MM IV Details

[Knight Otu]

I think WotC is making this change to help D&D newbies understand the difference between official D&D products and third party d20 products.

That's a pretty bold statement, considering that there is something in place that does so more reliably, clearly and openly - the D&D logo right on the cover. Not only is it easier to see than a stat block in the book, not every book necessarily has monster stat blocks or NPC stat blocks. Besides, if your theory were true, Wizards would need to reprint all earlier books with the new format for it to work.

I'm not sure, but I think I've already seen some third-parties using the new format.

I know for sure about NPCDesigner from RPGAttitude. Vascant talked with Paizo about the format (mostly prospective changes), and the program has been recommended by Monte Cook and Darrin Drader.

I still can't believe there using that format for monsters though; it's supposed to just be for individual NPCs.

We don't know that. We only know there will be a different format.

 

[Shade]

Yeah, we can still hold out hope that it is an improved version of the existing stat block, maybe adding a Languages line, etc. without going radically different like the NPC block. I'm skeptical, though.

Sample treasure hoards by type and CR wouldn't be so bad, but if they actual waste space in individual monster entries with a hoard that only works for that particular CR...aargh.

 

[Garnfellow]

Yeah, we can still hold out hope that it is an improved version of the existing stat block, maybe adding a Languages line, etc. without going radically different like the NPC block. I'm skeptical, though.

Sample treasure hoards by type and CR wouldn't be so bad, but if they actual waste space in individual monster entries with a hoard that only works for that particular CR...aargh.

Just got the new Dungeon issue today, with several new monsters in the Age of Worms adventure. Didn't get a chance to look at it very closely over lunch, but the monsters look very cool . . . and use a new monster format. I assume this will be what is used in MMIV. It looks just like the NPC statblock, with the addition of a Environment, Treasure, Organization, and Advancement lines. The italicized monster description goes to the top of the entry.

Personally, I like the new format much, much better. I find it considerably easier to run monsters with it, and I like having the regular monster entry and its statblock so similar. Makes it much easier to cut-and-paste.

 

[BOZ]

looks like MMIV is going to "officialize" the new stat block format, like it or not...

 

[Knight Otu]

Does it break up armor class and the like?

 

[Alzrius]

Does it break up armor class and the like?

It still lists the AC, touch AC, and flat-footed AC, if that's what you mean.

And yeah, the NPC statblock format will indeed be the format for monsters too now. It's apparently the new statblock format, period.

 

[Knight Otu]

No, I mean like (-2 size, +6 natural, +3 Dex).

 

[Garnfellow]

No, I mean like (-2 size, +6 natural, +3 Dex).

I don't think so . . . but I only had a quick look. This is really the only thing I don't like about the new format.

 

[Shade]

Ugh. Very, very disappointed.

Is the level adjustment no longer listed?

A few of my many problems with the format:

• No listing of AC breakdowns (important if they cast spells that might conflict/not stack with certain types of bonuses)
• Repetition of information (Spot and Listen in two places, for example)
• No hp breakdown (I like the Con separated out)

At least we only have to use them for published articles.

 

[BOZ]

damn right - i'm not changing the CC format for that! i like things the way they are. change for change's sake is not always a good thing.