Monsters in the Playground, Take II

[Fax Celestis]

Okay, here's the thing: Monsters in the Playground I originally crumpled because I went on an unannounced hiatus (mostly due to depression and lack of a job), and no one else stepped up to maintain the procedure.

That being said, I had fun with the project, and I think it'd be a worthwhile thing to attempt again.

So, with that, I give you the outline of the MitP Project.

[hr]
The (Largely Ambiguous And Generally Followed According To Spirit Rather Than Letter) "Rules"

Anyone who contributes to the project (whether or not their entry is accepted) is eligible judging other entries, including those already entered. Any contributor will be given credit for their entry. Any artist will similarly be eligible for being a judge if they so desire, and regardless of judging capability will be given credit for ther assistance. Entering a creature assumes you are willing to have your work published in a compliation.
Any monster is eligible for entry: we only ask that it be in the old-format when the book is compiled.
We need between 100 and 150 monsters, so anyone who contributes has a reasonable chance of getting on board.
Monsters that are entered must include a poll at the top of the entry. It is the creator's option as to whether or not the poll is open (showing the names of those voted) or closed (not showing anyone's names), though the poll must only consist of two options: "Yes", or "No," and remain open for the duration of the project.
A monster that's vote total is seven or more yesses after subtracting no votes is considered to be in the final project. Note that this total may change over time. Once 100 total monsters are approved for entry, all monsters will be closed and the approved ones will be compiled.
When complete, the compliation, entitled "Monsters in the Playground", will be uploaded to Lulu.com (http://www.lulu.com) and available for purchase for [as cheap a price as we can set it since we're not looking for profits]. Any profits that are made will go to GiantITP itself, since splitting it up between all contributors would be ghastly and difficult, while giving it to one person would be unfair. The book is being made because of the existence of GiantITP, so it's only fair that they receive the benefits.
Also, upon completion, the compliation will be available as a PDF for those who don't wish to purchase the final product. This PDF will be for free, although we'd prefer purchase of the book since it benefits the site that made all this possible.
If this goes well, we can later compile other books as well ("Prestige In The Playground", "Magic In The Playground", "Psionics In The Playground", &c.)

[hr]
Questions?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Accepted

Ahimanu (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43128) - Fax Celestis - 9 yes, 2 no
Ankubusa (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42534) - Maerok - 11 yes, 2 no
Blackice Shadow (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39195) - Danu - 11 yes, 2 no
Bliss Vine (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40812) - Lord Iames - 10 yes, 0 no
Blood-Burning Crab (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2721415#post2721415) - DragonTounge - 7 yes, 0 no
Bombard Oak (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2867008#post2867008) - Maerok - 7 yes, 0 no
Brenner (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41960) - Angafirith - 12 yes, 0 no
Boogeyman (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39638) - The Demented One - 8 yes, 1 no
Catfish King (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39737) - ArmorArmadillo - 14 yes, 2 no
Cerebral Inferno (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46981) - pyrefiend - 8 yes, 0 no
Cherry Ooze (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41639) - Danu - 11 yes, 1 no
Chocolate Golems (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46749) - Maerok - 12 yes, 0 no
Cloth Golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41857) - Vaynor - 14 yes, 2 no
Coronal Elemental (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42377) - Icewalker - 12 yes, 1 no
Corpseskin (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39621) - Maerok - 9 yes, 0 no
Corpse Sphere (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39621) - Maerok - 9 yes, 1 no
Crab Golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42257) - Scorpina - 8 yes, 1 no
Dark Fuzz (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42563) - Danu - 12 yes, 0 no
Darkwomb Mother (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39607) - The Demented One - 15 yes, 1 no
Death Elemental (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39339) - Lord Iames - 17 yes, 3 no
Dread Beast (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39821) - Icewalker - 9 yes, 0 no
Dread Chieftain (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39821) - Icewalker - 9 yes, 0 no
Dread General (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39821) - Icewalker - 9 yes, 0 no
Dread Zombie (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39821) - Icewalker - 9 yes, 0 no
Dreamshards (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39766) - Lord Iames - 10 yes, 0 no
Echo of the Red (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2862275) - adanedhel9 - 7 yes, 0 no
Empty Skin (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2601115) - DracoDei - 11 yes, 0 no
Epidermarra (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39122) - The Demented One - 7 yes, 0 no
Familiar Grub (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39857) - Umarth - 8 yes, 0 no
Farsighter (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42540) - Maerok - 13 yes, 0 no
Fingerling Swarm (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39606) - The Demented One - 16 yes, 1 no
Flash Beetle (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48386) - adanedhel9 - 9 yes, 1 no
Forcehunter Sandworm (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43130) - Fax Celestis - 9 yes, 1 no
Frost Leopard (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42220) - Danu - 7 yes, 0 no
Frozen Terror (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2814003#post2814003) - TheLogman - 8 yes, 0 no
Giant Cockroach (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39028) - TempusCCK - 11 yes, 1 no
Giant Man-Eating Clam (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40065) - The Than - 11 yes, 2 no
Gribble (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2736216#post2736216) - Poppatomus - 7 yes, 0 no
Gruarru (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39226) - Faulkner Asiniti - 12 yes, 5 no
Herald of the End (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49359) - TheEscapist - 7 yes, 0 no
Hextomb Bound Template (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43133) - Fax Celestis - 10 yes, 0 no
Hunting Drake (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40799) - Scorpina - 16 yes, 1 no
Intestine Bird (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41373) - Rimx - 10 yes, 0 no
Kinderfiend (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46915) - Poppatomus - 8 yes, 0 no
Kinderhorror (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46915) - Poppatomus - 8 yes, 0 no
Kryhger (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42219) - Danu - 10 yes, 2 no
Kukilaluit (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41799) - Danu - 13 yes, 0 no
Kupakako Golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41945) - Fax Celestis - 7 yes, 0 no
Life Elemental (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39339) - Lord Iames - 18 yes, 4 no
Lifescorned Template (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40046) - The Demented One - 9 yes, 2 no
Lure Eel (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39717) - Icewalker - 14 yes, 3 no
Maiden of the Night (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47650) - stolenchariot - 8 yes, 1 no
Man-Eater Spider (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39767) - Icewalker - 14 yes, 5 no
Maurauder of the Flesh (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39621) - Maerok - 9 yes, 0 no
Mint Ooze (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41639) - Danu - 10 yes, 3 no
Mist Rats (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41810) - Vaynor - 8 yes, 0 no
Mnemonophage (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39120) - The Demented One - 10 yes, 1 no
Morgellian (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39119) - The Demented One - 14 yes, 0 no
Morrigan (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39565) - Scorpina - 10 yes, 1 no
Moss Golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39160) - The Demented One - 8 yes, 1 no
Mythweaver (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39611) - The Demented One - 11 yes, 0 no
The Nameless (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47825) - Ceres - 9 yes, 0 no
The Night Creeper (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43461) - Destro Yersul - 8 yes, 0 no
Nimbus Golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46592) - Poppatomus - 7 yes, 0 no
Nocturne Lemur (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40688) - Icewalker - 9 yes, 0 no
Nyati (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42547) - Angafirith - 9 yes, 1 no
Oaves (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37855) - Zeta Kai - 18 yes, 7 no
Pedolith (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39200) - Icewalker - 11 yes, 0 no
Petisphinx (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39124) - The Demented One - 16 yes, 3 no
Photosynthetic Template (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43134) - Fax Celestis - 7 yes, 0 no
Plant Symbiote (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40980) - Maerok - 8 yes, 1 no
Positrix (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48538) - Krimm_Blackleaf - 7 yes, 0 no
Preserved Zombie (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42999) - ringsnake - 11 yes, 0 no
Protective Spirit (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48647) - Bisected8 - 8 yes, 0 no
Pseudothreat (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48222) - Bisected8 - 11 yes, 0 no
Rainbow Crab (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39195) - Danu - 8 yes, 2 no
Reef Golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46496) - DragonTounge - 7 yes, 0 no
Regolith (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38992) - Icewalker - 13 yes, 1 no
Replicant (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39608) - The Demented One - 11 yes, 2 no
Royal Animal (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39196) - Danu - 13 yes, 2 no
Sandtrap Man-Eater Spider (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39767) - Icewalker - 16 yes, 2 no
Shardfiends (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2674920#post2674920) - Poppatomus - 7 yes, 0 no
Smokestack Beetle (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39126) - The Demented One - 11 yes, 0 no
Snowy Archon (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41079) - The Cowinator - 11 yes, 3 no
Spidaren (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49067) - Poppotamous - 7 yes, 0 no
Spirit Howler (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41627) - ShneekyTheLost - 9 yes, 1 no
Spring Golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49189) - Bob_the_mighty - 7 yes, 0 no
Ssolsch (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39172) - Icewalker - 10 yes, 3 no
Stationary Guardian (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41941) - Danu - 7 yes, 0 no
Stoakut (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40291) - Lord Iames - 7 yes, 0 no
Stonemen (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2724246&posted=1#post2724246) - KingGolem - 7 yes, 0 no
Storm Demon (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2657449#post2657449) - deadfalcon - 9 yes, 0 no
Storm Lord (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2675976&postcount=7) - deadfalcon - 9 yes, 0 no
Storm Ray (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2752136) - adanedhel9 - 8 yes, 0 no
Stymphalian Bird (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39693) - PhantomBread - 12 yes, 2 no
Sun Worshippers (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2703814&postcount=5) - Poppatomus - 7 yes, 0 no
Survaria Flower (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43132) - Fax Celestis - 7 yes, 0 no
Swamp Drake (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40799) - Scorpina - 13 yes, 2 no
Takatuq (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39196) - Danu - 12 yes, 4 no
Thunder Boar (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40713) - Angafirith - 16 yes, 2 no
Tikelen (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39621) - Maerok - 9 yes, 1 no
Tree Child (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49295) - Lakoda - 8 yes, 0 no
Truthspinners (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47438) - TheLogman - 8 yes, 0 no
The Venomfleshed (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47963) - Bisected8 - 9 yes, 0 no
Vitriol Hound (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39125) - The Demented One - 8 yes, 1 no
Watcher (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41952) - Icewalker - 9 yes, 0 no
Wickerthrall (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39160) - The Demented One - 8 yes, 1 no
Worldshaker (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2750483) - Maerok - 8 yes, 1 no
Wombwoe (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39607) - The Demented One - 15 yes, 1 no
Worm Golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42962) - deadfalcon - 8 yes, 1 no
Zhamach Trooper (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38991) - Lord Iames - 17 yes, 1 no
Zhamach Bodyguard (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38991) - Lord Iames - 17 yes, 1 no
Submitted

