Monster files

In yesterdays post I talked of my dislike of using computers at the gaming table. All of my prep work for things that will be used at the table get printed out and stored in binder or folders. Until now that is. I am trying something new.  In GURPS Dungeon Fantasy books monsters are presented using the same format. I made a blank template following that same format, with a couple of minor changes.

Name:

ST		HP		Speed		Class
DX:		Will:		Move:		Source Book
IQ:		Per :		SM:
HT:		FP:		DR:
Dodge:		Parry:
Attack	Level	Damage
Traits:
Skill:
Notes:

It is formatted to fit on a 4x6 index card.  The cards will be stored in a small file box with dividers for each letter of the alphabet.

I am working my way through all of my GURPS books, my collection of old Dragon and Dungeon Magazines, as well as several old 2nd edition AD&D books, pulling out monsters I like, converting the ones I need to, and printing out a card for each one. This has been a huge undertaking. In the long run it will be worth it. All of the monsters will be filed in one place. I will be able to use this for years to come. It is pretty easy to transport. Each card records the book and page number the monster came from, so I can look it up later if needed. At some point I am planning to print a picture of each monster on the back of it's card.


I am using three different styles of encounters in the game.  First will be set encounters. The second are area monsters. The third will be wandering monsters

Set encounters will take place in a set location. For example, one room is home to a Wight.  The Wight will stay in the room until acted upon by the PCs. This will often be encounter where the monster is either trapped in a room, or makes a certain room its home.

Area encounters will take place over a larger area.  An Orc tribe occupies several room in the same general area of the dungeon. Within the area the Orcs may move around, set watches at different places etc. They, for the most, part will stay in one section of the dungeon.

Wandering monsters are just that, monsters that wander around the dungeon.  For these I will be constructing a chart, and rolling randomly to see what shows up to harass the PCs.  I plan to make this chart quite long. Something about 100 random monsters showing up appeals to me.  I am taking care to make sure that the random monsters still fit the feel of the dungeon.


Prep work update:  More monsters were built, a couple of rooms were stocked, and I have an idea about lighting in the dungeon that I still need to develop a bit.