BASIC D20
Basic d20 is a simplified version of the d20 system suitable for use in any d20-based campaign. Thissystem has been designed for quick character generation and ease of play. The focus is to make it
simpler for players. The GM, however, must be well-versed in the d20 system to make use of this set ofrules. Of course, all d20 resources can be used with this set of rules, without conversion.

ABILITY SCORE MODIFIERS
Basic d20 uses the ability score modifiers for the six ability scores (normally ranging from -4 to +4). This
makes it easier on the players to figure out what to add to a d20 roll (as in, “Everyone roll a d20 and add
your Dexterity to see who goes first.”).

ABILITY SCORE DESCRIPTIONS
The table below is used to randomly generate each of the character’s ability score modifiers. Apply any
racial bonuses and penalties to this roll (not the ability score modifier). Also, a descriptor for each scorealong with its meaning is given so that you can explain what these scores mean to your players in plain
terms (such as, “You have a +2 Intelligence, this means your character is significantly above average.”).
Ability Score
Roll (3d6)
Modifier
Descriptor
1 or less-5
Abysmal
2-3
-4
Awful
4-5
-3
Bad
6-7
-2
Poor
8-9
-1
Mediocre
10-11
+0
Fair
12-13
+1
Good
14-15
+2
Great
16-17
+3
Exceptional
18-19+4
Amazing
20 or more
+5
Phenomenal
Do not use more “favorable” methods of rolling on this table.

Meaning
Severely Handicapped
Severely Impaired
ImpairedSignificantly Below Average
Below Average
Average or Normal
Above Average
Significantly Above Average
GiftedHighly Gifted
Exceptionally Gifted

BROAD SKILLS
Basic d20 uses a broad skill system that groups traditional d20 skills into twelve broad skill areas.
Furthermore, it adds four broad skills that define offensive and defensive combat ability (Fight, Shoot,Dodge, and Parry). Finally, the three save bonuses and hit dice are made into four additional broad skills(Fortitude, Reflex, Toughness, and Will). This totals 20 broad skills.
The full Basic d20 skill list is below. Not all campaigns will use all skills or use them the same way. For
example, in a mainstream D&D-like campaign, Dodge and Parry will not be used, since these skills

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provide a Defense Bonus. Also, GMs can change the “d20 Skill Equivalents” area as needed. Perhaps
you’d like to put Appraise into the Awareness category?
Any traditional d20 skill is now referred to as a “specialty.” For example, Bluff is a specialty under theInteraction broad skill. Any feats or other types of bonuses that apply to normal d20 skills must be
applied to the appropriate specialty. So, if a character gets Skill Focus (bluff), this applies only toInteraction skill rolls involving the Bluff specialty. For simplicity, the GM can avoid using specialties
altogether, if desired. Note that a normal d20 skill can be part of more than one skill area (Ride is partof Athletics and Wilderness, for example).
Default
d20 Skill Equivalents (Specialty Skills)
Broad Skills Ability
D&D 3/3.5E, Pathfinder, Modern, CoC, Star Wars, Gamma World and M&M
Athletics
Dex
Acrobatics, Balance, Climb, Fly, Jump, Ride, Swim, Tumble
Awareness
Wis
Concentration, Investigate, Listen, Notice, Perception, Search, Sense Motive,
Spot
Dodge
Dex
Ranged Defense (unless denied the Dex bonus to AC)
Fight
Str
Base Attack Bonus for Melee Attacks, “Fighter Level” for feats
Fortitude
Con
Fortitude Save
Interaction
Cha
Bluff, Diplomacy, Innuendo, Gamble, Gather Information, Knowledge (gossip),
Intimidate, Read Lips
Knowledge
Int
Appraise, Knowledge (all subskills not mentioned elsewhere), Research
Languages
Int
Decipher Script, Linguistics, Read/Write Language, Speak Language, Speak
Other Language
Parry
Dex
Melee Defense (unless denied the Dex bonus to AC)
Performance
Cha
Craft (artistic, visual art, writing), Disguise, Entertain, Perform
Profession
Wis
Profession (all subskills), Reputation (Ranks/4)
Reflex
Dex
Reflex Save
Science
Int
Alchemy, Craft (alchemy), Craft (pharmaceutical), Heal, Knowledge(architecture and engineering, behavioral sciences, earth and life sciences,
physical sciences), Medicine, Psicraft, Psychoanalysis, Spellcraft, Treat Injury
Shoot
Dex
Base Attack Bonus for Ranged Attacks, “Fighter Level” for feats
Technology
Int
Computer Use, Computers, Craft (all not mentioned elsewhere), Demolitions,
Knowledge (technology), Repair, Scry, Use Magic Device, Use Psionic Device
ThieveryDex
Disable Device, Escape Artist, Forgery, Hide, Knowledge (streetwise), Move
Silently, Open Lock, Pick Pocket, Sleight of Hand, StealthToughnessCon
Toughness Save or Hit Dice (1d6 per rank) or Hit Points or Vitality (4 per rank)
VehiclesDex
Astrogate, Drive, Navigate, Operate Heavy Machinery, Pilot
Wilderness
Wis
Animal Empathy, Handle Animal, Intuit Direction, Knowledge (dungeoneering,nature), Ride, Survival, Use Rope, Wilderness Lore
Will
Wis
Will Save, Autohypnosis, Psychic Focus

