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<blockquote data-quote="CapnZapp" data-source="post: 7468540" data-attributes="member: 12731">The 5e way is distinctly different from the 3e way. Not only does the edition &quot;reset&quot; NPC levels to maybe 5-10 levels lower than the 3e inflation, it considerably simplifies them.If and only if the NPC is intended as a combat target is it appropriate to create unique stats. Even then, just drop 75% to 90% of the 3e character's abilities. Otherwise &quot;Archmage&quot; will do just fine. (In actual combat, an Archmage will easily die in the first round of combat even to heroes 5-10 levels lower, so it makes for a poor combat stat line). Even the specialist (school) wizards of Volo's are better and more inspired than the dull Archmage block of the MM.If the named NPC is to face the heroes in combat, I think the best course of action is to create a unique stat block; and invent two or three cool powers it and nobody else has. Look to end bosses in existing modules for guidance - Strahd and Ras Nsi are not off-the-counter stats blocks. One gets bonus hp, the other gets bonus AC. If the NPC is meant to face the whole party alone you need a Solo, and then you don't need just to bend the 5e framework, you need to break it.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="CapnZapp, post: 7468540, member: 12731"] The 5e way is distinctly different from the 3e way. Not only does the edition "reset" NPC levels to maybe 5-10 levels lower than the 3e inflation, it considerably simplifies them. If and only if the NPC is intended as a combat target is it appropriate to create unique stats. Even then, just drop 75% to 90% of the 3e character's abilities. Otherwise "Archmage" will do just fine. (In actual combat, an Archmage will easily die in the first round of combat even to heroes 5-10 levels lower, so it makes for a poor combat stat line). Even the specialist (school) wizards of Volo's are better and more inspired than the dull Archmage block of the MM. If the named NPC is to face the heroes in combat, I think the best course of action is to create a unique stat block; and invent two or three cool powers it and nobody else has. Look to end bosses in existing modules for guidance - Strahd and Ras Nsi are not off-the-counter stats blocks. One gets bonus hp, the other gets bonus AC. If the NPC is meant to face the whole party alone you need a Solo, and then you don't need just to bend the 5e framework, you need to break it. [/QUOTE]

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