Two products have put a burr in my saddle, so to speak. Anachronistic Adventurers: The Enforcer and Modern Heroes (go to downloads for product) have inspired me to consider running a campaign that starts with modern characters transported to a fantasy world. I know, been done. Well, I haven't run such a campaign before. My question is if there is a AP/campaign/product that would make for a good fit for this idea. I have been considering running the Red Hand of Doom. There are plenty of Pathfinder conversions out there to support it. I was seeing if anybody had a better idea.
Two products have put a burr in my saddle, so to speak. Anachronistic Adventurers: The Enforcer and Modern Heroes (go to downloads for product) have inspired me to consider running a campaign that starts with modern characters transported to a fantasy world. I know, been done. Well, I haven't run such a campaign before. My question is if there is a AP/campaign/product that would make for a good fit for this idea. I have been considering running the Red Hand of Doom. There are plenty of Pathfinder conversions out there to support it. I was seeing if anybody had a better idea.
Legacy of Fire AP deals alot with bent reality and strangers in a Strange land. Why not try that?
Two products have put a burr in my saddle, so to speak. Anachronistic Adventurers: The Enforcer and Modern Heroes (go to downloads for product) have inspired me to consider running a campaign that starts with modern characters transported to a fantasy world. I know, been done. Well, I haven't run such a campaign before. My question is if there is a AP/campaign/product that would make for a good fit for this idea. I have been considering running the Red Hand of Doom. There are plenty of Pathfinder conversions out there to support it. I was seeing if anybody had a better idea.
I was considering serpent's skull. Being stuck on an island is pretty cool, and in a modern setting there is no magic to let you teleport away. The last bad guy would have to be an alien though, or a demon that was trapped a long time ago.
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I was considering serpent's skull. Being stuck on an island is pretty cool, and in a modern setting there is no magic to let you teleport away. The last bad guy would have to be an alien though, or a demon that was trapped a long time ago.
Uh...he's talking about the classic "Normal Person from the Modern World tranferred to a Fantasy World" plot line. So Magic would be a go.
That said, while I haven't read Serpent's Skull, from everything I've heard it'd be a good one for this plot, with few to no changes required.
Legacy of Fire (which I have read, since I'm prepping to run it), would also work, but you'd need to seriously modify the intro somehow (since it assumes the PCs were just hired by some NPCs, and that provides the entire motive force of HotCC). It's doable, but would take a little work. Maybe if you have them show up right outside Katapesh and be immediately enslaved, then offered their freedom if they do this...
One issue with this idea is the potential lack of spellcasters. There are several ways to overcome that, but I'm curious what the OP had in mind as a solution.
My solution to the spellcasters are a couple of locals, lol. Even John Carter adventured with locals. That way I am not anyone that wants a spellcaster to play a class they don't want.
My reason for looking a Red Hand of Doom was I am leaning to starting higher than 1st level. I can still do that with the APs, just not more than 3rd level, that way. I like Legacy of Fire. That was another I was looking at.
My solution to the spellcasters are a couple of locals, lol. Even John Carter adventured with locals. That way I am not anyone that wants a spellcaster to play a class they don't want.
My reason for looking a Red Hand of Doom was I am leaning to starting higher than 1st level. I can still do that with the APs, just not more than 3rd level, that way. I like Legacy of Fire. That was another I was looking at.
RHoD is a great adventure and has a good, conflict-driven, combat-heavy plot that would draw "strangers" in quickly. I would recommend a brief intro adventure first to get them into the main plot and a reason to care about it. Just a few thoughts that hopefully will help you flesh out your interesting idea.
Not sure what your reasoning is on wanting to start them at greater than 1st level, unless it is just a general aversion to the lowest levels. The stranded strangers campaign seems to scream for 1st level characters, as it would be the rare persomn indeed from modern society who would have the skills given by fantasy roleplaying classes.
You have to give newly stranded characters from a different world a reason to care about the world they are stranded in quickly, particularly if they aren't good-aligned by nature.
Conversely, a logical and powerful motivator for these characters will be to get back home. So, if you can work that in somehow, it can really be a great plot mover, i.e. "you must overthrow the Lich King to get home, as he controls the only known portal to your world."
Are you going to have them be dumped in the world with any stuff, or just naked as a jaybird? It can be kind of a cool element to have someone have a handgun with limited ammo, or even something comparatively mundane like a flashlight.
Also, the fact that they will have knowledge of modern science and technology, and possibly even the ability to recreate some of it with access to the right tools and material. Even the introduction of modern sensibilities about things like slavery and child labor could be interesting. Read Joel Rosenberg's Guardians of the Flame series for some inspiration along this line.
Anyway, sounds like fun. I think it has been done a lot in film and fiction, but actually don't think it has been overdone in games and specifically in PF/D&D. Good luck to you.
