| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Victor_ograygor |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 16:21:14
Okay i am seeking all the information i can get on these creatures.
Are there eny known places in Forgotten Realsm, where they live ?
Eny known NPC in Thri-kreen Forgotten Realsm ?
What is a Thri-kreen In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the thri-kreen, or "mantis warrior," are an insect-like monstrous humanoid race. They possess six limbs, and usually use one pair for locomotion and the other two pairs as arms. They are formidable nomadic hunters who respect the land and hate creatures that despoil it. They have excellent physical capabilities, allowing them to jump great distances and avoid arrow attacks. They are also known to possess sharp claws, poisonous bites and psionic abilities. Thri-kreen have two signature weapons: the gythka, a polearm with a blade at each end; and the chatkcha, a crystal throwing wedge which returns when thrown.
Picture of a Thri-kreen
https://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/xph_gallery/46026.jpg |
| 26 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Ayrik |
Posted - 21 Sep 2011 : 05:22:41
Thri-kreen are a bit overly alien at my table as well. Their weaponry is also a little bit too Xena: Warrior Princess for my liking, it makes the game silly. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 21 Sep 2011 : 05:19:05
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Never really been a fan of the thri-kreen, meself. Nifty, but they're just too alien for me... Though if I had to use them for some reason, I'd prolly draw heavily on the cho-ja of Kelewan.
I like the cho-ja too. But, then, I'm a fan of most insectoid races.
I've a particular love of the khepri from Bas-Lag.
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| Fellfire |
Posted - 21 Sep 2011 : 05:13:18
Thri-Kreen of Athas. What a great book. Top ten from 2e. I'm still searching for a hi-res copy of the poster. Looking forward to more lore on the Spellweaver/Jergal/Thri-Kreen connection I first read about in the Age of Worms enhancemnet. Keep it posted. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 21 Sep 2011 : 04:33:08
Never really been a fan of the thri-kreen, meself. Nifty, but they're just too alien for me... Though if I had to use them for some reason, I'd prolly draw heavily on the cho-ja of Kelewan. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 21 Sep 2011 : 01:38:05
quote:
Originally posted by TBeholder
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I always liked the tohr-kreen [or mantis nobles]. They've a prominent place in my Realms.
In TKoA, "tohr-kreen" is just "settled mantis people" (as opposed to "nomadic mantis people") ...
I was drawing from the term in the DARK SUN Monstrous Compendium Appendix. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 21 Sep 2011 : 01:37:24
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
And there is a fan-based theory that Jergal is connected to them in some way, along with Spellweavers.
No longer just a theory, as Ed "confirmed" last year that there was in fact an NDA surrounding the connection between Jergal, the thri-kreen, and the spellweavers.
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| TBeholder |
Posted - 20 Sep 2011 : 21:17:38
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I always liked the tohr-kreen [or mantis nobles]. They've a prominent place in my Realms.
In TKoA, "tohr-kreen" is just "settled mantis people" (as opposed to "nomadic mantis people") and big guys known under the name in Tablelands are known in the empire as Zik-trin ("modified near-people"). They're scouts/missionaries with removed memories of their origin (one-way tickets have sense: reports can be collected telepathically). Bigger and tougher (and sterile) because they are sort of super-soldiers, modified from normal kreen.
Zik-chil who do this are a special caste in the empire made up of a related, but separate race - smaller, pale, calm, with advanced "fingers" and enzyme manipulation ability. Xixchil (Spelljammer race) seems to be their offshot.
There's also a handful of proper kreen races.
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
I lost all my MM's ( ), so I can't check, but there was also two varieties - there was a more feral, four legged variety (stood more like a centaur).
Thri-trin ("nomadic near-people"), related to kreen much like pithecanthropes to humans. They use a primitive prototype of kreen tongue (Int=low) and try to eat almost anything moving if it doesn't belong to their pack, even other trin. |
| Artemas Entreri |
Posted - 20 Sep 2011 : 20:12:39
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
And there is a fan-based theory that Jergal is connected to them in some way, along with Spellweavers.
Can't remember the details - I was never overly fond of the Thri-Kreen. I never used them, and assumed (IMG) that they were originally from Athas.
I lost all my MM's (), so I can't check, but there was also two varieties - there was a more feral, four legged variety (stood more like a centaur). The 'common' (intelligent) variety known in the Realms uses its four upper appendages like hands.
From what i remember, all of the ones on Athas were the feral 4 leg/2 arm kind |
| Markustay |
Posted - 20 Sep 2011 : 19:57:59
And there is a fan-based theory that Jergal is connected to them in some way, along with Spellweavers.