Amigara (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39605) - The Demented One - 8 yes, 7 no
Blood-Burning Swarm (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2723892#post2723892) - DragonTounge - 4 yes, 0 no
Bonekissed Creature (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2731337&postcount=21) - Gwyn_ap_nud - 5 yes, 1 no
Deeptunnel Rover (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2774476#post2774476) - LordOfNarf - 6 yes, 0 no
Dretanions (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39910) - Nightclaw - 2 yes, 4 no
Giraffe-a-pump (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2618654) - DracoDei - 7 yes, 1 no
Manequins (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2704936&postcount=7) - Gwyn_ap_Nud - 5 yes, 1 no
Manifestation (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39287) - ilovefire - 4 yes, 6 no
The Name and The Soul (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39587) - Khantalas - 7 yes, 17 no
Naxeto (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48807) - Anxe - 6 yes, 0 no
Sandborn (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2713573#post2713573) - Maerok - 3 yes, 1 no
Spreader (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2738310#post2738310) - DragonTounge - 1 yes, 0 no
Sun Devil (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46467) - stolenchariot - 5 yes, 0 no
Tenen (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46490) - Gwyn_ap_Nud - 5 yes, 1 no
Last Tally: July 30th.
Voting Ends: August 10th (Final Tally to be taken as soon as I can afterwards).

[Fax Celestis]

Unfortunately, I'm going to say "yes." A lot of people who submitted to the original aren't around anymore, or their feelings about their material may have changed.

That doesn't mean start new threads, of course. It means edit your old ones to include polls, do some fixes to your monsters while you're there, and bump them to the fore.

[Icewalker]

So we just post monsters and mention that they will be part of the MitP T2 project, with the yes/no poll at the top of them?

I'm working on a new form of enemy, so I don't actually know if it would really count for this. It basically has a new creature format with it, (although written in the same way, just with different titled statistics (effective level, energy, energy regeneration, energy limit/round, as well as several traditional ones like AC and initiative) which is about spirits, who use 'energy' for their health and their actions. Would this count for the project? slightly modified format, with a few paragraphs on background, and how they work, as well as several examples written up as creature entries, but with spirit statistics.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Unfortunately, I'm going to say "yes." A lot of people who submitted to the original aren't around anymore, or their feelings about their material may have changed.

That doesn't mean start new threads, of course. It means edit your old ones to include polls, do some fixes to your monsters while you're there, and bump them to the fore.

Wait... we can add polls? nifty.

Edit: It's not working.

[Fax Celestis]

So we just post monsters and mention that they will be part of the MitP T2 project, with the yes/no poll at the top of them?

I'm working on a new form of enemy, so I don't actually know if it would really count for this. It basically has a new creature format with it, (although written in the same way, just with different titled statistics (effective level, energy, energy regeneration, energy limit/round, as well as several traditional ones like AC and initiative) which is about spirits, who use 'energy' for their health and their actions. Would this count for the project? slightly modified format, with a few paragraphs on background, and how they work, as well as several examples written up as creature entries, but with spirit statistics.

Yeah. It'd be an extensive block of information (similar to the Spawn of Tiamat block in the MM-IV, or even the Vermin in the MM-I), but it'd be eligible.

I should note that it'd probably be a good idea to note [MitP] in the title of the thread, for ease of use.

Depending on reaction, I'll start an MitP Entry Thread, which people can link monsters to (a la the From The Playground thread), and that'll be "primary source" for what's entered and what's not.

[Fax Celestis]

Wait... we can add polls? nifty.

Edit: It's not working.

Huh. Well, damn. Let me talk to the administration and I'll see if it's possible at all.

[Icewalker]

Will do. Already have an idea for a more normal creature. to the homebrew I go.

[Zeal]

Alright, I'll have to see about getting my old submissions back up. Great to see this returning.

[starwoof]

Ooh, this sounds fun! I think Ill make something.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Resubmitted: My good old Construct Soldiers (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38991)

[Icewalker]

Ok, got me a first being.

Regolith. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38992)

A elemental being from the plane of earth comprised of a greyish dust.

also, old-format is the normal one right? The one you have a template for at the beginning of your homebrew help post?

[Fax Celestis]

also, old-format is the normal one right? The one you have a template for at the beginning of your homebrew help post?

That is correct.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Oh. Um, my poll has 4 options, since it's a two-fer. Is that okay?

[Fax Celestis]

Oh. Um, my poll has 4 options, since it's a two-fer. Is that okay?

Yes. In fact, that's a rather clever method for that case.

[knightsaline]

I may be on board for Prestige in the Playground, as I am useless in statting up monsters. If there is a "Items found in the playground" I will definitely be in. If you need a judge, then I will step up.

[Icewalker]

Well we definitely aren't going to stop people who aren't doing the project from voting on these. Will the votes just have to be sifted out for people who do submit things?

[Fax Celestis]

I'm not sure I'm going to care, honestly. This is a project by the community, for the community.

[Zeta Kai]

Hey, is it possible to change the name of a threat that you've posted? I'd like to change one of my monster threads to include the [MitP2] tag.

[Fax Celestis]

Yeah. Double click on the panel that contains the thread title (not the link itself).

[TempusCCK]

Say I wanted to submit the Pudding Elementals or the Giant Gummy Worms that I'm working on, they don't make much sense without information on the plane itself. Would this kind of differently-categorized background information be useable?

[Fax Celestis]

Say I wanted to submit the Pudding Elementals or the Giant Gummy Worms that I'm working on, they don't make much sense without information on the plane itself. Would this kind of differently-categorized background information be useable?

Yes. Nearly anything is usable.

[Zeta Kai]

Alright, you may have seen this coming, but here it is: the Oaves (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37855&postcount=5). I imagine they'll be trimmed down a lot in order to fit into a publication.

[belboz]

Can we submit former contest entries? If so, should we copy them into a new thread?

[Fax Celestis]

Can we submit former contest entries? If so, should we copy them into a new thread?

Yes and yes.

[Icewalker]

Two questions

How long is this project running?
Can you de-sticky a thread?

If the answer to #1 is long and the answer to #2 is yes, I nominate this thread for temporary stickiness. Otherwise it may not attract enough attention to really get a good amount of stuff, and it is a pretty big project. Hopefully to be repeated with different types of homebrew.

[Twisted.Fate]

Yeah. Double click on the panel that contains the thread title (not the link itself).

Maybe I'm just missing something, but I can't figure out how to do that. Help please? I want to submit a creature that's already up on the boards.

[Icewalker]

Just double-click anywhere in the empty bar space. Between the thread title and the recent poster, that whole empty space. when you double-click in it, the writing of the title turns into a little editable box.

[Zeta Kai]

You can only do it for threads you've created, but Icewalker is correct. An odd quirk though: at least for Firefox, it was far easier to double-click on the title itself, & then click stop before the page went into the thread.

If temporary stickiness is not possible, then we can just bump it periodically. It may be bad form, but its for a good cause.

[Scorpina]

I'd be interested in submitting monsters that I posted on the board before (months and months ago, like before Homebrewing was it's own section). Should I try and find the original threads and perform unholy bumps, or post new ones?

[Fax Celestis]

How long is this project running?
Can you de-sticky a thread?

If the answer to #1 is long and the answer to #2 is yes, I nominate this thread for temporary stickiness. Otherwise it may not attract enough attention to really get a good amount of stuff, and it is a pretty big project. Hopefully to be repeated with different types of homebrew.

A while, and yes, though I can't sticky since I'm not a moderator (though I wish I were).


I'd be interested in submitting monsters that I posted on the board before (months and months ago, like before Homebrewing was it's own section). Should I try and find the original threads and perform unholy bumps, or post new ones?

You should probably post new ones, since you can't add a poll ex post facto.

[The Demented One]

I'm going to do this in installments, to avoid flooding the forum with old threads. Here's the first five:

Epidermarra (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39122)
Mnemonophage (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39120)
Morgellian (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39119)
Petisphinx (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39124)
Smokestack Beetle (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39126)
Vitriol Hound (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39125)

[Danu]

In case you haven't noticed, I absolutely adore statting up new monsters. Love it, love it, love it.

