What all is included in a creature's game statistics?












9














Many features and rules refer to a creature's "game statistics".



For example, True Polymorph says:




The target's game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of the new form.




and Possess Corpse, an ability of a Dybbuk, says:




It otherwise uses the target's game statistics, gaining access to its knowledge and proficiencies but not its class features, if any.




Sometimes it instead just refers to "statistics" as in the description for a character with lycanthropy in the Monster Manual:




A character who becomes a lycanthrope retains his or her statistics except as specified by lycanthrope type.




What all is included in a creature's "game statistics" or "statistics"? Where in the rules is this defined?



Note that the term is used interchangeably between things intended for PCs and things intended for monsters and other creatures so answers should cover all those possibilities.










share|improve this question
























  • Ah, so you did get around to asking this question.
    – GreySage
    1 hour ago
















9














Many features and rules refer to a creature's "game statistics".



For example, True Polymorph says:




The target's game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of the new form.




and Possess Corpse, an ability of a Dybbuk, says:




It otherwise uses the target's game statistics, gaining access to its knowledge and proficiencies but not its class features, if any.




Sometimes it instead just refers to "statistics" as in the description for a character with lycanthropy in the Monster Manual:




A character who becomes a lycanthrope retains his or her statistics except as specified by lycanthrope type.




What all is included in a creature's "game statistics" or "statistics"? Where in the rules is this defined?



Note that the term is used interchangeably between things intended for PCs and things intended for monsters and other creatures so answers should cover all those possibilities.










share|improve this question
























  • Ah, so you did get around to asking this question.
    – GreySage
    1 hour ago














9












9








9


1





Many features and rules refer to a creature's "game statistics".



For example, True Polymorph says:




The target's game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of the new form.




and Possess Corpse, an ability of a Dybbuk, says:




It otherwise uses the target's game statistics, gaining access to its knowledge and proficiencies but not its class features, if any.




Sometimes it instead just refers to "statistics" as in the description for a character with lycanthropy in the Monster Manual:




A character who becomes a lycanthrope retains his or her statistics except as specified by lycanthrope type.




What all is included in a creature's "game statistics" or "statistics"? Where in the rules is this defined?



Note that the term is used interchangeably between things intended for PCs and things intended for monsters and other creatures so answers should cover all those possibilities.










share|improve this question















Many features and rules refer to a creature's "game statistics".



For example, True Polymorph says:




The target's game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of the new form.




and Possess Corpse, an ability of a Dybbuk, says:




It otherwise uses the target's game statistics, gaining access to its knowledge and proficiencies but not its class features, if any.




Sometimes it instead just refers to "statistics" as in the description for a character with lycanthropy in the Monster Manual:




A character who becomes a lycanthrope retains his or her statistics except as specified by lycanthrope type.




What all is included in a creature's "game statistics" or "statistics"? Where in the rules is this defined?



Note that the term is used interchangeably between things intended for PCs and things intended for monsters and other creatures so answers should cover all those possibilities.







dnd-5e monsters






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 2 hours ago







Rubiksmoose

















asked 4 hours ago









RubiksmooseRubiksmoose

49.5k6245371




49.5k6245371












  • Ah, so you did get around to asking this question.
    – GreySage
    1 hour ago


















  • Ah, so you did get around to asking this question.
    – GreySage
    1 hour ago
















Ah, so you did get around to asking this question.
– GreySage
1 hour ago




Ah, so you did get around to asking this question.
– GreySage
1 hour ago










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes


















5














Monsters



What counts as statistics for monsters (at least) is defined in the Monster Manual introduction in the section "Statistics".



It begins by saying:




A monster's statistics, sometimes referred to as its stat block, provide the essential information that you need to run the monster. (MM 6)




and then proceeds to dedicate a section to describing each aspect of the statistics in a short sub-section (MM 6-11).





  1. Size

  2. Type

  3. Tags

  4. Alignment

  5. Armor Class

  6. Hit Points

  7. Speed

  8. Ability Scores

  9. Saving Throws

  10. Skills

  11. Vulnerabilities, Resistances, and Immunities

  12. Senses

  13. Languages

  14. Challenge

  15. Special Traits

  16. Actions

  17. Reactions

  18. Limited Usage

  19. Equipment

  20. Legendary Monsters: Legendary Actions




Monsters, by default, are not given class levels and thus no section was dedicated to talking about them as part of the statistics. However, a later section talks about the option of adding class levels to monsters:




You can use the rules in chapter 3 of the Player’s Handbook to give
class levels to a monster. For example, you can turn an ordinary
werewolf into a werewolf with four levels of the barbarian class (such
a monster would be expressed as “Werewolf, 4th-level barbarian”).



Start with the monster’s stat block. The monster gains all the class
features for every class level you add
, with the following exceptions:




  • The monster doesn’t gain the starting equipment of the added class.

  • For each class level you add, the monster gains one Hit Die of its
    normal type (based on its size), ignoring the class’s Hit Die
    progression.

  • The monster’s proficiency bonus is based on its challenge rating, not
    its class levels.




