How i do it?
Y'all want a secret?
I'm lazy. I prefer advancing monsters using resources I can copy and paste from. I also try to stick close to the core rules because I have no idea what any given DM will allow. Sticking close to the core also is a self imposed restraint. Using too much splat material can make TPK machines{and i mean worse than most posted here]. I avoid most PRCs & Several Splat feats really power up some monsters. I have balance concerns involving Rock Chuckers with brutal throw and power throw,
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/iw/20070607a has an elemental with the first feat of that combo.
Here is the full advancement of that critter for those who
want it. [sblock=Unplatested max advancment Ruin Elemental]
Great Ruin Elemental CR ?18?
LE huge elemental (earth)
Init -1;
Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Listen +9, Spot +9
Languages Terran
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AC 24, touch 7, flat-footed 24 (-2 size, -1 dex +17 natural)
hp 567 (42 HD);
DR 5/--
Fort +33,
Ref +13,
Will +18
Immune elemental immunities,
spike stones
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Speed 40 ft. (8 squares)
Melee 2 slams +45 each (2d6+16)
Power Attack [20 point] 2 slams +25 each (2d6+36)
Ranged rock +47/+42/+37/+32 (3d6+16 19-20 crit)
Power Throw [30 point] +17/+12/+7/+2 (3d6+46 19-20 crit)
Power Throw [15 point] +32/+27/+22/+18 (3d6+31 19-20 crit)
Space 15 ft.;
Reach 15 ft.
Base Atk +31;
Grp +23
Atk Options Improved Bull Rush, Improved Sunder, Power Attack, Brutal Throw, Rapid Shot
Special Actions shock wave
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Abilities Str 42******, Dex 8, Con 28, Int 10*, Wis 15, Cha 7
SA rock throwing, shock wave
SQ elemental traits
Feats Brutal Throw[CAd] [1], Improved Bull Rush[3], Improved Sunder [6], Power Attack [9], Iron will [12], Weapon focus (rock)[15], Point Blank shot [18], Quickdraw [21], skill focus (hide)[24], Brutal throw[CAd][27], Improved crit (rock) [30], Far shot[33], Awesome blow [36], skill focus spot[39], blind fight[42]
Skills Hide +26*, Jump +18, Listen +22, Spot +25
* Ruin elementals have a +4 racial bonus on Hide checks in areas of ruined stone.
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Immunities (Ex) Ruin elementals take no damage and suffer no impeded movement in the area of a
spike stones spell.
Rock Throwing (Ex) It hurls rocks weighing up to 80 pounds (Medium objects) up to five range increments. The range increment is 300 feet for this ruin elemental's thrown rocks.
Shock Wave (Ex) Every 1d4 rounds, as a swift action, a ruin elemental can strike the ground to create a shock wave in a 20-foot-radius spread centered on itself. All creatures not of the earth subtype within the radius of the shock wave are treated as if bull rushed by the ruin elemental. The ruin elemental receives a +4 bonus on this check from Improved Bull Rush, as well as +4 for each size category it is larger than the targeted opponent. Creatures that fail the opposed checks are pushed back 5 feet and knocked prone.
Total Bonuses
+32 against Small creatures
+28 against Medium creatures
+24 against Large creatures
+20 against Huge creatures[/sblock]
I wasted 3 hours doing that. I just got the urge to do so when i saw the monster.
I copy and paste the monster entry into MSword/open office.
I open
http://www.d20srd.org/ to "improving monsters" and keep that open to reference
I type the changes, usually stiicking to core material. {other than improved toughness]
I open the calculator for math like skill points and High HD hp.
I post the new monster entry