Monster Design--from a designer's standpoint

[Incenjucar]

For my own campaign, I've brought back the concept of demon types from 1e, you know, type I demons, type II demons, etc, assigned each type a role and level range, and bolted on Gary's old random demon generator from 1e, with attacks and abilities attached to those random elements.

It works out rather well, IMO.

Is this anything like the hordelings in Planescape?

If so, <3

 

[Orcus]

I'm not sure I "called for it" but I went to your thread. Good place for that discussion.

I like this thread being about monster design in 4E from a designer's perspective.

Which brings me back to the main point.

I know alot of people say "yes you can do that in 3E." Please know that I agree and I am not dissing 3E design. I loved it when it came out, just like any advancement. And it was an advancement. Its unifying theory was a step forward, though perhaps an overcorrection. But I liked it. Now, I think 4E is even better. Some (it appears) are suggesting that is a cynical, hype-driven BS claim by me. Its not. I truly feel that way. And, as evidence, I point to Scott Greene. There may not be a single person on the plante who has designed more monsters for 3E. In fact, I'd challenge anyone to top him--3 tome of horrors, tons of conversions, god knows how many monster edits for all Necro product, etc. The guy is a monster machine. And, if you dont believe me, Scott will tell you that HE thinks it is easier and more elegant to design monsters in 4E.

Clark

 

[AllisterH]

So, monsters have three points of differentiation.

Two of them are axis.
Role - Artillery, Brute, Controller, Lurker, Skirmisher, Soldier
PC Value - Elite, Minion, "Normal", Solo

One of them is a binary - Leader

So in converting monsters, what are you guys looking for in the original source to determine what characteristics the new converted monster should have?

 

[ruleslawyer]

For my own campaign, I've brought back the concept of demon types from 1e, you know, type I demons, type II demons, etc, assigned each type a role and level range, and bolted on Gary's old random demon generator from 1e, with attacks and abilities attached to those random elements.

It works out rather well, IMO.

You mean the random hordling generator, no?

And yes, we want this on DDI!

 

[Grazzt]

You mean the random hordling generator, no?

I'm betting Mike is using the Random Generator for Creatures From the Lower Planes.

Its tucked in the back of the 1e DMG, like Appendix C or D, with all of Gary's other random generation tables.

 

[Mouseferatu]

I'm betting Mike is using the Random Generator for Creatures From the Lower Planes.

Its tucked in the back of the 1e DMG, like Appendix C or D, with all of Gary's other random generation tables.

That's what we need in ToH4E...

Monsters based on the 1E random harlot table!!

 

[mearls]

I'm betting Mike is using the Random Generator for Creatures From the Lower Planes.

Its tucked in the back of the 1e DMG, like Appendix C or D, with all of Gary's other random generation tables.

Yup, that's the one.

 

[Lizard]

I respectfully disagree with you. I think you are taking too broad a view of the problem. I could easily see a way that the new GSL could allow prior OGC to be used under a new GSL. It wouldnt have to be rereleased. But I dont want to turn this into a "what coudl the new GSL do" thread. That should be its own thread (feel free to start it and I will be happy to jump in with thoughts).

But the bottom line is this: we dont yet know what the GSL will or wont allow us to do.

Deleted to move to other thread.

 

[Grazzt]

That's what we need in ToH4E...

Monsters based on the 1E random harlot table!!

Like this?

Saucy Tart Level 3 Lurker
Medium natural humanoid

Initiative +1 Senses Perception +3
Seduction area 3; +7 vs. Will; all in area are smitten (save ends)
HP 36; Bloodied 18
AC 13, Fortitude 12, Reflex 11, Will 16
Speed 6

M Slap (standard; at-will)
+4 vs. AC; 1d4 damage.

M Saucy Slap (immediate, when someone resists her tempting ways)
+4 vs. Reflex; 1d4 + 1 damage.

Summon Beat Down (standard; encounter)
If threatened, a saucy tart can summon other saucy tarts, brazen strumpets, wanton wenches, or a sly pimp to her aid.

Alignment Unaligned Languages Common, Language o’ Love
Skills Bluff +9, Diplomacy +9

Str 10 (+1) Dex 11 (+1) Wis 14 (+3)
Con 12 (+2) Int 10 (+1) Cha 16 (+4)

Equipment leather armor

 

[Incenjucar]

You mean the random hordling generator, no?

And yes, we want this on DDI!

That's the one I'm thinking of, yeah. My D&D career didn't begin until Planescape came out, so it's my only reference. But I loved to play around with that table.