The main reason to start above 1st level, is the general consensus of the players looking to play are wanting to be part of a military unit. I was thinking like an Army Ranger Unit in Afghanistan. Even the lower guys in the unit will be better than 1st level. Maybe not much, but I know what their training is like. RHoD starts out with players at 6th level. It isn't a full blown AP, so is perfect for completing the mission & getting home. I agree that I need to draw them in, but do you really think I will have much of a problem? RHoD is kinda set up for drawing in players that are just passing through, lol.
Legacy of Fire would be great, also. Since genies are involved, I can see ways of using wishes on portals (or a dozen other ways) to entice the players that is is in their best interest to help out.
The main reason to start above 1st level, is the general consensus of the players looking to play are wanting to be part of a military unit. I was thinking like an Army Ranger Unit in Afghanistan. Even the lower guys in the unit will be better than 1st level. Maybe not much, but I know what their training is like. RHoD starts out with players at 6th level. It isn't a full blown AP, so is perfect for completing the mission & getting home. I agree that I need to draw them in, but do you really think I will have much of a problem? RHoD is kinda set up for drawing in players that are just passing through, lol.
Legacy of Fire would be great, also. Since genies are involved, I can see ways of using wishes on portals (or a dozen other ways) to entice the players that is is in their best interest to help out.
Interesting. Rangers, with their training, could easily be seen as Fighters of greater than 1st level. The main problem is the weapons they are proficient with aren't fantasy/medieval weapons, although they do, of course get a fair amount of close combat and unarmed combat training. Not the same thing as working with a sword and shield or a longbow or a halberd as their primary weapon, though. Unless, of course, you plan on bringing them through with their gear, in which case there are a lot of hobgoblins, dragonspawn and dragons that are going to die with very surprised looks on their faces.
I think it will be boring unless you find a way to get your guys some magic.
I think you skipped a post about a player or 2 would want to play magic types. They could be 'local', aka wizards that are trying to help them get home.
Interesting. Rangers, with their training, could easily be seen as Fighters of greater than 1st level. The main problem is the weapons they are proficient with aren't fantasy/medieval weapons, although they do, of course get a fair amount of close combat and unarmed combat training. Not the same thing as working with a sword and shield or a longbow or a halberd as their primary weapon, though. Unless, of course, you plan on bringing them through with their gear, in which case there are a lot of hobgoblins, dragonspawn and dragons that are going to die with very surprised looks on their faces.
They will have a full combat load out. That will of course be of limited usefulness. After all, ammo is not endless. They will be at a disadvantage for about one level. I am thinking of a lead-in adventure. They will be 5th level, then make 6th prior to starting RHoD. I they are smart, they will take either the feat in a martial weapon, or multiclass into something to get the proficiencies.
I also have visions of the Prince Roger series, March Upcountry.
Even if army rangers came through with their combat gear intact, how long would the standard combat load of 210 rounds last? I know in my experience they never seemed to last long against mooks that would have 7-9 hit points. trying to bring down 30-100 hit point enemies your m-16s would be plastic clubs by the second or third day.
I dont know so much about army rangers being more than 1st level fighters either (assuming no combat experience and just training).
Roman centurions and warriors of old had alot of extensive melee training and there is no way you can say their training was easier or less involved than modern army training. They are often described as the "base line" for a 1st level fighter....
I think it will be boring unless you find a way to get your guys some magic.I think you skipped a post about a player or 2 would want to play magic types. They could be 'local', aka wizards that are trying to help them get home.
Interesting. Rangers, with their training, could easily be seen as Fighters of greater than 1st level. The main problem is the weapons they are proficient with aren't fantasy/medieval weapons, although they do, of course get a fair amount of close combat and unarmed combat training. Not the same thing as working with a sword and shield or a longbow or a halberd as their primary weapon, though. Unless, of course, you plan on bringing them through with their gear, in which case there are a lot of hobgoblins, dragonspawn and dragons that are going to die with very surprised looks on their faces.They will have a full combat load out. That will of course be of limited usefulness. After all, ammo is not endless. They will be at a disadvantage for about one level. I am thinking of a lead-in adventure. They will be 5th level, then make 6th prior to starting RHoD. I they are smart, they will take either the feat in a martial weapon, or multiclass into something to get the proficiencies.
I also have visions of the Prince Roger series, March Upcountry.
Sounds like fun. Might I also suggest, if you haven't read it before, Brian Daley's "Doomfarers of Coramonde" and "Starfollowers of Coramonde"? The basic plotline is a squad of Vietnam-era grunts, in their M-113 APC, summoned by spell into a medieval fantasy world to deal with a dragon summoned by a rival wizard. Very fun opening battle. One of them then agrees to come back and brings some guns and modern military expertise with him. Fun read as well as providing good inspirational material for your campaign.
