Interested in helping create a BTS creature for the Rifter?

[mrloucifer]

So I completed a new creature last night that I plan to submit to the Rifter (hopefully to see it in print) and I was wondering what kinda creature should I make next?

That led to me going over the Forum here to see what people had been talking about and came across lots of notes like mummies, beastly predators and so on. And while doing I had this crazy throught. What if the collective forum got together and helped create a new creature for the Rifter?

I dont think this is an illegal act, and if everyone is onboard with the idea, I would be glad to submit our collectivly built evil spawn to the rifter with something to the effect of "Written by Steven Dawes along with many members of the BTS forum" and make a note to read this thread to see how it all came together. Sounds like fun to me!

To help get us going I have a few "rules" to how I usually create the things I write.

-The max threat level at this time I'm willing to create is a x6 level. the x8 and x10 beings will probrably have magic and other attributes not released yet in the Tomb Grotesque and Beyond Arcanum and I'd rather hold off time I get the "flavor" of how they will work and their building structure.

-Magic will either have to be nill, at a mimimum or unique magical attributes special to this being need to created. This is for the same reason as mentioned above as I dont know how BTS magic will work as of yet.

-The typical rules of BTS create will have to apply, such as it can hide in our modern world. SO nothing thats enormous (10 feet or taller) and nothing so destructive that its constantly bringing attention to itself. Remember that these creatures exist in shadows and darkness, its part of their nature and how they survive.

-think about what attriburtes about it make it a "horror" or horrible creature? what kinda horror factor would it have?

- what is its anchor to our plane of existance? does it build its body from insencts? garbage? Sludge? think about what scares or grosses you out and use that as a focal point to what might go good with a supernatural baddie? or is it an energy being perhaps?

-Is it more physical horror relates or is it psychological horror minded? How does it threaten the characters and defend itself?

I have no idea how this will work yet with so many different people offering so may insights, but if we can make it to where a general agreements on the best parts or majority votings and so take place, I think we can make this work

So fire up the imaginings people... Whats are some of your ideas of a good monster to create?

[Natasha]

I have a list of about 40 monsters I'm creating; I expect that the final count will be less than half of that, however, by the time I'm through.

I was just going to put them on the web for anybody to grab once they're complete though. If I have some cool ideas that I just can't make work, I'll share them.

[mrloucifer]

If I have some cool ideas that I just can't make work, I'll share them.

Groovy! Perhaps the group effort could help make one of those ideas work

[mrloucifer]

Sounds like there is at least some interest in this project.

being as some of you have several ideas each, I would say we could pool them all together and then go one of two ways...

1. We all agree on one and go from there

2. Everyone mix and match ideas and see which one seems to the most interesting and build on that one together from there.

[mrloucifer]

One of my recent thoughts on a creature was to make something “bat like” being as there’s not really any flying creatures in the main book (The jersey devil doesn’t count).

As first I thought “what if he was a mutation or freak of some sort?” but then I thought people would probably think “Man-Bat ripoff” so I decided it would have to supernatural.

Then I thought maybe do with a “Vampire Bat” angle and create a book sucking type of monster that could be mistaken for a true vampire at times.

But now I’m stuck on what to add next or what else we cant do to make this thing more unique to BTS settings. So this “bat being” is my first submission in this topic to consider.

[mrloucifer]

I'd written this tabloid article and posted in the Lazlos Society as "Tabloid Hound" 2 years ago with the intention of actually creating this thing but the inspiration inflated some where and I havent had the gumption to pick it up again.

This is the text;

found this article about a week ago and did some research on it, and I've heard some shocking info. Not only is this article very likely true, but there have been several other reports of this very same activity happening in several other small town supermarkets in the US, and all fairly recent. Read the article and I'll give my thoughts on what may be the cause.

SUPERMARKET LOBSTERS ESCAPE TANK & TERRORIZE SHOPPERS

Lobsters terrorized shoppers in a Nebraska Food Rite supermarket after their tank shattered and they escaped.

Customers fled up and down the colorful labyrinth of food aisles, frantically dodging dozens of evil crustaceans that were aggressively brandishing their snapping claws.

"They were like greenish blue devils, slimy and wet," says one witness who was in the produce department when the horror began. "Their little feet made eerie 'click-clack' sounds as they scuttled around finding victims."

The married mother of three says she quickly climbed into the tastefully arranged fruit display and covered herself with cantaloupes.

"I hid myself well," says the witness, "but I could see through a gap in the produce. I'll never forget the spraying blood and the screams of those poor people. I still have flashbacks and nightmares."

The witness saw a man sprinting around the corner, his shopping cart on two wheels, one of the lobsters close on his heels.

"The lobster caught him by the ankle and slashed his legs until he let go of the cart and fell to his knees, I didn't even know lobsters made noise, but it let out a high-pitched screech. It must have called to the others because seconds later, several of them were massing like mad flies on top of the man.

"They savaged him. I could see bits of flesh flying and a pool of blood spreading under him until he stopped struggling. When they ate their fill, they scattered to find others."

The same grisly scene was repeated all over the supermarket. The scurrying lobsters brought down six customers and an assistant manager before the police could shoot them all to shellfish hell.

"We got a strange call from someone yelling about a lobster attack," according the town Police Department Chief. "The woman said, 'I'm standing in the ice-cream case and I'm freezing to death. Hurry!'

"When we got inside it was a war zone. Bloody bodies of shoppers slumped all over the place. Overturned carts. The cash register girls were running in place on the black conveyor belts. Customers were hiding everywhere.

"The manager said the glass tank must have had a small crack and the pressure of the water made it explode, shooting lobsters all over the supermarket. They got the rubber bands off their claws so fast I think they already had it planned out. Who would have thought lobsters get so angry with us for boiling them alive and eating them? I used to enjoy a good surf and turf dinner. Not anymore."

I wrote this in the idea of creating devil lobsters as a humerous sounding creature that no nonsesne when you confront them. So this is another creature I've sumbitted to consider writting up.

[vika]

I like the devil lobster. I will think about it now.

[vika]

I wrote this stat block for the devil lobster.

