D&D 5E What class levels have you given monsters in encounters, to give them that extra edge?

[pming]

Hiya!

None. Because 5e isn't build with the idea of "monsters can have classes and levels too!" insanity that is 3.x/PF. (well, at least not in the same way or frequency at any rate)

I want a cultist leader? Ok. Human, slap down some stats, give him three Orisons/Cantrips, and the ability to use the 'Unholy Crook of Ralishaz' (some sort of staff with spikes n' skulls n' shi...stuff) that can cast spells X, Y and Z twice a day.

Done. Now he does exactly what I pictured the secret "Cult of Ralishaz" leader(s) can do.

Giving him X levels in Y class? No. Too much hassle and gives too much information and predictability to the Players...both lessening their fun and tempting the inner rules-lawyer(s) in the group to yell out "No! He can't do that if he's a Cleric of Ralishaz...the rules say...". ... ... So, no, not gonna go there. Ever.

^_^

Paul L. Ming

 

[S'mon]

For monsters with innate spellcasting, I have increased the level sometimes. It seems silly that a fire bolt from a CR 15+ creature only does 1d12 damage.

Normally a monster's listed caster level is well above their CR. I guess if it were lower I'd use CR as their equivalent to level for cantrip effect.

 

[Oofta]

So it can afford a loincloth and a hide armor instead of that dandy outfit?

It's a goblin. The red shirts of the monster world. It knows it's only purpose is to be fodder.

It may as well do it in style.

 

[Coroc]

It's a goblin. The red shirts of the monster world. It knows it's only purpose is to be fodder.

It may as well do it in style.

... dressed to kill?

 

[atanakar]

None. I just modify the monster and give him the special abilities it needs for my purpose. It's what I did with 2e and it works perfectly fine with 5e.

 

[Nebulous]

I've certainly given monsters feats and features, like hobgoblin bodyguards who had the polearm master and sentinel feats.

That was the day I learnt that if you take a character's movement away, players get really, really —ed off. At least, those players did. Wow.

I've been itching to use the Sentinel feat with elite monsters who would reasonably have such a talent. I've also considered how my players would react when their disengage utterly fails, they end movement, and then possibly die immediately afterward because they couldn't escape.

 

[Pauln6]

Since they have average hp, I tend to vary hp up to the maximum allowed. If I want to increase attack bonus I would increase their attack stat by 2. For even more hp, I might increase Con by 2. I n very rare cases I might bung on one or two extra HD. For more variety, I'd be more inclined to just give them the odd class features rather than full levels in a class.

 

[Hoffmand]

I really like seeing how people do this differently. All good solutions that can make the game more fun

 

[doctorbadwolf]

So it's just giving NPCs abilities that PCs have? Then what does "levels" refer to?

Making a bugbear with PC class levels. A class level is a level in a class. If you give a bugbear 3 levels of Rogue, they gain hit points, skills, expertise, cunning action, and a subclass.

 

[Marenus Highdancer]

Awakened Dire Wolf with Moon Druid levels