Originally Posted by Tuco
Originally Posted by Eugerome
1) I don't see that there is a problem with inconsistent representation, because I don't agree idea that once a monster stat block is defined once it cannot be changed.
2) They do feel "gamey", but they serve a purpose to indicate the threat the enemy poses. Particularly to people who never played DnD 5e and don't want to read the Monster Manual to figure out if they should start a fight with a group of monsters.



1) Oh well, then we have literally nothing to agree on, because I will die on this hill and I will always despise a master/game designer breaking this internal consistency.
2) I simply can't accept excuses like "they serve the purpose" or "they are a necessary evil" or whatever bullshit variation on the theme, because they all simply ignore the fact that we have more than 30 years of computer adaptations for D&D that never made this a necessity.

If we were taking a stab in the dark, wondering what could work and what not... But we are not. We have countless examples of games that did not mark levels on their creatures and they were all better for it.



The only changes I make when I am DMing is kobolds are throughout the region but youre leveling at the same time. I'll just add 1d6 poison or something to their attacks and you'll start finding they use poison or fire, and the AC / HP may have been bumped but its clear youre in a new region, new tribe, they look different and wear leather instead of just being bare chested, stuff like that. Overall, though, it is what it is and changes are made from the base and it's clear when its an uber troll for a boss. CR Tables are just generally used as they are more than adequate to handle necessary increased in enemy lethality. If the entire campaign is kobolds that makes it hard. I, however, have NEVER run into a situation where I was unable to use the MM et al to create justifiable environments and inhabitants in full accordance to the books and players can metagame if they want, its still going to be a hard fight. Making a habit of modifying creatures is unnecessary work and your efforts are usually better spent dedicated to make the encounter interesting as opposed to giving a troll 50 more hp to drag it out longer.

What is the problem you are solving? Does your proposed change solve the problem? Is your change feasible? What else will be affected by your change? Will your change impact revenue? Does your change align with the goals and strategies of the organizations (Larian, WotC)?