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Fundamental Qualities in monsters

PostPosted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 2:54 am
by Diamond Master
What are the fewest qualities that must be described to outline a creature in a setting-neutral multiverse?

Here is my example:

-Physical description, if necessary
-Strength of offense. Words like "Very low" or "Extraordinarily high" should be sufficient.
-Strength of defense
-Speed and/or finesse
-Intelligence, including type and degree. For example, animals can be cunning without being truly intelligent.
-Size - many beasts of fantasy are of Unusual Size. Best done as a comparison.
-Special abilities - A dragon's ability to breathe fire. The ability to turn invisible. The exact nature of the power can be determined by the Game Master, who knows the rules system if there is one, or the author in question.
-Lore


This could lead to a rules guideline here on the DP, so respond if this is something you have an interest in. Is anything missing?
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Re: Fundamental Qualities in monsters

PostPosted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 4:04 am
by Yerkan of Elish
Something that I always try to describe is source - i.e. of offense, defense, or finesse (this could even combine all these into one attribute). If your source of power is your speed, then you have good finesse and stealthy offense as well as a specialized sort of defense. It's potentially provides a whole lot of information with just a short description.

Re: Fundamental Qualities in monsters

PostPosted: Sat Aug 17, 2013 1:25 am
by Great Thrash
It is bigger than a horse, but smaller than a mountain.