So this is a wonderful idea, in my own personal opinion. I _could_ perform some really intensive bumps on some of my critters, but that probably might not be such a good idea. I'd like to bring out some of my blackice critters...

Oh... also, to make my ocanthicite (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1859296&postcount=1) subtype actually live, would anyone be willing on statting up their own blackice creatures?

[The Demented One]

Moss Golem and Wickerthrall (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39160)

[Zeta Kai]

You should probably post new ones, since you can't add a poll ex post facto.

Fax, if you mean that one cannot add a poll to an existing thread, then I must correct you. I added a poll to my Oaves thread, & it's been up for weeks now. Although the way my poll is going, maybe I shouldn't have. Ah, well. Se la vie.

[Fax Celestis]

Fax, if you mean that one cannot add a poll to an existing thread, then I must correct you. I added a poll to my Oaves thread, & it's been up for weeks now. Although the way my poll is going, maybe I shouldn't have. Ah, well. Se la vie.

Really? Board Administration says otherwise, but I'll take your word for it.

[Icewalker]

New entry up!
Ssolsch (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39172)

Believe me, the monster is nastier than the name implies. :smalleek:
Demonrific!

[Icewalker]

I got me a third entry.

Pedolith (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39200)

Weaker cousin of the Regolith, which I have also posted.

[The Demented One]

Does the Pedolith kidnap small girls?

[Icewalker]

Not so much, no.

The word Pedolith (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedolith) is basically another word for dirt.

[Fualkner Asiniti]

Here's my old favorite: the Gruarru! (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39226)

'Cause everyone needs some psychotic plants to torment your players with. :)

[Lord Iames Osari]

Life and Death Elementals (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39339)

And might I suggest an index of submissions in the firt post?

[Zeta Kai]

I second an index of entries into this project.

Fax, I hate to suggest that you do more work, but this is your baby. Do you wish to compile & maintain that list?

[Fax Celestis]

I did it last time and it burned me out so bad I took a hiatus from the forums for the better part of two months. No. I'll help compile a part of a list, but its not something I can maintain on my own.

[Lord Iames Osari]

I guess I'll do it then...

[Scorpina]

Alright, first monster reposted.

Morrigan. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39565)

[Lord Iames Osari]

The index is complete (so far). See the second post in this thread (which, conveniently enough, is mine)

[The Demented One]

Let's see...Smokestack Beetle currently has 8 votes for, so I guess it qualifies. Here's the next 5.

Amigara (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39605)
Darkwomb Mother and Wombwoe (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39607)
Fingerling Swarm (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39606)
Mythweaver (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39611)
Replicant (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39608)

[Reinboom]

May I recommend a pre-finished compilation confirmation that all creatures where properly tested for simple things such as appropriate CR, etc. ?
The intent being a bit of predefined power level conformity, making it seam even more worth the value.

[Icewalker]

Got my next entry.

Lure Eel (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39717)

Also I got a question. Can I enter my eel in both MitP II and Vorpal Tribble's monster competition?


Also, one more issue. Some of the entries aren't getting enough attention (I admit the first ones I saw were mine, but I saw many others with this problem as well): there are entries that are getting only positive votes, but don't reach 7. I suggest lowering it to 3 or 5 for accepted if there are zero 'no' votes. Just an idea.

Also, SweetRein has a good point, there could be some checks. relatively appropriate CRs (I have no idea how to gauge mine), that kind of thing.

Course we don't want to load Fax up with so much work that he can't finish the project. :smallfrown:

[The Demented One]

Boogeyman (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39638)fnord

[Fax Celestis]

Also I got a question. Can I enter my eel in both MitP II and Vorpal Tribble's monster competition? Ask VT. I assume the answer will be "yes" from him, but you might want to wait until after the contest is over.



Also, one more issue. Some of the entries aren't getting enough attention (I admit the first ones I saw were mine, but I saw many others with this problem as well): there are entries that are getting only positive votes, but don't reach 7. I suggest lowering it to 3 or 5 for accepted if there are zero 'no' votes. Just an idea. Don't worry, have patience. Attention will be given.


Also, SweetRein has a good point, there could be some checks. relatively appropriate CRs (I have no idea how to gauge mine), that kind of thing.

If people wish to volunteer to playtest monsters, that'd be terrific. I'd be willing to assist in that regard (probably as one combatting the monster, rather than as one running the monster), and it is a good idea.

[Angafirith]

Anyone who contributes to the project (whether or not their entry is accepted) is eligible judging other entries, including those already entered. Any contributor will be given credit for their entry. Any artist will similarly be eligible for being a judge if they so desire, and regardless of judging capability will be given credit for ther assistance. Entering a creature assumes you are willing to have your work published in a compliation.

Does this mean that you have to contribute a monster in order to be able to vote? Or is the judging something else?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Index updated.

[Fax Celestis]

Does this mean that you have to contribute a monster in order to be able to vote? Or is the judging something else?

It means that it is preferred that you contribute before voting, but it isn't really necessary.

[PhantomBread]

First attempt at this sort of thing: Stymphalian Bird (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39693)

[Lord Iames Osari]

Index updated.

And a special thank-you to Alarra for making this a sticky!

[Fax Celestis]

Index updated.

And a special thank-you to Alarra for making this a sticky!

T'ank 'oo Awawwa! We wuvs 'oo!

[Lord Iames Osari]

Dreamshards (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39766), inspired by another monster.

[Icewalker]

Well, I have now screwed up three times today. I have left a poll off of my Lure Eel thread TWICE, and now I have made the poll for my Man-Eater Spiders (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39767) with a single choice poll for two creatures (yes/no). This link here however is to the post with the WORKING poll.

Sigh. And I apologize once again to any mods whose time I waste with my empty posts.

[Icewalker]

Ok, I've got my masterpiece (as of yet) up.

a progression of 4 monsters, due to the spreading of The Dread Plague.

Here it is, Dread Beings, and The Dread Plague (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39821)

[Nightclaws]

My first creature to ever spawn from the depths of my mind has been made up as the first monster ive created on here :P
Lets hope I did a good job.
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39910

[TheThan]

Well I guess I'll toss my Giant Man Eating Clam into the mix. I made it a while ago. I utterly failed to add a poll to the old post so i though i'd repost it instead.

Giant Man Eating Clam (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40065)

[Tormsskull]

First, I want to say I am really glad to see this project make a comeback, I always thought it had a lot of merit.

Second, I'm offering my services as an editor as long as no one minds if I eventually put a link to the final product on my own website (readwriteshare.net).

Third, I'm sure I'll get some of my own creations from through out the years submitted.

Fourth, if anyone is having trouble writing a description for their MitP take a peek at my Fluff Assistance thread here in Homebrew.

Fifth, and lastly, keep those monsters coming people!

[Icewalker]

Another one:

The Nocturne Lemur (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40688)

Not creepy or evil, despite the name. Hopefully I can get a better name before the book comes out, if this gets in. It is in fact quite fluffly and familiar-y.

It also comes with a spell. I believe the MMs include a few new feats and spells, don't they? (I don't actually have any atm.) It can exist without the spell, but it'd kinda suck as a familiar.

[Angafirith]

I decided to submit my Thunder Boar ('http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40713') to the project.

[Maerok]

Are there any Plants in the works? It never seems like there are enough... I might work on a whole category of plant-symbiotes that work well with rangers and druids (especially as a replacement to their animal companions).

Here are my horrors from the past. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39621&highlight=corpsekin)
Haven't gotten enough votes yet... ;)

[Scorpina]

I've been working on some Plants, they're not finished yet though. My creations tend towards being Plants or Fey.

...and just to contradict that: A pair of Savage Dragons (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40799)

[Danu]

Here's a link to my creatures. Or at least, those I've posted so far. ^_-
Blackice Shadow (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2299673&postcount=2)
Rainbow Crab (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2299680&postcount=4)
Royal Animal (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2299700&postcount=1)
Takatuq (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2299706&postcount=2)

[Lord Iames Osari]

Check the index, Danu. I've already got you covered.

Edit: Index updated.

Edit 2: The Bliss Vine (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40812), a plant creature of my own creation.

[Fax Celestis]

Also: I volunteer my services to make Totemist soulmelds for all magical beasts that make it into the final product.

[Maerok]

Here's my plant symbiote (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2400796#post2400796).

[Lord Iames Osari]

I would like to propose that we set some date when the votes of all monsters yet submitted be tallied, and that from that point tallies be carried out at set intervals, and that a monster, once accepted, not be vulnerable to disqualification unless the number of "no" votes exceeds the number of "yes" votes.

[Icewalker]

Those sound like useful ideas. I definitely agree. I suggest we take tallies every 3 weeks or so, first one perhaps this coming friday, the 20th? Or is that too soon?

[The_Cowinator]

I present... THE FROST ARCHON!!! http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41079)

[Rimx]

Here's my old Intestine Bird (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41373)

[Lord Iames Osari]

Index updated.

Edit: I am setting today as the first day of tallying. I will do my best to update the tallies every week on Fridays.

Edit 2: Tallying complete.

[Danu]

Lord Iames, thanks for doing the index. I didn't notice it at first.

I'm going through the index right now and casting my votes. If I don't vote, or vote 'no', I'll always give a reason other then 'I don't like it'.

