Faster GM Prep and Combat?

[Darkholme]

This is a question-thread, more than anything else.

It's been a while since I looked, and I've been out of the pathfinder scene for about a year (trying other games, doing less GMing, and gaming less regularly than I used to).

Are there any digital tools to automate the creation/advancement of a monster, or NPC?

How about ways to speed up combat?

Part 2 of my question is somewhat houserules or 3rd party publisher-y.
Has anyone done anything with more condensed NPC statblocks, or a tool for quickly building an NP from nothing at a given CR, to fill a certain role, without having to go through the process of building a character?

I've been pondering a new PFRPG campaign, but I would like to cut down on the prep-time, and make combat run faster, if I can.

[Bardarok]

For on the fly NPC creation you can use the NPC codex online. Take the stats modify them by +/- 2 as appropriate.

NPC codex

[Bardarok]

Speed up combat
Recommend color coded die for multiple attacks so PCs can roll attack and damage simultaneity.

Require printed copies of spells and summons for casters.

[Eltacolibre]

Not really that many good tools out there but sometime, when I'm pressed for time, I just use stats posted online like on the pfsrd. Or if you have the bestiary, look at the average stats of cr approriate monsters and just use them. Generally the pc won't know that Mr. Ogre Brute is just written as 75 hp, does 40 dmg a round, attack bonus + 12 etc...

As for condensed stat block, there are many third party books who make stat block for the usual monsters like orcs, etc...There is of course the official pfrpg Monster Codex coming out in october, which I'm looking forward to.

[Darkholme]

Hmm.

@Eltacolibre: I think I will in fact be basing them on those guidelines, though I will probably try to codify something a bit more specific.

@Bardarok: That is a good idea as well.

Thanks.