The Default Ability is simply an aid to the GM. Obviously, not all d20 uses will call for the default ability.
GMs can use any Ability + Skill add for a d20 check. For example, the GM could decide to call for an Int +Thievery roll if the character creates a forgery (instead of Dex + Thievery).

2The Toughness skill is a special case, and its use varies according to the style of the campaign and thepreference of the GM. Toughness ranks can be used to gain a bonus to the Toughness save, gain hit
dice, hit points, or vitality points depending on the campaign. The Toughness feat is not used if theToughness skill represents a save bonus (like in M&M). If the Toughness skill will behave as hit dice,then the default hit die is d6. If the Toughness skill is used to determine hit points or vitality points, then
one rank gives four points to the character. Characters may purchase up to two Toughness feats per
rank of Toughness skill (but no more). Each Toughness feat gives the character three additional hit
points or vitality points. Therefore, the maximum number of hit points or vitality points a character cangain is ten per Toughness rank (if two Toughness feats are purchased per rank). If a character has noranks in Toughness, then he has a +0 Toughness save bonus, 1 hit point, or 0 vitality points.
The Skill Focus feat (and equivalents) can still be used. Simply apply the feat to one particular specialty
in the broad skill (like Use Rope for Wilderness). Most of the time, the Profession skill should be used
this way. Also, you needn’t have ranks in a skill to take Skill Focus. You could have zero ranks in
Knowledge and take a Skill Focus feat for Appraise (for example) to make a character who is better at
judging the value of items, but doesn’t really know much about academics.

SKILL AND POWER DESCRIPTIONS
Use the tables below to describe to the players what certain skill ranks and resistances mean in plain
language. For example, you could tell a player that “Your character is Tough and Nimble, but
Unassertive,” if his character has a Fort Save of +4, a Ref Save of +2, and a Will Save of -2. Most
characters will start as Novices in their broad skills and powers, but as the campaign progresses they will
become Experts and Masters. Descriptions bring the numbers alive and help the players imagine what
their characters are like.

SKILL RANK AND POWER LEVEL DESCRIPTIONSSkill Ranks orPower Level
0
1-2
3-4
5-6
7-8
9-10
11-12
13-14
15-16
17-18
19-20

Descriptor
Unskilled
Beginner
NoviceAmateurCompetent
Proficient
Adept
ExpertAccomplished
MasterWorld-Class

Meaning
Has no training, just natural ability
A true beginner at the skill
Some practice in the skill
A dabbler in the skill, apprentice-level
Can complete most skill-related tasks
Can earn a living with this skill
Produces good work and can teach this skill
Can earn a very successful living with this skill
Produces exceptional results with this skill
Invents new techniques in using this skill
One of the best in the world at this skill

