Primes for Monsters?

[Kaiser_Kris]

I've been thinking about the saves for monsters (Physical or Mental) and considering replacing those with a prime system for monsters, somewhat similar to, but different than what exists for player characters. Instead of three or six superior saves, monsters would have anywhere from one to three 'prime' statistics that would give them a particularly strong save, but also a +3 bonus to the relevant stat, granting them extra BtH, AC, damage, or anything else appropriate.

For example, a goblin would lose its fairly good Strength and Constitution saves, but gain higher AC and BtH with ranged weapons. Small goblins move quite swiftly and being cowardly creatures, prefer to fight at range whenever possible. His companion, an Orc, would likely have a Strength save, which would make them powerful physical combatants, but suddenly, those AoE weapons become murder on them.

More powerful creatures might have two Primes- a giant might have Strength and Constitution, granting them powerful offense and more hit points, but making their Dexterity save comparably weak. A handful of extraordinarily powerful monsters would have three saves. A Lich might be back to (M) saves, but also have bonus 1st, 2nd and 3rd level spells.

It seems that C&C celebrates specialization and diversity, and I thought it might be kind of neat to see that extended a little bit in the monsters.

Any thoughts?

[serleran]

Sure, you can do that and it would not hurt much. Might add to the complexity level and make you record more information... as one of the reasons, if not the primary one, for how it was done was to simply make it easier for the Castle Keeper to remember the stats without having to look them up or write down much.
_________________
If it matters, leave a message at the beep.
Serl's Corner

[Kaiser_Kris]

serleran wrote:
Sure, you can do that and it would not hurt much. Might add to the complexity level and make you record more information... as one of the reasons, if not the primary one, for how it was done was to simply make it easier for the Castle Keeper to remember the stats without having to look them up or write down much.

It will make it a little more complex, but it shouldn't be too bad. Certainly not as bad as every monster having three different types of AC, and individual stat blocks, and several feats, and so on and so forth. I think it's worth taking a small hit in the simplicity field in order to gain a solid amount of individual flavour.

[Treebore]

I generally follow the base line given in the M&T's, but I change the Primes to fit things as I want to provide the challenge I want. Like in a recent game the monster had all physical Primes, but they also had spell casters, so I re arranged the Primes to fit the different circumstances.
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames

[Demiurge]

I'm thinking of just dropping one prime for most monsters: most Ogres aren't very dextrous, most Goblins aren't very strong, etc.

[csperkins1970]

I give monsters two primes... unless they are exceptionally powerful (like Dragons, Demons, Devas, Titans, and so on). These creatures get 3 primes.

I try to choose these primes as I think best fits the critter. A goblin shaman would have wisdom and dexterity as primes, while an ancient dragon would have intelligence, wisdom and charisma.
_________________
http://www.angelfire.com/rpg2/dnd3e/cnc.htm

[Treebore]

Part of how C&C scales monsters is by giving them more Primes, look at the Vampire. It has Mental AND Physical as Primes. It's been a while since I have used them but I believe Dragons are Mental and Physical Primes as well.
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames

[Galannor]

As Chris, I too usually give only two primes to "ordinary" and common monsters (such as goblinoids, orcs, ogres, kobolds and the like). I usually give three primes to dragons, liches, vampires and the like.

I also sometimes lower the Base Attack Bonuses of Monsters: not every ogre can fight with the expertise of a fighter, and only the fighter add a bonus equal to his full level to Attack Rolls!

Have a nice life!
G.