Alignment: Diabolic evil.
Attributes: I.Q. 1D4 + 10, M.E. 10, M.A. 10, Supernatural P.S. 1D4+26, P.E. 1D6+10, P.P. 2D6+10, P.B. 1D4+3, Spd 1D8+10.
Armour Rating: 11.
Horror Factor: 9, due to somewhat menacing claws.
Hit Points: P.E. attribute number x2.
S.D.C.: 1D4 x10 +20, hard exoskeleton.
Discorporation: Turns into ooze resembling melted butter and vanishes in 1D4 x15 seconds. Analysis of the ooze will conclude normal butter.
Threat Level: x4; Prankster.
Size: 25cm long (about 10 inches).
Weight: 900 grams (about 2 pounds).
Average Life Span: Unknown.
P.P.E.: 1D6.
Natural Abilities: Paired weapons: Lobster can fight with both its pincers. Limited invulnerability: Invulnerable to poison, gases, toxins, mind control, possession, charms, and illusions. Does not fatigue. Fire Resistant: Fire does half damage. Sensitive antennae: Due to lack of effective day vision, the lobster uses its antennae to get around and to find its prey. Language: Understands all spoken languages, but has no communication of its own except clicking its pincers to convey a message. Supernatural Physical Strength: Very powerful pincers as powerful as a Nile croc.
Vulnerabilities: Boiling water/Steam: Such attacks (natural and psychic) do double damage to the lobster.
R.C.C. Skills or Equivalents (do not improve with experience): Prowl 86%.
Equivalent Level of Experience: 1D4+4.
Attacks per Melee: 6.
Damage: Pincers: 5D6.
R.C.C. Bonuses (in addition to likely attribute bonuses): Natural born fighters; +2 Strike, +2 Parry, and +2 Dodge.
Magic: None.
Psionics: Considered Minor Psychic needing 12 or higher to save. I.S.P.: 10 x level of experience. Powers: Telekinetic Leap, Telekinetic Push.
Enemies: None per se, but is not fond of water elements, water elementalists, and water druids.
Allies: Solitary, but seek the company of other devil lobsters; better safety (and greater destruction) in numbers. However, cannabalism isn't unheard of.
Habitat: The sea, and sometimes in seafood restaurant lobster tanks.

[Sir Neil]

I think the devil lobster is too strong, unless you want the average lobster to throw over half a ton and kill a person in one pinch.

[vika]

I forgotten about the bonus damage from the P.S. attribute. I think 1D4 damage from the pincer. What you think? Still too strong?

Well and seems that the lobster cannot pick up the automobile because he not has the leverage for to lift such object.

[Natasha]

Still too strong?

Yip.

I'm thinking low 20's for its P.S.

Though I like the deceptively strong angle you've taken.

After all, these are supernasties we're dealing with.

[mrloucifer]

I’m loving everyone’s input on this! It also sounds like people are cool with building onto the Devil Lobster idea (although I’m still curious to see what other ideas you all could bring to this forum).

Here are my thoughts on what’s been created so far on the lobsters;

-“Discorporation: Turns into ooze resembling melted butter and vanishes in 1D4 x15 seconds. Analysis of the ooze will conclude normal butter.”

I LOVE this! My concept idea was to create a possessing entity type of being that possesses lobsters and mutates them magically, but this idea would mean they are themselves the supernatural creature. The idea of melted butter being its discorporation adds to the incidental humor of “demon lobsters” as well. The boiling water damage is priceless as well.

-I agree with Sir Neil that the strength should to be toned down, but I also see Natasha’s point where being deceptively strong is a pretty neat idea as well.

I suggest a compromise between all ideas, put the strength stat with “P.S. 1D6+15”, this gives them a respectable and deceptive amount of PS, but not enough to pick up and throw a car like Sir Neil suggested (although I love that idea ).

-As my tabloid suggested and Vika has picked up on, my concept idea was to make them pack hunters/pranksters, I’m thinking it would be a fun idea to mention that they love causing mayhem together… so where Vika had mentioned that one lobster couldn’t lift a car due to a lack of leverage, what about something like 4 lobsters, one grabbing each tire and lifting it together, they could then be able to fling a car somewhere? Now THAT sound like a fun to me! I give props to Sir Neil for planting that little car seed. 

-With their alignment I would consider 50% Miscreant and 50% diabolic. If they were all diabolic I would see them as being strictly cruel little beasts out to directly slaughter people as opposed to parting in the pranks and general mayhem.

-Another idea I was kicking around during the concept would be to give them an adhesion like ability allowing them to climb up walls and what not like a spider to get access to higher ground for more mayhem.

-my last thought would be to double their size and maybe make a not about altering their pinchers to where they are more “scissor” like with saw teeth or something that would allow them to keep their lobster look, but give them an attribute that makes them a little more terrifying.

If everyone is digging the above ideas and wants to continue with the lobsters i'll be happy to start the first outline (well, technically second since Vika's notes would count as the first outline) and then we all can start disecting those notes and idea and adding and subtracting further.

[mrloucifer]

Maybe a compromise where there is a “10% chance” that one lobster of the brood has either: A) supernatural strength (as in the deceptively strong as Natasha suggested) and/or B) it will be a “super” lobster in that it’s twice the size of the others?

One idea I’ve been considering is a sort of “clothes” demon that shows up at night and likes to hide in closets. It came to me one night as I was just trying to get to sleep and I had one of my sis-in-laws dresses hanging up in my closet (don’t ask why . . . I’m not her size at all, among other “I don’t wear her stuff” factors), and I swear, there was a woman watching me out of it, her neck tilted at an angle as though she had been hanged to death.

So, maybe an emancipated creature, unseen because it is covered in a bedsheet like cloak, just taut enough to have an impression of a beastlike skeleton but no features. It’s bipedal, but can walk/run on all fours just as easily. Something like a “ghost panther” or more insidious . . . just an x4 threat level, but cunning enough to give most hunters a run for their money.

I’ll flesh it out, later.

Thats not bad! I look forward to your fleshing out notes.

[Sir Neil]

I think you mean "emaciated", Elfgirl.

Vika did the hard part, I'm just trying to fine tune it.

*While human PS 16-21 is perfectly respectable for a supernatural prankster, it can still pinch a person to death in 7.75 attacks or ~10 seconds. Should the attacks per melee be reduced?
*How many shotgun blasts, uzi bursts, or magnum rounds should it take to kill one? (I'm leaning toward ~2, it's currently 3.3)
*Are their antennae the equivalent of day vision, or are they stumbling around blind until they feel their prey?
*If they had adhesion, the supermarket raid wouldn't have gone the way it did, but I could see them with the Climbing skill.

[mrloucifer]

Vika did the hard part, I'm just trying to fine tune it.
-Well your doing a fine job of tuning my friend

*While human PS 16-21 is perfectly respectable for a supernatural prankster, it can still pinch a person to death in 7.75 attacks or ~10 seconds. Should the attacks per melee be reduced?
-I wouldnt reduce the actions, I would offer up an tidbit of demon lobster psychology where they arent lethal machines, keep them pranksters first... Have them thrown things at the players, cut power cables to let them fly near the characters, lift up characaters and throw them.... aka let them have "actions" instead of strictly attacking. Helps keep them fresh and unique during combat. There's plenty of lethal killers oif the GM needs that fix.

