Not that it's been an issue or I've seen anything too terribly bad of late, but I thought I'd drop this into place considering a lot of questions I've received.
Monsters
Tools
Vorpal Tribble's Guide To Making Monsters
Pifro's Monster Calclulator
SRD entry on types and subtypes
Monsters From The Top Down
Name: Name your monster. Honestly, I've seen a lot of names that really just stick out as a sore thumb, even on an otherwise well-designed monster. If you're stuck for a name, I personally recommend taking one word that closely describes your creature, seeing what it looks like and sounds like in other languages, and then altering that slightly until you come up with a name that sounds interesting. You might want to try Babelfish, BehindTheName (which also has a generator, or Wehewehe if you're stuck.
Size/Type: Keep in mind what the different sizes mean. Sizes range from Fine at the smallest to Colossal at the largest. For reference, here's a table with similar sizes for creatures of the different sizes:
{table=head]Size | Equivalent
Fine | Gecko, frog, tarantula
Diminutive | Kitten, squirrel, pidgeon
Tiny | Housecat, terrier, eagle
Small | Younger than teenage human
Medium | Teenage and older human
Large | Coupe car, horse, bear
Huge | Box truck, Hummer, train engine
Gargantuan | Tractor-trailer (with trailer), one-bedroom apartment
Colossal | Cessna jet, most office buildings[/table]
As for types, keep in mind what they're supposed to entail: Aberrations are generally otherworldly in at least some sense, for instance. A complete description of the different types (and the features they carry) can be found here. Do note that your creature carries all the characteristics of its type and subtype regardless of whether you note it or not, due to the way types and subtypes work. Some creatures are exceptions to the abilities granted by type or subtype, but these special instances are specifically delineated in the monster entry itself.
Hit Dice: Remember that HD are determined by type. Undead, for instance, always have a d12 HD. Creatures always receive average HP per die, as per the following table:
{table=head]HD Size | Average | Types
d4 | 2.5
d6 | 3.5 | Fey
d8 | 4.5 | Aberration, Animal, Elemental, Giant,<br>Humanoid, Monstrous Humanoid, Outsider, Plant, Vermin
d10 | 5.5 | Construct, Magical Beast, Ooze
d12 | 6.5 | Dragon, Undead[/table]
Monsters (except Constructs and creatures without Constitution scores, such as most Undead) also receive bonus HP equal to their Constitution modifier multiplied by their HD. Constructs are a special case and instead gain a flat amount of bonus HP based on their size:
{table=head]Construct Size | Bonus HP
Fine | +0
Diminutive | +0
Tiny | +0
Small | +10
Medium | +20
Large | +30
Huge | +40
Gargantuan | +60
Colossal | +80[/table]
Remember that your creature's size also affects their Grapple modifier, Hide modifier, Armor Class, and attack bonus.
Initiative: Unless your creature has the Improved Initiative feat or an ability that directly affects their Initiative, this should be set to the creature's Dexterity modifier.
Speed: Creatures can have several different modes of movement: Land, Fly, Swim, Burrow, and Climb. Most creatures, except under extraordinary circumstances, will favor either a Land, Fly, or Swim speed over anything else. Remember that having a Swim or Climb speed automatically grants you a racial bonus on Swim or Climb checks, as appropriate. This bonus is +8, and also allows the creature to Take 10 on the appropriate check even when threatened. Some creatures are also allowed with this ability to use a different modifier for the appropriate check (Dexterity instead of Strength for Climb checks, for instance), as they are more appropriately suited for such a style of movement.
Also note that having a land speed in excess of 30' provides a bonus to Jump checks, and one below 30' penalizes Jump checks:
{table=head]Land Speed | Bonus to Jump
0' | Cannot jump
5'-10' | -12
15'-20' | -6
25'-35' | +0
40'-45' | +4
50'-55' | +8
60'-65' | +12
Each additional 10' | +4[/table]
Armor Class: I cannot stress this enough: show the breakdown for your creature's armor class. There are a multitude of effects that bypass a particular kind of armor, and on-the-fly adjucation will most likely come up with a different answer than the one you intended.
Base Attack/Grapple: Your creature's BAB is based directly on the number of HD they have and the type they carry.
