Art Tutorials

This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is the Gillfolk of the Swamp.

Environment: Swamps, Marshes, and Lagoons

Monster Type: Medium-size Aquatic Humanoid

Color: Dark Green

Features:  Segmented plates cover the limbs, Decorative frills on the face and back

Abilities:  Amphibious, Exceptional swimming, Great strength and durability

Recommended Equipment:   Candles

Introduction:

The Gillfolk are solitary monsters. They make their homes partially on land in marshes and swamps near a large body of water, such as a lake or lagoon. People who encounter them think they are aggressive menaces. In truth, they are the protectors and guardians of the wetlands helping to maintain healthy ecosystems. When not threatened, they have a passive and gentle demeanor. The Gillfolk should not be underestimated. They are capable of incredible feats of strength and have near impregnable scales covering their bodies. They are quick to defend their home territories from hostile threats. They are extremely dangerous combatants in aquatic environments. They have webbed hands and feet making them exceptional swimmers and they are amphibious, able to breathe underwater and on land.

Investigation:

We believed our journey would be getting more perilous. We had to travel around Wisp Wood Lake rumored to be haunted by will-o-wisps, a dangerous and unpredictable spirit. Jukie and Moak suggested our best path was to go straight through. Jukie was friends with a witch who lived on a small island in the middle of the lake. She assured us if we approached peacefully, the swamp witch would guarantee us safe passage. Jukie gave us a departing gift, a bundle of simple candles. She was sure we would be intrigued by the real monster living in the swamp. At the edge of the marsh, we deployed a raft provided by Reginald. Using long oars we pushed our way into the dark swamp following the faint lights flickering beyond the trees.

Observations:

Our curiosity grew with each flickering light we passed. What people had mistaken for will-o-wisps were actually hollow pumpkins with candle light flickering from crudely carved eyes and mouths. The candles already extinguished left shadows of dark and eerie faces sitting in the trees.  Slowly, we came upon a humanoid monster with a fish like face and frills going down his back and arms. The orange candle light illuminated his shiny green scales. He was punching eye holes and a mouth in a pumpkin with his strong fingers.

A black cat sat above him observing everything. The cat’s soft meow alerted the Gillfolk to our presence. He immediately rose up and dove below the water frightening us.  But Reginald knew what to do. He took out the gift candles and placed them on the edge of the raft. The Gillfolk’s eyes slowly appeared inspecting the candles. Taking them in one hand, he reached into a basket and presented us with a frog. My assistant opened a basket full frogs we had caught along the way. The Gillfolk’s eyes widened in delight. He dove under again, grabbed our raft, and dragged us to the small island in the middle of the lake. He led us to a fire pit on the water’s edge. We shared a dinner of roasted frogs with the Gillfolk. Our host never spoke; so, we spent the night quietly observing our aquatic friend.

Conclusion:

As morning came, the Gillfolk gave us a large pumpkin from the garden. He dove into the water swimming directly towards a large mound of branches and mud sticking out of the water. The black cat now sat on a log by the embers of the fire licking it’s paw and rubbing it’s face. “Come now, we must get you out of the swamp before you make camp” the cat spoke. This must be the witch of the island. 

About:

The Gillfolk is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.

Artist: Spencer Johnson – spencemonger.com

Continue reading →

This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is the Red Dragon.

Environment: Mountains, Cliffs, and Underground Caves

Monster Type: Dragon

Color: Red Scales, Beige Underside

Features: Wings, Horns, Spine and Tail Ridge Plates

Abilities:  Flight, Fire Breath, Fire Immunity, Cold Vulnerability

Recommended Equipment:   Fire Protection, Cold Enchanted Weapons or Spells

Introduction:

A Red Dragon is an incredible spectacle to behold. They have a large heads with prominent sharp teeth. Their entire bodies are covered in extra tough scales making them fearsome combatants. A Red Dragon is a master of perfect flight. The juvenile Red Dragon is about the size of a large carriage, not including the length of the tail. Red Dragons often live to an ancient age and will grow to the size of a large castle. Red Dragons are very intelligent, including speaking many languages. They learn many disciplines of magic but specialize in fire magic. Red Dragons have fire breath attack capable of melting metal. They are immune to all fire damage but extremely susceptible to cold magic and environmental damage.

