Favorite Monster?

[Cornelius Grim]

Anyone have any monster that they like more than any other monster? Mine is Mindflayers. You could have figured that out from my signature, so sorry if I'm redundant. :smallsigh:

[Greenish]

http://lair2000.net/Mermaids_Retreat/Research/kraken.jpg

Kraken are classy, classic and delightfully evil schemers of the deep. Also they're cephalopods, and those are awesome (in both senses of the word).

[Cornelius Grim]

Ah yes, kracken. The best cephalopod in the world! Yeah, Greenish, that's one of my favorites too. :smallbiggrin:

[Keld Denar]

Corpse Collector, MMIII. It is both cool and strong. Very brutal combatant.

[Amnestic]

Pseudodragon! They're adorable.

[LOTRfan]

Adamantine Horror. :smallwink:

Actually, Pseudodragon holds a very special place in my heart as well, as a pseudodragon was my first non-standard race character.

[Bob the DM]

My favorite race are the Hobgoblins. They're "weak" enough to be used as a challange at any level, as long as you give then class levels. Also, they're lawful and military society makes them perfect candidates for forming an actual society that would be similar, yet different from the standard player races.

[jmelesky]

I'll admit a fondness for kobolds. Not the post-3.0 draconic kobolds, but the 1/2 HD, leathery brown doglike kobolds of earlier editions.

Really, though, any race where it can reasonably be expected that all/most have class levels. I may have dabbled in making custom racial PrCs in the past.

[Tvtyrant]

Barghest. I have always loved the idea of entire nations of Goblins ruled by in disguise Bargests.

[Mr. Zolrane]

My favorite race are the Hobgoblins. They're "weak" enough to be used as a challange at any level, as long as you give then class levels. Also, they're lawful and military society makes them perfect candidates for forming an actual society that would be similar, yet different from the standard player races.

Hobs are cool. They make a nice melee player race too. LA +1 is easy to work around and they get great bonuses.

[Lateral]

Unbodied from the XPH. LOOK AT ME! I'M A GIGANTIC FLYING BRAIN! :smalltongue:

[Cornelius Grim]

Pseudodragons are awesome. Corpse collector's powerful too. My brother loves kobolds. Hobgoblins are awesome in their simplicity. Yeah, so far these are all great choices. Particularly the pseudodragon and kobold choices! Another one of my favorites are Darktentacles in the MMII. If my familiar and I both Polymorph into 1 and full attack on a huge creature, it's just a massacre, lol.

[big teej]

my kneejerk reaction is the bulette

[Sdonourg]

Aboleth. Mysterious race of psionic aberrant fishies.

[DarkestKnight]

vivisector from mm5. it like someone took a Scyther and added a whole lot of canablistic coolness. Also Maurezhi are just creepily awesome.

[Zale]

I'm fond of most demons and devils, for some reason.

Quasits and imps and succubi and erinyes and balors..

[Greenish]

I'm fond of most demons, for some reason.

Quasits and imps and succubi and erinyes and balors..two of those are devils. :smallamused:

[Crossblade]

As a dm, I like goblins and kobolds. Give them some class levels and they're gold.
Going a bit bigger, I've had the most fun using a hydra though.

As a player, I like dragons. They're simply classic with their elegance and complexity mixed with their danger and challenge level.

[Zale]

two of those are devils. :smallamused:

...

A mind flayer stole my brain for a moment there. :biggrin:

[Malimar]

I, also, am a huge fan of mind flayers. And I'm a little surprised they're not coming up more in this thread so far; maybe they're just too popular. Nothing is any good if other people like it.

Actually, I'm specifically fond of the half-illithid template from Fiend Folio. It's so versatile!

I'm also fond of myconids. And, currently, of all things, lantern archons. They're so cute!

[Zale]

But they also resist any attempt to be used as actual LANTERNS. :smallfurious:

[Solaris]

Ogre mages. I may have overused them my last campaign.

[SuperFerret]

So many to choose from, but I think my favorite is the Mimic. Nothing says fun quite like that time that the PCs are so embroiled in combat that they don't realize how weird it was for a table to just randomly be in a swamp.

[Ryu_Bonkosi]

I enjoy the concept of the Reason Stealer from MM 2 (or was it 3 I can't remember), but I will admit, I do kind of have a fondness for dragons, especially the Time Dragon.

[Mr. Zolrane]

I'm fond of most demons and devils, for some reason.

Quasits and imps and succubi and erinyes and balors..

Honestly, I don't care for the fiends if only because I really don't like their art. Not that Wizards art is ever really enjoyable to look at, but I really don't like the fiend art.

