Hmmm i think you need to raise it to elite first, and then apply the template..
And if you want an higher level monster, just raise its level, make it an elite and then template it..
If an level 1 encounter for 5 pc's is 500 xp, for 1 pc is that 100 xp, so run combat that focusses on one character around 100 xp value, you can also add one minion to make it an bit harder..
Ranger:
Two-Blade Fighting Style: Because of your focus on two-weapon melee attacks, you can wield a one-handed weapon in your off hand as if it were an off-hand weapon. (Make sure to designate on your character sheet which weapon is main and which is offhand.) In addition, you gain Toughness...
I would like to suggest an option for the boards:
An option to save how you make you're posts, so lettertype, colour and some other options..
If this already is an option, please smack me and tell me how ;)
My players take an rest after combat, use any powers that could heal and continue, they know the risk of running out of healing surges and they know that sometimes an 5 minute rest wont be an option (in the middle of an dungeon)..
Quick question from me, dont have the books here infront of...
An two weapon fighting ranger build wont go for an bow fast so he would save some money.. and you dont need the best armor you can buy..
An good dm adjusts his game to his players, if i have 6 players who dont have optimized builds, or equipment, i give them easier encounters and more...
Well stun lasts for one round i think.. and to get encounter powers back you need to rest for 5 minutes.. or make the monsters immune for stun and for blasting all objects.. hey suddenly they have an resist 100 all...
There are easier solutions than killing off an character..
Yup, cant use clamping jaws for AO, so if the player who was grabbed did an power, he does provoke an AO, but the crocodile needs to lose his grap to make the AO..
EDIT:
Not all powers get an AO so its just the question wich one does..
So lets say an monster is surrounded by 8 pc's, so every threatend square is occupied, every PC gets combat advantage on his turn, because they all flank eachother..