Quickleaf
Legend
I think gargoyles work best when...(a) they are presented in a thematically appropriate way for the adventure setting, and (b) their threat is foreshadowed but not immediate.
For example, PCs venturing into Byzantine-like ruins have heard warnings about the "Lions of Tomorrow" from a sage/manuscript. They pass the statues without incident. Later they learn a rival wizard has an evil party of adventurers exploring the ruins as well. When the PCs pass back thru arch the lion-drgon statues guard the wizard is there and speaks command word "Arise lions of Tomorrow!" while wielding a magical rod. This awakens the sleeping gargoyles.
Oh, and about the "players smashing gargoyles on site" issue, take a line from the Witcher 2 video game and have gargoyles explode in a shower of steaming stone when destroyed
For example, PCs venturing into Byzantine-like ruins have heard warnings about the "Lions of Tomorrow" from a sage/manuscript. They pass the statues without incident. Later they learn a rival wizard has an evil party of adventurers exploring the ruins as well. When the PCs pass back thru arch the lion-drgon statues guard the wizard is there and speaks command word "Arise lions of Tomorrow!" while wielding a magical rod. This awakens the sleeping gargoyles.
Oh, and about the "players smashing gargoyles on site" issue, take a line from the Witcher 2 video game and have gargoyles explode in a shower of steaming stone when destroyed
