Questions tagged [d20-system]

For questions about the d20 System, an RPG system originally published in 2000 by Wizards of the Coast. The d20 System was developed alongside D&D 3e and is a derivative of it, but it forms the mechanical backbone for a variety of RPGs entirely departed from the D&D system.

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Does anyone know if there are any rules for Materials refinement in Pathfinder & DnD type settings or similar?

I've been working on a document that collects "special materials" and 'crafting techniques' throughout Dungeons & Dragons 3.X materials, and Pathfinder, but I've found little information ...
AOKost's user avatar
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13 votes
2 answers
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What editions of D&D are derived from the d20 system?

The tag wiki on this website says: For questions about the d20 System, an RPG system originally published in 2000 by Wizards of the Coast. The d20 System was developed alongside D&D 3e and is a ...
AncientSwordRage's user avatar
11 votes
1 answer
538 views

What does the OGL mean for things based on d20 elements, but which aren't games?

I've been thinking lately about how the Overlord novels/manga/anime are so clearly based on 3e/3.5e/d20/whatever, yet were still commercially published--and, as far as I'm aware, suffered no legal ...
47948201's user avatar
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12 votes
1 answer
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How does the bite attack from the 'fangs' talent work, with other abilities, actions and features?

The species hybrid—lupine has the special talent fangs that says: Once per round, the agent may declare he is making a bite attack against his opponent as a free action. This attack inflicts 1d4 ...
Hey I Can Chan's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
105 views

How to port skill checks from one d20 system to another [closed]

Is there a consistent way to transfer skill checks between various d20 type systems? In D&D 5e, for example, a precedent is set for difficulty of skill checks, where 10 is easy, 15 medium and so ...
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3 votes
3 answers
340 views

How do I know whether a 9th-level character has the correct number of skill points if they may have gained Int in the past?

Let’s say you have to study a level 9 character sheet created by another player. However, you have no record of whether the player put additional points into INT or not, and cannot ask him/her. How ...
posfan12's user avatar
  • 165
8 votes
1 answer
413 views

What is a consistent method for converting d20 SRD monster stats to Microlite20?

In the Monster Creation section, Microlite20 states, "Add stat bonuses to suit and as logic dictates." I could come up with each monster's stats individually as I use them, but doing this well seems ...
Pixie's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
142 views

Name of a roleplaying supplement, 80s, D20 system, heavy on Alchemy?

I once had a roleplaying "supplement" - that was the title, it was actually an almost complete rpg - like this: the (scarcely described) setting was supposed to be Atlantis level and class system I ...
mart's user avatar
  • 315
1 vote
0 answers
135 views

Are there alternate rules for round and turn management for Pathfinder, 3E or 3.5E or d20 (in general)? [closed]

Are there other ways to manage time, rounds and turns in PF, 3E or 3.5E or d20 in general? Current rules are ok, but they seem a little bit like turn based videogames. What could we do to feel the ...
cablop's user avatar
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3 votes
2 answers
490 views

Is there a method to change damage from psionic powers to nonlethal?

Is there a method to change damage from psionic powers to nonlethal? I am looking for answers in the 3.x/d20 material from Official WotC sources (published by WotC or by authorized 'official' sources ...
nijineko's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
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Does a character jumping in medium or heavy armor suffer both armor check penalty and penalties for reduced speed?

Armor check penalty is applied to Jump checks (Acrobatics in Pathfinder). For each 10ft of speed below 30ft a character suffers a penalty of -6 (-4 in Pathfinder) to jump checks. Wearing medium or ...
Marco Bolis's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
633 views

Is Tormenta an RPG system or a campaign setting for 3D&T?

Wikipedia believes Tormenta (Portugese for 'Storm') is a campaign setting usable with either Wizard's d20 system or 3D&T. The publisher, however, seems to indicate the Tormenta core book presents ...
Please stop being evil's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
730 views

Vancian Spellcasters vs Dynamic Spellcasters

A 3rd party book Advanced d20 Magic introduces a DC-based spellcasting system called Dynamic Spellcasting. What it basically does is letting spellcasters use their magic at-will, which is set back by ...
Baka-Mastermind's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
392 views

Is there an official streamlined/simplified version of the D20 system? [closed]

I'm considering building my own RPG, the setting is already underway I just need a system. For sake of expediency, recognizability and legality I'd like to use an existing system as the base. The ...
Trismegistus's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
347 views

Is there a spell that you can leave behind that calls your attention across planes when disturbed?

I want to have something that my level 15 wizard can hand to someone saying "Open this box, touch the stone inside and I'll know this town is in trouble." Alarm (mental) would do that but only if I am ...
Umbranus's user avatar
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-1 votes
1 answer
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Methods of disabling specific limbs?

