What is a Stat Block?

[MerricB]

(tongue in cheek)

It's a way for WotC to increase the page count in their books without increasing content.

It bugs me to no end when I see fully statted out NPCs where all their special features and class abilities are explained in loving detail in the stat block, even when it comes from the PH or has just been introduced on the previous page. Prestige class example characters are the worst offenders.

Thankfully, this has been recognised by Wizards and they're cutting back on the repeated info.

e.g. Heroes of Battle has in the example Dread Commando:
Evasion (Ex): No damage on succesful Reflex save.
Sneak Attack (Ex): Extra damage to flanked or flat-footed target. PH 50.
Sudden Strike (Ex): See prestige class feature description.
(See HoB pg 107)

Cheers!

 

[fuindordm]

Thankfully, this has been recognised by Wizards and they're cutting back on the repeated info.

e.g. Heroes of Battle has in the example Dread Commando:
Evasion (Ex): No damage on succesful Reflex save.
Sneak Attack (Ex): Extra damage to flanked or flat-footed target. PH 50.
Sudden Strike (Ex): See prestige class feature description.
(See HoB pg 107)

Cheers!

Are they really? That's excellent news.

Ben

 

[WayneLigon]

...
Sneak Attack (Ex): Extra damage to flanked or flat-footed target. PH 50.
Sudden Strike (Ex): See prestige class feature description.
(See HoB pg 107)

Cheers!

See, now that's exactly what I dislike unless the description of what it does is very long and involved. Might as well say 'Goblins (4), HP 4,4,3,2' If I wanted to flip through books during the session I wouldn't bother with statblocks. Love 'em.