that in the add?

Nisarg

 

[The_Warlock]

http://www.greenronin.com/press_releases/?id=thieves_world

From the press release, it just says D20 system. That suggests they will probably be trying to stay with the core d20 players. But hey, who cares, if it provides D20 stats, it's a fairly simple conversion to their True20 system.

Of course, that was also about 6 months ago, who knows what their design decisions have brought them.

I've also heard that the Blue Rose arcana system grew out of GR's Psychic Handbook. Can anyone speak to it's quality and similarity, as I am thinking of acquiring it for magic that didn't make it into Blue Rose directly (translocation type magic, etc)?