Convering DnD to CODA

Greeting fellow gamers,


Some days a go we have started with my brother a quite big projetc. We try to convert DnD from the D20 system (which we have to admit we hate :mad: ) to something that makes more sense and is more to our liking.

Although we both hate D20 we are fans of the Forgotten Realms settings. AT fiirst we tried to tweek some rules but unfortunately that didn't work. WHen you started changing soemthing and you feel satisfied with the results you realise that you create a bunch of new problems.

So we had to adopt a new set of rules, we had to start from scratch. Having played RPG that utilise different systems (LotR-CODA, Vampire, Werewolf, Shadowrun, WHFRP, etc.) we decided to tackle the problem from multiple angles.

My brotherbegun work on using the Shadowrun system, and I have taken on the task of the CODA conversion.

Although this is a very early stage of the project, CODA seems to be a very flexible system and compatible with the whole FR setting.

I am currently working on the basics, i.e. races, classes (orders) etc. but have a good idea of where I will be going in terms of spells and converting existing D20 characters/monsters/PCs into the CODA equivelant.

I would be happy to hear your opinion on this. If you tries anything similar I would be delighted to hear what you have done, problem you encountered and so on.

I will try and post most details laters. Hopefully I will be able to give you a first draft of our work in progress when you put it on the test!

Thanks in advance for your time.

I highly encourage any exodus from d20, especially to CODA. I feel CODA has great potential and the Decipher's layout for LotR is just a-frickin-mazing. I have never seen a layout better wrought, :D

Now, bear in mind I've played D&D since it was Chainmail and I was about 6 or so, so I have plenty of advice.

First and foremost, pick up a copy of the Moria booklet from ICE for their MERP system. You can probably find it on eBay cheap. Make sure you get the blue-bordered booklet that just shows stairs, not the $100 USD monstrocity that has the fellowship fighting orks on the stairs of Khazad-dum. On the inside front jacket cover is a great conversion chart for many rpg systems. If anyone needs a copy, I can post it to this thread, it's no trouble.

Also, if you're converting from d20 to CODA, bear in mind the XP difference; d20 levels are about 3000 XP or so a piece, whereas CODA's are 1000 XP.

I can provide more specific detail to any specific inquiry. Generally speaking, I do like the d20 system, but I do not like the quagmire of politics surrounding what was TSR. I grew up with TSR and when it was taken away from Gygax, I started a long and growing dislike towards the 'inheritors' of the company. And when WotC bought out TSR, I really just kind of lost the love for the whole thing.

About that time, I discovered Decipher and the CODA system and I've never really looked back. My playgroup has, likewise, embraced this new system and we are working towards bringing the details to where we want them.

CODA is a beautifully simple system that gives room for complexity, which I think will show its endurance in the ages to come. Plus, they've got the venerable name of Tolkien on their side...and you know, it really does make a difference. I have always felt...like I was playing a second-rate game when I played D&D. It wasn't Tolkien, and yet, it ripped off all the major ideas. I didn't care for the feeling, personally, so I think in that regard, I can sympathize a move to Decipher's line. ;)

Although I cannot claim to be an expert of the CODA system, from the moment I first read the book, I knew this was the ideal system for me.

Thanks for your encouragement however, I would like to have a look at the ICE Moria booklet for MERP. Would I be asking to much if i asked you to either post it here or email it to me (ak1@phys.soton.ac.uk)?

Experience I think is probably the least of the problems, at least at this stage. At the moment I am working on stuff like skill ranks, attack bonuses, spells, and so on. It will some time till I get to the experience section.

I can post the chart (forgive me in advance if the formatting is terrible!) either tonight or this weekend, it's no trouble. Unfortunately, right now, I'm at work and don't have access to it, :D

I'll post it here so that everyone can have a gander at it, as well, ;)

Ok, no problem, thanks a lot!:D