*How many shotgun blasts, uzi bursts, or magnum rounds should it take to kill one? (I'm leaning toward ~2, it's currently 3.3)
-I'm good with a 2.5 range, especially since its looking like they are "pack pranksters"

*Are their antennae the equivalent of day vision, or are they stumbling around blind until they feel their prey?
-I meant to address this earlier, I was thinking this would make them noctural pranksters as well as create a vulnerability where shining bright flashlights (or bright lights in general) in thier face could cause partial blindness, helping to create more "thinking/stategy" actions from the players.

*If they had adhesion, the supermarket raid wouldn't have gone the way it did, but I could see them with the Climbing skill
-Actually, the supermarket tabloid was to be a tabloid in everyway where the writer embellished that crap out a bit of a story he picked from an unreliable eyewitness. The tabloid article was never intended to give away every detail of the little devils.

Then again, I am cool with keeping it to climbing as well, I was going with the notion adhesion being a creepier/scarier effect.

But I love where this creature is going gang! I would say you all rock...
but it wasnt a rock; it was a ROCK... LOBSTER!!
Thank you everyone, I'm here till Thursday!

[vika]

Devil lobster

Glad you liked the butter and the boiling water damage.

P.S. - maybe 1D4 +15 instead.
Communication - I not sure how do they connive. Need to think more on it.
Alignment - 50% Miscreant, 50% Diabolic. Cool.
Climbing/Adhesion - I thought to use the Telekinetic Leap power for this.
Double size - I like it. Maybe use random determinant like Elfgirl says. Maybe they appear like the normal lobster but can grow when on attack. Need to think more on it.
Hit Points/S.D.C. - Certainly we may dial down the numbers here, too.
Vision - Nocturnal pranksters and vulnerability to bright light works for me. Need to think more on it.

[vika]

One idea I’ve been considering is a sort of “clothes” demon that shows up at night and likes to hide in closets.

Monster in the closet? That is the crazy talk. Go to sleep, dear.

I like it.

[Sir Neil]

Either HP=PE*2 and SDC=6d6
Or HP=PE and SDC=1d6x10

Either way it will take 2-3 shotgun/magnum hits or 4-5 from a 9mm pistol or boiling water jets. If the characters don't have firearms, the number of hits increases dramatically.

For the sake of victim characters, I think boiling water should inflict x10 damage. If the VCs have the luck and skill they need to force crazy strong telekinetic monsters into a pot, make it worth their while. It also makes hydrokinetisists dominate them, but who takes hydrokinesis in the first place? I mean honestly....

*****************
As a GM, I would be unhappy trying to run a pack of 8 lobsters with 12 attacks each against 4 PC's. I suggest we reduce the attacks per round to 4 and drop paired weapons.

[mrloucifer]

*****************
As a GM, I would be unhappy trying to run a pack of 8 lobsters with 12 attacks each against 4 PC's. I suggest we reduce the attacks per round to 4 and drop paired weapons.

Its funny timing that you wrote this last comment ... I ended up thinking about this as I was crashing last night and I came to a similar conclusion to where having Paired weapons and 6 actions is pretty extreme (and to be honest I forgot about the paired weapons when I wrote my last response.) Anyhoo I would agree that lobster packs with paired weapons is potentially a one sided battle. I agree on dropping the paired weapons and going to 4 actions each.

"Either HP=PE*2 and SDC=6d6 or HP=PE and SDC=1d6x10
Either way it will take 2-3 shotgun/magnum hits or 4-5 from a 9mm pistol or boiling water jets. If the characters don't have firearms, the number of hits increases dramatically."

- I would even consider an SDC of 1D4x10+10, 20 s.d.c minimal gives them a small chance of taking more than 1 hit, where 50 can still be taken down in a few rounds or a good burst. going P.E. stat + 2D6 would give a range of about 14 to 28 H.P. so the buffest lobster maxed out is still only 78 total damage, law of average would keep them around 30-40 total points.

For the sake of victim characters, I think boiling water should inflict x10 damage. If the VCs have the luck and skill they need to force crazy strong telekinetic monsters into a pot, make it worth their while. It also makes hydrokinetisists dominate them, but who takes hydrokinesis in the first place? I mean honestly....
-x10 may still be a bit extreme, but I do agree that more vulnerability would help victim games. I hope to write up the second draft of this thing based on our notes tonight or tomorrow and present them and I will try to develop an additional vulnerability or three I go (I tend to give all my creations at least 3 vulnerabilites out of habit).

[vika]

In the original stat block I said they not make noises, but they scream according to the narrative. So, they capable of this at least.

Either HP=PE*2 and SDC=6d6
Or HP=PE and SDC=1d6x10

I want the exoskeleton to be strong. At the start, I think "ok, this monster is for to challenge the high powered PCs". The upper level PCs. The cops killed them though. So maybe 6D6. I know, I know, I am indecisive

This monster cannot be put against some teams. I just started to play on the team we have in Russia, it is just the University professor and some from the senior students. The best gun we can get is hunting gun but cannot carry it in the street on the investigation. If we were the mafia or the government agents it is the different story, of course.

For the sake of victim characters, I think boiling water should inflict x10 damage. If the VCs have the luck and skill they need to force crazy strong telekinetic monsters into a pot, make it worth their while. It also makes hydrokinetisists dominate them, but who takes hydrokinesis in the first place? I mean honestly....

In our group we have psi-mechanic who build hydrokinesis device.

Anyways, I think x10 is good. I does make the reward for the effort better.

*****************
As a GM, I would be unhappy trying to run a pack of 8 lobsters with 12 attacks each against 4 PC's. I suggest we reduce the attacks per round to 4 and drop paired weapons.

5 attacks? If to be honest, I will give 4 without further protest.

[abtex]

found this article about a week ago and did some research on it, and I've heard some shocking info. Not only is this article very likely true, but there have been several other reports of this very same activity happening in several other small town supermarkets in the US, and all fairly recent. Read the article and I'll give my thoughts on what may be the cause.

In several supermarkets? Who or what started the Lobsters to go wild? Add a source for the problem. Or Sources, local water, shipping company, wholesaler, lobster fishermen trying for a better catch, little girl wanting daddy [a fisherman] to be happy and reading something in and old book to help him, or something/one else trying to stop the sale of lobsters or cursed the supermarket chain for some reason(s).

So, maybe an emancipated creature, unseen because it is covered in a bedsheet like cloak, just taut enough to have an impression of a beastlike skeleton but no features. It’s bipedal, but can walk/run on all fours just as easily. Something like a “ghost panther” or more insidious . . . just an x4 threat level, but cunning enough to give most hunters a run for their money.

I’ll flesh it out, later.

Something like the spare blanket that's lays on the end of a bed, in the old house? That might crawl up over you at night or down the hall and lays on the floor like a rug while you are in the bathroom. Hopely it can not wall climb like a spider and hang on the ceiling or over the window. Did you really pack that spare blanket for the camping trip?