{table=head]Type | BAB
Aberration | +3/4 HD
Animal | +3/4 HD
Construct | + 3/4 HD
Dragon | +1/1 HD
Elemental | +3/4 HD
Fey | +1/2 HD
Giant | +3/4 HD
Humanoid | +3/4 HD
Magical Beast | +3/4 HD
Monstrous Humanoid | +1/1 HD
Ooze | +3/4 HD
Outsider | +1/1 HD
Plant | +3/4 HD
Undead | +1/2 HD
Vermin | +3/4 HD[/table]
Grapple is determined by adding the creature's Strength modifier to their BAB and attaching a size modifier.
{table=head]Size | Grapple Modifier
Fine | -16
Diminutive | -12
Tiny | -8
Small | -4
Medium | +0
Large | +4
Huge | +8
Gargantuan | +12
Colossal | +16[/table]
Attack: List attacks like " [Attack] +X [melee or ranged] (damage dice + damage modifiers, critical range/critical multiplier)". If a creature has multiple attacks, insert a "; OR" betewen them.
Full Attack: See above, but also remember to include attack options like Rapid Shot as separate lines.
Space/Reach: This is set by your creature's size. The number listed for Space is for one side of a square. Tall creatures (like a human) generally have longer reach than long creatures (like a tiger).
{table=head]Size | Space | Reach (Tall) | Reach (Long)
Fine | 1/2' | 0' | 0'
Diminutive | 1' | 0' | 0'
Tiny | 2 1/2' | 0' | 0'
Small | 5' | 5' | 5'
Medium | 5' | 5' | 5'
Large | 10' | 10' | 5'
Huge | 15' | 15' | 10'
Gargantuan | 20' | 20' | 15'
Colossal | 30' | 30' | 20'[/table]
Creatures with less than 5' reach can't attack surrounding squares and do not threaten squares. They must enter an opponent's square (which provokes an Attack of Opportunity) to attack.
Special Attacks: Any special ability not gained by feats that the creature can use to directly attack another creature (except spell-like abilities) is listed in this section and described below the statistics block. Save DCs for a creature's abilties are set at 10 + 1/2 HD + relevant modifier.
{table=head]Modifier | Applicable Attack
Strength | Physical trauma
Dexterity | Accurate attacks, called shots
Constitution | Breath weapons, poison
Intelligence | Arcane spellcasting, telepathy
Wisdom | Divine spellcasting, perception
Charisma | Spell-like abilities, gaze attacks, anything not listed above[/table]
Special Qualities: Any special ability that doesn't fit into the Special Attacks section goes here, including features like radiated auras and spell-like abilities. Again, do not include feats in this section and describe the abilities underneath the statistics block. Calculate any necessary Save DCs the same way.
Saves: Saving throws are calculated according to creature type and the relevant ability modifier.
{table=head]Type | Fort | Ref | Will
Aberration | +1/3 HD | +1/3 HD | 2 +1/2 HD
Animal | 2 +1/2 HD | 2 +1/2 HD | +1/3 HD
Construct | +1/3 HD | +1/3 HD | +1/3 HD
Dragon | 2 +1/2 HD | 2 + 1/2 HD | 2 +1/2 HD
Elemental | 2 +1/2 HD (Earth, Water)/+1/3 HD (Fire, Air) | +1/3 HD | 2 +1/2 HD (Fire, Air)/+1/3 HD (Earth, Water)
Fey | +1/3 HD | 2 +1/2 HD | 2 +1/2 HD
Giant | 2 +1/2 HD | +1/3 HD | +1/3 HD
Humanoid | +1/3 HD | 2 +1/2 HD | +1/3 HD
Magical Beast | 2 +1/2 HD | 2 +1/2 HD | +1/3 HD
Monstrous Humanoid | +1/3 HD | 2 +1/2 HD | 2 + 1/2 HD
Ooze | +1/3 HD | +1/3 HD | +1/3 HD
Outsider | 2 +1/2 HD | 2 +1/2 HD | 2 +1/2 HD
Plant | 2 +1/2 HD | +1/3 HD | +1/3 HD
Undead | +1/3 HD | +1/3 HD | 2 +1/2 HD
Vermin | 2 +1/2 HD | +1/3 HD | +1/3 HD[/table]
Abilities: A creature's abilities always use the Common array (11, 11, 11, 10, 10, 10) and then are augmented with the cretature's racial modifiers.