Pathfinder did a better job with just about everything artwise (and in general, but that's another thread). The 3.5 Balor looks like a braindead fiendish squirrel, while the Pathfinder Balor looks like this (http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090706161233/pathfinder/images/5/53/Balor.jpg). Yeah, that's pretty much awesome. I loved that thing so much that I made the herald of Heironius in my setting an ascended Balor paladin. Look exactly like that except white and gold instead of red and black. It looks pretty beast the way I picture it.


As a dm, I like goblins and kobolds. Give them some class levels and they're gold.
Going a bit bigger, I've had the most fun using a hydra though.

As a player, I like dragons. They're simply classic with their elegance and complexity mixed with their danger and challenge level.

Love me some goblins. Not a fan of how they're drawn for the most part, in 3.5 or PF, but I enjoy them as a race. Oddly (I'm weird, mind you) I don't care for dragons all that much.


So many to choose from, but I think my favorite is the Mimic. Nothing says fun quite like that time that the PCs are so embroiled in combat that they don't realize how weird it was for a table to just randomly be in a swamp.

One of these times I want to stat up a Mimic PC. They would make such beastly assassins.

[Greenish]

Not that Wizards art is ever really enjoyable to look at, but I really don't like the fiend art.There's some pretty decent art here and there. Wayne Reynolds, say, did stuff to WotC too.

(Say what you wish about his inability to draw elbows or the trademark neck twist, I like his work. :smalltongue:)

[Mr. Zolrane]

There's some pretty decent art here and there. Wayne Reynolds, say, did stuff to WotC too.

(Say what you wish about his inability to draw elbows or the trademark neck twist, I like his work. :smalltongue:)

I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar. Can you show me an example of his work?

[Greenish]

I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar.Really? You haven't seen any of these?http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1286223100529/classes/core-classes/barbarian/Amiri.jpg?height=400&width=225
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1290145573294/config/pagetemplates/class/Lem.jpg?height=400&width=250
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1286223100569/classes/core-classes/cleric/Kyra.jpg?height=400&width=251
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1286223100590/classes/core-classes/druid/Lini.jpg
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1286223100609/classes/core-classes/fighter/Valeros.jpg?height=400&width=237
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1286223100630/classes/core-classes/paladin/Seelah.jpg?height=400&width=279
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1286223100650/classes/core-classes/rogue/Merisiel.jpg?height=400&width=195
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1298652497173/images/Seoni-Sorceress%28large%29.jpg?height=420&width=275
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1286223100694/classes/core-classes/wizard/Ezren-Wizardlarge.jpg?height=400&width=218

[Mr. Zolrane]

Really? You haven't seen any of these?http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1286223100529/classes/core-classes/barbarian/Amiri.jpg?height=400&width=225
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1290145573294/config/pagetemplates/class/Lem.jpg?height=400&width=250
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1286223100569/classes/core-classes/cleric/Kyra.jpg?height=400&width=251
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1286223100590/classes/core-classes/druid/Lini.jpg
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1286223100609/classes/core-classes/fighter/Valeros.jpg?height=400&width=237
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1286223100630/classes/core-classes/paladin/Seelah.jpg?height=400&width=279
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1286223100650/classes/core-classes/rogue/Merisiel.jpg?height=400&width=195
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1298652497173/images/Seoni-Sorceress%28large%29.jpg?height=420&width=275
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/_/rsrc/1286223100694/classes/core-classes/wizard/Ezren-Wizardlarge.jpg?height=400&width=218

Oh, that business. That's all Pathfinder stuff. I'm talking about Wizards art. with the exception of the Troll-doll gnome druid, most of those look pretty good. I especially love the barbarian and the bard.

[Greenish]

Oh, that business. That's all Pathfinder stuff. I'm talking about Wizards art.Yes, but they're Reynolds' work, and you said you weren't familiar with it, despite extolling PF's art. :smallamused:

[Edit]: For his WotC work, look here (http://www.waynereynolds.com/WotCGallery1.htm) and here (http://www.waynereynolds.com/WotCGallery2.htm).

[Mr. Zolrane]

Yes, but they're Reynolds' work, and you said you weren't familiar with it, despite extolling PF's art. :smallamused:

[Edit]: For his WotC work, look here (http://www.waynereynolds.com/WotCGallery1.htm) and here (http://www.waynereynolds.com/WotCGallery2.htm).

Fair point. What I should have said was "I may have seen his work, but I probably wasn't aware it was him." And yes, a lot of that stuff if very nice.

[Greenish]

Fair point. What I should have said was "I may have seen his work, but I probably wasn't aware it was him." And yes, a lot of that stuff if very nice.New thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=201674) on topic is up, we can stop being offtopic here. :smalltongue:


If going to PC races, I too like kobolds and hobgoblins.

[Avalon2099]

Vampire Driders, my party raves about it when I use them, they hate me for it.

[Crossblade]

Love me some goblins. Not a fan of how they're drawn for the most part, in 3.5 or PF, but I enjoy them as a race. Oddly (I'm weird, mind you) I don't care for dragons all that much.

