'Elite' Template

[Michael Wadden]

So my friend recently downloaded some 4th ed stuff and after reading it over he mentioned to me that they have some kind of 'Elite' template on certian monsters. Now other then the advanced template is there any other kind of elite template for pathfinder? If so where can i find it, and if not what would ppl like to see and i'll try to design one

[Andrew Betts]

If I remember correctly in 4E Elite isn't so much a template as it is an advanced version of a monster designed to be a lone encounter instead of for a group of critters. As such it was worth about 4x the XP, but I haven't looked at those books in years.

[KaeYoss]

I think the advanced template works pretty well for this purpose. If required, double up on the template.

If you want bigger in addition to better, there's also the giant template.

Those are the two basic simple templates for generic advancement (there's also celestial and fiendish to flavour the critter with goodness or evil, and young if you need a wee version.)

The advantage of these simple templates is that you can slap them on on the fly.

If you are ready to put some work into it, you can not only use the rebuild option (rather than quick'n'dirty), but you basically get the full spectrum of extras, many of which can be done fairly quickly (especially if you're not against playing it by ear!):

Class levels: Depending on your choice of class, this can be quick and easy! If you have some brutish combat beast, just add one or more levels of fighter. Especially if you're not compulsive about getting everything 100% right, you can easily improve your critter with fighter levels: For every level, you add +1 to all attacks, 5+con HP, the appropriate save bonuses, improve 2+int Skills and, if appropriate, select a feat. If you stick to basic feats, you can do this in a minute or so. Unless you insist on having everything 100% by the books (and there's no real reason to do so!), this is fast and easy.

Example: You need an "elite" frost giant, taking the beasts from CR 9 to CR 13. Just add 4 levels of fighter!

+4 to all attack modes, to CMD and CMD (and a new attack since we're going to go over the BAB limit)
+40 HP
+4/+1/+1 Saves
+4 to, say, intimidate and perception
3 feats

We'll just ignore armour training and bravery (unless the party bothers with fear effects)
We'll select Weapon Focus (greataxe), Toughness, and Weapon Specialisation (greataxe), adding another 18HP, +1at/+2dmg for greataxe attacks.

So we're at:

HP 191 (18 HD)
greataxe +23/+18/+13 (3d6+15) or 2 slams +22 (1d8+9)
Ranged rock +13 (1d8+13)
BAB +14, CMB +24, CMD 33
Saves 18/4/7
Intimidate +11, Perception +14

Didn't take that long.

Now, if you have a little more time and inclination, increase one ability score by one (you get one for 4 class levels). Let's do con, for another +1 to fort, and another 18 HP
So Fort +19 hp 209.

Call that your elite frosty.

Class levels (cont): If you want an elite version of some spellcasting monster, choose whatever class they emulate with their magic (ghaeles would get cleric levels, for example). Make adjustments for HP, BAB/Attacks, Saves, and the spell list. Don't bother with class abilities the monster doesn't get to go with its spellcasting (if you make a nymph druid, don't bother with wildshape unless you add lots of levels).

Other templates: Depending on the circumstances, stuff like half-celestial, half-fiend, half-dragon can be used to improve the critter and show that it is especially favoured by the powers that be (though those templates take more time. There are lots of other templates besides - if you have access to the Advanced Bestiary, you can take more time looking through the book and picking the most awesome template than actually applying the template ;-)

HD Advancement: This can be done quick'n'dirty, too. The level advancement tables show how things should progress when you increase the CR (HP, AC, attack and damage bonuses, and monster creation has a table that shows the recommended number of HD by CR and creature type. Don't sweat the fine print, just add those numbers to the critter and run with it.)