[ShneekeyTheLost]

Submitted for your approval: Spirit Howler (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41627)

One creepy ghost wolf who is a lot nastier than he first seems.

[Vaynor]

The Mist Rat! (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41810)

Here's my first submission, one of many I hope. Enjoy!

EDIT: Well I wasn't wrong, here is the Cloth Golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2457196#post2457196).

EDIT2: Is voting on your own entries frowned upon?

[Danu]

Some more critters!
Candy Oozes (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41639): Mint Ooze, Cherry Ooze
Kukilaluit (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41799)
Stationary Guardian (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41941)

[Fax Celestis]

Kupakako Golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41945)

[Icewalker]

Another entry: Watcher (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41952)

[Angafirith]

Another Magical Beast: Brenner ('http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41960')

If it's alright with you, I'm going to try to submit a few more elemental animals like this. If not, I'll just post them for PEACH, rather than for this.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Vaynor, your link to the Cloth Golem is broken.

Edit: Index updated.

[Vaynor]

Woops, here's (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41857)
the right one.

[Icewalker]

Got another one
Carver (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42214)

[Icewalker]

Coronal Elemental (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42377)

See any gaping holes in this one?

[Maerok]

Balor + Steroids = Ankubusa (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42534)

[Lord Iames Osari]

Index and Tally updated. Our Accepted queue is growing quite nicely.

[Maerok]

Farsighter: Watchers beyond the planes (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42540)

[Angafirith]

Nyati ('http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42547'). Yet another bloody Magical Beast. At least I'll use them, at any rate.

[Danu]

Kryhger (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42219), Dark Fuzz (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42563).

[TempusCCK]

http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39028

[Icewalker]

Question bout copyright law.

How specific does something have to be to be copyright infringement? Loosely based off of? Inspired by but quite different? Almost identical but dnd statted?

[Lord Iames Osari]

I don't know. Inspired by but quite different is probably the safest, though.

[deadfalcon]

Worm "Golem": http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42962

[ringsnake]

Preserved Zombies

http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42999

[Scorpina]

Gah, forgot to link this a while back.

Crab Golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42257)

[Lord Iames Osari]

Index and tallies updated.

[Fax Celestis]

Ahimanu ( http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43128)
Forcehunter Sandworm ( http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43130)
Survaria Flower ( http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43132)
Hextomb Bound ( http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43133)
Photosynthetic Creature ( http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43134)

[Danu]

List of Creatures by Type

Aberration: Amigara, Epidermarra, Marauder of the Flesh, Morgellian, Rainbow Crab, Worm Golem

Animal: Giant Man-Eating Clam, Intestine Bird, Nocturne Lemur

Construct: Carver, Cloth Golem, Corpse Sphere, Crab Golem, Kupakako Golem, Moss Golem, Name and the Soul, Replicant, Smokestack Beetle, Stationary Guardian, Stoakut, Wickerthrall, Zhamach Bodyguard, Zhamach Trooper

Dragon: Hunting Drake, Swamp Dragon

Elemental: Death Elemental, Life Elemental, Pedolith, Regolith, Takatuq

Fey: Morrigan

Giant:

Humanoid:

Magical Beast: Ahimanu, Brennar, Catfish King, Dark Fuzz, Familiar Grub, Forcehunter Sandworm, Frost Leopard, Kryhger, Lure Eel, Mist Rat, Mythweaver, Nyati, Petisphinx, Stymphalian Bird, Thunder Boar, Vitriol Hound

Monstrous Humanoid: Mnemonophage, Kukilaluit, Oaf, Tikelen

Ooze: CherryCandy, Mint Candy

Outsider: Ankubusa, Blackice Shadow, Boogeyman, Dreamshard, Farsighter, Manifestation, Snowy Archon, Ssolch

Plant: Bliss Vine, Gruarru, Survaria Flower

Template: Lifescorned, Hextomb Bound, Photosynthetic Creature, Plant Symbiote, Preserved Zombie, Royal Animal

Undead: Corpsekin, Darkwomb Mother, Dread Beast, Dread Chieftain, Dread General, Dread Zombie, Fingerling Swarm, Spirit Howler, Watcher, Wombwoe

Vermin: Giant Cockroach, Man-Eater Spider, Sandtrap Man-Eater Spider
--------------------------------------
I'm not including links to the actual creatures, just a list of what type of creatures we have. Let me know if I missed anything.

[Zeta Kai]

WARNING: According to the Administrator (Rawhide), the option to create a new poll is temporarily disabled (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43457) due to database issues. No word yet on when that will be reinstated.

[Angafirith]

So, without polls, how will this project continue? I suppose some new way to hold a vote is necessary? From the sound of it, it's not a definite thing that it will ever come back.

[deadfalcon]

It could be done that you post on the thread and clearly state yes or no with something like

Vote:yes

[Destro_Yersul]

Well, here's my submission. I put it in after the poll disabling, so you can either vote in your post or PM to the coordinator. Or something like that.

At any rate; The Night Creeper (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43461)

[Fax Celestis]

Well, here's my submission. I put it in after the poll disabling, so you can either vote in your post or PM to the coordinator. Or something like that.


That's the method we used last time. If you're going to be PMing myself or Iames with votes, please include them all in one PM instead of PMing once per creature.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Tallies and index updated.

[Fax Celestis]

We have 54 accepted creatures at this point, more than halfway to our goal (of 100).

Now, there are some extras that should be included (like any monster book): monster feats, weapons and spells used by the monsters, and the like. Maerok and I are probably going to work together to come up with Totemist soulmelds for the Magical Beasts from this collection, as well.

However, the main thing we are missing so far is artwork. Our creatures need illustration. If any of you know someone who is good at artwork, now would be a good time to call in a favor and get them to illustrate a few.

[Zherog]

Maerok and I are probably going to work together to come up with Totemist soulmelds for the Magical Beasts from this collection, as well.

Aren't soulmelds "off limits" for outside development, since they're not OGL?

[Fax Celestis]

Aren't soulmelds "off limits" for outside development, since they're not OGL?

I'm not entirely certain on that. I mean, it'd be like making new warlock invocations or psionic powers or spells. As long as I don't enumerate the mechanics of their use and don't copy existing soulmelds, it's my understanding that its alright.

If I'm incorrect, please let me know and we'll cut that bit of the project.

[Zherog]

Psionics and spells are in the SRD, so those aren't an issue and make a bad comparison.

I'm not a lawyer, so I can't say for certain about warlock invocations. My hunch, however, would be that WotC would slap you with a C&D if you tried it.

[Fax Celestis]

Psionics and spells are in the SRD, so those aren't an issue and make a bad comparison.

I'm not a lawyer, so I can't say for certain about warlock invocations. My hunch, however, would be that WotC would slap you with a C&D if you tried it.

//nod

I've sent an email to WotC Custserv to see if I can get a definitive answer. Their OGL FAQ doesn't seem to cover it.

[Zherog]

Frankly, I wouldn't trust Customer Service. If I were in your spot, I'd do two things.

1) Insist Customer Service pass along your question to the legal department, rather than answering it on their own. (having had need to contact WotC legal in the past, you have to go through CustServ; they don't list e-mails publicly).

2) Talk to your own lawyer; it's in WotC's interest to answer your question in the negative.

It's my understanding, though, that you're allowed to build off anything found in the official SRD (and that's an important distinction too - the HTML sites aren't official, and I've actually found things wrong on them before). If it's not in the SRD, it's (in theory) off limits. It'll be interesting to see what you hear back.

[Lord Iames Osari]

There may or may not be copyright issues with one of D1's monsters, the Amigara, I believe.

[Zherog]

Alright - I failed my Spot check; what's the potential problem?

[Fax Celestis]

Response received:


Thank you for your email. Unfortunately I won’t be able to help you.



Wizards of the Coast cannot give you legal advice on how to interpret the application of the OGL. This is to protect both parties from any misunderstandings. You must contact your own legal counsel for advice.



I realize that this is a big inconvenience for you but it really is important that you get your own advisor in case like this.

[Angafirith]

While we're on this general subject, I have a few questions regarding the ownership of both creatures and artwork.

If a creature I create makes it into the final project, is it still my own? I keep all of the creatures I create on my Wiki. If the final project is going to be OGL, will this mean that I have to attribute it to the project on my wiki? Or, for example, let's say that someone starts a project somewhere to create a compilation of magical beasts. Can I submit my creatures to that project?

Now, let's say that someone makes a really great illustration of my Thunder Boar (for example). I happen to need a logo for my wiki. Obviously, I cannot just modify and use it without getting permission. The question is this: do I ask the original artist for permission or do I ask the project? Who does it belong to?

[Fax Celestis]

While we're on this general subject, I have a few questions regarding the ownership of both creatures and artwork.

If a creature I create makes it into the final project, is it still my own? I keep all of the creatures I create on my Wiki. If the final project is going to be OGL, will this mean that I have to attribute it to the project on my wiki? Or, for example, let's say that someone starts a project somewhere to create a compilation of magical beasts. Can I submit my creatures to that project?

Now, let's say that someone makes a really great illustration of my Thunder Boar (for example). I happen to need a logo for my wiki. Obviously, I cannot just modify and use it without getting permission. The question is this: do I ask the original artist for permission or do I ask the project? Who does it belong to?

You will retain all the rights to your creatures as published from this, though they will be under the OGL Lisence and all that entails. You would need to talk to the artist about that.

