Queen of the Spiders (C&C)

[Michael Montalto]

Does anyone know of a Queen of the Spiders conversion that exists today? I'm mapping out my adventures for my group and even though it's relatively higher level (8-14) I would like the ability to incorporate it into my game as it's widely regarded as the greatest super adventure of all time.

-mM

[Treebore]

I just converted it as I ran it.

[Arduin]

I just converted it as I ran it.

Yes, 1e to C&C is super easy.

[Michael Montalto]

Is there a document that shows how to convert 1E to C&C anywhere? I don't recall it in the PHB or the CKG.

I also didn't know that the original adventures were created in 1E and the super module was created in 2E. Is there a large difference between the two or are they basically just a combined grouping with a better cover in a single offering? The reason that I ask is that I see on RPGNow.com you can purchase the individual 1E modules, but you can't purchase GDQ1-7: Queen of the Spiders. (I did in fact find a PDF version of that super module 2E version but if you review it carefully, there are several pages with errors and bad scans on it).

-mM

[serleran]

Is there a document that shows how to convert 1E to C&C anywhere? I don't recall it in the PHB or the CKG.

Nor would you. That's a can of legal mess.

There is very little in the way of a playable conversion as opposed to a rules-heavy one. Which do you want?

Basically, use C&C monsters and spells and items. If they don't exist, conversion of creatures requires assigning Primes. Can use them basically as-is otherwise. Spells don't take a lot of tweaking.

As for 2e.... depends on how much you care about the differences between it and 1st edition. Some care a lot. Others not at all.

So, the end result always requires you to answer -- how close to actual rules do you want or do you just want something that works?

[Arduin]

Is there a document that shows how to convert 1E to C&C anywhere? I don't recall it in the PHB or the CKG.

That wouldn't be legally advisable. My comment was predicated on having a good familiarity with 1st Ed. If one has that plus a working familiarity with C&C you can literally do it on the fly with C&C's two core books.

[Aramis]

I'ts pretty straightforward and can be done on the fly. Remember most physical monster have all physical primes, mental/spell casting monsters will have mental primes, and an occasional rascal will have both prime(e.g. pseudodragons, vampires).

Keep in mind that C&C characters are more similar to 2e character classes, power wise. So, if the module is already 2e you should be good, but if the monster is not in the C&C books (and with the advent of classic monsters many of them will be) always up 1e monsters to 2e monsters. Plus, the 2e monster manual is an excellent resource anyway

[Lurker]

Plus you need to change the ac. It should be an easy change.

Something like subtract the 1e or 2e AC from 20 and get the C&C AC. But, like others have said, that is easy and can be done on the fly.

[finarvyn]

Someone should put out a "OSRIC to C&C" conversion doc. Avoids the whole legal issue while satisfying the goal of the poster.

Having said that, I agree that conversion is easy and I do it on the fly.

[Kayolan]

Converting what a spell caster has prepared into something that is in line with C&C can be a bit time consuming, but other than that it doesn't take much work.

[maximus]

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I agree with the other posters. I just finished running my first module in C&C (Keep on the Borderlands) and converted it as I went. I think as long as you are comfortable with the material and storyline, conversion takes very little time. As long as the gameplay flows and the group is having fun, that's all that matters.

[Michael Montalto]

I'm currently running ToEE and my party just got to Hommlet. I'm finding that conversion is insanely easy thus far for 1E adventures. When I have a question about monsters, I go to the C&C Monsters & Treasures book and look up the stats and background information.

I would go so far as to say that I've been surprised at just how easy it has been doing the conversion. Going on the fly is quite possible.

Spells, yes, that will take a little more work, but I'm not intimidated by it at all.

[Buttmonkey]

I'm currently running ToEE and my party just got to Hommlet. I'm finding that conversion is insanely easy thus far for 1E adventures. When I have a question about monsters, I go to the C&C Monsters & Treasures book and look up the stats and background information.

I would go so far as to say that I've been surprised at just how easy it has been doing the conversion. Going on the fly is quite possible.

Spells, yes, that will take a little more work, but I'm not intimidated by it at all.

If you really want to fly, don't bother with the C&C stats. Just use the stat block in the module. All you have to do is flip the AC, decide on primes, and convert the movement rate. It's not critical that the orc in TOEE be identical to an orc in the C&C M&T. All the players see is a monster. They don't see a 1E monster versus a C&C monster.

[koralas]

If you really want to fly, don't bother with the C&C stats. Just use the stat block in the module. All you have to do is flip the AC, decide on primes, and convert the movement rate. It's not critical that the orc in TOEE be identical to an orc in the C&C M&T. All the players see is a monster. They don't see a 1E monster versus a C&C monster.

+1 to this.

Spells that do not exist in C&C, I just use the description in AD&D and adjudicate each situation.

Some will decry that there are differences in the AD&D and C&C monsters, and you can use the C&C equivalents if you want, or just chalk it up to the character not knowing everything about every possible permutation of creatures in the game. At it's base, the most difficult thing will be determining the primes for the creature, but don't worry about that to much, just look through the M&T or better, Classic Monsters, and you will get a quick feel on how to judge that.

Challenge Levels for different tasks within the game, finding traps, removing traps, spotting something hidden or at the edge of sight, and the like can also be challenging, but break it down into the most simple steps. The chest of an orc chieftain (say CL2) will be much easier to pick the lock on than that of the iron lockbox of the merchant (CL5) that the orc band had raided. One thing you can do is base the CL on the "level" of the adventure, maybe 3/4 the "level" (round down) as a base to work from on many tasks relating to something someone could make more difficult, such as locks, puzzles (of course always let the players try to figure out the puzzle on their own before resorting to a die roll), and such. For other things, like jumping, climbing, swimming, and the like, use your best judgement.

As a side note, I am working on creating a full set of tables for all C&C monsters, and will use that to create a stat block generator that will eventually integrate into my random dungeon and wilderness generators. As I am thinking about this post, it could also be useful in on the fly conversions.