Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Knight_of_spades 01-26-05, 10:08 AM	Okay I am planning to make a campain where the main villans and monsters are all Lovercraftian in nature, we are talking mindflayers, moonbeasts, pharrims, underminds and so on. Thing is I need a race of grunts like orcs, but I do not want to use orcs. I have been looking but I can not find any. The race I am looking for must fullfill the following criteria: Must be really really ugly! We are talking abberations ugly here people! Must be relatively weak, no special powers no high ac or claw or slam attacks and so on. Must be zero hit die monster, you slap on one warrior level and that is it And they must be illustrated. They must be as smart as orcs able to use small unit tactics and must be able to use crossbows or muskets. They need not be as strong as orcs Anybody got any ideas?
Kakerate 01-26-05, 10:12 AM	How about a psionic octopus that uses its nomad domain powers to fly?
Knight_of_spades 01-26-05, 10:17 AM	That is a good idea in itself but fly is a special power I am afraid. Cool "monster" to throw at a lowlevel party though
Olly 01-26-05, 12:35 PM	Surely you don't have to use an entire new creature? Why don't you just use orc stats, but describe the creatures look, movement and behaviour in an 'un-orcy' way.
CzarGarrett 01-26-05, 02:01 PM	Slightly powered-down Half-Illithid Orcs or Hobgoblins
Kakerate 01-26-05, 02:29 PM	double post
Kakerate 01-26-05, 02:30 PM	That is a good idea in itself but fly is a special power I am afraid. Cool "monster" to throw at a lowlevel party though Try for some moon-man grey huminoids with octopus suckers on their hands and flatter than normal faces along with eyes on the sides of their heads. Octopus things are always stupid(-2 to int---and with that penalty your players will just like any creature you make more). Its weird, but if you ever add a new race and give it an int penalty your players seem to accept it more than if you give it a +2 to dex or other stat. The Octan(name of monster) might use weird weapons that make use of their suckers. You could just try and make Octans stupid with -2 to int no stat bonuses, and +4 to grapple and any check(disarm) to avoid dropping something along with a +10 to climb because of the suction pads. The eyes on the side of their heads could give them the barbarian ability to avoid being flanked. They could have tentecal like fingers, but let them have normal arms so they fit into the huminoids group(because then they are more like a race of people than a monster). You might consider having a special part of their race have some bonus to hide because some octopus have color adapting skin. The normal Octans could have a favored build of grappler, so favored class is probably melee oriented. If you want you could give them beaks like octopus have too. Favored class for any that can adapt skin color is rogue of course. Also, dont give the octan the psion's chamelon power, instead give it a reasonable extraordinary ability to change skin color that gives a bonus to hide. You could also call them Krakkers--from Japanese for kraken! They talk in thier own language Octanese, or Krakenese, but cant speak common. Make a krakley sounding noise when the pcs encounter them speaking. They might change color to communicate just like octopus do. I'll see if I can come up with a picture by thursday if you like the idea.
Knight_of_spades 01-27-05, 06:56 AM	Surely you don't have to use an entire new creature? Why don't you just use orc stats, but describe the creatures look, movement and behaviour in an 'un-orcy' way. I was hoping for creature that allready was written down so that I can see a picture of them.
Knight_of_spades 01-27-05, 06:58 AM	Slightly powered-down Half-Illithid Orcs or Hobgoblins To powerfull. I just want a basic humanoid.
Knight_of_spades 01-27-05, 07:00 AM	I'll see if I can come up with a picture by thursday if you like the idea. Like it? I love it! If you could draw them as big as humans that would be great. And I really like the idea of different hybrids versions of the race.
HomebrewedMonster 01-27-05, 07:39 AM	Umm....Medium Kobolds?
