In issue 129 there was an article at the end of the issue about different creatures. The idea of using different creatures with the same statistics as others. I have incorporated calderians fully into my campaign.
For those not familiar with the idea, the theory is that by using the same statistics as the monster manual creatures. Creatures that will surprise the players with their new form.
For example
Irinthum
These large, milipede like creatures always travel in herds. They seem to have a greater intelligence than they show. An interesting discovery about Irinthums is that they have two brains, one in their head and one in their tail. These creatures often eat small creatures, and have similar dietary habits to bottom feeders like the stingray.
Use statistics for Bison.
Anyone else got any ideas?
I love doing things like this, it keeps the game fresh and the players suprised. I plan on pulling lots if this stuff at the Isle of Dread in our STAP.
Search for random art of monsters and cryptozology creatures and then just apply the stats that seem to fit it the most. Then use the art as a handout at the game table and watch their faces!
I was actually just thinking of just everyone contributing some ideas to this thing.
Well, what Cryptozoological creatures have you used?
I've used the tiger stats as 'Bodmin Beasts' before as a joke among our group. Basically a sly and rarely glimpsed urban black panther or jaguar with a slight intellegence increase and a few extra points in the hide skill.
The Bunyip may appear as a threat/urban legend around the rivers and plantations of Sasserine in our campaign.
I'll use the stats for an advanced dire badger and make it have a fondness for the flesh of women and children.
During AoW's I used the stats for various vermin and just described them as mishapen far realms servitor creatures. (Our AoW's was very far realms involved.) ;)
I once had a humanoid form of pure darkness that used the stats for a vampire. Makes sense, since it's weak to sunlight.
I once had a humanoid form of pure darkness that used the stats for a vampire. Makes sense, since it's weak to sunlight.
Thats cool!