[Zherog]

Response received:

That may just be the best answer I've ever seen from CustServ...

[Fax Celestis]

That may just be the best answer I've ever seen from CustServ...

Do I read that with or without heavy dripping sarcasm?

[Zherog]

While it's usually safe to read most of my stuff regarding CustServ with dripping sarcasm, in this case it wasn't intended.

That really was the best answer they could possibly give - for both you and for them.

For you, it encourages you to go out and get a completely unbiased opinion. It also sets it up so that if you get a wrong answer, you have a legal recourse.

For them, it perfectly covers their corporate ass. If they told you it was OK, you then would have free reign to do whatever you wanted with it; if they told you it wasn't OK (but it was), you could sue them. By giving the non-answer they did, however, they have no liability either way.

[Fax Celestis]

//nod

Zherog, I'm really liking the feedback you're giving on some of these creatures. I'm just anxious for when you look at one of mine (like the Forcehunter Sandworm, Ahimanu, Hextomb Bound or Photosynthetic Creature). :smalltongue:

[Zherog]

One general comment I have, now that I've read several.

It would be really useful if there were some standards developed for the project. Or in other words, a template of what an entry should look like (inlcuding how you want flavor text - for example, one entry had the "Ecology" section and all that, while most have just followed the MM format).

Having a set format for everybody to follow will make it a lot easier to take these entries and compile them into one book. Otherwise, whoever is tasked with the job of compiling and sorting also has to invest time and energy into making them all look the same - and that just introduces more chances for errors.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Alright - I failed my Spot check; what's the potential problem?

That habit of not reading other people's posts is really not that great a thing, y'know?


Sorry buddy, but I think there are legal issues with this monster.

It is an idea taken from a Manga which I found information about here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyo) and I would assume the story is copyrighted. Seeing as these books are going to be published and sold for money, I would mark this as questionably legal. It's enough of an adaptation that I'm not actually sure it would break the law though.

[Zherog]

That habit of not reading other people's posts is really not that great a thing, y'know?

I do that whenever I review homebrew items; I do so to avoid being influenced by the comments and ideas of others. *shrug* If you don't like it, that's your prerogative.

[DracoDei]

I don't know that total uniformity is required. If someone wants an entry for 'Ecology' that seems fine to me... unless perhaps we are talking about the stat block. If that format communicates that creature the best, then so be it. This is a homebrew book, yes you want to only put the cream of the crop out there, but variations in writing style can actually add to things... for instance there is a monster in one of the books I have called the "Sorcerers Apprentice (tm)" and the description part reads like an advertisement for it (which makes sense since it is for sale).

[Zherog]

It's not a "homebrew" book, though. It's a book that will be put up for sale. As a consumer, I want consistency in a product; if I'm going to use a monster from this book, I want to be confident I can find the information I need.

I think stat blocks absolutely need to be uniform across all the entries. Whether the writer does the work, or the editor who will compile the entries remains to be seen. I suggest the format in MM1 (since everybody knows it, and it's not entirely clear if WotC is going to give anybody grief for using the MM4 format).

I think the "fluff" needs to have some standards as well. Certainly, one entry can have more than the other entries - but I think all of them should provide the same basic information.

I'm not suggesting that everything be homogenized to the point where you can't tell one writing style from another; that's great on things like WotC books, but I agree it would be sucktastic on a project like this. I am suggesting, however, that there be a pre-defined structure all entries should follow at a minimum.

[Zherog]

Each row is alphabetical, except SQ gets all sensory stuff (darkvision, scent, etc) listed first, and all traits stuff listed last.

So I've said something like that in just about all the threads I've gone through. And that might be incorrect, as far as WotC style goes.

I was looking something else up in the SRD and I noticed that my statement above is not true, at least for the creatures I was looking at. Would somebody mind peeking at the other WotC monster books to see if this is the case there?

I'm beginning to think that this format of listing SQs was something from a Sword and Sorcery Studios project I was working on, rather than a specific "this is how you create monster entries" sort of thing.

edit: OK, I've checked MM3 and MM4. It's hard to say for sure about MM4, because they've rearranged everything. But most definitely in MM3, the SQ line is in alphabetical order, without any regard to sensory stuff or traits. So, for example, if a construct had 60' darkvision and damage reduction 10/adamantine the SQ line would read:

SQ: Construct traits, damage reduction 10/adamantine, darkvision 60'

So - for everybody I've commented on previously where I said you should re-arrange the SQ line... yeah, disregard the doddering old man in this instance. ;)

If no one else gets around to looking up the order of SQs in the more recent books, I'll check MM3 and MM4 when I get home this evening.

[Zherog]

At the risk of being smacked for triple posting (hey - it's a few days since the last post, and I want to be sure people see this):


After trying this out on a 4th level party (admitidly I put it in a an alcove in a 10ft wide passageway and they where nearing the end of ther adventure) and ending up with 1 dead and another dying and the cleric runnign out of spells to dave the dying i would defiantely say raseing it up to ATLEAST a CR4.

That's from the "Stationary Guardian" thread...

This brings up a very fine point that can really help folks nail down CRs, as well as find spots where things aren't quite as clear as expected.

Anybody who has the opportunity should grab a monster or two from here and drop them into their campaign for some "play testing." Take note of how things go - was the fight too easy? Too hard? Was an ability confusing to use during combat? Did the creature have an exploitable weakness that the party used to dominate the encounter?

Playtesting really is the best way to set a CR; there's all sorts of methods for trying to figure it out (including my favorite - guess :smallbiggrin: ), but once you get the critter in front of a group of PCs, it's pretty easy to figure out without guessing.

So -- playtesters needed! Take a few monsters and sprinkle them into your next dungeon, or make a random encounter during the PCs' travels. Then, report back about how things went. Some info you should consider including:

What's the make-up of your party (how many, what race, what level, what class(es), etc)?
Were there any extenuating circumstances that might impact things (for example, df above put the beastie in an ideal location)?
How did the fight go?
During combat, did everything go smooth?
Did your players have any comments (good or bad) about the encounter?


Just a thought to help some people out. reading over things is great, but it can only turn up so many issues.

Cheers!

[Icewalker]

I may have some opportunities to do that. I'm forming a group right about now, so I'm going to start running adventures with them, I'll try to work as many low CR entries into them as I can for now.

[Fax Celestis]

I'll see if I can grab some arctic-themed monsters for my game I'm running right now, see how they do.

[DracoDei]

Officially submitting my Empty Skin (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2601115) template after having made some basic adjustments.

[Zherog]

Fax - Will you be the one compiling these, doing the layout work, and all that? Will you be editing entries for typos? What about for "standards" such as spell names italicized, feat names capitalized, etc? What about for making sure entries have a consistent "look" to them?

[Fax Celestis]

I--and a few volunteers, hopefully--will be finalizing formatting.

[DracoDei]

Presenting the Giraffe-a-pump (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2618654#post2618654)
!

[deadfalcon]

Could someone tell me, or just post in general, what the voteing system is now that the polls are down? also is someone taking the tallys of the votes anymore? i see that the last one wav a few weeks ago. oh and i'm submitting my Storm demon: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2657449#post2657449

[DracoDei]

Looking back a few pages:

...you can either vote in your post or PM to the coordinator.

If you're going to be PMing myself or Iames with votes, please include them all in one PM instead of PMing once per creature.

[deadfalcon]

Ahhh thanks, I'm abit lazy as you can tell

[Zherog]

So I've gone through several monsters here, and there's a ton of cool ideas for critters. I'm seeing a few things, though, that are consistently problematic. So if I may be so bold, I'm going to make a post to offer up some general monster design type suggestions. Feel free to ignore whatever you want to ignore.

Flavor Text "Blurb"

Many people don't realize this, but the italicized text at the beginning of the monster's flavor text was originally stuck there with the intent that GMs would actually read that text aloud to their players. While I don't think it ever fulfilled that purpose, it's still written with that intent. So there's two things to keep in mind. I'll elaborate on each separately.

1) Keep it short
2) Keep it generic

Keep it short Nobody likes to hear the GM read to them. Get to the point of the text - describing the monster. Hit the main points that are important for players to know on a first glance, and save your flowing prose for other sections of the entry. If there's a feature about a monster that's obscure, it doesn't belong here; if you can only smell the monster if you're within 5 feet, it doesn't belong here. Try to stick to no more than three sentences.

Keep it generic Quite simply, you cannot make any assumptions about the PCs. You can't assume where they are, you can't assume how they react, you can't assume they've failed initiative, and so on. Starting off with something like, "Before you stands blah blah blah..." is OK. Starting off with, "As you round the corner, before you stands blah blah blah..." is probably not OK - you're assuming a location (around the corner), and you're assuming PC actions (they've gone around the corner without first checking).

It's OK to say, "The creature stares at you with murderous intent in its eyes." We get a glimpse at the critter's psyche that way. It's not OK to continue that sentence with, "and it lunges at you with claws outstretched." At that point, you're making the assumption that the entire group failed to gain a surprise round action and/or they failed initiative and the monster goes first.

Sometimes the "keep it generic" is even harder. For example, if you have a creature with a terrain entry of "forest" then it's probably OK if your description sprinkles in some generic foresty type details. But if your terrain entry is "any" then you need to avoid the terrain details, because a GM could be placing the creature in an arctic setting, for example, but your flavor text talks about a tropical jungle.

