What is essential in a stat block?

[MischiefKeeper]

This is an open question for discussion. My partner and I are working on publishing OSR adventures under our brand Mischief Inc. Being a fan of C&C we want to use stat blocks that are compatible with the game but still compatible with 2nd Edition and other OSR games. This poses some difficulty as certain elements are important in one game and not important in another. Tentatively we are using the following format:

Monster Name: AL, MV, AC, HD, HP, Attacks; + to hit (damage), Special;

Example

Orc Warrior: AL CE, MV 30', AC 15, HD 1, HP 5, Attacks Battle Axe +1 (1d8), Special: Darkvison 60'



Your feedback is much appreciated. For example, do you consider saves important in stat blocks? Do you think there should be a notation for groups not using ascending AC or Thaco?

[jdizzy001]

My mental stat blocks look like this:

Monster
HD: XDY
Atk: +X
AC: 10+X
Dmg: 1DZ + ([1/2] X)

(the rest I only use if it comes up)
Save prime: physical/mental (choose 1)
Speed: start with 30' adjust accordingly
Spells: Usually, none. If they have spells it is because there is a magic-user in the party. Copy the PC's spell list as needed.

X= Number of hit dice
Y= type of die (d4, d6, d8, etc)
Z= type of die from weapon (d4, d6, d8, etc)

It isn't perfect but it is sufficient for me

[Traveller]

A stat block compatible with both AD&D and C&C? Unfortunately, you're going to have problems for two main reasons. First is hit dice. 1st and 2d edition AD&D utilizes d8 hit dice for virtually all creatures* while C&C uses d8, d10, and d12. This makes it really difficult to use a single stat block for creatures.

Second is hit points. Because of the differences in hit dice between AD&D and C&C, hit points will also be affected. For example, a 1st Edition AD&D red dragon of the largest size and age has 11d8 hit dice for 88 hit points. The same dragon has (I think) 13d12 in C&C for 156 hit points.

The other differences between AD&D and C&C creatures can be handled with relative ease. For descending and ascending armor class, either provide the conversion in the referee's notes to the adventure or simply list both armor classes. Anything else can be covered simply by telling the DM or CK to check their monster books. However, the simplest solution here would be to dual stat the creatures, with the C&C statblock on its own line just below the AD&D statblock. That would completely eliminate the statblock issues as well as eliminate the issue of the DM/CK having to refer to their monster books for basic information that should be in the module.

*Yochlol in the 1st Edition AD&D Monster Manual II has d10 hit dice.

[Omote]

These are how I do my personal stat blocks for C&C:

(x4) Possessed Squires of Gefahlian, SZ: M, HD: 4 (d10), HP: 26, 28, 29, 31, MV: 30 ft., (60 ft. Fly), AC: 18 (Mail Hauberk +1), ATTKS: 1 Weapon (Longsword, 1d8+1), Talon (1d4+1), Bite (1d4), SPECIAL: Light Sensitivity, Blood Frenzy, Speak with Dead, SAVES: P, INT: Average, ALIGN: Lawful-Evil, TYPE: Humanoid (Possessed), TREAS: 4 (Plus: Mail Hauberk +1, Longsword +1), XP: 4240 + 8 (approx 4500 ea.)

~O

[MischiefKeeper]

Thanks all for feedback. We have discussed using multiple stat blocks, but due to publishing concerns, this will likely not be our solution. Lord Drake hit most of my concerns directly on the head with his thoughts. Also thank you Omote for your input.

I welcome other thoughts and appreciate this friendly and helpful community.

[finarvyn]

My mental stat blocks look like this:

Monster
HD: XDY
Atk: +X
AC: 10+X
Dmg: 1DZ + ([1/2] X)

This is more-or-less what I do as well, except that when I "wing it" I let the Atk number be the same as the HD number so really all I need are HD, AC, and Damage. Other stuff I can fake as needed.

[Rigon]

James Mishler is stating his Olden Lands setting in both C&C and LL. The way he does it is to primarily use C&C stats, but to put LL stats in parenthesis when the numbers differ. You could do something like that.

R-

[MischiefKeeper]

We will certainly consider that solution Rigon. We definitely want to include C&C stats, but have yet to hear back regarding steps to licensing. My partner sent the email a few weeks back. The Trolls must be busy :

[Rigon]

We will certainly consider that solution Rigon. We definitely want to include C&C stats, but have yet to hear back regarding steps to licensing. My partner sent the email a few weeks back. The Trolls must be busy :

Dude, email is the WRONG way to get in touch with Steve. You have to call him. Hell, I don't think he even knows how to turn his computer on. I think one of the dogs does it for him.

R-

[tylermo]

I've actually received the occasional unsolicited e-mail from Stephen. Got one last week! There must be something in the Dr. Pepper.

[serleran]

A monster name, HD, AC, # of attacks, and any specials.