Converting

[Elfin]

My gaming group usually plays 3.5 D&D, but for a change of pace have decided to run a session or two using 4.0. Now, back when 4th came out we ran a test adventure with separate characters, but this time we've agreed to instead convert our main characters to the different system.

Unfortunately, no-one in our group has any experience beyond a few sessions - so we're looking for help rebuilding. Resource-wise, we have a set of the original three core books, but for this purpose have pooled our resources to get a month of the Character Builder.

So, the party:
Everyone's just hit 14th level except for the wizard, who, because of crafting costs, is just level 12.

Warforged barbarian/Warforged Juggernaut/Frenzied Berserker
Lesser aasimar DMM cleric/Sacred Exorcist/Divine Oracle
Dwarf Deepstone Sentinel
Human druid (with the Shapeshift variant, if it matters)
Snow elf Swift Hunter archer
Lesser tiefling TWFing rogue/Nightsong Enforcer
Wood elf warblade
Human wizard/Incantatrix

In 3.5, while we never get too power-gamey, most of us optimize pretty decently. For the 4.0 characters, we're looking for builds that walk the line between playability and power, preferably at least somewhat neophyte-friendly.

Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. :smallsmile:

[Yora]

I think the best idea is to take basic concepts of your characters and begin to create completely new characters with these concepts in mind.
This should work much better than trying to find the best analog to each and every ability. What works well together in 3.5e doesn't have to be a great combination in 4th Ed., and many abilities or spells are completely missing.

If you're all not very familiar with the new system, it might also be a good idea not to start at the same level. Start lower at 6th or 8th, where you have fewer abilities at hand and can get a feel how these characters actually behave in action before trying to figure out a final build.

[Coidzor]

Yeah, you're not going to convert so much as be inspired by in your creation of something completely new from the ground up.

[Elfin]

Ah, ok; that makes sense. It's probably best to start on a new leaf anyway.

[dsmiles]

Absolutely. Attempting to convert from 3.5 to 4e is a grand waste of time, and ultimately ends up in disappointment for all involved.