Jacob the Impaler
First Post
I've found that adding or changing little things about monsters brings a fresh twist to the same old encounters and usually brings big differences in the setting as a whole. Some of my players know the Monster Manual like the Pope knows the Bible, so it's great to surprise them a little from time to time without making all their research useless.
Goblins: Goblins are relatively recent members of the world, having crossed over from another plane by unkown means about six hundred years ago. They are believed to have no souls and are the only utterly evil race of humanoids in the world. Orcs, minotaurs, giants and the like have chaotic or selfish tendencies that often turn them to evil ways, but in the end they can become good or neutral. Goblins are unredeemably gleeful in their ruthless tricks and constant warfare and treachery and universally hated.
Physically, they appear more like fairy tale goblins, having little uniformity. Some have bug eyes, large warty noses and bat-like ears while others resemble toads with arms. Their skin colors can be a rainbow of ugly shades, with wide variance even inside their own tribes. They do not have darkvision, but instead carry acrid, smoking torches wherever they go. Goblins seem more energetic and confident in torchlight, gaining a +1 morale bonus to attack roles and saving throws while in it. Advances of goblin armies are heralded by wild drumbeats and hoots and an endless sea of little torches.
Most goblins do not survive past their first years, mainly due to in-tribe murders and outside enemies. They make up for short lifespans with alarming birthrates. Those lucky, smart and strong enough to survive eventually grow into hobgoblins. A few grow even larger to become bugbears, who lead their goblin hordes through flamboyant intimidation. Goblins don't seem to grow weaker with age, so it is speculated that they are potentially immortal.
Goblins seem to be slightly fey, and take +1 damage from cold iron weapons.
Minotaurs: Minotaurs are an ancient race that claim to have ruled a vast, enlightened empire underground. That was ages ago, but the scattered remnants still carry great racial pride as they wander around by themselves pillaging and selling themselves as mercenaries to make ends meet. They tend to wind up in small villages where locals cannot adequetely resist them and make demands of cattle and beer. It is unknown how minotaurs reproduce, as there are no females among them and asking one is asking for a horn in the gut. The truth is minotaurs are "born" from earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions that cause significant destruction, probably by the will of some mad, forgotten god.
Minotaurs are haughty creatures who wear the bones of their enemies (or victims) like jewelry. Those who manage to amass sums of gold buy fine clothing and gaudy jewelry that makes them look like barbarian kings. They are believed to be constantly hungry and thirsty, as they always gorge themselves with meat and beer. Despite this, they can go for very long periods of time without either. Fighting seems as part of their nature as sleeping or bullying. The thought of taking up any other way of life baffles and enrages them. Those who innocently suggest that a minotaur even help carry a load or dig a trench may provoke a fury that destroys multiple villages.
Although many wisely keep their distance from them, minotaurs are valued as trackers and guides. They are tied to the earth and can never get lost as long as they are in contact with it. They also have a sort of "violence sense" that allows them to track one who has recently committed a murder, rape or vicious assault like a hound. The only way a minotaur would go through with a tracking job is if he were promised to kill the quarry once found, and only then for a steep price.
Goblins: Goblins are relatively recent members of the world, having crossed over from another plane by unkown means about six hundred years ago. They are believed to have no souls and are the only utterly evil race of humanoids in the world. Orcs, minotaurs, giants and the like have chaotic or selfish tendencies that often turn them to evil ways, but in the end they can become good or neutral. Goblins are unredeemably gleeful in their ruthless tricks and constant warfare and treachery and universally hated.
Physically, they appear more like fairy tale goblins, having little uniformity. Some have bug eyes, large warty noses and bat-like ears while others resemble toads with arms. Their skin colors can be a rainbow of ugly shades, with wide variance even inside their own tribes. They do not have darkvision, but instead carry acrid, smoking torches wherever they go. Goblins seem more energetic and confident in torchlight, gaining a +1 morale bonus to attack roles and saving throws while in it. Advances of goblin armies are heralded by wild drumbeats and hoots and an endless sea of little torches.
Most goblins do not survive past their first years, mainly due to in-tribe murders and outside enemies. They make up for short lifespans with alarming birthrates. Those lucky, smart and strong enough to survive eventually grow into hobgoblins. A few grow even larger to become bugbears, who lead their goblin hordes through flamboyant intimidation. Goblins don't seem to grow weaker with age, so it is speculated that they are potentially immortal.
Goblins seem to be slightly fey, and take +1 damage from cold iron weapons.
Minotaurs: Minotaurs are an ancient race that claim to have ruled a vast, enlightened empire underground. That was ages ago, but the scattered remnants still carry great racial pride as they wander around by themselves pillaging and selling themselves as mercenaries to make ends meet. They tend to wind up in small villages where locals cannot adequetely resist them and make demands of cattle and beer. It is unknown how minotaurs reproduce, as there are no females among them and asking one is asking for a horn in the gut. The truth is minotaurs are "born" from earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions that cause significant destruction, probably by the will of some mad, forgotten god.
Minotaurs are haughty creatures who wear the bones of their enemies (or victims) like jewelry. Those who manage to amass sums of gold buy fine clothing and gaudy jewelry that makes them look like barbarian kings. They are believed to be constantly hungry and thirsty, as they always gorge themselves with meat and beer. Despite this, they can go for very long periods of time without either. Fighting seems as part of their nature as sleeping or bullying. The thought of taking up any other way of life baffles and enrages them. Those who innocently suggest that a minotaur even help carry a load or dig a trench may provoke a fury that destroys multiple villages.
Although many wisely keep their distance from them, minotaurs are valued as trackers and guides. They are tied to the earth and can never get lost as long as they are in contact with it. They also have a sort of "violence sense" that allows them to track one who has recently committed a murder, rape or vicious assault like a hound. The only way a minotaur would go through with a tracking job is if he were promised to kill the quarry once found, and only then for a steep price.
