Shadowdark Conversion Principles

This free document is a formatted version of my handwritten principles for converting a module for use with the Shadowdark RPG.

I created these principles for myself as part of several large-scale conversion projects I was hired to lead. I'm making my notes available in case others find them valuable.

Note that this document is not concerned with mechanical conversion, i.e. porting stat blocks or GP values. Instead, it focuses on the higher-level principles of Shadowdark's design and how a module might be adjusted to more explicitly embrace those principles.

This document is a draft and will continue to evolve.

This conversion guide is an independent product published under the Shadowdark RPG Third-Party License and is not affiliated with The Arcane Library, LLC. Shadowdark RPG © 2023 The Arcane Library, LLC. Conversion guide text © 2024 Trident Gamebooks, LLC.