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Hi all, my name is Aeryn Rudel, although most people know me by my EN World handle “Blackdirge.” I’ve been working as a freelance RPG designer and editor for a couple of years now, and a lot of the freelance work I’ve done involves stat block creation and editing. In fact, if you look at the last thirty or so products released by Goodman Games (especially the DCCs and the Xcrawl stuff), you’ll see me listed as a proofreader, editor, or stat block editor, or all three. Anyway, I thought I might offer a little stat block advice for those advancing to the next round.
Below, I’ve highlighted just a few things to watch out for when creating your stat blocks. This includes some of the more common errors I've seen when editing.
Monster Type
The errors I've seen here usually crop up after the edition of a template, as many templates change the base creature’s type, and may add additional subtypes. For example, the addition of the vampire template changes the type of the base creature to Undead and adds the Augmented subtype. Most often, it’s the subtypes that are forgotten. So, if you plan to use a template for your villain, make sure you have the right type and subtype listed.
Feats
Make sure you denote bonus feats with a superscript “B.” This includes bonus feats from templates, race, and levels in the fighter class.
Skills
I find more errors here when editing than anywhere else. These errors are almost always attributable to the same two things: synergy bonuses and racial bonuses.
Synergy bonuses must be included in the final skill modifier for a monster or NPC. Even if a monster or character has no ranks in a particular skill, the skill should still be listed if there is a synergy bonus present. The exception to this rule are skills that can't be used untrained, such as the Tumble skill. So, for instance, if your villian has 5 ranks in Jump, but no ranks in Tumble, he doesn't get the +2 synnergy bonus, and Tumble is not listed among his skills.
Racial bonuses are treated the same way as synergy bonuses. Even if your elf has no ranks in Listen, he still gets his +2 racial bonus, and Listen should be included in his skill list.
Other things that should be included in your villain’s final skill modifiers are armor check penalties, feat bonuses, and bonuses or penalties for movement rate (Climb, Jump, Swim).
Ability Scores
The most common problem I see here is using a “0” instead of a “-“ for a monster that has no score in a certain ability score. The first denotes a helpless, debilitative state from ability damage or drain, while the second denotes the absolute lack of a score due to the nature of the monster.
Miscellaneous Modifiers
Make a checklist of things that commonly modify stats (ability scores, feats, racial bonuses, magical items, etc.) and run through it once you’ve finished your stat block. This is especially important for the AC, Saves, Attack/Full Attack, and Skill entries. A checklist will help you remember everything, especially when stat blocks get complicated with the addition of templates, class levels, and magical items.
Check Your Math!
Seriously, use a calculator or, even better, use a spreadsheet. Do not try to add up the base attack modifier for a half-dragon minotaur fighter5/rogue5/wizard5 in your head. You will screw it up. =]
Good luck in the next round!
This leads me to an important rule clarification.
"All writing and stat blocking MUST be done by the author and may not be checked or reviewed by an outside person or source."
By the way, that is some really useful advice. Contestants take heed.
This leads me to an important rule clarification.
"All writing and stat blocking MUST be done by the author and may not be checked or reviewed by an outside person or source."
I'm sorry, Clark. I wasn't fishing for work or anything. Just trying to be helpful. =]
BD
Hey no problem. I thought that was some really helpful stuff.
"All writing and stat blocking MUST be done by the author and may not be checked or reviewed by an outside person or source."
Though I'm not in the contest, does using software like RPGXplorer and HeroForge count as "another person?"
RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32, 2011 Top 16
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Star Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8, Star Voter Season 9
aka JoelF847
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Synergy bonuses must be included in the final skill modifier for a monster or NPC. Even if a monster or character has no ranks in a particular skill, the skill should still be listed if there is a synergy bonus present. The exception to this rule are skills that can't be used untrained, such as the Tumble skill. So, for instance, if your villian has 5 ranks in Jump, but no ranks in Tumble, he doesn't get the +2 synnergy bonus, and Tumble is not listed among his skills.