Are there any methods in official WotC sources of disabling specific limb or limbs on a living and/or non-living creature? Use Rope has obvious applications in conjunction with a grapple and pin, and ...
nijineko's user avatar
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0 votes
1 answer
275 views

Can I disable the limbs of an iron golem?

Quite simply, can the individual joints and/or limbs of an Iron Golem (or any other metallic golem) be disabled or otherwise immobilized? Disable Device or Molecular Bonding would seem the two most ...
nijineko's user avatar
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3 votes
2 answers
277 views

What is this collection of random travel encounters?

I was looking for ideas for random encounters for a party travelling with a caravan. I found several free online. During my search I also found a series (four or five volumes) of published supplements ...
Marlond's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
866 views

What published adventures are officially set in Westeros? [closed]

I'm looking adventures set in Westeros. I know there are at least two role-playing games set in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones by Guardians of Order and A Song of Ice and Fire ...
Thamiar's user avatar
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10 votes
1 answer
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Was the d20 SRD ever printed in physical books?

I own most of the D&D 3.5e rule books, but I've always wondered: were there any printed books of the d20 SRD ruleset (e.g. like the PHB, DMG, and MM books) that just include the d20 SRD rules, ...
Draugr's user avatar
  • 101
10 votes
3 answers
1k views

Are there any morale rules that say when NPCs should flee?

In AD&D 2nd edition there were morale checks to determine whether an NPC or monster continues to fight, or tries to surrender or flee. In core D&D 3.5 there is nothing of that sort (if I've ...
Ols's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
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How do I convert Dragonmech to D&D 5e?

So I was looking at Dragonmech, and it seems really cool, and is something I would want to use to DM with my group of friends. My only problem is that none of us know how to play DnD 3.5, and we're ...
Dementedvillian's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
96 views

Spotting and Pointing - Notice checks

This covers at least the Mutants and Masterminds system. I would prefer an answer for 2E, but anything extensible to 3E would be handy too. If there's a generic d20 rule that applies, that would ...
Sean Duggan's user avatar
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3 votes
0 answers
629 views

The D20 / 4th edition OGL licence switching what was really up there? [closed]

As was pointed out to me just in another question the 4th ed / D20 licence switch was not a revoke of the D20 open license. Although what I remember from that time is that publishers were forced to ...
Thomas E.'s user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
142 views

Looking for a power hunger God divine-magic system [closed]

I am looking for a divine magic system for a custom world I am willing to GM for my friends. Basically, in my world, the gods are present and self-centered. And won't give-up their magic for some ...
Marcelo Napoli's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
345 views

Are there rules for "IRL" diseases?

Scenario I have a particular player that insists that the only place he ever visits in towns/cities are brothels. While this makes for funny role-playing at times, it often splits up the party when I ...
Ruut's user avatar
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3 votes
2 answers
746 views

Are there any rules for spaceships in D20?

Aside from the D20 versions of Star Wars, which are different enough that they can't be used in combination with many normal D20 products like d20 Mecha, are there any books that have rules for ...
Thomas E.'s user avatar
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10 votes
1 answer
588 views

Can an artificer buff his charisma before making the UMD check of the day?

In order to make an item, an artificer needs to make UMD checks to emulate features he doesn't have, but the book does not state how much time it takes to make such a check. Can an artificer buff his ...
Jean-Luc Nacif Coelho's user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
2k views

Are there stats for the Roman Scutum in any supplement?

The Roman Scutum was a shield much like a tower shield but smaller and lighter: While a D&D Tower Shield is 45 lbs. and can't bash, a Scutum was typically about 22 lbs. (10 kg) and was ...
Ruut's user avatar
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9 votes
1 answer
2k views

What 3.5e books are under SRD and not?

I am allowed to use the SRD books in a 3.5 campaign. Which books are SRD and what books are not in D&D 3.5e?
user22458's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
584 views

Are there predefined Military awards in d20?

I would like to run a military campaign starting in medieval times (D&D). The only military award or decoration that I know of in the d20 system (off the top of my head) is the Medal of Steadfast ...
Ruut's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is there a creature similar to The Thing? [closed]

Adventure Plot: Group of adventurers, either by accident or mission, stumble across mysterious remains. The remains, unbeknownst to the adventurers, begin to "assimilate" first the NPC's. ...
Ruut's user avatar
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1 vote
3 answers
2k views

Are there more effective ways for a wizard to recover frequent and diverse ability damage other than this specific pair of magic items?

The Prestige Class Metaphysical Spellshaper (BoEF, p.81) has the ability to spontaneously cast metamagic spells, at the cost of suffering 1 ability damage per spell level the metamagic improves the ...
Thomas Jacobs's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
95 views

Where can I get cheap 28mm D&D figures [duplicate]

There is this one thing called Hero Forge, and it looks really cool, https://www.heroforge.com/ but... it really expensive for what I'm looking for, I also tried Warhammer but that was expensive and ...
Axeton Skullcrusher's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
1k views

Can a flying character have the Prone status? Do they have to "stand up" if they have a flight ability?

