Level Up (A5E) Do you want more monster complexity?

[Krachek]

I think adding some tags for behavior and tactics can help without adding too much crunah.
Some tags can replace the alignment such as : helpful, shy, bold, proud, liar....
Some tags can help for tactics and combat behavior : fearless, single target, coward, and can give some hints to make them react in combat.

 

[Morrus]

I feel like a lot of that is more “GM advice” than mechanics?

 

[aco175]

I remember when 5e first came out and the MM had only one orc statblock and LMoP had some encounters with goblins or hobgoblins where they said the leader has max HP. This was very 1e/2e and eventually I see where 4e statblocks have come into play with a chieftain or other types of the same monster being available. I find that 4e did a lot of things right with monsters and their powers. The push, pull, slide powers and bloodied powers opens the battlefield. I make several of my monsters for home games with 4e powers and give NPCs 4e class powers mostly to give them one cool thing and not need to track several PC powers.

 

[Dausuul]

I want more monster depth (combat requires interesting choices) and more monster distinctiveness (combat with different monsters feels qualitatively different).

I would prefer that these goals be achieved with as little complexity as possible.

 

[R_J_K75]

I don't necessarily want more complexity but Id like to see a return of the save vs. death or a single roll vs effects like energy/level drain and paralysis.

 

[Northern Phoenix]

I think it's absolutely critical. Giving players more options is pointless if intended opposition doesn't match.

 

[Stalker0]

So one thing I would love to steal from pathfinder.

level drain in 3.5 was pretty harsh because there was a chance it was permanent. In pathfinder the effect is scary because it can last a few days but it’s never permanent.

I miss harsher effects like this that shake things up

 

[Retreater]

IMO, monsters are the first thing that need changing. Give each of them 2-3 special abilities that make them stand out. Give them meaningful tactics and guides to using them in play. I would also love to see minions return.

 

[Nebulous]

IMO, monsters are the first thing that need changing. Give each of them 2-3 special abilities that make them stand out. Give them meaningful tactics and guides to using them in play. I would also love to see minions return.

I think those are very reasonable requests. And I really really miss having Habitat and Morale and No. Appearing in the stat block.

 

[Stalker0]

IMO, monsters are the first thing that need changing.

I agree. I think 5e monster design is much weaker than its class design, there is a lot more room for improvement