Skills: Number of skills per HD is also set by type. A creature's class skills are usually ones that do not require training and are different from creature to creature. A good number to go with is to choose a number of "class skills" equal to the number of skills that the monster receives per level, and simply put maximum ranks in them all. Remember, creatures without Intelligence scores do not receive skills or feats. Monsters also receive four times the normal amount of skills at first level.
{table=head]Type | Skills
Aberration | 2+Int
Animal | 2+Int
Construct | 2+Int
Dragon | 6+Int
Elemental | 2+Int
Fey | 6+Int
Giant | 2+Int
Humanoid | 2+Int
Magical Beast | 2+Int
Monstrous Humanoid | 2+Int
Ooze | 2+Int
Outsider | 8+Int
Plant | 2+Int
Undead | 4+Int
Vermin | 2+Int[/table]
Feats: Like PCs, monsters receive one feat at 1st HD and an additional feat at 3rd HD and every three HD thereafter. Creatures occasionally receive bonus feats which the creature does not meet the prerequisites for but still has access to due to natual predilection.
Enviroment: Monsters have homes, and this line lets us know what kind of environment the creature is found in. If someone is using wandering monster encounter tables, then this line is what they use to determine where to add your monster.
Organization: Not all monsters are solitary. Give a few examples as to how a monster is typically found, such as "Solitary, Pairs, or Mobs (4-16)". When giving a size, try to make it determinable with dice. In this example, 4-16 is 4d4.
Challenge Rating: I've seen a variety of methods to set CRs on creatures, but I've really only found two that work 95% of the time. The first is the one I use: the creatures CR should be between a 3:2 to a 1:1 ratio for BAB:CR, generally, so that a BAB of +9 would be a CR between 6 and 9.
Vorpal Tribble's method, slightly more accurate but requiring more work than my method is as follows:
Treasure: Let us know what kind of treasure the monster is likely to have. Some monsters have treasure lines that look like "Standard; gems only" or "Double standard; weapons and armor only". This is mostly for DMs that like to roll randomized treasure.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Vorpal Tribble
Alignment: Unless this creature is unique, don't put in just a single alignment. Use the "Always," "Usually", "Sometimes," and "Rarely" qualifiers.
Advancement and Favored Class: Give advancement paths, whether
by HD or by class. If by class, provide a favored class.
Level Adjustment: Provide a level adjustment as you deem appropriate. Unlike the rest of this, there's no real fixed method for setting Level Adjustment. It's best to just approximate and go with what you feel's best.
Format
Name
SIZE TYPE (SUBTYPE)
HD HD (Average HP)
Speed X ft. (X squares); ALT SPEEDS
Init: INITIATIVE
AC X; touch X; flat-footed X
(AC DETAILS)
BAB +X; Grp +X
Attack Standard attack +X (damage, critical range/critical multiplier + additional damage)
Full-Attack Full attack +X/+X/+X (damage, critical range/critical multiplier +additional damage)
Space X ft.; Reach X ft.
Special Attacks
Special Qualities
Saves Fort +X Ref +X Will +X
Abilities Str X, Dex X, Con X, Int X, Wis X, Cha X
Skills
Feats
Environment
Organization Name (Number appearing)
Challenge Rating X
Treasure X gold; X gems; X art; X magical items
Alignment
Advancement by TYPE; Favored Class
Level Adjustment +X
Copy/Paste the following:
Spoiler[size=3][b]Name[/b][/size]
SIZE TYPE (SUBTYPE)
[b]HD[/b] HD (Average HP)
[b]Speed[/b] X ft. (X squares); ALT SPEEDS
[b]Init:[/b] INITIATIVE
[b]AC[/b] X; touch X; flat-footed X
(AC DETAILS)
[b]BAB[/b] +X; [b]Grp[/b] +X
[b]Attack[/b] Standard attack +X
(damage, critical range/critical multiplier + additional damage)
[b]Full-Attack[/b] Full attack +X/+X/+X (damage, critical range/critical multiplier +additional damage)
[b]Space[/b] X ft.; [b]Reach[/b] X ft.
