First, let me say that I understand a bit of what is going on here, as I've been involved with fan conversions for both Dragonlance and Spelljammer.
Theoretically, the issues of Dragon/Dungeon would become hard to find, while Athas.org's translation would be a constant resource. However, I think many Dark Sun fans will be picking up these issues.
What concerns me is that there will be a split in the fan base as the Dragon/Dungeon conversion comes out. I have a proposal to make, which I think can be beneficial to most parties. It would require a bit more effort on the part of Athas.org, but if they're willing, the benefit would outweigh that.
My proposal is to have future online downloads be "dual-stat" books. AEG does this with Legend of the Five Rings, using both the d10 and d20 systems.
In this case, there would just be two differing d20 systems. One could have a standard stat block using one system, then an optional stat block using another system.
This way, the team at Athas.org would be supporting both interpretations of Dark Sun. All future products would then be official no matter which way you go, and one can keep any fan base split to a minimum.
Anyway, feel free to discuss this idea and mull it over. I hope that it proves to be beneficial.
IMO, a simpler (in the long run), and probably easier thing to do is to not publish anything that blurs game stats with game flavor text. In other words, publish as if every rule you were to put in were going to be OGC. That way, fans can take the flavor that is written, and use whichever rule set they prefer.
Regards,
Eric Anondson
Originally posted by Eric Anondson
Your proposal kind of assumes that the two systems wil be significantly different to a casual observer. If both even remotely appear alike, dual-stat will only cause confusion.
If the systems are significantly different, then this may be a viable option. Confusion can be lessened by proper labeling.
I guess it would be good to see how similar and how different the systems are.
IMO, a simpler (in the long run), and probably easier thing to do is to not publish anything that blurs game stats with game flavor text. In other words, publish as if every rule you were to put in were going to be OGC. That way, fans can take the flavor that is written, and use whichever rule set they prefer.
On this note, I wholeheartedly agree.
Spelljammer fans have had some disagreements on various rules things, so Night Druid (one of the SJ Council guys) writes up materials that is "edition generic", where you can use whichever game system you want.
Originally posted by Jon, Oracle of Athas
One problem is that Dragon material is not OGC.
Good point.
Ah, well. I was just trying to come up with something to help out when Dragon and Dungeon do the 3.5 conversion.
*shrugs*
Originally posted by Eric Anondson
IMO, a simpler (in the long run), and probably easier thing to do is to not publish anything that blurs game stats with game flavor text. In other words, publish as if every rule you were to put in were going to be OGC. That way, fans can take the flavor that is written, and use whichever rule set they prefer.
Probably good advice anyway ....
One problem is that Dragon material is not OGC
While true, there is nothing that says you can't get special permission outside the liscense to use the IP. Although I my skepiticism meter has punched a few holes in my roof in regards to the upcomming DS articles (sorry Dave), I do still like the dual stat suggestion. I doubt that both systems will be all that different, but then it would fall to the Athas.org team's shoulders to consistantly find and display the little differences. Then there is the issue of telling a story based on mechanics that can crop in in fluff and flavor text at times which may or may not be a concern . . . ack! I ramble yet again . . .
Originally posted by Jon, Oracle of Athas
One problem is that Dragon material is not OGC.
While it won't be Open Game Content, it will be Dark Sun. I wonder what the technicalities of athas.org's arrangement with WotC would specify with regard to other Dark Sun material. Afterall, athas.org is the 'official Dark Sun fansite". Dragon and Dungeon are soon to publish new Dark Sun material. WotC will surely need to spell out what they expect to allow their official fansites to support when for-profit 3rd-parties pick up the mantle of a "retired" setting.
Regards,
Eric Anondson