Since class levels and class features are also added to a monster's stat block, and the terms "statistics" and "stat block" are defined to be interchangeable (per the first quote in this answer), monster class levels and all the features thereof count as part of a monster's statistics.



NPCs



An NPCs stats can be generated in several different ways as defined in the DMG section called "NPC Statistics":




When you give an NPC game statistics, you have three main options:
giving the NPC only the few statistics it needs, give the NPC a
monster stat block, or give the NPC a class and levels. The latter two
options require a bit of explanation.



Using a Monster Stat Block



The Monster Manual contains statistics for many generic NPCs that you
can customize as you see fit, and chapter 9 of these rules offers
guidelines on adjusting their statistics and creating a new stat
block.



Using Classes and Levels



You can create an NPC just as you would a player character, using the
rules in the Player’s Handbook. You can even use a character sheet to
keep track of the NPC’s vital information.



Class Options. In addition to the class options in the Player’s
Handbook, two additional class options are available for evil player
characters and NPCs: the Death domain for clerics and the oathbreaker
for paladins. Both options are detailed at the end of this chapter.



Equipment. Most NPCs don’t need an exhaustive list of equipment. An
enemy meant to be faced in combat requires weapons and armor, plus any
treasure the NPC carries (including magic items that might be used
against the adventurers).



Challenge Rating. An NPC built for combat needs a challenge rating.
Use the rules in chapter 9 to determine the NPC’s challenge rating,
just as you would for a monster you designed.




Regardless it is clear that what counts as statistics for an NPC are the same for what counts as monsters and PCs. However, the DM, for simplicity's sake, just has a lot of leeway on how many of those statistics they need to define when making an NPC. Of note is that NPC class levels and equipment are also considered part of their statistics.






share|improve this answer























  • Legendary Actions are under the heading of Legendary Creatures, which is the same heading style as Statistics. I assume this means Legendary-ness is not part of regular statistics.
    – GreySage
    27 mins ago










  • @GreySage good point! I'll consider that after I finish the changes I'm currently making.
    – Rubiksmoose
    10 mins ago



















-2














The game statistics of a PC is their character sheet and from a monster is its statblock.



It consists of every info that is translated to paper as a measurable characteristic. However, it doesn't cover things that are not measurable that makes the character being what it is. For example, true polymorph could make the target of the spell to have the exact same abilities of the creature mimicked, having the same ability scores, skills and extraordinary abilities, but don't give the target any of the memories of the mimicked creature. You can get his appearance and could try to impersonate a certain heroic male knight and get his abilities, but you don't know his mother's name, his wife quirks or his mistress existence.






share|improve this answer





















  • Unless specifically mentioned otherwise (e.g. the Dybbuk's Possess Corpse ability mentioned in the question does allow it to gain access to the target's knowledge and proficiencies).
    – PJRZ
    3 hours ago










  • Aspects of a PC's personality are written on a character sheet: the default PC character sheet has their Ideals, Bond, and Flaw. Would those be included then since they are written and, in a sense, measurable? What about alignment?
    – Rubiksmoose
    3 hours ago












  • Also, can you cite the source of how you came to this answer? Where in the rules does it say this? Right now, I have no idea if this is your opinion on what it should be or what the rules say "game statistics" mean.
    – Rubiksmoose
    3 hours ago





















-2














There is no single listing of what game statistics are



But looking through Sage Advice, I've found several things that game statistics include (and I'm not saying this is a complete list, this is just what I've come across):




  1. When you true polymorph (yourself) you speak the language the new form knows



@JeremyECrawford if a PC is polymorphed into a troll (by polymorph spell) does PC retain languages, or can only speak giant? — David Pozorski (@DavidPozorski) July 7, 2015



@JeremyECrawford If transformed by the true polymorph spell, the creature would speak what the new form speaks.





  1. When true polymorphed you gain the class features of the new form



@LeMarcSharma
@JeremyECrawford If a raging barbarian is polymorphed through the spell Polymorph, is the rage still ongoing?



@JeremyECrawford Polymorph replaces your game statistics, including class features, with those of the beast. If you're a barbarian, you lose Rage. #DnD





  1. However if you use true polymorph to change your race, you can retain your own class and spellcasting features



@Zephilinox
· Apr 25, 2016 @mikemearls Would True Polymorph allow someone to change their race? What would happen to their class? Spellcasting?



@mikemearls @Zephilinox i'd swap out one set of racial stats for the other, spellcasting remains as do class levels





  1. And you've already quoted that the mental ability scores are taken from the new form, which would mean your ability scores are replaced by the creature you're changing into.






share|improve this answer





















  • While these are interesting pieces, I am looking for one answer that has all the information in it. Please work to make this a more complete answer if you can. Also, please consider basing your answer primarily on what the rules say and not on designer Tweets if at all possible since JC is known to be unreliable.
    – Rubiksmoose
    2 hours ago










  • @Rubiksmoose Sadly all I've managed to find in the PHB and DMG are exceptions when changing the characters game statistics, ex: in the Druid's Wild Shape it's stated the Druid retains his Charisma and Wisdom, skills and saving throw proficiencies.
    – bigchickcannibalistic
    1 hour ago











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3 Answers
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3 Answers
3






active

oldest

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active

oldest

votes






active

oldest

votes









5














Monsters



What counts as statistics for monsters (at least) is defined in the Monster Manual introduction in the section "Statistics".



