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Message: <blockquote data-quote="takasi" data-source="post: 4027623" data-attributes="member: 20194">I just can't fathom taking 90 minutes to build one NPC in 3.5, even at high level.  One of the selling points for 4th edition is fast NPC generation.  Why aren't designers using the PHB 2?  I've found it extremely useful not only for people at my table (my 12 year old son builds high level PCs all the time) but also for me when making NPCs.Here's a breakdown of how long it takes me.  Why does it take anyone any longer to do this?1.) Choose Class - 1 minute: This decision is more like a part of writing the adventure, not NPC generation.  I generally choose this for story or simulation.2.) Determine Ability Scores - 1 minute.  Arrays are already there.3.) Pick Race - 3 minutes: See #1 for the selection process, but you also have to copy and paste any racial/monster abilities.4.) Pick Skills - 3 minutes.  You can cut down a LOT of time on this by putting max ranks in each skill and going down the priority list in the PHB 2.5.) Pick Feats - 1 minute.  Use the roles listed.6.) Equipment - 2 minutes.  Just copy the equipment listed for classes in the PHB 2.  7.) Spells - 2 minutes.  Again, use the PHB 2 lists.8.) Put it all together - 2 minutes.  Apply all modifiers and synergies and finalize the stat block.Start to finish - 15 minutes.There is a LOT of variety to be made from picking different monstrous races and adding class levels.  And if you want two different types of fighters or duskblades or bards, the solution is variance in the existing lists in the PHB 2.  Add tables for random equipment, skill and spell priorities, and create more feat lists.  This is just as valuable as a complete overhaul of the system, and I would EXPECT the designers to have these available.I just cannot imagine spending more than half an hour on ANY NPC, let alone NINETY MINUTES.  What the hell is he doing in that amount of time?And this is for a full on stat block, not "I think a +8 sounds good to hit".  Am I the only one who baulks at the amount of time designers claim it takes them to build high level NPCs in 3.5?</blockquote>

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