I have noticed that the new issue of Dungeon contains new stat blocks for the opponents. I have never seen this type of stat block before. Does anyone have any information on this change? Will it be permanent? I also noticed it in the new DMG2 book. What does everyone think of this?
Creative Director
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I have noticed that the new issue of Dungeon contains new stat blocks for the opponents. I have never seen this type of stat block before. Does anyone have any information on this change? Will it be permanent? I also noticed it in the new DMG2 book. What does everyone think of this?
The new stat blocks were developed by WotC to aid in running encounters; these stat blocks are less dense and easier to use during a game. The change is permanent.
I also love them. Nicely done!
I'm really glad to hear that these stat blocks will be permanent. I love the changes, as they group things much more intuitively than the 2e-derived old stat blocks.
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Nik
The new stat blocks are great, and they've been long overdue.
It was a peculiar thing -- player's information is easy to reference (on large character sheets), even though a player is likely familiar with all the character's abilities.
Presumably to save space in books, stat blocks were kept as concise as possible; the information was there, but had to be hunted down. This despite the fact that the DM might have *a dozen or more* characters/monsters to handle.
Excellent job WotC -- Wow, I can't believe I said that :o
Jack
I'm actualy not a big fan, though their no worse in my opinion then the old version. Things are a little easier to find with them, but I'm still going to transfer them to my format. Good to know the people in charge are actively working to make things easier on the DM though.
The new stat blocks are great, and they've been long overdue.
I just finished filling a number of them out for the adventure I am working on and I have to say I agree. They are easy to fill in (relitivly speaking ... all stat blocks are a pain in the rear) and they take up much less space. I'm very happy with them.
The new stat blocks were developed by WotC to aid in running encounters; these stat blocks are less dense and easier to use during a game. The change is permanent.
Will it be one of the changes made for the 4Ed Monster Manual ? I see it coming...
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The Dungeon Master's Guide II has a full section explaining that the changes were made to facilitate at-a-glance review during gameplay. If I recall correctly, the blocks are organized according to mob description, defenses (against PC attacks), attacks (in response to any attacks), and lastly tactics/abilities, or some such. I might be off on the last one, but it's all in there.
All the best,
Izumneth Al'Ghazul
Yessa got luuv the new stat blocks so much easier to use and the special attack insert is way cool so much easer than sorting through usless feats in combat:)
Just adding to the compliments....LOVE THE NEW STAT BLOCKS!!
My only problem with the new stat blocks is that they seem to be much, much larger than the old ones. Considering how cramped Dungeon is for space... is this a good idea? I would hate to lose content over having larger stat blocks.
Squid
I'm sure neither we nor Dungeon have any choice -- if WotC says these are the new stat blocks, they are.
Of course, I love them :)
Jack