Mutants and Masterminds 2E uses the standard d20 system definition of Prone, as follows. Prone: The character is lying on the ground. He suffers a –4 penalty on melee attack rolls. Opponents ...
Sean Duggan's user avatar
  • 10.2k
2 votes
2 answers
178 views

Is a burst attack impossible to shield from with your body?

I was playing a Togorian Elite Soldier wearing a Heavy Battle Armor. He was trying to protect a little girl that was about to get bursted by 3 mercenaries, so he put himself in front of her and kneel ...
Zarkos's user avatar
  • 1,112
0 votes
1 answer
7k views

How do I determine my character's maximum load?

According to the d20 SRD regarding carrying capacity: A character can lift as much as his or her maximum load over his or her head. What is the maximum load? Is it the same as the "heavy load" ...
Big McLargeHuge's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
71 views

What do books have over the SRD? [duplicate]

I've recently learned that many d20 games have their rules accessible for free under OGL in form of a System Reference Document. I'd been quite reluctant to d20, but since it's free, I've thought of ...
Marshall's user avatar
  • 175
50 votes
4 answers
7k views

What is "the d20 bust," and what does "post-d20 game" mean?

Reading this gaming industry retrospective I ran into a few phrases which confused me. The d20 bust caused by 3.5e (2003) and the over-saturation of d20 products ran right into the Great Recession. ...
BESW's user avatar
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13 votes
7 answers
6k views

Most faithful way to convert a d20 base roll to a d6 base roll?

I'm semi-converting an old adventure from DnD 3.X to d6 Fantasy, but I'm having trouble getting a roll conversion that I am happy with. The adventure calls for an extended test of d20 +X rolls until ...
Phill.Zitt's user avatar
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3 votes
2 answers
343 views

Recommend me an investigative adventure set in the wilderness [closed]

For my next session in my campaign, I plan to have the party to track the villain from point A to point B, while following a trail of "breadcrumbs", clues left behind by the villain. Perhaps at each ...
Extrakun's user avatar
  • 7,037
5 votes
1 answer
605 views

Which module features an undead pirate fleet waiting to attack a town?

I came across an online review/synopsis of this d20/Pathfinder module but for the life of me I can't remember its name now. Here is the premise: It's an urban adventure, set in a rather large port ...
Extrakun's user avatar
  • 7,037
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

Where can I find a lot of d20 Modern mods?

There's a huge number of games that use the d20 System, including d20 Modern. I've been looking for mods that adapt d20 Modern, or just the d20 System in general. I feel there must be a list somewhere ...
Dakeyras's user avatar
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8 votes
3 answers
37k views

Does a natural 20 initiative roll have any special rules?

I rolled a 20 for initiative in a pickup game today and I realized that I didn't know if that was supposed to be treated specially, like some other rolls treat a natural 20. Does rolling a natural 20 ...
StuperUser's user avatar
  • 9,988
-1 votes
1 answer
977 views

Running a game with intentionally "over-powered" PCs [closed]

I've been playing for a few years now (I know I'm green) but I've been planning on running a game with intentionally "Over-Powered" PCs. This is the style of play I would like to try: My idea is to ...
Michael Annan's user avatar
10 votes
2 answers
9k views

Are there d20 stats for Cthulhu?

I am planning a campaign arc where the antagonists are followers of the entity known as Cthulhu from H.P Lovecraft's strange tales. In the end of the campaign I'd like to have the adventurers fight ...
Antonio's user avatar
  • 5,959
1 vote
3 answers
637 views

What effect would total or partial removal of the skill cap have in the d20 System?

What effect would removing or partially removing the skill cap have in the d20 System (with a focus on D&D 3.5 and Cthulhu d20)? By partial removal, I mean - for example - (handing out all the ...
OpaCitiZen's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
585 views

d20 source books for modern/futuristic settings [closed]

I'm planning a game where different characters come from different time periods and cultures, and I'm using different source books to provide different rules for each character. The general idea is we ...
Haegin's user avatar
  • 799
13 votes
1 answer
533 views

What are the key mechanical gotchas when moving from d20 SRD to Legend?

As everybody knows, once you've learned to do something one way it is very hard to unlearn. This is easier when it comes to the big things like character creation but harder in the heat of combat. ...
Simon Gill's user avatar
  • 9,636
13 votes
4 answers
18k views

How to roll perception checks for characters who aren't actively looking without arousing suspicion?

This applies to all d20 systems, but with an example from the from the Pathfinder PRD (emphasis mine): Stonecunning: Dwarves receive a +2 bonus on Perception checks to potentially notice unusual ...
StuperUser's user avatar
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