Monster Creation Cheatsheet _ GM Binder
Monster Creation Cheatsheet _ GM Binder
Monster Creation Cheatsheet _ GM Binder
Table Of Contents
Introduction
[Spellcasting]
[Full Caster]
[Half Caster]
[Innate Casting]
[Statblocks]
[CR:1/8-1/4]
[CR:1/2-1]
[CR:2-3]
[CR:4-5]
[CR:6-7]
[CR:8-9]
[CR:10-11]
[CR:12]
[CR:13]
[Bonus: List of Existing Monsters by CR]
Monster Cheatsheet
T
he goal of this handout is to outline creature
CRs to make creature creation and encounter
buildilng easier.
It's true that editing an existing monster is
easier than creation your own. But what about
when you really do what to make your own?
And how about NPCs that actually have
actions and abilities and skills?
Sections
There are just 2 sections in this preview which are:
Spellcasting
Black Monster Statblocks 0-9
First, you open your DMG to page 274. You start by finding
the creature’s hit points on the table. And whatever row that
Average Dice
is, that’s the starting Defensive Challenge. Now, look at the
Size Ref Die Average Result
Armor Class on that table. Is your monster’s AC above or
Tiny d4 2.5 below that? For every two points above the AC on the table,
Small d6 3.5 increase the Defensive Challenge to the next highest one. For
Medium d8 4.5 every two points below the AC on the table, decrease the
Defensive Challenge to next lowest one.
Large d10 5.5
Huge d12 6.5 For example, you have a creature with an AC 17 and HP 66
(6d6+12). 66 HP puts it in the Challenge 1/2 row, right? But a
Gargantuan d20 10.5
Challenge 1/2 creature is expected to have an AC 13. My AC is
17, four points higher. So I have to bump up the Defensive
Challenge by moving down two rows. I go from 1/2 to 1 to 2.
My Defensive Challenge is 2.
12 6th 73 16 (STG
Heavy Chain Mail YES
15)
13 7th 83
17 (STG
14 7th 83 Heavy Splint YES
15)
15 8th 94 18 (STG
Heavy Plate YES
16 8th 94 15)
Armor Class 14-16 (natural, hide, leather) Armor Class 14-16 (natural, hide, leather)
Hit Points 116-130 Hit Points 131-145
Speed Speed
Prof. Bonus +2 Prof. Bonus +3
Attack Bonus +5 Attack Bonus +6
DPR 25-26 DPR 27-32
Spell Save DC 14 Spell Save DC 15
Challenge 4 (1100 xp) Challenge 5 (1800 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
(Bucket: 2, 5, 8, 10, 14, 18) ASI (2) (Bucket: 2, 5, 8, 10, 14, 18) +ASI (2)
Actions Actions
Multiattack This creature makes two melee/ranged Multiattack This creature makes two melee/ranged
attacks. attacks.
Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+STG) Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+STG)
to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 10 (1d10 + 5) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 10 (2d6 + 6)
Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7
(Prof+STG) to hit, reach 60/120 ft., one target. Hit (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 60/120 ft., one target. Hit
10 (2d6 + 5) 10 (2d6 + 6)
CR 4 Creatures CR 5 Creatures
Banshee, Black Pudding, Bone Naga, Chuul, Couatl, Elephant, Air Elemental, Barbed Devil, Barlgura, Beholder Zombie,
Ettin, Flameskull, Ghost, Guardian Wolf, Helmed Horror, Bulette, Cambion, Dust Devil, Fire Elemental, Flesh Golum,
Incubus, Lamia, Lizard King/Queen, Orc War Chief, Red Giant Crocodile, Giant Shark, Gladiator, Gorgon, Green Hag,
Dragon Wrymling, Sea Hag, Shadow Demon, Succubus, Hill Giant, Mezzoloth, Night Hag, Otyugh, Red Slaad,
Wereboar, Weretiger Revenant, Roper, Sahuagin Baron, Salamander, Shambling
Lists from: MM, DMG, PH Mound, Triceratops, Troll, Umber Hulk, Unicorn, Vampire
Spawn, Water Elemental, Werebear, Wraith, Xorn, Young
Remorhaz
Lists from: MM, DMG, PH
CR 6 Creature CR 7 Creature
size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: shield guardian)
size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: mammoth,
medusa)
Armor Class 14-16 (natural, hide, leather)
Hit Points 161-175
Armor Class 15-16 (natural, hide, leather) Speed
Hit Points 146-160 Prof. Bonus +3
Speed Attack Bonus +6
Prof. Bonus +3 DPR 45-50
Attack Bonus +6 Spell Save DC 15
DPR 33-38 Challenge 5 (1800 xp)
Spell Save DC 15
Challenge 6 (2,300 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) (Bucket: 4, 6, 8, 10/12, 14/16, 16/18) +ASI (2)
(Bucket: 4, 6, 8, 10/12, 14/16, 16/18) +ASI (2)
Saving Throws if any
Damage Immunitites if any (up to 2, take away trait)
Saving Throws if any Condition Immunities if any (up to 2, take away
Damage Immunitites if any (up to 2, take away trait) multiattack)
Condition Immunities if any (up to 2, take away Senses passive Perception 12
multiattack) Skills 1-4 Proficient skill (depending on class)
Senses passive Perception 12 Languages +2
Skills 1-4 Proficient skill (depending on class)
Languages +2 Racial Trait. Here.
Racial Trait. Here. Class Trait/s. 1-5 unique traits/abilities from class
such as Spellcasting or Reactions
Class Trait/s. 1-5 unique traits/abilities from class
such as Spellcasting or Reactions Actions
Actions Multiattack This creature makes two melee/ranged
attacks. OR has special ability/action/attack.
Multiattack This creature makes 2-3 melee/ranged
attacks. Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+STG)
to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 10 (2d6 + 6)
Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 (Prof+STG)
to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 10 (1d10 + 6) Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7
(Prof+STG) to hit, reach 60/120 ft., one target. Hit
Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 10 (2d6 + 6)
(Prof+STG) to hit, reach 120/240 ft., one target. Hit
10 (2d6 + 6)
CR 7 Creatures
CR 6 Creatures Blue Slaad, Drow Mage, Giant Ape, Grick Alpha, Mind Flayer,
Night Hag, Oni, Shield Guardian, Stone Giant, Young Black
Chasme, Chimera, Cyclops, Drider, Galeb Duhr, Githizerai
Dragon, Y Copper Dragon, Yuan-ti Abomination
Zerth, Hobgoblin Warlord, Invisable Stalker, Mage, Mammoth,
Lists from: MM, DMG, PH
Medusa, Vrock, Wyvern, Young Brass Dragon, Young White
Dragon
Lists from: MM, DMG, PH
CR 8 Creatures
Assassin, Chain Devil, Cloaker, Drow Priestess of Lolth,
Fomorian, Frost Giant, Githyanki Knight, Green Slaad, Hezrou,
Hydra, Mind Flayer Arcanist, Spirit Naga, T-Rex, Y Bronze
Dragon, Y Green Dragon
Lists from: MM, DMG, PH
CR 8 Creature CR 9 Creature
size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: shield guardian)
size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: spirit naga, frost
giant)
Armor Class 15-16 (natural, hide, leather)
Hit Points 191-205
Armor Class 15-16 (natural, hide, leather) Speed
Hit Points 176-190 Prof. Bonus +4
Speed Attack Bonus +7
Prof. Bonus +3 DPR 45-50
Attack Bonus +7 Spell Save DC 16
DPR 51-56 Challenge 9 (5,000 xp)
Spell Save DC 16
Challenge 8 (3,900 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) (Bucket: 4, 6, 8, 10/12, 14/16, 16/18) +ASI (4)
(Bucket: 4, 6, 8, 10/12, 14/16, 16/18) +ASI (4)
Saving Throws if any (1-3)
Damage Immunitites if any (more than 2, up the CR
Saving Throws if any (1-3) by 1 per 2 additions*)
Damage Immunitites if any (more than 2, up the CR Condition Immunities if any (*)
by 1 per 2 additions*) Senses passive Perception 12
Condition Immunities if any (*) Skills 1-4 proficient skills (depending on class) (*)
Senses passive Perception 12 Languages +2 (*)
Skills 1-4 proficient skills (depending on class) (*)
Languages +2 (*) Racial Trait. Here.
