howandwhy99
Adventurer
Most monsters are rated for difficulty in overcoming them. This could be combat level like a Level 1 Monster combatant. But it could be rated for other activities too. For instance, a Level 2 Monster Pursuer for chases, a Level 3 Monster Conversationalist for dialogues, a Level 4 Monster Craftsmen for building things, a Level 5 Monster Intelligence for knowing or remembering stuff, etc.
The point is, squaring off against these monsters changes depending upon the arena. Even 1st level PCs could rather easily beat wise old sages in combat, but it would be better if we allied with them. We aren't going to know what they know as Level 5 Sages when we're level 1. Heck, we're level 1 fighters, thieves, and wizards, so sage ability for most PCs is lower than Sage level 1.
I think diversity in monster stats like this helps players choose their plans of action and assess the values of their goals.
Some monsters may have differing ratings within an arena too. Some may appear invincible, but be low level combatants overall. For example, The Brick-Man is largely impervious to slashing and bludgeoning attacks, but only above average against piercing ones. If attacked with piercing weapons or attacks he's a Level 3 Monster (tougher than skin, weaker than solid rock). However, if attacked with slashing weapons, he's a Level 15 Monster and against bludgeoning he's a level 21.
Does 3/15/21 mean this bricklayer is on average a 13th level combat foe? No, not really. He's probably not a 3rd level monster either, but 4th or 5th could be fine. Commensurate PC parties fighting against him will be fine too once they learn how he lays a brick, so to speak. Being nearly impervious to certain attacks doesn't make this foe impervious to all attacks. It's the weak points that tell the tale.
If we go back to the original rankings I gave above, we might see that monsters could be ranked as lower level challenges even though they are varyingly powerful in certain arenas. Fighting a jackrabbit in a cage match is no contest, fighting one in the woods means it quickly becomes a pursuit. Without aid to pursue most PCs quickly lose that contest.
Perhaps we can allow back in the game certain near unbeatable traits, if we recognize that they are not the be all end all of a monster's rating? Ogres are nasty fighters and better wrestlers, but if you can convince one to talk to you, they are easily manipulated. Strong combatants, lousy conversationalists I say. But using that brute force in your favor is a win.
The point is, squaring off against these monsters changes depending upon the arena. Even 1st level PCs could rather easily beat wise old sages in combat, but it would be better if we allied with them. We aren't going to know what they know as Level 5 Sages when we're level 1. Heck, we're level 1 fighters, thieves, and wizards, so sage ability for most PCs is lower than Sage level 1.
I think diversity in monster stats like this helps players choose their plans of action and assess the values of their goals.
Some monsters may have differing ratings within an arena too. Some may appear invincible, but be low level combatants overall. For example, The Brick-Man is largely impervious to slashing and bludgeoning attacks, but only above average against piercing ones. If attacked with piercing weapons or attacks he's a Level 3 Monster (tougher than skin, weaker than solid rock). However, if attacked with slashing weapons, he's a Level 15 Monster and against bludgeoning he's a level 21.
Does 3/15/21 mean this bricklayer is on average a 13th level combat foe? No, not really. He's probably not a 3rd level monster either, but 4th or 5th could be fine. Commensurate PC parties fighting against him will be fine too once they learn how he lays a brick, so to speak. Being nearly impervious to certain attacks doesn't make this foe impervious to all attacks. It's the weak points that tell the tale.
If we go back to the original rankings I gave above, we might see that monsters could be ranked as lower level challenges even though they are varyingly powerful in certain arenas. Fighting a jackrabbit in a cage match is no contest, fighting one in the woods means it quickly becomes a pursuit. Without aid to pursue most PCs quickly lose that contest.
Perhaps we can allow back in the game certain near unbeatable traits, if we recognize that they are not the be all end all of a monster's rating? Ogres are nasty fighters and better wrestlers, but if you can convince one to talk to you, they are easily manipulated. Strong combatants, lousy conversationalists I say. But using that brute force in your favor is a win.
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