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RESISTANCE DESCRIPTIONS (OVERALL BONUS = ABILITY + RANKS)
Overall Bonus
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1 or +0
+1 or +3
+4 or +6
+7 or +9
+10 or +12+13 or +15+16 or +18+19 or higher

Fortitude/Toughness
Decrepit
FeebleFrailFragileDelicate
SturdyTough
Hardy
RuggedImpervious
Nigh Invulnerable
Invulnerable

Dodge/Reflex/Parry
Unreactive
Lethargic
Sluggish
Slow
Hesitant
Nimble
Fast
Quick
Rapid
Lightning Fast
Untouchable
Perfect Reflexes

Will
No WillSpineless
Weak
Unassertive
Diffident
CertainConfident
Determined
Controlled
Iron-willed
Unshakeable
Closed Mind

ADVANTAGES (FEATS AND CLASS SPECIAL ABILITIES)
Use whatever feats you want from D&D, Pathfinder, M&M, Modern, etc. Don’t forget these. Armor
proficiencies must be purchased as well as the feats for weapons. Simple Weapons gives you all simple
weapons, but Martial Weapon Proficiency only gives you one weapon. If you allow Archaic Weapons
Proficiency (from M&M), then you get all “archaic” weapons for 1 PP. The Toughness feat is used as
described above. The so-called “skill” feats add bonuses to specialties within each broad skill (not thewhole area itself). Acrobatic, for example, gives a +2 to Jump and Tumble only. Skill Focus grants a +3
bonus on one specialty, such as Bluff. You can use Item Creation feats or Artificer (depending onwhether you’re more D&D or M&M in your campaign). Some feats will become less useful in somecampaigns (like the Dodge feat in a campaign that features the Dodge skill). Eliminate Great Fortitude,
Iron Will, and Lightning Reflexes (since you’d be getting a +2 to a save for only 1 PP, where it normallycosts 1 PP for a +1), unless you allow these feats to be taken only once for “niche protection” reasons(i.e., the character’s save bonus can be higher than that normally allowed at the campaign’s PL).
Remember too that all class special abilities are advantages (like Turning, etc.). Use the D&D5E orCustom Characters rulebook to find all available class special abilities. To find a “class level” use theappropriate skill. Profession (class) is the default skill, but others may be appropriate. For example, for
Turning, you could use the character’s ranks in Profession (cleric) or Knowledge (religion). As a lastresort, simply use the character level (since there really aren’t any classes under this system).

POWERS
Use the system in M&M to develop the powers for your campaign. Players don’t really have the ability
to go in and build any power they want. The GM has to give players a list of approved powers.

4For magic, you can default to Artificer and Ritualist feats. Ritualists who invest themselves with a ritual
gain the ability to cast that ritual as a spell (i.e., they paid PP for it). Artificers who build permanent
magic items gain Devices (i.e., they pay PP for it).
For d20-style spellcasting, refer to D&D5E or Custom Characters. To find the PP cost for anything from
D&D5E/CC, divide the XP cost by 100 (do not round).
PowersArtificer
Bardic Spellcasting
Clerical Spellcasting
Druidic Spellcasting
Psion Manifesting
Ritualist
Sorcerer Spellcasting
Wizardly Spellcasting

Cost (PP)
1
1.5
3
2
5
1
5
5

Per
Artificer Feat from M&M
Bard Spellcaster Level (3 PP for two levels)
Cleric Spellcaster Level
Druid Spellcaster Level
Psion Manifester Level
Ritualist Feat from M&M
Sorcerer Spellcaster Level
Wizard Spellcaster Level

Mutants & Masterminds can certainly be used for spellcasting if you do not desire to use d20-stylespellcasters. Any power, with its appropriate PP cost, can be developed using M&M and made available
for players in the campaign. Since this is a simplified system, the GM should construct the powers basedon players’ descriptions.