[vika]

I make the boring suggestion, and say that there was the total solar eclipse on 1 August 2008.

If to stay on the timeline of Tabloid Hound's post then to search the celestial events calendar and pick some event. Of course always the chance for the random dimensional portal to rip open. Or the summoner who loses control of his marines.

[mrloucifer]

Ok gang, this is the second draft based on what I've read and deducted from the notes so far. Mind you we arent finished yet so reccomendations, observation and changes are all still encouraged.

Devil Lobster
Also known as the Maine Prankster and Demon Crustacean
Alignment: Half are Diabolic, the other half Miscreant.
Attributes: I.Q. 1D4 +8, M.E. 1D6+5, M.A. 1D6+5, P.S. 1D6+10 (Supernatural),
P.P. 2D6+10, P.E. 1D6+10, P.B. 1D4+3, Spd 1D4+10
Armor Rating (A.R.): 10, any attack less than 11 does no damage even if it hits.
Hit Points: 2D6 plus P.E. attribute number.
S.D.C.: 1D4 x10 +10.
Discorporation: When slain, the Devil Lobster’s body breaks down into a thick layer of slimy ooze that resembles melted butter. Examination of the ooze will reveal it to be ordinary butter.
Threat Level: x4; Prankster, a Lesser Demon
Horror Factor: 9
Size: Typically about 6-9 inches tall and 24-30 inched long (resembling “jumbo” sized clawed or Maine lobsters in market terms).
Weigh: Typically between 3 to 4 pounds.
Average Life Span: Unknown, probably immortal.
P.P.E.: 1D6.
Natural Abilities: Nocturnal pranksters and predators, supernatural P.S. and P.E.; never tires. Excellent Nightvision (700 feet), does not need to breathe air, can leap five feet high and across, ambidextrous and bio-regenerates 1D4 S.D.C. or Hit Points per hour.
Group Telepathic Communication: The Devil Lobsters and naturally drawn to work in packs and groups. When a group has banded together they bond to each other psychically, allowing them to keep in continual contact and awareness of each other. This allows them to perform coordinated ambushed and attacks or work as a team to perform a variety of tasks they wouldn’t be able to do alone. The maximum distance they can travel from each other is 1000 feet before losing their psychic connection. However if one Demon Lobster gets separated from the group and finds their way back, their connection is instantly restored. There is no limit to the number of Devil Lobsters sharing in the group communication.
Sensitive Antennas: A Devil Lobsters have both a set of large and small antenna. The large helps them detect movement and shadows and find their way in dark (even pitch black) environments while their small antennas help them recognize specific odors and chemicals. Together they allow the Devil Lobster to move about unhindered in complete darkness along with the ability to track by smell at 50%.
Knows all Languages: Magically understands all languages at 60%, but they are not able to speak or read. They can however emit an ear piercing screech (and usually do so when attacking) and snap and click their claws to make noise. They communicate with each other via telepathy (see psionics below).
Fire Resistant: Normal fire attacks do half damage to a Devil Lobster, while magic or psionic based fire attacks do full damage.
Limited invulnerability: Invulnerable to poison, gases, toxins, mind control, possession, charms, and illusions.
Vulnerabilities: 1.Boiling water and Steam based attacks. Such attacks (normal or psychic) bypass their armor rating and inflicts triple damage (x3) to the devil lobster.
2. Man-made weapons that Penetrate its A.R. inflict full damage, as do magic, psionics and physical blows.
3. Sensitive to light. The Devil Lobster is a nocturnal prankster and predator and does not like bright light. When in bright or well lit environments the Devil Lobster is partially blinded and suffers a loss of one action and -3 to all strike, parry and dodge rolls. Perception rolls are impossible while the Devil Lobster is partially blinded by light. Even as simple as shinning a flashlight in the Devil Lobsters eyes is enough to affect them.
R.C.C. Skills or Equivalents (do not improve with experience): Swim 95%, Prowl 85%, Climbing 80%, Land Navigation 70% and Track Humanoids 40%.
Equivalent Level of Experience: 1D4+3.
Attacks per Melee: Four physical or psionic attacks per melee.
Damage: (creation note: To be completed, but will include pincher styled attacks and crushing attacks).
R.C.C. Bonuses (in addition to attribute bonuses): +2 Strike, Parry and +2 Dodge, +4 Perception rolls (in dark areas) and +3 save vs. Horror Factor.
Magic: None.
Psionics: Needs a 12 or higher to save vs. psionic attacks. I.S.P.: 1D6x10 +10.
Limited Psi-Powers: Levitation, Telekinesis, Telekinetic Leap (8), Telekinetic Lift (7) and Telekinetic Push (4).
Enemies: They despise human beings and see them as prey and fodder for their pranks and mischief. However, they are kindling something of a grudge match with Gremlins, who see their habits and talents for pranks encroaching on their “territory”. Consequently Gremlins and Devil Lobsters have begun to pull pranks on each other when they can and their pranks are becoming more and more dangerous. In time, a full blown hatred between them will inevitably blossom.
It’s also interesting to note that the Devil Lobster is cannibalistic and has been known to attack and eat their wounded.
Allies: The Devil Lobster is a social creature, but only amongst their own kind. They may congregate in packs of dozens up to hundreds happily, but generally wont associate with anyone else, human or non human.
Habitat: The majority of their sightings have been in cities that dot the worlds many coastlines, but can be found anywhere. Many travel in disguise as live lobsters and therefore can be found lying in wait for an ambush at seafood restaurants, fish markets, Supermarkets, shipping companies and other unexpected locations.

I still plan to write up an description and include the tabloid that started this little venture, but I wanted to get the stats out of the way first

Whatcha think peeps?

[mrloucifer]

I forgot to mention this... I was thinking last night that even though the Devil Lobster is based on an idea I created, it has since evolved with everyone's input to the point that when I submit the Devil Lobster to the Rifter, I really cant keep the proceeds in good conscience (pending that the submission gets accepted and published).

So, I'm hoping you all will agree with me and give me your blessing in that I plan to donate all the funds from the Devil Lobster (or any future monsters we may create together) to Palladium Books.

I work for Paypal and therefore have an account and I plan to forward on the funds to the account Palladium had created for donations back when the "crisis of treachery" began.

[vika]

Neat.

Discorporation: Does the butter fade away or it remains?
Vulnerabilities: the "flash" stun needs duration. 1 melee round?
Damage: Pinch: 2D6 damage; Power/Crushing pinch: 4D6 and costs 2 attacks.

Maybe Palladium can write another contract for...eh...gifts? Then they not have to fuss with sending payment just to receive it back. Just it seems to me to be inefficient. If such contract is not possible, so be it as you say.

[sasha]

I think donating material to be published is a wonderful idea.