Kakerate 01-27-05, 12:09 PM	This might take awhile to get the picture up on the internet. If any of these pictures resemble, or seem to be something of another artists work it is only because I like your work and I commend you for inspiring me to cut/paste it into this little section, and in no way do I have any affiliation with anything but the Octan seen here disarming some random warforged. I give you the Octan monk at his Prime!! http://www.geocities.com/xsithos/fight.doc Bah! Use the link untill I get the picture to display on the boards. You'll have to scroll down to see all 3 pictures on the website. Click me to go to the PICTURE!! (http://www.geocities.com/xsithos/fight.doc) Hows it look? Tell me if there are any problems ok. Any suggestions? Do you want more detail? I could work on it some Friday and have it done by 11:30pm Central time. 11:30 central time is 30 minutes later than the time I posted this today(Thursday).
Knight_of_spades 01-27-05, 04:10 PM	That is really good! :) I was thinking of something more horrible but this is cool. He put his suckers to good use! Again, Good work!
Callahan 01-27-05, 04:32 PM	http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/ff_gallery/50086.jpg Mongrelfolk from the Fiendfolio. They are basicly orcish and have the ability to emulate the voices of other creatures. They'd make great cloak and dagger creatures and good grunts.
Kakerate 01-27-05, 04:53 PM	That is really good! :) I was thinking of something more horrible but this is cool. He put his suckers to good use! Again, Good work! I have another more detailed drawing of an Octan who is rock climbing. Check back on this thread on Friday if you want to see it. I'm going to show the octan hanging from the rock wall but you can see his face in this picture, and it will have more detail because I'll be able to spend more time than half an hour this time drawing it. College is always in the way.
Knight_of_spades 01-28-05, 11:25 AM	I have another more detailed drawing of an Octan who is rock climbing. Check back on this thread on Friday if you want to see it. I'm going to show the octan hanging from the rock wall but you can see his face in this picture, and it will have more detail because I'll be able to spend more time than half an hour this time drawing it. College is always in the way. You can count on me checking in, your are the Man!
Knight_of_spades 01-28-05, 11:29 AM	Mongrelfolk from the Fiendfolio. They are basicly orcish and have the ability to emulate the voices of other creatures. They'd make great cloak and dagger creatures and good grunts. Mogrelfolk have two hit dice have they not? Have to check that when I get home, however they are not "aberrations-ish" (Even though they are some ugly sons of female dogs) enough and besides their voice mimicking is a special ability. but you are right they are good cloak and dagger creatures. To cowardly to be dime on the dozen grunts though.
ygdrassilus 01-28-05, 05:18 PM	I don't know... I liked Kua Toas (though I'm not sure of their CR right off hand). Good, wierd looking fish-people with bulbous yellow eyes. Vaguely remind me of the story the Doom that Came to Sarnath
Knight_of_spades 01-28-05, 07:17 PM	Kuo-toa's are cool, no doubt about it, but they can breathe underwater. That is a special power as far as I am concerned. But they are very Lovercraftian although they are not aberrations.
Tolby 01-28-05, 09:31 PM	Kuo-Tao without the ability to breathe underwater.
Callahan 01-29-05, 12:35 AM	Mogrelfolk have two hit dice have they not? Have to check that when I get home, however they are not "aberrations-ish" (Even though they are some ugly sons of female dogs) enough and besides their voice mimicking is a special ability. but you are right they are good cloak and dagger creatures. To cowardly to be dime on the dozen grunts though. Nope they have one HD and 0 level adjustment. They are also Lawful and so will not be likely to run for cover when the going gets tough. And they are quite simmilar to the mix breads that worship Cthulhu.
Mjollnir88 01-29-05, 07:48 PM	Have you considered the sub-human/reptillian "Worms of the Earth"? I've also developed (for another system, sorry no stats for ya) a degenerate race of inbred neanderthals. Lots of various deformities, worshipping blasphemous entities with obscene rituals. Always good sword-fodder.
krichaiushii 01-29-05, 11:01 PM	What about grimlocks, troglydytes, or skum? All equally abberant from the standard. Though some may have special powers as written - so you only need to edit them out.