Investigation:

Jukie, the Ogre Magi, lead the way carrying hundreds of pounds of raw meat.  Moak the Dwarf, walked beside him, followed by me and my assistant. Duncan, ‘The Nose’, travelled behind us. We took a winding path through the woods until we came to a cave on the edge of a beach that formed a natural harbor. Directly in front of the cave was a large patch of shiny glass, like a plate resting on top of the sand. Jukie hurled the meat he was carrying into the center of the glass plate. Smoke and flame erupted from the cave engulfing the meat, instantly cooking it, charred and blackened. The excess heat from the fire breath melted more of the sand into shiny new glass.

Observations:

A young male Red Dragon came bounding out of the cave, lunging forward and devouring the pile of burnt meat. The Red Dragon, while only a juvenile, was impressively large, with wings and a long tail. His red scales shone bright in the morning sun. Once the Red Dragon had finished his breakfast, Jukie whistled and waved the monster over to us. The dragon approached us slowly, sat on its hunches giving us a wide toothy grin. Jukie introduced us to Dragmar. Dragmar couldn’t speak but could clearly understand us.

First, Dragmar did a demonstration of his flight capabilities. Then, he showed off more fire breath, even covering his whole body in flames to show his fire immunity. We spent all day playing and learning from the young Red Dragon. Night came and the air grew cold, so we started to make camp, Dragmar watched us intently. He snuck up close inspecting our cold protection enchanted bedrolls. Before we could respond, Dragmar snatched both our bed rolls and ran back to his cave entrance. He tossed them over his body and curled up. Since cold is a Red Dragon’s natural weakness, we suspected Dragmar wanted a little extra protection for himself!

Conclusion:

Fortunately for us, spare bed rolls and even a luxury magical camping tent was stored inside Reginald the Drago-chest. We had an amazing experience interacting with the juvenile red Dragon, Dragmar. After such an incredible day, we couldn’t help but feel forlorn as we slept knowing the young griffin and the juvenile red dragon might be used as weapons of war against each other in the near future. 

About:

The Red Dragon is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.

Artist: Joshua Johnson – joshings.com

Continue reading →

This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is the Ogre.

Environment:  Mountain’s, Hills, Swamps

Monster Type: Large Humanoid

Color:  Pale Green, Brown, or Tan.

Features:  Tall and Large Body

Abilities:  Extreme Strength, Extra Tough, Affinity for animals and nature

Recommended Equipment:  n/a

Introduction:

Ogres are massive humanoids, often  associated with brutal savagery and raiding war bands. Despite the harsh reputation, ogres are an ancient race of monster believed to be created when stone first became mud. Known for their strength, family traditions, and a deep connection to animals and nature. Ogre families gather together to form clans. The oldest ogres are some of the most powerful druids and shamans. These mighty Ogre Magi lead the largest clans made of hundreds of ogre families. On average an Ogre is 2-3 times as tall as a human and are extremely strong. They have extra tough skin that can range in colors from dark and pale greens to light tawny browns.

Investigation:

We left the city of Tol’dair just before dusk. This gave us a beautiful view of the sunset and the city for our ride on the Sky Rail. We traveled to the small town down the road and checked into the Inn. At midnight my assistant and I made our way to the Inn’s bar room. There, Duncan ‘The Nose’ was sitting in the back corner table. We shared some food and drinks waiting for Duncan’s associate, a Dwarf named Moak. We left immediately upon Moak’s arrival. My assistant shared Moak is the dwarf that the griffin played with the most. They took us into the woods, blindfolded us, and led us on a secret path.

Observations:

I couldn’t say how long or far we walked blindfolded. Finally the hike was over and our blindfolds removed.  We were in a large clearing. Sitting before us was a large green Ogre. A giant fox was close by flanking the Ogre watching us closely. Moak introduced us to Jukie, the Ogre magi. Jukie was small for an Ogre but was as strong and tough as one would expect. He lifted a large cleaver and butchered a massive animal carcass. hacking through muscle and bone with ease. Jukie gave several pieces of meat to the giant fox and even shared some with the butterflies. Jukie is a natural Druid, easily making companions of all wild animals and monsters alike. He’s been passing tips to Moak to help him train and befriend Tol’dair’s young Gryphon.

Conclusion:

Jukie’s clan have tasked him with training their own secret monster weapon. That was the monster Duncan promised to show us. The sun was coming up while Jukie gathered up all the meat, “Come on, it’s breakfast time!”

