What is a Stat Block?

[Sado]

I've been playing D&D for several years, but only as a player, not a GM. Consequently, the only prep/paperwork I've done is creating characters for myself.

I've seen mention of Stat Blocks in discussions, but what exactly are they?

 

[Janx]

that's a straightforward question, here's a straightforward answer.

A StatBlock is the stats of a particular creature or NPC to be used in your adventure, arranged in a fashion that is intended to be useful to the DM.

Basically, every critter has stats. There are a few ways (actually infinite, but few that are useful) to arrange them so the DM can find what he's looking for. This format is called a StatBlock.

I'm sure somebody will have an example posted soon.

Glad to help,
Janx

 

[reveal]

This is an example of the new stat block presented in Dungeon magazine about a month ago. I much, much prefer it over the old stat block.

MONSTER NAME CR XXX
Gender race class level
AL Size type (subtype)
Source xxx
Init xxx; Senses Listen +xxx, Spot +xxx
Aura xxx
Languages xxx
AC xxx, touch xxx, flat-footed xxx
hp xxx (xxx HD); regeneration/fast healing ; DR xxx
Immune xxx
Resist xxx; SR xxx
Fort +xxx, Ref +xxx, Will +xxx
Weakness xxx
Spd xxx ft.
Melee weapon +xxx (xxx)
Ranged weapon +xxx (xxx)
Space xxx; Reach xxx
Base Atk +xxx; Grp +xxx
Atk Options xxx
Special Atk xxx
Combat Gear xxx
Spells Prepared (CL th):
2nd—xxx, xxx
1st—xxx, xxx
Spell-Like Abilities (CL th):
1/day—xxx
Abilities Str xxx, Dex xxx, Con xxx, Int xxx, Wis xxx, Cha xxx
SQ xxx
Feats xxx
Skills xxx
Possessions xxx

 

[derbacher]

Take a look at this thread http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=99643 for lots of great NPC stat blocks. (And if someone would create two more, we would have the thread finished!.)

 

[Jürgen Hubert]

A stat block is what you can find here.

And lots of them, too...

 

[Sammael]

You know, I wanted to add a few NPCs to the wiki this morning, but realized I have no idea how to do that. I've used many wikis for resources, but never contributed to any of them.

 

[Herremann the Wise]

This is an example of the new stat block presented in Dungeon magazine about a month ago. I much, much prefer it over the old stat block.

I totally concur!!!
The DMGII outlines specifically where to put what characteristics of an NPC or monster.

In fact last weekend in the game I ran (the beginning of the Banewarrens module for those interested), I statted out all the NPC's in this format (updating them to 3.5 at the same time). I then put this information on large initiative cards and included the PCs statted out in this way as well.
In short, it is the easiest way I have found so far to run 3rd ed. combat. The organisation of the stat blocks is catered specifically for this type of use I feel - and the initiative cards helped to keep things well oiled and moving. It allowed me to move around the battlemap more rather than being rooted behind the DM Screen.

However, I did make a couple of minor adjustments to the format Reveal gave above. I inserted a little more information in regards to AC (a breakdown in terms of all the variables) as well as abilities (I included the modifiers in brackets).

All in all, I whole-heartedly recommend and support the DMGII statblock format.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

 

[Jürgen Hubert]

You know, I wanted to add a few NPCs to the wiki this morning, but realized I have no idea how to do that. I've used many wikis for resources, but never contributed to any of them.

The "edit" function is your friend.

First go to one of the index pages. Click on the "edit" function (at the top of the page), and you will see the page how it looks in the formatting code. You will see lots of lines with names inside double brackets - those are links. Enter a link with a new name in an appropriate category and save the results. Now you will see a new link on the page - the link you just entered. But it is colored in red - which means that there is no page attached to that link name yet. Simply click on that new link, and you will automatically go to the edit page for a brand new entry, with the same name as the link name you entered.

Now you need to know how individual entries need to look like. Simply go to another entry whose format you like, click on "edit", and copy the code - and paste it into your own, new entry. Now change any values and text that needs to be altered, save the results, and you are done. By comparing the code with the finished results you should be able to understand the way the page code is structured fairly easily...

Oh, and don't forget to add a link to your new entry to any other relevant index pages.


That's basically all there is to it - rather simple, really. Do you have any further questions?

 

[Sammael]

I'll give it a try again tonight when I get home from work.

 

[fuindordm]

(tongue in cheek)

It's a way for WotC to increase the page count in their books without increasing content.

It bugs me to no end when I see fully statted out NPCs where all their special features and class abilities are explained in loving detail in the stat block, even when it comes from the PH or has just been introduced on the previous page. Prestige class example characters are the worst offenders.

Ben