Under statistics in Bestiary entries, there is something called Base atk. Is that BAB or something else? How is it used? Thanks
Yes, that is the creature's Base Attack Bonus, which has the same meaning as a PC's BAB. It affects several things, most of which are irrelevant if you're just using the monster as written. (For example, what feats it qualifies for.)
Yes, that is the creature's Base Attack Bonus, which has the same meaning as a PC's BAB. It affects several things, most of which are irrelevant if you're just using the monster as written. (For example, what feats it qualifies for.)
Interesting...so it only really matters if you are trying to make it into a specific, memorable NPC, or beef it up? Are there other parts of the bestiary entries that are only relevant if you're doing something special with it rather than using it as written?
Well, really nothing in a particular monster's stats ought to be irrelevant. If it's irrelevant, it should just not be in the entry. You should be designing monsters with brevity and ease-of-use in mind, or at least as much ease-of-use as your particular design can manage.
I think what Makhno is saying is not that BAB itself is irrelevant (outsiders get a +1/level BAB like fighters do --- not irrelevant at all!). Just that, if you're just using a monster straight out of the book, the CR is already determined for you, so you don't have to worry specifically about the BAB.
If you're thinking about improving or weakening a monster, then yes, the BAB becomes even more relevant.
Right, if you are modifying the monster, then the BAB is important to know; if you're using it as-is, then it's not.
This is because BAB is one of those stats that is not used directly in any calculations or rolls during combat; what you actually use are stats derived from it, like total attack bonus, CMB, CMD, etc.
Other parts of a stat block that are "irrelevant" in similar fashion are unconditional* racial skill modifiers (because they are already rolled into the total skill modifier); the hit die line (i.e. a tarrasque's 30d10+360; all you need to know in combat is the actual hp total); and, interestingly, the creature's ability scores (excepting the rare case of needing to make a bare ability check; in combat this occurs infrequently at best).
*Note that conditional racial skill modifiers, such as a hyena's +4 racial bonus to Stealth checks in tall grass, remain relevant.
Thanks much. This is really helpful.
It actually matters for power attack
This is because BAB is one of those stats that is not used directly in any calculations or rolls during combat; what you actually use are stats derived from it, like total attack bonus, CMB, CMD, etc.
Good point! Combat Expertise also!
BAB is also useful to know if a creature is using a weapon that isn't in its statblock (especially throwing something when it normally doesn't have a ranged attack). BAB + Dex + Size is a bit easier than "Melee - Str + Dex - weapon-focus - bonus to weapon (e.g. +2 Greatsword).