Ok, I'm back to working on my pseudo-retroclone/alternate player's guide, and I find that I would like to add a section on Monsters. Since it's kind of based on OSR D&D (with a LOT of mods and additions), I figure the easiest thing to do (and the one that won't require the tedious re-invention of the wheel) is to create a modest list of "essential monsters" for any fantasy RPG, and include guidelines on how to add to it from other sources.
To that end, I am going to ask for your opinions, my loyal readers. In the comments below, give me your top ten list of monsters that every D&D-esque RPG should include.
Here's my list (in no particular order):
Orcs
Goblins
Dragons
Skeletons
Zombies
Greater Undead (vampire, death knight, etc.)
Giants
Giant Ants (or other insects/arachnids/etc.)
Giant Lizards/Snakes
Wild Animals
In addition, if there is a monster that you don't recall seeing, or that you think needs to be re-imagined, let me know that too. I have a few ideas of my own, but I'm only one gamer here.
I'll probably create a list of 50 or so monsters, but I want them all to be the monsters that will be the most useful.
Thanks in advance!
I have been gaming, off and on, since I was 12 years old. Now that I'm...well, MUCH older, I don't get to play quite as often as I like, but I still like to keep my hand in the game, as it were. This blog is about the role-playing games I write, the games I play, and the games I wish I could play.
My list:
ReplyDeleteOrcs
Goblins
Trolls
Dragons
Giants
Devils
Undead (all varieties big and small)
Ogres
Animals (both mundane and extraordinary)
Necromancers (I know it's more of a class than a monster, but I always use them as major villains when they make appearances in my games).
I can't believe I didn't include Trolls and Ogres! I figure all of the "class-based" villains would be handled seperate from "monsters" as they tend to be NPC's. But that's a good call for sure!
DeleteThe only reason why included Necromancers is because they tend to be more monstrous than the monsters when done correctly. Hell, Nagash from the Warhammer books is the most terrifying monster there - and that holds even when you compare him with the Chaos demons.
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