[DM clarification] Solos and Elites: two questions

[Wraith Form]

So the DMG indicates that an elite is (in essence) "monster x2" and that a solo is "monster x5".

It says they're "more powerful than a standard monster of that type". Aside from x2 (or x5) hit points, I see no other description or explanation as to how they're more powerful. Do they get to use any of the encounter powers x2 (or x5) as well? Do they get recharges? or are they only supposed to get the added hit points? This is very ambiguous to me.

If I'm missing a part of the DMG/MM that explains how to ramp them up, please provide page numbers. Thanks!


As a follow-up question, is there a way to grant monsters the ability to cast ritual powers? Or, if I want an opponent who can use rituals, would it be fair to use the Character Builder to create an opponent (like an NPC) who uses at-wills, encounters, dailies, rituals, etc?

 

[mlangsdorf]

Elites get an action point, and Solos get two. Both types are expected to have multi-target attacks, and Solos should have multi-target attacks and interrupt based attacks. They also get slightly improved defenses.

If you want a monster to use a Ritual, let the monster use a Ritual. There's really nothing more to it than that.

 

[ForbidenMaster]

Elites get an action point, and Solos get two. Both types are expected to have multi-target attacks, and Solos should have multi-target attacks and interrupt based attacks. They also get slightly improved defenses.

If you want a monster to use a Ritual, let the monster use a Ritual. There's really nothing more to it than that.

They also get bonuses to saving throws

 

[fba827]

If I'm missing a part of the DMG/MM that explains how to ramp them up, please provide page numbers. Thanks!

I don't have the book handy, so I don't have a page reference. But the ramping up is in the DMG. There is a section in the second half of the book (before the setting information) that has some montser templates, it's next to the templates.

 

[Wraith Form]

Thanks, one and all. I really appreciate the quick responses!

I'll look in the DMG near the template section.

 

[Wraith Form]

Elites get an action point, and Solos get two. Both types are expected to have multi-target attacks, and Solos should have multi-target attacks and interrupt based attacks. They also get slightly improved defenses.

I wonder why this isn't spelled out more clearly somewhere in the DMG or MM..?

 

[AbdulAlhazred]

It is, DMG 184. There are systematic rules for monster creation in general, including Elites and Solos. More generally the whole DMs Toolbox (chapter 10) also contains rules for adding templates, including class templates, to monsters. The last section of the DMG also has rules for classed NPCs of various "playable" races.

 

[Wraith Form]

Oh, snap.

Page 184. There we go! Ooooooooooooooh yeah.

Thanks.

 

[Wraith Form]

Thanks and more thanks!!! Chapter 10 was EXACTLY what I was looking for, but didn't realize was there...

/embarrassed


Now I can continue with my evil plans of world domination, corruption of the innocent and subjugation of the weak!