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Stat Blocks! How Do YOU Do 'Em?

I like the verbose stat blocks as one finds them in published C&C products. They are descriptions more than lists; thus, they inspire a certain feel that a more concise stat block lacks.

Too bad they're a pain to refer to during play.

I am exploring some options that combine the two -- to retain the descriptive manner while still being more to-the-point.

But how do YOU do it?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by jake k on October 29, 2009 at 7:00pm: SWOT maybe?

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats

I think that's right. I believe The Lair of the Evil DM guy uses SWOT in his gamebooks.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Zachary Houghton on October 29, 2009 at 8:04pm: Actually, I have them shortened and in my GM's binder. The system I use is fairly close to SWOT.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dr Rotwang! on October 29, 2009 at 8:08pm: Examples?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Zachary Houghton on October 29, 2009 at 8:46pm: Sure. SWOT means Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats.

Here's an example on the Wild Boar:

NO. ENCOUNTERED: 4-12
SIZE: Medium
HD: 2 (d8)
MOVE: 40 ft.
AC: 16
ATTACKS: Gore (2d6)
SPECIAL: Twilight Vision
SAVES: P
INT: Animal
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
TYPE: Animal
TREASURE: Nil
XP: 15+2

Condensed to:
HD/XP: 2(d8)/15+2
Strengths: Save P
Weaknesses: Animal INT, No Loot
Opportunity: Not much, unless you like Roast Boar.
Threats: AC16, 2d6 Gore, 40 ft move

If it was some sort of monster with a valuable hide or known for hoarding Gems, I might put that in Opportunity. Threats are stuff that can work against folks in combat. Strengths are usually special saves or attributes. Weaknesses are...well, you get the idea. I don't usually care about alignment or type.

For some monsters, purely verbal descriptions, plus total HP are ok. I can roll with the rest.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dr Rotwang! on October 30, 2009 at 8:41am: Domo Origami, Mister Salami. I'll add an example of my own, later today.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dr Rotwang! on October 30, 2009 at 6:09pm: Well, I left that notepad at work. Dangit.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by jake k on November 11, 2009 at 8:50pm: BoarCroc

HD 4 AC 17 MV 40ft XP 40 + 4

S: Bite: 2d4+3
Ramming: 2d6+2, the BoarCroc will RAM when it attacks first in a ROUND
Gallop: runs faster than pcs

W: Soft underbelly: AC10
Single-minded: attacks same target until defeated

O: Boar Spear: any spear designed to hunt normal boars does DOUBLE DMG
BoarCroc spears: +2, painted and enchanted by Crocodile Shamans
Treasure: BoarCroc eggs sold to Crocodile Cult shamans worth 75-200gp
Saves: P

T: Found near rivers, swamps, marshes or wherever the hell you want
d4 appearing
Often ridden by Crocodile Cult warriors into battle

Prehistoric crocodilian. A ferocious beast with three sets of fangs and body armor, this blunt-nosed crocodile has long legs and an armored snout for ramming. Able to gallop across land and swim with a long tail used for propelling through water, the BoarCroc is an intimidating force of nature.

thanks to National Geographic Magazine NOV 2009 pg 140-141; ▶ Reply to This