About:

The Ogre is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.

Artist: Daniel Johnson – squaredmotion.com

Continue reading →

This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is the Golden Gryphon.

Environment:  Grasslands, Hills, and Mountains

Monster Type: Large Beast

Color:   Golden Fur, Dark Gold Feathers around the head and upper torso, White Wings, Yellow Talons, Yellow Beak

Features:  Body and Tail of a Lion. Head, Talons, and Wings of a Bird

Abilities:  Flight, Enhanced Senses

Recommended Equipment:  Magic Saddle and Bridle

Introduction:

The Gryphon is a large majestic magical beast with the body, hind legs, and tail of a lion. It has a large feathered head and wings, and the front talons of a massive bird of prey. The Gryphon has superior sight and hearing to humans and elves. With its large wings, the Gryphon flies at high speeds and long distances. A full grown and mature Gryphon is capable of carrying a couple of passengers and many packs of supplies. Training a Gryphon is a long and arduous process, It requires professional expertise and an enchanted bridle and saddle. A rider uses the enchanted bridle to telepathically communicate commands or desires to the Gryphon. While the saddle sends emotions or instincts from the Gryphon to a rider. A Gryphon is an intelligent and faithful companion. They are great for traveling and dangerous in combat.

Investigation:

At the start of our adventure when we visited the rogues guild, we heard rumors that deep in the Tol’dair military barracks was a captured and hidden monster. The rogues told us to contact one of their own by the name of Duncan, ‘The Nose’. He’s called “The Nose” since he “knows” things.

We found Duncan in a run down bar at the end of the last alley. For a large donation of gold, he could take one of us in for a short time to look at the beast. Since our Dwarf noble hosts would frown on us infiltrating their military barracks, I kept Tolume, our dwarf noble guide, distracted by giving me a tour of the business district. My assistant met up with Duncan and made observations of the hidden monster. Duncan took my assistant through several confusing hidden and magical passages. Eventually, they arrived on a small brick balcony overlooking a grass covered outdoor courtyard. 

Observations:

Running around the courtyard was a young golden Gryphon. Running behind it were 5 or 6 befuddled and confused dwarfs. The Gryphon’s golden feathers shone in the sunlight as it leapt into the air and pushed itself higher with a swoop of its beautiful white wings. Clutched in one talon was a saddle. Off to one side of the courtyard a rune priest and a few robed wizards studied several books scattered across a table. The Gryphon seemed very content and was enjoying playing with all the dwarfs. She enjoyed playing with one dwarf the most, swooshing gusts of wind at him with her wings and nipping his shirt with her beak.  “It’s been this same circus everyday since they found her”, Duncan said as they returned back through the maze of hidden and magic passages.

Conclusion:

According to Duncan, Tol’dair can’t find a Gryphon trainer to help them raise the young Gryphon they stole from a nest. So, they’ve been improvising. They have all the magic items they need; they just don’t know how to use them. Before we could leave him in the bar, Duncan said, “If you liked that, I know someone who can show you something better”. At the cost of more of our gold coin, we couldn’t help but take the lead. 

About:

The Golden Gryphon is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.

Artist: Joshua Johnson – joshings.com

Also available as:

Continue reading →

This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is the Drago Chest.

Environment:  Any

Monster Type: Magical Construct

Color:  Brown Wood, Bronze and Silver Metal

Features:  Wooden Chest for a Body. Metal Dragon Face, Tail, and Wings

Abilities:  Bottomless Chest to Transport Goods and Equipment, Flight, a Slow Fall Glide

Recommended Equipment:  None

Introduction:

A Drago-chest is a magical construct created using highly sophisticated techniques. At first glance, the Drago-chest looks like an ornate treasure chest. A mechanical dragon head and tail protrude from the ends of the chest, with a pair of metallic wings attached to the top. On the bottom are four little legs and feet. The Drago-chest is a most wonderful adventuring tool. It is a loyal and sentient companion. The tail is an enchanted magic weapon. The legs are enchanted with speed so it can move quickly. The wings are enchanted for slow fall granting some limited glided flight. The chest itself is enchanted to have a near infinite amount of storage space. Finally, the head is enchanted with enhanced perception and a perfect memory.

