When it comes to converting characters from 3.5 to 4th Edition, we’ve previously stated that “there's no conversion guide that could adequately cover the vast array of options that have been published over the lifespan of the game.”
That said, we also recognize that if you don’t wish to set aside your favorite character in order to start up a new 4th Edition campaign, some amount of conversion will be attempted. To that end, Andy Collins put together the following recommendations for playing your favorite 3.5 character in 4th Edition.
This week, we look at those classes from Oriental Adventures.
The Oriental Adventures supplement presented five brand-new classes for 3rd Edition. Three of these were picked up with some revisions in later sourcebooks, but for completeness’ sake this article includes all five classes.
Samurai
See the samurai entry under Complete Warrior.
To mimic the ancestral daisho class feature that appears in the OA version of the class, use the following chart:
|
Weapon Bonus
|
Total Sacrifice Required
|
Minimum Character Level
|
| +1 |
360 gp |
1st |
| +2 |
1,800 gp |
5th |
| +3 |
9,000 gp |
10th |
| +4 |
45,000 gp |
15th |
| +5 |
225,000 gp |
20th |
| +6 |
1,125,000 gp |
25th |
Shaman
The shaman spell list is very similar to the cleric spell list, so you’re best off using the 4E version of that class as your basis. Shamans traditionally wear light armor, so if you stick to that model you should consider the devoted cleric build (Player's Handbook p61). Consider multiclassing as a fighter to replicate the bonus feats that were coming to you. You’ll have to give up that animal companion, though.
Shugenja
See the shugenja entry under Complete Divine.
Sohei
The closest approximation of this divinely-themed defender is the paladin. Either the avenging paladin or protecting paladin build (p90) might be appropriate, depending on your character’s preferences. Many of the sohei class features can be replicated by feat selection or multiclass power choices. There’s no power quite like ki frenzy, but try this as an approximation (replacing Channel Divinity: Divine Strength):
Channel Divinity: Ki Frenzy
Sohei Feature
You focus your will into a frenzy of berserk energy.
Encounter
Divine
Minor Action Personal
Effect: Until the end of your next turn, you gain a +1 power bonus on attack rolls, AC, and speed. After this effect ends, you take a -1 penalty on attack rolls until the end of the encounter.
Wu Jen
See the wu jen entry under Complete Arcane.
And that’s Oriental Adventures. Join us next time for a look at Tome of Magic!
About the Author
Andy Collins works as the system design and development manager for D&D at Wizards of the Coast. His development credits include the Player's Handbook v.3.5, Races of Eberron, and Dungeon Master's Guide II. He is also one of the lead designers for 4th Edition D&D, along with Rob Heinsoo and James Wyatt.