Adding Flavor by Using Templates to Increase or Decrease the CR of 5e Monsters

[Carcharoth]

Because I have learned much over many years of lurking, I figure it’s about time that I shared a little something with the community. I (like most I presume) have favorite monsters, and so I often boost or reduce CR to continue to keep them engaging and relevant as PC levels increase. Since I like templates in 3.5/ Pathfinder, I used a similar idea to create the following for 5e.

In the off chance that someone else might find it useful, here you go…
[h=1]Adding Flavor by Using Templates to Increase or Decrease the CR of 5e Monsters[/h][h=2]Introduction[/h]The following information is intended to help DMs make quick CR adjustments to existing 5e monsters. It is not intended to be used for monster creation; however, it can aid in that process. As mentioned in the DMG, monsters are more than an exercise in number crunching, so the DM is encouraged to make further adjustments as deemed necessary.

Below are a few basic templates and formulas that can be used to quickly increase or decrease a monster’s CR. Both methods are derived from rules contained in the Monster Statistics by Challenge Rating guide of the DMG on page 274.
[h=2]Basic Templates[/h]Basic Templates are broken down into two types; Quick and Simple. Quick Templates are intended to give a quick CR boost, while Simple Templates are used to add flavor that may or may not result in a change to the CR.

With respect to Basic Templates, the rules presented in the DMG work well for adjusting CR up and down a few points, but do not scale well when used for greater changes. The following templates work well within the -3 CR to +3 CR range.

Although most templates show increases, simply subtract to decrease the CR. Each template is calculated using the following rules per the DMG.

1. Find the CR for its corresponding HPs, and adjust the CR up or down by one for every two points of difference between the original AC and the corresponding AC for this CR. This is the Defensive CR.
2. Find the CR for its corresponding DPR, and adjust the CR up or down by one for every two points of difference between the original Attack Bonus and the corresponding Attack Bonus for this CR. This is the Offensive CR.
3. The final CR is the average of the Defensive and Offensive CRs rounded up.
4. Adjust the final CR as you see fit.

Each template will change one or more of the following attributes; AC, HP, Attack Bonus, and Damage Per Round.
[h=3]Quick Templates[/h]CR+1: HP+1, DPR+1
CR+2: HP+2, DPR+2
CR+3: AC+1, HP+3, AB+1, DPR+3
[h=3]Simple Templates[/h][h=4]Defensive[/h]CR+0: AC-2, HP+1
CR+0: AC+2, HP-1
CR+1: AC+2, HP+1
CR+1: AC+1, HP+2
CR+2: AC+2, HP+3
CR+3: AC+3, HP+5
[h=4]Offensive[/h]CR+0: AB-2, DPR+1
CR+0: AB+2, DPR-1
CR+1: AB+2, DPR+1
CR+1: AB+1, DPR+2
CR+2: AB+2, DPR+3
CR+3: AB+3, DPR+5
[h=4]Advanced[/h]CR+1: AC+1, HP+1, AB+1, DPR+1
CR+2: AC+1, HP+2, AB+1, DPR+2
CR+3: AC+2, HP+2, AB+2, DPR+2
CR+3: AC+1, HP+3, AB+1, DPR+3
[h=4]Decrepit/ Young[/h]CR-1: AC-0, HP-1, AB-0, DPR-1
CR-2: AC-1, HP-2, AB-1, DPR-2
CR-3: AC-2, HP-2, AB-2, DPR-2
CR-3: AC-1, HP-3, AB-1, DPR-3
[h=4]Lumbering Beast[/h]CR+1: AC-1, HP+1, AB-1, DPR+1
CR+2: AC-1, HP+2, AB-1, DPR+2
CR+3: AC-2, HP+4, AB-2, DPR+4

To use a template, adjust each attribute as follows.

1. CR+1: The template will adjust the CR up by 1.
2. AC+1: Add 1 to the current AC.
3. HP+1*: Multiply the following HP value by 1 and add to monster’s current HP.
   1. If CR is less than 1, add 5 HP (5x1).
   2. If CR is between 1 and 19, add 15 HP (15x1).
   3. If CR is 20 or greater, add 45 HP (45x1).
4. AB+2: Add 2 to the current AB.
5. DPR+2*: Multiply the following DPR value by 2 and add to monster’s current DPR.
   1. If DPR is less than 1, add 4 to DPR (2x2).
   2. If DPR is between 1 and 19, add 12 DPR (6x2).
   3. If DPR is 20 or greater, add 36 DPR (18x2).

* The HP and DPR values presented here are determined by the difference between the current and desired CR. For instance, in the DMG table, you will note that the HP difference between a CR 5 and CR 6 creature is 15 HP, while the DPR difference between the two is 6.
[h=2]Examples of Templates[/h][h=3]Defensive Template[/h]Whether fleet of foot or tough as nails, a creature that’s harder to hit, and/ or takes a lot of damage.

Golfimbul slowly whittles away at the diminishing defenses of his rival, who, in turn, is having difficulty scoring a solid blow.

