How do i Convert AD&D (F9/T11) into the 3.5 level system?

[terrya]

As the title suggests how do i convert AD&D levels (F9/T11 or MU3/F3) into a more modern 3.5 system? Normally i can find pre done converstions but im making the effort of converting the fan based Castle Greyhawk The Mad Archmages Tower and could do with some help!

 

[Weregrognard]

There's a 2e to 3e conversion document still available:

link

Personally, though, I'd just build the character from the ground up using the previous character as inspiration.

Happy gaming!

 

[avin]

There's a 2e to 3e conversion document still available:

link

Personally, though, I'd just build the character from the ground up using the previous character as inspiration.

Happy gaming!

Building from zero has another vote here.

Been there, converting proved to be a bad idea.

 

[terrya]

Building from 0 seems to 100% be the right idea but i get little to no prep time due to work so i like to convert on the fly where I can. But i think your right. For the Big Bad guys i may have to just build them from the ground up ^.^ Thanks for the link tho! Didnt understand a word of the overcomplicated garbage but im sure ill decifier it eventually

 

[GreyLord]

There's a 2e to 3e conversion document still available:

link

Personally, though, I'd just build the character from the ground up using the previous character as inspiration.

Happy gaming!

That conversion doesn't work. It's easier to convert 3.5 characters to 4e than from AD&D to 3.X, or in otherwords as they've stated above, easier to simply do a character from 0 up.

 

[billd91]

I usually focus on the non-fighting classes. If the character you're converting was a spellcaster, focus on what level of spellcasting you want to retain and take that level of the spellcasting class. Make up the rest of the character levels, generally up to the highest of the multiclass character classes +1 or +2 levels, with the fighter-type class.

So for the MU3/F3, I'd make up the character as a MU3/F1 or F2 (depending on how powerful the PCs generally are or how large the party I'm expecting). For the F9/T11, I'd be a little more flexible since the power structure of both rogues and fighters is a lot more flexible than spellcasters where the spell level structure has been preserved from 1e. I'd probably decide between whether I wanted to favor gaining Weapon Specialization or an extra die of sneak attack and build based on that, maybe a F4/T9 or F2/T11.

 

[Bullgrit]

I've never found it difficult to convert from AD&D1 or 2 to D&D3.

AD&D F9/T11 (12th-level equiv) = D&D3 F3/T9

AD&D MU3/F3 (4th-level equiv) = D&D3 W3/F1

Bullgrit

 

[wingsandsword]

That conversion doesn't work. It's easier to convert 3.5 characters to 4e than from AD&D to 3.X, or in otherwords as they've stated above, easier to simply do a character from 0 up.

Don't see why it doesn't work. I've been using that document for over a decade to convert vintage 1e and 2e materials.

It's an art more than a science, and you can't do it on the fly. Convert the level of the multiclassed/dual classed character using the given formula. A F9/T11 would be a 14th level PC (take the highest level, divide all other classes by 3, rounding down, add it up). Personally, in 3.5 I'd make him a Rogue 11/Fighter 3, because in terms of converting the overall style of the character you still get comparable fighting ability, the same level of rogue ability, and overall the same impression of a rogue/thief with substantially more martial training/skill than most.

 

[ashockney]

Is this for a PC or an NPC? I did a search for a F9/T11 and didn't get any results.

If this is for a PC, I'd also consider a lvl 10, 11, 12 Duskblade.

If this is for an NPC (villian) 4e really, really hit the mark on creating villians. Don't have heart palpatations about following the building rules to the letter. What level villian is it? (Sounds like 11 or 12) What type of villian? (Sounds like skirmisher) Is it elite, solo, or minion? (adjust accordingly, sounds not, but MAY be elite) There's some stats. Slap an appropriate "one shot" attack onto him that's represented by his stats, magic, or standard 1e build, and you're solid. I think you'll find if you lay these numbers against 1e, 3e, or 4e, they'll work pretty surprisingly damn good, AND take about 30 seconds to concoct. Conversion DOMINANCE!

 

[terrya]

I've never found it difficult to convert from AD&D1 or 2 to D&D3.

AD&D F9/T11 (12th-level equiv) = D&D3 F3/T9

AD&D MU3/F3 (4th-level equiv) = D&D3 W3/F1

Bullgrit

This cleared it up a bit for me thanks. Normally ive just been lazy and scowered en world for pre done 1E>3.5 but havent found anything for this one so having to learn. My main issue is i dont want to have to do it all in advance. I have made a table on my DM screen that has all the BAB listings, im intending to use this and just leave their spells the same and take average rolls for HP. Do any of you see any problems with this aproach?