[b]Special Attacks[/b]
[b]Special Qualities[/b]
[b]Saves[/b] Fort +X Ref +X Will +X
[b]Abilities[/b] Str X, Dex X, Con X, Int X, Wis X, Cha X
[b]Skills[/b]
[b]Feats[/b]
[b]Environment[/b]
[b]Organization[/b] Name (Number appearing)
[b]Challenge Rating[/b] X
[b]Treasure[/b] X gold; X gems; X art; X magical items
[b]Alignment[/b]
[b]Advancement[/b] by TYPE; [b]Favored Class[/b]
[b]Level Adjustment[/b] +X
<hr>
Classes
Fax Celestis' Prestige Class Creation Tutorial
When you're enumerating the skills, abilities and saves of a class, write them out. I can't stress that enough.
After all, what looks more professional and is easier to visualize? “Saves: Good fort, bad ref, bad will,” or:
{table=head]Fort|Ref|Will
+2|+0|+0[/table]
However, certain formulas can be used as a shortcut to determine base attack bonus and saves. Always remember to round down. Hit Die is equivalent to level as well.
- Base Attack Bonus
- Good: Equal to HD
- Average: 3/4 of HD
- Poor: 1/2 of HD
- Epic Base Attack Bonus
- Add 1/2 of HD to 20th level/HD BAB (20 for good, 15 for average, 10 for poor)
- Saves
- Good: 2 plus 1/2 of HD
- Poor: 1/3 of HD
- Epic Saves
- Add 1/2 of HD to 20th level/HD Saves (12 for good, 6 for poor)
- Ability Modifiers
- Ability score minus 10, divided by 2
On Requirements and Abilities
- Most prestige classes are designed to be entered at level 5, though more powerful ones are sometimes at level 8 or higher. Always set class skills in PrCs as if they would be acquired at the minimum possible level.
- Always explain everything as clearly as possible in game terms. Cite mechanics.
- The general format for a saving throw is 10 + class level + ability modifier or 10 + hit dice + ability modifier, though I have also seen 5 + skill ranks.
Format
Due to the size of these codes, each is contained under a Spoiler tag. Click “Show” to view the table and code; it is suggested you do not open all at once so the post remains relatively easy to read.
20 Level Base Class
Spoiler
NAME OF CLASS
{table=head]Level|Base Attack<br>Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special
1st|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
2nd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
3rd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
4th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
5th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
6th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
7th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
8th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
9th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
10th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
11th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
12th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
13th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
14th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
15th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
16th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
17th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
18th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
19th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
20th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability[/table]
Spoiler[b]NAME OF CLASS[/B]
{table=head][b]Level[/b]|[b]Base Attack<br>Bonus[/b]|[b]Fort Save[/b]|[b]Ref Save[/b]|[b]Will Save[/b]|[b]Special[/b]
1st|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
2nd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
3rd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
4th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
5th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
6th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
7th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
8th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
9th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
10th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
11th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
12th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
13th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
14th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
15th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
16th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
17th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
18th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
19th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
20th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability[/table]
20 Level Base Class with Spellcasting
Note that you can leave off information for the end columns if the class has not yet gained spells per day at that spell level – for example, no need to fill out anything past 1st spell level for the 1st level row on a class with the same spell progression as a wizard or cleric.