Wouldn't another exception be synergy bonuses which are conditional? For instance, knowledge (nature) gives a synergy bonus to survival in above ground natural environments, but not to all survival skills.
I use HeroForge, so I dont think you can ding a guy for it. But just make sure it is right. AND make sure you are using only SRD content. HeroForge sure doesnt limit you like that. It wont be a defense for an author to say: "But it was in HeroForge.."
Wouldn't another exception be synergy bonuses which are conditional? For instance, knowledge (nature) gives a synergy bonus to survival in above ground natural environments, but not to all survival skills.
Synergy bonuses must be included in the final skill modifier for a monster or NPC. Even if a monster or character has no ranks in a particular skill, the skill should still be listed if there is a synergy bonus present. The exception to this rule are skills that can't be used untrained, such as the Tumble skill. So, for instance, if your villian has 5 ranks in Jump, but no ranks in Tumble, he doesn't get the +2 synnergy bonus, and Tumble is not listed among his skills.
Nope. Survival would be listed since it can be used untrained, and the condition would be listed in parentheses next to it. It would like this: Survival +2 (+4 in aboveground natural environments).
BD
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4
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Wouldn't another exception be synergy bonuses which are conditional? For instance, knowledge (nature) gives a synergy bonus to survival in above ground natural environments, but not to all survival skills.Nope. Survival would be listed since it can be used untrained, and the condition would be listed in parentheses next to it. It would like this: Survival +2 (+4 in aboveground natural environments).
BD
Wow. This guy is good.
Alright, pencil sharpening time - this is going to be HARD FUN.
A question, would all skills usable untrained need to be listed or just those in which there is a synergy, racial or suchlike bonus?
Oh yes Loved your book Blackdirge and my players have come to hate (And fear) a few of your templates. :)
This leads me to an important rule clarification.
"All writing and stat blocking MUST be done by the author and may not be checked or reviewed by an outside person or source."
Just curious but, well... how would you know? Honor system aside, why make an official rule that there really is no way to enforce?
[
Wouldn't another exception be synergy bonuses which are conditional? For instance, knowledge (nature) gives a synergy bonus to survival in above ground natural environments, but not to all survival skills.Nope. Survival would be listed since it can be used untrained, and the condition would be listed in parentheses next to it. It would like this: Survival +2 (+4 in aboveground natural environments).
BD
Wow. This guy is good.
Alright, pencil sharpening time - this is going to be HARD FUN.
Thanks.
I'll try to post any other common mistakes I can remember.
For me, had I made it into the top 32, this level and the next would have been the most fun to do. Designing NPCs (especially villians) and monsters is kind of my thing. =]
BD
Just curious but, well... how would you know? Honor system aside, why make an official rule that there really is no way to enforce?
There is no way to enforce it other than an honor system. I happen to believe in honor systems so I consider that method sufficient.
I just wanted to say that I love that misspelling you used. =) I really should watch out to make sure I don't apply a 2E template to a 3.5E one! ^_^Monster Type
The errors I've seen here usually crop up after the edition of a template, as many templates change the base creature’s type, and may add additional subtypes.
Heh, that should read "addition."
Ye Editor.
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This leads me to an important rule clarification. "All writing and stat blocking MUST be done by the author and may not be checked or reviewed by an outside person or source."
Just curious but, well... how would you know? Honor system aside, why make an official rule that there really is no way to enforce?
I think it's more a case of 'buyer beware'. If you rely on someone else, and they don't spot your mistake, tough titties!
Don't come whining that someone else 'cost you the competition', and begging for the judges to show you favouritism, when it's your own lazy-ass fault!
Size Bonus/Penalty!!! One of the most frequent errors in WOTC stat blocks seems to be the author/editor forgetting the size modifiers to AC and attacks.
Well, at least they won't have to deal with epic vs. standard BAB and saves.
Especially since there's not really a clear rule on when you use which when you're applying levels to a monster with HD.
