D&D (2024) 2024+ Monster Statblock options

[FitzTheRuke]

True, but I think this also allows for quicker set-ups in a 1v1 situation, or a situation where a monster grabs something from the player and they want to know if they are fast enough to catch it, or if you have the common situation of more waves coming into the battle, you can just have the passive initiative state when people go.

And if you want to shake things up, then rolling is there for you.

Oh yeah, I think if you look back, my first comment was something along the lines of, "I wonder what they intend us to use that for, exactly?"

What you describe here is the kind of thing I expect - like you say, rather than rolling off, just have PCs roll to beat when there's a quick question as to who-goes-first.

 

[Quickleaf]

So many unneeded words. But I've come to accept bloat.

Do you mean in the actions / traits? I do kind of miss the 4e shorthand. I am think about doing something like that with my epic monsters, but want to stick closer to the official block for standard monsters

I don't want to put words in your mouth, Zaukrie, but when I read the Sphinx of Wonder statblock that you posted, Dave, my first thought was: Why is this a stat block as opposed to a one-to-two-sentence blurb about "here's what this familiar/companion" gives you?

It's a lot of layout/design/white space/words for too little payoff IMO. This is the sort of thing that's prevalent throughout 5e.

At several points I've even used Sphinxes as an example of how "one stat block fits all design" works against creative design in that a list of riddles/trials better reflects how sphinxes are often used than a combat stat block.

There's nothing wrong with stating a monster up, but I think there's a lot being lost with the highly-laid-out/highly-wordy version being used carelessly like a stamp / rote formula.

I know that train has left the station, and that I'm in the minority in the 5e community, but even within the constraints of 5e there are little moves/improvements that can be made with a slight shift in design thinking.

 

[dave2008]

I don't want to put words in your mouth, Zaukrie, but when I read the Sphinx of Wonder statblock that you posted, Dave, my first thought was: Why is this a stat block as opposed to a one-to-two-sentence blurb about "here's what this familiar/companion" gives you?

It's a lot of layout/design/white space/words for too little payoff IMO. This is the sort of thing that's prevalent throughout 5e.

At several points I've even used Sphinxes as an example of how "one stat block fits all design" works against creative design in that a list of riddles/trials better reflects how sphinxes are often used than a combat stat block.

There's nothing wrong with stating a monster up, but I think there's a lot being lost with the highly-laid-out/highly-wordy version being used carelessly like a stamp / rote formula.

I know that train has left the station, and that I'm in the minority in the 5e community, but even within the constraints of 5e there are little moves/improvements that can be made with a slight shift in design thinking.

I am fine with everything having a statblock. It is just there if you need it.

But a do think the monster entry should make more use outside of the statblock, in the lore/fluff text. That is where I would like to see things like a list of riddle, trials, etc.

 

[Zaukrie]

I don't think we disagree. I just think the line where something changes from shorthand to written is different for the two of us.

Most likely.