I rather liked how PF goblins are drawn. Been in love with the art style ever since I first saw the style on some website about how they were given an unfair wrap... can't remember the site. Will look for it. I remember it restat'ed goblins, hobgoblins and 2 other goblin types... a blue psychic one and another... that was given a picture of the Ultimate Warrior (wrestler).
Website even had stories as to why goblins were blamed for things... its because commoners were dumb. Like if a child went missing, be it eaten by the dog, or turned into butter... a goblin did it.

It's going to bug me until I can find that website again.

[Freylorn]

When you have me run a campaign for you, you've got about a 60% chance of it being undead-based. And if not completely undead-based, you've got a good 90% chance of them at least featuring prominently in the first act.

No clue why, I just love using them. Hard for me to pick a favorite, although wights stand out as a contender. A Wightocalypse is the greatest setting I've never played.

[Greenish]

I rather liked how PF goblins are drawn. Been in love with the art style ever since I first saw the style on some website about how they were given an unfair wrap... can't remember the site.Goblin defense fund? (http://www.goblindefensefund.org/main.html)

[Amiel]

Ethergaunts; beings of non-euclidean, mind-shattering symmetry agitating the ruination of the universe.

[Feytalist]

Humans. Awesomest monsters of all.

Although, ever since Planescape: Torment, I like Modrons. Especially since they sound like Homer Simpson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Castellaneta).

Also, the dynamic between githyanki and githzerai. Both of those are cool.

[Dusk Eclipse]

I am really fond on Rakshasas (Naztharune being my favourite one, with the ToB using one as a close second) and Devils in general (Chain Devil is awesome though I don't know why, Pit Fiends and Cornugons are Awesome X 10^10)

Mmmm Dragons in general, though I tend to prefer the more "obscure" variants, such as the Shadow Dragon or the Fang Dragon, and I love the Dragonspawns (Greenspawn Sneak, GreenSpawn Razorfiend and RedSpawn Arcanists are my favourite).

As for playable races, Hobgoblins and Kobolds are my favourite of the non-standard races.

[Darth Stabber]

Ulitharids are a fun twist on mindflayer, and a good BBEG.

Wights are my go-to for low level parties, the save on the drain isn't to high, but it is tough enough to engender a lot of caution.
(then when the party had a DN, it bit me in the butt, stupid rebuke control, cha caster with rebuke = really good at rebuking, when you spend the first two rounds switching 2 of the wights to your side, and then having them tank their former comrades, it nerfs an encounter pretty quick).

Gnomish Wizards make fun non-evil villians. "Look what I made", cue big angry homebrew monsters attacking a villiage. "I didn't know they left in the middle of the night, I was sleeping, and no I will not stop my experiments"

Against evil parties, Human clerics and paladins. Smiting players if fun, and it makes an amusing juxtaposition if they usually play a good party. Astral Devas are also good. Even if players know that they are an evil party they still have this wierd reaction when attacked by angels. Players get used to fighting fiends, and being evil is no excuse not to fight them, but when they have to fight angels it still feels wrong for most players.

[Greenish]

when they have to fight angels it still feels wrong for most players.And then there's this guy:


http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/bovd_gallery/88161_620_30.jpg
"lol ganked"

[FMArthur]

My #1 is easily the Mind Flayers, which are superbly evil, intelligent and creepy. The moment you discover illithids have a hand in any sort of scheming, that's the moment when you know **** just got real.

Anyway, besides them I'm actually pretty fond of monstrous critters that function mostly as races to build classes off of. Orcs, goblins and kobolds are a good example: they are typically used like a regular race, but are nonetheless considered monsters by their arrangement in books and the way they are treated. They fit so well into the 'stock' monsters you'd expect to run into as a player, but from a DMing perspective they are much more customizable than regular monsters and more fun to work with because they have class levels, languages, cultures and politics of their own.

[Jacque]

Dragons

Nothing comes near dragons when it comes to awesome [Noun] including awesome nostalgy.

[Darth Stabber]

Dragons

Nothing comes near dragons when it comes to awesome [Noun] including awesome nostalgy.

Eh, Dragons have gotten a bit cliche for me. Even with all the species out there. Exception Orange Dragon from Dragon Compendium. Their delayed ignition napalm breath weapon creates priceless reactions.

[Jair Barik]

The evil DM in me has to say Bleakborn as without a knowledge check it is one of the modst fiendishly evil creatures out there. A skeleton, covered in ice, that has an aura of cold damage, and yet fire damage heals it... So very very evil.

[Calimehter]

Humans, Mind Flayers, and sentient Undead.

The only thing better is when its all of them at once! :smallbiggrin: Not just for all the power and fun involved, but when you get a combo like that you really run into some real interpolitiking and mistrust between those factions.

