Rant about (lack of) info in new 3.5 conversion guide

[HeavyG]

I saw preview scans of it at http://www.gamingreport.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=NPNews&file=index it said "conversion guide" insted of accessory(SP) guide. I don't remember where it was, but one of the first statments from WOTC about 3.5 was something like "we will be updating the SRD about the same time 3.5 is in stores. We will also be putting out a conversion guide online and in stores, this is all you will need to convert your 3rd ed. characters to 3.5 if you don't want/ need to pick up the new core books".

Assuming that your memory is 100% accurate, then they didn't lie.

The conversion/accessory thing WITH the SRD3.5 are going to be all that you need.

 

[The Evil Robo]

I desperately need to know how the new monk flurry system works with regards to stacking with prestige classes. Previously, certain PrCs allowed the BaB to stack (so you could use it to get your attacks at -3/-3 etc... instead of -5/-5 etc...

If anyone has any thoughts (or if I have been stupid and missed something) then please do post them.

I think you're referring to prestige classes that stack with monk levels for determining the 3.0 monk's special BAB progression. I can't think of any examples at the moment, but I know they're out there... Anyway, it turns out that monks no longer have a special BAB with unarmed attacks; their BAB is equal to 3/4 of their HD (just like a cleric or rogue) and their flurry of blows penalty decreases by 1 at 5th level and disappears at 9th. And, they get a second flurry of blows attack at 11th. So a 20th level monk gets a BAB progression of +15/+15/+15/+10/+5.

Basically, any prestige class ability that mentions stacking with monk levels doesn't actually do anything to your BAB in 3.5.

 

[Lord Rasputin]

Since the above blurb comes from a reviewer, not Wizards itself, the idea that one can take what it says as the Gospel of Wizards of the Coast is fartetched.

Having said that, I can kind of, sort of see some of Ken's point. What I would expect to see are some guidelines for character conversion, especially for NPCs in modules to save some time for the GM. Say, if a character had ranks in Scry, throw them in Spellcraft and Knowledge (arcana), and if those are maxed out, throw them in Decipher Script. If your character actually took the Ambidexterity feat (as opposed to having it as a bonus feat), give him one of the +2/+2 feats, as appropriate by class. If he had the Symbol spell, give him these two Symbol of Whatever spells, depending on his specialty. If the character is a bard, max out his Perform skill if he does not have it maxxed out, and throw extra skill points into Listen. Something like this.

Nothing too serious, granted, but it would be some sort of help.

 

[Piratecat]

Thanks for the apology, Ken. Just try not to assume the worst, okay?

 

[Voadam]

That's just it. Those of you with 3.0 can download the SRD and use it. The new half can go and buy 3.5 and everyone will be happy. The SRD will be the complete rules for 3.5 Just give them a week or so to get it updated and put on thier site.

But that is not the same as having a document with the changes from 3.0 to 3.5 so they can still use their 3.0 core books, that is simply telling the 3.0 owners to ditch their books for rule use and use the srd.

 

[Voadam]

I don't remember where it was, but one of the first statments from WOTC about 3.5 was something like "we will be updating the SRD about the same time 3.5 is in stores. We will also be putting out a conversion guide online and in stores, this is all you will need to convert your 3rd ed. characters to 3.5 if you don't want/ need to pick up the new core books".

I don't have a quote but I have that same recollection and that is what I was expecting, a conversion guide that would tell you the changes in your 3.0 books to make your game 3.5. I was later surprised at how short the PH section was reported to be considering the changes to numerous classes and spells.

I have not downloaded it yet but I was expecting a document that would convert the core books, not just the nonsplat supplements.

 

[Breakdaddy]

I think Ive seen more whining (for lack of a less inflammatory word) about this conversion to 3.5 than anything. SRD, ppl! The SRD will have every important new rule FOR FREE! WOW! FREE! That might be too expensive for some, evidently. What do people want, really? The hardbacks for free too? Yeah, sign me up for that one plz and thanks!

 

[KenM]

Here is a link where someone from WOTC said it was called a conversion guide. http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=60779

 

[Tarrasque Wrangler]

I hate to say it, but if you get past the WOTC-bashing, KenM's kinda got a point. Everything I'd heard from WOTC (including what's in the above links) made it sound like this was going to be like the 2E->3E Conversion Document. I.E., you'd still need the new books to build new characters, and probably need them to play effectively, but if all you want to do is make your characters 3.5-compliant, here's the changes you make.

I don't know if I'd say WOTC lied. How about calling it a sin of omission?

 

[Mark]

We get fewer and fewer designers discussing things publicly with each passing day due to the way in which their every word is dissected. If you feel that someone has misstated something, it is better to ask for clarification than to accuse them of maliciousness. The latter is more damaging to the community and the game than the former.