First off, with one of my best friends being a former Ranger, they are NOT first level. Only the privates, maybe. My idea involves Rangers running a special escort mission, kinda like the army guys at the beginning of Hellboy. Now, none of them would be greater than 5th level, I admit. Yes the 'magic' of D&D would allow them one level & they will be good with martial weapons. So what, this is a FANTASY game. The whole point is for the players to have fun, not to try to simulate reality. Their normal combat load, and Army Rangers are notorious for packing heavy for their missions, won't last long. I would be happy if it lasted just long enough for them to take a level in something to give them weapons. Personally, I will steer them into taking a level of rogue or ranger (spell less). As for martial weapons, guys do have hobbies. Now the group will include some NPC soldiers. They will best be represented as if they had on a red shirt in a Star Trek episode. They will be there to add the proper atmosphere of dying a glorious death as the PCs run for their lives. Those NPCs will be the low level shmucks that are part of the unit. The PCs will be the squad leader, team leaders, platoon leader. All the guys that are the better trained of the bunch.
If somebody wants to play the intel guy they are escorting, I may steal from d20 Modern & have it be somebody into the occult. Like a paranormal investigator type. Could make it a variation of the bard class. No music, but a lot of investigation skills & some spellcasting. An arcane Daniel Jackson.
...a campaign that starts with modern characters transported to a fantasy world.
(SIGH) Anyone remember an '80s cartoon about some kids who got on an amusement park ride....
(Man...I'm OLD!) ;p
Looks like you got yourself some EXCELLENT suggestion from The Community! <strums air guitar>
Have fun with this!
Rom
The main reason to start above 1st level, is the general consensus of the players looking to play are wanting to be part of a military unit. I was thinking like an Army Ranger Unit in Afghanistan. Even the lower guys in the unit will be better than 1st level. Maybe not much, but I know what their training is like. RHoD starts out with players at 6th level. It isn't a full blown AP, so is perfect for completing the mission & getting home. I agree that I need to draw them in, but do you really think I will have much of a problem? RHoD is kinda set up for drawing in players that are just passing through, lol.
Legacy of Fire would be great, also. Since genies are involved, I can see ways of using wishes on portals (or a dozen other ways) to entice the players that is is in their best interest to help out.
Interesting. Rangers, with their training, could easily be seen as Fighters of greater than 1st level. The main problem is the weapons they are proficient with aren't fantasy/medieval weapons, although they do, of course get a fair amount of close combat and unarmed combat training. Not the same thing as working with a sword and shield or a longbow or a halberd as their primary weapon, though. Unless, of course, you plan on bringing them through with their gear, in which case there are a lot of hobgoblins, dragonspawn and dragons that are going to die with very surprised looks on their faces.
You Might want to look at super genius' new enforcer base class. It has some ideas on how to handle proficiencies based on what time period you are from (in progress levels). And it is specifically designed for this kind of an adventuure (modern character in a fantasy world).
Bought & reviewed!! Gave it 5 stars. And if you read the first post, it was one of the things that started me on this.
Bought & reviewed!! Gave it 5 stars. And if you read the first post, it was one of the things that started me on this.
I did see that you had in fact bought this, i was pointing brian at it, as it specifically addresses some of what he is concerned for a 'modern warrior' like an Army Ranger.
Bought & reviewed!! Gave it 5 stars. And if you read the first post, it was one of the things that started me on this.I did see that you had in fact bought this, i was pointing brian at it, as it specifically addresses some of what he is concerned for a 'modern warrior' like an Army Ranger.
I stand corrected, sir. Proceed with the education of the masses. :P
Since I'm just about to start kingmaker, the first thing I thought of was the 632 series where a bunch of people (a whole small town in this case), is transported and proceed to found a new nation and start changing the world around them. If you wanted to start at first level, having them suddenly appear at Oleg's just as the bandits show up would be an interesting start. It doesn't work as well at higher level, though.
Don't forget about the Gunslinger class, I'd think that a far more likely class for some modern castaways to adopt. And you might want to consider picking up Dreamscarred Press' Psionics Unleashed if you want to give your PC's access to "magic" right from the start that could be explained away as "modern".
Don't forget about the Gunslinger class, I'd think that a far more likely class for some modern castaways to adopt. And you might want to consider picking up Dreamscarred Press' Psionics Unleashed if you want to give your PC's access to "magic" right from the start that could be explained away as "modern".
Gunslinger would be great if they want to be a kinda mercenary type of hunters, if they are going after paranormal stuff. I have the Psionics unleashed, but I don't think anybody is thinking about it. I am looking to make a Paranormal investigator class that is a alternate bard, with Intelligence based casting. That way they may have an occultist. Otherwise, I will see if anybody is leaning to playing a spellcaster, then they will be the 'native' guide.
I stand corrected, sir. Proceed with the education of the masses. :PBought & reviewed!! Gave it 5 stars. And if you read the first post, it was one of the things that started me on this.I did see that you had in fact bought this, i was pointing brian at it, as it specifically addresses some of what he is concerned for a 'modern warrior' like an Army Ranger.
Hey!! I know I've gained some weight but I don't think I qualify as "masses" yet (maybe one single mass, but certainly not masses). :)
I'll check out Super Genius and the Enforcer some time. (Sounds like a cheesy superhero/supervillain tandem when you say it that way.)