Cute Creatures Compendium 2: Expanding the Adorable Fantasy Universe
Exclusive Interview
After the success of the first Cute Creatures Compendium, the team at Catilus is back with Volume 2. Introducing even more whimsical, charming, and battle-ready creatures for tabletop RPG players. This book is a game-changer for Dungeon Masters and players. It includes CR 0 to CR 30 stat blocks, new summoning mechanics, and creature mutations.
In this interview, Catilus shares the inspiration, design process, and future plans for the compendium.
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The Inspiration Behind Cute Creatures Compendium 2
Michael (GizmoCrowd): The first Cute Creatures Compendium was a huge hit among D&D players. What inspired you to create a second volume, and how does it expand on the adorable fantasy creatures introduced in the first book?
Catilus: While planning the first Cute Creatures Compendium, we had SO many ideas for creatures we could not include because we simply did not have the budget for them. So, we picked only some creatures for it, leaving literally dozens out, including some that were simply amazing but at the time too complicated or too expensive (art-wise and time-wise) to implement.
After the first Kickstarter went viral and more than funded the first book, we kept having more ideas and making more creatures, and a couple of years later, here we are! Now, Cute Creatures Compendium 2 introduces loads of all-new critters that are not only compatible, but they complement and mesh seamlessly with those of the first book. We planned the compendiums to be incredible as standalone books but also perfectly complement each other.
Balancing Cute & Combat-Ready Creatures
Michael: This book includes stat blocks ranging from CR 0 to CR 30, making some creatures adorable but deadly. How do you balance cuteness with compelling gameplay mechanics to keep encounters engaging?
Catilus: For starters, not all combat encounters have to be between hostile creatures. Some of our stronger creatures love friendly spars and competitions of endurance and strength. Others might join heroes as their allies, and many will stand up against evil antagonists, but also fight evil-aligned players as well.
Moreover, gamemasters can just as well flip alignments to make evil but cute enemies, or perhaps make the creatures compelled by some evil magic the players will have to first remove before the creature can be befriended.
Summonable Companions & Creature Customization
Michael: One exciting feature of Cute Creatures Compendium 2 is the ability to summon familiars, steeds, and mutate creatures. How do these mechanics enhance roleplaying, worldbuilding, and adventuring?
Catilus: We design each creature to bring something new and fresh to the table. All creatures have one or more abilities that allow players to realize a new playstyle, explore a novel character theme, or both. For example, a celestial warlock halfling cook with a holy chicken familiar, or a paladin of nature riding a golden fox to battle.
As for mutations, they offer another layer of customization that can make creatures with the same base stat block feel fresh and unique.
Art & Design Process for Each Creature
Michael: You personally illustrate every creature and develop their lore. Can you walk us through your creative process, from initial concept to finished artwork and stat blocks?
Catilus: I start by thinking about creatures I would like to have in my own D&D sessions and all the things I wish I had experienced in previous games. I obviously take inspiration from real animals and mythical creatures from various cultures. Once I know what my creature will be based on, I make it my own, giving it unique charm and character. I prefer creatures that add a humorous and lighthearted twist to games. Once I have a sketch (hand-drawn) I like, I digitally color it, and it’s ready.
I have an awesome gamemaster who also writes for my books. My co-players and I playtest everything. Many experienced players and gamemasters on my Patreon also test our creations and give valuable feedback.
The Future of Cute Creatures & Fantasy Worldbuilding
Michael: With multiple successful Kickstarter-funded books, what’s next for Catilus? Do you have plans for more expansions, new fantasy settings, or additional RPG supplements?
Catilus: Well, after completing Cute Creatures Compendium 2 and polishing it to our ridiculously high standards, we will probably do another round of edits/updates to some of our older titles (we have been updating our products practically forever) and then plan our next Kickstarter.
We have many exciting projects in the pipeline, including:
- Rulebooks with compact and intuitive alternative rules,
- More of our staple homebrew content (there are lots of hints if you check out the Catilus Patreon!),
- A sourcebook for Theomachy, in which all our campaigns are playing out.
Theomachy is an ultra-high fantasy setting where vengeful gods fight each other in the final cosmic war. And mortals rebel fight against divine authority, liberating the gods’ own magic and using it against them.
Beyond D&D and RPG supplements, I’ve got a couple of comics (you can find both of them online). I have to continue and eventually publish, and I’m also looking into video game development, but that’s not something for the immediate future.
Michael: Thank you to the Catilus team for sharing how Cute Creatures Compendium 2 is expanding adorable fantasy creatures for RPG players. Wishing you success as you continue to bring imaginative creations to life!
Cute Creatures Compendium 2 – a Kickstarter campaign by Catilus
Cute Creatures Compendium 2 is a must-have for RPG players. It adds adorable yet powerful creatures to your adventures. With CR 0 to CR 30 stat blocks, summoning mechanics, and mutations, it allows for custom encounters. This expansion enhances storytelling, worldbuilding, and player creativity.
Catilus continues to push fantasy RPG content forward. From rulebooks to the epic Theomachy setting, the future looks exciting for Dungeon Masters and players. If you want fresh, imaginative creatures, this compendium is a perfect addition!
About Catilus
Catilus is an independent RPG content creator and illustrator, known for charming fantasy bestiaries, immersive lore, and engaging game mechanics. With multiple successful Kickstarter campaigns, Catilus continues to expand the world of tabletop RPGs with whimsical, innovative creations.
