D&D (2024) Monster Manual 2025 Stat Block Compilation

This thread contains a compilation of the Monster Manual 2025 stat blocks which have been previewed publicly so far.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

DR is a mess.

Depends. Less so than AC formula derived by Armor worn and level.

To me it would be easy to say dragons or beasts or high fighters could add their proficiency mod or Con mod to AC if unarmored or as a replacement for Dex to AC.

No problem with that. It is a special ability like barbarian or monk unarmed defense.

An ability most monster don't have. And if you see someone in armor, you still know what to expect.

 

[AlViking]

Yes. Of course. If you descrobe the hammer woth one spike on one side thatvis possible. But not my example.

If I say an enemy has a war hammer and then do piercing damage I'll explain if someone questions perhaps looking up a quick picture. As a DM I can't describe every possible element in a scene I only include the things that add to the atmosphere or are particularly relevant.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

I don't like completely dissociated mechanics

Then associate it. Why does it have that thing? Make up a reason.

 

[Minigiant]

No problem with that. It is a special ability like barbarian or monk unarmed defense.

An ability most monster don't have. And if you see someone in armor, you still know what to expect

A agree. It should be Armor calculation or CR/Level based Natural Armor calculation or a Special AC calculation from a class or spell.

Most monsters should would be using their Armor or Natural Armor.

I just think Natural Armor would increase with level or HD. And some class like barbarian, monk, fighter could have their own calculation. Spells like mage armor and barkskin would be a third option.

Just don't think a CR 15 stone titan should be walking around with 11 AC because he or she is only wearing a toga or loincloth.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

A agree. It should be Armor calculation or CR/Level based Natural Armor calculation or a Special AC calculation from a class or spell.

Most monsters should would be using their Armor or Natural Armor.

I just think Natural Armor would increase with level or HD. And some class like barbarian, monk, fighter could have their own calculation. Spells like mage armor and barkskin would be a third option.

Just don't think a CR 15 stone titan should be walking around with 11 AC because he or she is only wearing a toga or loincloth.

I don't think anyone expects that.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Then associate it. Why does it have that thing? Make up a reason.

I don't want to make up a reason all the time. It is the job of the designers to find a reason. Worn armor, natural armor, dexterity, whatever. I don't want to do their job allnthe time.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

If I say an enemy has a war hammer and then do piercing damage I'll explain if someone questions perhaps looking up a quick picture. As a DM I can't describe every possible element in a scene I only include the things that add to the atmosphere or are particularly relevant.

Of course you can. But just a few days ago someone here was annoyed that the minotaur who was desribed using a greataxe did a slam attack dealing bludgeoning damage (in the monster stat thread). And I absolutely agree.

Is it so hard to have mechanics that match the description?

And to go back to the original problem: in 4e, armor was just fluff. The derived the AC from role and level. Players had no chance to gauge a challenge by looking at an enemy humanoid. It was annoying.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

I don't want to make up a reason all the time. It is the job of the designers to find a reason. Worn armor, natural armor, dexterity, whatever. I don't want to do their job allnthe time.

Then don’t DM, because making stuff up all the time is the DM’s job.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Then don’t DM, because making stuff up all the time is the DM’s job.

Stop making it personal. If you can't see the difference, it is not my problem.

 

[ezo]

Then don’t DM, because making stuff up all the time is the DM’s job.

Making up some things yes, but I don't expect to have to make up everything... if I did, what would I play D&D for? I would just run a game DM fiat all the time and leave it at that.