[Cornelius Grim]

I, also, am a huge fan of mind flayers. And I'm a little surprised they're not coming up more in this thread so far; maybe they're just too popular. Nothing is any good if other people like it.

Actually, I'm specifically fond of the half-illithid template from Fiend Folio. It's so versatile!

I'm also fond of myconids. And, currently, of all things, lantern archons. They're so cute!

Thank god I am not the only one who likes Mind Flayers. We're gonna need a lot more help than just me to help them extinguish the sun.

On top of that, I am shocked how fast threads on this forum grow. I'm new to it, and I leave for one day, and now there's all this. Thanks guys!

Anyone have any ideas for good forms to polymorph into at level 10, assuming I have an ioun stone to give me +1 CL and another +1 to CL for Polymorph spells from a feat? Much would be appreciated, I want to be sure the Neutral Stupid guys in our party understand they need to tone it down...whether they want to or not, hehehe. :smallamused:

[Luckmann]

Not very imaginative, but amongst the intelligent "monsters" or "beast races", I think I'm going to have to go with Illithids or Kobolds.

They're sorta iconic and are all-round awesome, for wildly different reasons.

[NeoSeraphi]

Inevitables. No particularly one, just...inevitables. A race of Lawful Neutral constructs who port in and hunt and kill people who violate contracts? Plus, they're constructs, and I love watching rogues squirm.

[Deimess]

Inevitables. No particularly one, just...inevitables. A race of Lawful Neutral constructs who port in and hunt and kill people who violate contracts? Plus, they're constructs, and I love watching rogues squirm.

Speaking of awesome constructs, one of my favorites has to be the Nimblewright (MMII). A trapped water elemental inside a sentient disguising construct? How neat is that?

But really any monster that you can forge a campaign around is a great monster :smallsmile:.

[Solaris]

Speaking of awesome constructs, one of my favorites has to be the Nimblewright (MMII). A trapped water elemental inside a sentient disguising construct? How neat is that?

But really any monster that you can forge a campaign around is a great monster :smallsmile:.

I like Nimblewrights, too. They're fun for when the plot calls for a doppleganger, but you wanna spring something unexpected on your players.

[Cornelius Grim]

But really any monster that you can forge a campaign around is a great monster :smallsmile:.

That's very true. There are a lot of great monsters and almost all of them fit perfectly into a lot of quests. That's why monster-oriented classes are awesome! Conjurers, Transmuters (occasionally), rangers, druids, etc. :smallbiggrin:

[erikun]

My favorite fantasy creatures are gryphons, and I frequently check to see how viable getting one as a riding mount is in various systems. Sadly, D&D doesn't seem to care much for them.

As a DM, I tend to have a preference towards elementals. I definitely like the change in Giants for 4e, as it made them more interesting (in my opinion) as potential opponents. Golems and constructs (including Inevitables) are also fun, but I don't end up using them all that much.

[Deimess]

As a DM, I tend to have a preference towards elementals. I definitely like the change in Giants for 4e, as it made them more interesting (in my opinion) as potential opponents. Golems and constructs (including Inevitables) are also fun, but I don't end up using them all that much.

If you like elementals, you will REALLY like the Immoth and Tempest (both MMII). A Tempest is essentially all of the elementals together into a living storm, while the Immoth is an ice giant sorcerer that inscibes runes on its body to use more spells. Both very cool, and very different from typical elementals.

[erikun]

If you like elementals, you will REALLY like the Immoth and Tempest (both MMII). A Tempest is essentially all of the elementals together into a living storm, while the Immoth is an ice giant sorcerer that inscibes runes on its body to use more spells. Both very cool, and very different from typical elementals.
I have liked the Immoths since I saw them in them in 2nd ed Planescape. They are definitely fun to run into, both because they're inclined to talk and fully capable of fighting back if the party wants to go that route. :smallamused: I was happy to see them make an appearance in 3.5e, although they seemed to be downpowered a bit.

(Planescape Immoths had crystalized Power Words about their body, rather than just a random collection of spells. I suppose there is nothing wrong with having Haste and Righteous Might available at any time, though.)

[The Mister Guy]

The Malebranche. It is one of THE most overpowered outsiders ever. Like ever. At CR 9. You gotta love MMII.

[Cornelius Grim]

Another one of my favorites are Puppetmasters. I think they're in the Psionics Handbook and they're fun. Especially on rowdy party members. :smallamused:

[erikun]

(Planescape Immoths had crystalized Power Words about their body, rather than just a random collection of spells. I suppose there is nothing wrong with having Haste and Righteous Might available at any time, though.)
Let me correct that: I just leafed through my book, and it looks like Planescape Immoths have 12th level wizard spellcasting. I guess the 3.5e version is closer to the original than I remembered. The ability is called Words of Power though, and is basically arcane speech literally frozen to the Immoth. You'll excuse me if I didn't remember the fine details. :smalltongue:

Actually, I just realized that the Immoth is a good example of why I like elementals. Most are of animal or humanoid intelligence. Most don't have any personal reason to attack a party or go after what a party wants. This means that, for the most part, a party is free to do whatever they want regarding the elemental - try to communicate, try to avoid, try to coax it. Plus, most elementals are actually a decent fight.