It begins by saying:




A monster's statistics, sometimes referred to as its stat block, provide the essential information that you need to run the monster. (MM 6)




and then proceeds to dedicate a section to describing each aspect of the statistics in a short sub-section (MM 6-11).





  1. Size

  2. Type

  3. Tags

  4. Alignment

  5. Armor Class

  6. Hit Points

  7. Speed

  8. Ability Scores

  9. Saving Throws

  10. Skills

  11. Vulnerabilities, Resistances, and Immunities

  12. Senses

  13. Languages

  14. Challenge

  15. Special Traits

  16. Actions

  17. Reactions

  18. Limited Usage

  19. Equipment

  20. Legendary Monsters: Legendary Actions




Monsters, by default, are not given class levels and thus no section was dedicated to talking about them as part of the statistics. However, a later section talks about the option of adding class levels to monsters:




You can use the rules in chapter 3 of the Player’s Handbook to give
class levels to a monster. For example, you can turn an ordinary
werewolf into a werewolf with four levels of the barbarian class (such
a monster would be expressed as “Werewolf, 4th-level barbarian”).



Start with the monster’s stat block. The monster gains all the class
features for every class level you add
, with the following exceptions:




  • The monster doesn’t gain the starting equipment of the added class.

  • For each class level you add, the monster gains one Hit Die of its
    normal type (based on its size), ignoring the class’s Hit Die
    progression.

  • The monster’s proficiency bonus is based on its challenge rating, not
    its class levels.




Since class levels and class features are also added to a monster's stat block, and the terms "statistics" and "stat block" are defined to be interchangeable (per the first quote in this answer), monster class levels and all the features thereof count as part of a monster's statistics.



NPCs



An NPCs stats can be generated in several different ways as defined in the DMG section called "NPC Statistics":




When you give an NPC game statistics, you have three main options:
giving the NPC only the few statistics it needs, give the NPC a
monster stat block, or give the NPC a class and levels. The latter two
options require a bit of explanation.



Using a Monster Stat Block



The Monster Manual contains statistics for many generic NPCs that you
can customize as you see fit, and chapter 9 of these rules offers
guidelines on adjusting their statistics and creating a new stat
block.



Using Classes and Levels



You can create an NPC just as you would a player character, using the
rules in the Player’s Handbook. You can even use a character sheet to
keep track of the NPC’s vital information.



Class Options. In addition to the class options in the Player’s
Handbook, two additional class options are available for evil player
characters and NPCs: the Death domain for clerics and the oathbreaker
for paladins. Both options are detailed at the end of this chapter.



Equipment. Most NPCs don’t need an exhaustive list of equipment. An
enemy meant to be faced in combat requires weapons and armor, plus any
treasure the NPC carries (including magic items that might be used
against the adventurers).



Challenge Rating. An NPC built for combat needs a challenge rating.
Use the rules in chapter 9 to determine the NPC’s challenge rating,
just as you would for a monster you designed.




Regardless it is clear that what counts as statistics for an NPC are the same for what counts as monsters and PCs. However, the DM, for simplicity's sake, just has a lot of leeway on how many of those statistics they need to define when making an NPC. Of note is that NPC class levels and equipment are also considered part of their statistics.






share|improve this answer























  • Legendary Actions are under the heading of Legendary Creatures, which is the same heading style as Statistics. I assume this means Legendary-ness is not part of regular statistics.
    – GreySage
    27 mins ago










  • @GreySage good point! I'll consider that after I finish the changes I'm currently making.
    – Rubiksmoose
    10 mins ago
















5














Monsters



What counts as statistics for monsters (at least) is defined in the Monster Manual introduction in the section "Statistics".



It begins by saying:




A monster's statistics, sometimes referred to as its stat block, provide the essential information that you need to run the monster. (MM 6)




and then proceeds to dedicate a section to describing each aspect of the statistics in a short sub-section (MM 6-11).





  1. Size

  2. Type

  3. Tags

  4. Alignment

  5. Armor Class

  6. Hit Points

  7. Speed

  8. Ability Scores

  9. Saving Throws

  10. Skills

  11. Vulnerabilities, Resistances, and Immunities

  12. Senses

  13. Languages

  14. Challenge

  15. Special Traits

  16. Actions

  17. Reactions

  18. Limited Usage

  19. Equipment

  20. Legendary Monsters: Legendary Actions




Monsters, by default, are not given class levels and thus no section was dedicated to talking about them as part of the statistics. However, a later section talks about the option of adding class levels to monsters:




You can use the rules in chapter 3 of the Player’s Handbook to give
class levels to a monster. For example, you can turn an ordinary
werewolf into a werewolf with four levels of the barbarian class (such
a monster would be expressed as “Werewolf, 4th-level barbarian”).



