adding ability points.

[wordelo]

I've noticed that many monsters or NPCs have odd numbered stats. Is there a specific reason for this other than flavor?

As far as stats go, having an odd numbered stat other than to qualify for feats or abilities (of which most monsters/NPCs don't have) seem to me to be pointless. As a DM, have anyone every added 1 to each of these odd numbered stats or at least taken away from one to add to another and not had a problem with it? And to make a given encounter more challenging because you have veteran players.

For example when I decided to make this thread I looked at the Shadow Mastiff (more specifically the shattered star encounter called L18: secret Shrine). In bestiary 3 (page 241) it is marked as having a 19, 15, 17 as physical stats. It has power attack which only requires a 13 in strength. would any veteran PC or DM have a problem with making these stats 20, 16, 18 to make the encounter (slightly) more challenging but not add any XP for reward.

Would you ever really notice the difference?

also with these increased stats the CR chart (bestiary 1 page 291 Table 1-1 monster stats by CR) for Shadow mastiff is not that much changed from what a CR 5 should be.

[Vidmaster7]

Well not completely useless. if you get hit my 1 point of ability drain you don't lose a modifier at least. Of course I always try to keep my characters at even numbers when possible. I'm curious if their is an official reason however *watches intently*

[Mysterious Stranger]

One question I always ask myself as a GM is if what if one of my players came to me wanting to do what I was thinking of doing to a monster. So if your player came to you and wanted to take a point from a 13 (making it a 12) and adding it to a 19 (making it 20) would you allow it? Since I use a point buy in my campaigns that is never going to be allowed.

Also consider on the point buy the cost Increases on the even numbers. For example it cost 1 point per point up to 13, but to jump from 13 to 14 costs 2 points, going from 15-16 costs 3 points and going to 18 costs 4 points. While monsters do not use a point buy I believe they are based on a standard array to which the racial adjustments are made. The rules for advancement also give monsters a +1 bonus per 4 HD. This kind of explains the odd stats. In the base array 3 of the stats are odd.

[wordelo]

so I use hero lab. It seems the base array for monsters are 11, 11, 11, 10, 10, 10. using those 11s for physical stats on a mastiff it would be 20, 16, 18.

meaning a shadow mastiff's racial stats would be +9, +5, +7.

OR does the stats in hero lab and bestiary 3 already include the racial stats meaning a more even racial increase of +8, +4, +6.

according to hero lab If a PC wanted to be a shadow mastiff they would have 10s in every stat with +9, +5, +7, -6, +2, +3 as racial adjustments. then adding in a point buy system or any other system adding to stat points...

a 10 is average for humans in every stat however a creature's average is given in its stat block already modified by racial adjustments with a 10 in every stat. Like an average dwarf would never have an 11 for a con or wis score

Not sure what monsters have a base stat or a racial increase to stats that act as base stats.

so tired/drunk posting this then sleeping...