Re: Hello, I'm new. LOTS of ???

>I only bought the "Legend of the Spelljammer" on a whim at Kay Bee hobbies for
4.99 (yes, that is my hot tip, see if you can find it!)

Yes, I have.  I, also, got the "War Captain's Companion" box set for $2.99 from
Kay-Bee.  (Woo-hoo!)

>I need to know which book to try to brief me enough of the background >to make
the conversion.

Find the original "Spelljammer: Adventures in Space" box set.  You might try
writing to TSR or calling "Just Say Game" (aka Wargames West) at 1-800-SAY-GAME
to see about purchasing it or check with your local bookstore/game and hobby
shop.  I believe I saw a Waldenbooks in my area with it on the shelf.

>Problem 2
>If anyone could synopsis the difference between major and minor helms
>for me, what they do ...

A minor helm is a magic chair that allows a mage or cleric to propel a vessel
that is 50 tons or less.  A major helm does the same, except the tonnage limit
is 100 tons.

>WHY DOES A SPACE SHIP HAVE SAILS!?!?!,...

While the typical spelljammer does not need sails to fly through Wildspace (the
name for space where the star systems exist), it is useful for maneuverability
within a planet's atmosphere or on a body of water, much like a sailing vessel
during the Renaissance period.

>It would also help to know why all these ships look like fish
>or bugs or what not.

No particular reason that I know of.  I may have to research that one.

I hope this helps you out.  However, I still believe that you will need to get
the copy of the box set mentioned above to get all of your answers.
The year is 1997.  The name of the place is The Internet.
<cue dramatic music>

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