How to Determine Monster Relationships

In the previous article, we talked about monster relationships and life in the dungeon.

Today, let's see how to put all of this into practice simply.

Determining Relationships

To determine the relationships between monsters, follow these steps:

Determine the monsters that are geographically close.
Determine if the balance of power between these monsters is relatively balanced or significantly unbalanced.
Consult the table below.

Power Balance	Equal	Unbalanced
d6
1	Enemies	Domination or submission
2	Enemies	Domination or submission
3	Enemies	Domination or submission
4	Complex hierarchies	Complex hierarchies
5	Mutual dependence/Cooperation	Enemies
6	Strong alliances	Symbiosis

For example, if two monsters are geographically close and have equal power, they are likely to be enemies. However, if one monster is much more powerful than the other, it is likely to dominate or enslave the weaker monster.

The table above provides a general guideline for determining monster relationships. However, you should always use your own judgment and creativity to create unique and interesting relationships between your monsters.

Random Events

All of these developments lead to the big question: what is the point?

Well, if you want to surprise your players, choose the right table and roll a random event related to the chosen relationship.

1.Symbiotic Events

d6	Event
1	A creature, normally dangerous, refuses to attack because its symbiotic partner is a friend or ally of the players.
2	The players discover two very different creatures sharing a resource, such as a water source or a food store. Attacking one could trigger the anger of the other.
3	One of the symbiotic creatures is injured. The other becomes desperate and seeks help, which could lead the players to a trap or offer a reward for assistance.
4	During a fight with a monster, another creature, seemingly harmless, begins to defend the monster. If this small creature is threatened, the monster becomes even more aggressive.
5	The players come across an object or resource that two symbiotic creatures use together. Taking this object could upset their balance and change the dynamics of the area.
6	Rumors of a powerful creature in the dungeon are heard. However, its true strength comes from its symbiotic bond with another smaller but essential creature.

2.Strong Alliance Events

d6	Event
1	The players find themselves caught between two allied clans that are coordinating their attacks. If the players can sow discord between the clans, they could break the alliance.
2	A faction asks the players for help to complete a critical mission. In exchange, it offers its alliance and the support of its allied group.
3	The players discover evidence of a recent meeting between two enemy faction leaders. Is this the beginning of a new and powerful alliance that should be feared?
4	While exploring the dungeon, the players come across a zone where the borders of two territories blend together, marked by symbols of peace and cooperation. This is a sign of a solid alliance.
5	One of the allies is captured. The other faction, normally known for its secrecy or isolation, takes risks and shows itself openly to attempt a rescue.
6	The players find a relic or artifact that the two allied factions consider to be a sacred symbol of their alliance. If they decide to take it, they could make two powerful enemies.

3.Mutual Dependence/Cooperation Events

d6	Event
1	While attacking a group of monsters, the players realize that they are protected by another species that depends on them for food. This makes the offensive more complicated.
2	The players come across a temporary camp where two species, normally hostile to each other, are exchanging resources or care.
3	A wounded monster is found by the players. As they debate its fate, another creature appears, offering rare goods in exchange for its safety, thus showing their interdependence.
4	The players have the opportunity to sabotage an essential resource for a species. By doing so, they discover that it also affects another species, which came to the first for help.
5	Two species, normally in conflict, are observed working together to repel a common threat, highlighting their ability to help each other in times of need.
6	A monster offers the players valuable information to save its partner from imminent danger. By helping, a new dynamic of mutual dependence could arise between the players and these monsters.

4.Complex Hierarchies Events

d6	Event
1	The players encounter a minor patrol of monsters. By sparing them or negotiating, they could gain secure access to a faction leader or a superior monster.
2	A dispute breaks out between monsters in front of the players. It seems that there is confusion as to who really commands. The players can exploit this dislocation to advance.
3	The players discover a contested zone where several leaders are fighting for control. They can choose to support a leader, play mediators, or take advantage of the chaos.
4	A lower faction in the dungeon seeks to overthrow its current hierarchy and proposes an alliance with the players to achieve its goals.
5	The players find writings or artifacts showing the complex history of the dungeon's hierarchy, offering clues to weaknesses or alliances within this structure.
6	A faction leader asks the players to carry out a delicate mission against another faction. In reality, this is a test to assess the loyalty of one of his subordinates who will accompany the players.

5.Enemies Events

d6	Event
1	The players hear screams and sounds of battle. They come across two rival factions in full conflict, leaving them to decide whether to join a side or wait for the dust to settle.
2	A monster approaches the players, seeking their help to eliminate a particular adversary from the other faction. In exchange, he promises to provide them with information or resources.
3	The players find a map showing clearly defined territories. In trying to cross, they quickly realize that they are in contested territory and must navigate carefully to avoid confrontation.
4	A faction leader captured by his enemies begs the players to free him, promising in return a favor or a precious service.
5	The players discover a shrine or monument dedicated to commemorate an ancient battle or tragic event that fueled the centuries-old hatred between the two factions.
6	While the players are camping, they are approached by a member of a faction, who offers a temporary alliance to ambush the enemy at dawn.

6.Domination and Submission Events

d6	Event
1	The players come across a dominant species that demands tribute or service from the submissive creatures. They can choose to pay, negotiate, or defy this dominant authority.
2	While exploring, the players discover a "school" where the dominant creatures "train" their submissive subjects to perform specific tasks or to fight.
3	The players find themselves caught between a ceremony where a creature is being submitted. They can intervene, infiltrate, or use the distraction to their advantage.
4	A submissive creature sneaks into the players' camp, seeking refuge and promising information in exchange for protection from their tyrannical masters.
5	The players discover an arena where the dominant creatures put their subordinates to the test, either to entertain themselves or to establish a clear hierarchy. They may be invited or forced to participate.
6	An object of importance is held by the dominants, and the submissive creatures reveal its location to the players in exchange for a promise of liberation or overthrow of the hierarchy.

Note for solo RPG

In solo RPG, the dungeon is built as you explore it. At first, you don't know what monsters will be present.

Use the table in reverse. Your character enters a room and you roll an event on the second table (d6 to determine a table, d6 to determine the event). Logically, you can deduce what is happening in this dungeon.