Start with the monster’s stat block. The monster gains all the class
features for every class level you add
, with the following exceptions:




  • The monster doesn’t gain the starting equipment of the added class.

  • For each class level you add, the monster gains one Hit Die of its
    normal type (based on its size), ignoring the class’s Hit Die
    progression.

  • The monster’s proficiency bonus is based on its challenge rating, not
    its class levels.




Since class levels and class features are also added to a monster's stat block, and the terms "statistics" and "stat block" are defined to be interchangeable (per the first quote in this answer), monster class levels and all the features thereof count as part of a monster's statistics.



NPCs



An NPCs stats can be generated in several different ways as defined in the DMG section called "NPC Statistics":




When you give an NPC game statistics, you have three main options:
giving the NPC only the few statistics it needs, give the NPC a
monster stat block, or give the NPC a class and levels. The latter two
options require a bit of explanation.



Using a Monster Stat Block



The Monster Manual contains statistics for many generic NPCs that you
can customize as you see fit, and chapter 9 of these rules offers
guidelines on adjusting their statistics and creating a new stat
block.



Using Classes and Levels



You can create an NPC just as you would a player character, using the
rules in the Player’s Handbook. You can even use a character sheet to
keep track of the NPC’s vital information.



Class Options. In addition to the class options in the Player’s
Handbook, two additional class options are available for evil player
characters and NPCs: the Death domain for clerics and the oathbreaker
for paladins. Both options are detailed at the end of this chapter.



Equipment. Most NPCs don’t need an exhaustive list of equipment. An
enemy meant to be faced in combat requires weapons and armor, plus any
treasure the NPC carries (including magic items that might be used
against the adventurers).



Challenge Rating. An NPC built for combat needs a challenge rating.
Use the rules in chapter 9 to determine the NPC’s challenge rating,
just as you would for a monster you designed.




Regardless it is clear that what counts as statistics for an NPC are the same for what counts as monsters and PCs. However, the DM, for simplicity's sake, just has a lot of leeway on how many of those statistics they need to define when making an NPC. Of note is that NPC class levels and equipment are also considered part of their statistics.






share|improve this answer























  • Legendary Actions are under the heading of Legendary Creatures, which is the same heading style as Statistics. I assume this means Legendary-ness is not part of regular statistics.
    – GreySage
    27 mins ago










  • @GreySage good point! I'll consider that after I finish the changes I'm currently making.
    – Rubiksmoose
    10 mins ago














5












5








5






Monsters



What counts as statistics for monsters (at least) is defined in the Monster Manual introduction in the section "Statistics".



It begins by saying:




A monster's statistics, sometimes referred to as its stat block, provide the essential information that you need to run the monster. (MM 6)




and then proceeds to dedicate a section to describing each aspect of the statistics in a short sub-section (MM 6-11).





  1. Size

  2. Type

  3. Tags

  4. Alignment

  5. Armor Class

  6. Hit Points

  7. Speed

  8. Ability Scores

  9. Saving Throws

  10. Skills

  11. Vulnerabilities, Resistances, and Immunities

  12. Senses

  13. Languages

  14. Challenge

  15. Special Traits

  16. Actions

  17. Reactions

  18. Limited Usage

  19. Equipment

  20. Legendary Monsters: Legendary Actions




Monsters, by default, are not given class levels and thus no section was dedicated to talking about them as part of the statistics. However, a later section talks about the option of adding class levels to monsters:




You can use the rules in chapter 3 of the Player’s Handbook to give
class levels to a monster. For example, you can turn an ordinary
werewolf into a werewolf with four levels of the barbarian class (such
a monster would be expressed as “Werewolf, 4th-level barbarian”).



Start with the monster’s stat block. The monster gains all the class
features for every class level you add
, with the following exceptions:




  • The monster doesn’t gain the starting equipment of the added class.

  • For each class level you add, the monster gains one Hit Die of its
    normal type (based on its size), ignoring the class’s Hit Die
    progression.

  • The monster’s proficiency bonus is based on its challenge rating, not
    its class levels.




Since class levels and class features are also added to a monster's stat block, and the terms "statistics" and "stat block" are defined to be interchangeable (per the first quote in this answer), monster class levels and all the features thereof count as part of a monster's statistics.



NPCs



An NPCs stats can be generated in several different ways as defined in the DMG section called "NPC Statistics":




When you give an NPC game statistics, you have three main options:
giving the NPC only the few statistics it needs, give the NPC a
monster stat block, or give the NPC a class and levels. The latter two
options require a bit of explanation.



Using a Monster Stat Block



The Monster Manual contains statistics for many generic NPCs that you
can customize as you see fit, and chapter 9 of these rules offers
guidelines on adjusting their statistics and creating a new stat
block.



Using Classes and Levels



You can create an NPC just as you would a player character, using the
rules in the Player’s Handbook. You can even use a character sheet to
keep track of the NPC’s vital information.



Class Options. In addition to the class options in the Player’s
Handbook, two additional class options are available for evil player
characters and NPCs: the Death domain for clerics and the oathbreaker
for paladins. Both options are detailed at the end of this chapter.