Racial Trait. Here. Class Trait/s. 1-5 unique traits/abilities from class
such as Spellcasting or Reactions
Class Trait/s. 1-5 unique traits/abilities from class
such as Spellcasting or Reactions Offense
Offense Offensive CR:
Offensive CR: Multiattack This creature makes 2-3 melee/ranged
attacks.
Multiattack This creature makes 2-3 melee/ranged
attacks. Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+
STG/DEX) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit X
Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+
STG/DEX) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit X Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+
DEX) to hit, reach 120/240 ft., one target. Hit X
Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+
DEX) to hit, reach 120/240 ft., one target. Hit X Defense
Defensive Defensive CR
Defensive CR
CR 10 Creatures
CR 9 Creatures Aboleth, Death Slaad, Deva, Guardian Naga, Stone Golem,
Yochlol, Young Gold Dragon, Y Red Dragon
Abominable Yeti, Bone Devil, Clay Golem, Cloud Giant, Fire
Giant, Glabrezu, Grey Slaad, Nycaloth, Treant, Young Blue
Dragon, Y Silver Dragon
Lists from: MM, DMG, PH
CR 11 Creatures
Behir, Dao, Djinni, Efreeti, Gynosphinx, Horned Devil, Marid,
Remorhaz
CR 10 Creature
size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: aboleth)
Armor Class 17
Hit Points 206-220
Speed size
Prof. Bonus +4
Attack Bonus +7
DPR 63-68
Spell Save DC 16
Challenge 10 (5,900 xp)
Offense
Offensive CR:
Multiattack This creature makes 2-3 melee/ranged
attacks.
Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +(Prof+ STG/DEX)
to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit X
Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+ DEX)
to hit, reach 120/240 ft., one target. Hit X
Defensive
Defensive CR
Legendary Actions
1-3 Legendary/Villianous/Liar/Envirnomental OK
Cost 1: Make a skill check
Cost 1: Make a single attack (melee usually)
Cost 2: Special attack such as breath weapon, stomp,
spell cast, command, or action
CR 12 Creature
size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: adult crystal
dragon)
Armor Class 17
Hit Points 236-250
Speed size
Prof. Bonus +4
Attack Bonus +8
DPR 75-80
Spell Save DC 17
Challenge 12 (8,400 xp)
Spellcasting
Spellcasting (6th level spellcaster, full). This creature is a
6th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is
INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 17, +8 to hit with spell
attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells.
Spell Points: 73
Cantrips: choose 4
1st level (4 slots): choose 4-5 (costs 2 points ea)
2nd level (3 slots): choose 3-4 (costs 3 points ea)
3rd level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 5 points ea)
4th level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 6 points ea)
5th level (2 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 7 points ea)
6th level (1 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 9 points ea)
Offense
Offensive CR:
Multiattack This creature makes 3 melee/ranged attacks.
Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +(Prof+ STG/DEX)
to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit X
Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+ DEX)
to hit, reach 120/240 ft., one target. Hit X
Defensive
Defensive CR
Legendary Actions
1-3 Legendary/Villianous/Liar/Envirnomental OK
Cost 1: Make a skill check
CR 13 Creature
size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: Behir)
Armor Class 17
Hit Points 221-235
Speed size
Prof. Bonus +4
Attack Bonus +8
DPR 69-74
Spell Save DC 17
Challenge 11 (7.200 xp)
Offense
Offensive CR:
Multiattack This creature makes 2 melee/ranged attacks.
Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+
STG/DEX) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 10 (2d10 +
6)
Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+ DEX)
to hit, reach 120/240 ft., one target. Hit 10 (2d6 + 6)
Special Attack. Dealing additional, double damage such
as a breath weapon or effect/condition that causes a
saving throw to negate.
Defense
Defensive CR
Legendary Actions
1-3 Legendary/Villianous/Liar/Envirnomental OK
Cost 1: Make a skill check
Cost 1: Make a single attack (melee usually)
Cost 2: Special attack such as breath weapon, stomp,
spell cast, command, or action
Legendary Resistance (3/day) OK
CR 13 Creatures Adu
Bah
Bonus! Creature CR List CR 10 Creatures
Lists from: MM, DMG, PH Aboleth, Death Slaad, Deva, Guardian Naga, Stone Golem,
Yochlol, Young Gold Dragon, Y Red Dragon
CR
CR 4 Creatures Anc
Banshee, Black Pudding, Bone Naga, Chuul, Couatl, Elephant,
Ettin, Flameskull, Ghost, Guardian Wolf, Helmed Horror, CR 11 Creatures
Incubus, Lamia, Lizard King/Queen, Orc War Chief, Red Behir, Dao, Djinni, Efreeti, Gynosphinx, Horned Devil, Marid,
Dragon Wrymling, Sea Hag, Shadow Demon, Succubus, Remorhaz
Wereboar, Weretiger
CR 12 Creatures
CR 5 Creatures Arcanaloth, Archmage, Erinyes,
Air Elemental, Barbed Devil, Barlgura, Beholder Zombie,
Bulette, Cambion, Dust Devil, Fire Elemental, Flesh Golum,
Giant Crocodile, Giant Shark, Gladiator, Gorgon, Green Hag,
Hill Giant, Mezzoloth, Night Hag, Otyugh, Red Slaad, CR 13 Creatures
Revenant, Roper, Sahuagin Baron, Salamander, Shambling Adult Brass Dragon, A White Dragon, Beholder, Nalfeshnee,
Mound, Triceratops, Troll, Umber Hulk, Unicorn, Vampire Rakshasa, Storm Giant, Ultroloth, Vampire, Young Red Shadow
Spawn, Water Elemental, Werebear, Wraith, Xorn, Young Dragon
Remorhaz
CR 14 Creatures
CR 6 Creatures Adult Black Dragon, A Copper Dragon, Death Tyrant, Ice Devil
Chasme, Chimera, Cyclops, Drider, Galeb Duhr, Githizerai
Zerth, Hobgoblin Warlord, Invisable Stalker, Mage, Mammoth,
Medusa, Vrock, Wyvern, Young Brass Dragon, Young White
CR 15 Creatures
Dragon
Adult Bronze Dragon, A Green Dragon, Mummy Lord, Purple
Worm, Vampire Spellcaster, Vampire Warrior
CR 7 Creatures
Blue Slaad, Drow Mage, Giant Ape, Grick Alpha, Mind Flayer,
CR 16 Creatures
Night Hag, Oni, Shield Guardian, Stone Giant, Young Black
Adult Blue Dragon, A Silver Dragon, Iron Golem, Marilith,
Dragon, Y Copper Dragon, Yuan-ti Abomination
Planetar
CR 8 Creatures
CR 17 Creatures
Assassin, Chain Devil, Cloaker, Drow Priestess of Lolth,
Adult Blue Dracolich, A Gold Dragon, A Red Dracolich,
Fomorian, Frost Giant, Githyanki Knight, Green Slaad, Hezrou,
Androsphinx, Death Knight, Dragon Turtle, Goristro
Hydra, Mind Flayer Arcanist, Spirit Naga, T-Rex, Y Bronze
Dragon, Y Green Dragon
CR 18 Creatures
CR 9 Creatures Demilich
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