Investigation:

Since Dragon-fish are easiest to catch just as the first rays of light streak through the sky, Horrick had left before dawn. We awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. Prichard the Bard, from the Royal academy, had sent a letter informing us our supplies could be picked up from the Tol’dair Commercial Supply Depot. Horrick had asked one of the Dwarf nobles to guide us, so we didn’t get lost in the city. Curiously, the dwarf that agreed to be our guide, was the noble who was most suspicious of us upon our arrival. Her name was Tollume. The commercial district of Tol’dair was a chaotic sea of exchange. We pushed our way through the crowd to the Supply Depot. Upon entering the building we found ourselves in a very long line. Thankfully, it moved fast so it quickly became our turn at the processing desk. We handed the clerk the receipt Prichard had included in his letter. That clerk stamped our receipt, handed it back to us, and shuffled us into another line. We made it to the receiving desk where we handed that clerk our stamped receipt. The clerk tore the receipt in half and handed us the stamped half. Then, we had to wait at a distribution cubby.

Observations:

It was a short wait before another clerk arrived at our cubby and presented us with the Drago-chest. Standing behind the clerk was an ornate treasure chest with a metallic dragon head, tail, wings, and four legs with little feet. The Drago-chest took a couple of steps forward, bowed its head in greeting, and introduced himself as Reginald. In a refined voice and manner, Reginald explained all his magical features. He assured us that Prichard had ordered him fully stocked with all the supplies needed to finish our journey. Before leaving the depot, we took a quick look inside Reginald’s chest to familiarize ourselves with his contents. The amount of stuff inside the chest was overwhelming. Reginald told us the easiest way to get anything was to just ask him. Prichard had sent us his greatest adventuring companion.

Conclusion:

Reginald’s perfect memory was his most beneficial ability. Using his memory will improve our recordings of our observation details of the monsters. Another benefit of his perfect memory is that Reginald can tell us of his adventures with Prichard. The long days of travel will pass a little easier with Reginald sharing the dangerous and heroic deeds of Prichard the Bard.

About:

The Reginald the Drago Chest is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.

Artist: Spencer Johnson – spencemonger.com

Also available as:

Continue reading →

This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is the Dwarf.

Environment:  Mountains and City Centers

Monster Type: Medium Humanoid

Color:  Tan Skin with Golden Hair

Features:  Muscular, Stout Build, and Long Well Groomed Beard

Abilities:  Metal Working, Sky Fishing, Jewelry Smith

Recommended Equipment:  Honor and Bravery

Introduction:

A Dwarf is from a proud and noble people of ancient origins. They are medium sized humanoids. On average, a Dwarf is a head shorter than a human with a larger head, wider shoulders, and stockier build. Dwarfs are easily distinguished by their well groomed beards, often adorned with runes and other ornaments tied into the braids. Dwarfs are expert craftsmen, smiths, builders, and artisans. The oldest dwarfs are over a thousand years old, allowing them to become complete masters of the most advanced and refined techniques. It is said, the only thing older than the mountains is a Dwarf’s grudge. The trust and confidence of a Dwarf clan is hard to earn. Once that trust is earned, it is a life long honor.

Investigation:

We discarded our red flower shawls, saving only a few samples of the flowers dried and pressed between the pages of our journals. Overwhelmed with our luck, we marched across the fields of wild flowers in the direction where the mountains met the sea. Our supplies were low; but, our luck still held. We were relieved to see the floating islands of the Dwarven city of Tol’dair. Tol’dair was a renown hub of commerce and trade. Below the islands were large lakes and dense forests. It was believed long ago, the dwarves that first settled here mined out the entire base of the mountain for a rare magical mineral. Eventually, only the peak of the mountain remained floating in mid air like an island in the sky.

Observations:

Dwarven engineering was sophisticated and advanced. We rode to the city on the sky rail. A short cabin of metal panels attached to a cable ferrying passengers to and from the city. Our contact and friend in the city, Horrick, had prearranged for our tickets. We picked up the tickets on our arrival. We rode the sky rail up to the floating City of Tol’dair. Getting out at our destination, we were greeted by Horrick and a welcoming party of Dwarf nobles. Horrick wore finely crafted golden jewelry and well worn leather clothes. The dwarf nobles were dressed in even more jewelry and fine silks. The nobles took us on a tour of the government district, sharing the history of the city. We were most impressed by the architecture of their buildings. None of the nobles could agree on when some of the buildings were first constructed or whose clan did the construction or engineering.  Oddly, the dwarf noble with a large white beard  kept looking at us from the corner of his eyes. He seemed particularly suspicious of us.