Equipment. Most NPCs don’t need an exhaustive list of equipment. An
enemy meant to be faced in combat requires weapons and armor, plus any
treasure the NPC carries (including magic items that might be used
against the adventurers).



Challenge Rating. An NPC built for combat needs a challenge rating.
Use the rules in chapter 9 to determine the NPC’s challenge rating,
just as you would for a monster you designed.




Regardless it is clear that what counts as statistics for an NPC are the same for what counts as monsters and PCs. However, the DM, for simplicity's sake, just has a lot of leeway on how many of those statistics they need to define when making an NPC. Of note is that NPC class levels and equipment are also considered part of their statistics.






share|improve this answer














Monsters



What counts as statistics for monsters (at least) is defined in the Monster Manual introduction in the section "Statistics".



It begins by saying:




A monster's statistics, sometimes referred to as its stat block, provide the essential information that you need to run the monster. (MM 6)




and then proceeds to dedicate a section to describing each aspect of the statistics in a short sub-section (MM 6-11).





  1. Size

  2. Type

  3. Tags

  4. Alignment

  5. Armor Class

  6. Hit Points

  7. Speed

  8. Ability Scores

  9. Saving Throws

  10. Skills

  11. Vulnerabilities, Resistances, and Immunities

  12. Senses

  13. Languages

  14. Challenge

  15. Special Traits

  16. Actions

  17. Reactions

  18. Limited Usage

  19. Equipment

  20. Legendary Monsters: Legendary Actions




Monsters, by default, are not given class levels and thus no section was dedicated to talking about them as part of the statistics. However, a later section talks about the option of adding class levels to monsters:




You can use the rules in chapter 3 of the Player’s Handbook to give
class levels to a monster. For example, you can turn an ordinary
werewolf into a werewolf with four levels of the barbarian class (such
a monster would be expressed as “Werewolf, 4th-level barbarian”).



Start with the monster’s stat block. The monster gains all the class
features for every class level you add
, with the following exceptions:




  • The monster doesn’t gain the starting equipment of the added class.

  • For each class level you add, the monster gains one Hit Die of its
    normal type (based on its size), ignoring the class’s Hit Die
    progression.

  • The monster’s proficiency bonus is based on its challenge rating, not
    its class levels.




Since class levels and class features are also added to a monster's stat block, and the terms "statistics" and "stat block" are defined to be interchangeable (per the first quote in this answer), monster class levels and all the features thereof count as part of a monster's statistics.



NPCs



An NPCs stats can be generated in several different ways as defined in the DMG section called "NPC Statistics":




When you give an NPC game statistics, you have three main options:
giving the NPC only the few statistics it needs, give the NPC a
monster stat block, or give the NPC a class and levels. The latter two
options require a bit of explanation.



Using a Monster Stat Block



The Monster Manual contains statistics for many generic NPCs that you
can customize as you see fit, and chapter 9 of these rules offers
guidelines on adjusting their statistics and creating a new stat
block.



Using Classes and Levels



You can create an NPC just as you would a player character, using the
rules in the Player’s Handbook. You can even use a character sheet to
keep track of the NPC’s vital information.



Class Options. In addition to the class options in the Player’s
Handbook, two additional class options are available for evil player
characters and NPCs: the Death domain for clerics and the oathbreaker
for paladins. Both options are detailed at the end of this chapter.



Equipment. Most NPCs don’t need an exhaustive list of equipment. An
enemy meant to be faced in combat requires weapons and armor, plus any
treasure the NPC carries (including magic items that might be used
against the adventurers).



Challenge Rating. An NPC built for combat needs a challenge rating.
Use the rules in chapter 9 to determine the NPC’s challenge rating,
just as you would for a monster you designed.




Regardless it is clear that what counts as statistics for an NPC are the same for what counts as monsters and PCs. However, the DM, for simplicity's sake, just has a lot of leeway on how many of those statistics they need to define when making an NPC. Of note is that NPC class levels and equipment are also considered part of their statistics.







share|improve this answer














share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer








edited 6 mins ago

























answered 1 hour ago









RubiksmooseRubiksmoose

49.5k6245371




49.5k6245371












  • Legendary Actions are under the heading of Legendary Creatures, which is the same heading style as Statistics. I assume this means Legendary-ness is not part of regular statistics.
    – GreySage
    27 mins ago










  • @GreySage good point! I'll consider that after I finish the changes I'm currently making.
    – Rubiksmoose
    10 mins ago


















  • Legendary Actions are under the heading of Legendary Creatures, which is the same heading style as Statistics. I assume this means Legendary-ness is not part of regular statistics.
    – GreySage
    27 mins ago










  • @GreySage good point! I'll consider that after I finish the changes I'm currently making.
    – Rubiksmoose
    10 mins ago
















Legendary Actions are under the heading of Legendary Creatures, which is the same heading style as Statistics. I assume this means Legendary-ness is not part of regular statistics.
– GreySage
27 mins ago




Legendary Actions are under the heading of Legendary Creatures, which is the same heading style as Statistics. I assume this means Legendary-ness is not part of regular statistics.
– GreySage
27 mins ago












@GreySage good point! I'll consider that after I finish the changes I'm currently making.
– Rubiksmoose
10 mins ago




@GreySage good point! I'll consider that after I finish the changes I'm currently making.
– Rubiksmoose
10 mins ago













-2














The game statistics of a PC is their character sheet and from a monster is its statblock.