Can't remember the details - I was never overly fond of the Thri-Kreen. I never used them, and assumed (IMG) that they were originally from Athas.
I lost all my MM's (), so I can't check, but there was also two varieties - there was a more feral, four legged variety (stood more like a centaur). The 'common' (intelligent) variety known in the Realms uses its four upper appendages like hands. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 20 Sep 2011 : 17:10:50
quote:
Originally posted by MalariaMoon
I have foggy recollections of one of the 2e monstrous annuals or compendiums including a number of different kreen subspecies. I think they were principally designed with Dark Sun in mind, but they might be of interest.
P.S pleased to see the lights are back on in the 'Keep.
I always liked the tohr-kreen [or mantis nobles]. They've a prominent place in my Realms. |
| MalariaMoon |
Posted - 20 Sep 2011 : 17:04:49
I have foggy recollections of one of the 2e monstrous annuals or compendiums including a number of different kreen subspecies. I think they were principally designed with Dark Sun in mind, but they might be of interest.
P.S pleased to see the lights are back on in the 'Keep. |
| Seethyr |
Posted - 20 Sep 2011 : 16:55:07
There is a mention of a "Land of the Mantis Men" located I believe in the far northwest of Maztica. I know it is mentioned in FMA1City of Gold, and I'll see if I can find more info. |
| Artemas Entreri |
Posted - 20 Sep 2011 : 16:44:35
quote:
Originally posted by Victor_ograygor
Okay i am seeking all the information i can get on these creatures.
Are there eny known places in Forgotten Realsm, where they live ?
Eny known NPC in Thri-kreen Forgotten Realsm ?
What is a Thri-kreen In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the thri-kreen, or "mantis warrior," are an insect-like monstrous humanoid race. They possess six limbs, and usually use one pair for locomotion and the other two pairs as arms. They are formidable nomadic hunters who respect the land and hate creatures that despoil it. They have excellent physical capabilities, allowing them to jump great distances and avoid arrow attacks. They are also known to possess sharp claws, poisonous bites and psionic abilities. Thri-kreen have two signature weapons: the gythka, a polearm with a blade at each end; and the chatkcha, a crystal throwing wedge which returns when thrown.
Picture of a Thri-kreen
https://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/xph_gallery/46026.jpg
Read novels from the Dark Sun setting; tons of Thri-keen  |
| TBeholder |
Posted - 20 Sep 2011 : 16:38:08
quote:
Originally posted by Korginard
The Thri-Kreen were heavily detailed as a player race in the Dark Sun setting. Information from that setting, especially a guidebook dedicated to Thri-Kreen (don't remember the name off the top of my head) could easily be used in the realms.
[...]Pool of Radiance had Kreen near Phlan on the Moonsea, but that always left me wondering "What are they doing THERE?"
Lastly, I'm pretty sure I remember the Spelljammer setting mentioned that Thri-Kreen were an anchient space faring race
One rather savage kreen outpost appeared in Ruins of Adventure. A village of huts plus underground lair, too. Meaning that there are not only nomadic packs but also settled ones (tohr-kreen).
The dedicated sourcebook was "Thri-Kreen of Athas". Probably can be adapted, of course minus history and tohr-kreen super soldier biotechnology.
Then again, TKoA says it sucks to be a kreen in a humid environment (2% cumulative of catching exoskeleton rot and 5% flat for trachea rot per day), so Moonsea branch must be a specific adapted subspecies (they were isolated for too long anyway, so why not).
Also, keep in mind that even with restrictions on magical aptitude removed completely, insectoids still don't have as good supraesophageal ganglions as mammals' but compensate in other ways. So arcane magic still isn't for them, while divine is fine. Or wisdom-based psionics (but this version of psionics... you know...) for that matter. |
| Korginard |
Posted - 19 Dec 2006 : 14:27:41
Hmm, it almost makes them sound like Ankhegs, perhaps they've "domesticated" some to help them dig thier underground homes? Just conjecture, but would make them a little more interesting. I just don't see Kreen burrowing thru the ground with thier mandibles. We also know Ankhegs are common arround Phlan for the same REAL reason the Kreen are... someone wanted them in the Computer Game ;)
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| Halidan |
Posted - 19 Dec 2006 : 00:40:10
quote:
Originally posted by Korginard
Pool of Radiance had Kreen near Phlan on the Moonsea, but that always left me wondering "What are they doing THERE?"
The answer that the original POR computer game gave for this was that the Thri-Kreens had been hiding underground for generations. One of the TK's you meet in the game tells you that, "Generations ago, flesh things were fewer and we hard-shelled beings ruled the shores of Lazara, what flesh things call the Moonsea."
