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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Beginning of the End" data-source="post: 5067676" data-attributes="member: 55271">4th Edition stat blocks are easier to use because:(1) Non-combat abilities have been eliminated.(2) Monsters are generally designed to be one- or two-trick ponies, so there are fewer decisions to be made while running them.(3) If a monster has a special ability, all of the rules for that special ability are found in their stat block.I would argue that #1 and #2 make the monsters unnecessarily bland. I would also argue that 4th Edition's design ethos unnecessarily eliminates the advantages of system familiarity in the use of spell-like abilities (once you know how magic missile or fireball works, you know how they work for every single monster who uses those abilities).Ergo, I would argue that if you're looking to make 3rd Edition stat blocks easier to use you should:(1) Use a stat block which separates the combat abilities/feats from the non-combat abilities/feats. I recommend <a href="http://wwwthealexandrian.net/creations/advanced-rules/stat-block.html" target="_blank">these</a>.(2) Include all the rules for a creature's abilities in the stat block. When prepping for yourself, be aware of your own system mastery: If you know what a fireball does, don't bother summing it up. If you don't, you only need to include the briefest summary and a reference for more info if it seems useful ("4d6 fire, 20-ft. radius"; PHB pg. 231)For example, way back in 2000 I used to include a summary of what the Power Attack feat did in the appropriate NPC stat blocks ("-1 attack, +1 damage"). I don't do that any more because I know what the Power Attack feat does.(3) If a creature has more tactical options than you feel comfortable juggling, grab a highlighter and highlight 3-6 abilities that you want to emphasize in this particular encounter (or however many you feel comfortable with). You aren't taking the other abilities off the table, but you are focusing your attention.You can also highlight stuff that you're always forgetting. For example, I'm really terrible at remembering that my monsters have DR. A quick highlight solves that problem.</blockquote>

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