| Post/Author/DateTime | Post |
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| #1ThreeofSwordsOct 27, 2014 12:07:47 | There seems to be some confusion in some threads on how Saving Throws for Monsters work.
Belief #1: A monster gets its Proficiency bonus to all saves. The ones specifically listed in the stat-block get that bonus added to their normal save bonus. Belief #2: A monsters adds its Ability modifier to a Save uinless it has an entry in its stat-block, in which case it uses that entry.
Which is it? The Monster Manual is mildly vague on the topic. It states:
The Saving Throws entry is reserved for creatures that are adept at resisting certain kinds of effects. For example, a creature that isn't easily charmed or frightened might gain a bonus on its Wisdom saving throws . Most creatures don't have special saving throw bonuses, in which case this section is absent. A saving throw bonus is the sum of a monster's relevant ability modifier and its proficiency bonus, which is determined by the mons ter's challenge rating (as shown in the Proficiency Bonus by Challenge Rating table).
I added the bold to Bonus, showing that I believe that a monster only gets its ability mod to a Saving Throw unless it has an entry in the stat-block, in which case it uses that value instead.
It would have been much easier if they used the word Proficiency instead of Bonus. Or if it said, "Most creatures don't have special saving throw bonuses, in which case this section is absent and the creature uses only its ability modifier."
PS I did a google search on the topic and found no definitive answer. But maybe my google-fu failed me yet again.
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| #2SaelornOct 27, 2014 12:29:46 | If the save is different than just the ability score modifier, then it will be listed in the Saving Throws entry. In that case, use only the value in the Saving Throws entry, and disregard the ability score modifier - no math is required on your part (the Saving Thrown entry should already be equal to the modifier plus the proficiency bonus, as based on CR). If a monster doesn't have a Saving Throws entry, then use its ability score modifiers for all saves. |
| #3TimboramaOct 27, 2014 12:32:58 | #3-Uh, their saves are either their Ability Modifier OR the ones called out in the "Saves" category, whichever is higher. No need to add or subtract anything while running an encounter (which is the whole point of using a stat block!)
Generally, the saves in their stat block are ones they are proficient in, and add their proficiency bonus to the natural modifer, creating the stat you see. Exceptions exist, yes, but this is generally the case! |
| #4ThreeofSwordsOct 27, 2014 12:43:00 | Thanks, that's how I read it as well. But other forum members and a fellow gamer irl read it otherwise.
PS Timborama, my #2 is your #3. Maybe I didnt' word it well. But thanks for confirming.
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| #5paulstraitOct 29, 2014 16:02:47 |
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| #6SynjinNov 04, 2014 10:20:52 | The Kobold has no bonuses to any of it's saving throws. If you hit one with something that requires a DEX save, it's 1d20+2. If you hit it with something that requires a WIS save, it's 1d20-2.
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