I have been DMing for many years and have recently bought the new 3rd edition serious kinda confusing at first. My questions how would I convert my players characters fronm 2nd to 3rd is there a site that tells about that.
In all honesty, it's probably best if you don't convert stuff. The two systems are similar in name only, and a handful of terms (terms that do not equate over, btw). Very hard, and usually leaves the players "less than satisfied" with their characters...mainly due to the linear xp system vs. class-based. Don't even think about converting a multiclassed or duel classed character. ;)
I've hear several people trying to convert their whole campaign over to 3/3.5e...I honestly can't remember any that succeeded. The DM usuallly ended up just saying "Screw it! Everyone make new guys. The year is now 30 years later and the world has undergone some changes."...and starts a new campaign.
We converted our Night Below Campaign from late 2nd ed (Player's Option) to 3E very successfully. Indeed, the campaign continued for several more years until we finished it, then started a new campaign.
As for converting, they did put out a conversion guide, but I'm not sure if it's available anymore. The biggest problem you will have is with ability scores. 3E/3.5 is very geared towards standard or point buy scores. If the characters have random rolls, there will likely be a hefty imbalance in their new abilities. More, converting percentile strength does not work well at all.
For multi- and dual-classed characters you need to make some compromises. For the most part their abilities are likely to drop significantly in one class. They will have the most problems.
Secondary issues will involve the changes in certain spells that can take a great deal of getting used to, as well as some shock over some feat combos, and the increase in raw power of some opponents.
In all honesty, it's probably best if you don't convert stuff. The two systems are similar in name only, and a handful of terms (terms that do not equate over, btw). Very hard, and usually leaves the players "less than satisfied" with their characters...mainly due to the linear xp system vs. class-based. Don't even think about converting a multiclassed or duel classed character. ;)
I've hear several people trying to convert their whole campaign over to 3/3.5e...I honestly can't remember any that succeeded. The DM usuallly ended up just saying "Screw it! Everyone make new guys. The year is now 30 years later and the world has undergone some changes."...and starts a new campaign.
At any rate, good luck! You're gonna need it! ;)
Pure conversions between the two systems are probably more effort than they are worth. Players who want to hang on to old characters in 3e would be better off thinking in terms of concept: how do they see their characters in terms of ability, character, motivations, skills. 2nd ed was a vertical based system: progress from level to level, improve stats, THACO, gain spells etc. But there wasn't much in the way of diversity other than in becoming multiclassed or choosing an unusual character class. 3e/3.5e OTOH, allows for some horizontal diversity along with vertical ascension: characters can pay points for skills and feats in a method similar to other point based systems such as Champions or GURPS.
So the players should think in terms of "Who is my character, what is he about? What kind of archtype does he fit? What motivates him, what is his history?" Buy skills and feats accordingly. It may be difficult to translate the characters precisely, and players shouldn't try. Come as close as you can without distrupting game balance.
GMs OTOH, do need to think about conversions to some extent so they can use older material in newer campaigns. It's a shame to waste loads of great product out there just because the game system has changed. The easiest thing to do is look at some of the allies and villains books out there and use them as templates for major villains to get an idea how things change from the old system to the new. Comparing Monster Manuals is another great guide. Basically, stats convert easily. Armor class is reversed IIRC. But the differences aren't so great as to make it too much of a pain.
Translating to another game system, now that's another matter altogether . . . .
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