I just heard about the new Creature Catalog feature today.
I’m sure you guys must have known that someone who writes for a website called the Creature Catalog would notice that sooner or later. ;)
Before I submit an article, I have to ask; are conversions of old monsters OK? And if so, would you rather see an article that contains both conversions and original creations, or would an article with just conversions be fine?
Creative Director
|
Hi Boz! I'm duplicating this reply on EN World to your post there, by the way...
Although we haven't yet run a "Creature Catalog" in Dungeon (and there's a chance we'll be moving the feature to Dragon), the vision for this feature is a sort of "mini-Monster Manual". Back in the mists of time, Dragon #89 I think it was, the magazine ran a pull-out central section called the Creature Catalog that was made up of fan-created monsters. There were 29 new monsters in it, far more than the typical 3-6 that had generally appeared in the magazine in the "Dragon's Bestiary" up to that point. A Creature Catalog II and eventually a Creature Catalog III appeared over the next few issues.
Basically, our goal with this feature was to resurrect the old catalog for the new magazine. At about 8,000 words apiece, that's probably around 6-10 monsters per installment, less than the original but more than the currently retired "Bestiary" feature. As for what types of monsters we're looking for... converted creatures from older editions are as welcome as new creatures. The only real guideline is that all the monsters in the submission should be tied together thematically. Like “Denizens of the Nyr Dyv” or “Dragon Minions of Chult.” For some examples of some prototype articles for the Creature Catalog, check out Dungeon #110’s Dark Sun monster appendix, or #112’s “Maure Castle” appendix. Each contains some new monsters and some old updates.
Two hints on monster design: 1) Make sure the monster fills a role that isn’t already filled by something similar in the Monster Manual; no need for a burrowing mid-CR monster with a mind-affecting gaze attack when we’ve already got the umber hulk, for example. 2) Make sure the monster looks neat. All the monsters will have illustrations, and monsters that look boring will have boring illustrations and everyone will hate them.
I’m looking forward to seeing some monsters lurking in the email soon!
i couldn't be happier, really. :)
you just made my week.