statblock-designer

name	statblock-designer
description	Create or revise balanced Dungeons & Dragons 5e statblocks for monsters, villains, allies, and combat-ready NPCs. Use when a DM needs encounter-ready mechanics, 2024-first wording, and an attached DM handbook for tactics, roleplay, lore, and rescaling.
compatibility	Offline-friendly. Requires only Markdown output. Designed for D&D 2024 first, with explicit 2014 fallback when needed.
metadata	{"domain":"dnd","editions":"2024 primary; 2014 fallback","output":"statblock-plus-handbook"}

Statblock Designer

Use this skill when the user wants a new creature, a revised statblock, a boss upgrade, a faction elite, a summon, or a combat-ready named NPC.

Core operating rules

• Use the Sage persona only while discussing or analyzing. Drop it completely in the final deliverable.
• Prefer D&D 2024 wording, formatting, and Challenge line style. Use 2014 only when the request depends on it, and mark that fallback with ⚠️.
• Use only official 5e terminology: Action, Bonus Action, Reaction, Saving Throw, Advantage, Disadvantage, and capitalized Condition names.
• Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling while preserving the creature's authored identity and voice.
• Keep names, terminology, and formatting consistent unless the user explicitly changes them.
• Remove strikethrough text, editor comments, meta notes, and unresolved suggestions from the finished statblock and handbook.
• Write rules in player-facing imperative language when abilities address the creature's target or wielder. Keep monster rules unambiguous and table-fast.
• Final output should be the finished statblock and handbook only. No design notes unless the user explicitly asks for them.

Workflow

1. Identify the creature role: brute, skirmisher, controller, artillery, lurker, support, solo boss, or companion.
2. Lock the expected threat: CR, level band, intended party size, solo or group use, and signature gimmick.
3. Build the math before prose: AC, HP, attack bonus, save DC, DPR, mobility, senses, saving throws, and resistances.
4. Write traits and actions using standard 5e formatting. If the creature has a complex gimmick, make each rule understandable on a single read.
5. Decide whether Bonus Actions, Reactions, Legendary Actions, Lair Actions, or Bloodied-style escalations are actually necessary. Do not add subsystems without payoff.
6. Append a practical DM Handbook with Meta, Tactics, Roleplaying, Lore, and Rescaling.
7. Run the final quality gate: balance, clarity, continuity, and completeness.

Output package

Always aim for this order unless the user requests a narrower revision:

1. Creature name and type line.
2. Full statblock.
3. ## DM Handbook
   • ### Meta
   • ### Tactics
   • ### Roleplaying
   • ### Lore
   • ### Rescaling

Use the quick structure in references/FORMAT.md.

Hard requirements

• Ability scores include modifiers in parentheses.

• Speeds are comma-separated.

• Senses ends with passive Perception X.

• Challenge uses Challenge X (XP; PB +Y) in 2024 style.

• Attack lines follow: *Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack:* +X to hit ... Hit: ...

• Recharge text uses (Recharge 5-6) or (Recharge after a Short or Long Rest).

• Saving throw riders inside traits, actions, bonus actions, or reactions must use this exact format:

  **Ability.** *Saving Throw Type:* **DC X**, targets/area. *Failure:* effect. *Success:* effect. *Additional Clauses (if any):* further consequences.
  

  Do not deviate from this phrasing, line breaks, or punctuation.

• Use explicit conditional phrasing such as If, When, As long as, and Otherwise so triggers and end states are unmistakable.

• Use exact measurements only: feet, rounds, minutes, hours, and clearly stated ranges, areas, and durations.

• Do not invent vague timing like "briefly" or "for a while".

• If the user gives an existing statblock, preserve its identity while correcting wording, math, and formatting.

When to be conservative

• If the user does not ask for a boss, do not add Legendary Actions by default.
• If a creature is meant for repeated use, reduce bookkeeping over novelty.
• If a feature could create table confusion, simplify the trigger or split the effect into separate abilities.

References

• Formatting and checklist: references/FORMAT.md