Spoiler
NAME OF CLASS
{table=head]Level|Base Attack<br>Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th
1st|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-
2nd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-
3rd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-
4th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-
5th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-
6th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
7th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
8th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
9th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
10th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
11th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
12th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
13th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
14th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
15th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
16th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
17th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
18th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
19th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
20th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-[/table]
Spoiler[b]20 LEVEL SPELLCASTING BASE CLASS[/B]
{table=head][b]Level[/b]|[b]Base Attack<br>Bonus[/b]|[b]Fort Save[/b]|[b]Ref Save[/b]|[b]Will Save[/b]|[b]Special[/b]|[b]0lvl[/b]|[b]1st[/b]|[b]2nd[/b]|[b]3rd[/b]|[b]4th[/b]|[b]5th[/b]|[b]6th[/b]|[b]7th[/b]|[b]8th[/b]|[b]9th[/b]
1st|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-
2nd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-
3rd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-
4th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-
5th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-
6th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
7th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
8th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
9th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
10th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
11th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
12th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
13th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
14th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
15th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
16th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
17th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
18th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
19th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
20th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-[/table]
10 Level Prestige Class
Spoiler
NAME OF CLASS
{table=head]Level|Base Attack<br>Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special
1st|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
2nd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
3rd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
4th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
5th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
6th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
7th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
8th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
9th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
10th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability [/table]
Spoiler[b]NAME OF CLASS[/b]
{table=head][b]Level[/b]|[b]Base Attack<br>Bonus[/b]|[b]Fort Save[/b]|[b]Ref Save[/b]|[b]Will Save[/b]|[b]Special[/b]
1st|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
2nd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
3rd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
4th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
5th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
6th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
7th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
8th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
9th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
10th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability[/table]
10 Level Spellcasting Prestige Class
Spoiler
NAME OF CLASS
{table=head]Level|Base Attack<br>Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special|Spells
1st|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
2nd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
3rd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
4th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
5th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
6th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
7th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
8th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
9th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
10th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class [/table]
Spoiler[b]NAME OF CLASS[/b]
{table=head][b]Level[/b]|[b]Base Attack<br>Bonus[/b]|[b]Fort Save[/b]|[b]Ref Save[/b]|[b]Will Save[/b]|[b]Special[/b]|[b]Spells[/b]
1st|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
2nd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
3rd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
4th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
5th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
6th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
7th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
8th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
9th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
10th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class [/table]
5 Level Prestige Class
Spoiler
NAME OF CLASS
{table=head]Level|Base Attack<br>Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special
1st|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
2nd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
3rd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
4th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
5th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability[/table]
Spoiler[b]NAME OF CLASS[/b]
{table=head][b]Level[/b]|[b]Base Attack<br>Bonus[/b]|[b]Fort Save[/b]|[b]Ref Save[/b]|[b]Will Save[/b]|[b]Special[/b]
1st|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
2nd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
3rd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
4th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
5th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability[/table]
5 Level Spellcasting Prestige Class
Spoiler
NAME OF CLASS
{table=head]Level|Base Attack<br>Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special|Spells
1st|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
2nd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
3rd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
4th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
5th|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class[/table]
Spoiler[b]NAME OF CLASS[/b]
{table=head][b]Level[/b]|[b]Base Attack<br>Bonus[/b]|[b]Fort Save[/b]|[b]Ref Save[/b]|[b]Will Save[/b]|[b]Special[/b]|[b]Spells[/b]
1st|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
2nd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
3rd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
4th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
5th|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class[/table]
3 Level Prestige Class
Spoiler
NAME OF CLASS
{table=head]Level|Base Attack<br>Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special|Spells
1st|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
2nd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability
3rd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability[/table]
Spoiler[b]NAME OF CLASS[/b]
{table=head][b]Level[/b]|[b]Base Attack<br>Bonus[/b]|[b]Fort Save[/b]|[b]Ref Save[/b]|[b]Will Save[/b]|[b]Special[/b]|[b]Spells[/b]
1st|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
2nd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability
3rd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability[/table]
3 Level Spellcasting Prestige Class
Spoiler
NAME OF CLASS
{table=head]Level|Base Attack<br>Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special|Spells
1st|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
2nd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
3rd|+x|+x|+x|+x|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class[/table]
Spoiler[b]NAME OF CLASS[/b]
{table=head][b]Level[/b]|[b]Base Attack<br>Bonus[/b]|[b]Fort Save[/b]|[b]Ref Save[/b]|[b]Will Save[/b]|[b]Special[/b]|[b]Spells[/b]
1st|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
2nd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class
3rd|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Class Ability|+1 level of existing spellcasting class[/table]
<hr>
Spells
- Always, always, always make spells the same format you see them in the book.
- If you're making a spell that's similar to another one, it's usually a good idea to quote the relevant text directly and then add changes and clarifications. Do note that you can't quote directly anything that isn't SRD.
On Assigning A Level To A Spell
First, determine who you want to cast it. Remember, adding to class lists for casters with small lists is a potentially bad idea. Classes like the Duskblade use a limited spell list as a balancing factor.
Here's also a few guidelines for who should cast what:
- Does it deal holy damage or only work against specific alignments? It's a divine spell and should be cast by divine casters.