TRAIT COSTS
Use the table below for trait costs in Basic d20. Remember that Basic d20 uses ability score modifiers,
so it costs 2 PP for each +1 in ability score modifier. Skills cost 1 PP per rank (since they are broad skills).
Advantages (feats and class special abilities) cost 1 PP each. Powers have a variable cost.
Trait
Ability Scores
SkillsAdvantages
PowersMeasured by
Modifier
Rank-LevelDefault Cost (PP)211
VariablePer+1 to ability score modifier+1 skill rank
Additional feat or class special ability
All other powers and effects

CHARACTER GENERATIONThis is about as basic as it can get. You have six ability scores and twenty skills. Roll 3d6 for your six
ability scores (consulting Ability Score Descriptions above). Racial bonuses and penalties may lower theroll below 3 or raise it above 18. After that, you get 20 PP to spend on ability scores, skills, advantages,
and powers. For characters starting at Level 1, ability scores cannot be raised above +4 with thesepoints, powers cannot exceed Level 1, and skills cannot exceed 1 rank. After play begins, ability scorescan be raised up to its starting value + 3. Skills and Powers can be raised up to 20 ranks or levels,
respectively.

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GENERIC STEPS TO CREATE A CHARACTER
1. Generate your character’s ability score modifiers.
a. Random Generation - Roll 3d6 and consult “Ability Score Descriptions” to get each ability
score modifier. If the GM allows, you may roll all six scores and then assign them to abilities as
you desire. You may reroll if the sum of your modifiers is +0 or less or if your highest modifier is+1 or lower. Always roll 3d6, do not use a more “favorable” method.
b. Point Buy - If the GM is using a “point buy” system, give your character a total of +6 for ability
score modifiers (such as a +1 in each score or perhaps a +4 in one score and a +3 in another, a -1
in one ability, leaving the other three at +0).
2. Choose or generate your character’s characteristics according to the genre of the campaign. Some
examples are: gender, race, occupation, profession, languages, alignment, allegiances, height, weight,
coloration, age, starting wealth, military rank, mutations, etc. The GM will have specific information
which will come from d20 source material (such as Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, Gamma World, Prime
Directive, etc.). Some characteristics may be left uncommitted until Step 4, below.
3. Consult “Starting Character PP and Maximums” to find the number of PP you start with and the
maximums for abilities, skills, and powers. Spend these PP to gain increased ability score modifiers, skill
ranks, power levels, and advantages for your character. Abilities cannot be raised above racial
maximums (normally +4 for humans). The GM will provide the source material for advantages andpowers that are used in your campaign.
a. Skill Ranks – Purchase ranks in the 20 skills listed. Consult the appropriate d20 rulebook foryour campaign to find specialties. Skills cost 1 PP per rank.
b. Advantages – Purchase feats from any d20 rulebooks allowed by your GM. Consult D&D5E orCustom Characters to find class special abilities to purchase (such as Turn Undead and Favored
Enemy). Each advantage costs 1 PP.
c. Powers – Your GM will have information on the powers available for your campaign which
could include spellcasting, psionics, superpowers, Force skills, psychic feats, cybernetics,
mutations, etc. Powers have no set cost, but vary depending on the power.
4. Finish your character by recording Melee Defense (or AC), Ranged Defense (or AC), Skill Ranks,
Advantages, Hit Points (or Toughness Bonus, Vitality Points), Power Levels and Power Effects. Record
any special characteristics necessary for your campaign (such as Sanity for Call of Cthulhu or militaryrank for Prime Directive). Purchase equipment and determine any characteristics left uncommitted
from Step 2.

