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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ElectricDragon" data-source="post: 7487409" data-attributes="member: 10778">ARRAYSCreatures are assumed to have completely average (or standard) ability scores—a 10 or an 11 in each ability, as modified by their racial bonuses. However, player characters are individuals and often have better than normal ability scores, and usually make use of the nonelite array, the elite array, the heroic array or the legendary array of ability scores. Monsters who improve by adding a template, and monsters who improve by increasing their Hit Dice, may use any of the first three arrays (standard, nonelite, or elite). Any monster unique enough to be improved could easily be considered elite. Monsters that use the heroic array are the actual unique monsters, e.g. a medusa with ranger levels and bow skills. Such creatures are usually named and come complete with a history. The legendary array is reserved for those creatures that need a little extra edge because they are an integral part of the campaign. This does not mean they can't die; just that a few points of extra damage, extra hit points, extra spells, extra AC bonus, etc. does increase their survivability. Only in truly heroic campaigns (think of the labors of Hercules) will player characters need legendary ability scores.Standard Array: The standard array is 11, 11, 11, 10, 10, 10. The standard array is for normal everyday monsters. Minions, redshirts, stormtroopers and grunts make up the bulk of the standard array's ranks. Basic monsters in the core rules use the standard array,.Nonelite Array: The nonelite array is 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8. The nonelite array does not necessarily make a monster better than normal, but it does customize the monster as an individual with strengths and weaknesses compared to a typical member of its race. The nonelite array is most appropriate for NPC's and monsters who add class levels in a NPC class.Elite Array: The elite array is 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8. While the monster/character has one weakness compared to a typical member of its race, it is significantly better overall. The elite array is most appropriate for characters or monsters who add levels in a player character class.Heroic Array: The heroic array is 17, 16, 15, 13, 12, 10. While the heroic array's lowest score is at least average compared to a typical member of its race, it is supremely better overall. The heroic array is appropriate for heroic characters in deadly campaigns and one shot BBEG fights where survival is not assured.Legendary Array: The legendary array is 19, 17, 16, 15, 14, 12. The legendary array is better than an average member of its species in every way. The legendary array is most appropriate for legendary heroes, minor deities, powerful allies, and key NPC's. This array should only be used for player characters if the campaign is unforgiving and deadly. Such players should face and (hopefully) barely scrape past death/destruction/devastation each and every encounter.Array    ElementsStandard    11,11,11,10,10,10Nonelite    13,12,11,10,9,8Elite    15,14,13,12,10,8Heroic    17,16,15,13,12,10Legendary    19,17,16,15,14,12</blockquote>

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