The Metal Bard

Unlocking Character Races I like the idea of unlockables --things you can get through adventuring. In Symbion I have four core phenotypes (think races)   that each provide a simple bonus to attributes during character creation. Then, I have eight more phenotypes that give something more: better bonuses or small special abilities. These eight are not available at the start of an adventure but must be unlocked in some way, although I wasn't entirely sure how. A couple of sessions ago, the question came up.  -"How can we unlock the arachnid phenotype?"  asked a player. -"Adventuring, of course."  I said,  "Look for a way to get transformed." They learned from local rumors that a giant spider deep in the woods could have the powers to transform someone into an arachnid humanoid. But the spider is always hungry and would require an offering. The Company bought an old racing pig from a local farmer as the offering. The pig was called Piggy Smalls, as a joke ...

Monster Generator Golden Skull Skeleton As I continue to develop the monsters for Symbion , sometimes I need a catalyst to jog my imagination. It doesn't have to be complicated, something as simple as a color or body feature can help move things forward. To help during those times, I created a table with some terms and features that when put together can give synergistic ideas. Maybe it can help you develop your own monsters too. Generate Monster Table of Entries 1d12 Head/face 1 Head/face 2 Body structure Body details 1 Body details 2 Appendages 1 Appendages 2 Major color Minor color Wings 1 humanoid gaping mouth vaporous clothed finned a barbed tail spider legs emerald lime insectile wings 2 wolf skull amorphous crystal armored venomous stingers insectoid limbs cerulean aqua feathered wings 3 spider glowing eyes bipedal jelly chitinous gnashin...