D&D vs. d20 Modern: Questions

[Iron_Chef]

I saw the "Is D&D outdated" thread and it got me thinking that maybe I should check out d20 Modern to mine for ideas on how to improve my 3e game. I already have incorporated elements of Spycraft and other 3e systems with good results, and I keep seeing cool things in the Polyhedron d20 mini-games (new feats, classes, etc.)

So, how does d20 Modern improve upon 3e d&d? Are we sure these changes are making it into 3.5e? What kinds of benefits do d20 Modern characters get at every level (feats?)? Should I rush out and buy d20 Modern even though I have little interest in running modern scenarios? Will it improve my D&D game?

 

[Iron_Chef]

bump

Is everybody watching Survivor or what?

 

[Ranger REG]

* subtly turns off his TV *

Um, no. I'm reading my d20 Modern Core Rulebook.

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Yeah, that's the ticket.

 

[Droogie]

If you have no intention of playing d20 modern and just wanna use it for D&D clarifications/ improvements, just use the d20 modern SRD.

http://www.wizards.com/D20/article.asp?x=msrd

Thats what I'm doing now. I copied, pasted, and printed the Intimidate and Jump skills from D20 Modern and stuck'em in my binder.

Also used the SRD to see how long Diplomacy takes (full-round action at least).

You can also copy and paste the cleaner explanation for Attacks of Opportunity and hand them to your players.

Lots of uses.

 

[Krizzel]

d20 Modern in and of itself is a great game, IMO. It's still the d20 system though, so there's nothing very radical (still a feat every 3rd level, for example).

I think the base classes are wonderful - these are really what make the system for me. Odd levels give you a 'talent,' which is like a special ability from 3e (uncanny dodge, fast movement, etc.). Even levels provide a bonus feat from that class' list. Also, every character also chooses an occupation which provides a number of lifetime bonus class skills (they're always class skills, no matter what levels you take) and possibly a bonus feat.

This is great if you like building your character out of a set of abilities (multi-classing is the norm - there are no penalties for it). If you like a single class that perfectly describes your character, then it's probably something you won't enjoy.

Definitely worth a look at the SRD though - there's a lot of little ideas you can mine even if you don't like d20 Modern as a whole (Profession skill and Wealth bonus might be portable, for example).

 

[Shadowlord]

I started that other topic (d&d outdated) and d20M is indeed a superior system but I believe D&D is heading in the same direction. Maybe the revised books will contain some topics.

If you're not interested in sci-fi games, I wouldn't buy d20M but use the SRD.

Topics of interest: new massive damage rule, reputation score, defense class bonus, more skill uses, more generic classes, careers, talents, vehicle rules...

 

[Bagpuss]

If you're not interested in sci-fi games, I wouldn't buy d20M but use the SRD.

If you are interested in sci-fi games I wouldn't buy D20 Modern, if your interested in Modern, near past or very near future I'd consider it, but from most Sci-fi its not much use.