Goblin: CR ¼, AC 15, HP 7, AB 4, DPR 5
Defensive: CR+1, AC+2, HP+1 (5)
New Stats: CR ½, AC 17, HP 14, AB 4, DPR 5

A great worm it was, with nigh impenetrable hide, a force of untold horror that in its wake left only ruin.

Purple Worm: CR 15, AC 18, HP 247, AB 9, DPR 41
Defensive: CR+2, AC+2, HP+3 (45)
New Stats: CR 17, AC 20, HP 292, AB 9, DPR 41
[h=3]Offensive Template[/h]Through natural skill or pure aggression, a creature that hits hard and often.

The dreaded Katahdin, she-bear and known hunter of the goodly races, marked new territory near a small farming settlement, just a two day journey down Old Forest Road.

Brown Bear: CR 1, AC 11, HP 34, AB 5, DPR 19
Offensive: CR+2, AB+2, DPR+3 (18)
New Stats: CR 3, AC 11, HP 34, AB 7, DPR 37
[h=3]Advanced Template[/h]A creature more ferocious and formidable than its kin.

As the alpha of her pack, Garmr brutally slaughters a rival underling, quelling a simmering unrest in her hellish retinue.

Hellhound: CR 3, AC 15, HP 45, AB 5, DPR 21
Advanced: CR+3, AC+1, HP+3 (45), AB+1, DPR+3 (18)
New Stats: CR 6, AC 16. HP 90, AB 6, DPR 39
[h=3]Decrepit Template[/h]A creature once majestic and worthy of respect, reduced to a mere shadow of its former self.

Finding that he can no longer defend against the cruelty of his own kind, Asterion is condemned to live among the squalor of lesser races.

Minotaur: CR 3, AC 14, HP 76, AB 6, DPR 17
Decrepit: CR-2, AC-1, HP-2 (30), AB-1, DPR-2 (12)
New Stats: CR 1, AC 13, HP 46, AB 5, DPR 5
[h=3]Lumbering Beast Template[/h]A creature larger, slower and less precise than its ilk, yet capable of dealing and enduring tremendous punishment.

Gilim, a hulking mass of destruction tainted by the Ruinous Powers, provides muscle for a local band of marauders.

Hill Giant: CR 5, AC 13, HP 105, AB 8, DPR 36
Lumbering Beast: CR+2, AC-1, HP+2 (30), AB-1, DPR+2 (12)
New Stats: CR 7, AC 12, HP 135, AB 7, DPR 48

[h=3]Zero Sum CR Templates for Flavor[/h]A zero-sum template increases one set of attributes, while it decreases another. The end result is a more flavorful version of the original creature.

A Glass Jaw.

Afraid of getting hurt, Bloop is last to enter the fray, but when he does, watch out for that right.

Kua-Toa: CR ¼, AC 13, HP 18, AB 3, DPR 4
Formula: CR+0, AC-2, HP-1 (6), AB+2, DPR+1 (2)
New Stats: CR ¼, AC 11, HP 12, AB 5, DPR 6

Floats Like a Butterfly…

With quick hands and light feet, Willy works his way around the periphery, punishing the unwary with disturbing ease.

Wererat: CR 2, AC 12, HP 33, AB 4, DPR 9
Formula: CR+0, AC+1, HP+ 0, AB+2, DM-1 (6)
New Stats: CR 2, AC 14, HP 33, AB 5, DPR 3

[h=3]CR Formulas[/h]To maintain better balance over a larger range increases or decreases, use the formulas below. Numerically, the result will be a reasonable representation of a substantially different CR for a given creature.

Since many of the 5e monsters do not precisely match the DMG table, the odds are that you’re not going to end up with a precise match either. The formulas will, however, yield consistent results that may vary +/-1 per AC or AB, depending on the value of the beginning CR.

Increase or Decrease CR by X

AC: +(X+1)/3 Rounded Down
HP: CR < 1, +(X*5)

CR >1 and < 20, +(X * 15)
CR > 19, +(X * 45)​

AB: +X/3 Rounded Down
DPR: CR < 1, +(X*2)

CR > 1 and < 20, +(X*6)
CR > 19, +(X*18)​

[h=3]Examples of CR Formulas[/h]As mentioned previously, the previous templates do not scale well over larger increases or decreases. As such, the following examples use simple formulas to boost CR and allow you to add flavor as desired.

A Hero Among Trolls

As in ages past, The Fallen once again make host of foul creatures. Dunker the Depraved, until recently unheard of, quickly and unexpectedly ascended the ranks of a large orc army, foreshadowing a new age of darkness.

Original Stats: CR 5, AC 15, HP 84, AB 7, DPR 29
Formula: CR+5: AC+(5+1)/3, HP+(5*15), AB+5/3, DPR+(5*6)
Result: CR+5, AC+2, HP+75, AB+1, DPR+30
New Stats: CR 10, AC 17, HP 159, AB 8, DPR 59

Uber Orog

At the fore of a renewed assault, Mauzur Fey-Killer, right hand to the Spectral Queen, insights in the armies of darkness a bloodlust most foul, shattering the already precarious resolve of his opposing forces.