On the other hand, constructs - especially Golems and Inevitables - don't give as many options. It's frequently just "fight" or "leave", with "solve the puzzle" being an uncommon third. They're interesting, but don't leave many different ways to deal with the encounter.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Hmm..tough question, but a couple of answers...

1) Ethergaunts. My love of ethergaunts is well known and they've been the BBEG race of several of my campaigns (IRL and on here). The deicidal race of technologically advanced aberrations just warms my hearts. Plus, my players (who usually know a bit about monsters) don't know squat about them so their abilities are always a surprise.

2) Mind Flayers of Thoon: Yes, I had to include the 'Thoon' part, cause regular mind flayers are just kinda......meh. Hence the Thoon stuff really hooked into me. Half the time, admittedly, I just remove all the mind flayers from the cult and and ascribe the other beasties to another race (usually ethergaunts).

3) Tarrasque: I like giant, primal beasts that laugh off the vast majority of what you'll try to kill it. For all it's design faults, Big T has a special place in my heart.

[Deimess]

The Malebranche. It is one of THE most overpowered outsiders ever. Like ever. At CR 9. You gotta love MMII.

Yeaaah they're right up there with the CR 9 Adamantine Horror (yeah right). MMII has great monsters, but sometimes there are some issues...

As a DM, I usually fool around with those inaccuracys :smallwink:

As far as undead go, pretty much all of the sentient templates are good, especially vampires and death knights (ESPECIALLY death knights:smallbiggrin:)

[Dralnu]

Nimblewright. The description is cool, the abilities are cool, and above all, the artwork is cool:
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/mm2_gallery/88268_620_95.jpg

Hell yeah. :smallamused:

[Arwend]

Gotta say, i have a special place in my heart for darkmantles. It was one of the first monsters that ever really scared my players.

I mean, come on; your level one in a cave, the lights suddenly go out, and a slimey mass plops onto your head, starts strangeling you, and biting at your face. Thats just fun. I also like to apply silly templates to them later for throwbacks (paragon was a fun one.)

[Undercroft]

I'm throwing my vote in for Aboleth. First in the monster manual for a reason (aside from alphabetical :P)

Proper terrain to fight at, with proper use of their skum minions and illusion powers, they can pose a decent threat to adventurers.

Mind Flayers are my second choice. Brain nomming ftw

[The Mister Guy]

Yeaaah they're right up there with the CR 9 Adamantine Horror (yeah right). MMII has great monsters, but sometimes there are some issues...

As a DM, I usually fool around with those inaccuracys :smallwink:


Yeah, I actually just got kicked out of my own game for using a Malebranche. :smalltongue: I then watched my players convert to 4.0. :smalleek:

[Delcor]

Though they arent my favorite persay, I feel orcs need an honorable mention for several reasons:

-They are what people think of when they hear fantasy
-They can be ramped up to be a challenge for any level
-As a PC race they aren't hax
-They make great cannon fodder/minions
-They can be good or bad
-They are just your regular, raiding, chaotic evil, brutal, average joe "monster".

[zyborg]

Mindflayers, Kobolds, Mimics. The three awesomest monsters ever, in three different flavors of awesome. Mindlayers are epic-awesome. Kobolds are the (not)harmless-awesome. Mimics are the "WTPF just happened!?"-awesome.

[Octopus Jack]

Grell, I don't know why but I love those kind hearted, friendly beaked brains. Also the large amounts of paralysing tenticles at low CR is always fun.

[LOTRfan]

Flumphs! :smallbiggrin:

[SuperFerret]

Reading these responses, I'll have to give a shout out to kobolds. There are no other races that give have their own version of the "Conservation of Ninjitsu" law and pull it off quite as well.

[PlzBreakMyCmpAn]

The undead base creature with the most hit dice including advancement, of course.

I wonder if anyone on this boards knows their non-epic 3.5 well enough to iden

[Delcor]

The undead base creature with the most hit dice including advancement, of course.

I wonder if anyone on this boards knows their 3.5 well enough to iden

dracolich?

[Cornelius Grim]

Mindflayers, Kobolds, Mimics. The three awesomest monsters ever, in three different flavors of awesome. Mindlayers are epic-awesome. Kobolds are the (not)harmless-awesome. Mimics are the "WTPF just happened!?"-awesome.