I think your suggestions for the stat block are pretty good Vika. You should come over and bring some cake.

[mrloucifer]

I think you mean "emaciated", Elfgirl.

Thanks for the save, Neil. [initiate] Willie hug [/initiate]
Yes, I meant “emaciated.” Dang finals equivalents are using up my dictionary. [One of the reasons I’ll just flesh it out “later”. . .] (thank goodness for the holidays . . . hope they come soon!)
*a way to remember . . . it wasn’t the “Emaciated Proclamation,” but the “Emancipation Proclamation” . . . right?

I cant wait to hear more on your idea... that image you drew up of this dress with someone in with their head queerly cocked as if she had a broken neck from being hung is one I plan to use in my game in the near future

[mrloucifer]

Neat.

Discorporation: Does the butter fade away or it remains?
Vulnerabilities: the "flash" stun needs duration. 1 melee round?
Damage: Pinch: 2D6 damage; Power/Crushing pinch: 4D6 and costs 2 attacks.

Maybe Palladium can write another contract for...eh...gifts? Then they not have to fuss with sending payment just to receive it back. Just it seems to me to be inefficient. If such contract is not possible, so be it as you say.

Yes, the butter remains. I am a fan of keeping the physical materials supernatural beings use to anchor themselves to our plane of existance as opposed to the "vanishes moments later bit". To me its a more nerve racking experience on Parapsychologists and hunters when they destroy something and cant prove it, becauSe all they could say is "DEVIL LOBSTERS EXIST! YOU SEE ALL THESE BUTTERY SMEARS ON THE FLOOR DONT YOU?!?! THAT WAS THEM! IT WAS I TELL YA!" and that would earn them a free ride with the boys in white.

I didnt think of a blinding duration.. perhaps for as long as the light is affecting that and one round after they've retreated or found a dark area before their sight returns to normal.

Your damage notes arent too shabby now that their P.S. damage isnt quite so lethal. I'll note them for the next draft

-Ive talked to Wayne before about donating materials, but he mentioned that they have too pay for the submission they get (I dont know if its a law thing of a Palladium policy) but what we choose to do with it once we get a check is our own affair.

[sasha]

3. Sensitive to light. The Devil Lobster is a nocturnal prankster and predator and does not like bright light. When in bright or well lit environments the Devil Lobster is partially blinded and suffers a loss of one action and -3 to all strike, parry and dodge rolls. Perception rolls are impossible while the Devil Lobster is partially blinded by light. Even as simple as shinning a flashlight in the Devil Lobsters eyes is enough to affect them.

I would suggest that they lose an action only in the first round they enter light or get flashed in the eyes with light; also I would deepen the penalties to something like -5. My thinking is that the loss of action reflects the stun from the light, but they marginally recover.

That means if they are in light for a second round, they get all four actions, however, they still suffer combat/perception penalties. I understand that this could be too much bookkeeping for some GM's tastes. So I'm not exactly married to the idea.

I like mrloucifer's suggestion that once they have found darkness, the penalties persist for one full round, then they're back to normal.

If our schedule allows it, I may do some playtesting with this creature over the weekend.

[mrloucifer]

If our schedule allows it, I may do some playtesting with this creature over the weekend.

WHOA!!! Thats freaky Sasha, I was thinking the same thing with my group this sunday

I would encourage anyone else who can to play test and let me know whats working and whats not. there's no hurry to submit this to the rifter (we'd have till about mid December if we wanted to try for issue #45) so there is time to play and tweak this beast into something special.

Personally, I look forward to seeing the title in the Rifter read "The Devil Lobster- written with cooperative effort by members of the BTS Forum"

[sasha]

WHOA!!! Thats freaky Sasha,

I am freaky heh.

I was thinking the same thing with my group this sunday

Great minds think alike.

[Sir Neil]

I was thinking last night that even though the Devil Lobster is based on an idea I created, it has since evolved with everyone's input to the point that when I submit the Devil Lobster to the Rifter, I really cant keep the proceeds in good conscience...

Meh, writing gaming stuff is like shooting people -- getting money for it is nice, but I do it because I like it.

**********
I don't see a need for the revised lobster to have supernatural strength -- human PS is enough for it to be a challenge without giving it the power to punch through walls and throw people by the ankles. I don't have BTS2 anymore, so I'm not sure which monsters Zombeida gave supernatural strength and which got normal strength. If you do keep SNPS, just use that for pinch and power pinch damage: 5/10 for most lobsters, 8/16 for ones with PS 16.

*It can take 55 average damage. You'd have to spray each with boiling water four times to kill it.
*Why is a food-shaped monster made out of butter resistant to normal fire?
*Also, I'd increase the light penalty to -4 so GMs just have to remember the number 2: Add in dark, subtract in light.

In our group we have psi-mechanic who build hydrokinesis device.

Yeah, my sister's physical psychic had hydrokinesis, too. Out of fifty adventures he used it once, to gather dew for a kitten to drink.

[initiate] Willie hug [/initiate]

*squish*

[mrloucifer]

Meh, writing gaming stuff is like shooting people -- getting money for it is nice, but I do it because I like it.

-Wurd is bond. I'm not paying any bills with my Rifter submissions I assure you... its strict for the love of the game

-I had thought about scrapping the Supernatural P.S., but keeping it between 10-16 P.S. wont add onto their damage bonus (well, a 16 gets +1 to damage, but big woof on that), and it serves purposes like breaking out of the aquariums, resturants and what not that contain them when they ambush people or plain help in their causing mishcief and mayhem. a Supernatural ps of 15 is really about a regular ps of 30 so they still arent way out there.

-Very few monsters lack Supernatural P.S. in the core book. Those that dont arent really predator minded being so it doesnt suit them. They beings are very physically involved and would need it, especially in light of their diminuitve stature.

-I like your -4 penality logic, I will adjust it

-I'm still in debate on the fire thing, anyone else with comments or thoughts on the fire resistance is encouraged to speak up as well.

-about the boiling water, I'm open to suggestion... should be create specific lists for damage and make it higher damage? upjust the x3 to x5 or even higher?
OOH!! I just thought of this, how about instantly reducing all remaining sdc with boiling/steam attack and the same with HP? That would mean death in two hits

[sasha]

Many supernatural creatures do have resistances and invulnerabilities. I have no problem with the fire resistance. I would also up the boiling water damage to no less than x5; I don't see anything wrong with x10. After all, coming up with boiling water isn't the easiest thing in the world to do.

These monsters can take a lot of damage, but that's not something I have a great deal of problem with either. I think from a GM's point of view that having any more than four of them at any one time is going to be overwhelming. I would make them less of a swarm where there's only one or two, perhaps somehow encouraging other "regular" lobsters around them to go ape, but they're still just regular lobsters that can get crushed under boot.

