Converting Pathfiner to GURPS

[AlexanderHowl]

I was wondering if anyone had developed a conversion guide for Pathfinder to GURPS (or via versa)? I recently stated out a succubus from Pathfinder to GURPS for a game and ended up with a nearly a 1,000 point enemy (despite a succubus being a very low mid-tier threat in Pathfinder). I was wondering if anyone experienced similar issues?

[sir_pudding]

The usual things for converting D&D, especially to 3.5, apply since PFRPG is more or less the same system. Attributes are typically 10+bonus, except ST which is probably better done by converting lifting ST directly, skills are a bit tougher, but there's probably a good argument for +5=Attribute+2 and +3= Attribute +1, class abilities are usually a mix between stuff that anybody can do in GURPS anyway, maxed out techniques, and actual abilities.

Alternatively just use Dungeon Fantasy and use similar occupations as written.

For the succubus, monster character points rarely matters anyway. You might have better luck with modifying the CER system and comparing it to CRs.

[mr beer]

I recommend not converting every single ability and feature but trying to capture the flavour of the monster. A lot of D&D monsters have buckets of innate abilities.

If I convert a demon from D&D, I will work out the Basic Attributes, DR and physical attacks first. I generally write up the most iconic innate abilities rather than all of them e.g. I skip the summoning other demons bit. I also use a generic Demon or Outsider package I worked up.

As mentioned above, no need to add up all the points. It's not required for monsters.

[Phantasm]

The only reason to give a full stat-sheet for a monster would be if it's an Ally or maybe an Enemy or more rarely an Alternate Form, IMO. Otherwise, I agree; no need for full stats.

I also agree with the "use DF as a resource" sentiment.

[mr beer]

Ghostdancer's blog has a bunch of monsters (Triple Threat), so check that out: http://www.ravensnpennies.com/

Also, this link has a bunch of D&D conversions: http://gurpswiki.wikidot.com/dnd:monsters

If you write up animals at all, this place is very good: http://panoptesv.com/RPGs/animalia/animalia.html

[Rasputin]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

skills are a bit tougher, but there's probably a good argument for +5=Attribute+2 and +3= Attribute +1

Read "skill ranks" as "points invested in the skill." That tops them out at Attribute +4 to +7 (a 20th level character can have a max of 23 skill ranks), and lets 1st level NPCs have Attribute -1 to +2 in important skills.

[Fred Brackin]

Originally Posted by Rasputin

(a 20th level character can have a max of 23 skill ranks),

Technically no. That was 3.5. Pathfinder doesn't quadruple 1st level Skill pts. It gives a +3 to Class skills instead.

You're much better off working with the total bonus. That figures in all sorts of funky Race, Class, Feat and Trait bonuses that Pathfinder can give.

[Pragmatic]

Originally Posted by Phantasm

The only reason to give a full stat-sheet for a monster would be if it's an Ally or maybe an Enemy or more rarely an Alternate Form, IMO. Otherwise, I agree; no need for full stats.

I also agree with the "use DF as a resource" sentiment.

How about the... what was it called, the combat potential (???)... in Pyramid? Basically, a "back of an envelope" calculation about how much of a threat a monster would be.

[Rasputin]

Originally Posted by Fred Brackin

Technically no. That was 3.5. Pathfinder doesn't quadruple 1st level Skill pts. It gives a +3 to Class skills instead.

Then just add 3 ranks to any class skills in which the character has already invested points. Simple fix.

[Rasputin]

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

How about the... what was it called, the combat potential (???)... in Pyramid? Basically, a "back of an envelope" calculation about how much of a threat a monster would be.

Combat Effectiveness Rating, Pyramid #3/77. I wouldn't use it for balance against characters (which is seriously overrated anyways), but for ranking monsters against each other.