Alignment Issues

Alignments tell a lot about a critter to a GM. If I see a magical beast with a NE alignment, I can be pretty certain that it's not a very nice creature. There's some key things to remember about alignment.

Be wary of "always" Once you slap this tag onto an alignment, you limit a GM. Make sure you really mean it. My preference is to only see the always tag just a few things:

Outsiders: These probably deserve the "always" tag, since they embody the plane from which they come.
Unintelligent Creatures: These typically deserve an "always neutral" alignment. More on the "neutral" part to come, but as for the "always" part - an unintelligent creature is incapable of making morale decisions and just responds to commands. Most constructs fall into this category.
Animals: Like constructs, animals aren't smart enough to make a morale decision; they, too, should have an "always neutral" alignment. They might hunt and kill, but they do so for survival, not out of malice.



Neutral is really difficult It's very tough, in a black and white alignment system like D&D, to actually be True Neutral. In my opinion, it's best to reserve this alignment for creatures unable to make moral decisions: things that lack intelligence (constructs, vermin), or things with an animal level intelligence (animals, some magical beasts).

"Usually" creates wiggle room If your critter doesn't fall into the above categories, and you really, really think that every creature in the cosmos of that type behaves a certain way, give the GM a little bit of wiggle room anyway. Let him have a chance to take your LN race and have one sect that's LE. Let the GM take a race that's known throughout the world for being bloodthirsty cannibals (probably CE) and instead have an isolated band somewhere that's LG.

Yes, the GM can do this anyway, even if you use the "always" tag. But by applying the "usually" tag instead, you give him (or her) the room to maybe think about using the creature in a way never pondered before. It allows that "newbie" GM to take that cannibalistic race and have a grove of hippies without feeling bad about changing something; it also helps the GM, like it or not, with the rules lawyer player who will argue that the "always LG race" couldn't possibly be behind the kidnappings that have taken place in town recently.

The Creature Does What You Want

In the end, the creature you design is a product of your imagination, and you just try to find rules within the game to make that come to life. Sometimes, though, the rules get in the way and we need to improvise. Here's an example.

Normally, Small sized creatures suck at grappling; Small races generally have a size penalty to Strength, and take further size related penalties when grappling something larger - like most PCs, for example. They also can't normally even attempt to grapple anything bigger than Large size.

But that doesn't fit your image. In your mind's eye, you see a 40 inch tall bug-like humanoid whose pincher hands make them really good at grabbing on and not letting go. they aren't really strong; they just have a really good grip and know how to use it. You can do several things for this.

The first place to start is a racial bonus. This is so easy, and yet so many people ignore it. Want your small creature to have a shot at grappling the Medium PC? Give it a +8 racial bonus to grapple checks (and you also probably want to give it the Improved Grab special ability). It still suffers the size penalty, but the racial bonus makes up for that. Try to stick to bonuses no higher than +8 as a general rule of thumb.

If that's still not good enough, we can actually get in and tinker with some rules generalities. I don't recommend this one very often, but it's possible. Let's say the +8 bonus isn't good enough for what you envision for your bug-race. We can just create a new ability, and use that to help define our creature.


Larger Than Life (Ex): Bug people make extensive use of their clawed hands to latch onto prey. Treat them as one size larger than they actually are for purposes of determining grapple size modifiers.

Now, we have a Small humanoid who grapples like a Medium humanoid. Also, notice that I didn't say they were treated as Medium sized; I said they were treated as one size larger. This goes back to that GM flexibility thing. If I'm a GM and I want to have an enlarged version, the rules already cover me.

I've been using grapple as my example, but this really applies to anything. Is there a skill you think the creature is really good at? Give it an appropriate bonus feat and/or give it a racial bonus. Think the creature needs a better AC for whatever reason? Create a new ability that allows the creature to apply another stat modifier (such as Charisma) to their AC. Call it a deflection bonus and you're done.

It works with anything you want to define. Just be reasonable, and most GMs will read it and go, "Cool!"

Special Abilities Need a Type

Somewhere around 99% of all monster special abilities fall into one of three categories: Extraordinary (Ex), Supernatural (Su), or Spell-Like (Sp). Applying a tag is really important, because it defines some basic rules for the GM, such as whether it provokes attacks of opportunity, how it functions in an anti-magic field, and so on.

Extraordinary: This is non-magical stuff. Things like evasion and improved grab are extraordinary. Generally speaking, you don't need elements of fantasy to describe them.

Supernatural: These are you fantasy elements such as breath weapons and gaze attacks and that sort of thing. They come from the creature's physiology most of the time, but that physiology is fantastic in nature.

Spell-Like: These abilities are an innate nature of the creature to cast one or more spells. It can be as simple as a gnome talking to a badger or as complex as the stuff a solar can perform.

***

So I think that covers the mechanical things. I've generally been avoiding a lot of grammar rules, but if people are interested, I can toss out a few tips there as well.

Again, there's been some really fascinating creatures; these tips (and the ones in individual threads) are meant to help you make them even better. And hopefully I'll find time to get back to reading individual entries later this week.

Cheers! http://home.comcast.net/~jeling/smilies/guinness.gif

[Poppatomus]

Is there somewhere a person can go to get smart on the numbers part of constructing a monster. I have a few ideas that I'd like to submit, but get stymied when it comes to figuring out what kind of attacks a creature should have or how many should be available in a full attack, etc... Is there something I can do other than just finding similar monsters and cribbing? Thanks in advance.

[Zherog]

For determining what sort of attack - it's really a matter of what you envision. I know it sounds like a cop-out, but that's it. The creature exists in your mind's eye. You tell us how it attacks. Now, that said, looking at other critters is in fact a very fine way to accomplish it.

For the math behind it, the creature's type determines it's Base Attack Bonus (and saves and skill points). The rest of the math is the same as for your characters - BAB + Str (or Dex if it has Weapon Finesse) + size modifiers + any other bonuses like Weapon Finesse.

[Poppatomus]

For determining what - it's really a matter of what you envision. I know it sounds like a cop-out, but that's it. The creature exists in your mind's eye. You tell us how it attacks.

For the math behind it, the creature's type determines it's Base Attack Bonus (and saves and skill points). The rest of the math is the same as for your characters - BAB + Str (or Dex if it has Weapon Finesse) + size modifiers + any other bonuses like Weapon Finesse.

Thanks very much for the advice. that is helpful. It's just that I get to point where I need to fill in the stat block and I begin to get the sense I'm just putting down random numbers (sure, why not a slam attack, or +40 to HP) and I worry what I pick will just end up ridiculous.

Side question: are templates valid submissions for this project? forget it found the answer.

[Zherog]

Well, there's two things that keep you from getting to ridiculous.

1) You really should look at your monster when you're done and try to find something vaguely comparable. That should give you an idea if your CR is on target, once you compare abilities. When comparing, I actually recommend using monster books other than MM1. In their later monster books, WotC accounting a bit for the power creep that exists on the character side, and the monsters in MM3 and MM4 are a bit tougher than those in MM1. Of course, if you play a "core only" game, MM1 is perfect. :)

2) Peer review is a wonderful thing. These forums offer nice juicy feedback; other forums do, as well. Sometimes you have to dig through the proverbial chafe to get to the proverbial wheat, but feedback can be valuable. Just remember: just because somebody made a suggestion doesn't mean you have to implement it. :) Think about what they said, and decide if it makes sense. If it doesn't, then ask. try to get them to explain their point of view.

***

I actually had one other general point on the mechanics of monster design but I couldn't think of it earlier when I typed up the post. During dinner, I remembered, but then it slipped my mind and it's been eluding me ever since. *sigh* Sometimes senility is fun, but other times it's just annoying...

[DracoDei]

If you can clearly describe an average combat round or two with the creature, many people around here can come up with the stats to make it happen.

[Icewalker]

Excellent, this is somewhat more handy than the per-creature reviews, which are excellent. This way I can do it in advance and then everyone has less work editing and reviewing.

[Zherog]

Excellent, this is somewhat more handy than the per-creature reviews, which are excellent. This way I can do it in advance and then everyone has less work editing and reviewing.

I'm glad you find it useful. :smallsmile: I'll still be digging through individual posts as I get time, because while general help such as this is always good, specific feedback is also a good thing.

I really wish I could remember that one last mechanical point... *sigh*

And as I said previously, if folks are interested in some grammar rules that are considered important in the RPG industry, I can spend an hour or so writing up a post on that as well.

[Lord Iames Osari]

I'm sorry I haven't been able to update in so long. I can get good wireless access only occasionally, and there's always so much that I want to do that I've been letting this go. I'm hoping to get better access soon, but until then, the index is likely to remain un-updated, since I'm loathe to start updating when I'm not sure I'll be able to finish before the signal cuts out.

[Zherog]

A way around that might be to copy the index to a text file, and then make your updates to that. Then, you don't run the risk of losing a big ass post because your signal blipped.

[DracoDei]

In any case, thank you for the information Lord Iames Osari. I, for one, was biting my nails a bit, this makes me feel better.

[Poppatomus]

Shardfiend Template (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2674920#post2674920)
humbly submitted

[Zherog]

http://boards1.wizards.com/images/smilies/lightbulb.gif

A-HA! I remembered the other mechanical point I wanted to discuss. Spell Resistance.

This is a pretty easy value to figure out, but oftentimes the value assigned doesn't reflect what the designer actually wants to have happen with his creature. So here's how I go about figuring it out.