ksbsnowowl 01-30-05, 12:15 AM	Modify a Meenlock from the MMII. Drop them to 1 HD Increase size from Tiny to Small (or even Medium) Drop all SA's and SQ's except Telepathy Modify stats to something like: Str:8, Dex:13, Con:10, Int:11, Wis:12, Cha:12
HomebrewedMonster 01-30-05, 03:14 AM	Like I said, medium kobolds...if you advance them they'd become... Giant Kobold, 1st level warrior Medium Humaniod (Reptilian) Hit Dice: 1d8+1 (5) Initiative: +0 Speed: 30ft. Armor Class: 15 (+2 leather, +3 Natural), touch 12, flat-footed 14 Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+1 Attack: Spear +1 melee (1d8/x3) or sling +1 ranged (1d4) Space/Reach: 5ft./5ft. Special Attacks: - Special Qualities: Darkvision 60ft., light sensitivity Saves: Fort +3 Ref +0, Will -1 Abilities: Str 11, Dex 11, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 9, Cha 8 Skills: same as MM. Feats: Alertness Everything else is the same, maybe increase to 1/3 since their weapons do one more point on average. If they don't suck enough you can take away their darkvision.
Knight_of_spades 01-30-05, 07:13 AM	Nope they have one HD and 0 level adjustment. They are also Lawful and so will not be likely to run for cover when the going gets tough. And they are quite simmilar to the mix breads that worship Cthulhu. They still remain cowardly trap makers though, lawful does not mean brave it just means that they will evacuate in an orderly fasion. :) Kuo-Tao without the ability to breathe underwater. That works, but I use the version that was pictured in the old monster manual for adnd. The new kuo-toa looks like frogs to me, I want something more aberrant-is, frogs are natural beings after all. Have you considered the sub-human/reptillian "Worms of the Earth"? I've also developed (for another system, sorry no stats for ya) a degenerate race of inbred neanderthals. Lots of various deformities, worshipping blasphemous entities with obscene rituals. Always good sword-fodder. Worms of the earth? Which book are they in. I have thought about inbred humans and cave men and stuff, and I will use them but they will work for another faction, or just be a nuisance. Modify a Meenlock from the MMII. Drop them to 1 HD Increase size from Tiny to Small (or even Medium) Drop all SA's and SQ's except Telepathy Modify stats to something like: Str:8, Dex:13, Con:10, Int:11, Wis:12, Cha:12 It is funny you should mention that because I have used a modified meelock monster before, it was based on the old picture in one of the adnd annuals. Still I need it to be more of a humanoid with hands and stuff. Like I said, medium kobolds... That is an great idea but Kobolds look like natural creatures I am looking for something more horrible like the sound devourers from the twisted lore book or like the new etterkap look in the monster manual. Besides if ever Kobold grew to medium size the world would be in big trouble.
Knight_of_spades 01-30-05, 07:17 AM	What about grimlocks, troglydytes, or skum? All equally abberant from the standard. Though some may have special powers as written - so you only need to edit them out. Grimlocks was my first inclination but I need them to work aboveground. Trogodlytes have a special power and they also look to natural. Skum already works for the abohlet, and they die if they are out of the water to long. I am not trying to be difficult or anything but it is difficult.
Mjollnir88 01-30-05, 07:23 PM	"The Worms of the Earth" figure prominently in several mythos stories of Robert E. Howard (creator of Conan and correspondent with Lovecraft). They are found in the stories "The Little People", "The Black Stone", "The People of the Dark", "The Children of the Night", and approriately enough, "The Worms of the Earth". They are described as a squat, vile mongoloid/reptillian race that was lived in Europe prior to the coming of its modern inhabitants. They formed the basis for fairy tales about little people living in burrows under the ground. The stories mentioned above are collected and republished by Chaosium under the title "Nameless Cults - the Cthulhu Mythos fiction of Robert E. Howard". I bought my copy on Amazon.
