RATIONALE

Do we want to convert to 3rd edition?

I strongly feel that the 3E core rules are vastly superior to anything out there now, especially 2E. (caveat -- I think some of the stuff in the supplemental books is poorly balanced and must be used cautiously!) However, with Don, me, and Michael all strongly enthusiastic, and with the Arena game Don's running as an example, I think we should and will convert sooner or later.

If anyone wants my detailed essay on why 3E is better than 2E, just ask. It's not actually written up yet, but it would be easy to spew.

One reason in favor of converting to 3E now is that everyone is fairly low level. It would be easier to convert now than it will be later. And with the new multi-classing rules, people might want to explore new areas of advancement. However, I do think that starting our 3E characters at low-medium level (4-8) rather than high-medium level (9-13) or low level (1-3) might be wise.

A reason against converting is that we are far from being a standard set of characters -- it's a pain in the neck to convert. But I think this and other detriments can be overcome with some creativity and house rules. For example, I suggest that all Eternal Characters (or at least those who are Replicated) do not suffer the 20% xp penalty from unbalanced multiclassing. Don has also suggested that the restrictions on alignment and progression restrictions (monks and paladins) be eliminated for us.

PHILOSOPHY

I think we should embrace two philosophical points:

Point 1) When we convert our current characters to 3E rules, we should do so in such a way as to ensure that everyone is happy playing his new 3E character.

Elaboration: No one should be discontent with how their PC turns out. No one should feel shafted or too weak. Everyone should be excited with their 3E PC. I have ideas on how to accomplish this goal, and more on that later.

Point 2) Players should have the option of being able to REPLICATE their current character in a 3E version or REINTERPRET (closely or loosely) their current character using 3E rules.

Elaboration: In a nutshell, you can make a new character or keep your current one -- with the minor adaptations necessary under 3E. For example, this means that if Harry wants to replicate a 1E monk under 3E rules, we figure out a way to let him do so. Or if he wants to reinterpret his character as a 3E monk, that's fine too. Or he could reinterpret his monk as a 3E rogue/fighter with unarmed attack feats and specialization -- and a couple monk levels multiclassed in if he likes. Or, if he wanted to, Harry could say, "fuck it all," and create a 3E bard. Whatever makes him happy (see point one).

NEW LEVEL DETERMINATION

My primary philosophy (see below) is that everyone needs to be happy with his character. Given that, here's my idea on how to set starting level:

Ask each player, "What character level is the minimum you would need to create a character you would be happy with?" Then everybody makes a Bid, which is the answer to the question. Then we take the highest Bid and make everyone start at that level. If you choose not to play a character at that level, you can trade levels for special abilities (see below).

For example, say the six of us give the following required minimum levels: 3, 5, 6, 8, 8, 9. Then we would all start off at level 9, and we could trade in levels for special abilities. Even the guy who bid 9 could start at level 1 with 8 special abilities.

You can make your Bid public or private -- if private, the guy who counts Bids won't tell anyone what you bid.

I also suggest that after a round of Bids, if you are not happy with the results, you can ask for another round of requests, which is held (over and over if need be) until everyone is happy.

SPECIAL ABILITIES

A note on special abilities. If you choose to REPLICATE your current PC, you get whatever special abilities you need to do so; then you could _also_ trade in levels for more special abilities. If you choose to REINTERPRET your PC, you get no special abilites except those derived from trading in levels.

Here are some ideas for special abilities you could get for trading in a level: +15 skill points; +2 to an ability score; +2 to all saves; +3d10 HP; a form of druid wildshape, maybe based on the 2E druidic shapechange; some other permanent magical ability.

But a trade-in should not grant a collection of bonuses that duplicate those you get from going up a level. For example, if you want to use a trade-in to gain 1d6 hp AND +1 on a save AND some skill points AND a feat, then I say, just take the level instead of the trade in! You get a better value by multiclassing a level of fighter or rogue!

We should start to suggest likely ideas for special abilities, so that with enough suggestions we can form a consensus.

ABILITY SCORES

The new rules make dramatic changes to the Ability Scores (Strength, Wisdom, etc). Bonuses start accruing at 12 and penalties, at 9. And you can add to your scores as you go up in levels. So we may want to tinker with our scores or revamp them entirely. I see two options:

Option One: Keep your current scores.

Option Two: Use the Point-Buy method from the Dungeon Master's Guide.

Let me elaborate on Option Two. I took all the Eternal PCs and figured out how many points it would cost to buy each character. Then I averaged all the costs -- and the average point-buy cost was 52. So if you want to use the point-buy method, you get 52 points to use to buy scores for your PC.

If your final scores cost less than the point-buy method (for example, because you kept your old scores), then you can trade in the extra points for special abilities. I suggest that a special ability is worth 4-6 points.

Here are the details on the math:

	S	I	W	D	C	Ch
Abrac	15	18	18	16	15	17
Nomad	16	15	16	17	17	15
Marvin	18	13	12	11	19	6
Dave Kazz	15	14	15	16	12	13
Tim Zoltan	15	14	15	16	16	18
Me	10	13	16	17	14	13
Jean	15	14	8	19	16	15
	High-to-low order						Point-Buy cost
Abrac	18	18	17	16	15	15	71
Nomad	17	17	16	16	15	15	62
Marvin	19	18	13	12	11	6	44
Dave Kazz	16	15	15	14	13	12	41
Tim Zoltan	18	16	16	15	15	14	58
Me	17	16	14	13	13	10	41
Jean	19	16	15	15	14	8	48
Average	18	17	15	14	14	11	52

CONVERTING A 2E MULTICLASS CHARACTER TO 3E

The biggest challenges in making the switch come from translating characters with multiple spellcasting classes. For example, 3E multiclassed PCs end up at lower level than they were in 2E. Using the standard conversion formula given in the 3E rules, a 10th/10th druid/mage ends up at 6th/7th. This sucks for level-based abilites like spell casting. But it is balanced by improved hit dice, saves and attacks. For example, the new 6th/7th 3E druid mage has ...

-- worse spells than he did before. No 5th level mage spell, no 4th or 5th level druid spell. Although the new bonus spells for high Int help.

-- worse level-based special abilities (like reading scrolls and overcoming magic resistance) -- but not really because the 3E character has lots more feats and skills, not to mention druidic shapechange at an earlier level, a free and better familiar, and free magic feats for the wizard.

-- better hit points. The 3E PC has 6d4+7d8+13xCon hp (average 89 hp with 16 Con and max at lvl 1), compared with (10d4+10d8)/2 + 10xCon (average 57.5 hp with 16 Con and max at lvl 1). Plus the 2E PC gets no new fewer dice in the future, while the 3E PC gets a max 20 hit dice at character level 20.

-- better attacks. A 10th level druid's 2E THAC0 is 14 (equivalent to a 3E base attack bonus (BAB) of +6). A 6th/7th 3E druid mage has a BAB of +7 (equivalent to 2E THAC0 13) PLUS the 3E character has multiple attacks -- specifically, a second attack at BAB +2. Then add in better 3E bonuses for high Str and Dex.

Bottom Line: creating a multi-classed character in 3E to Replicate our non-standard characters means either sucking up the 3E advantages and disadvantages or making house rules to compensate. For example, if a Replicated 6th/7th 3E druid mage PC wanted to have access to 4th and 5th level spells, the price might be lower hit points and no extra attacks.

WHAT'S NEXT?

This manifesto is 85 percent mine (Steve, Michael, and Don have offered some thoughts). We need more feedback and criticism. What options am I overlooking? What is good, bad, indifferent? Make some comments.

For those who are interested, here are some ideas I have had on Converting my Character to 3E.