[RPG] Creating Monsters!

[Morrus]

This thread is for creating/editing monsters.

There's going to be a restriction which prevents you from fighting monsters too far below your own level (or, alternatively, gaining XP from it). So it's important that levels are correctly calculated.

The base scores for a 0th level monster or PC are:

STR - 30
DEF - 30
HP - 100
MP - 100

With each level, each attribute increases by 1-15 points. Average 7.5.

Using this info, is it possible to correctly calculate the level of monsters? Take the monster's attributes, deduct the base 0-level attributes, add them all together, divide by 7.5 and then divide by 4.

So -- looking at current monsters:

Balrog

STR - 1000
DEF - 1000
HP - 1000
MP - 1000

Deducting the base 0th-level stats:


STR - 970
DEF - 970
HP - 900
MP - 900

Add those together, we see he has gained 3740 points. That's 498.6 in each ability, or an increase of 124.6 levels.

So, the Balrog is level 125. Assuming my calculations bear out!

 

[Kalanyr]

That's not entirely accurate, especially at higher levels, since characters of those levels will have items to boost their stats. (Assuming a level is supposed to be the level of character that stands a 50/50 chance,there's also the fact players get a slight boost from their element but its fairly minor, and probably provides the slight player advantage you need for the game to progress at all.) But in general it looks good and it makes logical sense.

Edit:- I should also note that monsters with unbalanced attack/defence are probably about 1.25x more difficult than their mere scores would indicate.

 

[Morrus]

Yeah, so a character's effective level is probably higher than his actual level, depending on his equipment. The monsters don't get equipment, so they don't get any bonuses.

 

[Creamsteak]

I was working with these same numbers after Crothian figured out the dice for the thing. If you use this method, that seems acceptable to me. Equipment would need to have tiers to match the creatures levels to give PCs an edge (because nobody wants to fight a dead equal fight at the healing costs we've had).

And, for gold considerations, you'll want to probably base the monsters gp reward on their points value. Wraiths, which have a point value of 280 (I think) should be worth a little bit less than 100 gold. 70 works, which is 1/4 of the points Value, if my numbers are right (I'm trying to recall from memory).

Also, all creatures heal when at 10% hp instead of doing special attacks, which I just realized.

 

[Kalanyr]

Yes, and the healing amounts are weird I've seen a Wraith heal 100 HP in one go, thats as good as a 200 gp healing potion (it also doesn't seem to cost them mana but thats probably just the general bug).

 

[Morrus]

OK, I've updated the levels as best I can:

Kobold: 0
Orc: 4
Wraith: 10
Dragon: 50
Death Knight: 60
Balrog: 125

 

[Morrus]

Well, the reward is probably easier as a function of level. Say, 7 GP per level, making:

Kobold: 0
Orc: 28
Wraith: 70
Dragon: 350
Death Knight: 420
Balrog: 875

Or something. Thoughts?

 

[Creamsteak]

Looks a hell of a lot more accurate (if you toned down the orc, which is currently too offense heavy for any level 4 character to handle).

Now, for trying to convince you that healing is too expensive...


1/4 of points value (30 per level) is 7.5, which is close to 7, but I think 7.5 makes better numbers since you'll never have an odd points value, but you will have odd levels.

 

[Morrus]

BTW, it is possible to allow bots to gain XP and levels. I may create a couple of NPCs who can advance.

 

[Kalanyr]

Yeah unless, the orc has it's strength toned down a bit (from 120) its closer to 35 or 40.

Edit- Yes, that looks more accurate for a 28 GP monster.