Question about the stats.

[Olfactatron]

I just got the monster compilation, many thanks for that, but I was reading through it an I noticed that while all the ability modifiers seem to go up at a rate of .5/level, this modifier doesn't seem to get added to damage, only the base modifier (before adding level adjustment) is added. I'm guessing it applies to ability checks only, so does that mean we have to keep track of two strength modifiers? Does anyone know why this is? Did anyone at D&DXP get clued into this?

 

[Dalamar]

Congratulations, you have deciphered the first part that confuses many with the ability modifiers of the new monsters.

And no, we don't need to keep track of the normal modifier in addition to the listed one unless we happen to be creating new monsters or giving existing monsters new attacks/abilities as the base number seems to be only used in damage and special abilities, which for a ready monster are precalculated.

 

[VBMEW-01]

Yeah, from what I've learned, none of the numbers have to add up anymore. There is a core mechanic at work, I believe, but it is supposed to be bent as needed. If he ain't tough enough, add hit points. Not fast enough, increase his speed.

etc
etc

cool and freeform, but hell on the minds of all those number crunchers out there.