Those are pretty much my top three too! Pretty much any aberration is good in my book unless it gets too creepy. In my opinion, Mind Flayers are cute abberations. If something is too gross or not creepy enough I don't like it, like Atchach (possibly spelled wrong, sorry). Magical Beasts are cool too, along with dinosaurs and Monstrous Humanoids.

Not sure I already mentioned this, but kobolds are one of the best monsters/PC Races ever. Goblins are something I've always wanted to play. I prefer to use non-traditional things as races. :smalltongue:

[blazingshadow]

the elemental weirds and illurien seem pretty cool but i have a thing for solars. warforged and living spells are starting to grow on me too

[Honest Tiefling]

Demons and devils. For some reasons, the yugoloths never appealed to me. I like the Dukes of Hell and the Princes of the Abyss. Graz'zt and Pazuzu are two favorites of mine.

But for some reason, I also like giants. Not giants like trolls or ogres, but the cloud, fog, storm and whatever giants.

If I had to choose a mount, I think girffon and hippogriffs would be an awesome choice.

[Darklady2831]

The "High Fiends" from the MM1, Pit Fiends and Balors, always rank high for me. Maybe because they happened to be the first CR 20 critters I ever laid eyes on.
And then comes the Lich... oh such a precious and irresistible temptation. They are like death incarnate, always plotting, scheming, and knowing... without them, D&D would not be D&D to me.

[Makiru]

As a sometimes-DM, I have a soft spot in my heart for the Trilloch (MMIII), mostly because it's a monster that only really works if you have players who are actually willing to roleplay. For those that don't know, the trilloch is a negative-energy creature that is completely invisible and intangible and has no means of attacking beyond making people go into fits of rage, then death knelling them after they tire themselves out fighting things. Now, I say it requires good players because there is nothing in the description of control rage that makes the effected creatures actually attack the closest thing, unlike frenzied bezerker. Mechanically-minded players won't pay it any mind and just leave.

Basically, what I'm saying here is that if you can do a trilloch right, you've got yourself a good group of players.


I can say that I'm not a fan of using elementals, though, mostly because I have a nasty habit of forgetting they're immune to crits when it actually comes up. Same with most outsiders and energy resistance.

Honestly, I really like the oddball monsters that don't get much screen time (page time?) and, thus, players know very little about. Misfit Monsters Redeemed is a personal favorite book of mine for precisely those reasons. Plus the fact that I already had an unhealthy obsession with the flumph and flail snail prior to my discovery of that book.

[ScionoftheVoid]

Aboleths are incredibly awesome, as are Goblinoids in general. As a player and a s a DM, Necrocarnum Zombies seem awesome. I like Verdant Princes and Lodestone Marauders (MMIV), as well as Landsharks. Landsharks are just coolness in elephant-sized, burrowing, eating machine form, really.

[Das Platyvark]

Inevitables, by a long shot.

[Tiniere]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned it yet, but my favorite would have to be the Beholders. Intricate masterminds that aren't sexy manipulative vampires, power hungry wizards, or massively awe-inspiring dragons. They're scary, challenging and special. I really enjoy them in 4e, they were a bit too scary in 3.5e with the save & dieishness of some of the eye rays.

The Beholders gained an even more special place in my heart when the 4e party I'm DMing intimidated a Gauth into becoming the party merchant and accountant, it was terrified enough to remove it's central eye as a symbol of servitude~ Still waiting to see how it all goes...

[Devmaar]

My top three, in no particular order: Eye Tyrants, Deep Masters and Mind Flayers

[Delcor]

I've noticed a lot of people mentioning kobolds, but my knowledge of kobolds is little more than the fact that they are small reptilian tiamut worshipers that yip all the time and arent much different from goblins

so why all the hype on kobolds?

I fight them all the time, but I don't see much difference between them and other small cannon fodder mobs.

[Remmirath]

Rakshasas, liches, demons and devils, mind flayers and dragons are all some of my favourites. Also githyanki, but I admit I usually file them (and several dragon species, at epic levels) under the 'PC race' category in my mind.

Demons are the ones I've used as villains most often, but I think ultimately I prefer liches or rakshasas. They're both nicely sinister if done right, in my opinion.

In terms of large groups of monsters, I've always been partial to lizardmen for some reason.

[PlzBreakMyCmpAn]

dracolich?templated. The example creature is only 33HD with advancement to 35

Try agai

[FMArthur]

I've noticed a lot of people mentioning kobolds, but my knowledge of kobolds is little more than the fact that they are small reptilian tiamut worshipers that yip all the time and arent much different from goblins

so why all the hype on kobolds?

I fight them all the time, but I don't see much difference between them and other small cannon fodder mobs.

Part of the appeal is the whole 'underdog' thing. They are the mookiest of mooks, subordinate to all other evil sentient creatures and slain carelessly as a routine for all the other creatures. It is precisely because they are so hilariously weak and delusional that they are endearing. The best part about it was when Races of the Dragon came out, powering them up in the web enhancements and Dragonwrought making kobolds, of all the player races in the game, the kings of charop cheese.