The first thing I do is decide how much effort I want from a spellcaster with a caster level equal to the monster's CR. I keep four values in mind: 1) Really damn difficult; 2) moderately difficult; 3) trivial; 4) ridiculously easy.

Really Damn Difficult I pick this when I want my spellcasters to either struggle or find another tactic (like buffing, or summoning, and so on). Don't pick this value just to screw with the PCs; Be certain there's a good reason for the SR to be high. Set the SR value to CR+15.

Moderately Difficult If you want your spellcaster to have a 50/50 chance of success, this is the choice for you. Again, you aren't picking this entry because you like seeing spellcasters fail (though seeing them sweat a little is OK ;) ). Have a good reason in the monster's flavor for their ability to shrug off spells so often. Set the SR value to CR+10.

Trivial Your monster has some resistance to spells, but for the most part it's affected like anybody else. Set the SR to CR+5.

Ridiculously Easy Casters that are of the appropriate level won't have any problem bypassing the spell resistance, though multiclassed casters, partial casters (like rangers or paladins), or lower level cohorts/followers might have problems. Set the SR equal to the creature's CR.

I find this guideline works really well. My "normal" full casters are affected as I expect, and players are generally rewarded for selecting feats such as Spell Penetration because they actually can make a difference on the two upper level choices.

***

There's one other point to make about spell resistance. Unlike a lot of other abilities, SR does not - by default - increase when you advance the monster. So you might start out having Really Damn Difficult spell resistance, but once you advance the monster it drops to Moderately Difficult or even Trivial. That might be the effect you want - as the PCs get more powerful, the monster becomes more easy to defeat.

If it's not what you want, though, you need to instruct the GM how to advance the SR. Quite simply, tell him the formula you used - CR plus whatever. GMs don't need to guess that way; they can advance the monster and it'll function exactly as you had intended.

***

Whew. I knew I'd think of it eventually.

[deadfalcon]

I've just read that polls are disabled permanately, and although the PMing judges is a good solution as it keeps votes private, some people can't be botherd to go to the effort of writeing a PM and at the same time going through the list of applicants and their monsters, could we have it that you just post your vote clearly in your reply to a monster, this also means that people will give mre feed back as they have to post a reply.

I'm just throwing this out there feel free to say no

[Zherog]

Earlier in this thread...



...you can either vote in your post or PM to the coordinator.

[deadfalcon]

Wow, I've been comming across as either ignorent or seriously lazy, so far :smalleek:

[Zherog]

Nah, it's OK. We understand that "American" isn't your first language. http://www.majik.be/smilies/uptosomething.gif

[deadfalcon]

As I'm English i've never spoken American, is it hard to learn? :smallamused:

[Poppatomus]

As I'm English i've never spoken American, is it hard to learn? :smallamused:

unfortunately, not only is it easy to learn, it appears impossible to unlearn.

EDIT: I have had some pretty frustrating things happen, but losing an entire post two seconds after typing in the last sentence of the special abilities is right up there with the first time I tried playing duck hunt at the limit of the cord's range. Sorry, had to vent. Next time I'm typing the damn thing up in word. (Sun Tyrants will have to wait for another day.)

[DragonTounge]

I need help. I've got a few monsters, but I don't know how to put polls up. Could somebody help me out here?

[Zherog]

Polls are disabled. Just post 'em in normal threads.

[DragonTounge]

Ok, Thanks alot.

[Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll]

Tensen (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46490)
Yay, i actually got my act together and made these things.

[DragonTounge]

How do I link my monster to this thread. I checked the FAQ page and it was no help. Can anyone help me out? Sorry, I'm new at this.

[DragonTounge]

OK finnaly figured out how to do this thing. Took forever. But here it is, my first monster! Oh and that means ignore the last thing I put. And heads up, no poll.
Reef Golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46496)

EDIT: I just changed the name.

[Poppatomus]

Another addition. Not sure if the second of these is even good enough to be submitted, but it's in the same thread.

Nimbus Golem and Sun Worshiper (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46592)

[Lord Iames Osari]

Index (but not vote tallies) updated.

Announcement: With polls disabled, votes should be posted in the threads themselves or PMed to myself and Fax. Format your votes like this so that it will be easier to pick them out from the rest of your post: MitP Vote: Yes or MitP Vote: No. Thank you.

[Poppatomus]

Index (but not vote tallies) updated.

Announcement: With polls disabled, votes should be posted in the threads themselves or PMed to myself and Fax. Format your votes like this so that it will be easier to pick them out from the rest of your post: MitP Vote: Yes or MitP Vote: No. Thank you.

Do you think it would be a good idea for all new entries to include that exact paragraph at the start of the first post? This way anyone reviewing a post will know the format, even if they aren't otherwise familiar with the contest.

Also, should we go back and change old votes in non-poll threads to this format?

[Lord Iames Osari]

I've already taken note of the old votes, so it isn't necessary. And I would strongly recommend including that paragraph, yes.

[Poppatomus]

The Gribble (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2709850#post2709850)

[Maerok]

Chocolate Golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46749)

Sandborn Creatures (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2713799#post2713799)

[DragonTounge]

Any ideas why the polls got disabled??? :smallconfused:

[Poppatomus]

near as I can tell it is the result of one of the late comics a few weeks back. THey had massive issues with the bandwith consumed by the comics and forums, so they cut back on the forums. They decided to keep the forums fairly bare bones until they are sure they won't risk a similar melt down in the future.

No multi-quoting any more either, or quick replies.

[Poppatomus]

The Kinderhorror (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46915)and its spawn


Schoolwork... shmoolwork.

[DragonTounge]

Hopefully this monster hasn't already been made so here it is.

Blood burning crab (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2721415#post2721415)

Blood-Burning Swarm (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2723892#post2723892)

[KingGolem]

Ok, I would like to submit my Stonemen (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2724246&posted=1#post2724246). And by the way, Lord Iames Osari, we are to PM our votes to you or Fax Celestis once they have 7 more yes votes than no votes, right?

[DragonTounge]

Are we allowed to make monsters from mythology. You know like stuff from egypt, greece, and norse?

How often is the index on page one updated?

[Athanatos]

I've submitted the Wrathling, which can be seen at the "Because the World Needs More Hatemongers..." thread.

[Poppatomus]

Ok, I would like to submit my Stonemen (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2724246&posted=1#post2724246). And by the way, Lord Iames Osari, we are to PM our votes to you or Fax Celestis once they have 7 more yes votes than no votes, right?

Repeating the above in hope of an answer.

Also, Dragon, I don't think there are any restrictions on the source other than ensuring that it isn't from somplace copywrited. However, I'd be careful taking from mythology if only because a lot of mythological stuff has already been converted elsewhere.

[DragonTounge]

Anthanatos, I clicked on you link to the Wraithling and it keeps sending me to the forum home page. Thinking of fixing it soon?

Thanks Poppatomus.

[BrokenButterfly]

Is it possible to post up a detailed concept, tactics and biology before statting the prospective monster up? I have an idea I like, but I would like to guage people's opinions to it before I put in the crunchwork and put up stats.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Ok, I would like to submit my Stonemen (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2724246&posted=1#post2724246). And by the way, Lord Iames Osari, we are to PM our votes to you or Fax Celestis once they have 7 more yes votes than no votes, right?

If you can, I would PM us a running tally. It would certainly make my life easier (although my PM box will probably be stuffed).

Also, if nobody minds I'm going to stop tallying the votes for creatures that have been accepted.

[TheLogman]

Mine is up Truth Spinners (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47438). I have changed it to Comply with OGC content Laws.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Index and tallies of submitted creatures updated.

[pyrefiend]

Submiting this a bit late, but it's here all the same...
Cerebral Inferno (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46981)

[Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll]

Bonekissed (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46490) and Manequins (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46490).

scroll down the page.

[DragonTounge]

Well, I have yet another new monster. Tell me if its already been made.

Spreader (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2738850&posted=1#post2738850)

I hope to follow up with the Seeder sometime soon*




*By soon I mean it could come out anytime.

[stolenchariot]

Maiden of the Night (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47650)
Here's my submission.

[Maerok]

Worldshaker

http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2750483

[Ceres]

The Nameless

http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47825

[stolenchariot]

before I forget again

Sun Devil (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46467)

[adanedhel9]

I've decided to enter the monsters that I'll be posting over the next few weeks.

The first is the Storm Ray (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2752136).

[BisectedBrioche]

The Venomfleshed (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47963). My first ever attempt at a homebrew monster.

EDIT: And here's the Psuedothreat (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48222) to balance it out a bit.

EDIT: And here's the Protective Spirit (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48647) because I felt like creating a good aligned undead

[LordOfNarf]

I was in on the original MitP Project, and I am resubmitting the Deeptunnel Rover (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2774476#post2774476), but I couldn't seem to get the poll working. Is this an acnowleged problem, or am I just tehchnically handicapped?

[Poppatomus]

Polls are disabled for an indefinite amount of time due to server bandwith issues.

[LordOfNarf]

Polls are disabled for an indefinite amount of time due to server bandwith issues.

Ah, thanks, that would explain it.

[adanedhel9]

Hmm, I somehow forgot to post my flash beetles (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48386) here.

[BisectedBrioche]

Can I make a suggestion?

