MM Classics: Come and Show your Stuff!

[Meatboy]

After having flipped through the new monster manual a few times I got the feeling, or lack of feeling, that the monsters felt kind of flat. I dunno what it is but the monsters don't really inspire me to use them too much in my games. So it just got me to thinking back to the old 2nd ed MM that really fired up my imagination when I was younger.
Then I just started thinking about classic monsters in general and I figured I should draw up some classic monsters and share them. At the same time I would love to invite others to throw out some of their own interpretations of they favorites too. Just for good measure comments are a plus as well as requests for a classic monster or two, in case artistic talent just is not your bag.

So first up the dreaded... OWLBEAR!

 

[Duskblade]

A bit comical, but otherwise it is very cool!

 

[Meatboy]

I am glad that you like it but if you could elaborate what exactly makes it comical? I didn't mean to make it that way if it is. I'm just curious so I can make sure not to do it again or do it again but only if I want to.

 

[Duskblade]

I am glad that you like it but if you could elaborate what exactly makes it comical? I didn't mean to make it that way if it is. I'm just curious so I can make sure not to do it again or do it again but only if I want to.

Not comical in the sense of funny, but comical as in comic strip style. I huess I should have made that clear.

The 3E MM version is just a bit more terrifying and yours is good, it just doesn't instill a sense of fear in me.

 

[Fraisala]

I am glad that you like it but if you could elaborate what exactly makes it comical? I didn't mean to make it that way if it is. I'm just curious so I can make sure not to do it again or do it again but only if I want to.

I think the large eyes may contribute to that. They make the creature easier to "read" (and by that I mean it's easier to guess at its emotions, determine where it's looking, and see that it is owl-like) which is valuable in a comic book among other things. On the other hand large eyes can come off as "cute" which in this case merely means "slightly less fearsome".

Also, since you asked for more, I'll take your owlbear (love how the the feathers suggest at "wing" without really being one, and how the claws look just like owl talons btw), and raise you a warg.

 

[Knightfall]

Fraisala, that is really great!

 

[Duskblade]

Hey, you guys take requests? I'm currently working on an amalgam (Green Ronin Bestiary template) succubus/nymph.

I'd love tosee what it would look like.

 

[Meatboy]

Yeah, Fraisala I know what you mean about the eyes. I looked at a lot of pictures of owls and bears, and also owlbears, and I saw that usually the owlbear looked far more bearish than owlish. I tried to go the other way and make it more like an owl, thus the eyes, wings and claws.

Warg huh? A darn nice looking warg, I must say. Might be a touch too "noble" looking, but it is a very nice picture with a very classic pose.

@Duskblade Ah I see what you mean by comical now. Succubus/nymph cross though I would say those both sort of have the "classic" that I am looking for I am not really sure how they would comingle to create something interesting. What with a nymph being a beautiful elf like fey and the succubus being a beautiful demonic seductress. I just can't see much difference between a succubus and a succubus/nymph.

 

[Fraisala]

Knightfall: I'm very pleased you enjoy it

Meatboy: I noticed about the owl/bear ratio... and also that you kept a pronounced "grizzly hump" to keep the bear aspect through all the owlness. And I'm glad you noticed the "noble" aspect. I thought it would be interesting to set the slavering boogywolf aside for a moment and think about the prized war mount, smarter than his rider and too proud to wear tack. You may also notice that just for fun I've passed up the traditional charcoal gray for a more colorful coat that matches the terrain.


concerning the succubus/nymph: I'm inclined to look beyond the crunch and ask some variations on a really strange question. What exactly IS an amalgam succubus/nymph? Is it merely a more predatory form of fey? Is it a demon with stunning capabilities? Is it literally a funky half-breed, one of a kind? Something else all together?

 

[Meatboy]

and another which I felt needed my own twist.... The BULETTE!