Stat Block Envy

[Snarls-at-Fleas]

Speaking of Strahd. I decided to stop whinning and and made up some 4E style statistcis for the elven werewolves, for the crazy nymph and for Strahd himself. Tomorrow evening(Moscow time) I'll be testing it with my group and I'll tell you how it's played out.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

I don't know, that black dragon stat block isn't exactly short -- so we'll see when things get into upper levels.

 

[Shroomy]

I don't know, that black dragon stat block isn't exactly short -- so we'll see when things get into upper levels.

I think the relative length of stat blocks is dependent on the type of monster; given that the black dragon was a solo monster, it would need more abilities to keep up with 5 PCs. That said, the black dragon stat block is relatively short (shorter than the equivalent 3.x stat block), straightforward, and more importantly, self-contained.

 

[vazanar]

I think the relative length of stat blocks is dependent on the type of monster; given that the black dragon was a solo monster, it would need more abilities to keep up with 5 PCs. That said, the black dragon stat block is relatively short (shorter than the equivalent 3.x stat block), straightforward, and more importantly, self-contained.

Hasn't the WOTC argument been you were only suppose to use one monster in 3.5 at a time so the 4e dragon should be compared to any monster in 3.5? The pit fiends cant be compared till we see the pit fiend and all his minions. (In all fairness I never played it that way and think having minions is a great idea.)

Honestly, the CR 12 Black dragon in age of Worms isnt much longer than the level 4 in the playtest. However, I do agree the most important thing is the monster is totally self contained. If I can get all the monsters on cards similar to the current mini ones Ill be happy.

 

[Campbell]

I don't know, that black dragon stat block isn't exactly short -- so we'll see when things get into upper levels.

I don't think there will be any relationship between monster complexity and level. Consider the Bone Claw (a Level 14 Soldier). It has a claw attack, an ability it can use when first bloodied (a burst attack that heals undead allies and hurts enemies), and two passive abilities - Threatening Reach, and Relentless Opportunist (if it hits with an opportunity attack it can perform another opportunity against a creature the next time the creature provokes during its turn). It doesn't seem noticeably more complex than the kobold skirmisher.

Tangent: Relentless Opportunist seems to imply that Opportunity Attacks do not have a round-based limitation any more. It looks like you can make one Opportunity Attack on a creature during its turn.