D&D 5E Scaling Low CR NPCs

[Tinker-TDC]

I am working on re-writing low CR NPC statblocks to higher CR NPC statblocks. My idea is to just create a resource so a DM can have stat blocks available for DMs who don't want to go to all the trouble of actually balancing small tweaks for their party and am wondering if anyone would like to give me any suggestions on what they'd like to see scaled up or down to fit your party level. I was also looking to get some feedback on the look of my blocks (it is based on the SRD statblocks, but I'm always looking for ways to improve it.) Below is an example of the type of thing I'm working on.

 

[feartheminotaur]

This is pretty cool. They have all the various classes in the MM, but it'd be cool to see each one set up in a similar CR - a lower level mage or higher level priest, for example.

 

[Tinker-TDC]

I'm thinking of making four levels of mage for different schools. ie. apprentice, adept, master, arch- followed by illusionist, necromancer, evoker, etc.

 

[Krachek]

From a role play point of view your guard with higher CR should be rename: elite guard, Royal guard, or other title reflecting their progressive strength. With those stats they are not some nobody, but well trained and experienced warrior.

 

[Gilladian]

I've seen similar products for sale and PWYW on the Dm's Guild site. They seem quite useful to me!

 

[Tinker-TDC]

From a role play point of view your guard with higher CR should be rename: elite guard, Royal guard, or other title reflecting their progressive strength. With those stats they are not some nobody, but well trained and experienced warrior.

I was considering doing that (to the point where I actually had the names you suggested down); the image posted above is just an organizational thing while I'm writing it

 

[aco175]

I like it, I have advanced several npc's as well but only have 1 or 2 advances. The problem I was having was if I should give them pc powers or make up new ones like in 4e. I ended up doing a combo of both editions. I have a higher level guard with fighter powers like 2nd wind and multiattack and a high level warlock with multiattack with spell/ dual eldrich blast.

I like when npc's have powers that players cannot get. It makes them more fantastic and memorable.

 

[Krachek]

You can build NPC using the PHB. It's take time, but for some important NPC or followers it can worth it.

For me 5ed have bring back the usefull NPC.
The CR3 guard or the Veteran in the MM, can be a threath or an usefull ally for a wide range of PC level. At least from 2 to 10.

We also need some more NPC for non combat encounter. Artisan, Artist, Businessman. The noble in the MM is a bit restrictive.
We need a way to give them more skill bonus. Maybe using a kind of Expertise.