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<blockquote data-quote="mearls" data-source="post: 9450349" data-attributes="member: 697">Inspired by this thread the work done by [USER=20323]@Quickleaf[/USER] and [USER=54840]@SlyFlourish[/USER] here is my own take on a reduced stat block. I've started with the orc, so a much simpler monster, but I also found that I could junk the six ability scores, saves, and skills by reducing down to three attributes that should look familiar to 3e and 4e players:[ATTACH=full]378704[/ATTACH]I also have played with tearing out extraneous words in action and attack types, along with needlessly restrictive rules for monster abilities. For instance, removing the restriction on the orc's bonus action movement does not in my opinion break or unbalance the mechanic. If anything, I think it makes it more useful and flavorful.In this world, Fortitude covers all Strength and Constitution checks and saves. Reflex covers Dexterity, and Will covers Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Whether that's easier or not... well, I'm giving it a try this week so I should have three sessions under my belt soon enough. At a glance, though, I like six values arranged into two rows of three as a base unit.Lots of stuff, like languages, creature size, or creature type, either doesn't come up into play for me or is obvious to me based on context. I know that orcs are size Medium because I can look at the miniature on the table or just remember they are human sized. I'm not sure if that's true for most DMs, but it works for me.Finally, the version of Darkvision above is my homebrew, simpler version. In my games I allow stealth in dim light, so this keeps Darkvision from shutting down stealth and makes light useful in dungeons.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="mearls, post: 9450349, member: 697"] Inspired by this thread the work done by [USER=20323]@Quickleaf[/USER] and [USER=54840]@SlyFlourish[/USER] here is my own take on a reduced stat block. I've started with the orc, so a much simpler monster, but I also found that I could junk the six ability scores, saves, and skills by reducing down to three attributes that should look familiar to 3e and 4e players: [ATTACH type="full"]378704[/ATTACH] I also have played with tearing out extraneous words in action and attack types, along with needlessly restrictive rules for monster abilities. For instance, removing the restriction on the orc's bonus action movement does not in my opinion break or unbalance the mechanic. If anything, I think it makes it more useful and flavorful. In this world, Fortitude covers all Strength and Constitution checks and saves. Reflex covers Dexterity, and Will covers Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Whether that's easier or not... well, I'm giving it a try this week so I should have three sessions under my belt soon enough. At a glance, though, I like six values arranged into two rows of three as a base unit. Lots of stuff, like languages, creature size, or creature type, either doesn't come up into play for me or is obvious to me based on context. I know that orcs are size Medium because I can look at the miniature on the table or just remember they are human sized. I'm not sure if that's true for most DMs, but it works for me. Finally, the version of Darkvision above is my homebrew, simpler version. In my games I allow stealth in dim light, so this keeps Darkvision from shutting down stealth and makes light useful in dungeons. [/QUOTE]

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