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Monster Types

Monsters are categorized on two axes:

  • Origin: whether they are natural, or one of many other alternatives.
  • Phenotype: gross physical characteristics, such as humanoid, animal, etc.

Origins

Origin Description
Natural Natural creatures are those that evolved on the material plane, and are not inherently magical.
Monstrous Monstrous creatures are those that are inherently magical, and often have origins in the supernatural or otherworldly. They may be born from curses, dark rituals, or other unnatural means.
Extraplanar Extraplanar creatures are those that originate from other planes of existence, such as demons from the Abyss, faeries from the Feywild, or elementals from the Elemental Chaos. They often have powers and abilities that reflect their otherworldly nature.
Construct Constructs are artificial beings created through magical or technological means. They can be golems, animated objects, or even sentient machines. They are often created for specific purposes, such as guardians, laborers, or soldiers.
Undead Undead creatures are those that have been reanimated after death, often through necromantic magic. They can be skeletons, zombies, vampires, or other forms of revenants. They are typically hostile and driven by a desire to spread their condition to the living.

Phenotypes

Phenotype Description
Humanoid Humanoids are creatures that have a generally human-like shape, with two arms, two legs, and a head. They can be of any size or build, and may have various features such as horns, tails, or wings. Examples include goblins, orcs, and elves.
Animal Animals are non-humanoid creatures that are typically quadrupedal or have other non-human forms. They can be wild or domesticated, and may have various adaptations for their environments. Examples include wolves, bears, and giant spiders.
Aberration Aberrations are creatures that have bizarre and unnatural forms, often defying the laws of nature. They can be amorphous, have multiple limbs or eyes, or possess other strange features. Examples include beholders, mind flayers, and otyughs.
Elemental Elementals are creatures that embody the fundamental forces of nature, such as fire, water, air, or earth. They are made principly of their respective element, and have abilities that reflect their nature. Examples include fire elementals, water elementals, and air elementals.
Plant Plants are creatures that are rooted in the ground and have characteristics of flora. They can be sentient or non-sentient, and may have various adaptations for survival. Examples include shambling mounds, treants, and assassin vines.
Ooze Oozes are amorphous, gelatinous creatures that can take on various shapes and sizes. They often have corrosive properties and can engulf their prey. Examples include gelatinous cubes, black puddings, and ochre jellies.