monster

Definition

The monster tag is reserved for characters that possess inherently inhuman biology, psychology, or physiology that fundamentally separates them from humans and conventional humanoid fantasy races. It serves as an umbrella category for entities whose nature is distinctly monstrous, alien, predatory, grotesque, or otherwise incompatible with ordinary human existence.

A character does not qualify as a monster solely for being non-human. To qualify, they should possess significant biological, psychological, or existential traits that make them meaningfully monstrous beyond merely belonging to another species. This tag is distinct from cosmetic features, ordinary demihumans, anthropomorphic animals, and humanoid fantasy races.

Usage

Apply this tag to characters that possess clearly monstrous anatomy, instincts, psychology, or biological requirements.

When to use

• Characters with major anatomical divergences from the human form, such as tentacles, chitin, multiple limbs, multiple eyes, non-humanoid body structures, or other overtly monstrous features.
• Characters whose biology or psychology is fundamentally alien, predatory, eldritch, parasitic, or otherwise incompatible with ordinary human existence.
• Characters whose existence depends upon inherently monstrous traits, instincts, or life cycles.
• Eldritch beings, aberrations, hive-minded entities, predatory creatures, and other forms of life whose nature is fundamentally inhuman.

When NOT to use

• Do not apply this tag solely because a character is non-human.
• Do not apply this tag to ordinary humanoid fantasy races such as elves, dwarves, angels, demons, spirits, ghosts, vampires, zombies, or other sapient humanoid species unless they possess additional distinctly monstrous characteristics.
• Do not apply this tag to standard kemonomimi, demihumans, or animal-featured humanoids whose anatomy remains predominantly human.
• Do not apply this tag to anthropomorphic animal characters, furry characters, or other animal-based humanoids unless they possess additional monstrous traits beyond their species.
• Do not apply this tag to human characters with deformities, mutations, scars, disabilities, or medical conditions.
• Do not apply this tag to costumes, cosplay, roleplay, accessories, or temporary appearances that do not alter the character's actual nature.
• Do not use this tag as a synonym for ugly, evil, villainous, dangerous, or hostile. A monster may be friendly, attractive, or morally good, while a non-monster may be frightening or malicious.

Related Tags

This tag implies non-human.

Characters that are merely human-shaped should generally use humanoid where appropriate. Animal-human hybrids and furry-style characters should generally use anthropomorphic or more specific species tags instead.