Kakerate 01-31-05, 05:18 PM	http://www.geocities.com/xsithos/Octan1.bmp Finished the drawing you requested. Click me to go to the picture (http://www.geocities.com/xsithos/octan.doc) a second link...to the same picture. :confused: http://www.geocities.com/xsithos/Octan1.bmp
Knight_of_spades 02-01-05, 02:55 PM	I am impressed! You are quite the artist. Look like a viable player race too, you should post them in the races forum and see if you get someone to post stats for the race, I bet they would make good thives and monks. Great work. Thank you very much! :dancin:
Knight_of_spades 02-01-05, 02:59 PM	They are described as a squat, vile mongoloid/reptillian race that was lived in Europe prior to the coming of its modern inhabitants. They formed the basis for fairy tales about little people living in burrows under the ground. Not quite what I was looking for since I was wanting something mor abberant looking. But thanks anyway.
ServantOfTheLordYawgmoth 02-01-05, 03:46 PM	That works, but I use the version that was pictured in the old monster manual for adnd. The new kuo-toa looks like frogs to me, I want something more aberrant-is, frogs are natural beings after all. The word "batrachian" comes up in quite a few of Lovecraft's descriptions. I means, essentially "frog-like", if memory serves. Many of his more common creatures were basically just humanoids with some aquatic features (gills, tentacles, anything fish-like or frog-like really). I'd think that Kuo-Toa (or slightly modified versions thereof) would be quite similar to the Deep Ones, only without the whole "immortality" thing.
Judging Eagle 02-02-05, 10:23 AM	Kuo-Toa are pretty much inspired by HP lovecraft's work, if you don't like their description, change it around a bit, give them more or less abilities and change their environment. Failing that, add the description of the half-illithid (or pseudonatural) template to a set creature, just don't actually apply the template to the creature. Since all you really want are orcs stats that look ugly, add a template description that works for you, but don't add any abilities that come with the template.
Lothor Bolvreck 02-03-05, 09:20 PM	I have to second Judging Eagels comment the "Deep Ones" from Lovecraft are a definate must altho Sahugan fit the bill a bit closer than Kuo-Toa. Deep Ones make a great grunt force.
HomebrewedMonster 02-03-05, 09:45 PM	Grimlocks was my first inclination but I need them to work aboveground. Grimlock are blind, they can live anywhere.
Knight_of_spades 02-04-05, 12:51 AM	The word "batrachian" comes up in quite a few of Lovecraft's descriptions. I means, essentially "frog-like", if memory serves. Many of his more common creatures were basically just humanoids with some aquatic features (gills, tentacles, anything fish-like or frog-like really). I'd think that Kuo-Toa (or slightly modified versions thereof) would be quite similar to the Deep Ones, only without the whole "immortality" thing. Yes Lovercraft did not only create abberantish horrors but also fish humanoind. However in a dnd world a guy who have fish traits is only going to bee seen as a half kuoa toan. I have taken the decision to not use gnolls and rakstas and other animal folk. The Kuo-toa is horrible but not horrible enough. Kuo-Toa are pretty much inspired by HP lovecraft's work, if you don't like their description, change it around a bit, give them more or less abilities and change their environment. Failing that, add the description of the half-illithid (or pseudonatural) template to a set creature, just don't actually apply the template to the creature. Since all you really want are orcs stats that look ugly, add a template description that works for you, but don't add any abilities that come with the template. Well I was hoping for a suggestion of something that was illustrated I have to second Judging Eagels comment the "Deep Ones" from Lovecraft are a definate must altho Sahugan fit the bill a bit closer than Kuo-Toa. Deep Ones make a great grunt force. They can look gruesome sure but still have 2 hit dice and look like generic fish folk Grimlock are blind, they can live anywhere. What I meant was that they will be quickly gunned down in mass combat. As I said I need someone who can operate a simple musket or a crossbow, thanks for the suggestion though.
Thaden 02-07-05, 05:39 AM	You might be looking for somthing similar to the Warhammer horrors? Their an abberition-ish weak rank-n-file troop. Would be easy to get pictures of them aswell as stat them out. Their default class would prolly normally be 'adept' instead of warrior in their rank in file units if you wanna base them on warhammer.
Knight_of_spades 02-07-05, 09:59 PM	Well they are certainly ugly enough. Just have to make them humanoid and learn them to wield crossbows and muskets. Oktans has the right humanoid shape and can, if described right be horrible enough but they are to cool to just waste on a generic grunt race.