Monster Design Questions

[Paul Farquhar]

Something else to consider: there are huge numbers of Pathfinder creatures available online, as are guidelines for converting from 3rd edition (I.e. Pathfinder) to 5e.

 

[Ath'kethin]

Something else to consider: there are huge numbers of Pathfinder creatures available online, as are guidelines for converting from 3rd edition (I.e. Pathfinder) to 5e.

Even easier, you can just use this: http://marklenser.com/5econverter/

Its results generally need a little massaging, but it's super handy.

 

[Rossbert]

It is going to take me longer than I thought. I need time and space to spread out all the references I need to see at once away from small hands that like to 'help'. That said my ability outline is coming along and I think I need to drop the damage to compensate for all the resistances and immunities or up the CR.

 

[aco175]

I have found that monsters can be rather tough before you start to think that the PCs will have a hard time and the CR does not match. I also find that it is easier to cut out, or tone down powers to make things work.

 

[Oofta]

A lot of times I'll take an existing monster that fits thematically with what I want, level them up (or down) and reskin the fluff to do what I want. I level up or down by simply looking at the differences in numbers between levels, so if you use the chart on page 274 of the DMG, and I have a CR 4 that I want to increase to CR 8 I'll up the Prof Bonus by 1, AC by 2, HP by 60, etc.

Then if I want to add something else cool I'll just steal a power from another monster at around the same level or user Monster Features from DMG page 280.

 

[Rossbert]

A lot of times I'll take an existing monster that fits thematically with what I want, level them up (or down) and reskin the fluff to do what I want. I level up or down by simply looking at the differences in numbers between levels, so if you use the chart on page 274 of the DMG, and I have a CR 4 that I want to increase to CR 8 I'll up the Prof Bonus by 1, AC by 2, HP by 60, etc.

Then if I want to add something else cool I'll just steal a power from another monster at around the same level or user Monster Features from DMG page 280.

My base seems to be a mimic with some ooze mixed in. I am not aiming for a specific CR but am iffy on how to place it when it is finished. I may not have work today due to the blizzard in the midwest so I might get to do a write up tonight.

 

[Satyrn]

Quick aside, what damage type would people consider being sucked against a small opening by a strong vacuum or wind? Bludgeoning?

Bludgeoning, yeah