I was watching some RPG YouTube, and of course there was talk about Monsters. And with the recent OMG CONTROVERSY with the newest Monster Manual, I got to thinking about something that is more inherent in D&D and in fantasy games in general, why so many monsters? I’ve played various other games, and read many books, watched many movies, but it seems that fantasy games, with D&D leading the charge, seem to have more monsters than any other medium in the genre, or other genre’s in particular. So yeah, why are there so many monsters?

  • dumples@midwest.socialEnglish
    9·
    5 days ago

    Attempting to make a monster for literally every situation is how AD&D ended up with the Monstrous Compendium’s fifteen volumes and appendices, so in reality the Monster Manual is an exercise in restrain

    I love the strange monsters from AD&D. Its fun to see how weird they got. I am a big fan of having lots to draw on for inspiration

    • redhorsejacket@lemmy.world
      3·
      3 days ago

      Agreed. It’s why I have all of Kobold Press’s supplemental monster books. Variety is the spice of life, and I’m constantly trying to find ways to make combat more engaging than just slugging it out with my players. Quirky stat blocks help me come up with scenarios.

      • dumples@midwest.socialEnglish
        1·
        3 days ago

        Supplement books or make your own monsters. I love making a custom monster. I had really fun encounter with a custom ooze that could use engulf as a legendary action. Fun to have it chase the players around the map