Mar 09, 2008 00:41
Like many other geeks, I was sucked into the world of Dungeons and Dragons a long time ago, in a galax uh, in my basement, by my brother no less. I didn't quite understand the concept of a "Role Playing" game, even during the first couple times we played. But like so many other teens with over active imaginations, it soon took hold.
A friend remarked to me in an email that she always thought Gygax's name sounded like some strange creature you'd find in the D&D Monster Manual. I quickly wrote up what I thought that would look like here:
Gygax Monster
size: Large rarity: high no. appearing: 1-2
armor class: 3 Hit points: 10-100
attack: 2 x 1d4/2d20
special attack: Hypnotic Stare
treasure: 100-400 gold, 5-10 gems (strangely shaped and dotted)
STR: 12
INT: 25
DEX: 9
WIS: 20
CON: 10
CHA: 8 (25 to hypnotized targets)
The much fabled Gygax monster is a large, somewhat rotund creature resembling an oversized man of later middle age. They are known to frequent old ruins, particularly libraries and what later would be called "rec rooms". They are generally peaceful creatures that are content to while away the hours rolling small, strangely shaped, dotted objects, and muttering to themselves. They can be observed quite safely from a distance of 10 feet or more, as they are quite short-sighted, despite that fact that their eyes appear to be framed by large lenses. However if approached inside of 10 feet, there is a 50% chance per round that the creature will notice the closest party member, and speak to them in an unintelligible language. Should the party member meet the Gygax's gaze, he must immediately save versus intelligence or be hypnotized. Should this happen, the party member will believe they are a friend of the monster's, and are involved in playing some game with it. If the Gygax is attacked at this point, the hypnotized player will defend the Gygax. The hypnosis can only be broken by killing the monster, or rendering it unconscious. In combat, the Gygax uses it's two claws first. If it hits with both, it has grabbed the opponent, and will then fall upon that player. Use the 2d20 attack as crushing damage. The target must then save versus intelligence at a -4 penalty or become hypnotized as described above.
To the geeks: please forgive me if I have forgotten some of the format of the AD&D Monster Manual. It's been a few years, eh?
Should you use this creation in an actual game of D&D, please credit me at some point after the combat. Have fun.
Should this make it to any of Gary Gygax's family, please forgive me. No offence is intended. This was written in a spirit of fun, and appreciation for what Gary Gygax, the Master Dungeon Master created, and the countless hours of imagination that he inspired.