It consists of every info that is translated to paper as a measurable characteristic. However, it doesn't cover things that are not measurable that makes the character being what it is. For example, true polymorph could make the target of the spell to have the exact same abilities of the creature mimicked, having the same ability scores, skills and extraordinary abilities, but don't give the target any of the memories of the mimicked creature. You can get his appearance and could try to impersonate a certain heroic male knight and get his abilities, but you don't know his mother's name, his wife quirks or his mistress existence.






share|improve this answer





















  • Unless specifically mentioned otherwise (e.g. the Dybbuk's Possess Corpse ability mentioned in the question does allow it to gain access to the target's knowledge and proficiencies).
    – PJRZ
    3 hours ago










  • Aspects of a PC's personality are written on a character sheet: the default PC character sheet has their Ideals, Bond, and Flaw. Would those be included then since they are written and, in a sense, measurable? What about alignment?
    – Rubiksmoose
    3 hours ago












  • Also, can you cite the source of how you came to this answer? Where in the rules does it say this? Right now, I have no idea if this is your opinion on what it should be or what the rules say "game statistics" mean.
    – Rubiksmoose
    3 hours ago


















-2














The game statistics of a PC is their character sheet and from a monster is its statblock.



It consists of every info that is translated to paper as a measurable characteristic. However, it doesn't cover things that are not measurable that makes the character being what it is. For example, true polymorph could make the target of the spell to have the exact same abilities of the creature mimicked, having the same ability scores, skills and extraordinary abilities, but don't give the target any of the memories of the mimicked creature. You can get his appearance and could try to impersonate a certain heroic male knight and get his abilities, but you don't know his mother's name, his wife quirks or his mistress existence.






share|improve this answer





















  • Unless specifically mentioned otherwise (e.g. the Dybbuk's Possess Corpse ability mentioned in the question does allow it to gain access to the target's knowledge and proficiencies).
    – PJRZ
    3 hours ago










  • Aspects of a PC's personality are written on a character sheet: the default PC character sheet has their Ideals, Bond, and Flaw. Would those be included then since they are written and, in a sense, measurable? What about alignment?
    – Rubiksmoose
    3 hours ago












  • Also, can you cite the source of how you came to this answer? Where in the rules does it say this? Right now, I have no idea if this is your opinion on what it should be or what the rules say "game statistics" mean.
    – Rubiksmoose
    3 hours ago
















-2












-2








-2






The game statistics of a PC is their character sheet and from a monster is its statblock.



It consists of every info that is translated to paper as a measurable characteristic. However, it doesn't cover things that are not measurable that makes the character being what it is. For example, true polymorph could make the target of the spell to have the exact same abilities of the creature mimicked, having the same ability scores, skills and extraordinary abilities, but don't give the target any of the memories of the mimicked creature. You can get his appearance and could try to impersonate a certain heroic male knight and get his abilities, but you don't know his mother's name, his wife quirks or his mistress existence.






share|improve this answer












The game statistics of a PC is their character sheet and from a monster is its statblock.



It consists of every info that is translated to paper as a measurable characteristic. However, it doesn't cover things that are not measurable that makes the character being what it is. For example, true polymorph could make the target of the spell to have the exact same abilities of the creature mimicked, having the same ability scores, skills and extraordinary abilities, but don't give the target any of the memories of the mimicked creature. You can get his appearance and could try to impersonate a certain heroic male knight and get his abilities, but you don't know his mother's name, his wife quirks or his mistress existence.







share|improve this answer












share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer










answered 3 hours ago









Aguinaldo SilvestreAguinaldo Silvestre

5,1841246




5,1841246












  • Unless specifically mentioned otherwise (e.g. the Dybbuk's Possess Corpse ability mentioned in the question does allow it to gain access to the target's knowledge and proficiencies).
    – PJRZ
    3 hours ago










  • Aspects of a PC's personality are written on a character sheet: the default PC character sheet has their Ideals, Bond, and Flaw. Would those be included then since they are written and, in a sense, measurable? What about alignment?
    – Rubiksmoose
    3 hours ago












  • Also, can you cite the source of how you came to this answer? Where in the rules does it say this? Right now, I have no idea if this is your opinion on what it should be or what the rules say "game statistics" mean.
    – Rubiksmoose
    3 hours ago




















  • Unless specifically mentioned otherwise (e.g. the Dybbuk's Possess Corpse ability mentioned in the question does allow it to gain access to the target's knowledge and proficiencies).
    – PJRZ
    3 hours ago










  • Aspects of a PC's personality are written on a character sheet: the default PC character sheet has their Ideals, Bond, and Flaw. Would those be included then since they are written and, in a sense, measurable? What about alignment?
    – Rubiksmoose
    3 hours ago












