Reading 3e Stat Blocks

[StevenC21]

I am finding some moderate difficulties here. I've noticed several differences in 3e stat blocks to 3.5 blocks, which have caused some hiccups.

For one, I don't have a BAB section. I don't know the creatures BAB. Does anyone know how I might determine it from the other information? This is quite important, as I need to know their grappling ability.

Basically, can someone explain to a 3.5 player how I should be reading 3e stat blocks. I need to know since I have the BoVD, which is not 3.5 and has no 3.5 equivalent.

[CrazyNoob]

For the most part in 3E, you'll need to back calc the BAB.

Look at the Attack bonus, subtract the STR Modifier, and any weapon bonus, and feat bonuses to attack with that particular weapon.

Ex:: Fighter 2 has +6 Melee (1d8+2/19-20, MW Longsword). STR 15 (+2), and weapon focus feat

This NPC has a BAB of 2 ( 6-(+2 STR)-(+1 from MW weapon)-(+1 from weapon focus))

[StevenC21]

Thanks man. Anything else I should be aware of?

Are there any times where I really need the BAB anyways, except grappling?

[Allanimal]

There is a table on p.290 of the monster manual that tells what the BAB of monster hit dice are, depending on the type. It can also be found on the Srd here (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/improvingMonsters.htm#increasingHitDice). Is that what you are misssing?

[StevenC21]

That was it.

Thank you.

[KillianHawkeye]

The same information can be found on page 13 of the original Monster Manual. It is pretty much the same, but it includes the info for the two creature types that were removed from 3.5, the Beast and the Shapechanger, who both have BAB equal to 3/4 their racial Hit Dice.

Also, remember to include the size modifiers for grappling if the monster is smaller or larger than Medium.