Untold Realms

The first step in recovery is admitting you have a problem… I started buying bestiary supplements to use for inspiration in my games, but how many does one really need?

Don’t ask me how many monster manuals, bestiaries or world books I have—I just don’t know. Really. No clue. One thing I do know, though, is that I have to STOP!

The sad thing is it is really not a money thing. Maybe it should be. But gaming is a relatively cheap hobby. I don’t have a motorcycle, or a boat, or blow lots of cash on golf clubs or green fees. I buy little books that help creative folks out and spark creative joy in me.

No, the real reason I have decided to stop buying these things is that I have come to change the way I create monsters, and even think about them. I am moving away from copying monsters from sourcebooks and supplements, or even using monsters as whole species.

I’m getting to the place where I see all monsters as unique things or creatures. Yes, some creatures will exist as whole species, but I’m beginning to think that should be the exception, not the rule. The monster in that dungeon should be “THE monster,” not just another minotaur or basilisk.

With that in mind, I already have more than enough sources for inspiration to create singular monsters, or even ones that are just small groups. Give them some stats and away you go. Make the monster feel like it belongs in your campaign setting or adventure and run with it.

So, I’m sorry, creator of yet another Tome of Monsters.” I have to start breaking my addiction at some point—and I think it will start with you…

Marc #roleplaying #worldbuilding