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STARTING CHARACTER PP AND MAXIMUMS
Most campaigns will start with 1st level characters. If higher-level characters are desired, use this tableto determine starting PP and the maximums in ability score modifiers, skill ranks, and power levels.
Starting
Maximum
Maximum
Maximum
Character Level
Starting PP
Ability Score Modifier
Skill Rank
Power Level
0
10
Starting Value
00
1
20
Starting Value
1
1
2
30
Starting Value
2
2
3
40
Starting Value
3
3
4
50
Starting Value + 1
4
4
5
60
Starting Value + 1
5
5
6
70Starting Value + 1
6
6
7
80Starting Value + 1
7
78
90Starting Value + 1
8
8
9
100
Starting Value + 1
9
9
10
110
Starting Value + 1
10
10
11
120
Starting Value + 1
11
11
12
130
Starting Value + 2
12
12
13
140
Starting Value + 2
13
13
14
150
Starting Value + 2
14
14
15
160
Starting Value + 2
15
15
16
170
Starting Value + 2
16
16
17
180
Starting Value + 2
17
17
18
190
Starting Value + 2
18
18
19
200
Starting Value + 2
19
19
20
210
Starting Value + 3
20
20
Zero level characters can buy ability score modifiers and advantages, but no skill ranks or power levels.

POWER LEVELS (CHARACTER LEVELS)
You’ll note that the Power Level limits are different for Basic d20 as compared to Mutants &Masterminds. This is because most d20 style games are closer to D&D in power levels. For simplicity,
the power level or “character level” itself is the limit on skill ranks and the levels for powers (such as
spellcasting). Maximum ability score modifiers are based on the d20 system advancement of +1 to an
ability score per four levels. This translates to a +1 to the ability score modifier every eight levels. GMs
can, of course, change the maximums at each power level as desired.

7

RESOLUTION MECHANIC
Any ability score bonus can be paired with any skill. Thus, the normal roll is:
D20 + ABILITY SCORE MODIFIER + SKILL BONUS VS. DC
Note that different combinations of Ability Score Modifiers and Skill Bonuses can achieve the same
effect. A character could roll Dex + Thievery to escape bonds, or he could roll Str + Athletics (forexample). One character may make his horse riding checks with Dex + Wilderness while another may
use Wis + Profession (knight). There is no one, correct, way to make checks. The GM is the final
authority, as ever.

ACTIONSThe normal Difficulty Classes (DCs) from the d20 game remain unchanged for Basic d20.
Difficulty
Very Easy
Easy
AverageTough
Challenging
Formidable
HeroicSuperheroic
Nearly Impossible

DC
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40

Example (Skill Used)
Notice something large in plain sight (Awareness)
Climb a knotted rope (Athletics)
Hear an approaching guard (Awareness)
Rig a wagon wheel to fall off (Thievery)
Swim in stormy water (Athletics)
Open an average lock (Thievery)
Leap across a 30-foot chasm (Athletics)
Bluff your way past very wary guards (Interaction)
Track an orc across hard ground after 24 hours of rainfall (Wilderness)

ADVANCEMENT“Plot Points” or “Power Points” (PP) are awarded to players based on role-playing considerations only.
Follow the M&M guidelines. One per session is the minimum (the reward for showing up). Another for
exceptional role-playing (everyone can get this). One more can be given for good “game playing” aswell. If you’re using a D&D module, you can calculate the number of XP they would have earned, figureout how far along that would’ve gotten a party of the indicated level for the module (in percent to nextlevel) and then give the players a number of PP equal to 10 times that percent. Also, consider using the“Hero Points for Advancement” section in the Mastermind’s Manual (page 85).

XP AND PP
If the GM is using a lot of D&D rules, then he needs to know how to handle the game when “XP” arecalled for. The basic rule is that 1 PP is equal to 100 XP times the character’s PL. For example, if a PL 17
character wants to cast a wish spell, then that normally costs 5,000 XP. This means that casting the spell
will cost that character 3 PP (5,000 XP divided by 100 and then divided by 17, rounded as normal).

8

For example, a PL 10 character wishes to make a longsword +2. It has a base price of 8,000 gp, whichmeans that the character needs to spend 320 XP. Since 1 PP for him equals 1,000 XP, he would sacrifice
1 PP and then have an additional 1,000 XP minus 320 XP, or 680 XP available in the future for such
expenditures. Just keep track of those. The GM can also waive any XP requirements that would cost thecharacter less than half a PP. Or you could just use the Device power in M&M (Device, easy to lose,
Strike power, Mighty, etc.) and pay normal PP. The choice is yours, GM.