Maybe the list of accepted monsters should be numbered to make it clear how many more monsters are needed, if the total's reached 100, etc?

[Krimm_Blackleaf]

I submit my Positrix (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48538).

[Anxe]

Here's the Naxeto (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48807) ready for judgement.

[BisectedBrioche]

Accepted
(List)
Submitted
(List)
Last Tally: June 13th.
Next Tally: No clue.

I don;t suppose you have any idea of when the next tally is?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Index and tallies updated.

[Fax Celestis]

Twelve more monsters until Phase II: Revision!

[BisectedBrioche]

Index and tallies updated.

Where are my entries?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Where are my entries?

>.<

I'm sorry, I don't know what I did there, it was late and I was really sleepy.

Edit: Okay, fixed that, and added numbering (thank you, numbered list function).

[Poppatomus]

For thoroughness' sake the Sunworshiper (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49029) (could really use a new name on that one)

Also, i think the shardfiend (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45894) template may have just crossed the threshold.

[BisectedBrioche]

>.<

I'm sorry, I don't know what I did there, it was late and I was really sleepy.

Edit: Okay, fixed that, and added numbering (thank you, numbered list function).

Thanks ^5.

[Poppatomus]

The Spidaren (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49067)

For everyone that ever wanted to play as a freakish Anthropomorpihc arachnid Pirate traveling around in an airship robbing from the rich and giving to the poor.

Or was that just me?

[DragonTounge]

I think something went wrong. My reef golem creature got exepted and I'm happy about that and all, but I only count 6 yes votes. What happened?

[Fax Celestis]

I think something went wrong. My reef golem creature got exepted and I'm happy about that and all, but I only count 6 yes votes. What happened?

PMed vote, probably.

[Bob_the_Mighty]

I'd like to sumbit my spring golem (//http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2809614#post2809614).

[BisectedBrioche]

I'd like to sumbit my spring golem (//http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2809614#post2809614).

When I click on the link I just get an "address not valid" message.

[Anxe]

Spring Golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2809614#post2809614)
That one should work. Just to make it clear, this is still Bob_the_mighty's monster in every way.

[Lakoda]

Hello!

I'd love feedback on these little guys!

Tree Child

~~Lakoda~~

[TheLogman]

I submitted a second monster, the Frozen Terror (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2814003#post2814003) it was made for my Psionic Class, but maybe you guys will vote it into the book.

[Bob_the_Mighty]

Again, here's the spring golem (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49189).

[TheEscapist]

Submitting for your approval, the Herald of the End (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49359).

[TheEscapist]

Hear ye, hear ye! The Herald of the End has received its 7 "yes" votes! I'd still like more people to take a look at it and let me know how I can improve it, though.

[adanedhel9]

Echo of the Red (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2862275)

[Maerok]

Boom Boom Oak: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2867008#post2867008

[Lord Iames Osari]

Index and Tallies updated.

[Poppatomus]

Did i forget to submit The Spidaren (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49067) in this thread? Apologies, please consider them submitted.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Did i forget to submit The Spidaren (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49067) in this thread? Apologies, please consider them submitted.

No, I just forgot to include them. Fixed.

[Djinn_in_Tonic]

I'd like to submit the Living Hoard (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2870958&posted=1#post2870958).

[streakster]

Just like to submit this (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2871249) for consideration. Current total: 8 yes, 0 no.

[Poppatomus]

I'm Allergic (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2876282#post2876282)

An idea I couldn't get out of my head, I think it came out okay, though I'm not quite sure it makes the cut.

[DragonTounge]

Out of curiosity, now that you have more than 100 monsters whats going to happen, and when are you going to make the book?

On an unrelated note, are we allowed to make new linnorm monsters or would that be copy righting?:smallconfused:

[TheEscapist]

Not sure if this guy is a violation of copyright or not, but I'm submitting it anyway just in case:

The Nemesis Paragon (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50860)

[DragonTounge]

Any comments are welcome and please vote (please).
Demonic Spirit (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51055)

[Zeta Kai]

For inclusion in the project, here are 2 creatures that were in D&D 2.0, but have since almost vanished. Since they cannot be copywrited (as they predate D&D), I submit the following:

Cyclops (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50878)

Gremlin (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51095)

[Fax Celestis]

MitP-II is now CLOSED to new submissions.

Now we enter the revision phase. Everyone: pick a monster that has passed and do your very best to find ways to fit these beasts into ecologies. Also, if you have artistic talent--or someone you know does--try and make imagery for these monsters. A picture is frequently more descriptive than text. Try to clean up verbage on abilities without altering their function as well.

Finally, if a monster is race-suitable, make a "As Characters" paragraph.

Welcome to Phase 2.

[Poppatomus]

MitP-II is now CLOSED to new submissions.

Now we enter the revision phase. Everyone: pick a monster that has passed and do your very best to find ways to fit these beasts into ecologies. Also, if you have artistic talent--or someone you know does--try and make imagery for these monsters. A picture is frequently more descriptive than text. Try to clean up verbage on abilities without altering their function as well.

Finally, if a monster is race-suitable, make a "As Characters" paragraph.

Welcome to Phase 2.

very exciting.

How do you mean "fit it into an ecology" and should we deal only with our own monsters or include those of others?

[anyone that knows how to do an as characters race would be more than welcome to do so for the spidaren, or tell me how.]

[Fax Celestis]

How do you mean "fit it into an ecology" and should we deal only with our own monsters or include those of others?

For "fit into an ecology", I really mean answer the question: "How does this monster fit in the world?"

And no, you should not focus on only your own monsters.

[Tormsskull]

Welcome to Phase 2.


Congrats everyone. I didn't get a chance to submit anything for MITP (II), but if no one minds, and I find the time, I'm willing to go through the descriptive text/fluff and clean up some of the language/spelling/grammar/etc, plus point out some entrys that are lacking the initial descriptive text of what one of the monsters is supposed to look like.

[Fax Celestis]

Congrats everyone. I didn't get a chance to submit anything for MITP (II), but if no one minds, and I find the time, I'm willing to go through the descriptive text/fluff and clean up some of the language/spelling/grammar/etc, plus point out some entrys that are lacking the initial descriptive text of what one of the monsters is supposed to look like.

Please do.

[BisectedBrioche]

Phase 2, 'ay. What do you actually mean by "fit them into ecologies"?

[Fax Celestis]

Phase 2, 'ay. What do you actually mean by "fit them into ecologies"?

As stated:


For "fit into an ecology", I really mean answer the question: "How does this monster fit in the world?"

[DragonTounge]

So do we post the ecologies or what?

[Fax Celestis]

Yes, preferably in the threads of the creatures.

[Scorpina]

A problem with Phase 2 occurs to me.Presumably things like, say, constructs don't fit into the ecology, being unnatural and all. Similarly, the more magical of the creatures, like fey, might not fit into the ecology in any normal way...

[DracoDei]

Constructs have unusual applications instead of ecology I guess...
I think MOST of the entries already have this... although it always possible to add more.

[BisectedBrioche]

So you want us to describe habitats and such like? Wouldn't that be part of the creature's fluff?

[DracoDei]

I THINK it was a not-so-subtle hint that some of the entries might be fluff deficient.

[Fax Celestis]

A problem with Phase 2 occurs to me.Presumably things like, say, constructs don't fit into the ecology, being unnatural and all. Similarly, the more magical of the creatures, like fey, might not fit into the ecology in any normal way...

Well, like I said: What I really meant by that question was "how does this creature fit into the world?" The answer can be "it is a marsh predator", or it can be "it is a mageborn construct mostly used for protection."

[DragonTounge]

OK. Are these "ecology" entries supposed to be like the ecologies that are in dragon magazine?

[Fax Celestis]

OK. Are these "ecology" entries supposed to be like the ecologies that are in dragon magazine?

Not quite that in-depth. More like the blurbs that appear with the monsters in the MM.

[Poppatomus]

I'm still a little confused as to how we do this, especially to monsters not our own, without the threads overwhelming the boards. Should We PM changes to you? should a new thread be made for the ecologies so they can all be in one place?

[Fax Celestis]

A new, single thread might be the best option, yes.

[BisectedBrioche]

Perhaps it would be more efficient if we announced which ones we are editing so several posters aren't working on the same entry?

[Fax Celestis]

Also a good idea. I'll start a thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2906099#post2906099) now.

[Zherog]

I'm still a little confused as to how we do this, especially to monsters not our own, without the threads overwhelming the boards. Should We PM changes to you? should a new thread be made for the ecologies so they can all be in one place?

My suggestion is to post your ideas to the thread, and let the author decide how (if at all) to incorporate it into their entry. This would be just like mentioning a mechanical problem.


Perhaps it would be more efficient if we announced which ones we are editing so several posters aren't working on the same entry?

I think there's advantages to more than one person reviewing each thread. While you probably don't want 20 people spending their time on the same entry, having three folks look it over can only make the entry better.

The key is striking a balance.

***

Fax - I think this is a good moment for you (or whomever) to post a "template" of what an entry should look like. I don't think you need to post a whole stat block - just saying "use the same format as in the Monster Manual should cover that. But I do think you need to begin to homogenize the entries, with things like descriptive fluff in the same place, "combat tactics" sections, "As Characters" section for those with an LA, and so on.

By posting guidance of what you expect each entry to look like structurally, you save everybody some work; and you ensure that those who are proofreading and editing are all working towards a common goal.