Power level and balance are moving targets because some teams are high powered while others don't have a shred of offensive capability. That makes design incredibly difficult since it's so hard to decide where you want to strike the balance.

The playtests will help will shed some light on the matter, I think.

[Sir Neil]

Wurd is bond.

How can I argue with that.

Power level and balance are moving targets because some teams are high powered while others don't have a shred of offensive capability.

That's a reason I try to compare the monster against technology instead of characters. A challenge designed for Ghostspider and Celeste would shred Eilonwy and Hannah, but a 9mm always does 10.5 damage.

[mrloucifer]

But yes, playtesting is good, and I also like Sasha’s idea about ordinary lobsters, when in a certain proximity to the evilbad lobsters, go crazy.

Actually, I like the idea as well and have added it to my playtest notes for Sunday to see how it all goes. I can also tweak the notes to where groups of four sync up psychically instead of a wide spread range.

[sasha]

It's not everyday that I have a likable idea.
Thanks!

[mrloucifer]

Ok gang, for those who planto playtest this weekend, ive just updated my draft (making this #3) with the info weve been talking about. Enjoy and release some lobster hell on your players

Reminder: The Demon Lobster is jumbo sized and has a blue-green tint to their shell and will stand out against normal lobsters.

The Devil Lobster
Also known as the Maine Prankster and Demon Crustacean
Alignment: Half are Diabolic, the other half Miscreant.
Attributes: I.Q. 1D4 +8, M.E. 1D6+5, M.A. 1D6+5, P.S. 1D6+10 (Supernatural),
P.P. 2D6+10, P.E. 1D6+10, P.B. 1D4+3, Spd 1D4+10
Armor Rating (A.R.): 10, any attack less than 11 does no damage even if it hits.
Hit Points: 2D6 plus P.E. attribute number.
S.D.C.: 1D4 x10 +10.
Discorporation: When slain, the Devil Lobster’s body breaks down into a thick layer of slimy ooze that resembles melted butter. Examination of the ooze will reveal it to be ordinary butter.
Threat Level: x4; Prankster, a Lesser Demon
Horror Factor: 9
Size: Typically about 6-9 inches tall and 24-30 inched long (resembling “jumbo” sized clawed or Maine lobsters in market terms).
Weight: Typically between 3 to 4 pounds.
Average Life Span: Unknown, probably immortal.
P.P.E.: 1D6.
Natural Abilities: Nocturnal pranksters and predators, supernatural P.S. and P.E.; never tires. Excellent Nightvision (700 feet), does not need to breathe air, can leap five feet high and across, ambidextrous and bio-regenerates 1D4 S.D.C. or Hit Points per hour.
Shape Change into Maine Lobster: To blend in with normal lobsters, the Demon Lobster can reduce its size and change its colors to resemble a normal lobster. These changes take place instantly (does not cost an action) and they can change at will. While the Demon Lobster loses all their supernatural abilities when imitating a normal lobster, they do not emit a supernatural aura and therefore won’t be felt by nearby psychics.
Pack Telepathic Communication: The Devil Lobsters and naturally drawn together and work in packs for four. When a pack has banded together they bond to each other psychically, allowing them to keep in continual contact and awareness of each other. This allows them to perform coordinated ambushes or work as a team to perform a variety of tasks they wouldn’t be able to do alone. The maximum distance they can travel from each other is 1000 feet before losing their psychic connection. However if one Demon Lobster gets separated from the pack and finds their way back, their connection is instantly restored.
Influence normal lobsters: When a pack of Devil Lobsters are bonded together, their psychic bond also affects any Maine Lobster (also referred to as the clawed lobster) within 1000ft of the pack. Normal lobsters under their influence will suddenly spring to life and begin attacking the people closest to it. This is more of a distraction and amusing prank than dangerous, however their distraction can prove deadly as the Devil Lobsters may be given time to attack someone or set up a wicked trap or prank.
Stats for a normal Maine Lobster: S.D.C. is 1D12+1 points, has no armor rating (they can simply be crushed underfoot), does one single point of damage per pinching attack, and has no special climbing ability or powers otherwise. They will simply attack whatever they can reach (usually the feet, ankles and calves unless attacking a downed opponent). A stomp attack on a normal lobster does 1D6 S.D.C. plus damage bonus.
Sensitive Antennas: A Devil Lobsters have both a set of large and small antenna. The large helps them detect movement and shadows and find their way in dark (even pitch black) environments while their small antennas help them recognize specific odors and chemicals. Together they allow the Devil Lobster to move about unhindered in complete darkness along with the ability to track by smell at 50%.
Knows all Languages: Magically understands all languages at 60%, but they are not able to speak or read. They can however emit an ear piercing screech (and usually do so when attacking) and snap and click their claws to make noise. They communicate with each other via telepathy (see psionics below).
Limited invulnerability: Invulnerable to poison, gases, toxins, mind control, possession, charms, and illusions.
Vulnerabilities: 1.Boiling water and Steam based attacks. Such attacks are extremely damaging to a Devil Lobster and bypasses their Armor Rating, doing 1D4 x 10 per strike. This includes psionic attacks like Hydrokinesis and Steam Blast as well as simply spilling a pot of boiling water or bursting a steam pipe.
2. Man-made weapons that penetrate its A.R. inflict full damage, as do magic, psionics and physical blows.
3. Sensitive to light. The Devil Lobster is a nocturnal prankster and predator and does not like bright light. When subjected to bright or well lit environments the Devil Lobster is partially blinded and suffers a loss of an action (due to the unexpected shock) followed by a penalty of -4 to all strike, parry and dodge rolls while in the light. Perception rolls are impossible while the Devil Lobster is partially blinded. The combat penalties continue to affect them for one melee round after they’ve found shelter from the light. Shinning a flashlight in the Devil Lobsters eyes are enough to affect them.
R.C.C. Skills or Equivalents (do not improve with experience): Swim 95%, Prowl 85%, Climbing 80%, Land Navigation 70% and Track Humanoids 40%.
Equivalent Level of Experience: 1D4+3.
Attacks per Melee: Four physical or psionic attacks per melee.
Damage: Pincher claw attacks do 1D8 damage while crusher claw attacks do 2D6 damage. A power crushing claw attack does 4D6 (costs 2 attacks).
R.C.C. Bonuses (in addition to attribute bonuses): +2 Strike, Parry and +2 Dodge, +4 Perception rolls (in dark areas) and +4 save vs. Horror Factor.
Magic: None.
Psionics: Needs a 12 or higher to save vs. psionic attacks. I.S.P.: 1D6x10 +10.
Limited Psi-Powers: Levitation, Telekinesis, Telekinetic Leap (8), Telekinetic Lift (7) and Telekinetic Push (4).
Enemies: They despise human beings and see them as prey and fodder for their pranks and mischief. However, they are kindling something of a grudge match with Gremlins, who see their habits and talent for pranks encroaching on their “territory”. Consequently Gremlins and Devil Lobsters have begun pulling pranks on each other when they can and their pranks are becoming more and more dangerous. In time, a full blown hatred between them will inevitably blossom.
It’s also interesting to note that the Devil Lobster is cannibalistic and has been known to attack and eat their wounded.
Allies: The Devil Lobster is a social creature, but only amongst their own kind. They may congregate in packs of dozens up to hundreds happily, but generally wont associate with anyone else, human or non human.
Habitat: The majority of their sightings have been in cities that dot the worlds many coastlines, but can be found anywhere. Many travel in disguise as live lobsters and therefore can be found lying in wait for an ambush at seafood restaurants, fish markets, supermarkets, shipping companies and other unexpected locations.