Orog: CR 2, AC 18, HP 42, AB 6, 20
Formula: CR+13: AC+(13+1)/3, HP+(13*15), AB+13/3, DPR+(13*6)
Result: CR+13, AC+4, HP+195, AB+4, DRP+78
New Stats: CR 15, AC 22, HP 237, AB 10, DPR 98

 

[meomwt]

You are Mike Mearls and I claim my £5.

I'll be taking these formulae for a trial run later ;-)

 

[davout1805]

I loved templates from 3.x. I'll have to try these out. Thanks.

 

[Carcharoth]

meomwt and davout1805,

Thanks for checking this out. If you play around with it, let me know what you think, or if you find errors, have suggestions, etc., please let me know.

 

[bedir than]

For those of us that can't calculate DPR increases/decreases quickly could your provide an example? I'm specifically thinking of the weakened minotaur. It looks like that's a combination of dice and bonus.

 

[Carcharoth]

For those of us that can't calculate DPR increases/decreases quickly could your provide an example? I'm specifically thinking of the weakened minotaur. It looks like that's a combination of dice and bonus.

EDIT: In focusing on a single calculation for damage die and bonus for the Storm Giant, I overlooked a major component, which is the total DRP. Although the method for determining damage die is valid, the beginning DPR was incorrect. I edited the example to reflect the changes. Sorry for the confusion if you happened to read it.

You can calculate the DPR several ways. If you’re looking for something quick, you can just use the basic rules; i.e., the average damage is equal to the upper limit of each die divide by two, added together, then rounded down.

Since the Minotaur’s new DPR is 5, it could be as simple as 1d10 (5.5 rounded down.)

Or you can take a more holistic (but not as quick) approach, and make a few educated guesses based upon other known attributes.

For example, since my Minotaur is weakened, his strength is diminished. We know that each +/- 1 bonus is the result of a difference of 2 ability score points. Since we have subtracted his CR by 2, and his original stat is STR 18(+4), we could subtract 2 points of strength per CR (4 points) and say his strength dropped to 14/ 15, which means his new bonus is +2.

For my decrepit Minotaur, I did the following…

• Original: 2d12+4, or (2*6.5)+4 = 17
• Weakened: 1d6+2, or (3.5*1)+2 = 5 – round down the remainder.

You could do either of the following to suit your whatever concept you have as well.

• 2d4 = (2.5+2.5) = 5
• 1d4+3 = (2.5)+3 = 5 – rounded down

It becomes a little more work for damage output at higher CRs, but it’s not really that bad. For instance, take the Storm Giant who makes two greatsword attacks.

Quick Change:

Since one greatsword attack is “HIT: 30 (6d6+9)”, and he makes two attacks, the total DPR is 60. If we wanted him to be weakened by 3 CR, his DPR for this attack can be calculated as follows.

The template tells me to subtract 18 (3 CR * 6 damage) from the 60 (for two attacks), which yields a DPR of 42, so…

Original: 60 DPR for two attacks.
New: 42 DPR for two attacks.

​

1. 
   [*=1]42 (new DRP)/ 2 (attacks) = 21 (DRP per attack)
   [*=1]The average roll of a d6 is 3.5.
   [*=1]3.5 goes into 21 (DPR), 6 (d6) times. Round down to prevent negative bonuses.
   [*=1]The DPR of 6d6 is 21.

Weakened: 6d6 per attack.


​

A more holistic approach might be…

Original DPR is 60
New: DPR is 42, a single attack has a DPR of 21.

Depending on your concept, a diminished strength might yield a bonus of +6 (+9 bonus minus 3 for CR reduction).
​

1. 
   [*=1]21 (new DRP per attack) minus 6 (STR bonus) = 15.
   [*=1]The average roll of a d6 is 3.5.
   [*=1]3.5 goes into 15 (DPR), 4 (d6) times. Rounded down to prevent negative bonus.
   [*=1]The DPR of 4d6 is 14 (4 *3.5).
   [*=1]15 (DPR) - 14 (4d6) is 1 (remainder).
   [*=1]1 (remainder) plus 6 (STR bonus), is 7, so…

Weakened: 4d6+7 per attack

It could just as easily have been 5d6+4.


​

Either way you get a reasonable facsimile.


Just use your best judgment. Sometime a high CR creature won’t have much damage output, so you need to keep that in mind when a template renders output to zero or less. Remember, the Monster Statistics table does not match all monsters precisely, so you will have to make adjustments as you see fit.

Note: Keep an eye out for the results of CRs under 1, especially with regard to HP. The HPs on the table jump drastically between CR 0 and CR 1/8.

Hope this helps, and thanks for checking it out.

 

[meomwt]

Because I'm lazy, I've built a spreadhseet for this.

Actually, I've tacked it on to the one I made for quick-n-dirty Microlite 5E style monsters, and added a couple of sheets so that I can put in actual Monster Manual stats and Template them using the "CR Formulas" section above. I'll see what drops out.

 

[Carcharoth]

I just checked out Microlite 5e doc and like the quick monster gen part.

I also use spreadsheets a lot, and like the idea of throwing the template in on existing stats. I've also created a few basic web-based tools for this and other conversion stuff that I can use on my phone/ tablet. I might post some in the future if refine them up a bit.