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Organize a Stat Block Bank for Your Games

One of the best pieces of advice I can offer any Dungeon Master, especially those running a long-term campaign, is to create and maintain a well-organized and generic stat block bank. If you primarily play a system like OSR or a D&D derivative, this will be particularly useful. Having a stat block bank means you’ll always have NPCs, monsters, and other creatures at your fingertips, ready to recycle and reuse easily, saving time and enhancing your ability to improvise.

The Advantage of Reusing Stat Blocks

During the years I ran D&D 3.5, I collected generic NPC stat blocks from the modules I read. Thieves, cultists, bandits—these kinds of NPCs all found a place in my archive. I reused them repeatedly, tweaking minor details when necessary. For example, I’d sometimes change the weapon they used to suit the scene or simply alter cosmetic descriptions: a bandit could go from a menacing thug to a desperate young man trying to save his family. These quick adjustments make stat blocks incredibly versatile.

However, not all stat blocks are worth keeping. Overly elaborate ones, such as final boss stats from a module, tend to be too specific to reuse without significant changes. When I need an important opponent, I usually prefer to create them from scratch to ensure they fit perfectly into the context. This doesn’t mean complex stat blocks are unusable, but their adaptation cost is often high.

 

Character sketches by Gareth Sleightholme

New Monsters: Don’t Limit Them to Their Original Module

Exclusive monsters from a module are also a great addition to your stat block bank. While it might make sense to keep some monsters confined to the module they originate from (perhaps due to their narrative context or theme), I generally recommend adapting them to your world. Doing so enriches your campaigns, adds variety, and strengthens the sense of a living world.

For example, I found the Stilts Walkers from the Fever Swamp module fascinating. After adapting their backstory to fit the lore of my world, I expanded their presence across the Sulfurous Marsh. Their existence not only enhanced the swampy region but also generated stories and encounters in other modules set in the same area.

Organizing Your Stat Block Bank

A useful stat block bank requires efficient organization. These are the categories I use:

  • Fighters: NPCs specializing in melee or ranged combat.
  • Arcane: Wizards, sorcerers, warlocks, and other arcane spellcasters.
  • Divine: Clerics, paladins, and other divine magic users.
  • Rogues and Scouts: Thieves, hunters, and similar characters.
  • Monsters: Non-humanoid or monstrous creatures, mostly non-intelligent.
  • Everyone Else: A miscellaneous category for civilian NPCs like innkeepers, merchants, and specialized adventurers.

When I had time, I transferred the stat blocks into my compact, organized format. However, during busy moments, I’d simply snap a picture of the stat block and save it in the appropriate category. The key is having quick access to resources when you need them.

An Advanced Tip: Random Tables on Stat Blocks

Lately, I’ve started adding small random tables to the bottom of the stat blocks I use most frequently. These tables help improvise additional details and make encounters richer with minimal extra effort. Examples include:

  • Alternative Weapons: Quick options to swap their equipment.
  • Random Names: Short lists to give NPCs some identity.
  • Pocket Contents: Anything from coins to small hooks for other adventures.
  • Distinctive Traits: Scars, tattoos, or characteristic gestures.

This approach not only saves time but also keeps encounters fresh, even when reusing the same stat block.

Conclusion

Creating and maintaining a generic stat block bank is a powerful tool for any Dungeon Master. It will save you time, help you improvise better, and enrich the gaming experience for your players. I hope this advice proves helpful and inspires you to start building your own stat block bank. Happy gaming!


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