Conclusion:

After the tour, Horrick invited us to stay at his house. Horrick was a renowned spear hunter of dragon fish. For dinner he brought home his best catch of the day, a Pink Wing Schooner. He served the schooner to us over a bed of rice with a citrus sauce. After a year of mostly dry rations and foraged food, a home cooked meal was pure bliss. I totally forgot to ask Horrick about the noble with the large white beard.

About:

The Horrick the Dwarf is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.

Artist: Daniel Johnson – squaredmotion.com

Also available as:

Continue reading →

This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is the Golden Belly Dragon.

Environment:   Glades, Meadows, near Rivers and Creeks

Monster Type: Dragon

Color:   Green Back with a Golden Belly and White Mane

Features:  Long Serpentine Body

Abilities:   Magical Flight, Luck Magic, Shapeshifting

Recommended Equipment:  Camouflage and Strong Flower Scent

Introduction:

The Golden Belly Dragon is a unique dragon with a long serpentine body and four legs. Their broad heads are surrounded by a long shaggy mane. The Golden Belly Dragon has no wings. Despite this physical limitation they can magically fly with incredible control and extreme speeds. As a Golden Belly Dragon ages they will grow in length more than overall size. The most ancient and longest are said to be able to encircle an entire kingdom! Their presence is a sign of good fortune and it is believed the dragon is infused with good luck magic. This has made the hair from their mane or a scale from their body extremely valuable in magic markets. Golden Belly Dragons use their shapeshifting ability to hide among human society and are scarcely seen in their natural dragon form.

Investigation:

My assistant and I woke up alone to the sun streaking through the branches of the woods. We fell sleep with the revelries of the fey festival happening all around us. The entire festival was gone. It was surreal and unsettling. Nothing remained except a single bottle of wine and a bundle of grapes laid neatly by our packs. The directions Quincy, the Centaur, left us took us to a river. We followed the river until we clambered over a huge hollow tree that made a natural bridge. At the top of the river bank, we saw rolling fields of multi-colored wild flowers. We camouflaged ourselves and masked our scents. The dragon could easily be spooked. The next day and a half we searched and found the red flowers. We spent the night weaving their stems together making two large shawls. Underneath our canopy of red flowers, we snuck deep into the fields. After a day of travel we came to a large patch of only red wildflowers. Quincy had assured us; it was here, we would see a Golden Belly Dragon.

Observations:

At dawn the next day, we caught the flicker of the dragon approaching. It zipped across the sky curling around itself streaking left and right. We rubbed the sleep out of our eyes excited as the Golden Belly Dragon approached. Several times the dragon paused in the air, circling a spot in the field before diving into the wild flowers. Poof, cloud of pollen flew into the air. The Golden Belly Dragon flew over the patch of red wild flowers we were hiding in. It had a shimmering green back, a glimmering golden belly, and a white shaggy mane around its head. It slithered in the air, circling above us. It was young for a Golden Belly Dragon. We estimated its entire length at being 3 wagons long. It paused for a moment before diving into the flowers and rolling around. The pollen exploded whooshing around us. There wasn’t a thing I could do to stifle my sneeze. Panicking, the dragon thrashed about and dashed into the sky zipping away.

Conclusion:

We stared at the freshly pressed flowers where the beautiful Golden Belly Dragon had been basking. My assistant collected a vile of the pollen to investigate later. We also discovered 3 strands of shinning white hair from the Golden Belly Dragon’s mane. We braided the strands into two bracelets sharing the luck between us.

About:

The Golden Belly Dragon is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.

Artist: Spencer Johnson – spencemonger.com

Also available as:

Continue reading →

This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is the Centaur.

Environment:  

Monster Type: Humanoid Beast

Color:   Pale Skin, Red Hair, Chestnut Roan Coat, White Footings.

Features:   Humanoid Upper Body, Horse Lower Body.

Abilities:  Skilled Archery, Horticulturist, Fast.

Recommended Equipment:   Ability to speak Elvish or Sylvan.

