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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lacyon" data-source="post: 4177880" data-attributes="member: 63046">Then you're back to the implication that without putting that template into motion the DM is "doing it wrong". I mean, there can definitely be some phrasing that makes it clear, and I don't object too strongly to that, but you've got to be careful with wording there.Evil twin encounters as you're describing them are significantly more complex than they need to be. Applying templates to PCs can get pretty hairy. "He can use each of the PCs abilities but at a -2 penalty" - oh wait, except dailies, that's right. And his encounter powers get to recharge? Better remember to roll those. And how many healing surges does he get? How many HP?The PC started out more complicated than a monster. You're adding a template to make him even more complicated. And the result you end up with still needs to be balanced against the encounter rules. The better DM trick (IMO) is to just use a level-appropriate behind-the-scenes generic stat block flavored with some of the PC's powers. It's pre-balanced, and way less complicated than applying a template-form to his HP and attacks and powers and expecting that the result is going to be fully balanced.I mean, he's going to have a smaller attack bonus, lower defenses, and less HP anyway, right? Are the PCs going to be counting it all to make sure you applied the template correctly? Shorthanding this kind of thing is better.I wouldn't mind having some suggestions on that, but be wary of the possibility of sending the "you aren't really using this monster right" vibe.</blockquote>

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