Modern Characters in DnD Adventures, how compatible?

[Stormborn]

Title I think explains it all. I am fairly certain this has been discussed before, but at the time I wasn't that interested in mixing them. Now I am.

Basically I am thinking of running a game where the PCs are all generated using the d20 Modern rules, but in a setting more like traditional DnD (Yes I have Grim Tales, and thats a possiblity, but the players have d20 Modern and are more familiar with it) but maybe with Renissance era tech. I am wondering how much trouble adapting adventures and materials, say Heroes of Battle, would be, or can I just run them mostly as is, barring flavor and setting issues.

Anyone have any experiance with this?

 

[Masada]

Character conversion is the hardest part. If you generate your PC's using d20 Modern rules, you can drop them into virtually any d20 setting and have them "work". You have be ready to fudge a few rolls if the wimpy pack of Hobgoblins in the first room of the D&D module start to mop up your 5th level PC's, but that's just a matter of tweaking HP, Defense and Attack bonus.

Starting with d20 Modern character rules is the way to go.

 

[solomoncane]

Second World Sourcebook is an elaborate treatise on mixing Mod & D&D.
It's 3.0, but still worthwhile for any experienced DM.

 

[trancejeremy]

I think d20 Modern characters are meant to be "balanced" with D&D characters overall, but because they generally get more skill points (and the defense bonuses), they actually tend to have fewer hit points and lower BABs than D&D characters. Which tends to mean they are worse at combat.

I mean, in d20 Modern, the only way to get the best BAB progression (like that of a fighter) is to have a strong hero and then make him a martial artist. Everyone else is going to have the middle one or worse. (slightly worse, probably). But they'll have more skill points.

 

[HeapThaumaturgist]

I'd go in with the assumption that Modern characters are a level behind regular D&D characters in terms of combat ability.

I'd also allow Starting Occupations that grant Personal Firearms to instead grant Archaic Weapons.

And just leave Archaic Weapons as the catch-all for all the weapons needed in the game. Build will determine what weapons are used more than classes.

--fje

 

[takyris]

Nothing to add, except that this thread dovetails the one I just started in a very helpful way, and I am reading people's advice appreciatively.

 

[Stormborn]

Nothing to add, except that this thread dovetails the one I just started in a very helpful way, and I am reading people's advice appreciatively.

So, takyris, which thread would that be?

 

[Ankh-Morpork Guard]

So, takyris, which thread would that be?

Probably this one.