What Enemies Will You Not Use in Your Campaigns?

[AlexanderHowl]

I was wondering what enemies will you not use in your campaigns? I do not think that I have ever used giant insects (though I have used swarms of insects, especially swarms of insects that walk like people). I also tend to avoid using cannon fodder, as I stat my NPCs to be threats, even if they seem unremarkable (the little old lady walking her dog at night carries a concealed 9mm, possesses a DX 12, and has been going to the gun range for classes every weekend for twenty years, giving her Guns (Pistols) at DX+4).

[Agemegos]

At the insistence of my players I have not used South American Nazi clone armies for many years.

For about 25 years I have been reluctant to use any sort of opponents that are categorically deserving of death. In my games killing people is something that heroes try to avoid and minimise.

[whswhs]

I don't use mooks, or enemies served by mooks.

[jason taylor]

Originally Posted by whswhs

I don't use mooks, or enemies served by mooks.

How do you define mooks? If the PCs are fighting an organization some of the villains will be unnamed hatchet men.

[whswhs]

Originally Posted by jason taylor

How do you define mooks? If the PCs are fighting an organization some of the villains will be unnamed hatchet men.

I know 'em when I see 'em.

[Johnny1A.2]

Originally Posted by jason taylor

How do you define mooks? If the PCs are fighting an organization some of the villains will be unnamed hatchet men.

I was about to post about the same question when I saw this. What is your definition of a 'mook'?

[The Colonel]

Originally Posted by Johnny1A.2

I was about to post about the same question when I saw this. What is your definition of a 'mook'?

Not wanting to put words into WHSWHS' mouth but I suspect it's similar to the OPs aversion to cannon fodder - a game in which NPCs are faceless falling plates is a very different feel to one in which everyone, whether boss or casual junkie labour is a person (even if not specifically characterised as one). Sort of a moral stringency type thing...

[Bruno]

I won't use monsters/critters/threats that are associated with phobias of my players (PCs are fair game) unless specifically told it's OK (and even then I tread carefully). If the guy with a profound fear of falling finds it cathartic to play a tight-rope-walking acrobat, I'm not going to stand in his way - but I'll still be cautious about monsters pushing/pulling his PC into pits/down stairs/whatever.

[whswhs]

Originally Posted by The Colonel

Not wanting to put words into WHSWHS' mouth but I suspect it's similar to the OPs aversion to cannon fodder - a game in which NPCs are faceless falling plates is a very different feel to one in which everyone, whether boss or casual junkie labour is a person (even if not specifically characterised as one). Sort of a moral stringency type thing...

I think I'm going to say that that's at least close to the kind of thing I was thinking of. I also don't like playing fights where the PCs totally overmatch their foes. That kind of situation is better handled with an Intimidation roll, or with a quick cut to the scene after the fight, except in unusual circumstances.

[copeab]

Originally Posted by AlexanderHowl

I was wondering what enemies will you not use in your campaigns?

No, I'll pretty much use anything.

And not only do I use mooks, I have a special rule for PCs to make short work of them.