Jabberwocky

[terrestrialboy]

From what I've been told, the Jabberwocky was an actual monster in 2nd edition. I was wondering in what book did it appear and whether or not it has been adapted to 2nd edition.

Ethan Parker

 

[BronzeDragon]

The Jabberwock appeared in one of the Annual Compendiums....I don't quite remember which one......

AFAIK, it has not been translated into 3rd edition terms.

 

[Banshee16]

The Jabberwocky has been written up for 3E. The book "Faeries", from Bastion Press, that just came out in April (excellent book, by the way) contains stats....they've got a Lesser Jabberwocky, and a Greater Jabberwocky. Rather tough, but not as much as a regular dragon.

Banshee

 

[Kilmore]

D&D has NEVER been without it's vorpal swords, though. Did Lewis Carrol invent the Vorp'? Does "vorpal" actually mean anything? A lot of that poem was delightful nonsense.

 

[demiurge1138]

Yeah, Carrol invented the vorpal sword, and the word doesn't mean anything. But since the hero of the poem lops of the 'wock's head with it, Gygax and co. gave it that property on criticals.

Demiurge out.

 

[terrestrialboy]

Thanks! I'll check out that Faeries book as soon as I can.

Ethan Parker

 

[Silver Moon]

A lot of that poem was delightful nonsense.

And one of the best readings of the poem ever was during Saturday Night Live's initial season. Desi Arnez was the host, and came out to a lecture podium and recited it with his thick Cuban accent. About half way through he stops, looks to the audience, and says "Who the hell talks like this?"

BTW, very early on in 1st Edition a miniature company produced an excellent figure of a Jabberwock (using as a model the image from the mediocre Michael Palin movie of the same name). I picked it up then and used it despite having no actual specs until 2nd edition.

 

[Richards]

The 2E stats referenced above can be found in Monstrous Compendium Annual Volume Three, pages 66-67.

Johnathan

 

[Bregh]

The monster is also featured in the classic OAD&D module The Land Beyond the Magic Mirror as well.

 

[Gargoyle]

I memorized the poem as part of an assignment in the 6th grade, about 21 years ago, and for some reason I still remember every word.