  • Also, can you cite the source of how you came to this answer? Where in the rules does it say this? Right now, I have no idea if this is your opinion on what it should be or what the rules say "game statistics" mean.
    – Rubiksmoose
    3 hours ago


















Unless specifically mentioned otherwise (e.g. the Dybbuk's Possess Corpse ability mentioned in the question does allow it to gain access to the target's knowledge and proficiencies).
– PJRZ
3 hours ago




Unless specifically mentioned otherwise (e.g. the Dybbuk's Possess Corpse ability mentioned in the question does allow it to gain access to the target's knowledge and proficiencies).
– PJRZ
3 hours ago












Aspects of a PC's personality are written on a character sheet: the default PC character sheet has their Ideals, Bond, and Flaw. Would those be included then since they are written and, in a sense, measurable? What about alignment?
– Rubiksmoose
3 hours ago






Aspects of a PC's personality are written on a character sheet: the default PC character sheet has their Ideals, Bond, and Flaw. Would those be included then since they are written and, in a sense, measurable? What about alignment?
– Rubiksmoose
3 hours ago














Also, can you cite the source of how you came to this answer? Where in the rules does it say this? Right now, I have no idea if this is your opinion on what it should be or what the rules say "game statistics" mean.
– Rubiksmoose
3 hours ago






Also, can you cite the source of how you came to this answer? Where in the rules does it say this? Right now, I have no idea if this is your opinion on what it should be or what the rules say "game statistics" mean.
– Rubiksmoose
3 hours ago













-2














There is no single listing of what game statistics are



But looking through Sage Advice, I've found several things that game statistics include (and I'm not saying this is a complete list, this is just what I've come across):




  1. When you true polymorph (yourself) you speak the language the new form knows



@JeremyECrawford if a PC is polymorphed into a troll (by polymorph spell) does PC retain languages, or can only speak giant? — David Pozorski (@DavidPozorski) July 7, 2015



@JeremyECrawford If transformed by the true polymorph spell, the creature would speak what the new form speaks.





  1. When true polymorphed you gain the class features of the new form



@LeMarcSharma
@JeremyECrawford If a raging barbarian is polymorphed through the spell Polymorph, is the rage still ongoing?



@JeremyECrawford Polymorph replaces your game statistics, including class features, with those of the beast. If you're a barbarian, you lose Rage. #DnD





  1. However if you use true polymorph to change your race, you can retain your own class and spellcasting features



@Zephilinox
· Apr 25, 2016 @mikemearls Would True Polymorph allow someone to change their race? What would happen to their class? Spellcasting?



@mikemearls @Zephilinox i'd swap out one set of racial stats for the other, spellcasting remains as do class levels





  1. And you've already quoted that the mental ability scores are taken from the new form, which would mean your ability scores are replaced by the creature you're changing into.






share|improve this answer





















  • While these are interesting pieces, I am looking for one answer that has all the information in it. Please work to make this a more complete answer if you can. Also, please consider basing your answer primarily on what the rules say and not on designer Tweets if at all possible since JC is known to be unreliable.
    – Rubiksmoose
    2 hours ago










  • @Rubiksmoose Sadly all I've managed to find in the PHB and DMG are exceptions when changing the characters game statistics, ex: in the Druid's Wild Shape it's stated the Druid retains his Charisma and Wisdom, skills and saving throw proficiencies.
    – bigchickcannibalistic
    1 hour ago
















-2














There is no single listing of what game statistics are



But looking through Sage Advice, I've found several things that game statistics include (and I'm not saying this is a complete list, this is just what I've come across):




  1. When you true polymorph (yourself) you speak the language the new form knows



@JeremyECrawford if a PC is polymorphed into a troll (by polymorph spell) does PC retain languages, or can only speak giant? — David Pozorski (@DavidPozorski) July 7, 2015



@JeremyECrawford If transformed by the true polymorph spell, the creature would speak what the new form speaks.





  1. When true polymorphed you gain the class features of the new form



@LeMarcSharma
@JeremyECrawford If a raging barbarian is polymorphed through the spell Polymorph, is the rage still ongoing?



@JeremyECrawford Polymorph replaces your game statistics, including class features, with those of the beast. If you're a barbarian, you lose Rage. #DnD





  1. However if you use true polymorph to change your race, you can retain your own class and spellcasting features



@Zephilinox
· Apr 25, 2016 @mikemearls Would True Polymorph allow someone to change their race? What would happen to their class? Spellcasting?



@mikemearls @Zephilinox i'd swap out one set of racial stats for the other, spellcasting remains as do class levels





  1. And you've already quoted that the mental ability scores are taken from the new form, which would mean your ability scores are replaced by the creature you're changing into.






share|improve this answer





















  • While these are interesting pieces, I am looking for one answer that has all the information in it. Please work to make this a more complete answer if you can. Also, please consider basing your answer primarily on what the rules say and not on designer Tweets if at all possible since JC is known to be unreliable.
    – Rubiksmoose
    2 hours ago










  • @Rubiksmoose Sadly all I've managed to find in the PHB and DMG are exceptions when changing the characters game statistics, ex: in the Druid's Wild Shape it's stated the Druid retains his Charisma and Wisdom, skills and saving throw proficiencies.
    – bigchickcannibalistic
    1 hour ago














-2












-2








-2






There is no single listing of what game statistics are



But looking through Sage Advice, I've found several things that game statistics include (and I'm not saying this is a complete list, this is just what I've come across):




  1. When you true polymorph (yourself) you speak the language the new form knows



@JeremyECrawford if a PC is polymorphed into a troll (by polymorph spell) does PC retain languages, or can only speak giant? — David Pozorski (@DavidPozorski) July 7, 2015



@JeremyECrawford If transformed by the true polymorph spell, the creature would speak what the new form speaks.





