We then apply traits from the Ghoul stat block to the crocodile, including giving it the type of 'undead'.

We use most of the stats of this primary creature including hit points, armor class, attributes, and the like. We choose this baseline stat block by picking the one that has the most attributes of our new monster. First, we choose the stat block to which we're going to add the template. They feed off of the refuse that the hags discard or, if they get the chance, they feast on mortals they come across. What is this terrible creature? The ghoul crocodile is an undead crocodile, created by hags, with a fiendish taste for mortal flesh. This helps us improvise such strange monsters right at the table.

Instead, we flip between two existing stat blocks and build a new variant monster on the fly. We don't have to make up a new stat block. Ideally we can make these changes without writing anything down. We can extend the use of the Monster Manual by essentially using any monster stat block as a template to apply for another monster. Shadow dragons, dracolichs, and half-dragons all have templates. The Monster Manual has a few monster templates like this we can examine. The whole 'Creating a Monster' section in chapter 9 of the Dungeon Master's Guide is worth the time to read and review regularly when it comes to customizing monsters. The Dungeon Master's Guide also has NPC features that act as templates on page 282. Such small reskins are often all we need. In many cases, this advice alone is enough to serve as a monster template. Need a flying monkey? Consider a baboon with wings and a flying speed. Need a fiery phoenix? Take the giant eagle or roc, give it immunity to fire, and allow it to deal fire damage with its attacks. The 'Modifying a Monster' section in Chapter 9 of the Dungeon Master's Guide offers excellent advice for modifying monsters to suit the story we have in mind: Frankly, as a proponent of lazy DMing, that's not a process I recommend.

On the very far end of this spectrum we might create an entirely new monster from scratch. We might change a handful of mechanics, giving our fire giant wight necrotic damage instead of the fire damage it might do. We might change a monster's type, such as creating a fire giant wight by giving the fire giant the undead type. We might simply call one monster by another name and description, called reskinning monsters. There's a wide range of ways we can change up or create new monsters in D&D. New to Sly Flourish? Start Here! Mashing Up Monsters: Using D&D Monster Stat Blocks as Templates

Dnd stat block maker