NPC Stat Blocks for Spellcasters? (ttrpg.network)

submitted 1 week ago by juergen_hubert@ttrpg.network to c/dndnext@ttrpg.network

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I will soon be starting a new #DnD 5E campaign. I've done that in the past, and for the most part the system has worked for me - except for one thing:

NPC stat blocks for spellcasters.

For everything else, NPC and monster stat blocks include all the information you need to run them in combat. Not so with spellcasters - for with them, you have to look up each and every spell they might use in a fight, and that takes me away from the game.

So I am wondering: How are others handling this issue? Have you found any ways of simplifying spellcaster stat blocks so that everything you need to run them is on a single page?

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[-] xyzzy@lemm.ee 3 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

Spellcasters are a pain to run. You can do a few things:

Assuming you're playing in person, you can make or buy spell cards and lay them out or put them on a ring.
Pick 3-4 spells as their "signature" spells and primarily use those, and only deviate (perhaps via option 1) in special circumstances. Single-target, area of effect, buff/debuff/control, and healing are usually good. Also remember you can always re-flavor the spell description on the spot.
If it's a party ally, turn over control (with the entire list of spells) to a player to control during combat. Provide guidance if they try to perform an action that would stray too far from what the NPC would do.

this post was submitted on 21 Jan 2025

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