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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Garnfellow" data-source="post: 3425955" data-attributes="member: 1223">I think you are right that there is a certain loss of flavor in many 3e monsters, though I am conflicted since the amateur game designer in me really appreciates having templated abilities -- that is, abilities with standard, unified mechanics.I'm currently working on an index of monster special abilities, and I am noticing that some designers are able to effectively insert flavor into the mechanics: <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">one can add a first line to the special ability description that gives a flavor-filled description of how a standard ability works for that specific monster. So for a plant monster with improved grab, one could add a sentence or two at the beginning of the ability line describing how it's hairy, thorned tendrils wrap around the limbs of its prey with terrible rapidity, etc.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">one can re-name a standard ability something flavorful, so our plant monster's improved grab might become something like "Grasping Tendrils (Ex)"</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">one can re-task a standard ability, keeping the basic mechanics but turning everything else upside down.</li> </ul>A good example of this last method is found in the Laghathti demon (<a href="http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20060620a" target="_blank">http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20060620a</a>). This horrible octopus-like creature has an ability that functions in every way like undead level drain, but feels nothing like it at all:So, to some extent I think it's perfectly possible to have great flavor within a 3e context, but just most monster designers never take that extra step.</blockquote>

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