I'm putting together a simplistic statblock generator for an NPC generation project. I'm trying to find a format that would fill the following requirements:
(That's just the 'crunch' part, another generator would handle the name and descriptive details and call this one. And that "plot seed" is an occasionally generated addition that could perhaps contain a rudimentary plot element - the current line is just a placeholder.
I'm tempted to drop the level reference and speak instead of a novice/experienced/formidable etc. character. These could be seen as relative to the PC's, but might be too opaque.
How about personality and equipment, for example? Would it be more useful to codify them here, or leave that in the longer description? Is there something essential that I'm missing, or is this style too vague to be useful?
- system-neutral: no ties to a game system (SRD or otherwise), preferably genre neutral as well
- compact: the 'stat' block should not fit in the minimum of space
- readable: No cryptic abbreviations (or even icons)
- useful: Despite these harsh limitations, the output should still be at least of some use to the GM.
Ancient male dwarf, level 4 sorcerer.
Intelligent but weak.
Masterful magical ability with abjuration and proficient with theory of magic.
Plot seed: Needs information.
(That's just the 'crunch' part, another generator would handle the name and descriptive details and call this one. And that "plot seed" is an occasionally generated addition that could perhaps contain a rudimentary plot element - the current line is just a placeholder.
I'm tempted to drop the level reference and speak instead of a novice/experienced/formidable etc. character. These could be seen as relative to the PC's, but might be too opaque.
How about personality and equipment, for example? Would it be more useful to codify them here, or leave that in the longer description? Is there something essential that I'm missing, or is this style too vague to be useful?
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