COMBAT STATISTICS
Combat statistics are derived from a combination of ability score modifiers and skill ranks.
Combat Statistic
Melee Attack Bonus
Ranged Attack Bonus
Melee Defense
Ranged Defense
Speed
Hit Points (HP)
Hit Points (HD)
Number of Hit Dice
Wound Points
Vitality Points
Massive Damage Threshold
Natural Healing Rate
Initiative
Fortitude Save
Reflex Save
Toughness Save
Will Save
Spell Save DC
Spell Penetration

FormulaFight + Str + Size Modifier
Shoot + Dex + Size Modifier + Range Penalty
10 + Dex + Parry or Armor Bonus + Shield Bonus + Size Modifier
10 + Dex + Dodge or Armor Bonus + Shield Bonus + Size Modifier
30 feet/round (base for unarmored humans)
Toughness Skill Ranks X (4 + Con) + Toughness Feats X 3(Toughness Ranks)d6 + Toughness Ranks X Con + Toughness Feats X 3
Number of Toughness Skill Ranks(10 + Con X 2 ) X Wound Point Multiplier
Toughness Skill Ranks X (4 + Con) + Toughness Feats X 3
10 + 2 X (Con + Toughness Skill Ranks)
Toughness Skill Ranks per 8 hrs of rest (maximum 16 hrs per day)Dex
Fortitude Skill Ranks + Con
Reflex Skill Ranks + Dex
Toughness Skill Ranks + Con
Will Save Ranks + Wis
10 + Level of Spell + Ability Score Modifier (Int, Wis, or Cha)
Spellcaster Level

ABILITY SCORE MODIFIERS IN COMBAT-ORIENTED CAMPAIGNSFor campaigns featuring large amounts of combat, the PP costs to raise the physical ability score
modifiers should be higher.
Trait
Strength
Dexterity
Other Abilities

Measured by
Modifier
Modifier
Modifier

Cost (PP)
3
4
2

Per
+1 to Strength modifier+1 to Dexterity modifier+1 to ability score modifier

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DODGE, PARRY, AND TOUGHNESSThe GM has some choice when implementing these skills. No doubt the type of game emulated will
have a bearing on how these skills are used.
Use Dodge
and Parry?
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes

Toughness Option
Hit Dice or HP
Hit Dice or HP
Toughness Bonus
Toughness Bonus
Vitality Points
Vitality Points

Armor and Shield
As D&DAs UA (Defense Bonus)
As D&DAs M&M
As D&DAs UA (Defense Bonus)

DamageAs D&DAs D&DAs M&M
As M&MAs UA (Vitality and Wound Points)
As UA (Vitality and Wound Points)

If the Dodge and Parry skills are not used, then use the D&D rules for armor and shields. If the Dodge
and Parry skills are used, then use the Unearthed Arcana rules for Defense Bonus (unless the Toughness
Bonus is also used, in this case you have a system just like M&M). For your damage system, use D&D
damage if hit dice or hit points are used. Use the M&M system for damage if the Toughness Bonus isused. Use the Unearthed Arcana entry on Vitality and Wound Points if this system is used. The default
for the system should be Dodge, Parry, and Toughness Bonus for M&M-like campaigns and no Dodge orParry skill along with Hit Dice or Hit Points for a D&D-like campaign. If Dodge and Parry are used alongwith D&D-style statistics for armor (armor bonus only, no DR), then the higher AC that results will be
used (do not stack Dodge or Parry and the armor bonus, the ACs will be too high!). For example, if acharacter has a +2 Dexterity, Dodge 7 ranks, Parry 2 Ranks, and is wearing chain mail (armor bonus +5),
then his Ranged AC should be 19 (10 + Dex + Dodge) because his Dodge is higher than his armor bonus
and his Melee AC should be 17 (10 + Dex + Armor Bonus) because his armor bonus is higher than his
Parry. If he raises his Parry to 6 ranks, then his Melee AC would be 18 (since Parry is now higher than
the armor bonus; maybe he should get rid of the armor now!).
The default system in Basic d20 is to use the Dodge and Parry broad skills, normal armor bonuses from
D&D (without DR), hit points, and normal dice damage. Anytime a character would be denied theDexterity bonus to AC, they are also denied their Dodge and Parry rank bonus to AC (but they can still
use their armor bonus). However, the Dodge and Parry rank bonus to AC applies to touch attacks(whereas the armor bonus doesn’t apply).

