Taking SWd20 and Applying it to DnD

[DerianCypher]

Okay, I have a question (I hope this is the right forum):

A friend of mine proposed we take the SWd20 rules of VP/WP and such and applying it to DnD. I thought that it'd be hard but doable. Now, he proposed one thing that I thought would be disastrous.

In Star Wars, force skills(magic) require burning VP to use. What would happen if you took this and applied it to DnD. All spells are "skills" and casting required the burning of VP. He of course suggested that casters get, say, 1 free spell/caster level. Red flags and alarms started going off in my head.

He said I was over-exaggerating about how bad it would be to do this.

I was wondering what people here thought and if you could give constructing criticism.

Thanks
DC

 

[Crothian]

Well, if casters do have to burn vitality, ou need to increase the HD to at least d8. Jedi's have good HD because they are spending it. I think it could work fine.

 

[Kwalish Kid]

Well, if you use the SWd20 rules for criticals, then you have significantly upped the powers of fighters, barbarians and rogues. If you then add the vitality point cost to spells, you really nerf wizards, clerics, druids and sorcerers.

SW is a really low-magic campaign. If that's the campaign that the DM wants to run, then spending WPs for spells is the way to go. He may want to look at a more freeform magic system, however. Point him to the WHeel of Time rules or, better yet, to the Elements of Magic pdf.