Introduction:

Centaurs are a proud and noble monster that adore open space and freedom. A Centaur is easily recognized with the body and four legs of a horse and the chest, arms and head of a human. Being skilled horticulturists, Centaurs have an affinity for the earth and nature. They prefer being out in the wild compared to a life in a busy city or town. Centaurs are extremely fast across the open earth and are capable of carrying or pulling heavy burdens. Usually they’re solitary, keeping to themselves, or they live in a tight family community. Only a select few individuals of other groups are welcome in the company of a Centaur.

Investigation:

With our faces in the dirt and our shoes tied together, my assistant and I were too embarrassed to move after being the victim of a prank from the infamous Fairy Robin Marcak. “I see you’ve already met some of the regulars,” asked the familiar voice of Thomas the Moostaur who had escorted us to the Fey festival. With his large powerful hands, Thomas picked us up off the ground and stood us up. Then, he kneeled down and delicately untied our shoes. We thanked him for his assistance. “Of course little ones,” Thomas reassured us “best if you stick near me. Come, come this way. There’s someone I want you to meet.”  We followed Thomas to a row of stalls each with food and drink to share with all the festival guests. We stopped in front of a large horse drawn cart, casks and bottles of wine adorned the sides and it was filled with fresh picked grapes. “This is my friend, Quincy Leafvein, and he’s been very curious to meet you two.”

Observations:

To our surprise the horse used to pull the cart wasn’t a horse at all. It was a Centaur! Atop the horse body was the large sturdy body of a human torso. A bearded face looked down at us with a kind, but skeptical, smile. Quincy was as tall as Thomas, the height of two grown men, and he was as long as a draft horse. Centaurs prefer the great outdoors and open spaces over cramped buildings or tight city streets and big crowds. Centaurs are usually distrusting of strangers and outsiders. My assistant, who spoke conversational Sylvan, the language of the Fey and nature spirits, introduced us. This surprised Quincy, whose smile broadened across his cheeks. A generous soul, Quincy shared with us each variety of grape he was growing from his last harvest. He poured us each a glass of his finest wine. Most enlightening to us, he shared with us stories of his vineyard and growing up in the vale. Young centaurs are taught to both tend the earth and draw a bow from when they first start walking. He spoke of the earth and the wind, of the sky and the sea. 

Conclusion:

Quincy shared one final thing with us. There was a recent sighting of a unique dragon like monster that would make frequent visits to a field of flowers near his home. Having heard of our adventure to explore and investigate the monsters of the land, Quincy was kind enough to provide directions in the form of a note added to one of our maps. What wonderful new friends we have made at the Fey Festival. Exhausted from the day’s activities, we hung our spider silk hammocks and curled beneath our enchanted bed rolls, for a good night’s sleep.

About:

The Centaur, Quincy Leafvein, is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.

Artist: Daniel Johnson – squaredmotion.com

Also available as:

Continue reading →

This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is the Pixie Fairy named Robin Marcak.

Environment:  Forests, Towns, Natural Springs

Monster Type: Small Fey

Color:  Pale Green Skin, White Hair

Features:  Antlers, Long Ears

Abilities:  Night Vision, Stealthy, Fey Magic

Recommended Equipment:  Sweets

Introduction:

A Pixie Fairy is a small wingless humanoid Fey monster less than half a standard brick length or smaller in height. Their skin can vary in color from pale pastels to full deep saturated colors. Pixie Fairies excel at stealth and are notorious tricksters, pranksters, and thieves. They have more pronounced facial features with large eyes and long ears. Additional unique features can be tusks, fangs, horns, and antlers. Pixie Fairies are notorious for stealing sweets. Although they seem harmless their pranks can sometimes be cruel or dangerous.

Investigation:

We spent hours sitting on the log, the music of the Satyr band kept us completely enchanted. Our fixation was interrupted when a curious crow landed near us. It started squawking and hopping around while bobbing its head. The crow dancing to the music made us laugh. It took us awhile to notice two odd details about the dancing crow.  It had 6 eyes, an unusually high number of eyes for a bird, and it wore a small ornate saddle. As our curiosity started to reach a peak, a small voice spoke besides us, “He’s always a show off when he’s the distraction.”

