DragonLancer
Hero
For a few months now I've been using ChatGPT to fill out and expand upon my homebrew campaign setting to get some extra ideas and scenario hooks. One of the things I miss from the 3rd edition and Pathfinder days was templates. It feels weird that 5th edition doesn't use anything like that. With that in mind I asked Chat GPT to create an Advanced Creature template that could be used once or multiple times to raise a lower level monster up, if I needed it. The following is what it came up with. So, opinions of AI generated stuff aside (this is purely for my home games), do you think this works or what tweaks would be needed? What changes might you suggest or how would you create an Advanced Creature template? Constructive criticisms welcome. Thanks.
---
A scalable template for advancing any creature in D&D 2024. Each application enhances stats, abilities, and threat level. Apply once for an elite version, or multiple times for greater challenges.
1. Mental & Combat Intelligence
Increase Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma by +1 (maximum 20).
Gain one Legendary Resistance (if the creature already has some, add 1 more).
If the creature couldn't speak, it gains the ability to understand and speak one language in broken, guttural form.
2. Stat Increases
Increase Armor Class by +1.
Increase current and maximum hit points by 25% of the base maximum HP (round down).
Add +1 to all saving throws.
3. Enhanced Offense
Add +1 to attack and damage rolls.
Increase spell save DCs and ability DCs by +1.
If the creature has Multiattack, it can make one additional attack on its turn (only once per turn).
If the creature casts spells, it gains:
One additional spell slot per level it can cast OR regains one expended spell slot per turn (usable once per long rest).
4. Adaptive Evolution (Choose One Per Application)
Each time you apply this template, pick one:
Resist Magic: Advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects.
Empowered Strike: One attack per turn deals an extra die of damage.
Quickened Reflex: +10 feet to all movement speeds; advantage on initiative rolls.
Dark Fortitude: When reduced to 0 hit points, the creature can make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a success, it drops to 1 hit point instead.
Innate Spellcasting: Gain one spell of 1st to 3rd level (usable once per day).
Fearsome Presence: Creatures within 10 feet have disadvantage on saving throws against being frightened.
5. Challenge Rating
Increase the creature’s Challenge Rating by 1 for each application of this template. Adjust XP rewards accordingly.
Optional Scaling by Tier:
Tier I: +25% HP, +1 to attacks and DCs
Tier II: +50% HP, +2 to attacks and DCs
Tier III: +100% HP, +3 to attacks and DCs
---
A scalable template for advancing any creature in D&D 2024. Each application enhances stats, abilities, and threat level. Apply once for an elite version, or multiple times for greater challenges.
1. Mental & Combat Intelligence
Increase Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma by +1 (maximum 20).
Gain one Legendary Resistance (if the creature already has some, add 1 more).
If the creature couldn't speak, it gains the ability to understand and speak one language in broken, guttural form.
2. Stat Increases
Increase Armor Class by +1.
Increase current and maximum hit points by 25% of the base maximum HP (round down).
Add +1 to all saving throws.
3. Enhanced Offense
Add +1 to attack and damage rolls.
Increase spell save DCs and ability DCs by +1.
If the creature has Multiattack, it can make one additional attack on its turn (only once per turn).
If the creature casts spells, it gains:
One additional spell slot per level it can cast OR regains one expended spell slot per turn (usable once per long rest).
4. Adaptive Evolution (Choose One Per Application)
Each time you apply this template, pick one:
Resist Magic: Advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects.
Empowered Strike: One attack per turn deals an extra die of damage.
Quickened Reflex: +10 feet to all movement speeds; advantage on initiative rolls.
Dark Fortitude: When reduced to 0 hit points, the creature can make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a success, it drops to 1 hit point instead.
Innate Spellcasting: Gain one spell of 1st to 3rd level (usable once per day).
Fearsome Presence: Creatures within 10 feet have disadvantage on saving throws against being frightened.
5. Challenge Rating
Increase the creature’s Challenge Rating by 1 for each application of this template. Adjust XP rewards accordingly.
Optional Scaling by Tier:
Tier I: +25% HP, +1 to attacks and DCs
Tier II: +50% HP, +2 to attacks and DCs
Tier III: +100% HP, +3 to attacks and DCs
