Monsters and Encounters

Monster Stat Blocks

Monsters are defined by their attributes, abilities, and behaviors. A stat block includes:

  • Name: The creature’s name.
  • AC (Armor Class): Difficulty to hit the creature.
  • HP (Hit Points): Total health.
  • Speed: Movement in feet per round.
  • Abilities: Strength, Dexterity, etc. with their modifiers.
  • Skills and Saves: Proficiencies in certain checks.
  • Traits: Special abilities or features.
  • Actions: Attacks or abilities usable on its turn.

Example Monsters

  1. Goblin

    • AC: 15 (Leather Armor, Shield)
    • HP: 7 (2d6)
    • Speed: 30 ft.
    • Abilities: STR -1, DEX +2, CON 0, INT 0, WIS -1, CHA -1
    • Actions:
      • Scimitar: Melee Weapon Attack, +4 to hit, 1d6 + 2 slashing damage.
      • Shortbow: Ranged Weapon Attack, +4 to hit, range 80/320 ft., 1d6 + 2 piercing damage.

  2. Orc

    • AC: 13 (Hide Armor)
    • HP: 15 (2d8 + 6)
    • Speed: 30 ft.
    • Abilities: STR +3, DEX +1, CON +3, INT -2, WIS +0, CHA -1
    • Actions:
      • Greataxe: Melee Weapon Attack, +5 to hit, 1d12 + 3 slashing damage.

  3. Skeleton

    • AC: 13 (Natural Armor)
    • HP: 13 (2d8 + 4)
    • Speed: 30 ft.
    • Abilities: STR +2, DEX +2, CON +2, INT -2, WIS +0, CHA -3
    • Traits:
      • Undead Fortitude: If damage reduces the skeleton to 0 HP, it can make a Constitution save (DC 5 + damage taken). On success, it drops to 1 HP instead.

Building Encounters

  • Choose creatures that fit the setting and story.
  • Adjust the difficulty to match the party’s level.
  • Use the following as a guide:
    • Easy: A single creature with an equal challenge rating (CR) to the party’s average level.
    • Moderate: Creatures whose combined CR equals twice the party’s average level.
    • Hard: Creatures whose combined CR equals three times the party’s average level.