thelettuceman said:
Can anyone give me some easy pointers in dealing with that, or just show me how freakin' stupid I'm being with regards to that?
Tip one, check my advanced monsters thread, the critter may already be there...
http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=77583
Heres is a step by step.
Have two copies of the stat block, the one to be advanced should be electronic. Work your way through it replacing bit by bit.
1. Decide the HD / CR you are advancing the critter. Don't forget the size increase adds 1 to the CR as well.
2. Change the ability scores and don't forget the monster gets the one ability score point per 4th HD {4HD, 8HD, 12 HD, 16HD.
3. Calculate skills. If the critters Int went up, that is factored into skill points as if it always had the higher int. Or lower Int in the case of a “Make you stupid brute” template. This ISa notable difference from the way PCs are made.
4. Chose feats. You can’t change racial bonus feats, but all others can be changed. This is a great time to check the errata for feats along with all the splat material that has been allowed into your game. Example: Improved overrun got nerfed soon after 3.5 was released, swapping Improved Overrun with Combat Brute[CW] or Leap Attack[CW] on a monster that had that feat may be a superior option. Other must have advancement feats are Improved Toughness {instead of Toughness], ability focus, Combat reflexes{if the critter has reach], Blind Fight {retaining that dex bonus against invisible melee foes], Improved critical {ONLY if you will remember it] and if it meets the prerequisites, Improved Trip or Improved Grapple both help a monster dominate. If the critter CAN wield a weapon, giving it power attack and statting it with a two handed weapon is probably the way to go.
5. Calculate saves and add in new ability score mods
6. Calculate AC. Don’t forget the natural armor increase from size or the size modifier.
7. Calculate BAB. Add Str bonus plus the special size bonus to this for grapple.
8 Calculate attack bonuses, Str + bab + size mod. A secondary natural attack gets -5 to hit, unless it has multiattack.
9. Calculate damage based on new natural weapon size and new str bonus.