a.k.a. the Murderhobo’s Natural Predator.
You know what’s fun? Setting up powerful enemies to destroy your party of murderhobos. You know what’s even more fun? Hiding these powerful enemies in plain sight.
This idea has probably been done repeatedly, but I just want to bring in a few of my own ideas for a few different Murderhobo situations.
a.k.a. Marble Bunny application
Does your game have a “Beginner’s Mook” like Dragon Quest slimes, Goombas in the Mario series, or Kingdom Hearts’ basic Shadow Heartless? The most basic enemies that are meant to be the first encounter for the players? Do your murderhobos enjoy slaughtering these monsters - or any monster for that matter - in genocidal abundance?
An old friend of mine once introduced me to what he called the Marble Bunny application: essentially, take these two sprites:
The White Bunny
and the Marble Bunny. Now I added some animation and color differences, but the point of the application is that a weak, beginner mook and an extremely powerful monster are virtually indistinguishable… until someone tries taking a swing at it. Then they watch in horror as what looks like just a White Bunny takes zero damage, hunts them down like a dragon, and hits like a train.
This application can be taken in cross-species or cross-animation paths as well: imagine the party sees what appears to be a farmer out in the field.
What ought to happen: PC: I go say hi! :D DM: On closer inspection, it is not a farmer but rather a golem fashioned to look like a Scarecrow. What happens to Murderhobos: PC: I shoot the farmer with an arrow. DM: Instead of dying, the being simply lifts its arrow-pierced head to stare right at at you. It is a golem, and it has just found its master’s next threat. Roll for initiative!
Side note: this can also be a nice incentive/perk for your players who just like to make pets out of monstrous enemies. It’s like adding Shiny- or IV-Hunting to your game for them!
a.k.a. “What else did you expect to happen?”
Obviously, sometimes the roleplay itself can give reason to certain advantages. Paladins are effective against the undead, magic and ranged attacks are superior to melee combat, etc. But don’t forget: such lore can give advantage to special monster or NPC cases against murderhobos.
Some examples:
Murderhobo attacks a blacksmith? Congrats, they just pissed off Will Turner. He’s trained with the swords every day to figure out what needs cleaning, repairs, etc. and now has advantage with (and against) every weapon type in his shop.
They attacked X students at a school for magic? Great, the only reason they were off-campus to begin with is because they’re the X best students of the top class, and will quickly reduce the murderhobos into smoking ash.
Your murderhobos want to assassinate the king for rule over the entire kingdom, instead of negotiating a piece for a quest reward? Congrats, one of the townspeople loyal to the king ratted the party out, the assassination turns into an ambush, and either the party pays with their lives, or run for what remains of their lives. Negotiation was too challenging for the players, so now it’ll never be on the table again.
Your combo- and DPS-loving murderhobo wants to test their combos on an innocent traveling group? Such pilgrims are usually guided by the magical and religious… like diviners. At some point, the combo artist swings their sword and has the blade caught by the future-seer. Your precious combos mean nothing to one who can see your every move.
Final word: Sorry I’ve been gone for a while, you guys. Emotionally bad times recently, plus nearing the end of college and worrying about internships and/or jobs.
Happy gaming, good luck murdering the murderhobos!
Turns out, all the different gods are at a multi-religion party. Thor drunk of his ass, poseidon high on blow and Jesus drinking liters of "water"
Nature has shifted in a chaotic way. Clouds rain basketball-sized ice, seeds grow only vines of long slim thorns, and lightning comes from the ground and shoots up into the sky.
Humblewood is an exciting new Campaign Setting for 5e DND that includes original birdfolk player races, new monsters, magic items, and a compelling adventure for 1st to 5th level characters.
In the world of Everden, nestled between the mighty Crest mountain range and the vast marshes of the Mokk Fields, lies a mystical forest known as Humblewood that hums with the Great Rhythm of nature. It has been ruled for generations by the birdfolk who inhabit the Great Tree-City of Alderheart. Humblewood has endured for centuries thanks to the industry and compassion of its people…
…but now the fires have come, and the Woods have been thrown into chaos. Flames ravage the land and destroy the homes of the humblefolk, stoking a growing resentment against the birdfolk, whose cities have managed to avoid the worst of the fires so far. Hatred burns in the hearts of those who have lost lives they cherished, and these once peaceful peoples now take up the sword and turn to banditry. The disaffected turn their gaze on Alderheart, and threaten to reduce an age of peace to ashes…
…yet there is still hope. Even in these dark times, brave heroes can be found within the Wood. Only they can quell the raging flames that have been unleashed upon the land, and restore balance to the realm. Will you answer the call?
The birdfolk races have ruled over Humblewood from their canopy villages and fortified cities for as long as anyone can remember. Play as one of the five core birdfolk races:
The astute crow-like Corvum who safeguard Humblewood’s knowledge
The dignified fowl-like Gallus who have faith in the power of community
The aloof pidgeon-like Lumas who use their gifts to bring joy into the world
The agile hawk-like Raptors who blaze new trails through the forest
The powerful owl-like Strig who defend what they believe is right
The humblefolk live in small villages throughout the Wood, but are occasionally found in birdfolk cities. Play as one of the five core humblefolk races:
The hearty deer-like Cerva who strive to achieve their goals
The sensitive hedgehog-like Hedges whose empathy lets them see what others cannot
The brave mouse-like Jerbeen who inspire those around them with deeds of heroism
The resourceful raccoon-like Mapach who can craft a solution to any problem
The cunning fox-like Vulpin who are always one step ahead of their foes
Once a loosely organized confederacy of crime, its ranks have swelled with humblefolk displaced by the spreading fires who have turned to banditry to survive. Under the guidance of a new leader, they seek to exact retribution upon the birdfolk cities and sow discord throughout the Wood.
Deep within the murk of the Mokk Fields live several species of this most resilient life-form. Battle your way through caustic slimes whose touch is a deadly acid, sticky slimes that can suck a weapon right out of your hand, and the rare shifting slimes which feed on magical energies to become ever stronger.
Humblewood is home to a variety of beasts whose size, strength, and abilities can only have grown thanks to the Wood’s magic. Face craggy skinned mountain lions whose roar can summon rockslides, hunt the deadly forest prowlers in their woodland lair, and tangle with the giant sea monster (art coming soon!) in a battle on the high sea!
The great calamity which produced the part of Humblewood known as the Scorched Grove also made the area an ideal home for fiery creatures. Withstand the searing heat of an emberbat swarm: a vortex of tiny flying creatures, each one a smouldering ember with wings! Confront the terrifying ashsnake and it’s deadly pyroclastic breath! Legends say there may even be a primal elemental force lurking within the Scorched Grove. Have you the courage to find out?
Our latest playtest v0.4 contains the first chapters of a full-length campaign, and the tools you’ll need to get started playing as birdfolk characters in this setting.
Want to experience the world of Humblewood today? Download the latest version of Humblewood for free from our website:
https://thedeckofmany.com/products/humblewood-playtest
Note: You will need to register for a free account to get the download.
Kickstarter campaign ends: Thu, April 11 2019 3:00 PM BST
Website: The Deck of Many
Fugo: Nara sometimes talks in his sleep…. it’s adorable…
Narancia, sleeping: fight me… You motherfucker… square up… I think the fuck not
I really hope the shortening of succpichus to sus stays long after among us dies.
[Meme] LEGO CITY BEIJING (1989)
me_irl
The weathers really FUCKI---
I say as I am decapitated by the gods for questioning their choices.