Observations:

A small pale green Fey sat beside us. She wore a black and white mask with two antlers growing from the top of her head and a wild mane of white hair flowing around them. Our suspicions were immediately raised having recognized the Fey as a Pixie Fairy. Pixie Fairies are infamous pranksters and thieves. To disarm our suspicious unease the fairy removed her mask and introduced herself, “I’m the good fairy Robin Marcak of the free people. And this dancing master is my trusted partner, Shay Sool Carow, the Six Eye Crow.” My assistant and I relaxed a little as Fairy Robin Marcak ate some sweets. Alarmed, we recognized the wrappers from Beatrice’s candy shop of The Royal Academy of Sweets. My assistant had been keen on saving some to share with his family. “Hey!” my assistant exclaimed as he searched through his bag, “Those are our sweets, give them back!” She slapped down her black and white mask over her face. “The ruse is up!” Robin Marcak yelled, “Fly Shay, fly!” The pixie grabbed up the uneaten sweets and leapt from the log landing in the small ornate saddle on the back of the Six Eye Crow.

Conclusion:

Shay Sool Carow the Six Eye Crow, with the good fairy Robin Marcak laughing taunts at us, flew past right in front of us. My assistant and I jumped to our feet attempting to grab the little thief before she could escape with our sweets. We lunged forward only to fall forward onto our faces with a loud thud. Our shoes had been tied together! Robin Marcak’s mocking laughter echoed around us. We lifted our heads up just in time to see Shay Sool Carow let out a caw opening a small portal between dimensions allowing the pair to escape. We’d been had by the infamous Pixie Fairy prankster and thief, Robin Marcak.

About:

The Pixie Fairy, Robin Marcak is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.

Artist: Joshua Johnson – joshings.com

Also available as:

Continue reading →

This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is the The Satyr Band.

Environment:  Forests

Monster Type: Humanoid Beast

Color:  White, Brown, or Red Fur and Dark Tan or Pale Skin

Features:   Human Torso, Pointed Ears, Curved Horns, and the Legs of a Goat

Abilities:   Keen Senses, Musical Ability, Magic, Charm, and Stealth

Recommended Equipment:  Fear, Sleep, and Charm Protection

Introduction:

Satyrs, also called Fauns, are a type of monster humanoid hybrid. Their legs are the back legs of a goat with cloven hoofs supporting a humanoid torso. The head has child like facial features. Distinctly, their ears are long and pointed. From the top of their head grows a pair of large curved horns like that of a ram. The typical Satyr stands at about half the height of an average human. Satyrs enjoy all the fun things in life like music, dancing, and laughing. They are more likely to pull a prank or practical joke on the unsuspecting than be aggressive. A Satyr generally prefers to use stealth to avoid any direct conflict. 

Investigation:

We followed the winding snow covered path through the woods. Our new guides, Thomas and Felix, the Moostaur father and son, were excellent travel companions.  The Fey Festival was a few days travel. Each day was colder than the next. The cold didn’t bother our new friends but became a problem for myself and my assistant. Our first night of camp we made a magical warming salve from our two Sun Drop Mushrooms. It was just enough to provide a soothing heat to our bed rolls and a pair of socks each. Hiking during the day we used our bedrolls like cloaks, draped over our heads and shoulders.

The remaining days of travel to the Fey festival was nice and cozy. On the third day of travel we came to a wall of evergreens with their boughs intertwined to form a tunnel. Thomas gestured us to go first. At the end of the woodland tunnel was a gathering of Fey and magical monsters. We were so excited! We were going to a Fey festival! As we traveled through the tunnel waves of warmth washed over us. We took off the layers to protect us from the cold as the temperature raised.

Observations:

Near the end of the tunnel we heard the soft melodic tones of a band inviting us into the space with their music. We entered into a large open grove with Fey surrounding a central stage. Featured on the stage were three satyrs performing for the crowd. Satyrs are small humanoid monsters who are very skilled in magic using music as their focus. Their music can charm, induce sleep, terrorize or bewitch those listening.  But here in this grove surrounded by Fey their songs filled us with warmth and vigor. One Satyr performed with pan pipes, another with a hand drum, and the last one had an upright string instrument. They took turns singing and occasionally harmonized with each other. The music still enchanted us.

Conclusion:

Still behind us, Thomas gently ushered us forward to a fallen log. There we sat and enjoyed the music. We got lost in the new journey of each song. Thomas promised to check on us after he unloaded his crabapple wine at his stall. He told us that most Fey would be kind and civil at the festival; but, a few were known to play cruel jokes on non-Fey guests.

About:

The Satyr Band is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.

Artist: Daniel Johnson- squaredmotion.com

Also available as:

Continue reading →