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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Jhaelen" data-source="post: 5056497" data-attributes="member: 46713">I always create full stat-blocks for customized monsters I use. If necessary, I do this in several steps, saving the intermediate results for later use (e.g. first apply a template, then advance hd, then add class levels).If I use standard monsters, I only create a mini-statblock including initiative (which I pre-roll), hp, and equipment/treasure.For important encounters I also write up some round-by-round tactics.I'd also like to note that since our group only meets every 3-4 weeks, I've got tons of prep time, so I don't actually mind that preparing an adventure takes a lot of time. E.g. I finished preparing the current adventure in November and we're still not even half-way through it.Ugh. I hate high-level npc spellcasters, and especially wizards. I've done this only twice, so far and both times it took me about five days, spending 1-2 hours each day collecting interesting spells, feats, items, etc.I'd only create two stat-blocks for the derro henchman but I'd create them to be dual-purpose: I've recently done this for a duergar adventure in which I used three stat-blocks with alternate selections of equipment, feats and powers.I also probably wouldn't use pure spellcasters. I'd start with a common baseline-statblock using something like a level 4 fighter. I'd also select long-term buffs for at least half of their spells and assume they've already been cast.I'd say this would take me 3-4 hours depending on the variety of spells I'm striving for.For lycanthropes I only create a stat-block for the hybrid-form. If it comes to a fight, it's only that form that will matter.Since most feats are predetermined by picking a two-weapon fighter, this would take me about an hour.Well, I'd _never_ do a solo battle like this. I'd always include minions, typically picking the kind that a Marilith can summon.Assuming I would actually use her solo: Advancing HD is relatively straightforward. I'd take a few liberties to grant her a few ways to use swift and/or immediate actions. I might also modify her list of spell-like abilities (and assume most of them had already been cast).I almost never customize monsters by giving them new ways to attack. But I guess, I'd look at the way a dragon's tail attack works and adapt it.Since this is supposed to be a campaign's climax I would probably spend more time than usual to get her just right. Otherwise I'd say this would take me 1-2 hours.Very flexible, but also very time-intensive.For important encounters I almost always customize them. These days I only use standard monsters as minions or for random encounters.Apart from reusing stat-blocks (and encounters) I've already created, nothing, really.Hmm. As I already mentioned, I hate preparing anything with large spell lists. Even if it's just a bunch of spell-like abilities, I have to look up the spell descriptions beforehand to get an idea about how to use them effectively.Something I also don't like is preparing complicated encounter areas. If I have a poster map that is close to what I'm looking for I'll take that instead. Fiddling with tiles or drawing on my dry-erase battlemap wastes too much time if done during a session and it's difficult to do this beforehand, since my players may surprise me by going somewhere unexpected.</blockquote>

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