[zyborg]

I've noticed a lot of people mentioning kobolds, but my knowledge of kobolds is little more than the fact that they are small reptilian tiamut worshipers that yip all the time and arent much different from goblins

so why all the hype on kobolds?

I fight them all the time, but I don't see much difference between them and other small cannon fodder mobs.

The fact that they ARE usually cannon-fodder, but are known for being crafty and when used right, they can be killer. They make awesome Rogues, and they have draconic heritage. They also look pretty cool.

[Volthawk]

I've noticed a lot of people mentioning kobolds, but my knowledge of kobolds is little more than the fact that they are small reptilian tiamut worshipers that yip all the time and arent much different from goblins

so why all the hype on kobolds?

I fight them all the time, but I don't see much difference between them and other small cannon fodder mobs.

Well, traps and cunning, really. Plus the draconic/sorcerer stuff. And since they generally work for dragons if they can, they can be fitting for leading up to a dragon encounter. But yeah, mostly traps. I mean, kobolds trap everything.

[Cornelius Grim]

I've noticed a lot of people mentioning kobolds, but my knowledge of kobolds is little more than the fact that they are small reptilian tiamut worshipers that yip all the time and arent much different from goblins

so why all the hype on kobolds?

I fight them all the time, but I don't see much difference between them and other small cannon fodder mobs.

Well for one thing, they're one of the most common enemies with how versatile they are. Traps, cunning, add a few class levels and it's a good encounter for several groups. Also, they're like little dragon people! They look cool. Yay for Kobolds! :smallsmile:

[Darth Stabber]

For me kobolds lost their appeal after all of that races of the dragon shenanigans. When afirst level kobold can cast as a 3rd lvl sorcerer while getting all the benefits of aging and ignoring the penalties, you have lost your underdog status, but that's just me.

Goblins are now my goto mooks, reserving kobolds for encounters where I need a spell caster, but don't want to hand out more xp.

Another awesome monster: blue goblins, they have this fun mix of familiar and weird. Also they remind me of ork wyrdboys in 40k and I usually run them as such.

[Iamyourking]

templated. The example creature is only 33HD with advancement to 35

Try agai

Void Dragon, 260 HD at Great Wyrm.

To contribute, Devils and Abigor in particular. Got to love the dark knight archetype, and I used him a BBEG once.

[Xefas]

My favorite monster is obviously the Infernal Monster (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176059). He puts all others to shame.

[big teej]

after giving it some thought.....

Favorite standard PC race: Mountian Dwarf
favorite non-standard PC race: goliath

Favorite lycanthrope: werebears and wereboars

favorite large scary thing: Slaughterstone Behemoth

Favorite "mook" monster: goblins and orcs.

favorite terror weapon: stirges.

favorite recurring enemy: Kythons

[Pika...]

Normally I'd say Kobold, so I will. But I like the Draconic version, though I keep the yapping and barking. :smallbiggrin:

Also, a choker, since I am in a campaign where the female character/playerer kept getting grappled, and kept making Japanese Hentai jokes. :smalleek:

[Amiel]

I'm rather partial to devils; yet I feel our current diabolical mascots lack that certain panache.
The demons are consummately more terrifying.

[realbombchu]

The duckbunny!

In case you don't know, the duckbunny was a 2nd edition monster (I think) from Dragon. It was like a practice monster for transmuters to make before they could make their own owlbears.

I don't know if they are popular or well known, but I like them.

[Cornelius Grim]

The duckbunny!

In case you don't know, the duckbunny was a 2nd edition monster (I think) from Dragon. It was like a practice monster for transmuters to make before they could make their own owlbears.

I don't know if they are popular or well known, but I like them.

That. Is. Awesome. I wish I could keep one of those as a pet! :smallbiggrin:

[Darklady2831]

Revised, in the template of Big Teej's last post :smalltongue:

Favorite standard PC race: Grey Elf
favorite non-standard PC race: Drow

Favorite lycanthrope: Werewolves

favorite large scary thing: Pit Fiend

Favorite "mook" monster: Zombies and Skeletons

favorite terror weapon: Undead Wraiths and Shadows

favorite recurring enemy: Sentient Undead Masterminds.

[Necroticplague]

Proteans and Umbral Blots. My main regret is that no campaign ever gets far enough that those two are of appropriate thing for my groups to encounter.

[Drascin]

Banshrae. Easily.

Because they're basically Skull Kids :smalltongue:.

[Amnestic]

The duckbunny!

In case you don't know, the duckbunny was a 2nd edition monster (I think) from Dragon. It was like a practice monster for transmuters to make before they could make their own owlbears.

