An idea on the origin of monsters

[Quartz]

I came across this idea from a writer, and thought it might be an interesting alternative to magical experiments for explaining classic monsters: his conceit is that there's a magic plant that can induce two otherwise incompatible creatures to mate and produce a hybrid offspring which can then breed true. The degree of hybridisation is very variable: there are stereotypical centaurs, but one human / cow hybrid is no minotaur - she simply has bovine ears and a tail. For a FRPG this seems a nice way of explaining many monsters - both harpies and giant eagles being human / bird crossovers, for instance. And, of course, there are animal / animal hybrids - very small dragons might be lizard / bird hybrids. The plant might be the 'gift' of a deity of mischief like Loki or strife like Eris or a normal nature god (accellerated evolution, anyone?). Dropping all magical powers from creatures is easy, and it might give a shock to traditional players when the lamia doesn't drain Wis but is in fact a powerful barbarian and CG to boot.

What do you think?

PS Thanks to Plane Sailing for some valuable comments.

 

[DarkKestral]

Piers Anthony did that with Xanth a long time ago, in his first 2-3 Xanth books, even. Not a horrible idea, but one that could lead down some very squicky paths. Especially for those creatures descended from humans. And Anthony makes that clear; you really feel kinda sickened after thinking about some of the possibilities for a while, once he made them clear.

Plus, if you let your players get a hold of it, it could have some nasty effects on your game if your players get a hold of some and are smart.

So while a neat idea, it's not something you should add without some thought.

 

[Quartz]

This board is PG-13. Anyway, the effects would be far too long-term for the players.

 

[DarkKestral]

Quartz: If it's long term, how did all these hybrids come about? If it's short term, how do you keep players from abusing it other than by not having it available, ever? This has implications. Think about them.

EDIT: I know it's PG-13. I'm just trying to point out what one author's already done, and what might come up if your players find out the "backstory." I'm trying my best to stay within the boundaries, and also provide good discussion.

 

[Quartz]

Two creatures mate and produce offspring that are crossovers. Over the course of a few thousand years, there get to be plenty of them, and when two of the same breed, they breed true. It's an origin story, not a means of production - unless you've got PCs that are the mad scientist type and can wait decades.