- Does it deal lots of damage or break the inherent laws of the universe? It's an arcane spell and probably shouldn't be available to divine casters at all, except maybe as a domain spell.
- Does it have applications for martial classes that outstrip non-martial classes' ability to use the spell well? If so, it should probably go to the Paladin or Ranger...if you're feeling talented, take a shot at adding it to the Duskblade/Hexblade/Assassin spell lists.
- Is it a mind-affecting, fear, charm, illusion, or compulsion affect lower than sixth level? Almost certainly a bard spell.
Second, compare it to similar spells. If you're making a better fireball, for instance, it should be higher level than fireball. However, if it's not as good as Delayed Blast Fireball, stick it somewhere in the middle.
Sometimes it's not possible to do this part, since there simply isn't a spell like it already in existence. Then you've really just got to guess.
On Assigning A School
Assigning a school to a spell is an interesting task, but answering the following questions should at least narrow down the schools it could go in.
Also, remember that there are now dual-school spells, introduced in the PHB-II (well, reintroduced, since they existed in 2e).
- Does the spell summon or fabricate a creature, object, or force? Probably Conjuration or Evocation, except in the case of undead, where it is Necromancy.
- Is the spell mind-affecting or fear-inducing? Almost certainly Illusion or Enchantment.
- Does the spell deal in negative energy? Necromancy.
- Does the spell change one object, person, power, or other into another one of the same or different type? Transmutation.
- Does the spell tell you the future, the past, about an object, person, place, or idea? Divination.
- Does the spell protect you from harm, magical or otherwise? Abjuration.
- Does the spell protect an object fom harm, magical or otherwise? Probably Abjuration, though it could be Enchantment.
- Does the spell kill on a failed save? Enchantment, Illusion, or Necromancy.
- Does the spell fail on a successful wil save? Enchantment or Illusion.
- Does the spell require a reflex save for half damage? Evocation or Conjuration.
- Does the spell move or transport a creature or object from one location to another? Conjuration.
As for descriptors, those are fairly easy:
- Does the spell have a particular element or alignment inherent in the spell? Add the appropriate descriptor.
- Does the spell create a force effect (like magic missile, wall of force, or Bigby's hand)? Add the [Force] descriptor, and put it in the Evocation school.
- Does the spell tinker with an opponent's mind? Add [Mind-Affecting].
- Does the spell cause the target to become afraid? Add [Fear], and probably ad [Mind-Affecting].
- Is the spell dependent on your words being understood? Add [Language-Dependent].
Player's Handbook 173 to 177 is an immense help for this sort of thing, though I don't believe it’s in the SRD.
Format
Name
School (Subschool) [Descriptor]
Level: Class Level
Components: V, S, M, F, DF, XP
Casting Time:
Range:
Target:
Duration:
Saving Throw:
Spell Resistance:
Spoiler[size=3]Name[/size]
School (Subschool) [Descriptor]
[b]Level:[/b] Class Level
[b]Components:[/b] V, S, M, F, DF, XP
[b]Casting Time:[/b]
[b]Range:[/b]
[b]Target:[/b]
[b]Duration:[/b]
[b]Saving Throw:[/b]
[b]Spell Resistance:[/b]
Feats
Feat Name [Feat Type]
Flavor text.
Prerequisites: You put prerequisites here. Skip this line if there are no prerequisites.
Benefits: You put benefits here. You always need this part.
Normal: If your feat alters an existing way of doing things, describe that here. If your feat grants an entirely new ability, skip this part.
Special: Anything else you feel is important but that doesn't quite fit in the other sections. If you've covered everything, skip this part.
Spoiler[b][u]Feat Name [Feat Type][/u][/b]
[i]Flavor text. [/i]
[i]Prerequisites:[/i]
[i]Benefits:[/i]
[i]Normal:[/i]
[i]Special:[/i]
*Most feats prerequisites are on odd numbers. Dodge, for instance has a Dex requirement of 13+, while Combat Expertise calls for Int 13+.
General Information
- Make frequent use of the bold, italic, and underline tags, instead of using capitalization.
- Run your work through a spell checker.
- Follow book formats as close as possible, even if you have a way that makes “more sense.” Since everyone is familiar with it, you are more likely to receive responses.
<hr>
Anyone want to add anything?