DDI monster builder vs. Expected Norms

[Mesh Hong]

I haven't noticed the defense scores, but I noticed that the ability scores seemed to be off. If I remember correctly, the highest of each "defense pair" stat should be 13 +1/2 level, and one should be 16 + 1/2 level. Some of the numbers were off, but I don't remember exactly which one. Maybe that results in different defense scores, too? Either because the values become adjusted above their original score, or start lower?

That what I am trying to get to the bottom of:

The DMG1 uses:
AC = creature level +12 (artillery, brute) or +14 (skirmisher, lurker, controller) or +16 (soldier)

NADs = creature level +12

I am just trying to check if the DDI monster maker uses the same principle.

note:
One of the things that prompted this investigation was a level 1 soldier that Derubaskull created with the DDI monster maker that had an AC of 20 which seems very high for a level 1 standard creature (I would expect an AC of 17)

 

[Derulbaskul]

Mesh Hong,

I've attached all twelve stat blocks you mentioned. I noticed that the controller doesn't have a "good" ability score.

As for my monsters, I use the option, in some cases, of adjusting for low (-3), high (+3) or very high (+6) for defences (including AC) and ability scores. That may have generated some of the odd numbers you mentioned.

Anyway, you can see the base numbers in the document attached. I have also included the attack bonus vs AC and against a NAD, together with normal/medium damage, so you can get a better idea of the other base numbers the generator is working with.

After I attend to a few messages I will try and compare the numbers to yours.

 

[Mesh Hong]

I've attached all twelve stat blocks you mentioned. I noticed that the controller doesn't have a "good" ability score.

Thank you very much for doing this. As I expected the base numbers havn't changed. There does seem to be an error with the controller though as it doesn't have a primary attribute.

As for my monsters, I use the option, in some cases, of adjusting for low (-3), high (+3) or very high (+6) for defences (including AC) and ability scores. That may have generated some of the odd numbers you mentioned.

This seems odd. Do you mean the program allows you 4 set options (normal, low -3, high +3 or very high +6) that you can apply to any or all defences?

That sort of approach could cause some major problems for people without a lot of experience in the arcane art of monster creation and could result in some very nasty or annoying creatures.

Anyway, you can see the base numbers in the document attached. I have also included the attack bonus vs AC and against a NAD, together with normal/medium damage, so you can get a better idea of the other base numbers the generator is working with.

What I find strange is the change to the standard ability scores, e.g. 10 at level 1 instead of 13.

Thinking about it we can assume that the program uses the ability scores to alter the defences as the one tied to the primary ability is at +1 (though it its strange that a +6 ability generates a +1 defence).

Can you play around with changing ability scores and look at the change this makes to the creatures defences?

 

[Derulbaskul]

This seems odd. Do you mean the program allows you 4 set options (normal, low -3, high +3 or very high +6) that you can apply to any or all defences? That sort of approach could cause some major problems for people without a lot of experience in the arcane art of monster creation and could result in some very nasty or annoying creatures.

Yes, you can apply that adjustment to any and all defences and ability scores, but you can also then adjust them manually.

Can you play around with changing ability scores and look at the change this makes to the creatures defences?

Sure.

You really need a copy.

 

[Mesh Hong]

You really need a copy.

LOL, not really, I am very happy with Asmors monster maker (I still use version 3.4).

I just need to be sure that they produce similar balanced results so that my creations still conform generally to the standard philosophy.

Personally I am very suspcious of this +3 to +6 bonus to any defence offered by the official tool, I think it could lead to some horribly unbalanced creatures and some very frustrated players.

But then what do I know?

 

[Derulbaskul]

LOL, not really, I am very happy with Asmors monster maker (I still use version 3.4).

I'm sure Asmor's is great but the copy and paste functions in the monster builder are so useful. You can just take powers from other creatures, sorting by monster or power (and keywords etc...) and then modify so it really is a time saver.

But then what do I know?

3.5E proved that the WotC designers, bless 'em, are not at their best when it comes to stat blocks. The revisions of monster design parameters in MMII tend to suggest it's still a weak point for them... so I wouldn't underestimate your skill level by comparison!

 

[Mesh Hong]

I'm sure Asmor's is great but the copy and paste functions in the monster builder are so useful. You can just take powers from other creatures, sorting by monster or power (and keywords etc...) and then modify so it really is a time saver.

You can import powers from previously created creatures with Asmor's, but only from your own creatures. I admit that it is a stronger case when the DDI includes all official monster powers.

The thing is how often are we going to see Paragon or Epic level powers replicated on Heroic tier creatures. Only time will tell.