10

MAKING THE CHARACTER SHEETIn Basic d20, everyone should make their own character sheet on notebook paper, by hand. It should
contain:
Ability Scores: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Ability scores in
Basic d20 are simply the ability score modifier (-5 to +5).
Skills: list your ranks in as many skills as are used by the campaign (default is 20 skills). You may want to
put an area next to each number of ranks to list bonuses provided by equipment, powers, feats, etc. List
skills that you don’t have ranks in as well, since you can make untrained rolls.
Advantages: have a section to list your feats and class special abilities along with effects.
Powers: have a section to list your powers and effects.
Combat Statistics: record the relevant combat statistics for your campaign.
Equipment: have a section to list your equipment with relevant details.
PP/XP: make a section to list your game rewards.
Wealth: have an area to record your money, Wealth bonus, or whatever system you’re using.
Try to keep it to one side of a page.

OTHER GAME CONSIDERATIONS
In general, default to the primary system that you’re using for your campaign for all other gameconsiderations. For example, for a Call of Cthulhu game, you’ll need to use the Sanity rules. For a
Mutants & Masterminds campaign, you’ll want to award Hero Points. For Modern, you might use Action
Points and the Wealth Bonus. GMs must be flexible and knowledgeable to use this system for thevarious d20 milieux.

11

SETTINGS
Basic d20 is suitable for all d20 game settings. A partial list is below:
D&D 3/3.5E (High Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Fantasy Horror, etc.)
Pathfinder (Fantasy)
Modern (Action, Cinematic, Thriller, Drama)
Future (Science Fiction, Space Opera)
Past (Age of Sail, Pulp, Victorian)Cyberscape (Cybernetics)
Urban Arcana (Modern Magic)
Apocalypse (Dark Future, Armageddon)
Gamma World (Science Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic)
Call of Cthulhu (Horror, Mystery)Star Wars Revised Edition (Star Wars Universe)
Mutants & Masterminds (Superhero)Blue Rose (Romantic Fantasy)
Prime Directive (Star Trek Universe)
Ravenloft/Masque Of The Red Death (Fantasy Horror/Victorian Horror)
Mythic Vistas (Antiquity, Biblical Times, Homeric Epics)
What we don’t have is a clear Sword & Planet setting, but with the above influences, one could easily beconstructed (maybe Dark Sun with science fiction trappings or Encounter Critical). At any rate, Basic d20
is now truly a Basic Universal Role Playing System (BURPS).

WHY DO THIS?
Basic d20 boils down the OGL system to its essential elements. Classes are gone and levels are lessimportant. All of the traits that a character can have are broken down into ability score modifiers, skills,
advantages, and powers. Gone are the strict calculations for the awarding of experience points. By
using the Power Point system from Mutants & Masterminds, GMs can still control how fast charactersadvance without all of the hassle of designing encounters. In fact, the game should become less combat
oriented with Basic d20, since players are awarded PP on the basis of roleplaying alone.
Since Basic d20 still uses all of the basic elements of the OGL system, modules, sourcebooks, and othergame materials do not have to be altered at all. GMs should be familiar enough with the normal d20
system to use all reference materials with Basic d20. Also, players have an easier time constructing theexact types of characters they want. They don’t have to plan out their character’s level advancementfor 20 levels just to find a new prestige class or feat that they would like, but can’t get for their character
due to restrictive level advancement schemes. GMs should consult D&D5E or Custom Characters anddecide what class special abilities to offer players. In fact, Basic d20 is just a simpler version of theserulebooks.

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