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Thing I thought 4e did better: Monsters
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<blockquote data-quote="dave2008" data-source="post: 6983574" data-attributes="member: 83242"><p>I would hope so, but in my experience it is the biggest factor in an interesting monster.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>I disagree. A DM doesn't have to be terrible or the encounter design terrible to run a monster poorly. Personally I think this is the much bigger issue than what is actually in the stat block.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>That is basically the idea. A simple one attack only monster can make a very interesting encounter if you make it come alive with tatics, equipment, terrain, etc. Make it living breathing creature - not just a speed bump.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>Yes, solo's were an issue. In 4e I generally upped the damage (more than MM3, per the blog DMG 42 guidelines), removed ongoing damage (It was to much for me to track generally and it just wasn't fun - though I like it conceptually), added attacks or defenses I deemed necessary. For solos I made sure there was a method to attack at range and mitigate ranged attacks, deal with stun & dominate, and I kept the hit point and twohit distinction of MM1 monsters</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>It is a start, but Smaug is much stronger than a D&D ancient red, or you would need to lower the abilities of PCs (level 10 cap maybe)</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>If your trying to model smaug, then I think you need to go the magic arrow route; or, in 4e and 5e I am using AC as damage reduction and this really takes care of this issue. With DR of 22 most simple soldiers can't get through the dragons armor.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Yes, I agree with you on this one.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="dave2008, post: 6983574, member: 83242"] I would hope so, but in my experience it is the biggest factor in an interesting monster. I disagree. A DM doesn't have to be terrible or the encounter design terrible to run a monster poorly. Personally I think this is the much bigger issue than what is actually in the stat block. That is basically the idea. A simple one attack only monster can make a very interesting encounter if you make it come alive with tatics, equipment, terrain, etc. Make it living breathing creature - not just a speed bump. Yes, solo's were an issue. In 4e I generally upped the damage (more than MM3, per the blog DMG 42 guidelines), removed ongoing damage (It was to much for me to track generally and it just wasn't fun - though I like it conceptually), added attacks or defenses I deemed necessary. For solos I made sure there was a method to attack at range and mitigate ranged attacks, deal with stun & dominate, and I kept the hit point and twohit distinction of MM1 monsters It is a start, but Smaug is much stronger than a D&D ancient red, or you would need to lower the abilities of PCs (level 10 cap maybe) If your trying to model smaug, then I think you need to go the magic arrow route; or, in 4e and 5e I am using AC as damage reduction and this really takes care of this issue. With DR of 22 most simple soldiers can't get through the dragons armor. Yes, I agree with you on this one. [/QUOTE]
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Thing I thought 4e did better: Monsters
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