Greetings!

Well, of course "Monsters" is a very broad category, as well as Humanoids. However, in reviewing various monster rosters in monster manuals and such, and thinking about different regions of my campaign world, it struck me that the vast majority of magic, weirdness, and Gonzo has traditionally more or less been applied to Humanoids and Monsters. Arguably, with good reason, for drama, conflict and other aspects of entertainment and story development.

However--have you considered the broader, deeper effects of a magical world on numerous creatures that are traditionally less focused on in the monster manual spotlights?

This made me think of broader applications and effects on Insects, Fish, Amphibians, Birds, Rodents, and other assorted mammals and creatures.

Admittedly, it's a broad and complex topic, with innumerable variations and potentials. No doubt impossible for any one DM to compile and orchestrate entirely for their own world, but nonetheless an intriguing and rewarding effort. Hopefully, you all get what I'm aiming at here. Magic, glowing ants; bumblebees that talk; rabbits that are actually psychotic, bloodthirsty killers; friendly, happy bears; magical fish that provide wisdom when eaten; talking fish; herds of hive-minded cows; mischievous, scheming squirrels; Fire-breathing Deer;

Not all such effects necessarily require being combat-based, or making various animals and creatures particularly evil; but how might magic and such effect all kinds of lesser creatures, and the echoing effects on diet, culture, economies, and societies from such aspects? Such weird things of course can also be applied to dozens of different plant and tree species. Increased intelligence, communication, resistances, strange properties, the possibilities are endless.

Considering such effects, how might that influence and shape your local region and society in your game world?

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Take a look at the animal and magical beast categories from D&D just to start.

Sure, you've got the classics -- the owlbear, the cockatrice, the roc.

And then you get into some crack-tastic stuff. The mngwa (originating from Tanzanian myth) is a jungle cat that only exists at night. The aurumvorax is a metal-eating Honey Badger taken up to 11. And of course there are the giant sized versions of everything from frogs to cockroaches.

Good times.