Re: [WW] Goblins, etc.

[PEGShane@aol.com]

In a message dated 5/23/2001 1:32:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
PEGHopler@aol.com writes:


> Running into D&D monsters is not the norm for WW, just a shortcut I took to 
> put an adventure together quickly. Having said that, however, since our 
> system is compatible with the basic D20 rules there's no reason you can't 
> use 
> these creatures in your adventures. I've come across a number of creatures 
> in 
> the Monster Manual that would make a good centerpiece for a horror 
> adventure 
> if presented correctly.
>
> John Hopler



Actually, I thought it was VERY cool. I got the impression these were the 
baby-snatching, Old-Euopean creatures--there were just lots of them because 
in D&D they gotta have low hit points. ;) The carrion crawlers lose a bit 
ONLY because we know what they are. BEFORE we figured out what they were, 
they scared the crap out of us.

To me, that's one of the fundamentals of horror games--the naming process. 
They're either goblins and carrion crawlers or: "Small forms rush at you from 
the darkness. They have green skin, beady eyes, tattered clothing, and dark 
jagged spears. Two of them sit atop long, transculent-skinned worm. A mass of 
gangly tentacles hang from their mouths, reaching, stretching out as if 
groping for their path--or for food."

See the difference? The moment you name something, you know all its strengths 
and weaknesses and they become just another monster to kill. While we have to 
name things to stat them, the GM should always try to describe things 
instead. (as I'm sure you all know). Good example: When we first played 
"Sunless Citadel" for D&D3, I had Zeke, Chris, and Lee crying for help with 
ONE BUGBEAR, just because I made it really creepy--a large lumbering thing 
stomping and feeling for them in the darkness.

Shanester