  1. When true polymorphed you gain the class features of the new form



@LeMarcSharma
@JeremyECrawford If a raging barbarian is polymorphed through the spell Polymorph, is the rage still ongoing?



@JeremyECrawford Polymorph replaces your game statistics, including class features, with those of the beast. If you're a barbarian, you lose Rage. #DnD





  1. However if you use true polymorph to change your race, you can retain your own class and spellcasting features



@Zephilinox
· Apr 25, 2016 @mikemearls Would True Polymorph allow someone to change their race? What would happen to their class? Spellcasting?



@mikemearls @Zephilinox i'd swap out one set of racial stats for the other, spellcasting remains as do class levels





  1. And you've already quoted that the mental ability scores are taken from the new form, which would mean your ability scores are replaced by the creature you're changing into.






share|improve this answer












There is no single listing of what game statistics are



But looking through Sage Advice, I've found several things that game statistics include (and I'm not saying this is a complete list, this is just what I've come across):




  1. When you true polymorph (yourself) you speak the language the new form knows



@JeremyECrawford if a PC is polymorphed into a troll (by polymorph spell) does PC retain languages, or can only speak giant? — David Pozorski (@DavidPozorski) July 7, 2015



@JeremyECrawford If transformed by the true polymorph spell, the creature would speak what the new form speaks.





  1. When true polymorphed you gain the class features of the new form



@LeMarcSharma
@JeremyECrawford If a raging barbarian is polymorphed through the spell Polymorph, is the rage still ongoing?



@JeremyECrawford Polymorph replaces your game statistics, including class features, with those of the beast. If you're a barbarian, you lose Rage. #DnD





  1. However if you use true polymorph to change your race, you can retain your own class and spellcasting features



@Zephilinox
· Apr 25, 2016 @mikemearls Would True Polymorph allow someone to change their race? What would happen to their class? Spellcasting?



@mikemearls @Zephilinox i'd swap out one set of racial stats for the other, spellcasting remains as do class levels





  1. And you've already quoted that the mental ability scores are taken from the new form, which would mean your ability scores are replaced by the creature you're changing into.







share|improve this answer












share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer










answered 2 hours ago









bigchickcannibalisticbigchickcannibalistic

45710




45710












  • While these are interesting pieces, I am looking for one answer that has all the information in it. Please work to make this a more complete answer if you can. Also, please consider basing your answer primarily on what the rules say and not on designer Tweets if at all possible since JC is known to be unreliable.
    – Rubiksmoose
    2 hours ago










  • @Rubiksmoose Sadly all I've managed to find in the PHB and DMG are exceptions when changing the characters game statistics, ex: in the Druid's Wild Shape it's stated the Druid retains his Charisma and Wisdom, skills and saving throw proficiencies.
    – bigchickcannibalistic
    1 hour ago


















  • While these are interesting pieces, I am looking for one answer that has all the information in it. Please work to make this a more complete answer if you can. Also, please consider basing your answer primarily on what the rules say and not on designer Tweets if at all possible since JC is known to be unreliable.
    – Rubiksmoose
    2 hours ago










  • @Rubiksmoose Sadly all I've managed to find in the PHB and DMG are exceptions when changing the characters game statistics, ex: in the Druid's Wild Shape it's stated the Druid retains his Charisma and Wisdom, skills and saving throw proficiencies.
    – bigchickcannibalistic
    1 hour ago
















While these are interesting pieces, I am looking for one answer that has all the information in it. Please work to make this a more complete answer if you can. Also, please consider basing your answer primarily on what the rules say and not on designer Tweets if at all possible since JC is known to be unreliable.
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago




While these are interesting pieces, I am looking for one answer that has all the information in it. Please work to make this a more complete answer if you can. Also, please consider basing your answer primarily on what the rules say and not on designer Tweets if at all possible since JC is known to be unreliable.
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago












@Rubiksmoose Sadly all I've managed to find in the PHB and DMG are exceptions when changing the characters game statistics, ex: in the Druid's Wild Shape it's stated the Druid retains his Charisma and Wisdom, skills and saving throw proficiencies.
– bigchickcannibalistic
1 hour ago




@Rubiksmoose Sadly all I've managed to find in the PHB and DMG are exceptions when changing the characters game statistics, ex: in the Druid's Wild Shape it's stated the Druid retains his Charisma and Wisdom, skills and saving throw proficiencies.
– bigchickcannibalistic
1 hour ago


















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