L5R classic vs. L5R d20

[Pyske]

Part of original post by Black Omega
I'm curious about this also, really. For my money, MoR and it's treatment of magic items is great, much better than the traditional DnD approach, IMHO.

No disagreement, actually. (I did say I like the nemanuri idea.) My main problem was with the power level of the spells; bear in mind that not everyone agrees with me about my opinions of power level in general -- I don't think Psion / Alan has ever agreed with me.

In particular, I thought that about 90% of the spells should have been 1 level higher. I felt their power was at the low end of the next level up, instead of the very high end of the assigned levels. Examples include the 2nd level haste spell, and the 1st level strength drain (from memory here, no book handy).

I did like most of the magic items and especially the concept that the awakened spirits in an item wouldn't work for just anyone. This coupled with the taboo about corpses really reduces the "kill and loot" incentives; every item my PCs posess have been given to them as gifts (or duties).

As for the people saying classic won't convert well to a D20-system, that was my initial feeling as well. I was pleasantly surprised. The only major thing I felt was lost (and it IS major) was the correlation of attributes to the 5 elements. The overall feel was very well retained.

. . . . . . . -- Eric

 

[Pyske]

It's possible. But especially at high levels, you don't quite have that "only one person walks away from a duel" feel of the classic system. This is bad if you like that "death at a moment's notice" feel, but good if you like character continuity.

True, although my recollection is that you started losing this in the classic version as well (unkept raise dice, Crab clan, etc.).

Do you mean Importune Kami?

Yep, thet's what I meant. Thanks. For those without the book: Importune Kami is a set of spells that can substitute for any other spell of the same level by adding XP costs (and something else I can't recall) to the spell.

. . . . . . . -- Eric

 

[Paka]

The Classic L5R book I bought that I really didn't like (and the only one I didn't like) was the Way of the Naga book.

It really killed the mystique of the Naga for me. I didn't like that whole card game plot in which they woke up and reclaimed their empire.

I like them as some mysterious and magical force.

Anyway, that is a Clan book that ya can miss, if ya ask me.



If I were to run a D20 L5R game I would have to change the hit point system so that combat is something to be feared. Not just Iajitsu Duels but all combat.

I lost my favorite character in an Iajitsu Duel but the deadliness makes the combats mean more of something.

Nice thread, folks.

 

[ascendance]

I recall reading a L5R->Planescape conversion floating around somewhere. Some people might enjoy seeing how the conversion the other way works. I personally think both L5R and D&D are excellent games, though I must say, I do have a fondness for 1E L5R. I like the fact you roll more dice in that game.

 

[Black Omega]

Yep, thet's what I meant. Thanks. For those without the book: Importune Kami is a set of spells that can substitute for any other spell of the same level by adding XP costs (and something else I can't recall) to the spell.

. . . . . . . -- Eric

I can see this point. For the most part I'm ignoring Importune Kami, since my game has no Shugenja except those I'm running as NPCs, this works out pretty well.

I'm still playtesting out power level. Before MoR Shugenja were underpowered IMHO. They were good at healing, but not up to being the only spell class when it came to offense. They will still have trouble with wizards, but they have their own benefits that even out.

 

[estevans_lackey]

OK, I just created my first 2E L5R character and I'm actually excited. I've been obscessed with the d20 system for so long that I initially had a hard time grasping the rules. Now that I've given them a second read, it actually looks pretty cool. I can see how playing L5R 1E and 2E for a while and then trying out d20 L5R could be very awkward, especially for purists. I CAN'T WAIT TO TRY THIS OUT!!!!!

I still would really like to play in a d20 Rokugan game. I would definitely use the VP/WP rules that Star Wars use. The Iujustsu rules in the OA book are rockin and with VP/WP in use, dueling is even more rockin. Either way I'll enjoy the game. Thanks for everyone's advice/comments.

Oh...and Acendance, I see your point about rolling more dice. It's pretty cool. The one advantage d20 has over classic is the sense of accomplishment with going up levels is more fluid than 1E or 2E. Cheers!

 

[Kamard]

I very much like the L5R classic system. I feel it is a much deadlier system and think that it works better with the setting.

That said, I love the d20 system, and want to see tons of good things for it. And Oriental Adventures was v. good in my opinion.

 

[Pyske]

[...]I can see how playing L5R 1E and 2E for a while and then trying out d20 L5R could be very awkward, [...]

Of course, if they played L5R 1e and 2e, they ought to be used to awkward transitions by now...

. . . . . . . -- Eric

EDIT: blasted spelling & vbulletin settings.

 

[estevans_lackey]

I'm just getting a handle on the rules in 2E, Psyke. Could you explain what the main differences are between 1E and 2E please?