There was a good editorial about this online somewhere; I decided to go with the "BAB due to HD is always 1:1, and class levels use the epic progression once the CR passes 20" methods, which can lead to different BABs for the same creature depending on how it advanced (classes then HD vs. HD then classes).
Great fun. Working on a pseudonatural solar with 40 HD now. Great great fun (note that it's not the epic pseudonatural template, that would be just plain evil).
Thanks for the advice.
I do have one question though.
Feats
Make sure you denote bonus feats with a superscript “B.” This includes bonus feats from templates, race, and levels in the fighter class.
Where does this come from? I don't believe I've ever seen this used.
It is an interesting idea for capturing the char gen accounting, but I'm not sure that the benefit is greater than the effort required for implementation.
Thanks for the advice.
I do have one question though.
Feats
Make sure you denote bonus feats with a superscript “B.” This includes bonus feats from templates, race, and levels in the fighter class.
Where does this come from? I don't believe I've ever seen this used.
It is an interesting idea for capturing the char gen accounting, but I'm not sure that the benefit is greater than the effort required for implementation.
I've seen this as a matter of preference, but in a world where we show our work, it's essential.
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games
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Size Bonus/Penalty!!! One of the most frequent errors in WOTC stat blocks seems to be the author/editor forgetting the size modifiers to AC and attacks.
Good point. Even if it's you're using a standard race or monster, if it ain't medium be sure to include the size mods.
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games
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Feats
Make sure you denote bonus feats with a superscript “B.” This includes bonus feats from templates, race, and levels in the fighter class.
On looking at the tags we can use when posting, I don't actually see superscript listed as one of our options. Is it do-able within the Paizo messageboard BBCode?
I've seen this as a matter of preference, but in a world where we show our work, it's essential.Thanks for the advice.
I do have one question though.
Feats
Make sure you denote bonus feats with a superscript “B.” This includes bonus feats from templates, race, and levels in the fighter class.
Where does this come from? I don't believe I've ever seen this used.
It is an interesting idea for capturing the char gen accounting, but I'm not sure that the benefit is greater than the effort required for implementation.
We use it *all* the time in Living Greyhawk. When you're cranking on a module that's going to be run at a convention by people who might be in a no-sleep-caffeine-induced-quasi-wakeful state, you want the statblocks to be clear and without question.
On a similar point, having the bonus feats delineated ensures that your design accounting is on target. I was recently generating blocks for a LG mod and realized that I had a spare feat that I'd not allocated precisely because I used this sort of marker.
Also, given the number of statblocks I've suffered through in the last year, I can certainly say that the Paizo statblock is far more legible and easier to format than what is used in LG.
-Ben.
I've seen this as a matter of preference, but in a world where we show our work, it's essential.Thanks for the advice.
I do have one question though.
Feats
Make sure you denote bonus feats with a superscript “B.” This includes bonus feats from templates, race, and levels in the fighter class.
Where does this come from? I don't believe I've ever seen this used.
It is an interesting idea for capturing the char gen accounting, but I'm not sure that the benefit is greater than the effort required for implementation.
Guys, this is standard SRD formatting. See here: http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/vampire.htm#vampireSpawn
Edit: As another poster pointed out, a superscript B may not be possible on a message board post. If that's the case, I would suggest using an asterisk to denote bonus feats.
BD
Dedicated Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Dedicated Voter Season 8
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Thanks for the advice.
I do have one question though.
Feats
Make sure you denote bonus feats with a superscript “B.” This includes bonus feats from templates, race, and levels in the fighter class.
Where does this come from? I don't believe I've ever seen this used.
It is an interesting idea for capturing the char gen accounting, but I'm not sure that the benefit is greater than the effort required for implementation.
This is the SRD standard for racial bonus feats. Using it for fighter (and wizard, etc.) bonus feats is new to me, though.
