Monsters are assumed to have completely average (or standard) ability scores-a 10 or an 11 in each ability, as modified by their racial bonuses. However, improved
monsters are individuals and often have better than normal ability scores, and usually make use of either the
elite array or the
nonelite array of ability scores.
Monsters who improve by adding a
template, and
monsters who improve by increasing their Hit
Dice, may use any of the three arrays (standard, nonelite, or elite). Any monster unique enough to be improved could easily be considered elite.
Elite Array: The
elite array is 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8. While the monster has one weakness compared to a typical member of its race, it is significantly better overall. The
elite array is most appropriate for
monsters who add levels in a player character class.
Nonelite Array: The
nonelite array is 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8. The
nonelite array does not necessarily make a monster better than normal, but it does customize the monster as an individual with strengths and weaknesses compared to a typical member of its race. The
nonelite array is most appropriate for
monsters who add
class levels in a NPC class.
Ability Score Improvement: Treat monster Hit
Dice the same as character level for determining ability score increases. This only applies to Hit
Dice increases,
monsters do not gain ability score increases for levels they "already reached" with their racial Hit
Dice, since these adjustments are included in their basic ability scores.