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<blockquote data-quote="MerricB" data-source="post: 2779230" data-attributes="member: 3586">The two issues are related.The more points of variance from the standard, the longer the stat-block must get.The more advantage you take of the rules space, the longer the stat-block must get.Consider this: In AD&amp;D, there are well-defined rules for whether a PC can break open a stuck door or not. Those rules would also apply to monsters, but there is no monster Strength score.Completeness indicates that the Strength score should be included. So, the entry in the Monster Manual gets a little longer. This also opens up design space for effects that affect the Strength score, because both NPCs and monsters can now be affected.Variance (you want a weak ogre) requires the stat block get longer for those cases. (You've seen it in AD&amp;D before).Convenience (the third factor) likes having the value in the stat block anyway, so you don't have to look it up in the book. This is balanced by the convenience of a short stat block!Cheers!</blockquote>

[QUOTE="MerricB, post: 2779230, member: 3586"] The two issues are related. The more points of variance from the standard, the longer the stat-block must get. The more advantage you take of the rules space, the longer the stat-block must get. Consider this: In AD&D, there are well-defined rules for whether a PC can break open a stuck door or not. Those rules would also apply to monsters, but there is no monster Strength score. Completeness indicates that the Strength score should be included. So, the entry in the Monster Manual gets a little longer. This also opens up design space for effects that affect the Strength score, because both NPCs and monsters can now be affected. Variance (you want a weak ogre) requires the stat block get longer for those cases. (You've seen it in AD&D before). Convenience (the third factor) likes having the value in the stat block anyway, so you don't have to look it up in the book. This is balanced by the convenience of a short stat block! Cheers! [/QUOTE]

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