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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Thasmodious" data-source="post: 4954115" data-attributes="member: 63272">I was always an improv heavy DM, but 3e changed a lot of that, by building monsters on the PC frame, every skill point, feat, prereq, etc., needed to be accounted for.  I wasn't nearly as comfortable improvising situations in 3e as I was in earlier editions.  4e has brought back the improv in me.  I run both 4e and SW (assuming SW = Savage Worlds, didn't see Wik's original post), and yes SW is easier, but not by a "helluva lot".  It's just an advantage of a lighter system.  Still, 4e is designed with improv in mind, and with a bit of prep, you can make it easier.  The starting point is page 42 of the DMG, which will let you improv about anything really on the fly, but for better monster improv, I made up a couple of sheets in my DMs notebook to handle winging about any combat. At the top is the short and fast formula for modding monsters (+/- 5 levels and the hit points by role formulas). Then I have several very basic statblocks for humanoids at level 5, the blocks include basic attack information, one or two generic, description free blocks per monster role.  After that is a list of racial powers like kobold tactics, shifty goblins, orcs battle heal, etc. Then a list of generic powers taken from example monsters and statted to level 5, like the hobgoblin warcasters force lure. I've got it listed as Short Range Magic - ranged 5, +9, 2d6+5 + effect. I can use it for anything, a wizards lightning blast (add dazed), a druid earthbind (immobilizes), whatever. I do this for different types of attacks, straight damage, damage + effect, effect only. I have the whole heroic tier covered and can wing any combat situation without needing to thumb through books or the Compendium.  Just level something up or down, add some minions (I also have generic level 5 minion stats) and encounter good to go.  The PCs were last seen nearing Paragon, so I will write up a level 15 set of notes when we get back to that game (we are knee deep in a SW game right now).</blockquote>

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