I don't know if they are popular or well known, but I like them.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3621758402_bbdde38a86.jpg

Fear the Duckbunny!

[The Mister Guy]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3621758402_bbdde38a86.jpg

Fear the Duckbunny!

Damage: Nil. Chortle.

[Vizzerdrix]

The rust monster. I can't help myself, they're just so damn cute! :smallredface:

I'm still looking for a way to get one as an animal companion (I think the whole metal eating thing would compliment a druid rather well)

[Qwertystop]

Unbodied from the XPH. LOOK AT ME! I'M A GIGANTIC FLYING BRAIN! :smalltongue:

Actually, you're an INCORPOREAL GIGANTIC FLYING BRAIN THAT CAN PRETEND TO BE SOMETHING ELSE! AND IS ALSO SOMEHOW CLASSIFIED AS HUMANOID!

I like the teratomorphe (spelling?).

[zyborg]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3621758402_bbdde38a86.jpg

Fear the Duckbunny!

Is it safe or in danger in both wrabbit season and duck season?

[Darth Stabber]

Favorite standard PC race: Human, Gnome, Vanara (OA version), Elan, or Tibbit
favorite non-standard PC race: Diopsid (Dragon Compendium)

Favorite lycanthrope: Werecoyote (homebrew converted from OWoD)

favorite large scary thing: Totem Giant

Favorite "mook" monster: Bugbear

favorite terror weapon: Wight rogues, Umber hulks, good clerics

favorite recurring enemy: Reverend Forten (paladin opposing my current evil party), more generically; Ulitharids (mindflayers on steroids).

[big teej]

I started a trend go me! :smallbiggrin:

topic tax:

I'm also a real huge fan of the skindancer (it's right next to the slaughterstone behemoth in MMIII)

I think it would have the title of

"favorite monster to screw with the party"

or perhaps

"favorite creature to make the party cry foul"

:smalltongue:

on an unrelated note, can anybody track down some artwork of the slaughterstone behemoth aside from the ONE picture in the MM3?
I'm starting to believe it's the only picture in existence....

[Darth Stabber]

I started a trend go me! :smallbiggrin:

topic tax:

I'm also a real huge fan of the skindancer (it's right next to the slaughterstone behemoth in MMIII)

I think it would have the title of

"favorite monster to screw with the party"

or perhaps

"favorite creature to make the party cry foul"

:smalltongue:

on an unrelated note, can anybody track down some artwork of the slaughterstone behemoth aside from the ONE picture in the MM3?
I'm starting to believe it's the only picture in existence....

Actually, that's not a real picture, It's a guy in a suit. Real slaughterstone behemoths hide from cameras in the woods, like bigfoot.

[big teej]

Actually, that's not a real picture, It's a guy in a suit. Real slaughterstone behemoths hide from cameras in the woods, like bigfoot.

couldn't find anything else either could ye?

[KingofMadCows]

Modrons
Formians suck

[Feytalist]

Modrons
Formians suck

Yeah, why they swapped the geometric shapes of awesome with a bunch of ants, no-one will ever know. I really liked them little buggers.

At least they introduced the inevitables to compensate.

[gibbo88]

I use Assassin Vines. Enough so that my playing group makes a comment whenever someone goes to climb a tree, since one actually did that and I rolled an Assassin Vine on their ass.

[Lothalis]

Gotta say my guilty pleasure is Raggamoffyns...something about a killer pair of pants that PC's just don't expect.

DM: "You enter into the room, it appears to be a bed room with a cot and a table. There is really nothing of note in the room with the exception of a small pile of soiled bedding and clothes in a corner."

PC: "I'm going to search in the pile of clothes."

DM: *Evil Grin*

Works better than a trap on Rogue skill-monkeys...

[PlzBreakMyCmpAn]

Void Dragon, 260 HD at Great Wyrm.You mean the dnd wiki creature? Because it obviously isn't legal...

[Iamyourking]

Immortal's Handbook, you did say that your favorite creature is the undead with the most Hit Dice and I don't think there's anything with more than that.

[Feytalist]

The catoblepas.

Because can you say catoblepas at the table without giggling?

[Amnestic]

The catoblepas.

Because can you say catoblepas at the table without giggling?

Yes, but only thanks to growing up with Final Fantasy games and getting all of the giggling out of my system years ago :smalltongue:

[Greenish]

Dragons don't have a maximum HD listed in their advancement (at least in SRD, too lazy to check the books), so you could have a great wyrm [colour] dragon with n HD, where n is an arbitrarily huge number.

[BobVosh]

Stained glass golems.

[Feytalist]

Yes, but only thanks to growing up with Final Fantasy games and getting all of the giggling out of my system years ago :smalltongue:

Hell, the first time I saw a tonberry, I almost fell off the couch laughing. FF game designers have some really weird ideas.