GM Tip I wish I’d thought of 6 months ago #32:
If you’re having trouble creating, describing, and giving life to monsters, just look at some magic cards.
I did a little math, and the numbers CAN be used to estimate attack/armor, but the better option is to look at the picture, read the lore, and run it through the dungeon world monster creator:
http://codex.dungeon-world.com/
This is also a great way to ensure detailed descriptions. Your players never need to see the card. you can just describe what you see, and they will interpret it in their imaginations.
Here’s one for the card below, for example:
http://codex.dungeon-world.com/monster/5641332169113600
Reya Dawnbringer
Group, Magical, Divine, Organized, Intelligent, Cautious
Divine Gladius (b[2d10+2] damage 1 piercing) Close, Near
12 HP 5 armor
The Reya are the elite force of angels created by an ancient and nameless God. They enforce justice, and ensure that the evils of the world are kept in check. The Dawnbringer is the captain of this angelic force, and a dangerous foe to reckon with. Instinct: to enforce justice
Flying attacks
Summon Legion
That’s a good idea. DW monster generation is so easy that I have finally found a good use for a stack of old monster manuals and creature catalogs and what not.
I use so much magic as inspiration… Especially for fantastic locations.
Shoot, maybe I’ll just make differing “decks” of themed monsters and randomly draw from a specific one when I need inspiration. I’ll probably have more fun with those cards that way, I’m sure. 😛