4e Monster Stats

[Hydra lair]

Hi Everybody.

New poster. This is a really great site.

I was trying to apply the rules in the DMG to create some new 4e monsters. To check my theory on what was in the DMG, I tried to verify the rules to the monsters in the MM. I could not reproduce the AC and Defenses.

Are there any hard an fast rules for these characteristics or do the rules get one close and then adjust for roll, type, style, or flavor of the monster?

Thanks for any help.

[dulsi]

I noticed the same thing. I don't believe there are any hard and fast rules about this. Instead they seem to take the base from the DMG system and then alter them a bit.

[Jengenritz]

I think the latter is the case...the rules put you in the ballpark, and you eyeball from there. Always compare your new critter to something that already exists (roughly the same level and role) to check its powers and relative strength.
A good final step is to have your critter fight a few PCs, see how it stacks up.

[Hydra lair]

Thanks, dulsi and Jengenritz.

I appreciate your feedback.

What a horrible, wicked nightmare for a former math major to not be able to work out the numbers - sleepless nights and endless days of escaltingly complex formulas. It's evil, I tell ya. EVIL.

A good final step is to have your critter fight a few PCs, see how it stacks up.

Yes, I'll let them maul.....er, I mean, I'll test the appropriate level of difficulty on some PCs. Yes, that's it.