2CGazette - Designer's Diary — Monsters

In the intricate tapestry of fantasy role-playing, dragons often emerge as figures of awe-inspiring might and mystery. Traditionally, these creatures are depicted as fearsome combatants, their growth and evolution tied to battles won and the inexorable passage of time. Yet, what if we delved deeper into the dragon's inherent nature, exploring an alternative route to their progression? What if, in addition to their martial prowess, dragons' growth was inextricably linked to the treasures they hoard? The Draconic Drive: Hoarding as an Evolutionary ImperativeAt its core, the idea revolves around intertwining a dragon's biological milestones with the volume and quality of...

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, dragons are often portrayed as apex creatures, ruling their domains with might and majesty. They are symbols of power, wisdom, and ancient magic. Yet, even these colossal beings have their Achilles' heel. Interestingly, the very thing they cherish the most, their treasured hoards, often becomes their most significant vulnerability. Let's explore this fascinating dichotomy and the myriad storytelling possibilities it offers. The Dragon's Hoard: More than Mere WealthBefore we delve into the nuances of vulnerability, it's essential to understand the true nature of a dragon's treasure. For dragons, these hoards are not merely...

  As you delve deeper into the pages of fantastical tales or traverse the vast terrains of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, it becomes evident: dragons aren't merely creatures; they're institutions. Majestic and mighty, these beings soar above not just in flight but in stature, wielding an authority few can challenge. Let's embark on a journey to unravel the threads of privilege and power dragons possess, and the ripples their dominance sends through the tapestry of fantasy worlds. A Natural Majesty: Born EliteBefore delving into the societal implications of their power, we must first understand the inherent strength dragons are...

Epic combat & non-combat spells in the Epic Legacy Core Rulebook When it comes to designing monsters in Dungeons & Dragons, it's easy to focus on their combat abilities and damage output. However, non-combat spells can play a crucial role in creating more interesting and engaging monster designs. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of non-combat spells in monster design and offer tips on how to incorporate them effectively into your game.   The Value of Non-Combat Spells While combat is a significant aspect of D&D, non-combat spells can bring a different dimension to encounters and help create...

Application of multispell monsters in the Epic Legacy Core Rulebook High-tier spellcasting monsters in Dungeons & Dragons are a staple of epic campaigns and memorable encounters. One way to make these powerful foes more challenging and engaging for your players is by incorporating multi-spell features into their arsenal. This blog post will explore the importance of multi-spell features for high-tier spellcasting monsters, and provide tips on how to effectively integrate them into your game. For those following the blogs, this is also an expansion of the previous posts, which speaks to balancing spellcasting, and *unbalancing* spellcasting, as well as other...