DUNGEON's NEW STAT BLOCK FORMAT

[fanboy2000]

Well, if you compare Kullen's statblock (Bar 3) with Stone Keeper's statblock (Dungeon 117 pg 26 Barb 1/War 1) Kullen's statblock is 29 lines and Stone Keeper's is 20. Both have rage informtion.

Despite that big difference, I still prefer the new statblock for one reason: not only is it faster to find things, I'll know the special attacks and such are there in the first place. In the old statblock, I often missed important special abilities because the information density was incredibly hard on my eyes.

 

[IronWolf]

The new stat block is nice, makes it easier to see things at a glance. That can mean a lot in the middle of the game if you need to check something real quick.

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

I like what I see so far, but I want to see how much space it takes up before I give it my "seal of approval".

But I do like the concept and the fact that WotC continues to try to improve the meat n' potatoes aspects of the game. If I had a dollar for every time I overlooked SR, or fast healing, or scent, etc., I'd be a wealthy gamer indeed! (actually I wouldn't cuz I'd just spend it all on those darn addictive D&D crack minis, but you get the point).

edit: I really like having languages upfront as that's something I overlook far too often.

 

[Emirikol]

4th Edition..ability scores reduced to???

I pulled out an issue of #123 and compared one of those 30th level characters with one in this issue and MAN, WHAT A DIFFERENCE!

It's logically laid out:
Senses and Initiative first
AC is EASY to find, unlike the old stat block system where it took up an extra moment (I'm sure that's never hard for a DM who's had a beer or two and has been playing for 16 hours straight

Combat gear is INGENIOUSLY located

OFF TOPIC: Looking at it made me wonder one thing now though...remember how 5 different saving throws became obsolete after 2nd ed? Ever wonder about ability scores? No, not that there needs to be fewer...but take a look at them right now..what do you have to calculate in your mind everytime you look at an ability score?...it's bonus...Anybody know where I'm going with this? Will 4th edition move to bonuses instead of the extra step in calculation? Will you have stats like this: Str+3, Dex+1,Con+2,Int-3,Wis+0,Cha+0. Is there any reason, other than nostalgia, why we stick to the 3-18 ability scores instead of using a bonus?

jh





...

 

[Emirikol]

BTW, who can tell me what FONT that is they are using for the stat block? Erik?

jh

 

[Berandor]

Not to sound greedy, but could someone post a longer statblock, say of a higher-level character where information becomes really hard to track?

Thanks.

 

[Kesh]

OFF TOPIC: Looking at it made me wonder one thing now though...remember how 5 different saving throws became obsolete after 2nd ed? Ever wonder about ability scores? No, not that there needs to be fewer...but take a look at them right now..what do you have to calculate in your mind everytime you look at an ability score?...it's bonus...Anybody know where I'm going with this? Will 4th edition move to bonuses instead of the extra step in calculation? Will you have stats like this: Str+3, Dex+1,Con+2,Int-3,Wis+0,Cha+0. Is there any reason, other than nostalgia, why we stick to the 3-18 ability scores instead of using a bonus?

Nope. Blue Rose did exactly what you mention: just uses the bonuses themselves, no 3-18 numbers for the stats. And from what I can tell, it works flawlessly.

 

[Berandor]

I think "My strength is +4" sounds even dorkier than "my strength is 18!"

 

[Emirikol]

Not to sound greedy, but could someone post a longer statblock, say of a higher-level character where information becomes really hard to track?

Thanks.

DONE

See new download in original post (page two of the download is Arodnap..CR 19)

JH

 

[Felon]

DONE
See new download in original post (page two of the download is Arodnap..CR 19)
JH

Wotta guy! Bravo!

This new block rocks. I have seen a DM throw barbarian orcs, only to forget the benefits of the barbarian class offers things like protection from the rogue's sneak, a bonus to Will saves while raging, and damage reduction. Not to mention forgetting that the damn things should be power-attacking and cleaving when they drop one of us. It wasn't just a matter of the DM needing 5 seconds longer to find something, it was a matter of him finding it before he simply gave up, or he forgot it was there in the first place.

Wait, what am I saying? This new block's gonna get me kilt!