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Message: <blockquote data-quote="TheAngryDM" data-source="post: 5286277" data-attributes="member: 93931">Thanks everyone for discussing my ideas and especially to Matrix for getting the word out. Just want to make a few points: Firstly, I know Bloodknuckles does not really push the envelope or show the versatility of the system. That was done on purpose because it was more of an attempt to test and prove the concept.  A couple of people have pointed out that my system is more complex than simply 'fixing' solos or accepting that solos can't really be solo. Yes, it is. But simply improving the action economy and adding some resistance to conditions doesn't address the total "solo problem" with front loaded action and a lack of 'beats' that indicate progress. These things contribute to the grind as much as anything else (I discussed all of these in the first part).  I've also heard more than a few proposals for 'just let them have two initiatives,' 'just give them more actions,' and/or 'just give them the XXXX trait from this solo.' The problem with any blanket solution like that is that it lacks versatility. Some bosses can and will have double initiatives, some will have more actions, threatening reach, interrupts, minor actions, and so on, but the creator of the monster gets to decide what is right and flavorful for that particular monster. One of the greatest strengths of 4E monster design is the versatility that comes of a universal stat block with exception-based powers. Why give that up? That, ultimately, is why I backed away from the blanket traits I mentioned in Part 2 (e.g.: Boss Monster Resilience). How Bloodknuckles responds to being proned or grabbed is part of his flavor, part of the story of the creature instead of just an immunity or "shake it off" mechanic.  Is it more complicated? Yes. But it actually isn't much more complicated than building a single solo monster and most of the complicated is in the fun of designing tactics and powers to show them off. And finally, to Exploder, I am not sure where exactly there seems to be any more script to the monster than any other. Instead of being bloodied once, he gets bloodied twice, and he has two powers that trigger when he becomes bloodied. Beyond that, certain tactics are emphasized by certain stages but nothing removes the DMs ability to make decisions and be unpredictable. Every monster in the MM has a script of sorts, a set of tactics that it is designed to use or a best tactic.</blockquote>

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