I’m sure this is already answered somewhere, but I can’t find it.
1. Can D&D Modules be played using DW?
2. Is there (somewhere) a set of random tables to enable DW to be played Solo, without a GM? Maybe something to generate encounters? Maybe to convert Labyrinth Lord tables for use with DW?
1. No. DW is designed in a way that makes every roll change the status quo. The closest thing that can be done is to deconstruct the module (NPCs, traps, factions, areas, etc), and use the elements being ready to make them evolve during play.
2. You can’t play DW without fiction, and a set of tables generate obstacles, not fiction. The GM elaborates the fiction on mixed success and failures according to the current situation, not on premade premade decisions.
DW is not made for procedural exploration gameplay. The rules give a framework for structuring cooperative fiction building. IMO you are searching for a completely different type of experience. Probably you should check some live game of DW or Apocalypse world, or any PbtA to see what can be done with them.
Paride Papadia Disagree – there’s a whole section in the back of Dungeon World on converting old modules! Jmz Haz Check out the Discern Realities and Fear of a Black Dragon podcasts for info on how to do it!
Take a look at Ironsworn if you’re interested in GM-less or solo play.
Oli Jeffery Coming from traditional games, changing system means changing stats and mechanics. Playing a D&D module in DW requires changing mindset. That chapter is the reason why there are dozens of people substituting 2d6 to d20 and playing D&D 3.5 anyway.
Paride Papadia Absolutely. You can’t play modules as is. But you can play them, just a different way. If you try and do a set story, Dungeon World will kick your arse. But you can convert plots to fronts, use the setting info as prep and so on.
You can play D&D modules with DW, but only if you focus on using the basic DW mechanics and ignore the stuff about the fiction, etc. I ran a sample game of DW for my regular gaming group and it played out pretty much like any of our Pathfinder games. I think the biggest chunk of work is making DW versions of the many spells in D&D.
Paride Papadia like Oli said, with some adaptation you can make them work quite well. I’ve ran old and new modules using DW and they have played out smoothly without sacrificing the core principles of DW.
As for your derogative comment on people that have switched dice, besides the pros and cons of a bell curve vs a linear outcome, does it matter? Isn’t the game about playing to see what happens and having fun? The only right way to play a game is when you have fun, let people enjoy things and let them share what they enjoy. Diversity is half the fun in any community afterall.
DW is especially good for running OSR modules!
Don’t be too afraid of monsters stats conversions and such, you can do this very simply on-the-fly without even looking at the DW book. If it’s a OSR module, you can also probably keep the monster HP and damage without fear of breaking the game.
Victor Julio Hurtado My comment is derogative only because you’re adding your own personal baggage to it.
Paride Papadia ‘s odd and blatantly misinformed onewayism aside, yes it is possible. DW formalises a lot of the Old School rulings not rules approach, but it still supports the same adaptability as OSR play.
I just finished running 2E Ravenloft for my high school students. It was great. I also ran a 1-shot of Sinister Secrets of Saltmarsh the other day. Less great, but still fun. I don’t necessarily ‘convert’ them, I just run it by the spirit of the module rather than the letter. DM me if you want some pointers, I’ve run modules (D&D and otherwise) in the past. And Oli Jeffery is right. Check Discern Realities and Fear of a Black Dragon. They’re the dopest.
Ran Keep on the Borderlands adapted to DW and it went fine. It just needs a little common sense to switch the focus from bean counting to the fiction.
Thank you, that gives me some jumping off points.
I was sticking with DW because it’s simple enough for me to understand, tho I admittedly understand AW better. D&D is a little too crunchy for me, plus I haven’t really looked at it in about 30 years, and I’m not eager to re-learn it.