[Sir Neil]

Hey, let’s not get personal here, Sir Neil!

I'm giving you the truth with both hands. I mean, what can Hannah do besides make a mockery of tresspassing laws by running across rooftops like the Tick?

[sasha]

The Lobsters

As it turns out the devil lobsters were too much for the group (lowish powered group, only 3 members with appreciable combat skills and those aren't really worth to write home about); they got cut to pieces. As a result, I tried a lower powered lobster, and the team fared much better, but still got good and cut up. Deceptively powerful monsters!

After we ran the scenario a couple of times, Vika came up with the idea of creating a greater and lesser devil lobster. Then we came up with a bare bones scheme to limit the number of lobsters encountered. This should be tunable since it's not going to be burdensome for all GMs and PCs. In addition to keeping the numbers down, I really liked the cannibalistic nature Vika suggested a while back and decided to accent that somewhat.

Greater Devil Lobster (as in mrloucifer's post above, with following modifications and additions)

• Leap attack, takes 2 attacks.
• Equivalent of Hand to Hand: Basic, level 1, in addition to other bonuses.
• Only 2 greater lobsters will cooperate; if there are more they will pair up and attack each other to the death.
• Will cooperate with 2 lesser lobsters for a total of four lobsters teamed up (2 greater, 2 lesser).

Lesser Devil Lobster

• Made blindness cause lobsters to automatically lose initiative and two attacks per melee round.
• Takes orders from the greater lobster it choses to follow (this may prompt a snubbed greater lobster to attack and kill the lesser lobster).
• Lowered lesser lobster's natural armour rating to 7.
• All attributes are -2.
• Adjusted lesser lobster's Hit Points to P.E. attribute number.
• Adjusted lesser lobster's S.D.C. to 6D6.
• No equivalent hand to hand skill (means no automatic parry, too).
• No leap attack.
• Will only tolerate as many as 4 other lesser lobsters, unless teamed up with a greater lobster in which case only one other lesser lobster will be tolerated.

[mrloucifer]

I'll post my play test outing when I havea moment to write them, but my outing turned out very differently..

As far as the "greater and lesser" lobster idea goes, I like it, but maybe it would be better to create a "BTS" lobster and a "Victims campaign" lobster type?

[vika]

I wanted to play the scenario more times. And we played a total of 5 times: 2 over weekend, 3 today. I also want to try with some higher powered characters. But here are the details from playtests.

The character team (average level of experience are 2).
Physical Psychic, the only fighter with HtH: Martial Arts and high P.S. - as much as 26 (+11 damage or something like this) with Summon Supernatural Strength power and ambidextrous (paired weapons).
Ordinary Person, HtH: Basic.
Psychic Mechanic, HtH: Basic.
Psychic Healer, no hand to hand fighting, and he was occupied saving the lifes of the restaurant workers and joined late. Not really the fighter anyway.
Latent Psychic (me ), no fighting skills at all.

Weapons: batons (2D6 damage).

Lobster count: 4 of the devil lobsters, 2D4 of the normal lobsters determined at the start of the encounter.

The setting: Some small seafood restaurant and the lobsters start the trouble in the back of the restaurant by killing two from the workers and almost cutting another girl's hand from her wrist. It was the cut artery and she sprayed the patrons with blood just before she passed out when she run from the back screaming like hell knows what. Our healer was always late to fight and the lobsters would barricade the door throwing the food preparation tables to it and so on. Also, lobsters killed the lights so they were able to leap in the darkness to make the surprise attacks on our characters.

The ones from today were much better for us, but we still got beat up a lot.

The biggest problem we as the team found was to keep the lobsters where we could see them. Only my character has the Nightvision power, and she cannot use it at will. When it activated by itself (finally) she could help the guys who had to use their flashlights and the lobsters have many places to hide into and leap from to attack and surprise. They guerrilla'd us to exhaustion and death. Also having poor combat skills and psychic powers for combat and fighting against the supernatural fighting machine is the big disadvantage. We lowered natural armour rating for all devil lobsters nevermind the variant. We also make them x5 Threat Level when > 2 appear. This gives the psychics some more I.S.P. to work with since we were running out of it.

Fun monster.

[sasha]

Yes, especially since they were playtests and so the characters weren't actually massacred.

Elfy, is your clothes monster a Possessing Entity of some sort? Hurry up. I'm anxious to see!

[mrloucifer]

Ok moi peeps, this is how my Sundays play test went down;

I’m going to use Vika’s write up style for consistency (that and I liked how he made it look )

The Character team: (I didn’t use lobsters in Friday’s game, I had 4 players in Sundays game).
-8th level Parapsychologist
-7th Level Medium
-4th level Diviner
-3rd level Ordinary Human
NPC: 13th level Parapsychologist (in his late 60’s)

Weapons on hand: My group is paranoid and carried concealed Glock’s in their jackets, only the NPC didn’t carry a weapon

Lobster count: 7 D.L. and 10 regular

Location: Seafood restaurant in Seattle (Vika and I seem very like minded as our details are similar in a few places below)

My NPC took the gang to dinner to celebrate the opening of their new “Lazlo Society” office. He knew the owners of the seafood place and pulled some strings to be served after hours via special reservations. So it was the group and minimal staff in the joint. Of course there was the standard aquarium in the front, and a tank in the back for the extra lobsters.

In the midst of their dinner it started with the sounds of crashing, splashing, rummaging and screaming in the kitchen (just after the Diviner reads a sign that says “supernatural danger is near” from the candle at the center of the table). The Medium and Parapsychologist runs to the back; diviner, ordinary human and NPC stays in front.

The host and waiter runs from the kitchen and into the men’s restroom in a panic, the 2 players in the kitchen find the chef being mauled by 3 D.L. and 5 regulars just before the lights go out (4th lobster was off doing this and returned later) The battle with these two becomes a gunfight and stomp fest, but at one point the Para takes a pot of boiling water on the stove to a D.L. and destroys it. They kill all 4 lobsters in several rounds (some of it would be luck rolling on their part and poor rolls on mine) they killed three of the regular lobsters before the 4 D.L. were dead and the remaining reverted to their normal docile manner one the D.L's died.

