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Here's Our Favourite (and least favourite) D&D Monsters!
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<blockquote data-quote="Von Ether" data-source="post: 8614452" data-attributes="member: 15582"><p>I'm surprised too as the Aboleth has gotten a bit of exposure as a SRD monster 3pp publishers can actually use compared to the other two. Though, my strongest memories of that is back in 3e. Perhaps 5e 3pp haven't used it as often.</p><p></p><p>Perhaps it's because most of its powers and tactics are for the final physical confrontation as compared what the creature was doing before to get the PCs attention. Its true "mastermind" power in most editions has been to allegedly use telepathy to tempt NPC with promises and lies until they get close enough to be enslaved or transformed into pawns (line of sight, 30 feet) so as to serve the masterplan. The pawns usually trick more people by bringing them near and the creature helps by casting illusions so the victim has their guard down until the last moment. </p><p></p><p>The most straightforward solution, a very long distance Charm effect, seems to be the one thing every designer has avoided. since 3e, probably out of fear of getting a party overly dominated.</p><p></p><p>In 5e, it's more roundabout and not spelled out as much. The creature has to capitalize on Probing Telepathy but it doesn't have a Deception skill (which would be an 8+ or so). And an Aboleth's telepathy is only 120 feet. A humanoid pretty much as to trip over the monster to become agent 0 in the creature's plans for upper world domination. Especially since they are out of the way places.</p><p></p><p>So in trying to keep PC from being dominated or charmed over long distance or over a long time (which admittedly is not fun and a hassle to juggle as a GM), the monster's abilities to create an NPC network gets lost in the shuffle.</p><p></p><p>Sometimes, I'd like to see small adventure paths that break out some these classic creatures. Like a 1-10 AP for an Aboleth storyline. Or beginners adventure vs a Wight (they have a 10 Int, so they are not mindless.)</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Von Ether, post: 8614452, member: 15582"] I'm surprised too as the Aboleth has gotten a bit of exposure as a SRD monster 3pp publishers can actually use compared to the other two. Though, my strongest memories of that is back in 3e. Perhaps 5e 3pp haven't used it as often. Perhaps it's because most of its powers and tactics are for the final physical confrontation as compared what the creature was doing before to get the PCs attention. Its true "mastermind" power in most editions has been to allegedly use telepathy to tempt NPC with promises and lies until they get close enough to be enslaved or transformed into pawns (line of sight, 30 feet) so as to serve the masterplan. The pawns usually trick more people by bringing them near and the creature helps by casting illusions so the victim has their guard down until the last moment. The most straightforward solution, a very long distance Charm effect, seems to be the one thing every designer has avoided. since 3e, probably out of fear of getting a party overly dominated. In 5e, it's more roundabout and not spelled out as much. The creature has to capitalize on Probing Telepathy but it doesn't have a Deception skill (which would be an 8+ or so). And an Aboleth's telepathy is only 120 feet. A humanoid pretty much as to trip over the monster to become agent 0 in the creature's plans for upper world domination. Especially since they are out of the way places. So in trying to keep PC from being dominated or charmed over long distance or over a long time (which admittedly is not fun and a hassle to juggle as a GM), the monster's abilities to create an NPC network gets lost in the shuffle. Sometimes, I'd like to see small adventure paths that break out some these classic creatures. Like a 1-10 AP for an Aboleth storyline. Or beginners adventure vs a Wight (they have a 10 Int, so they are not mindless.) [/QUOTE]
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