Apparently, the Thri-Kreens of the Moonsea are burrowing creatures. That same bug tells you that, "We are quite adept at finding such trinkets (gold, platinum, and gems) as we make our home by burrowing with our own mandibles. We know the earth like none other can." Now-a-days, the Thri-Kreens of the Moonsea only venture above ground to guard their lands and find food (elves, player characters, etc.)
Given what POR tells us about the Thri-Kreens of the Moonsea, it's clear that they are very different from the same creatures in the Shining South. Perhaps in ancient days, the creatures were simular to their southern brothers. But the encroachment of humankind and (perhaps) climate changes have resulted in significant changes in their behavior and lifestyles.
For those of you old enough to remember David Hargrave's Arduin material for OD&D, I'd liken the Moonsea Thri-Kreen to Arduin's Phraints - underground, communal warrior-insect creatures. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 23:12:42
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
Mostly in the Shining South but there's a few in and around the Moonsea. However, the 3/3.5e Shining South has all the info you need....
Thri-kreen tend to inhabit most other savanna-like regions around the Realms, as noted most recently in 3e Shining South.
There are also thri-kreen in the Mindulgulph Mercenary Company which operates in the region, as noted in Gold & Glory.
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| LucianBarasu |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 21:58:09
I have ben corrected. I went back and read through the Shining South. They are nomadic and hunters that roam. No kingdom of their own.
Thank you for corecting me. ignorance and opening the mouth and removing all doubt and all that .... |
| Marc |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 21:39:06
I don't think they have cities and kingdoms, they live in hunting packs in the Shaar |
| LucianBarasu |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 19:46:17
I don't know as far as a fomaus one, but I know their greater cities and kingdoms lie within the Shining South region. There are small pockets within the Moonseas. (as per Kuje) |
| Victor_ograygor |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 19:40:42
quote:
Originally posted by LucianBarasu
quote:
Originally posted by Maruluthu Mistrivvin
In addition to this they are in Dragon 319 (the only thing I don't like about them is that they particularly like to eat elves) and Complete Psionic (feats and racial class)
I had totally forggotten about that. Yes Victor, they have a disctinct taste for elf flesh. Like The french with snails or frog legs. If they travel with Elves, they won't see them as partners or even equals. They'll see them the same way if you went on an adventure with a Cow...or a Chicken..
That's a god one 
But arent there a famous colony somewhere in Forgotten relams |
| LucianBarasu |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 19:30:21
quote:
Originally posted by Maruluthu Mistrivvin
In addition to this they are in Dragon 319 (the only thing I don't like about them is that they particularly like to eat elves) and Complete Psionic (feats and racial class)
I had totally forggotten about that. Yes Victor, they have a disctinct taste for elf flesh. Like The french with snails or frog legs. If they travel with Elves, they won't see them as partners or even equals. They'll see them the same way if you went on an adventure with a Cow...or a Chicken.. |
| Marc |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 18:44:42
In addition to this they are in Dragon 319 (the only thing I don't like about them is that they particularly like to eat elves) and Complete Psionic (feats and racial class) |
| LucianBarasu |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 18:25:32
Yes Victor.
THe Thri Kreen are one of those special races that I feel get overshadowed, because of their remote placement. They are a war like race that dominates the Shining South.
Also, Korginard, let us not forget their original manifestations...in 1st ed. STAR FRONTIERS.
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| Korginard |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 16:44:38
The Kreen have always facinated me.
The Thri-Kreen were heavily detailed as a player race in the Dark Sun setting. Information from that setting, especially a guidebook dedicated to Thri-Kreen (don't remember the name off the top of my head) could easily be used in the realms.
Thri-Kreen were also detailed as a player race in the 3E Expanded Psionics hardcover.
There is documentation (most recently in 3E Shining South I believe) that indicates the Kreen thrive in the vast region of the Shaar. Pool of Radiance had Kreen near Phlan on the Moonsea, but that always left me wondering "What are they doing THERE?"
Lastly, I'm pretty sure I remember the Spelljammer setting mentioned that Thri-Kreen were an anchient space faring race long before the Elves and other current spacefaring races roamed the stars.
As for NPC's, I'm not so sure. The only one that comes to mind is in a recent Dragon article detailing the World Serpent Inn. He's "Kinda Attached" to the Realms I suppose
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| Kuje |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 16:42:10
Mostly in the Shining South but there's a few in and around the Moonsea. However, the 3/3.5e Shining South has all the info you need.... |
