Adding Savage Worlds (Deadlands, Pathfinder, etc) To Gonzo Gaming
In keeping the Gonzo Gaming system up to date, we have included the following information to help any level of GM convert Savage Worlds rulesets to standard d20.
For one thing, keep in mind which the PC wants to start with. Savage Worlds might be it’s own separate game style, but the various worlds it starts from (Deadlands, Pathfinder, Lost Colonies, etc) each come with their own separate additions to that ruleset.
Keep in mind to differentiate one from the other - each Savage World set has individual benefits that should ONLY apply to that starter! For instance, you won’t find the Fan the Hammer edge, located in Deadlands x Savage Worlds, in the Pathfinder x Savage Worlds module. Even more so, you won’t find the same kind of adventurer job modules and edges from Pathfinder x Savage Worlds in Deadlands x Savage Worlds.
You get the point, yes?
Know which kind of module your PC wants to start with, then build from there as you would any normal Gonzo Game.
Keep in mind the following:
-Edges are Feats, Powers are Spells, Miracles count towards Spells. As with all other starter modules, Feats that are not natural for the player character should be purchased at 25 SP (for example, allowing a character access to the Huckster Edge, even with an acceptable backstory, is still a Deadlands-native feat).
-Keep in mind the Ogre Rule of Fan The Hammer - double action can count as single action so long as there’s a hammer to cock and it’s a revolver! So long as the gun can be cocked, it can count towards Fan the Hammer BUT you calculate it for FtH only. You’re not going to get double the shots.
-It is up to the GM whether or not any Feat from Savage Worlds counts towards the Feat Trees of other game systems.
-Ogre Rule of Speed Loaders - so long as the weapon is a revolver, it benefits from Speed Loaders.
-The major thing to convert to d20 is Advancements versus Leveling. This is one of the times the GM is going to have to decide: Advancements for all or Leveling for all? While it’s perfectly fine to have a character or two with more XP (or even a level!) or two more than the rest of the party, you must consider having the entire party on the same style of either leveling, advancement, or milestone.
-All feats and skills are stackable (or convertible) with other game systems at the discretion of the GM, unless specified otherwise. It is up to the GM to possibly convert non-numerical skills into a numerical format that is aligned with d20.
-It is up to the GM to be aware if a player is going to try and use a Job from Pathfinder x Savage Worlds and attempt to double it up with Feats from other game systems or SW modules.
General Pointers To Keep In Mind:
-Discuss with the GM regarding usage of Savage Worlds game system functions versus other functions. It is ultimately up to the GM how this should best be addressed for their individual world and game setting.
-GM’s: When remixing game system functions, please be aware that you might be overpowering an already overpowered game system. For instance, combining functions from both 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons with Pathfinder 2.0, you may end up creating a certifiable loophole that the gamers may find and exploit. BE PREPARED FOR THIS - you screwed with it, now you should accept it! As always, never screw with the Rule of Cool and Rule of Badassed…unless you wanna.
You’re the GM, do whatever ya gotta do. Just remember to do it with style!