Hello! I am new to dm'ing and especially dndbeyond. Recently I started on this campaign where the main villain is an ancient green dragon currently disguised as a human. She will be an important NPC throughout the campaign and, at least for what I've planned, the final boss. How would you guys go about inserting her into the campaign? Monster homebrew or character builder? I have tried to wrap my head around creating a homebrew monster but it's taking me awhile and I am none the wiser. All help would be greatly appreciated!
It's far easier to run an NPC as a monster, rather than using the PC builder. Starting with the Ancient Green Dragon entry as a base, what else are you wanting to add?
The less you actually put on paper, the less you'll have to keep track of later.
If you want a human statblock for her, I would suggest something like an archdruid. Green dragons often have wild components, and spells like poison spray work well for the poison elements. You can always switch things around with the statblock if you want a different feel.
If you want her to have a lower CR, I often filter by humanoid and CR in the encounter builder to generate NPC stat blocks. I almost never homebrew monsters, I just reskin existing ones by reflavoring attacks and damage.
For simplicity's sake, I'd use a character sheet to track the character as a human and the monster stat block to track her as a dragon, and while I might use the dragon's attributes on the human's character sheet, I'd just swap one for the other as the situation demanded.
It's far easier to run an NPC as a monster, rather than using the PC builder. Starting with the Ancient Green Dragon entry as a base, what else are you wanting to add?
The less you actually put on paper, the less you'll have to keep track of later.
I started off with the ancient green dragon as the base, so I got that right at least I believe! I have yet to fully understand how I am able to move homebrew monsters into my campaign yet, but I assume there are guides out there for that. I would like to alter the race at the very least so that it says she's a human, as well as name and other minor details - so it probably won't be that much to keep track of?
About having npcs as monsters, does that make it more difficult to perform casual rolls like ability checks and such outside of combat than if I use a PC sheet?
About having npcs as monsters, does that make it more difficult to perform casual rolls like ability checks and such outside of combat than if I use a PC sheet?
Nope, not really. The statblock gives a specific modifier if they have proficiency in the skill, and if they don’t, you just roll with their relevant ability score modifier.
If the dragon in human form isn't travelling with the party, then there is no reason to give it human stats at all. All skill checks, hit points, AC, resistances, immunities, saves, etc. are made with the dragon's stats.
I would have the dragon be a benevolent employer - "find for me the phylactery of slime and ooze control and you will be richly rewarded" type of thing - and have the party slowly collect all of the things on the dragon's magical artifact wish list. When it comes time for the BBEG reveal, the party will realize that they have been helping the enemy and their reaction will not only be satisfying for you as a DM, but it will also create a memorable confrontation/battle.
***EDIT***
I misread your post. I see now that you are probably NOT looking for ways to use your antagonist, but just how to stat it in the game. I would use the ancient green dragon stats and then add the human description (name, appearance, mannerisms, habits, backstory, etc.) in the notes.
If the dragon in human form isn't travelling with the party, then there is no reason to give it human stats at all. All skill checks, hit points, AC, resistances, immunities, saves, etc. are made with the dragon's stats.
I would have the dragon be a benevolent employer - "find for me the phylactery of slime and ooze control and you will be richly rewarded" type of thing - and have the party slowly collect all of the things on the dragon's magical artifact wish list. When it comes time for the BBEG reveal, the party will realize that they have been helping the enemy and their reaction will not only be satisfying for you as a DM, but it will also create a memorable confrontation/battle.
Oh, I love this idea! Thank you a bunch, stranger :D
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Hello! I am new to dm'ing and especially dndbeyond. Recently I started on this campaign where the main villain is an ancient green dragon currently disguised as a human. She will be an important NPC throughout the campaign and, at least for what I've planned, the final boss. How would you guys go about inserting her into the campaign? Monster homebrew or character builder? I have tried to wrap my head around creating a homebrew monster but it's taking me awhile and I am none the wiser. All help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you ^^
It's far easier to run an NPC as a monster, rather than using the PC builder. Starting with the Ancient Green Dragon entry as a base, what else are you wanting to add?
The less you actually put on paper, the less you'll have to keep track of later.
If you want a human statblock for her, I would suggest something like an archdruid. Green dragons often have wild components, and spells like poison spray work well for the poison elements. You can always switch things around with the statblock if you want a different feel.
If you want her to have a lower CR, I often filter by humanoid and CR in the encounter builder to generate NPC stat blocks. I almost never homebrew monsters, I just reskin existing ones by reflavoring attacks and damage.
Only spilt the party if you see something shiny.
Ariendela Sneakerson, Half-elf Rogue (8); Harmony Wolfsbane, Tiefling Bard (10); Agnomally, Gnomish Sorcerer (3); Breeze, Tabaxi Monk (8); Grace, Dragonborn Barbarian (7); DM, Homebrew- The Sequestered Lands/Underwater Explorers; Candlekeep
For simplicity's sake, I'd use a character sheet to track the character as a human and the monster stat block to track her as a dragon, and while I might use the dragon's attributes on the human's character sheet, I'd just swap one for the other as the situation demanded.
I started off with the ancient green dragon as the base, so I got that right at least I believe! I have yet to fully understand how I am able to move homebrew monsters into my campaign yet, but I assume there are guides out there for that. I would like to alter the race at the very least so that it says she's a human, as well as name and other minor details - so it probably won't be that much to keep track of?
About having npcs as monsters, does that make it more difficult to perform casual rolls like ability checks and such outside of combat than if I use a PC sheet?
Nope, not really. The statblock gives a specific modifier if they have proficiency in the skill, and if they don’t, you just roll with their relevant ability score modifier.
Only spilt the party if you see something shiny.
Ariendela Sneakerson, Half-elf Rogue (8); Harmony Wolfsbane, Tiefling Bard (10); Agnomally, Gnomish Sorcerer (3); Breeze, Tabaxi Monk (8); Grace, Dragonborn Barbarian (7); DM, Homebrew- The Sequestered Lands/Underwater Explorers; Candlekeep
If the dragon in human form isn't travelling with the party, then there is no reason to give it human stats at all. All skill checks, hit points, AC, resistances, immunities, saves, etc. are made with the dragon's stats.
I would have the dragon be a benevolent employer - "find for me the phylactery of slime and ooze control and you will be richly rewarded" type of thing - and have the party slowly collect all of the things on the dragon's magical artifact wish list. When it comes time for the BBEG reveal, the party will realize that they have been helping the enemy and their reaction will not only be satisfying for you as a DM, but it will also create a memorable confrontation/battle.
***EDIT***
I misread your post. I see now that you are probably NOT looking for ways to use your antagonist, but just how to stat it in the game. I would use the ancient green dragon stats and then add the human description (name, appearance, mannerisms, habits, backstory, etc.) in the notes.
Oh, I love this idea! Thank you a bunch, stranger :D