D&D 3E/3.5 Which bits of 4E can be easily retro-fitted to 3E?

[Quartz]

Here I suggest retrofitting 4E to the 3E save system. It looks very clean and neat, though I've not tried it myself.

All characters have a base F/R/W save equal to half their level, rounded down.

Classes give a class bonus of +2 to one or more saves. E.g. a Fighter gets +2 to Fort, a Rogue gets +2 to Ref, so a character with levels in both Fighter and Rogue gets +2 to Fort and +2 to Ref; a character with levels in Wizard and Knight would only get +2 to Will, because like bonuses don't stack.

Humans get +1 to all saves.

Note that this gives the single-classed character the same good save values at Level 1 (+2) and Level 20 (+12), and neatly segues into Epic.

What else can be retro-fitted? How about Level 0 spells as utility powers and Level 1 Spells as Encounter Powers, with everything else as Dailies?

Applying the + Level/2 to Initiative seems a no-brainer.

What else? Unintended consequences?

 

[Quartz]

BAB: All characters get +1 BAB per 2 levels, rounded down. Full BAB classes get +1 per 2 levels rounded up. Medium BAB classes get +1 BAB per 3 levels, rounded down. Low BAB classes get nothing. Add everything up. Multiclass characters total the levels of each type and apply the rule.

Jeebus but EN World is slow today.

 

[Quartz]

At quick change to the saves: reduce the class bonus to +1 so you still end up with an adjusted +12 for humans and for those races with a +2 in the relevant stat.

 

[SKid4]

Elite array or point buy for ability scores (see DMG).

Fixed hit points (see DMG).

Dexterity doesn't always affect Armor Class & add one-half level to AC. Being flat-footed gives you a flat -2 penalty to AC.

Choice of ability score for AC & saving throws.

Two ability increases every 4 levels, +1 to all ability scores at every level ending in 1.

Sneak Attack works on any creature.

Skills based on level with +5 for training. Add a Skill Training feat.

Damage = damage dice + ability modifier (same ability used for attack roll or spell's save DC).

Attacks of opportunity for movement & ranged attacks only.

Death & dying mechanics from Design & Development article.

 

[Edheldur]

What else can be retro-fitted?

So far I've used the Death and Dying rules as presented on WotC's site and saving throws for PCs choose between the best of 2 ability scores to determine their bonus -Str/Con for Fort, Dex/Int for Ref and Wis/Cha for Will-. I've also been using Monte Cook's rules for HP and Breathers -which work like 4th Edition's healing surges- from his Books of Experimental Might.

And lately I've been using
Tequila Sunrise's house rules for monster creation which are basically 4th edition roles retro-fitted to 3rd Edition. However, it's still too early to tell how this last change has impacted my gaming group since there have only been 3 encounters built with these rules.

 

[kitsune9]

Here I suggest retrofitting 4E to the 3E save system. It looks very clean and neat, though I've not tried it myself.



What else can be retro-fitted? How about Level 0 spells as utility powers and Level 1 Spells as Encounter Powers, with everything else as Dailies?

Applying the + Level/2 to Initiative seems a no-brainer.

What else? Unintended consequences?

1. The Fixed BAB progression.
2. The Fixed save progression.
3. Action points.
4. Fixed hp per level.

I haven't looked at 4e in quite a while, but those jump to mind.