I had the lobsters use Telekinesis to shove them, leap attack at them and throw cutlery at the players. They both took damage (one enough in the calves/ankles to the point of limping/penalties). They didn’t have flashlights, but the fire light from the stove and a zippo lighter (the medium smokes) so they could see their outlines but lacked called shot ability.

Out front the three jumped from their chairs when the host & waiter ran to the bathroom. after the lights went out they heard the front aquarium crash and heard the “click clacks” of lobsters on the linoleum entranceway. The diviner immediately broke a leg off a chair, took a table cloth and poured some wine over it, lighting it for an instant torch for light while the other two followed his example and made a make shift bonfire on a table with a few table cloths and some wine, taking their next few actions just as three D.L. and 6 lobsters came scuttling into the food area. Similar attacks by the lobsters were used, including leap attacks, standard snapping at theier legs and hurling forks and knives. The diviner had luck of the dice and a knack for the seat of his pants on his side and threw the wine bottle at one DL, lighting it on fire with his torch thenext action, finally killing it off by spilling a fresh pot of coffee on the lobster (I realized that hot coffee can be a weapon against these things!)

Then he read a sign that told him to watch out, so he ducked as a lobster leapt for him, missing and landed on a hearby table. Diviner took the table cloth and wrapped the D.L. up inside and ran to the kitchen, shoving the D.L. into a second boiling pot of agua. The NPC and ordinary human were rolling poorly and had to resort to wrestling and grapping the last DL (one bear hugged the main body while the other grabbed and fought its claws.) and spent the rest of the time dodging normal lobsters till the others could help them finish it off.

All I can say is that the Devil Lobsters are in great shape and ready for submission soon

In will update my notes with the following of Vika’s recommendations;
-I like the leap attack idea; I was using telekinesis to do so in my game already
-I’m not sure about the HTH equivalent thing Vika, I need some explaining on this and why you think so. In the meantime I’ll hold off on that.
-I can see the 4 sharing the same mind as being over powering on lower level/power characters so I will reduce it to two.
-I will update the vulnerabilities to include "steaming hot water" so hot coffee, cocoa, tea and whatnot can be weapons as well.
-I will write their descriptions to make sure and mention that they are pranksters first and will not outright brutal attack, opting for using telekinesis attacks and whatnot (makes them not quite as dangerous and more fun to play as a GM in my opinion).

The players had an absolute BLAST fighting the Devil Lobsters; they were talking about the war stories of the encounter by the end of the night.

My next revision will be tweaking what was mentioned and then make a “lesser/victims game” version of the Lobsters and see how that looks.

I think people are going to LOVE using Devil Lobsters in their game… I am so glad we are all doing this together. Sharing the ideas and thoughts with everyone has not only brought an deflated monster idea to life, but now it just pops and creates lots of potential for a surprise monster.

[mrloucifer]

Sounds like you had an awesome time, Vika.

I have the stats down for my closet monster, now I just need to come up with all the abilities and weaknesses. And I basically know how I want those to work out . . .

I look forward as well, but I do have one suggestion... you should start another topic to post it. I would think throwing multiple idea on this thread will get really confusing.

You could title with something like "Monster creation workshop #2: the closet monster"

[sasha]

Location: Seafood restaurant in Seattle (Vika and I seem very like minded as our details are similar in a few places below)

My NPC took the gang to dinner to celebrate the opening of their new “Lazlo Society” office.

Ha ha. That's nearly the same pretext we used. The set up for the PCs was that they were celebrating the successful hunting down and killing of a Brain Burrower. Except they weren't alone in the restaurant at the time the lobsters sprung their attack.

-I like the leap attack idea; I was using telekinesis to do so in my game already

Yea, this is something we talked about. Originally, Vika gave the devil lobsters Telekinetic Leap psychic power. But then she suggested adding Leap Attack since the lobsters have natural leaping ability, too. The primary difference is range (I think, I left my book at her apartment, so I can't look it up right now).

The players had an absolute BLAST fighting the Devil Lobsters; they were talking about the war stories of the encounter by the end of the night.

Although the PCs we were using got chopped up, much fun was had in the process.

While on the bus earlier today I was trying to come up with some more adventure hooks for these monsters. I'll get those organised and posted later.

I think people are going to LOVE using Devil Lobsters in their game… I am so glad we are all doing this together. Sharing the ideas and thoughts with everyone has not only brought an deflated monster idea to life, but now it just pops and creates lots of potential for a surprise monster.

100% agreed.

[sasha]

Will be using Thanksgiving break for catchup time . . .

Catchup on turkey? Eww.

[vika]

-I’m not sure about the HTH equivalent thing Vika, I need some explaining on this and why you think so. In the meantime I’ll hold off on that.

The design decision is based on the innate fighting ability of the monster. This skill provides them with the automatic parry, rolling with impact, and pulled pinch. My original design was the powerful prankster requiring the powerful PC team to fight them. Even if the monster has the equivalent of level of experience of 5 for example, they still get HtH: Basic at the level 1. Without the automatic parry - more than any from the other things - it becomes the less powerful monster. But maybe the prankster nature requires to remove the equivalency.

[mrloucifer]

-I’m not sure about the HTH equivalent thing Vika, I need some explaining on this and why you think so. In the meantime I’ll hold off on that.

The design decision is based on the innate fighting ability of the monster. This skill provides them with the automatic parry, rolling with impact, and pulled pinch. My original design was the powerful prankster requiring the powerful PC team to fight them. Even if the monster has the equivalent of level of experience of 5 for example, they still get HtH: Basic at the level 1. Without the automatic parry - more than any from the other things - it becomes the less powerful monster. But maybe the prankster nature requires to remove the equivalency.

I follow you now Vika, and I must say qe seem to be on a simialr wave length, I was thinking about this action issue as well (before I understood your HTH theory) and I was concidering giving them "Auto Dodge" to compensate for this.

As such small and prankish creatures I would see them dodging something before parrying. The lack of weight/leverage would means that players could swing a nin iron at them and even if they parried they would go flying.

So I follow you, but I still think something like Auto Dodge would be more beneficial for them. What do you think?

[Sir Neil]

They killed Sasha's team three times in a row -- five times? -- autododge is not something they need. The rules don't take into account weight/leverage, so if they had HTH Basic they could auto-parry any melee attack. But what if we don't give them HTH Basic, and say the reason they need to spend an attack to parry is because they have to brace themselves first? Or, you could mention in vulnerabilities that undodged attacks send them flying.

Another thing is we should just make Victim Lobsters. To challenge real PCs, you just use more of them....