I've done editing for several books and have worked on monsters for the Creature Catalogue for several years. Besides the excellent guidelines Blackdirge posted above, here are a few more:
"Your Jump check is modified by your speed. If your speed is 30 feet then no modifier based on speed applies to the check. If your speed is less than 30 feet, you take a -6 penalty for every 10 feet of speed less than 30 feet. If your speed is greater than 30 feet, you gain a +4 bonus for every 10 feet beyond 30 feet."
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/jump.htm
Another thing people frequently miss is the additional +2 synergy bonus for every additional 20 ranks the character has in the skill.
Thus, 25 ranks in Jump grant a +4 bonus to Tumble, 45 grants a +6 bonus, and so on.
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/epic/skills.htm
Always note the prereqs when selecting feats. Weapon Focus and Weapon Finesse both require a +1 BAB, so creatures other than dragons, magical beasts, monstrous humanoids, and outsiders must have at least 2 HD to qualify for these feats. Power Attack requires Str 13, and Improved Critical requires a +8 BAB.
Also, many people still seem to think that Weapon Finesse applies to a specific weapon. It doesn't. No need to list Weapon Finesse (claw), for example.
If you use Quicken Spell-Like Ability, make sure to check the minimum caster level required to quicken the ability. I've seen several official creatures with Quicken Spell-Like Ability (greater teleport), which isn't possible with the feat as written.
I've done editing for several books and have worked on monsters for the Creature Catalogue for several years. Besides the excellent guidelines Blackdirge posted above, here are a few more:
"Your Jump check is modified by your speed. If your speed is 30 feet then no modifier based on speed applies to the check. If your speed is less than 30 feet, you take a -6 penalty for every 10 feet of speed less than 30 feet. If your speed is greater than 30 feet, you gain a +4 bonus for every 10 feet beyond 30 feet."
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/jump.htm
Another thing people frequently miss is the additional +2 synergy bonus for every additional 20 ranks the character has in the skill.
Thus, 25 ranks in Jump grant a +4 bonus to Tumble, 45 grants a +6 bonus, and so on.
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/epic/skills.htm
Always note the prereqs when selecting feats. Weapon Focus and Weapon Finesse both require a +1 BAB, so creatures other than dragons, magical beasts, monstrous humanoids, and outsiders must have at least 2 HD to qualify for these feats. Power Attack requires Str 13, and Improved Critical requires a +8 BAB.
Also, many people still seem to think that Weapon Finesse applies to a specific weapon. It doesn't. No need to list Weapon Finesse (claw), for example.
If you use Quicken Spell-Like Ability, make sure to check the minimum caster level required to quicken the ability. I've seen several official creatures with Quicken Spell-Like Ability (greater teleport), which isn't possible with the feat as written.
Ooh, those are good ones, especially the Weapon Finesse issue; I've seen that one a lot.
BD
Guys, this is standard SRD formatting.
Yeah, I use that all the time, but I've never used it for fighter (or other class) bonus feats, only for ones that are fixed (like all of the ones a vampire gets).
Personally, I'd probably notate class bonus feats differently, since they're typically selected from a list. I've always considered the bonus feats to be immutable, whereas if I'm going to tweak a creature with fighter levels, the fighter bonus feats are fair game for swapping out.
Ooh, those are good ones, especially the Weapon Finesse issue; I've seen that one a lot.
BD
That's from people stuck in 3.0 land; back in 3e it used to be that way.
Yeah, I use that all the time, but I've never used it for fighter (or other class) bonus feats, only for ones that are fixed (like all of the ones a vampire gets).
Personally, I'd probably notate class bonus feats differently, since they're typically selected from a list. I've always considered the bonus feats to be immutable, whereas if I'm going to tweak a creature with fighter levels, the fighter bonus feats are fair game for swapping out.
Hmm, this may not be strict SRD formatting (class-based feats); however, I will say that in all the new WoTC products, they do denote class-based bonus feats with the superscript B. Personally, I think it's a good idea to do it this way, if only to help with bookkeeping.
That's from people stuck in 3.0 land; back in 3e it used to be that way.
Very true, but I still see it when I'm editing.
BD