Caliphate Nights

[Waldo]

Waldo,

Not too much work on your part, it would seem to me. Basically, the main areas to translate would be feats that reference unique True20 mechanics (there aren't too many of them), powers (some of these are D&D spells like Dispel, Find the Path, or True Seeing, but others are fairly unique), the new uses for Conviction (easy if you're using action points), and the various antagonist/ally stat blocks. Most of the book is about story, the *feel*, language, and setting of the Nights, so it's useful as is.

Glad to hear it won't be too difficult. There are a few specific things in particular that I'm interested in:

I've always wanted genies that were closer to those described in the Arabian Nights than the ones that exist currently in dnd. Would it be possible to adapt the stats in your product for the different types of djinn into a standard d20 game? If so, are the rules for summoning djinn also adaptable?

In the stories of the Nights storytelling is more than recreation, telling a good story can often save a character's life or have some other major affect on events. You did mention there were storytelling mechanics and those really interest me, but they sound as if they rely on a lot of True20-specific rules. Is any of that stuff adaptable to regular dnd? Could I conceivably have a standard d20 character (using relevant mechanics adapted from True20) launch into a story which would then play out using True20 rules?

This doesn't relate to the d20 conversion issue but I'm curious; are Sufi mystics or Peri (which I realize are more Iranian than Arabian) present in Caliphate Nights?

[aaronil]

I've always wanted genies that were closer to those described in the Arabian Nights than the ones that exist currently in dnd. Would it be possible to adapt the stats in your product for the different types of djinn into a standard d20 game? If so, are the rules for summoning djinn also adaptable?

I believe the standard djinni are connected to the 4 elements (dao, ifreet, marid, and jinn) plus the jann, right? You could definitely adapt the stats to these different categories - the only unique one is the dao. The summoning rules are based on a djinn's level, so if you're using creature levels no problem. However, if you are not, you'd need to establish summoning DCs based upon the individual djinn's power.

In the stories of the Nights storytelling is more than recreation, telling a good story can often save a character's life or have some other major affect on events. You did mention there were storytelling mechanics and those really interest me, but they sound as if they rely on a lot of True20-specific rules. Is any of that stuff adaptable to regular dnd? Could I conceivably have a standard d20 character (using relevant mechanics adapted from True20) launch into a story which would then play out using True20 rules?

The basic idea behind "framing" is that before or after a die roll you can tell a story (provided it's dramatically appropriate...i.e. normally not in the middle of battle...but heck, maybe even then) which provides you with a bonus to your check. There are diceless mechanics designed for off-the-cuff framed stories (though you could run a more elaborate frame story with standard True20 rules). Framing a story requires spending a Conviction point. This bonus represents how telling a story can give a character a critical edge.
As long as you use Conviction/Action/Hero points, then no conversion is needed.

This doesn't relate to the d20 conversion issue but I'm curious; are Sufi mystics or Peri (which I realize are more Iranian than Arabian) present in Caliphate Nights?

Yes. Sufi Dervish is an adept archetype, and peris are a prominent force in Jinnistan, locked in eternal battle with the deevs.

[Dragonspawn]

I just wanted to say I am very much looking forward to this setting. I have been wanting to see a good historical fantasy/mythical arabian setting for a while, and the more I hear about Caliphate Nights, the more it sounds like its just what I've been looking for.

[aaronil]

Dragonspawn,

Thanks! One of the unique things about Caliphate Nights is the focus on how the narrative *sounds*. Characters use a poetic manner of speaking that identifies them right away as "heroes of the Nights". Typically this is done through the use of stock phrases (e.g. "Insha'allah"), frame stories, effulgent praise, and even poetry or song.

I also wanted to mention the basic Archetypes presented for each Role in Caliphate Nights. Each of these Archetypes has feats created specifically to support characters of that type in a game.

Adept Archetypes
Astrologer - who divines the future, past, and present from the stars
Dervish - a Sufi who walks the sacred path of surrender to God
Elementalist - who shapes the essential qualities of nature
Hakima - who perceives the truth in word and deed
Natural Philosopher - a pious magician who pratices a nascent science
Saint - holy person whose faith has endowed them with miraculous power
Sha'ir - who summons, consorts with, and bids the djinni

Expert Archetypes
Assassin - who kill for political and religious motives
Barber - rogues who are quick with a razor and a word
Beggar-Thief - who steal in order to stay alive
Explorer - who travel the world in search of something
Hakawati - storytellers who know how to work a crowd
Merchant - who master the marketplace and trade
Mullah - theologians and legal scholars who teach others

Warrior Archetypes
Amir - princely commander who marshals troops in battle
Cherkaji - mounted warriors with an intimate bond to their steed
Corsair - pirates who ply the Mediterranean's waters
Duelist - who collects the blood debts that are owed
Ghazi - holy warrior who tempers wrath with mercy
Guard - who watch over palace, city, harem, and caravan
Mamluk - slave cavalry who also run the civil service