More Modern DnD, but not d20 Modern?

[So-Keher]

I recently got d20 Modern and d20 Past but I haven't even used them yet. I was looking through Past when I though t of creating a campaign along th elines of The League of Extroardinary Gentleman and with a theme similar to V for Vendetta. I want it to use traditional DnD rules though. Would it be more complicated than changing the weapons selection? Would anyone be interested in a campaign like this? And are these forums DnD specific or for any d20 campaign setting in general?

[Raelifin]

Yay for Ethocentic settings. :)

The CBG isn't even for d20 only. We're open to all worlds intended for gaming (and maybe just worlds.)

I'd probably take a peek now and then. It certainly has potential.

[So-Keher]

My biggest arguement is the d20 modern wealth system. Would a normal system work in a time before credit-cards and banks?

Also, is it wrong to work on two different projects at once, especially once as different as the Faenaed Chronicles and this one?

[Xeviat]

I dislike the wealth system for only one reason: it is difficult to balance a character's equipment with their level. So if that's the primary change, then go for it.

As long as you balance the weapons within the rules, you'll be fine. Of course, modern weapons should be more effective than medieval weapons, but make sure that all martial weapons are balanced with martials, and simples are balanced with simples. Also, don't get too bogged down in the difficulty of wielding a weapon; it's effectiveness is what matters.

Also, use something like WP/VP, or the reduced massive damage threashold of d20 Modern.

Good luck.

[Matt Larkin (author)]

Actually, it sounds to me like the d20 Modern classes would be ideal for the setting you describe.  I cannot really imagine most of the traditional classes fitting into either of those movies so well as the free multiclassing in d20 Modern (one reason I use it for my dark ages setting).

d20 Past mentions that Wealth can represent other things besides credit (even though that's what it was originally intended for).  Like investments, favors, and the like.  Plus, in the setting you describe, money in the bank, stocks, or even dirty investments.

I usually try not to work on two projects simultaneously, though I wouldn't say it's "wrong" to do so.  But focus can be good.  If I feel compelled to switch projects, I set the current one aside and work on the other until I feel the need to switch back.

[So-Keher]

@Pheonix: I was reading some of your setting and like what you have done. I want to make a few advanced classes of my own though, like a Vigilante for example. The only reason i am working on two is (a) it is a sweet idea and (b) i got stuck in the other and need some time away from it. ;)

I think i will leave the wealth system for now, as it would be a lot of work just to make it, well, work.

[SDragon]

im not sure what youre looking for out of the traditional d&d rules....

to be honest, if youre going for something like LoEG, then youll definately want some classes and races that are a bit more exotic then what modern would provide.

by the way, is there any moore sources of inspiration then those two movies?

[CYMRO]

I say cherrypick what you want from both, then create whatever new you need to flesh it out.

[SilvercatMoonpaw]

I have a thread up on the d20 Past forum at WotC, and the general advice is one of two things:
1) Do a search for "wealth conversion" specifying the WotC boards on your search engine.
2) Get d20 Apocalypse, which has a bartering system that assigns values to each item.

[Wensleydale]

Also, is it wrong to work on two different projects at once, especially once as different as the Faenaed Chronicles and this one?

Har har. See Aelwyd? And Kalara? And Goromor? I'm working on THREE, and it's only because I love Aelwyd so much, and because there's so much to do on it, that I haven't got bored and started another!

Anyway, advice. I've just been offered the job of administrator over a CS (unpaid, darn it) which is set in the far future. Although it uses a couple of new classes, ditches some of the old rules, and uses stuff like laser guns and implants, it uses the same basic system as DnD. For a 'league of extraordinary gentlemen' theme, you'd want it sort of victorian, which could be adapted from current rules.

[Lmns Crn]

I've done essentially the opposite thing, it seems: reverse-engineered DnD classes and remodeled them on D20 Modern ideas. It seems to work pretty well. I suspect the mere idea of infusion-- of mixing diverse mechanical ideas that are traditionally attached to opposite sorts of themes-- lends the setting's flavor it's impetus.

Remember that good mechanics are like special effects: the best and most artful of them are so seamless, so invisible, that the audience never knows they're there. If the game is a sculpture the mechanics are the armature supporting it, if the game is a luxury car the mechanics are the engine that drives it, if the game is a symphony the mechanics are the instruments upon which it is played. Mechanics are important to the game, and having the right mechanics for your setting is important, but they're still just a means to an end.

Concerning wealth bonus, I like the idea of it on paper, but don't have the practical experience with d20 Modern to tell you whether I can really advocate its use or not. Wealth bonus, or any kind of "wealth stat" mechanic (as opposed to simply keeping tabs on your cash) is a pretty elegant system in its way, but it's suited for a particular kind of game.

I really like wealth stats in urban games. It's a convenient mechanic for describing wealth in a lot of intangible ways, and it allows the rich to do everyday rich-people-stuff without excessive financial bookkeeping. It's a good mechanic for urban life's expenses. I've toyed with the idea of using a wealth bonus for the Jade Stage.

That said, it's a pretty bad mechanic for dealing with wealth when most of your transactions involve killing stuff and taking their gold, so I certainly don't recommend it for all types of games.

[So-Keher]

For more sources of modern styled sources  (i don't necessarily like all of their material but bits and pieces are a good fit) include: Underworld, The Matrix Trilogy (cinematic action, feel and aura, etc.). The world itself would be most similar to V, maybe a modern day London, with elementsof       /mystery from LoEG and Underworld. It is confusing but i want it  to not only play cool but FEEl different as well.